bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Working Memory Capacity May Influence Perceived Effort during Aided Speech Recognition in Noise
Authors: Rudner Mary , Lunner Thomas , Behrens Thomas , Thorén Elisabet Sundewall , Rönnberg Jerker 
Published: April 2012

Background:Recently there has been interest in using subjective ratings as a measure of perceived effort during speech recognition in noise. Perceived effort may be an indicator of cognitive load. Thus, subjective effort ratings during speech recognition in noise may covary both
with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and individual cognitive capacity.Purpose:The present study investigated the relation between subjective ratings of the effort involved in listening to speech in noise, speech recognition performance, and individual working memory (WM) capacity in hearing
impaired hearing aid users.Research Design:In two experiments, participants with hearing loss rated perceived effort during aided speech perception in noise. Noise type and SNR were manipulated in both experiments, and in the second experiment hearing aid compression release settings
were also manipulated. Speech recognition performance was measured along with WM capacity.Study Sample:There were 46 participants in all with bilateral mild to moderate sloping hearing loss. In Experiment 1 there were 16 native Danish speakers (eight women and eight men) with a mean
age of 63.5 yr (SD = 12.1) and average pure tone (PT) threshold of 47. 6 dB (SD = 9.8). In Experiment 2 there were 30 native Swedish speakers (19 women and 11 men) with a mean age of 70 yr (SD = 7.8) and average PT threshold of 45.8 dB (SD = 6.6).Data
Collection and Analysis:A visual analog scale (VAS) was used for effort rating in both experiments. In Experiment 1, effort was rated at individually adapted SNRs while in Experiment 2 it was rated at fixed SNRs. Speech recognition in noise performance was measured using adaptive procedures
in both experiments with Dantale II sentences in Experiment 1 and Hagerman sentences in Experiment 2. WM capacity was measured using a letter-monitoring task in Experiment 1 and the reading span task in Experiment 2.Results:In both experiments, there was a strong and significant relation
between rated effort and SNR that was independent of individual WM capacity, whereas the relation between rated effort and noise type seemed to be influenced by individual WM capacity. Experiment 2 showed that hearing aid compression setting influenced rated effort.Conclusions:Subjective
ratings of the effort involved in speech recognition in noise reflect SNRs, and individual cognitive capacity seems to influence relative rating of noise type.
Réévaluer la place de l'agriculture à l'heure du Grand Paris
Authors: Brédif Hervé , Pupin Vincent 
Published: April 2012

La réflexion ouverte par les autorités publiques autour du Grand Paris n’accorde qu’une place mineure à l’agriculture. Des travaux entrepris dans plusieurs espaces à forte composante agricole de la ceinture verte suggèrent une autre réalité et d’autres perspectives. En analysant les différents documents de planification et d’aménagement de la région francilienne, l’article distingue quatre périodes dans l’histoire des relations entre Paris et sa périphérie agricole. Après cette lecture à dires d’experts, la parole est donnée aux acteurs de terrain. Leur attachement aux espaces agricoles de la ceinture verte s’avère aussi considérable qu’il est méconnu. Des raisons motivées le fondent, aussi bien utilitaires qu’identitaires – et non seulement un prétendu réflexe Nimby. Finalement, les espaces ouverts agricoles de la ceinture verte se révèlent stratégiques pour redonner sens, identité et projet à de vastes portions de l’agglomération parisienne.
The Relevance of International Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium-sized Entities: An Australian Case Study
Authors: Laing Gregory Kenneth , Laing Kenneth Thomas 
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relevance of imposing a set of accounting standards on Small and Medium-sized entities. This paper involves a multiple case study approach based on an examination from personnel experiences of owning and operating Small and Medium-sized Entities in Australia over a period of 50 years. The key finding from the case studies is that SME’s are strongly influenced by the prevailing taxation regulations rather than any form of accounting standard requirements. The cost of meeting the financial reporting requirements is a burden that SME’s are ill prepared to bear and such costs are not justified by any claim to being useful for the owners or other possible stakeholders. Further, the issues of comparability and consistency have yet to be shown as providing a benefit to any stakeholder.This paper provides an opportunity for greater debate and research into the financial reporting requirements for SME’s.
Determination of the Chronological Age of Skull Base Suture Closure Using Computed Tomography
Authors: Lingawi Sattam S. 
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the postnatal chronological age of central and posterior skull base suture closure using computed tomography. The central and posterior skull base suture of pediatric brain CT’s obtained from 75 girls and 125 boys of varying ages (newborn to 18 years) were evaluated for this purpose. Premature infants of less than 38 weeks gestation, cases of congenital skull base malformations, and cranial anomalies were excluded. All brain CT studies were performed using 3 mm axial slice thickness at the skull base level. The central and posterior skull base sutures, synchondroses and ossification centers were all assessed for normal appearance and age of closure. The age of initial and completed fusion for the 12 main sutures in the occipital and sphenoid bones, were determined.
Data obtained during the study provides CT scans standard for normal age of closure of the central and posterior skull base sutures that may assist in the future evaluation of skull base fractures, dysplasia and deformities.
Oriented Growth and Assembly of Ag@C@Co Pentagonalprism Nanocables and their Highly Active Selected Catalysis Along the Edges for Dehydrogenation
Authors: Sun Baolei , Wen Ming , Wu Qingsheng , Peng Jin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMagnetic double‐shelled Ag@C@Co pentagonalprism nanocables are fabricated using a synchronous growth and oriented assembly process, in which the second shell of Co is arranged along the edges of Ag@C pentagonalprism nanowires (NWs). The resulting Ag@C@Co pentagonalprism nanocables exhibit an average diameter of ≈400 nm and consist of Ag core NWs with diameter of ≈200 nm and C middle layers with a thickness of ≈10 nm as well as outer Co shells with a thickness of ≈100 nm. UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy shows that the Co shell on Ag@C NWs can damp the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the Ag core wires and lead to a red‐shifted SPR absorption peak. Additionally, the Ag@C@Co nanocables have the ferromagnetic behavior, which can be controlled by modulating the shell density. The resulting magnetic Ag@C@Co nanocables exert excellent selected catalytic activity along the edges toward the dehydrogenation of ammonia borane aqueous under ambient conditions at room temperature.
Oligodendrocytes and the early multiple sclerosis lesion
Authors: Prineas John W. , Parratt John D. E. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThere is little agreement among neuropathologists regarding the timing and nature of oligodendrocyte loss in multiple sclerosis (MS). This review describes changes that accompany acute oligodendrocyte loss in new lesions. Included is a description of the immunopathology of new lesions in 23 severe early cases selected from a bank of 300 MS autopsies. Oligodendrocytes in prephagocytic lesions exhibit cytopathic changes that include apoptosis of oligodendrocytes immunoreactive for caspase 3, phagocytosis of apoptotic oligodendrocytes, swelling of cells with abnormal nuclei, complement deposition, and lysis. These are nonspecific changes that provide no clue as to the cause of oligodendrocyte injury. Associated changes include the presence of enlarged immunoglobulin (IgG)+ microglia and early macrophages, the presence nearby of a focus of inflammatory demyelination, an open blood–brain barrier, and the presence of rare CD8 T cells. Myelin contacted by IgG+ macrophages is immunoreactive for complement but not for IgG. It is likely that macrophage activity in evolving white and gray matter plaques is scavenging activity directed at nonvital myelin secondary to oligodendrocytes loss. One feature of MS that is not understood is the extraordinarily close resemblance the disease shows pathologically to neuromyelitis optica (NMO), including that demyelination in both is secondary to a loss of caspase 3‐positive apoptotic oligodendrocytes. These similarities raise the possibility that like NMO, MS is an autoimmune disease in which oligodendrocyte apoptosis is determined by injury to some other glial or mesenchymal component. Ann Neurol 2012;72:18–31
Properties of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephtalate) and sodium caseinate blends
Authors: Audic Jean‐Luc , Chaufer Bernard 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSodium caseinate (NaCAS) was blended with commercially available biodegradable polyester, poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephtalate) (PBAT) with the aim to obtain environmentally friendly materials for packaging applications with increased oxygen barrier properties. Mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus) of such blends were determined versus ratio of protein to polyester, plasticizer type and content, and relative humidity conditions. Among the two plasticizers tested, glycerol (Gly) and triethanolamine (TEA), Gly was the most efficient for the improvement of mechanical properties (high strains for low stresses) of PBAT/NaCAS blends. The maximum content of protein in blends to keep interesting mechanical properties was about 30% w/w. At this level, the material still exhibits interesting mechanical properties, that is, maximum tensile strength of 20–25 MPa for elongation at break about 25%. Protein‐specific water solubility was determined from a 280‐nm absorbance method. PBAT/NaCAS materials exhibit good resistance to water, and NaCAS specific solubility was kept under 7 wt % after 48 h immersion in water even for samples containing 30% w/w NaCAS. The PBAT/NaCAS materials also showed an increase of oxygen barrier properties as NaCAS content increased, leading to materials with oxygen permeability lower than 40,000 cm3 μm m−2 d−1 atm−1, which is half the initial value of PBAT. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Protein adsorption and cytocompatibility of poly(L‐lactic acid) surfaces modified with biomacromolecules
Authors: Jiao Yanpeng , Liu Zonghua , Shao Xiaohong , Zhou Changren 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSurface modification of biomaterials has been adopted over the years in order to improve their biocompatibility. In this study, heparin, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate were used to modify the surface of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) films by an entrapment method to promote its biocompatibility and to introduce natural recognition sites to the surface of PLLA films. The surface properties of PLLA films before and after modification were characterized by using water contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Subsequently, the protein adsorption behavior of radiolabeled (125I) fibronectin (Fn) was evaluated on the modified PLLA surfaces, including adsorption kinetics, isotherm adsorption, competitive adsorption with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or serum. The cytocompatibility of the modified PLLA films was further investigated by testing osteoblasts‐like compatibility, including cell attachment, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and cell cycle. Experimental results indicated that the hydrophilicity of the modified PLLA films was improved by the enriched biomacromolecules. In the study of protein absorption, the entrapment of the biomacromolecules on PLLA surface could decrease and reduce Fn adsorption speed and capacity, while the three biomacromolecules had almost the same adsorption capacity. Addition of BSA or serum had great effect on the adsorption of Fn on the modified PLLA surfaces. Moreover, the modifications could significantly promote osteoblasts‐like compatibility of PLLA films. The biomacromolecules modified PLLA films, combining their individual advantages such as good mechanical property and excellent cytocompatibility, are promising candidates for tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Restoring connectivity for migratory native fish in a New Zealand stream: effectiveness of retrofitting a pipe culvert
Authors: Franklin Paul Anthony , Bartels Brenda 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Restoring longitudinal connectivity is a key river restoration goal. This study tested the efficacy of a fish ramp and spoiler baffles for restoring indigenous fish communities upstream of a culvert.
Before–after monitoring showed that installation of the ramp and spoiler baffles increased species richness (mean increase 80%) and total fish density (mean increase 45%) upstream of the culvert.
Passage trials on the ramp and baffled culvert were carried out using inanga, Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns), a commonly occurring weak‐swimming migratory fish. The trials showed that inanga were capable of successfully ascending both the ramp (overall 27.1% success) and culvert with baffles (overall 6.2% success) under the conditions tested (cf. 0% success for this species before retrofitting), but passage efficiency was still relatively low in both cases.
Retrofitting of culverts can therefore be effective for restoring upstream fish passage. However, to maximize effectiveness it is essential that restoration goals are well defined and retrofitting solutions are designed appropriately for the target species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduction of the background magnetic field inhibits ability of Drosophila melanogaster to survive ionizing radiation
Authors: Portelli Lucas A. , Madapatha Dinu R. , Martino Carlos , Hernandez Mark , Barnes Frank S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe effects of exposure to an environment where the background magnetic field (BMF) has been reduced were studied on wild‐type Drosophila melanogaster by measuring its ability to survive a single exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) during its larval stage. The experimental design presented shows a timeframe, IR dose, and BMF parameters that will cause a significant and reproducible reduction of survival on this insect model. These results suggest that BMFs may play a fundamental role in the recovery or harm of a biological system that is exposed to single doses of IR. Bioelectromagnetics 33:706–709, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Classical and lateral skin effect contributions estimation in strip MR coils
Authors: Giovannetti Giulio , Hartwig Valentina , Landini Luigi , Santarelli Maria Filomena 
Published: April 2012

AbstractRadiofrequency (RF) transmitter and receiver coils in magnetic resonance imaging systems are used, respectively, to excite the nuclei in the object to be imaged and to pick up the signals emitted by the nuclei. The quality of obtained images strongly depends upon the correct choice of the coils geometry and typology. For low‐field magnetic resonance imaging systems, the dominant power dissipation mechanisms are mainly due to conductor losses and the coils performance are affected by cross‐sectional shape of RF coil conductors. This work proposes a method for the estimation of the different skin effects contribution to the total conductor resistance for coil built using strip conductor. The evaluation of coil resistance was performed at different tuning frequencies usually used in clinical scanner (21–128 MHz). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 41B: 57–61, 2012
An operational mobility model over IPv6: design, modeling, and evaluation
Authors: Wu Yulei , Ge Jingguo , You Junling , E Yuepeng 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThe fast Internet evolution and rapid development of wireless technologies have made it possible for users to communicate while on the move. Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) is a candidate solution for next generation mobile Internet. Despite its popularity, MIPv6 still suffers from various limitations, for example, lack of business model and management of enormous and discrete home agents, preventing it from being deployed in large‐scale commercial environments. Recently, the ID/Locator split architecture has demonstrated its significant predominance in next generation mobile networks. With the aim of pushing the global deployment of mobility support over IPv6, this study makes an effort to design and evaluate an operational mobility model over IPv6 (OMIPv6) based on the ID/Locator split architecture to tackle the problems raised by the current form of MIPv6. In particular, a distributed cloud mobility management system is employed to be responsible for maintaining the identification and locations of mobile hosts, and providing the name resolution services to the mobile hosts. Furthermore, this paper develops an analytical model considering all possible costs required for the operation of OMIPv6, and adopts it as a cost‐effective tool to evaluate various costs and operation overheads on the performance of the OMIPv6 protocol. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thickness measurement of moving nonmagnetic metal foil by impedance variation
Authors: Ishida Koichi , Itaya Toshiya , Tanaka Akio , Takehira Nobuo , Miki Toshikatsu 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWhen an AC‐excited coil faces a nonmagnetic moving metal foil, an eddy current is induced in the conductor and the coil impedance is influenced by the speed and thickness. By examining the speed and thickness characteristics, a coil can be used as the thickness sensor. In this paper, we derive rigid theoretical formulas for the magnetic field and coil impedance of a circular coil facing a stationary or moving foil conductor. We also present several characteristics with regard to the coil inductance and resistance based on calculations. The good agreement between the theoretical and measured values demonstrates the validity of the method. We found that the speed has no influence at a thickness in the tens of micrometers, and that the upper limit of the exciting frequency is 1 kHz. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(1): 15–23, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21269
An estimation method for distribution system load with photovoltaic power generation based on ICA
Authors: Yamada Takayoshi , Ishigame Atsushi , Genji Takamu 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA large number of dispersed generators (DGs) are expected to be installed in distribution systems. Therefore, state estimation is an important problem for stable and reliable system operation. However, it is difficult to estimate the total power of DGs connected to a load‐side system from a metering spot on the distribution line because at the metering spot only the sum of the active power from various loads and DGs can be measured. In this paper, we propose an estimation method for unknown DG outputs connected to a distribution system. This method enables to estimate DG outputs by analyzing power flow data measured at one spot, using independent component analysis (ICA). The estimation by ICA needs the same number of observations as estimations. However, the observation spots are extremely limited in existing distribution systems. Thus, we propose an estimation method which makes it possible to estimate DG outputs and load changes from single observations by using known information on the load power and a priori knowledge of insolation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(1): 36–45, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21275
Application of step‐response test for evaluation of uncertainty of standard measuring system for lightning‐impulse high voltage
Authors: Miyazaki Satoru , Goshima Hisashi , Amano Takaaki , Shinkai Hiroyuki , Yashima Masafumi , Wakimoto Takayuki , Ishii Masaru 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn evaluating the uncertainty of the standard measuring system for lightning‐impulse high voltages, which is composed of a standard voltage divider, a digital recorder, and calibrators, step‐response tests of the standard voltage divider may be useful. In this paper, a convolution algorithm is employed to calculate the output impulse voltage waveforms from measured step‐response waveforms. The uncertainties of peak‐value measurement due to the influence of the nominal epoch, uncertainty of the peak‐value measurement due to dispersion of the AC scale factor, and uncertainty of the virtual front‐time measurement due to long‐term stability are evaluated. Furthermore, the error of the virtual front time of the output waveforms is discussed. The front part of the step‐response waveform, t≤ T30%, does not influence the error of the virtual front time. Therefore, for the standard voltage divider, the step‐response parameters, that is, the experimental response time, partial response time, settling time, and overshoot, have almost nothing to do with the error of the virtual front time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(2): 24–32, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21279
EFFICIENCY AND EQUITY: A STATED PREFERENCE APPROACH
Authors: Norman Richard , Hall Jane , Street Deborah , Viney Rosalie 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTOutcome measurement in the economic evaluation of health care considers outcomes independent of to whom they accrue. This article reports on a discrete choice experiment designed to elicit population preferences regarding the allocation of health gain between hypothetical groups of potential patients. A random‐effects probit model is estimated, and a technique for converting these results into equity weights for use in economic evaluation is adopted. On average, the modelling predicts a relatively high social value on health gains accruing to nonsmokers, carers, those with a low income and those with an expected age of death less than 45 years. Respondents tend to favour individuals with similar characteristics to themselves. These results challenge the conventional practice of assuming constant equity weighting. For decision makers, whether a formal equity weighting system represents an improvement on more informal approaches to weighing up equity and efficiency concerns remains uncertain. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.