bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered autonomic activity and reactivity in depression revealed by heart‐rate variability measurement during rest and task conditions
Authors: Shinba Toshikazu
Published: December 2013

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess autonomic activity and reactivity reflecting arousal functions in depression using heart‐rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) measurements.

Methods

HRV and HR were measured in drug‐naïve depressed (n = 22) and normal subjects (n = 47) both at rest and during task execution (random number generation). Rest activity was measured both before and after the task. Following power spectrum analysis of the heart rate trend, the high‐frequency component (HF: 0.15–0.4 Hz) and the ratio of the low‐frequency component (LF: 0.04–0.15 Hz) to the HF (LF/HF) were used as the parameters corresponding to parasympathetic and sympathetic activities, respectively.

Results

For the depressed subjects, HF was lower during the initial rest condition, was less inhibitedduring the task condition, and exceeded the initial rest level during the rest condition following the task. LF/HF was higher at rest, increased less during the task, and maintained its higher level during the rest condition after the task. HR was higher during the initial rest period and responded less to the task.

Conclusion

The results indicate alteration not only of baseline activity but also of reactivity to behavioral changes in depression. These altered autonomic measures are possibly related to the disturbed arousal function and can be used as diagnostic measures and in clinical evaluation.
Randomized trial of three phototherapy methods for the treatment of acne vulgaris in Chinese patients
Authors: Liu Li‐Hong , Fan Xin , An Yu‐Xi , Zhang Jin , Wang Cong‐Min , Yang Rong‐Ya
Published: December 2013

Background and Aims

Acne vulgaris is common in Asian populations. We compared three methods of phototherapy for the treatment of moderate to severe facial acne vulgaris in Chinese patients.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive photodynamic therapy (PDT), intense pulsed light (IPL) or blue–red light‐emitting diode (LED) phototherapy to the right side of the face until the inflammatory lesion count reduced by ≥ 90%. Patients were examined at 1 and 3 months after the final treatment.

Results

We enrolled 150 patients (92 males; mean age, 28 years). At 1 month, ≥90% clearance or moderate improvement occurred in 46/50 (92%), 29/50 (58%) and 22/50 (44%) patients in the PDT, IPL and LED groups, respectively (mean number of sessions required, PDT: 3 ± 1.52; IPL: 6 ± 2.15; LED: 9 ± 3.34). Forty‐six (92%) patients experienced mild to moderate pain, erythema and edema after PDT, which resolved within 5–7 days. Slight erythema and stinging were reported immediately after IPL and LED, resolving within 2 h. After 3 months, minimal papules and pustules were observed in 4 patients in the PDT group, 7 in the IPL group and 12 in the LED group, but no nodular pustules recurred.

Conclusions

Phototherapy is efficacious for moderate to severe facial acne vulgaris.
Oral and systemic photoprotection
Authors: Chen Andrew C. , Damian Diona L. , Halliday Gary M.
Published: December 2013

Photoprotection can be provided not only by ultraviolet (UV) blockers but also by oral substances. Epidemiologically identified associations between foods and skin cancer and interventional experiments have discovered mechanisms of UV skin damage. These approaches have identified oral substances that are photoprotective in humans. UV inhibits adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production causing an energy crisis, which prevents optimal skin immunity and DNA repair. Enhancing ATP production with oral nicotinamide protects from UV immunosuppression, enhances DNA repair and reduces skin cancer in humans. Reactive oxygen species also contribute to photodamage. Nontoxic substances consumed in the diet, or available as oral supplements, can protect the skin by multiple potential mechanisms. These substances include polyphenols in fruit, vegetables, wine, tea and caffeine‐containing foods. UV‐induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contributes to photodamage. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and food substances reduce production of this lipid mediator. Fish oils are photoprotective, at least partially by reducing PGE2. Orally consumed substances, either in the diet or as supplements, can influence cutaneous responses to UV. A current research goal is to develop an oral supplement that could be used in conjunction with other sun protective strategies in order to provide improved protection from sunlight.
Differential effects of ocean acidification on carbon acquisition in two bloom‐forming dinoflagellate species
Authors: Eberlein Tim , Van de Waal Dedmer B. , Rost Björn
Published: December 2013

Dinoflagellates represent a cosmopolitan group of phytoplankton with the ability to form harmful algal blooms. Featuring a Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) with very low CO2 affinities, photosynthesis of this group may be particularly prone to carbon limitation and thus benefit from rising atmospheric CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) under ocean acidification (OA). Here, we investigated the consequences of OA on two bloom‐forming dinoflagellate species, the calcareous Scrippsiella trochoidea and the toxic Alexandrium tamarense. Using dilute batch incubations, we assessed growth characteristics over a range of pCO2 (i.e. 180–1200 µatm). To understand the underlying physiology, several aspects of inorganic carbon acquisition were investigated by membrane‐inlet mass spectrometry. Our results show that both species kept growth rates constant over the tested pCO2 range, but we observed a number of species‐specific responses. For instance, biomass production and cell size decreased in S. trochoidea, while A. tamarense was not responsive to OA in these measures. In terms of oxygen fluxes, rates of photosynthesis and respiration remained unaltered in S. trochoidea whereas respiration increased in A. tamarense under OA. Both species featured efficient carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) with a CO2‐dependent contribution of HCO3− uptake. In S. trochoidea, the CCM was further facilitated by exceptionally high and CO2‐independent carbonic anhydrase activity. Comparing both species, a general trade‐off between maximum rates of photosynthesis and respective affinities is indicated. In conclusion, our results demonstrate effective CCMs in both species, yet very different strategies to adjust their carbon acquisition. This regulation in CCMs enables both species to maintain growth over a wide range of ecologically relevant pCO2.
Effects of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 on the in vitro Maturation of Porcine Oocytes
Authors: Lin Z‐L , Li Y‐H , Xu Y‐N , Wang Q‐L , Namgoong S , Cui X‐S , Kim N‐H
Published: December 2013

Contents

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are members of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) family, and their roles in oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion are well known in the mouse and human, but not in the pig. We investigated GDF9 and BMP15 expressions in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation. A significant increase in the mRNA levels of GDF9 and BMP15 was observed at germinal vesicle breakdown, with expression levels peaking at metaphase I (MI), but decreasing at metaphase II (MII). GDF9 and BMP15 protein localized to the oocyte cytoplasm. While treatment with GDF9 and BMP15 increased the expression of genes involved in both oocyte maturation (c‐mos, cyclinb1 and cdc2) and cumulus expansion (has2, ptgs2, ptx3 and tnfaip6), SB431542 (a TGFβ–GDF9 inhibitor) decreased meiotic maturation at MII. Following parthenogenetic activation, the percentage of blastocysts in SB431542 treatment was lower than in the control (41.3% and 74.4%, respectively). Treatment with GDF9 and BMP15 also increased the mRNA levels of maternal genes such as c‐mos [a regulatory subunit of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)], and cyclinb1 and cdc2 [regulatory subunits of maturation/M‐phase‐promoting factor (MPF)]; however, SB431542 significantly decreased their mRNA levels. These data were supported by poly (A)‐test PCR and protein activity analyses. Our results show that GDF9 and BMP15 participate in cumulus expansion and that they stimulate MPF and MAPK activities in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation.
In vitro Maturation of Oocytes from Santa Ines Ewes Subjected to Consecutive Sessions of Follicular Aspiration by Laparoscopy
Authors: Padilha LC , Teixeira PPM , Pires‐Buttler EA , Apparício M , Motheo TF , Savi PAP , Nakaghi EYO , Alves AE , Vicente WRR
Published: December 2013

Contents

The success of embryo production in vitro depends upon the use of an efficient oocyte retrieval technique, and the best results have been obtained by laparoscopic aspiration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of consecutive sessions of follicular aspiration on the quantity, quality and in vitro maturation competence of oocytes obtained from ewes subjected to hormonal stimulation. Six Santa Ines ewes underwent nine sessions of follicular aspiration by laparoscopy with a 7‐day interval between sessions, totalling 56 aspirations. After 24 h of culture, oocytes were stained and classified according to the stage of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Oocyte retrieval rate was 61.4 ± 2%, resulting in a total of 249 oocytes. No significant variation was observed between sessions (p > 0.05). The average number of oocytes retrieved from each ewe was 6.4 ± 2 per session and 42 ± 4 in total. No significant difference was observed between the frequencies of the different stages of nuclear maturation: 32.72% mature, 40.74% immature and 26.54% degenerated/indeterminate oocytes; however, a significant difference was observed between the frequencies of the different stages of cytoplasmic maturation: 10.7% mature, 73.25% immature and 16.05% degenerated/indeterminate oocytes. No significant difference was observed in nuclear or cytoplasmic maturation between the weeks of procedure. We conclude that after nine consecutive sessions of follicular aspiration, the quantity and quality of retrieved oocytes remained unchanged as well as the levels of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation obtained, demonstrating the viability of this technique for repetitive follicular aspirations on the same donor.
Unrestricted Mixed Data Sampling (MIDAS): MIDAS Regressions with Unrestricted Lag Polynomials
Authors: Foroni Claudia , Marcellino Massimiliano , Schumacher Christian
Published: December 2013

Mixed data sampling (MIDAS) regressions allow us to estimate dynamic equations that explain a low frequency variable by high frequency variables and their lags. When the difference in sampling frequencies between the regressand and the regressors is large, distributed lag functions are typically employed to model dynamics avoiding parameter proliferation. In macroeconomic applications, however, differences in sampling frequencies are often small. In such a case, it might not be necessary to employ distributed lag functions. We discuss the pros and cons of unrestricted lag polynomials in MIDAS regressions. We derive unrestricted-MIDAS (U-MIDAS) regressions from linear high frequency models, discuss identification issues and show that their parameters can be estimated by ordinary least squares. In Monte Carlo experiments, we compare U-MIDAS with MIDAS with functional distributed lags estimated by non-linear least squares. We show that U-MIDAS performs better than MIDAS for small differences in sampling frequencies. However, with large differing sampling frequencies, distributed lag functions outperform unrestricted polynomials. The good performance of U-MIDAS for small differences in frequency is confirmed in empirical applications on nowcasting and short-term forecasting euro area and US gross domestic product growth by using monthly indicators.
Increased Soluble C5b‐9 in CSF of Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Wang H. , Wang K. , Wang C. , Qiu W. , Lu Z. , Hu X.
Published: December 2013

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are two of the autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating diseases in the central nervous system. Complement is thought to have an important role in pathogenesis of these diseases, especially in NMO. However, the change of terminal complement complex (TCC, C5b‐9) in patients with NMO is still unclear. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) C3a, C5a, sC5b‐9 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in patients with NMO (n = 26), MS (n = 25) and other neurological disease (OND, n = 19). CSF levels of C5a in patients with NMO were higher than patients with OND (P = 0.006). Increased CSF sC5b‐9 were found in the patients with NMO compared with patients with MS (P = 0.029) and OND (P = 0.0001). CSF sC5b‐9 in patients with MS were also higher than patients with OND (P = 0.030). Patients with NMO revealed a trend to an increased disease disability with increased CSF sC5b‐9 during relapse but not in MS (NMO: P = 0.006, MS: P = 0.097). CSF levels of sC5b‐9 are increased in patients with NMO and reflect the activation of complement in NMO.
The Vagus Nerve Attenuates Fulminant Hepatitis by Activating the Src Kinase in Kuppfer Cells
Authors: Li Y. , Xu Z. , Yu Y. , Yuan H. , Xu H. , Zhu Q. , Wang C. , Shi X.
Published: December 2013

The parasympathetic nervous system has been known to modify innate immune responses. In animal models, acetylcholine (Ach) released from the distal ends of nerves has been shown to inhibit inflammatory responses such as endotoxic shock, pancreatitis, intestinal inflammation, etc. However, its role in LPS‐induced fulminant hepatitis remains to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that the vagus nerve acts as a suppressor in the liver after challenge with LPS plus D‐gal. The vagus nerve acts through the α7 AchR expressed on the surface of Kupffer cells, inhibiting the production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL‐6. A mechanism study revealed that the suppressive effect of Ach may occur through the activation of Src kinase and subsequent inhibition of the Myd88 signal pathway. Our study has suggested a suppressive role of vagus nerve in the modulation of liver inflammatory responses, which should be noticed during clinical massive hepatectomy and liver transplantation. The nicotinic anti‐inflammatory pathway may also be a potential target for sepsis after liver transplantation.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A*02 allele, HLA‐A*02:06:13, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Yang J. H. , Guo Z. H. , Jiang Y. Q. , Zheng J. W. , Tang Q. J. , Xie J. H. , Sun Y. , Xiang D.
Published: December 2013

The novel HLA‐A*02:06:13 allele shows one nucleotide difference from A*02:06:01 in exon 4 at nucleotide position 657 (T→C).
Networked FDI: Sales and Sourcing Patterns of Japanese Foreign Affiliates
Authors: Baldwin Richard , Okubo Toshihiro
Published: December 2013

This paper applies a novel empirical approach to characterising the horizontal‐ness and vertical‐ness of affiliates based on Yeaple's complex FDI concept. In its simplest form, horizontal‐ness is measured as affiliates’ local sales share while their vertical‐ness is measures as their share of non‐local sourcing of intermediates. Japanese affiliates in most sectors and nations are partly vertical and partly horizontal, but those in North American are far more ‘horizontal’ than those in the EU and Asia. Affiliates became more vertical between 1996 and 2005. A four‐way sales and sourcing split (host, home, regional and RoW) suggests that affiliates act as nodes in regional production networks – especially in Asia. We posit several hypotheses that could be tested with our empirical approach.
Computation of the Shortest Path in a Bounded Domain With Free Form Boundary by Domain Partitioning
Authors: Au ChiKit , Ma Youngsheng
Published: December 2013

The shortest path computation is important in industrial automation, especially for robot and autonomous vehicle navigation. However, most of the computations concentrate on computing the shortest path between two points within a polygon. The common approach for handling a bounded domain with free form boundary is to convert the domain into a polygon by boundary approximation so that the conventional computing algorithms can be used. Such an approximation affects the accuracy of the path. This article presents an approach to compute the shortest path between two given points in a free form boundary domain without any boundary approximation. This is addressed geometrically by imaginably placing a source at one of the points which radiates the shortest paths to various points of the domain. Some shortest paths are deflected by the geometry of the boundary so that they are no longer straight lines. Based on the deflections of the shortest paths, the bounded domain is partitioned into a set of subdomains. A tree is then constructed to show the relationships among these subdomains. The shortest path between two points is obtained from this tree.
Do We Really Need “Entransy”? A Critical Assessment of a New Quantity in Heat Transfer Analysis
Authors: Herwig H.
Published: December 2013

Recently, a group of scientists introduced a new quantity for the analysis of heat transfer problems. They called it entransy since according to their understanding it is both, an indication of the nature of energy as well as that of the heat transfer ability. This concept is critically assessed on the background of two questions: Is entransy as an extension of the well established theory of heat transfer consistent with this classical approach? And: Is there a real need for the extension of the classical theory by introducing entransy as a quantity that was missing in the past?
A Nonlinear Finite Element Study on Settlement and Releveling Procedure of a Large Deformed Steel Tank
Authors: Ayari H. , Truong D. , Sehn J. , Truong K. T.
Published: December 2013

An internal floating roof is to be installed on an existing large API storage tank. In order to ensure the proper functionality of the roof, the deformation of the shell has been monitored and analysed. The measurements on the shell ovality show that the actual radial deformation is beyond the acceptable limit for installation of a serviceable internal floating roof and corrective actions should be taken. Consequently, a series of tests and analyses were performed to provide a recommended practice to restore the tank to its round shape.
Vortex Dynamics in the Turbulent Wake of a Single Step Cylinder
Authors: Morton C. , Yarusevych S.
Published: December 2013

The turbulent wake development of a circular cylinder with a single stepwise discontinuity in diameter was investigated experimentally using flow visualization and two-component Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV). A single step cylinder is comprised of two cylinders of different diameters (D and d). Experiments were performed at a Reynolds number (ReD) of 1050 and a diameter ratio (D/d) of two. A combination of hydrogen bubble and laser induced fluorescence techniques allowed visualization of complex vortex dynamics in the near wake. The results show that turbulent vortex shedding from a single step cylinder occurs in three distinct cells of constant shedding frequency. The differences in frequency and strengths between vortices in the cells lead to complex vortex interactions at the cell boundaries. The results demonstrate that vortex splitting, half-loop vortex connections, and direct cross-boundary vortex connections occur near the cell boundaries. A comparative analysis of flow visualizations and velocity measurements is used to characterize the main vortex cells and the attendant vortex interactions, producing a simplified model of vortex dynamics in the step cylinder wake for ReD = 1050 and D/d = 2.
Lean Partially Premixed Combustion Investigation of Methane Direct-Injection Under Different Characteristic Parameters
Authors: Askari Omid , Metghalchi Hameed , Kazemzadeh Hannani Siamak , Hemmati Hadis , Ebrahimi Reza
Published: December 2013

The effects of hydrogen addition, diluent addition, injection pressure, chamber pressure, chamber temperature and turbulence intensity on methane–air partially premixed turbulent combustion have been studied experimentally using a constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC). The fuel–air mixture was ignited by centrally located electrodes at given spark delay times of 1, 5, 40, 75, and 110 ms. Experiments were performed for a wide range of hydrogen volumetric fractions (0% to 40%), simulated diluent volumetric fractions (0% to 25% as a diluent), injection pressures (30–90 bar), chamber pressures (1–3 bar), chamber temperatures (298–432 K) and overall equivalence ratios of 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0. Flame propagation images via the Schlieren/Shadowgraph technique, combustion characteristics via pressure derived parameters and pollutant concentrations were analyzed for each set of conditions. The results showed that peak pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise increased with the increase in chamber pressure and temperature while changing injection pressure had no considerable effect on pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise. The peak pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise increased, while combustion duration decreased with simultaneous increase of hydrogen content. The lean burn limit of methane–air turbulent combustion was improved with hydrogen addition. Addition of diluent increased combustion instability and misfiring while decreasing the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Evaluation of Groebner Basis Methodology as an Aid to Harmonic Balance
Authors: Liu Jane , Peddieson John
Published: December 2013

A preliminary exploration is carried out of the utility of the Groebner basis method for implementing the harmonic balance analysis of nonlinear steady state vibrations. The method is found to be worthy of further investigation.
Atomic layer deposition of bismuth oxide using Bi(OCMe2iPr)3 and H2O
Authors: Austin Dustin Z. , Allman Derryl , Price David , Hose Sallie , Saly Mark , Conley John F.
Published: December 2013

Bismuth oxide thin films were deposited by atomic layer deposition using Bi(OCMe2iPr)3 and H2O at deposition temperatures between 90 and 270 °C on Si3N4, TaN, and TiN substrates. Films were analyzed using spectroscopic ellipsometry, x-ray diffraction, x-ray reflectivity, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Bi2O3 films deposited at 150 °C have a linear growth per cycle of 0.039 nm/cycle, density of 8.3 g/cm3, band gap of approximately 2.9 eV, low carbon content, and show the β phase structure with a (201) preferred crystal orientation. Deposition temperatures above 210 °C and postdeposition anneals caused uneven volumetric expansion, resulting in a decrease in film density, increased interfacial roughness, and degraded optical properties.
Synthesis of cubic boron nitride films on Si tips via chemical vapor deposition and the field emission properties
Authors: Kobayashi Masanori , Miyashita Hidetoshi , Inomata Naoki , Ono Takahito
Published: December 2013

A thin film of boron nitride (BN) is synthesized on an Si substrate using BCl3 and NH3 as source gases via thermal chemical vapor deposition. Cubic BN (c-BN) is preferentially synthesized when an Fe thin film is used as a catalyst. The dependences of the structural properties of the synthesized thin BN films upon the Fe film thickness and synthesis temperature are investigated. The composition rate of c-BN to hexagonal BN increases with increasing Fe film thickness and with lowering synthesis temperature. The c-BN film exhibits negative electron affinity, which is estimated to be −0.07 eV. Emission current is observed from the BN-coated Si tip at electric fields higher than 14 V μm−1, and an emission current of 27.1 μA is obtained at an electric field of 27.6 V μm−1. Larger emission currents can be achieved using the BN-coated Si emitter compared to a bare Si tip.
High-frequency acoustic scattering from prolate spheroids with high aspect ratio
Authors: Andronov Ivan V.
Published: December 2013

The problems of high-frequency scattering by prolate soft and hard spheroids with high aspect ratio are studied. The asymptotics of the diffracted field and the far field amplitude are derived under the assumption that the spheroid is strongly elongated; that is, the ratio of its length measured in wavelengths to the square of its transverse wave size is on the order of unity. This ratio is presented as a parameter in all the asymptotic formulas, namely, in the asymptotics of the forward diffracted wave, the wave that is formed when forward wave “reflects” from the spheroid end, in the asymptotics of the far field amplitude, and effective cross-section. If this ratio tends to zero, the asymptotic formulas turn into classical. On the basis of the derived asymptotic formulas, the effects of the degree of elongation and the angle of incidence on the diffracted and scattered fields are analyzed. Comparison with some test examples allows one to expect good approximating properties of the presented asymptotic formulas.
Vocalization characteristics of North Atlantic right whale surface active groups in the calving habitat, southeastern United States
Authors: Trygonis Vasilis , Gerstein Edmund , Moir Jim , McCulloch Stephen
Published: December 2013

Passive acoustic surveys were conducted to assess the vocal behavior of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in the designated critical calving habitat along the shallow coastal waters of southeastern United States. Underwater vocalizations were recorded using autonomous buoys deployed in close proximity to surface active groups (SAGs). Nine main vocalization types were identified with manual inspection of spectrograms, and standard acoustic descriptors were extracted. Classification trees were used to examine the distinguishing characteristics of calls and quantify their variability within the SAG vocal repertoire. The results show that descriptors of frequency, bandwidth, and spectral disorder are the most important parameters for partitioning the SAG repertoire, contrary to duration-related measures. The reported source levels and vocalization statistics provide sound production data vital to inform regional passive acoustic monitoring and conservation for this endangered species.
Comparative analysis of localization algorithms with application to passive acoustic monitoring
Authors: Urazghildiiev Ildar R. , Clark Christopher W.
Published: December 2013

The problem of sound source localization using sparse arrays of bottom-mounted synchronized hydrophones is addressed. The closed-form representations for several time-differences of arrival based localization algorithms are given, and their accuracies are compared using both statistical simulations and in situ measurements. In most of the tests, the lowest localization error was provided by the maximum likelihood algorithm.
A direct link between microstructure and acoustical macro-behavior of real double porosity foams
Authors: Chevillotte Fabien , Perrot Camille , Guillon Emmanuel
Published: December 2013

The acoustical macro-behavior of mineral open-cell foam samples is modeled from microstructure morphology using a three-dimensional idealized periodic unit-cell (3D-PUC). The 3D-PUC is based on a regular arrangement of spheres allowed to interpenetrate during the foaming process. Identification and sizing of the 3D-PUC is made from x-ray computed microtomography and manufacturing process information. In addition, the 3D-PUC used allows to account for two scales of porosity: The interconnected network of bubbles (meso-porosity) and the inter-crystalline porosity of a gypsum matrix (micro-porosity). Transport properties of the micro- and the meso-scales are calculated from first principles, and a hybrid micro-macro method is used to determine the frequency-dependent visco-thermal dissipation properties. Olny and Boutin found that the double porosity theory provides the visco-thermal coupling between the meso- and micro-scales [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 114, 73–89 (2003)]. Finally, the results are successfully compared with experiments for two different mineral foam samples. The main originality of this work is to maintain a direct link between the microstructure morphology and the acoustical macro-behavior all along the multi-scale modeling process, without any adjusted parameter.
Effective flow resistivity of highway pavements
Authors: Rochat Judith L. , Read David R.
Published: December 2013

In the case of highway traffic noise, propagating sound is influenced by the ground over which it travels, whether it is the pavement itself or the ground between the highway and nearby communities. Properly accounting for ground type in modeling can increase accuracy in noise impact determinations and noise abatement design. Pavement-specific effective flow resistivity values are being investigated for inclusion in the Federal Highway Administration Traffic Noise Model, which uses these values in the sound propagation algorithms and currently applies a single effective flow resistivity value to all pavement. Pavement-specific effective flow resistivity values were obtained by applying a modified version of the American National Standards Institute S1.18 standard. The data analysis process was tailored to allow for increased sensitivity and extraction of effective flow resistivity values for a broad range of pavements (sound absorptive to reflective). For porous pavements (sound absorptive), it was determined that examination of the measured data can reveal influence from an underlying structure. Use of such techniques can aid in the design of quieter pavements.
A residue-based mode selection and sorting procedure for efficient poroelastic modeling in acoustic finite element applications
Authors: Rumpler Romain , Göransson Peter , Deü Jean-François
Published: December 2013

Analysis of three-dimensional sound propagation in porous elastic media with the Finite Element (FE) method is, in general, computationally costly. Although it is the most commonly used predictive tool in complex noise control applications, efficient FE solution strategies for large-size industrial problems are still lacking. In this work, an original procedure is proposed for the sorting and selection of the modes in the solution for the sound field in homogeneous porous domains. This procedure, validated on several 2D and 3D problems, enables to reduce the modal basis in the porous medium to its most physically significant components. It is shown that the size of the numerical problem can be reduced, together with matrix sparsity improvements, which lead to the reduction in computational time and enhancements in the efficacy of the acoustic response computation. The potential of this method for other industrial-based noise control problems is also discussed.
Influence of Forchheimer's nonlinearity and transient effects on pulse propagation in air saturated rigid granular materials
Authors: Turo Diego , Umnova Olga
Published: December 2013

It has been shown in the earlier work of Umnova et al. [Noise Control Eng. 50, 204–210 (2002)] that interaction of a relatively long, high amplitude acoustic pulse with a rigid porous material can be accurately described accounting for the Forchheimer nonlinearity. In the present study, the goal is to determine whether the accuracy of the modeling can be improved in the case of a lower amplitude and a shorter pulse. A model that accounts for the Forchheimer's nonlinearity and the transient effects is developed. It is assumed that all the contributions to the viscous force are additive in the time domain. The governing equations are solved numerically using finite difference time domain scheme. The results are compared with the data for two granular materials. The latter are obtained in an impedance tube and in a shock tube experiments, where acoustic pulses with various amplitudes and durations are generated.
Ultrasonic guided interface waves at a soft-stiff boundary
Authors: Bostron Jason H. , Rose Joseph L. , Moose Clark A.
Published: December 2013

Interface waves traveling along the boundary between two solids have been studied for nearly a century. However, little attention has been given to the case where interface waves travel at the boundary between a soft and stiff solid and when the soft material is relatively light and viscoelastic. In this paper, the characteristics of interface waves that propagate along a soft-stiff boundary are described. These waves are similar to a leaky Rayleigh-like wave on the stiff solid in terms of the wave velocity and displacement wave structure. Analytical and finite element models are used to model and simulate wave propagation. An example problem of bond evaluation for coatings on metal structures is considered. Experiments on 2.5 cm thick steel plate with 2.5 cm viscoelastic coatings show good agreement to models. Additionally, the results of models and experiments show several promising features that may be used to evaluate bonds in a non-destructive evaluation approach.
Auditory evoked potentials in a bottlenose dolphin during moderate-range echolocation tasks
Authors: Finneran James J. , Mulsow Jason , Houser Dorian S.
Published: December 2013

Studies with echolocating odontocetes have suggested that forms of automatic gain control mediate auditory electrophysiological responses to target-related echoes. This study used a phantom echo generator and auditory evoked potential measurements to examine automatic gain control in a bottlenose dolphin. Auditory evoked potentials to outgoing clicks and incoming echoes were recorded for simulated ranges from 2.5 to 80 m. When geometric spreading loss was simulated, echo-evoked potential amplitudes were essentially constant up to 14 m and progressively decreased with increasing range. When the echo levels were held constant relative to clicks, echo-evoked potential amplitudes increased with increasing range up to 80 m. These results suggest that automatic gain control maintains distance-independent echo-evoked potential amplitudes at close range, but does not fully compensate for attenuation due to spreading loss at longer ranges. The automatic gain control process appears to arise from an interaction of transmitter and receiver based processes, resulting in a short-range region of distance-independent echo-evoked potential amplitudes for relevant targets, and a longer-range region in which echo-evoked potential amplitudes are reduced.
Axisymmetric versus three-dimensional finite element models for predicting the attenuation of earplugs in rigid walled ear canals
Authors: Viallet Guilhem , Sgard Franck , Laville Frédéric , Boutin Jérôme
Published: December 2013

The axisymmetric hypothesis of the earplug-ear canal system geometry is commonly used. The validity of this hypothesis is investigated numerically in the case of a simplified configuration where the system is embedded in a rigid baffle and for fixed boundary conditions on the earplug lateral walls. This investigation is discussed for both individual and averaged insertion loss predictions of molded silicon earplugs. The insertion losses of 15 earplug-ear canal systems with realistic geometries are calculated using three-dimensional (3D) finite element models and compared with the insertion losses provided by two-dimensional equivalent axisymmetric finite element models using 6 different geometry reconstruction methods [all the models are solved using COMSOL Multiphysics (COMSOL®, Sweden)]. These methods are then compared in order to find the most reliable ones in terms of insertion loss predictions in this simplified configuration. Two methods have emerged: The usage of a variable cross section (with the same area values as the 3D case) or the usage of a constant cross section (with the same length and volume as the 3D case).
The effect of phonetic context on speech movements in repetitive speech
Authors: Slis Anneke , Van Lieshout Pascal
Published: December 2013

This study examined how, in repetitive speech, articulatory movements differ in degree of variability and movement range depending on articulatory constraints manipulated by phonetic context and type of CVC-CVC word pair. These pairs consisted of words that either differed in onset consonants but shared rhymes, or were identical. Articulatory constraints were manipulated by employing different combinations of vowels and consonants. The word pairs were produced in a repetitive speech task at a normal and fast speaking rate. Articulatory movements were measured with 3D electro-magnetic articulography. As measures of variability, median movement ranges and the coefficient of variation of target and non-target articulators were determined. To assess possible biomechanical constraints, correlation values between target and simultaneous non-target articulators were calculated as well. The results revealed that word pairs with different onsets had larger movement ranges than word pairs with identical onsets. In identical word pairs, the coefficient of variation showed higher values in the second than in the first word. This difference was not present in the alternating onset word pairs. For both types of word pairs, higher speaking rates showed higher correlations between target and non-target articulators than lower speaking rates, suggesting stronger biomechanical constraints for the former condition.
Psychosis improved dysphonia
Authors: Murphy Ruth Ann , Hallahan Brian
Published: December 2013

We present the case of a 40-year-old single man with a diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder since 1989 and a comorbid diagnosis of functional (dissociative) dysphonia since 2011. Although receiving ongoing treatment from a Speech and Language Therapist, the patient's symptoms of dysphonia have remained prominent from the time of diagnosis in 2011 and have been particularly apparent during times of psychosocial and interpersonal stress. He had a dramatic and complete resolution of all dysphonic symptoms during an acute relapse of the psychosis in February 2013 and experienced a gradual re-emergence of dysphonic symptoms when his episode of psychosis resolved. This is the first case report to demonstrate such an association and we discuss potential mechanisms for the resolution of dysphonic symptoms during this psychotic relapse.
A snapshot of nitrogen balance in endurance-trained women
Authors: Houltham Stuart Douglas , Rowlands David S.
Published: December 2013

Indirect estimates of the mean daily protein requirement for female endurance athletes are 1.2–1.4 g·kg−1·day−1; however, an empirical estimate using nitrogen balance is absent. A 72-h nitrogen balance was determined during the mid-follicular phase of 10 female cyclists and triathletes training for 10.8 h·week−1 (SD 2.8) following 2 habituated protein intakes: (i) normal habitual (NH) (protein 85 g·day−1), and (ii) isocaloric high-protein (HP) (∼2-fold increase in protein). Total 72-h nitrogen intake was determined from Leco total combustion of ingested food samples. Nitrogen loss was determined from micro-Kjeldahl analysis of 72-h total urinary nitrogen and representative resting and exercise sweat output, plus estimates for fecal and miscellaneous losses. Habituated (steady state) protein requirement was estimated from the mean regression of adapted nitrogen balance vs nitrogen intake. Mean (SD) 24-h dietary protein and energy intake was NH: 1.4 g·kg−1·day−1 (0.2), energy: 9078 kJ·day−1 (1492), HP: 2.7 g·kg−1·day−1 (0.3) 8909 kJ·day−1 (1411). Average 24-h urinary nitrogen and sweat urea nitrogen outputs were 13.2 g·day−1 (2.4) and 0.33 g·day−1 (0.08) in NH; 21.5 g·day−1 (3.9) and 0.54 g·day−1 (0.12) in HP, respectively. Nitrogen balance was negative in NH (−0.59 gN·day−1 SD 1.64) but positive in HP (2.69 gN·day−1 SD 3.09). Estimated mean protein requirement was 1.63 g·kg−1·day−1 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–3.8). In conclusion the snapshot of follicular phase dietary protein requirement conformed with previous estimates for men, but was higher than previous nonempirical estimates for endurance-training women; low self-selected energy and carbohydrate intakes may explain the higher than expected nitrogen turnover, and consequently protein requirement.
Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions for a Type of Generalized Zakharov System
Authors: Li Rui , Lin Xing , Ma Zongwei , Zhang Jingjun
Published: December 2013

We study the Cauchy problem for a type of generalized Zakharov system. With the help of energy conservation and approximate argument, we obtain global existence and uniqueness in Sobolev spaces for this system. Particularly, this result implies the existence of classical solution for this generalized Zakharov system.
Autologous CIK Cell Immunotherapy in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma after Radical Nephrectomy
Authors: Zhang Yajing , Wang Jin , Wang Yao , Lu Xue-Chun , Fan Hui , Liu Yang , Zhang Yan , Feng Kai-Chao , Zhang Wen-Ying , Chen Mei-Xia , Fu Xiaobing , Han Wei-Dong
Published: December 2013

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Methods. 20 patients diagnosed with TNM stage I or II RCC were randomly divided into two groups, a CIK cell treatment group and a control group. The endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analyses.Results. CD3+, CD3+/CD8+, CD3+/CD4+, and CD3+/CD56+levels increased after CIK cell culture (P<0.01). The median PFS in CIK cell treatment group was significantly longer than that in control group (PFS, 32.2 months versus 21.6 months; log-rank,P=0.032), all patients were alive during the course of followup, and there are no statistically significant differences between two groups in OS (log-rank,P=0.214). Grade III or greater adverse events were not observed.Conclusions. CIK cells treatment could prolong survival in patients with RCC after radical nephrectomy and showed acceptable curative effect with potential enhancement of cellular immune function. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.govNCT01799083.
Clinically Significant Minor Blood Group Antigens amongst North Indian Donor Population
Authors: Lamba Divjot Singh , Kaur Ravneet , Basu Sabita
Published: December 2013

Background. Racial differences in blood group antigen distribution are common and may result in striking and interesting findings. These differences in blood group antigen distribution are important due to their influence on the clinical practice of transfusion medicine.Study Design and Methods. This is a prospective study, involving 1000 healthy regular repeat voluntary blood donors associated with the department. The clinically significant minor blood group antigens of these donors were studied.Results. Out of 1000 healthy regular repeat voluntary blood donors, 93% were D positive and 2.8% were K positive. Amongst the Rh antigens, e was the most common (99%), followed by D (93%), C (85.1%), c (62.3%), and E (21.5%). Within the MNS blood group system, antigen frequency was M (88%), N (57.5%), S (57.8%), and s (87.5%). Within the Duffy blood group system, antigen frequency wasFya(87.3%) andFyb(58.3%).Conclusions. This data base will help us to prevent alloimmunisation in young females, pregnant women, and patients who are expected to require repeated transfusions in life by providing them with antigen matched blood. Antigen negative blood can also be made available without delay to already alloimmunized multitransfused patients.
Li-Yorke Sensitivity of Set-Valued Discrete Systems
Authors: Liu Heng , Lei Fengchun , Wang Lidong
Published: December 2013

Consider the surjective, continuous mapf:X→Xand the continuous mapf¯of𝒦(X)induced byf, whereXis a compact metric space and𝒦(X)is the space of all nonempty compact subsets ofXendowed with the Hausdorff metric. In this paper, we give a short proof that iff¯is Li-Yoke sensitive, thenfis Li-Yorke sensitive. Furthermore, we give an example showing that Li-Yorke sensitivity offdoes not imply Li-Yorke sensitivity off¯.
New Delay-Dependent Robust Exponential Stability Criteria of LPD Neutral Systems with Mixed Time-Varying Delays and Nonlinear Perturbations
Authors: Pinjai Sirada , Mukdasai Kanit
Published: December 2013

This paper is concerned with the problem of robust exponential stability for linear parameter-dependent (LPD) neutral systems with mixed time-varying delays and nonlinear perturbations. Based on a new parameter-dependent Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, Leibniz-Newton formula, decomposition technique of coefficient matrix, free-weighting matrices, Cauchy’s inequality, modified version of Jensen’s inequality, model transformation, and linear matrix inequality technique, new delay-dependent robust exponential stability criteria are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness and less conservativeness of the proposed methods.
PCR-SSCP Variation of IGF1 and PIT1 Genes and Their Association with Estimated Breeding Values of Growth Traits in Makooei Sheep
Authors: Negahdary Masoud , Hajihosseinlo Abbas , Ajdary Marziyeh
Published: December 2013

Molecular biology techniques genetic improvement by facilitating identification, mapping and analysis of polymorphism of genes by encoding proteins that act on metabolic pathways involved in economically interesting traits. This use of genetic markers can aid identification of those animals with the highest breeding values in sheep. On the basis of sheep genome mapping, information was examined on the ovine IGF1 and PIT1 genes as a possible genetic marker for growth traits in sheep. The current study was designed to estimate the frequencies of putative IGF-1 and PIT-1 genes SNPs and investigate associations with calculated EBVs of growth traits in Makooei sheep. PCR-SSCP analysis of the exon1 of IGF-I gene and include a part of intron2, exon3 and a part of intron3 and PIT-1 gene revealed the following banding patterns; three (AA, AG, GG) and four AA (p1), AB (p2), CC (p3), CD (p4), banding patterns respectively. Results from this study demonstrated higher performance of AA animals in BW and GBW, and AG animal in WW and W6 that may be related to the role of IGF-1 at the pre-puberty and puberty stages. Also higher performance of p3 animals in W9, YW and GSN, and p1 animal in GNY may be related to the PIT-1 role in post-puberty.
Combined Prosthesis with Extracoronal Castable Precision Attachments
Authors: Gupta Naveen , Bhasin Abhilasha , Gupta Parul , Malhotra Pankaj
Published: December 2013

Satisfactory restoration in a patient with a partially edentulous situation can be challenging especially when unilateral or bilateral posterior segment of teeth is missing. Successful restoration can be done with various conventional and contemporary treatment options. One such treatment modality is attachment-retained cast partial dentures. This paper describes a case report of a patient with maxillary bilateral distal extension edentulous span restored with a cast partial denture having an extracoronal castable precision attachment (RHEIN 83 OT CAP attachments system).
Numerical and Experimental Investigation on the Flow Separation Control of S809 Airfoil with Slot
Authors: Xie Yonghui , Chen Jianhui , Qu Huancheng , Xie Gongnan , Zhang Di , Moshfeghi Mohammad
Published: December 2013

A new flow control approach called split blade is applied on the S809 airfoil in the present study. S809 airfoil was investigated experimentally and numerically with different operating conditions including cascade without control, cascade with slots that generate jets with AOAs of 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees and 20 degrees. Good agreement was obtained between the comparison of the experimental and numerical results. The results show that the separation area increases with increase of the AOA and the large separation area appears on the airfoil suction surface at AOA equal to 20 degrees. Numerical results show that the control method has little negative influence on the airfoil performance at small AOAs. Smaller vortices are filled with the large separated area which is divided by the jet generated by split when the AOA is 20 degrees. The analysis on the lift coefficient and drag coefficient shows that the flow is improved with the control. The lift coefficient and drag coefficient do not change in the comparison between the cases before and after control when AOA is 0 degrees and 10 degrees. However, the lift coefficient increases and drag coefficient decreases when AOA is 15 degrees and 20 degrees.