bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Hydrogen on Rolling Contact Fatigue Response of Rolling Element Bearings
Authors: Vegter R. H. , Slycke J. T.
Published: December 2009

It is generally accepted that the rolling contact fatigue (RCF) life of bearing components is strongly reduced when the hardened steel matrix contains hydrogen. Although frequently reported in the literature, a physically sound explanation to this phenomenon has not yet been presented. In recent work on building understanding around the nature of the RCF damage process, we have reported on the development of a physically based fatigue damage model. Here we discuss an attempt to interpret the role of hydrogen on the micro-plastic fatigue damage mechanism on the basis of this concept. In this context, the role of hydrogen on the RCF response has been studied in order to find evidence for and to determine its weakening effect on hardened and low-temperature tempered (bearing) steels. In order to perform valid tests, effort was put in controlling the hydrogen content in bearing components before testing using an electrochemical hydrogen charging process. A number of bearing tests were performed clearly showing differences in fatigue response with different amounts of hydrogen present in the microstructure. The results of testing of bearings with hydrogen-containing steel matrices are given. It was found that increased hydrogen content in bearing steel at 5 ppm (by weight) will significantly promote bearing spalling failure and enhance the formation and growth of so-called white-etching crack systems. This experimental information is interpreted in the light of the physically based fatigue damage model.
Characterization of Corn Grains for Dry-Grind Ethanol Production
Authors: Srichuwong Sathaporn , Gutesa Jelena , Blanco Michael , Duvick Susan A. , Gardner Candice , Jane Jay-Lin
Published: December 2009

The objectives of this study were to understand how the composition of corn kernels and starch structure affected the enzyme hydrolysis of starch in dry-grind corn and the ethanol yield from yeast fermentation. Four selected corn inbred lines were used in this study. Starch in uncooked dry-grind corn samples showed greater enzyme digestibility than did the uncooked starch isolated from the same source by wet-milling process. The greater digestibility of starch in uncooked dry-grind corn correlated with a physical damage of starch granules. In contrast, starch in cooked dry-grind corn samples displayed less enzyme digestibility than did the cooked isolated starch. The difference could be attributed to interference caused by non-starch components in the dry-grind corn. The entrapment of starch in protein matrix and the formation of amylose-lipid helical complexes and/or retrograded starch may decrease the enzyme digestibility of starch in cooked dry-grind corn. Lab-scale ethanol production showed that ethanol yield after 72 h fermentation of the four corn inbred lines ranged between 34.3 and 38.0 g ethanol/100 g dry-grind corn. The conversion efficiency at 72 h of fermentation ranged between 86.8 % and 90.3 % of the theoretical ethanol yield. The highest ethanol yield was found in the corn line containing the largest starch content and the smallest amounts of lipid and protein.
Water Content Determination in Biodiesel: Optimization of Methodology in Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration
Authors: Vicentim M. P. , Barreto Sousa M. V. , Fernandes da Silva V. , Mateus V. Lionel , Rodrigues J. M. , Smarçaro da Cunha V.
Published: December 2009

Coulometric Karl Fischer (KF) titration is a highly accurate technique employed for moisture determination in non-aqueous solvents. Methodology for coulometric titration in a KF apparatus coupled to an autosampler oven was optimized in order to improve the accuracy of moisture determination in biodiesel derived from soybean. Several parameters were investigated, and three of them were optimized according to a central composite 23 star experimental design. The highest accuracy for moisture determinations corresponded to a relative standard deviation of 1.48 %. It was reached when the KF titrator was operated with electrode without diaphragm, the sample mass was 4 g, and the oven temperature was set to 170°C. Other parameters, like carrier gas flux and extraction time, presented minimal or no effects for improving the accuracy of moisture determination.
Application of Impedance Spectroscopy for Determining Fabric Anisotropy of Fine-Grained Soils
Authors: Gumaste Suchit D. , Singh D. N.
Published: December 2009

Engineering behavior of fine-grained soils is mainly influenced by its fabric structure, which is the arrangement of soil particles and distribution of the pores. For determination of soil fabric, earlier researchers have relied on instrumentation techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). However, due to small sample size, complexities involved with the sample preparation, and destructive nature of these techniques, precise interpretation of the results becomes a challenging task. In order to overcome this, efforts were made by the authors to explore the potential of impedance spectroscopy, which is a non-destructive and non-invasive technique of characterizing the soil mass, for determining its fabric. Details of the methodology adopted to achieve this are presented in this paper, which also elaborates the setup employed to determine the electrical conductivity of the marine clay samples in their undisturbed and remolded states. Further, the observed directional dependency of electrical conductivity, i.e., electrical anisotropy, has been expressed as the anisotropy coefficient, Ae, and its potential in defining the fabric anisotropy has been demonstrated. The results have been critically examined vis-à-vis the observations from the SEM and MIP studies. The study reveals that the higher the deviation of Ae from unity, the higher would the fabric anisotropy be, which is indicative of the fabric of the fine-grained soils.
Der abwesende Monarch im Herrschaftsdiskurs der Neuzeit. Eine Forschungsskizze am Beispiel der Welfendynastie nach 1866The Absent Monarch and the Discourse of Legitimacy in Modern History. Conceptual Arguments Based on the Case Study of Guelph Exile after 1866
Authors: Riotte Thorsten
Published: December 2009

Der Artikel diskutiert die Bedeutung der Exilzeit Georgs V. von Hannover für die politische Kultur im Kaiserreich. Das Schicksal des Monarchen nach 1866 wird im Kontext dynastischer Politik, anhand zeitgenössischer Wahrnehmung durch loyale Welfen und preußische Behörden sowie auf die Bedeutung von persönlichen Verbindungen zwischen dem abwesenden Monarchen und Personengruppen in der Heimat hin untersucht. Die Exilhöfe in den österreichischen Orten Hietzing, Penzing und Gmunden dienen als Prisma, durch das die welfische Bewegung in ihrer Auseinandersetzung mit der preußischen Herrschaft deutlichere Konturen annimmt und so ihre Bedeutung für die politische Lebenswelt in der Provinz Hannover besser beleuchtet. Die Ergebnisse werden in die aktuelle Forschungsdiskussion um alte und neue Politikgeschichte eingeordnet und sollen das Verständnis der politischen Kultur im Kaiserreich erweitern. Als Quellen dienen der erst kürzlich von der British Library erstandene Nachlaß Georgs, Herzog von Cambridge, Korrespondenzen aus den Royal Archives, Windsor Castle, sowie die einschlägigen Akten aus dem Niedersächsischen Hauptstaatsarchiv und dem Politischen Archiv des Auswärtigen Amtes in Berlin. Das Beispiel der Welfen soll zusätzlich genutzt werden, um grundlegende methodische Überlegungen zu einer vergleichenden Studie über Exilmonarchen der Frühen Neuzeit und Neuzeit zu diskutieren. Eine solche, derzeit vom Autor als Habilitationsprojekt unternommene Untersuchung ermöglicht, das Spannungsverhältnis zwischen persönlicher Herrschaft und dynastischem Überleben, die Ausdrucksformen und Medien politischer Opposition sowie den Herrschaftsdiskurs in seiner praktischen Ausführung in einer Art und Weise zu diskutieren, wie dies bisher in der historischen Forschung noch nicht geschehen ist.
Chronic Exposures to Cholinesterase‐inhibiting Pesticides Adversely Affect Respiratory Health of Agricultural Workers in India
Authors: Chakraborty Sreeparna , Mukherjee Sayali , Roychoudhury Sanghita , Siddique Shabana , Lahiri Twisha , Ray Manas Ranjan
Published: December 2009

Chronic Exposures to Cholinesterase‐inhibiting Pesticides Adversely Affect Respiratory Health of Agricultural Workers in India: Sreeparna Chakraborty, et al. Department of Experimental Hematology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, India

Objective

The impact of long term exposure to cholinesterase (ChE)‐inhibiting organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (C) pesticides on the respiratory health of agricultural workers in India was investigated.

Methods

Three hundred and seventy‐six nonsmoking agricultural workers (median age 41 yr) from eastern India who sprayed OP and C pesticides in the field and 348 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects with non‐agricultural occupations from the same locality were enrolled. Prevalence of respiratory symptoms was obtained by questionnaire survey, and pulmonary function tests were carried out by spirometry. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was diagnosed by the Global Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria, and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was measured by the Ellman method.

Results

Agricultural workers had greater prevalences of upper and lower respiratory symptoms, and appreciable reduction in spirometric measurements. Overall, lung function reduction was noted in 48.9% of agricultural workers compared with 22.7% of control, and a restrictive type of deficit was predominant. COPD was diagnosed in 10.9% of agricultural workers compared with 3.4% of controls (p<0.05 in χ2test), and the severity of the disease was greater in agricultural workers. Red blood cell (RBC) AChE was lowered by 34.2% in agricultural workers, and the fall in AChE level was positively associated with respiratory symptoms, lung function decrement and COPD after controlling for education and income as potential confounders.

Conclusions

Long‐term exposure to cholinesterase‐inhibiting agricultural pesticides currently in use in India is associated with a reduction in lung function, COPD and a rise in respiratory symptoms.
Causal Relationship between Indium Compound Inhalation and Effects on the Lungs
Authors: Nakano Makiko , Omae Kazuyuki , Tanaka Akiyo , Hirata Miyuki , Michikawa Takehiro , Kikuchi Yuriko , Yoshioka Noriyuki , Nishiwaki Yuji , Chonan Tatsuya
Published: December 2009

Causal Relationship between Indium Compound Inhalation and Effects on the Lungs: Makiko Nakano, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Keio University

Background

Recent case reports and epidemiological studies suggest that inhalation of indium dust induces lung damage.

Objectives

To elucidate the dose‐dependent effects of indium on the lungs and to prove a causal relationship more clearly.

Methods

A baseline observation was conducted on 465 workers currently exposed to indium, 127 workers formerly exposed to indium and 169 workers without indium exposure in 12 factories and 1 research laboratory from 2003 to 2006. Indium in serum (In‐S) was determined as an exposure parameter, and its effects on the lungs were examined.

Results

The means of In‐S in the current, former and no exposure workers were 8.35, 9.63 and 0.56 ng/ml, respectively. The current and former exposure workers had significantly higher levels of KL‐6, and showed significant dose‐dependent increases in KL‐6, SP‐D, and SP‐A. Current exposure workers with In‐S of 3 ng/ml or above demonstrated a significant increase of KL‐6 in both GM and prevalence exceeding the reference value. Approximately a quarter of the former exposure workers had interstitial changes as seen on chest HRCT. In‐S of exposed workers who had been working before improvements of the working environment (Group Bef) and those who started working after improvements (Group Aft) were 12.29 and 0.81 ng/ml, respectively. Adjusted odds ratios indicated 87%, 71% and 44% reductions among Group Aft workers who exceeded the reference values of KL‐6, SP‐D and SP‐A, respectively.

Conclusion

Dosedependent lung effects due to indium exposure were shown, and a decrease of indium exposure reduced the lung effects. An In‐S value of 3 ng/ml may be a cut‐off value which could be used to prevent early effects on the lungs.
Genotoxicity Studies of Heavy Metals: Lead, Bismuth, Indium, Silver and Antimony
Authors: Asakura Keiko , Satoh Hiroshi , Chiba Momoko , Okamoto Masahide , Serizawa Koji , Nakano Makiko , Omae Kazuyuki
Published: December 2009

Genotoxicity Studies of Heavy Metals: Lead, Bismuth, Indium, Silver and Antimony: Keiko Asakura, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Keio University School of Medicine

Objectives

Many kinds of heavy metals are used in industry; thus, it is important for us to clarify their toxicity. For example, lead, which is a component of solder, is notorious for its neurotoxicity, and substitute materials have been sought for many years. Therefore, we examined the genotoxicity of lead and also those of metallic bismuth, indium, silver and antimony which are possible substitutes for lead in solder.

Methods

Bacterial reverse mutation tests and chromosomal aberration tests in cultured mammalian cells were performed according to standard procedures.

Results

Antimony showed genotoxicity in both tests, and bismuth also showed positive results in the chromosomal aberration test. In contrast, lead, indium, and silver were considered to be inactive by the criteria of the present study.

Conclusions

Although further studies are needed because of the difficulty of genotoxicity evaluation using an in vitro system, sufficient precautions should be made when antimony and bismuth are used.
Local control in breast cancer: constant importance, changing radiotherapy practice
Authors: Kahán Zsuzsanna
Published: December 2009

A lokális tumormentesség biztosítása fontos elv az operábilis emlőrák ellátása során. A helyi daganatkiújulás a távoli áttétképződés kockázatát fokozva a beteg életét veszélyezteti. A lokális kontrollt mastectomia és emlőmegtartó műtét után egyaránt javíthatja a posztoperatív sugárterápia, sokszor azonban felesleges, alkalmazása túlkezeléshez vezet. A lokális relapsus kockázata különböző, egymással összefüggést mutató jellemzők alapján becsülhető meg. Ezek a műtét típusa, a tumor mérete, illetve stádiuma, a nyirokcsomóstátus, a sebészi szél, az életkor, a mammográfiás megjelenés és a daganat szövettani és biológiai jellemzői, illetve többgócúsága. A sugárterápia olykor fatális késői szövődményei a besugárzás után 5-10 évvel jelentkezhetnek, igényes technikával megelőzhetők. A szisztémás terápiák jelentősen csökkentik a lokális recidíva kockázatát, és olykor helyettesíthetik a sugárterápiát. Más alacsony rizikójú esetekben a sugárterápia elhagyható vagy az eddiginél kevésbé radikális módszerrel végezhető. A lokális terápia individualizálása javasolt.
Understanding aviation English as a lingua franca
Authors: Kim Hyejeong , Elder Catherine
Published: December 2009

Researchers exploring the use of language use in radiotelephony communication have tended to focus on the limitations of the non-native English user and the threats which their limited control of English may pose for aviation safety (e.g. Atsushi, 2003, 2004). Hence the recent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policy places the onus on non-native users to bring their English to an appropriate standard. The present paper argues that there is a need for a broader perspective on this issue and supports this case with reference to two sources of data: a) episodes of radiotelephony discourse recorded in two air traffic control centres in Korea exemplifying non-routine, abnormal and emergency situations involving NS of English and NNS from different language backgrounds, b) focus group and individual interviews with selected Korean aviation personnel eliciting their interpretations of these episodes and of issues in aviation English more generally. Findings suggest that responsibilities for communication problems in aviation English are distributed across NS and NNS users, and may be partly due to the absence of shared assumptions about efficient and appropriate communication practices in an environment where English is a lingua franca (ELF). Implications are drawn for the communication training of all aviation personnel, regardless of language background.
Bioenergy II: Effect of Experimental Conditions on the Slow Batch Pyrolysis of Mixtures of Plastics, Tyres and Forestry Biomass Wastes
Authors: Paradela Filipe , Pinto Filomena , Cabrita Isabel , Gulyurtlu Ibrahim , Ramos Ana M.
Published: December 2009

This work aimed to study the recovery of three types of waste by the process of pyrolysis: biomass, plastics and used tyres. The effects of experimental conditions in products yield and composition were studied. The increase of reaction time increased alkane content both in gas phase from 53% to 70% v/v and in liquid fraction from 48% to 60% w/w. The rise of reaction temperature led to a decrease of liquid yield (from 82% to 73% w/w), which was followed by the increase of solids and gases. The increase of reaction temperature also allowed the increase of the alkane content in gas phase from 39% to 70% v/v. The increase of initial pressure did not lead to appreciable variations in product yields or composition. The parameter that most affected products yield and composition was plastics content on the wastes initial mixture. The enhancement of this parameter increased liquids yield from 33% to 92% w/w, at the expenses of solids and gases contents and also decreased aromatics contents from 52% to 28% w/w.
Coexistence of trisomy 12 and del(13)(q14.3) in two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Dencic-Fekete Marija , Antic D. , Davidovic-Mrsic Sanja , Franic Ivana , Kraguljac-Kurtovic Nada , Bila Jelena , Elezovic I.
Published: December 2009

We describe two patients with diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in whom interphase fluo?rescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed trisomy 12 and del(13)(q14.3) occurring in the same clone. These abnormalities are rarely seen together and the prognostic relevance of their coexistence is still unclear. According to some data, a probable adverse prognosis for this group of patients is suggested. Our patients have been in a stable phase of the disease for more than one year since the given abnormalities were documented in their karyotypes. Further study is necessary to determine the prognostic significance of coexistence of these abnormalities in CLL patients.
Retinoic acid-induced SoX3 gene expression in NT2/D1 cells is RXR homodimer-independent
Authors: Savic Tijana , Stevanovic Milena , Nikcevic Gordana
Published: December 2009

The Sox3/SOX3 gene is implicated in the control of nervous system development. We previously demon?strated modulation of human SOX3 gene expression during neural induction of NT2/D1 cells by retinoic acid (RA). Also, we accurately verified RXR retinoid receptors as major mediators of the effect of RA on SOX3 expression, and excluded RARs as its heterodimeric partners in RA-SOX3 signaling. Here we present evidence that activation of the SOX3 gene by RA is not RXR homodimer-dependent. The described line of SOX3 gene expression studies is valuable for future investigation of the impact that this gene has multiple aspects of normal and pathological development.
Anabaena bergii Ostenf. [f. minor (Kisselev) Kossinsk.] (Cyanoprokaryota): The first record in Serbia, its taxonomic status, and that of the genus Anabaena Bory ex Born. & Flah.
Authors: Cvijan M. , Krizmanic Jelena
Published: December 2009

Within the framework of a detailed survey of the algal community in salt marshes of the Vojvodina Province (Northern Serbia), we rather unexpectedly found the blue-green alga Anabaena bergii Ostenf. [forma minor (Kisselev) Kossinsk.] in water samples from Slatina Pond near Opovo. Our finding represents its first record in Serbia. The present paper gives general characteristics of this alga and of the habitat in which it was found. Based on analysis of a large number of works dealing with characteristics and the taxonomic status of the genus Anabaena, the species A. bergii, and its forma minor, it is concluded that there are numerous problems in taxonomy of the given genus, with no consensus among researchers. In light of the available data, the authors retain the name of the species A. bergii, but accept forma minor with some reserve.
Sticker Shock and Looming Tsunami
Authors: Baveye Philippe C.
Published: December 2009

Recession is currently causing a resurgence of the academic serials crisis. Profit-mongering by commercial publishers is once again denounced as the key driver of the crisis. However, a critical analysis of institutional and bibliometric data does not reveal excessive corporate greed in recent years; instead, it suggests that the present hurdles stem largely from years of inadequate budget allocations to academic libraries and from a publishing frenzy fuelled by simplistic methods of evaluating faculty productivity. To prevent what is likely to be the publishing equivalent of a tsunami in the next few years, universities and research institutions urgently need to re-emphasize quality over quantity in the publishing process, and they must find ways to include peer-reviewing efficiency among their criteria for productivity and impact. Achieving these goals will require concerted efforts by researchers, librarians, and publishers.
Tracking Large Trucks in Real Time with License Plate Recognition and Text-Mining Techniques
Authors: Oliveira-Neto Francisco Moraes , Han Lee D. , Jeong Myong K.
Published: December 2009

Large-truck speeds on Interstate highways are not only a safety concern but have also become a problem with respect to air quality and energy consumption. Many cities have reduced truck speed limits to curb emissions. As potentially key building blocks of a proposed automated large-truck speed monitoring and enforcement system, license plate recognition (LPR) and plate-matching algorithms are the focus of this study. Present LPR systems are not perfect and can fail to read one-fifth to one-half of the characters on license plates, depending on various factors. Fortunately, even when LPR fails to read all characters on license plates, it is still able to read most of the characters with an appreciable degree of accuracy. By employing a text-mining technique called edit distance (with judicious use of travel time), this study demonstrates that it is possible to match 97% of license plates when only just more than 60% of the same plates were read correctly by LPR units at two different locations. This high matching rate does not entail a high false-positive matching rate either (about 2%). This paper presents the plate-matching algorithm in detail and provides statistics resulting from a field study conducted on I-40 in 2007. Several promising research directions for better matching efficiency and further reduction of the false-positive rate are identified.
Intercity Person Trip Tables for Nationwide Transportation Planning in Israel Obtained from Massive Cell Phone Data
Authors: Gur Yehuda J. , Bekhor Shlomo , Solomon Charles , Kheifits Leonid
Published: December 2009

A national transportation planning model is needed for several reasons, including heavy investments in transportation infrastructures and the need to perform formal cost–benefit analyses of all medium- and large-scale transport projects. The paper describes the formulation and development of the planning model. The model is unique for the data collected and is used for analyzing nationwide travel. After careful legal review regarding privacy laws, cellular phone (CP) data were obtained for sixteen 1-week samples of 10,000 phones. In total, data for 1.04 million person-days were obtained. Data records included the unique CP identification, the antenna serving the CP, and a time stamp (date, hour, minute, second). At the minimum, a record was written each time a moving CP changed its connecting antenna. To ensure privacy, neither information nor identification of the cellular phone owner was recorded. The paper describes the structure of the planning model. The CP survey data were used only in the models for constructing person trip tables. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that data obtained by wireless location technology (WLT) in large quantities have been used in transportation planning. The paper discusses the advantages and limitations of using WLT and presents directions for further research.
Combining State Route and Local Road Linear Referencing System Information
Authors: Graettinger Andrew J. , Qin Xiao , Spear Gabriel , Parker Steven T. , Forde Susie
Published: December 2009

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation maintains two separate geographic information system databases: one for state roads and one for local roads. Both databases employ linear referencing system (LRS) theory to manage and locate information. Combining data from state and local roads into one system is desirable for the purpose of data management and analysis. This paper's approach combines information from the state route LRS (link ID and offset distance) with information from the local road LRS (node ID) to produce a table that can be employed to transfer data between the systems. A computer program was developed to use this table, along with existing tables in each LRS, to move information from the state route system to the local road system. Quality assurance and quality control techniques are presented along with a long-term implementation approach; both help to update the table bridging these two systems. The approach described does not interfere with the current operation of either system; therefore, no interruption of business practice will occur as this data transfer approach is deployed. Although this approach can transfer any LRS data, a case study of crash data for Dane County, Wisconsin, is used to demonstrate and test the approach. In the case study, crash points on the state routes are combined with local road crashes to produce a complete data set of crashes within the county.
Dye tracing a jökulhlaup: II. Testing a jökulhlaup model against flow speeds inferred from measurements
Authors: Werder Mauro A. , Funk Martin
Published: December 2009

Observational data allowing the validation of jökulhlaup models are sparse. We were able to inject dye tracer directly into the drainage channel of a glacial lake during the onset of its outburst. This made it possible to test an established jökulhlaup model, not only against discharge measurements, but for the first time also against water flow speeds inferred from measurements. We drive the jökulhlaup model, based on the Spring–Hutter equations, with measured subglacial water pressure, lake water temperature and lake level. The model is fitted to the measured lake discharge and inferred flow speeds using the initial channel size, the channel roughness and sinuosity. Our calculations show that an ingenuous application of the model, fitting it to the lake discharge only, overestimates water flow speeds. For the second day of the outburst, this can be remedied by fitting the model to the inferred flow speeds as well, requiring that either the heat transfer or the sinuosity of the channel be increased. However, the low inferred flow speeds on the first day of the outburst cannot be fitted with any parameter combination, showing that, initially, the water does not flow through an R channel. Hence, the early stages of this jökulhlaup cannot be simulated by an R-channel model.
Characteristics of atmospheric dust deposition in snow on the glaciers of the eastern Tien Shan, China
Authors: Dong Zhiwen , Li Zhongqin , Wang Feiteng , Zhang Mingjun
Published: December 2009

Wind-blown mineral aerosol dust derived from the crustal surface is an important atmospheric component affecting the Earth’s radiation budget. Deposition of water-insoluble dust was determined in snow deposited on Ürümqi glacier No. 1, Haxilegen glacier No. 51 and Miaoergou glacier, eastern Tien Shan, China. Analysis of the horizontal distribution of snow depth and concentration, and flux of dust particles in the snow cover suggests that dust deposition differs on each of these glaciers as the atmospheric environment changes from west to east. Mean mass concentrations of micro-particles in the size range 0.57–26 μm diameter at the three locations are respectively 969, 1442 and 3690 μg kg−1, with an increasing trend from west to east. Dust layers in the snow cover contain Na- and Ca-rich materials typically found in central Asian dust particles. Volume size distributions of dust particles in the snow showed single-modal structures having volume median diameters of 3–22 μm. Dust profiles in the snow cover over the past 4 years reveal frequent, sporadic high dust concentrations with a large year-to-year variability, implying that dust deposition in the eastern Tien Shan is very sensitive to atmospheric environment change.
Ice velocity measurements of Langjökull, Iceland, from interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR)
Authors: Palmer Steven , Shepherd Andrew , Björnsson Helgi , Pálsson Finnur
Published: December 2009

We have computed the velocity of Langjökull ice cap (LIC), Iceland, using InSAR data acquired by the European Remote-sensing Satellite in 1994 and an ice-surface elevation model derived from a GPS survey conducted in 1997. The velocity map covers 68% of the 925 km2of LIC. Eight principal outlet glaciers were identified, along which ice velocities increased from zero at the ice divide to a maximum of 75 m a−1. When the InSAR velocity dataset is compared with surface GPS measurements of ice flow determined in summer 2001, there is generally good agreement, suggesting interannual and seasonal stability for much of the ice cap during this period. However, non-zero ice velocities at the termini of four of the eight glaciers surveyed suggest that these glaciers were advancing in 1994. Comparison of our GPS and InSAR velocities suggests that Sudurjökull experienced elevated velocity in late February 1994, which, when other studies are considered, appears to be consistent with a glacier surge.
Critical Silence: The Unseemly Games of Love in Jeux (1913)
Authors: Järvinen Hanna
Published: December 2009

Following my article on Vaslav Nijinsky's L'Après-midi d'un Faune (1912), I turn my attention to Jeux, the first of Nijinsky's two choreographies for the 1913 season of the Ballets Russes. Made to a commissioned score by Claude Debussy, Jeux (Games) dealt with the chance meeting of three sporty young people in a twilit garden or park. Based on contemporary responses and the choreographer's notations to Debussy's manuscript score, I discuss how Jeux addressed modern life and what in this disconcerted the audiences of the Ballets Russes. Although the work disappeared after only one season, I argue it brings to the fore questions of canonisity and success that are still relevant in our discourse of art, today.
A New Prior for Bayesian Anomaly Detection
Authors: Cooper G. F. , Shen Y.
Published: December 2009

Objectives: Bayesian anomaly detection computes posterior probabilities of anomalous events by combining prior beliefs and evidence from data. However, the specification of prior probabilities can be challenging. This paper describes a Bayesian prior in the context of disease outbreak detection. The goal is to provide a meaningful, easy-to-use prior that yields a posterior probability of an outbreak that performs at least as well as a standard frequentist approach. If this goal is achieved, the resulting posterior could be usefully incorporated into a decision analysis about how to act in light of a possible disease outbreak.

Methods: This paper describes a Bayesian method for anomaly detection that combines learning from data with a semi-informative prior probability over patterns of anomalous events. A univariate version of the algorithm is presented here for ease of illustration of the essential ideas. The paper describes the algorithm in the context of disease-outbreak detection, but it is general and can be used in other anomaly detection applications. For this application, the semi-informative prior specifies that an increased count over baseline is expected for the variable being monitored, such as the number of respiratory chief complaints per day at a given emergency department. The semi-informative prior is derived based on the baseline prior, which is estimated from using historical data.

Results: The evaluation reported here used semi-synthetic data to evaluate the detection performance of the proposed Bayesian method and a control chart method, which is a standard frequentist algorithm that is closest to the Bayesian method in terms of the type of data it uses. The disease-outbreak detection performance of the Bayesian method was statistically significantly better than that of the control chart method when proper baseline periods were used to estimate the baseline behavior to avoid seasonal effects. When using longer baseline periods, the Bayesian method performed as well as the control chart method. The time complexity of the Bayesian algorithm is linear in the number of the observed events being monitored, due to a novel, closed-form derivation that is introduced in the paper.

Conclusions: This paper introduces a novel prior probability for Bayesian outbreak detection that is expressive, easy-to-apply, computationally efficient, and performs as well or better than a standard frequentist method.
Towards a Traceable Clinical Guidelines Application
Authors: Domínguez E. , Zapata M. , Pérez B.
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The goal of this research is to provide an overall framework to enable modelbased development of clinical guideline-based decision support systems (GBDSSs). The automatically generated GBDSSs are aimed at providing guided support to the physician during the application of guidelines and automatically storing guideline application data for traceability purposes.

Methods: The development process of a GBDSS for a guideline is based on modeldriven development (MDD) techniques which allow us to carry out such a process automatically, making development more agile and saving on human resource costs. We use UML Statecharts to represent the dynamics of guidelines and, based on this model, we use a MDD-based tool chain to generate the guideline-dependent components of each GBDSS in an automatic way. In particular, as for the traceability capabilities of each GBDSS, MDD techniques are combined with database schema mappings for metadata management in order to automatically generate the GBDSS-persistent component as one of the main contributions of this paper.

Results: The complete framework has been implemented as an Eclipse plug-in named GBDSSGenerator which, starting from the statechart representing a guideline, allows the development process to be carried out automatically by only selecting different menu options the plug-in provides. We have successfully validated our overall approach by generating the GBDSS for different types of clinical guidelines, even for laboratory guidelines.

Conclusions: The proposed framework allows the development of clinical guideline-based decision support systems in an automatic way making this process more agile and saving on human resource costs.
Amplitude Modulation Detection by Listeners with Unilateral Dead Regions
Authors: Moore Brian CJ. , Vinay
Published: December 2009

Background: A dead region is a region in the cochlea where the inner hair cells and/or neurons are functioning very poorly, if at all. We have shown that, for people with sensorineural hearing loss, thresholds for detecting sinusoidal amplitude modulation (AM) of a sinusoidal
carrier were lower for ears with high-frequency dead regions, as diagnosed using the threshold-equalizing noise test, calibrated in hearing level, than for ears without dead regions when the carrier frequency was below the edge frequency, fe, of the dead region. Purpose:
To measure AM-detection thresholds for subjects with unilateral dead regions, using carrier frequencies both below and above fe. Research Design: Ten subjects with bilateral high-frequency hearing loss, but with unilateral high-frequency dead regions, were tested. The carriers
were presented at sensation levels of 5, 10, or 15 dB. The values of fe were close to 1000, 1500, or 2000 Hz. Results: For carrier frequencies below fe, AM-detection thresholds were lower for the ears with dead regions than for the ears without dead regions, replicating
earlier findings. In contrast, for carrier frequencies above fe, AM-detection thresholds tended to be higher for ears with dead regions than for ears without dead regions. Conclusions: The reason why AM detection was poorer in the ears with dead regions for carrier frequencies
above fe is unclear. However, this finding is consistent with the generally poor discrimination of sounds that has been reported previously for sounds with frequency components falling within a dead region. The results have implications for the ability of people with dead regions to
use information from frequency components falling inside the dead region.
A Naturalistic Approach to Assessing Hearing Aid Candidacy and Motivating Hearing Aid Use
Authors: Walden Therese C. , Walden Brian E. , Summers Van , Grant Ken W.
Published: December 2009

Background: Although the benefits of amplification for persons with impaired hearing are well established, many potential candidates do not obtain and use hearing aids. In some cases, this is because the individual is not convinced that amplification will be of sufficient benefit
in those everyday listening situations where he or she is experiencing difficulties. Purpose: To describe the development of a naturalistic approach to assessing hearing aid candidacy and motivating hearing aid use based on patient preferences for unamplified and amplified sound samples
typical of those encountered in everyday living and to assess the validity of these preference ratings to predict hearing aid candidacy. Research Design: Prospective experimental study comparing preference ratings for unamplified and amplified sound samples of patients with a clinical
recommendation for hearing aid use and patients for whom amplification was not prescribed. Study Sample: Forty-eight adults self-referred to the Army Audiology and Speech Center for a hearing evaluation. Data Collection and Analysis: Unamplified and amplified sound samples were
presented to potential hearing aid candidates using a three-alternative forced-choice paradigm. Participants were free to switch at will among the three processing options (no gain, mild gain, moderate gain) until the preferred option was determined. Following this task, each participant was
seen for a diagnostic hearing evaluation by one of eight staff audiologists with no knowledge of the preference data. Patient preferences for the three processing options were used to predict the attending audiologists' recommendations for amplification based on traditional audiometric measures.
Results: Hearing aid candidacy was predicted with moderate accuracy from the patients' preferences for amplified sounds typical of those encountered in everyday living, although the predictive validity of the various sound samples varied widely. Conclusions: Preferences for amplified
sounds were generally predictive of hearing aid candidacy. However, the predictive validity of the preference ratings was not sufficient to replace traditional clinical determinations of hearing aid candidacy in individual patients. Because the sound samples are common to patients' everyday
listening experiences, they provide a quick and intuitive method of demonstrating the potential benefit of amplification to patients who might otherwise not accept a prescription for hearing aids.
Evaluating a Model to Predict Protocol Performance
Authors: Turner Robert G. , Hurley Annette
Published: December 2009

Background: A test protocol is created when individual tests are combined. Even with a few tests, many different protocols are possible. Often, the clinician must select a protocol without information as to the performance of the possible protocols. A model to predict protocol
performance could help in this selection process. Purpose: To evaluate the validity and accuracy of a mathematical model for predicting protocol performance. Research Design: Predictions of the model are compared to actual data on protocol performance. Results: With complete
information, there was almost perfect agreement between predicted and actual data. With partial information, the model still made very accurate estimates of protocol performance. Conclusions: Even with incomplete information, which is frequently the case in a clinical situation, the
model can eliminate many protocols from consideration and aid in the selection of an appropriate protocol.
Examining the Effectiveness of Traditional Audiological Assessments for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia-Related Behaviors
Authors: Burkhalter Carmen L. , Allen Rebecca S. , Skaar Denell C. , Crittenden Jessica , Burgio Louis D.
Published: December 2009

Background: It is currently estimated that the resident population of individuals over the age of 65 living in nursing homes will double by 2020. Nearly one-third of all nursing home residents have difficulty seeing or hearing, 46% have some form of dementia, and 30‐84%
of those with dementia in nursing homes show some form of agitation. Nursing home residents who do not receive appropriate audiological services may experience social isolation, cognitive decline and decreased mobility. Purpose: To examine the effectiveness of standard audiological
testing procedures for nursing home residents and to discuss the purpose of adapting assessment procedures that can lead to more effective audiological assessments for this population. Research Design: A retrospective chart analyses. A 33-item coding form was used to complete descriptive
analysis of original audiological data and demographic data for 307 nursing home residents for a study to examine the effects of auditory stimulation on dementia-related behavior problems exhibited by nursing home residents through audiotape exposure to environmental sounds or soothing voice.
Results: Although 77% (n  =  235) of the 307 residents were considered compliant for the testing process and 74% (n  =  288) tolerated putting on headphones, audiological assessment using air conduction testing could be completed in both ears on 32% (n  = 
100) of the residents. In fact, only 5% (n  =  16) of the 307 residents were able to complete a full traditional audiometric assessment protocol. Conclusions: Proper identification of hearing impairment through effective and appropriate audiological assessment is crucial for
preserving and enhancing quality-of-life in nursing home residents. This study served as an introduction to the problem of using traditional behavioral testing for hearing assessment of nursing home residents. Much work needs to be done to establish best practices for audiometric assessment
in this population.
Auditory Fitness for Duty: A Review
Authors: Tufts Jennifer B. , Vasil Kristin A. , Briggs Sarah
Published: December 2009

Background: Auditory fitness for duty (AFFD) refers to the possession of hearing abilities sufficient for safe and effective job performance. In jobs such as law enforcement and piloting, where the ability to hear is critical to job performance and safety, hearing loss
can decrease performance, even to the point of being hazardous to self and others. Tests of AFFD should provide an employer with a valid assessment of an employee's ability to perform the job safely, without discriminating against the employee purely on the basis of hearing loss. Purpose:
The purpose of this review is to provide a basic description of the functional hearing abilities required in hearing-critical occupations, and a summary of current practices in AFFD evaluation. In addition, we suggest directions for research and standardization to ensure best practices in
the evaluation of AFFD in the future. Research Design: We conducted a systematic review of the English-language peer-reviewed literature in AFFD. “Popular” search engines were consulted for governmental regulations and trade journal articles. We also contacted professionals
with expertise in AFFD regarding research projects, unpublished material, and current standards. Results: The literature review provided information regarding the functional hearing abilities required to perform hearing-critical tasks, the development of and characteristics of AFFD
protocols, and the current implementation of AFFD protocols. Conclusions: This review paper provides evidence of the need to institute job-specific AFFD protocols, move beyond the pure-tone audiogram, and establish the validity of test protocols. These needs are arguably greater now
than in times past.
Longitudinal Changes in Real-Ear to Coupler Difference Measurements in Infants
Authors: Bingham Kristina , Jenstad Lorienne M. , Shahnaz Navid
Published: December 2009

Background: The real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) measurement is a commonly used clinical procedure that quantifies the difference in sound pressure level between a 2 cc coupler and an individual's ear canal. The SPL levels in infant ears are highly variable and significantly
higher than the SPL levels present in average adult ears, making the quantification of SPL levels in infant ears extremely important for threshold determination and fitting of amplification. It is unknown how much the RECD changes in an individual infant over time, whether that change is within
test-retest reliability of the RECD measure, and whether RECD values are predictable from other outer and middle ear measures. Purpose: The purposes of this study were to examine longitudinal changes in RECD values in newborn infants to determine whether a significant change in RECD
values takes place over a one-month period, how the change in RECD relates to test-retest variability of the measure, and whether RECD values are predictable from the infant's corrected age, or measures of static admittance and equivalent ear canal volume (EECV). Study Sample: Fourteen
infants (seven females, seven males) aged 7 to 25 days were recruited through community prenatal classes, physicians, hospital nurseries, and word of mouth. All infants had normal middle ear status. Data Collection and Analysis: Infants were tested on two separate visits, first when
the infant was approximately two to three weeks old and then approximately one month later. Each visit lasted one to two hours, during which time otoacoustic emissions, 226 Hz and 1000 Hz probe-tone tympanometry, and two RECD measures were made for each ear. Results: A multivariate
analysis of variance revealed a significant change in RECD values over a one-month interval. Regression analyses revealed that final RECD values were partially predictable from age, initial RECD value, static admittance, and EECV. RECD test-retest variability was not large but larger than
longitudinal RECD changes over a one-month period. Conclusions: It may be unnecessary to remeasure an RECD to account for changes in ear canal acoustics for repeated assessments, no more than one month apart, when the same test transducer is used. The RECD should, however, be measured
at one of these assessments because RECD values are not predictable from an infant's age or measures of static admittance and ear canal volume.