bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooling combined with hyperoxic CO2 anesthesia is effective in improving the air exposure duration of tilapia
Authors: Guan Wei-Liang , Zhao Mou-Ming , Liu Tian-Tian , Fan Xing , Chen De-Wei
Published: October 2017

Tilapia were subjected to cooling (CO, a stepwise reduction in temperature from 30 °C to 15 °C), anesthesia (AN, anesthetized by hyperoxic carbon dioxide), air exposure (AE, exposed to air) and cold tolerance (CT, in 15 °C water) treatments, and the physiological responses were determined after the treatments. CO followed by AN treatment for tilapia could meet the criteria of an ideal anesthetic. Fish were deeply sedated within 69 s, completely anesthetized within 276 s and recovered within 308 s without any mortality. The stress responses induced by the CO&AN treatment were mild, whereas they were consistently increased in the AE treatment. Furthermore, the AE treatment caused tissue damage. The AE duration was significantly improved by CO&AN treatment, and the survival time of the CO&AE, AN&AE and CO&AN&AE treatments were 313 min, 351 min and 561 min, respectively, in the laboratory experiments, whereas the survival rate of the CO&AN&AE treatment group after 240-min air exposure was 95.2% in the pilot test. It appeared that cooling followed by hyperoxic CO2anesthesia would be suitable for handling tilapia in a short-time air exposure procedure.
Dominant control of agriculture and irrigation on urban heat island in India
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Mishra Vimal , Buzan Jonathan , Kumar Rohini , Shindell Drew , Huber Matthew
Published: October 2017

As is true in many regions, India experiences surface Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect that is well understood, but the causes of the more recently discovered Urban Cool Island (UCI) effect remain poorly constrained. This raises questions about our fundamental understanding of the drivers of rural-urban environmental gradients and hinders development of effective strategies for mitigation and adaptation to projected heat stress increases in rapidly urbanizing India. Here we show that more than 60% of Indian urban areas are observed to experience a day-time UCI. We use satellite observations and the Community Land Model (CLM) to identify the impact of irrigation and prove for the first time that UCI is caused by lack of vegetation and moisture in non-urban areas relative to cities. In contrast, urban areas in extensively irrigated landscapes generally experience the expected positive UHI effect. At night, UHI warming intensifies, occurring across a majority (90%) of India’s urban areas. The magnitude of rural-urban temperature contrasts is largely controlled by agriculture and moisture availability from irrigation, but further analysis of model results indicate an important role for atmospheric aerosols. Thus both land-use decisions and aerosols are important factors governing, modulating, and even reversing the expected urban-rural temperature gradients.
RNAi-mediated treatment of two vertically transmitted rhabdovirus infecting the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis)
Authors: Øvergård Aina-Cathrine , Hamre Lars Are , Kongshaug Heidi , Nilsen Frank
Published: October 2017

Rhabdoviruses are a family of enveloped negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses infecting a variety of hosts. Recently, two vertically transmitted salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) rhabdoviruses (LsRV) have been identified. The prevalence of these viruses was measured along the Norwegian coast and found to be close to 100%, and with the present lack of suitable cell lines to propagate these viruses, it is challenging to obtain material to study their host impact and infection routes. Thus, virus free lice strains were established from virus infected lice carrying one or both LsRVs by treating them with N protein dsRNA twice during development. The viral replication of the N protein was specifically down-regulated following introduction of virus-specific dsRNA, and virus-free lice strains were maintained for several generations. A preliminary study on infection routes suggested that the LsRV-No9 is maternally transmitted, and that the virus transmits from males to females horizontally. The ability to produce virus free strains allows for further studies on transmission modes and how these viruses influences on the L.salmonis interaction with its salmonid host. Moreover, this study provides a general fundament for future studies on how vertically transmitted rhabdoviruses influence the biology of their arthropod hosts.
Prediction of Cross-resistance and Collateral Sensitivity by Gene Expression profiles and Genomic Mutations
Authors: Horinouchi Takaaki , Suzuki Shingo , Kotani Hazuki , Tanabe Kumi , Sakata Natsue , Shimizu Hiroshi , Furusawa Chikara
Published: October 2017

In adaptive evolution, an increase in fitness to an environment is frequently accompanied by changes in fitness to other environmental conditions, called cross-resistance and sensitivity. Although the networks between fitness changes affect the course of evolution substantially, the mechanisms underlying such fitness changes are yet to be fully elucidated. Herein, we performed high-throughput laboratory evolution of Escherichia coli under various stress conditions using an automated culture system, and quantified how the acquisition of resistance to one stressor alters the resistance to other stressors. We demonstrated that resistance changes could be quantitatively predicted based on changes in the transcriptome of the resistant strains. We also identified several genes and gene functions, for which mutations were commonly fixed in the strains resistant to the same stress, which could partially explain the observed cross-resistance and collateral sensitivity. The integration of transcriptome and genome data enabled us to clarify the bacterial stress resistance mechanisms.
Combined immunotherapy with anti-PDL-1/PD-1 and anti-CD4 antibodies cures syngeneic disseminated neuroblastoma
Authors: Rigo Valentina , Emionite Laura , Daga Antonio , Astigiano Simonetta , Corrias Maria Valeria , Quintarelli Concetta , Locatelli Franco , Ferrini Silvano , Croce Michela
Published: October 2017

Anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have shown potent anti-tumor effects in adult cancer patients and clinical studies have recently been started in pediatric cancers, including high-risk/relapsing neuroblastoma (NB). Therefore, we studied the effects of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs in two syngeneic models of disseminated NB generated by the injection of either Neuro2a or NXS2 cells, which express PD-L1. In addition, we tested the combination of these agents with the immune-enhancing cytokine IL-21, the Ecto-NTPDase inhibitor POM-1, an anti-CD25 mAb targeting Treg cells, or an anti-CD4 mAb. We previously showed that CD4-transient depletion removes CD4+CD25+ Treg cells and other CD4+CD25− regulatory subsets. Here we show that mono-therapy with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs had no effect on systemic NB progression in vivo, and also their combination with IL-21, POM-1 or anti-CD25 mAb was ineffective. The combined use of anti-PD-1 with an anti-CD4 mAb mediated a very potent, CD8-dependent, synergistic effect leading to significant elongation of tumor-free survival of mice, complete tumor regression and durable anti-NB immunity. Similar results were obtained by combining the anti-PD-L1 and anti-CD4 mAbs. These findings indicate that both PD-1/PD-L1 and CD4+ T cell-related immune-regulatory mechanisms must be simultaneously blocked to mediate therapeutic effects in these models.
A new low-cost, compact, auto-phoropter for refractive assessment in developing countries
Authors: Amirsolaimani Babak , Peyman Gholam , Schwiegerling Jim , Bablumyan Arkady , Peyghambarian N.
Published: October 2017

Using a phoropter to measure the refractive error is one of the most commonly used methods by ophthalmologists and optometrists. Here, we demonstrate design and fabrication of a portable automatic phoropter with no need for patient’s feedback. The system is based on three tunable-focus fluidic lenses and thin-film holographic optical elements to perform automatic refractive error measurement and provide a diagnostic prescription without supervision. Three separate lenses are deployed to correct the defocus and astigmatism. The refractive error is measured using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor that calculates the Zernike values of an infrared wavefront emerging from the eye. Holographic optical elements steer the emerging wavefront into the wavefront sensor, while simultaneously providing an unobstructed view for the subject. The power of each lens is controlled by pumping a liquid in and out of the lens chamber using servo motor actuated diaphragm pumps. Spherical and cylindrical correction range of −10 to +10 diopters with 0.1 diopter increments is achieved in less than 15 seconds using wavefront sensor feedback to the pumps. This system can be used in rapid screening of large patient populations especially in the developing countries that lack sufficient facilities and specialist doctors.
Impaired BKCa channel function in native vascular smooth muscle from humans with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nieves-Cintrón Madeline , Syed Arsalan U. , Buonarati Olivia R. , Rigor Robert R. , Nystoriak Matthew A. , Ghosh Debapriya , Sasse Kent C. , Ward Sean M. , Santana Luis F. , Hell Johannes W. , Navedo Manuel F.
Published: October 2017

Large-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (BKCa) channels are key determinants of vascular smooth muscle excitability. Impaired BKCa channel function through remodeling of BKCa β1 expression and function contributes to vascular complications in animal models of diabetes. Yet, whether similar alterations occur in native vascular smooth muscle from humans with type 2 diabetes is unclear. In this study, we evaluated BKCa function in vascular smooth muscle from small resistance adipose arteries of non-diabetic and clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. We found that BKCa channel activity opposes pressure-induced constriction in human small resistance adipose arteries, and this is compromised in arteries from diabetic patients. Consistent with impairment of BKCa channel function, the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous BKCa currents, but not Ca2+ sparks were lower in cells from diabetic patients. BKCa channels in diabetic cells exhibited reduced Ca2+ sensitivity, single-channel open probability and tamoxifen sensitivity. These effects were associated with decreased functional coupling between BKCa α and β1 subunits, but no change in total protein abundance. Overall, results suggest impairment in BKCa channel function in vascular smooth muscle from diabetic patients through unique mechanisms, which may contribute to vascular complications in humans with type 2 diabetes.
Aerobic oxidative α-arylation of furans with boronic acids via Pd(ii)-catalyzed C–C bond cleavage of primary furfuryl alcohols: sustainable access to arylfurans
Authors: Huang Guanghao , Lu Lin , Jiang Huanfeng , Yin Biaolin
Published: October 2017

Aerobic oxidative α-arylation of furans with boronic acids via Pd(ii)-catalyzed C–C bond cleavage of primary furfuryl alcohol provides sustainable access to arylfurans.
An organoboron compound with a wide absorption spectrum for solar cell applications
Authors: Liu Fangbin , Ding Zicheng , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: October 2017

An organoboron compound shows two strong light absorption bands and achieves a power conversion efficiency of 7.06% as molecular acceptor.
Optically active histidin-2-ylidene stabilised gold nanoparticles
Authors: Young Adam J. , Serpell Christopher J. , Chin Jia Min , Reithofer Michael R.
Published: October 2017

The synthesis of histidine-derived NHC-stabilised chiroptical gold nanoparticles.
Alkyl groups as electron density donors in π-hole bonding
Authors: Echeverría Jorge
Published: October 2017

A combined structural and computational analysis has demonstrated that alkyl groups can act as Lewis bases in π-hole bonding.
In situsynchrotron X-ray diffraction study of coherently embedded silver nanostructure growth in silicon
Authors: Guha Puspendu , Juluri Raghavendra Rao , Bhukta Anjan , Ghosh Arnab , Maiti Santanu , Bhattacharyya Arpan , Srihari Velaga , Satyam Parlapalli V.
Published: October 2017

We report on thein situgrowth of coherently embedded Ag nanostructures using real time temperature dependent synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements.
Successive energy transfer within multiple photosensitizers assembled in a hexameric hemoprotein scaffold
Authors: Mashima Tsuyoshi , Oohora Koji , Hayashi Takashi
Published: October 2017

A hexameric hemoprotein scaffold supports photo-excited energy transfer from fluorescein molecules via zinc porphyrins to a single Texas Red molecule.
The significance of the amorphous potential energy landscape for dictating glassy dynamics and driving solid-state crystallisation
Authors: Ruggiero Michael T. , Krynski Marcin , Kissi Eric Ofosu , Sibik Juraj , Markl Daniel , Tan Nicholas Y. , Arslanov Denis , van der Zande Wim , Redlich Britta , Korter Timothy M. , Grohganz Holger , Löbmann Korbinian , Rades Thomas , Elliott Stephen R. , Zeitler J. Axel
Published: October 2017

We show clear evidence for a theory proposing that the shape and structure of the PES is the fundamental factor underlying the dynamics at temperatures below the glass transition.
Impacts of copper oxide nanoparticles on bell pepper (Capsicum annumL.) plants: a full life cycle study
Authors: Rawat Swati , Pullagurala Venkata L. R. , Hernandez-Molina Mariana , Sun Youping , Niu Genhua , Hernandez-Viezcas Jose A. , Peralta-Videa Jose R. , Gardea-Torresdey Jorge L.
Published: October 2017

CuO nanoparticles or compounds affect physiological parameters in bell pepper plants.
Polystyrene-supported bifunctional resorcinarenes as cheap, metal-free and recyclable catalysts for epoxide/CO2 coupling reactions
Authors: Jose T. , Cañellas S. , Pericàs M. A. , Kleij A. W.
Published: October 2017

A bifunctional and recyclable organocatalyst shows excellent performance in the formation of cyclic carbonates from both terminal and internal epoxides.
Integrated microHall magnetometer to measure the magnetic properties of nanoparticles
Authors: Min Changwook , Park Jongmin , Mun Jae Kyoung , Lim Yongjun , Min Jouha , Lim Jong-Won , Kang Dong-Min , Ahn Ho-Kyun , Shin Tae-Hyun , Cheon Jinwoo , Lee Hae-Seung , Weissleder Ralph , Castro Cesar M. , Lee Hakho
Published: October 2017

We developed an integrated Hall magnetometer to measure magnetic properties in small sample volumes.
N-Heterocyclic borneol derivatives as inhibitors of Marburg virus glycoprotein-mediated VSIV pseudotype entry
Authors: Kononova A. A. , Sokolova A. S. , Cheresiz S. V. , Yarovaya O. I. , Nikitina R. A. , Chepurnov A. A. , Pokrovsky A. G. , Salakhutdinov N. F.
Published: October 2017

Screening of a library of natural derivatives for their virus entry inhibition activity using pseudotype systems shows bornyl ester derivatives containing saturated N-heterocycles exhibiting the highest antiviral activity.
In situ determination of dissolution kinetics of d-limonene in supercritical carbon dioxide by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Buzolin C. N. , Espina Palanco M. , Wendt O. F. , Rodriguez-Meizoso I.
Published: October 2017

Dissolution kinetics is shown to be dependent on density of the medium and thus significant to consider when optimizing supercritical processes.
DFT insights into the electronic properties and adsorption of NO2 on metal-doped carbon nanotubes for gas sensing applications
Authors: Sharafeldin Icell M. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: October 2017

Theoretical and computational chemistry contributes to the future chemistry for building gas sensors.
Thymine based copolymers: feasible sensors for the detection of persistent organic pollutants in water
Authors: Ledesma J. , Pisano P. L. , Martino D. M. , Boschetti C. E. , Bortolato S. A.
Published: October 2017

A multidisciplinary approach for understanding properties of thymine-based copolymer sensors.
An innovative, fast and facile soft-template approach for the fabrication of porous PDMS for oil–water separation
Authors: Turco A. , Primiceri E. , Frigione M. , Maruccio G. , Malitesta C.
Published: October 2017

A faster, low-cost and facile soft-template approach to fabricate porous polydimethylsiloxane sponges is proposed. The sponges exhibited selective oil uptake capacity, excellent mechanical properties, and high reusability, all features that make them useful systems for plugging oil leakage.
A three-dimensional sponge of graphene nanoribbons crosslinked by Fe3O4 nanoparticles for Li+ storage
Authors: Zhao Xiyu , Li Xinlu , Zhang Shilei , Long Junjun , Huang Yanchun , Wang Ronghua , Sha Junwei
Published: October 2017

A three-dimensional sponge of graphene nanoribbons crosslinked by Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs), which is denoted as 3D Fe3O4@GNRs, is synthesized using a simple reflux procedure.
Recombinant human islet amyloid polypeptide forms shorter fibrils and mediates β-cell apoptosis via generation of oxidative stress
Authors: Dubey Richa , Minj Pooja , Malik Nikita , Sardesai Devika M. , Kulkarni Shruti H. , Acharya Jhankar D. , Bhavesh Neel Sarovar , Sharma Shilpy , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: October 2017

Protein misfolding and aggregation play an important role in many human diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) forms amyloid plaques in the pancreas of T2DM subjects (>95%) that are involved in deteriorating islet function and in mediating β-cell apoptosis. However, the detailed mechanism of action, structure and nature of toxic hIAPP species responsible for this effect remains elusive to date mainly due to the high cost associated with the chemical synthesis of pure peptide required for these studies. In the present work, we attempted to obtain structural and mechanistic insights into the hIAPP aggregation process using recombinant hIAPP (rhIAPP) isolated from Escherichia coli. Results from biophysical and structural studies indicate that the rhIAPP self-assembled into highly pure, β-sheet-rich amyloid fibrils with uniform morphology. rhIAPP-mediated apoptosis in INS-1E cells was associated with increased oxidative stress and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. The transcript levels of apoptotic genes - Caspase-3 and Bax were found to be up-regulated, while the levels of the anti-apoptotic gene - Bcl2 were down-regulated in rhIAPP-treated cells. Additionally, the expression levels of genes involved in combating oxidative stress namely Catalase, SOD1 and GPx were down-regulated. rhIAPP exposure also affected glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated pancreatic islets. The aggregation of rhIAPP also occurred significantly faster when compared with that of the chemically synthesized peptide. We also show that the rhIAPP fibrils were shorter and more cytotoxic. In summary, our study is one among the few to provide comprehensive evaluation of structural, biophysical and cytotoxic properties of rhIAPP.
Kinetochore–microtubule interactions in chromosome segregation: lessons from yeast and mammalian cells
Authors: Thomas Geethu Emily , Renjith Marira R. , Manna Tapas K.
Published: October 2017

Chromosome congression and segregation require robust yet dynamic attachment of the kinetochore with the spindle microtubules. Force generated at the kinetochore–microtubule interface plays a vital role to drive the attachment, as it is required to move chromosomes and to provide signal to sense correct attachments. To understand the mechanisms underlying these processes, it is critical to describe how the force is generated and how the molecules at the kinetochore–microtubule interface are organized and assembled to withstand the force and respond to it. Research in the past few years or so has revealed interesting insights into the structural organization and architecture of kinetochore proteins that couple kinetochore attachment to the spindle microtubules. Interestingly, despite diversities in the molecular players and their modes of action, there appears to be architectural similarity of the kinetochore-coupling machines in lower to higher eukaryotes. The present review focuses on the most recent advances in understanding of the molecular and structural aspects of kinetochore–microtubule interaction based on the studies in yeast and vertebrate cells.
Long non-coding RNA PVT1 indicates a poor prognosis of glioma and promotes cell proliferation and invasion via target EZH2
Authors: Yang Anqiang , Wang Handong , Yang Xiaobing
Published: October 2017

Human glioma is one of the malignant tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Its prognosis is poor, which is due to its genetic heterogeneity and our poor understanding of its underlying molecular mechanisms. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), and their effects on the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells. The expression levels of PVT1 and EZH2 in human glioma tissues and cell lines were measured using quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Then, after siRNA-PVT1 and entire PVT1 sequence vector transfection, we determined the regulation roles of PVT1 in the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. We found that the expression levels of both PVT1 and EZH2 were up-regulated in human glioma tissues and cell lines, and positively correlated with glioma malignancy. And, silencing of PVT1 expression resulted in decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased migration and invasion. In addition, exogenous PVT1 led to increased EZH2 expression and increased proliferation and induced proliferation and invasion. These data inferred that long non-coding RNA PVT1 could be served as an indicator of glioma prognosis, and PVT1–EZH2 regulatory pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for treating glioma.
A “Goldilocks” Approach to Hearing-Aid Self-Fitting: User Interactions
Authors: Boothroyd Arthur , Mackersie Carol
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate user reactions to custom software designed for self-adjustment of amplification.

Method

“Goldilocks” software was developed to allow user exploration and selection of preferred levels of overall output, low-frequency cut, and high-frequency boost while listening to preprocessed speech. Thirteen hearing-aid users and 13 nonusers self-adjusted before and after taking a speech perception test incorporated into the software.

Results

All 26 participants were able to complete the 2 adjustments and the intervening test in an average of 6.5 min—20 of them from on-screen instructions without experimenter help. Relative to a generic starting condition, the average participant opted to increase overall output, reduce low-frequency cut, and increase high-frequency boost. The first and second self-selected values were highly correlated, but there was evidence of further increases of overall volume and high-frequency boost after speech perception testing with the initial adjustment. There was no evidence that prior hearing-aid experience affected the ability to understand or complete the self-fitting process.

Conclusions

This approach to hearing-aid self-fitting can be a speedy, reliable, and feasible alternative to, or supplement to, conventional fitting procedures, but many questions remain to be answered.
Ecological Momentary Assessment: Feasibility, Construct Validity, and Future Applications
Authors: Timmer Barbra H. B. , Hickson Louise , Launer Stefan
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This research assessed the feasibility and construct validity of ecological momentary assessment in capturing the hearing experiences of adults with mild hearing impairment in natural environments.

Method

Twenty-nine adults between the ages of 55 and 79 years (
M
= 69 years) answered multiple surveys on a smartphone app over a 2-week trial. Participants also wore 1 environmental classifier and a streamer allowing bidirectional communication between smartphone and classifier. Surveys were triggered based on defined criteria, or by the participants. A paper-based self-report questionnaire was administered before and after the trial.

Results

Feasibility was indicated by high compliance rates, with a total of 1,128 surveys completed. Of these, 72% were completed during a listening event, 26% within 1 hr, and only 2% of the surveys more than 1 hr after the listening event. The mean survey completion time was 1 min 40 s. Mean pre- and post-trial self-report scores were not significantly different, indicating no reactivity. Construct validity was indicated by the close agreement between subjective ratings of listening situations and objective data from the hearing aid classifier.

Conclusions

Ecological momentary assessment is a feasible and valid research methodology for older adults with mild hearing impairment. The methodology has potential as a clinical counseling and outcome tool.
Findings From EuroTrak Surveys From 2009 to 2015: Hearing Loss Prevalence, Hearing Aid Adoption, and Benefits of Hearing Aid Use
Authors: Bisgaard Nikolai , Ruf Stefan
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze data from the EuroTrak surveys performed from 2009 to 2015 in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to identify factors that could account for the growth in hearing aid sales over that period.

Method

Data of 132,028 people—approximately 15,000 for each of the 3 countries at 3-year intervals—were collected using a questionnaire. The sample in each country was weighted using the respective country age–gender populations to get balanced results. Furthermore, 11,867 persons with self-reported hearing impairment filled in a comprehensive questionnaire on hearing status and related matters; 4,631 were hearing aid owners. Data were pooled over the 3 countries for each of the years 2009, 2012, and 2015 and analyzed for developments over the 6-year period. In certain cases, data were pooled across countries and years. The analysis focused on hearing loss prevalence, hearing aid adoption rates, satisfaction with hearing aids, and benefits of hearing aid use.

Results

Hearing loss prevalence was stable over the period around 10%—slightly higher for men than for women. Hearing aid adoption overall increased from 33% to 37%, and bilateral use increased from 55% to 69%. Intervals between hearing aid renewals decreased. These factors contribute to increased hearing aid sales. Bilateral users are more satisfied with the hearing aid product features (76%) and performance (72%) and use their hearing aids 9.1 hr per day, compared with unilateral users where the corresponding numbers are 71%, 67%, and 7.8 hr, respectively. Satisfaction with hearing aid product features and performance in general is slightly increasing; hearing aid users are 14.5% less exhausted at the end of the day compared with nonusers with similar hearing loss and exhibit less depressive and forgetfulness symptoms.

Conclusions

The prevalence of self-reported hearing loss is 10.6% and stable, and hearing aid adoption has increased, particularly of bilateral fittings that are more satisfactory and exhibit higher daily use patterns. Higher uptake of hearing aids contributes to growing hearing aid sales.
Relation Between Listening Effort and Speech Intelligibility in Noise
Authors: Krueger Melanie , Schulte Michael , Zokoll Melanie A. , Wagener Kirsten C. , Meis Markus , Brand Thomas , Holube Inga
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Subjective ratings of listening effort might be applicable to estimate hearing difficulties at positive signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) at which speech intelligibility scores are near 100%. Hence, ratings of listening effort were compared with speech intelligibility scores at different SNRs, and the benefit of hearing aids was evaluated.

Method

Two groups of listeners, 1 with normal hearing and 1 with hearing impairment, performed adaptive speech intelligibility and adaptive listening effort tests (Adaptive Categorical Listening Effort Scaling; Krueger, Schulte, Brand, & Holube, 2017) with sentences of the Oldenburg Sentence Test (Wagener, Brand, & Kollmeier, 1999a, 1999b; Wagener, Kühnel, & Kollmeier, 1999) in 4 different maskers. Model functions were fitted to the data to estimate the speech reception threshold and listening effort ratings forextreme effortandno effort.

Results

Listeners with hearing impairment showed higher rated listening effort compared with listeners with normal hearing. For listeners with hearing impairment, the ratingextreme effort,which corresponds to negative SNRs, was more correlated to the speech reception threshold than the ratingno effort,which corresponds to positive SNRs. A benefit of hearing aids on speech intelligibility was only verifiable at negative SNRs, whereas the effect on listening effort showed high individual differences mainly at positive SNRs.

Conclusion

The adaptive procedure for rating subjective listening effort yields information beyond using speech intelligibility to estimate hearing difficulties and to evaluate hearing aids.
Field Monitoring of Otoacoustic Emissions During Noise Exposure: Pilot Study in Controlled Environment
Authors: Nadon Vincent , Bockstael Annelies , Botteldooren Dick , Voix Jérémie
Published: October 2017

Purpose

In spite of all the efforts to implement workplace hearing conservation programs, noise-induced hearing loss remains the leading cause of disability for North American workers. Nonetheless, an individual's susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss can be estimated by monitoring changes in hearing status in relation to the level of ambient noise exposure.

The purpose of this study was to validate an approach that could improve workplace hearing conservation practices. The approach was developed using a portable and robust system designed for noisy environments and consisted of taking continuous measurements with high temporal resolution of the health status of the inner ear using otoacoustic emissions (OAEs).

Method

A pilot study was conducted in a laboratory, exposing human subjects to industrial noise recordings at realistic levels. In parallel, OAEs were measured periodically using the designed OAE system as well as with a commercially available OAE system, used as a reference.

Results

Variations in OAE levels were analyzed and discussed along with the limitations of the reference and designed systems.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the monitoring of an individual's OAEs could be useful in monitoring temporary changes in hearing status induced by exposure to ambient noise and could be considered as a new tool for effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace.
Introduction: Hearing Across the Lifespan (HEAL) 2016
Authors: Kramer Sophia E. , Tognola Gabriella , Humes Larry E.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This introduction overviews this special issue on the Hearing Across the Lifespan (HEAL) conference, which was held in Cernobbio, Italy, June 2–4, 2016.
Enhancing Auditory Selective Attention Using a Visually Guided Hearing Aid
Authors: Kidd Gerald
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Listeners with hearing loss, as well as many listeners with clinically normal hearing, often experience great difficulty segregating talkers in a multiple-talker sound field and selectively attending to the desired “target” talker while ignoring the speech from unwanted “masker” talkers and other sources of sound. This listening situation forms the classic “cocktail party problem” described by Cherry (1953) that has received a great deal of study over the past few decades. In this article, a new approach to improving sound source segregation and enhancing auditory selective attention is described. The conceptual design, current implementation, and results obtained to date are reviewed and discussed in this article.

Method

This approach, embodied in a prototype “visually guided hearing aid” (VGHA) currently used for research, employs acoustic beamforming steered by eye gaze as a means for improving the ability of listeners to segregate and attend to one sound source in the presence of competing sound sources.

Results

The results from several studies demonstrate that listeners with normal hearing are able to use an attention-based “spatial filter” operating primarily on binaural cues to selectively attend to one source among competing spatially distributed sources. Furthermore, listeners with sensorineural hearing loss generally are less able to use this spatial filter as effectively as are listeners with normal hearing especially in conditions high in “informational masking.” The VGHA enhances auditory spatial attention for speech-on-speech masking and improves signal-to-noise ratio for conditions high in “energetic masking.” Visual steering of the beamformer supports the coordinated actions of vision and audition in selective attention and facilitates following sound source transitions in complex listening situations.

Conclusions

Both listeners with normal hearing and with sensorineural hearing loss may benefit from the acoustic beamforming implemented by the VGHA, especially for nearby sources in less reverberant sound fields. Moreover, guiding the beam using eye gaze can be an effective means of sound source enhancement for listening conditions where the target source changes frequently over time as often occurs during turn-taking in a conversation.

Presentation Video

http://cred.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=2601621
Introduction to the Research Symposium Forum
Authors: Helfer Karen S.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this introduction is to provide an overview of the articles contained within this research forum of
JSLHR
. Each of these articles is based upon presentations from the 2016 ASHA Research Symposium.
University Practicum for Transgender Voice Modification: A Motor Learning Perspective
Authors: Stewart Celia Faye , Kling Irene Frances
Published: October 2017

The student clinician who wishes to develop the clinical skill to work in the area of transgender voice modification requires a strong theoretical framework and a supportive relationship with the supervisor. Given the stresses that the trans individual and the novice clinician must cope with during the client's transition, a perspective that explains the cognitive demands and variation in motor behavior is of paramount importance. Motor learning theory emphasizes not only the necessity for repetition and practice during the acquisition of a new motor skill, but rationalizes the temporary instability as one modifies, stabilizes, and consolidates the sought-after vocal identity.
Inclusion of Transgender Voice and Communication Training in a University Clinic
Authors: Oates Jennifer , Dacakis Georgia
Published: October 2017

Because of the increasing number of transgender people requesting speech-language pathology services, because having gender-incongruent voice and communication has major negative impacts on an individual's social participation and well-being, and because voice and communication training is supported by an improving evidence-base, it is becoming more common for universities to include transgender-specific theoretical and clinical components in their speech-language pathology programs. This paper describes the theoretical and clinical education provided to speech-language pathology students at La Trobe University in Australia, with a particular focus on the voice and communication training program offered by the La Trobe Communication Clinic. Further research is required to determine the outcomes of the clinic's training program in terms of student confidence and competence as well as the effectiveness of training for transgender clients.
Connecting Clinic and Classroom to Enhance Group Transgender Voice and Communication Training in a College Environment
Authors: Kayajian Dan , Pickering Jack
Published: October 2017

This paper describes the transgender voice and communication program at The College of Saint Rose. Connections between the clinical program and academic coursework have been an important part of the program's effectiveness and have provided valuable experiences for students, even those not directly involved in the clinical practicum. Among the benefits of the clinic-classroom connection, evidence suggests that cultural competence can be enhanced through experiences that facilitate meaningful interactions between CSD students and people who are transgender.
Results From a Stuttering Clinic for School-Age Children Who Stutter: A Pilot Study Using a Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Hughes Charles D. , Mahanna-Boden Sue
Published: October 2017

This study examined the effectiveness of using a comprehensive approach to stuttering with school-age children who stutter (CWS) during an intensive 5-day clinic. Procedures and outcomes from a 5-day intensive stuttering clinic are reported from 5 school-age CWS. Initial and final data from the Stuttering Severity Instrument-4th edition (SSI-4) and the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experiences of Stuttering (OASES) were compared. Individual comparisons showed that 4 out of the 5 clients demonstrated a decrease from initial to final total scores on the SSI-4 and OASES. These findings represent pilot data that can help inform future research studies related to examining the effectiveness of a comprehensive approach to stuttering. Results provide support that this comprehensive approach was beneficial in reducing aspects of stuttering severity and the negative life impact of stuttering for these participants.
Der zerebrale Notfall – wichtige anästhesiologische Aspekte
Authors: Schott Martin , Stein Klaus-Peter , Bauer Martin
Published: October 2017

Der zerebrale Notfall ist eine häufige Notfallsituation – und das Gehirn unterscheidet sich durch seine Unersetzbarkeit und minimale Ischämietoleranz von allen anderen Organen. Dieser Beitrag verwendet bewusst den Begriff des zerebralen Notfalls und will sich so von einzelnen Erkrankungsbildern lösen. Der Fokus liegt auf der anästhesiologischen Praxis, aber auch auf dem „Notfall in uns“, den jeder Notfall für das Behandlungsteam bedeuten kann.
Polytraumamanagement – Behandlung des Schwerverletzten in Schockraum und OP
Authors: von Rüden Christian , Bühren Volker , Perl Mario
Published: October 2017

Die qualitativ hochwertige Therapie schwerverletzter Patienten ist anspruchsvoll und nur dann erfolgversprechend, wenn sie am Unfallort beginnt und in der Primär-, Postprimär- und Intensivbehandlung bis zur frühzeitig beginnenden multimodalen Rehabilitation interdisziplinär und interprofessionell durchgeführt wird, um die zum Teil lebensbedrohlichen Verletzungen behandeln zu können.
Aufwärmen in der Physiotherapie – Vorbereitung in 4 Stufen
Authors: Schwarz Jesper , Engler Marco
Published: October 2017

Sportler wissen, dass sie mit gezieltem Aufwärmen bessere Leistungen erbringen können. Auch Physiotherapeuten profi tieren von diesem Knowhow, denn das strukturierte Prinzip des Aufwärmens ist auf die Behandlung übertragbar.
Box and Block Test – Das grobe Geschick
Authors: Lehmann Isabelle
Published: October 2017

Um die Grobgeschicklichkeit der Arme zu messen eignet sich der Box and Block Test. Er ist zuverlässig, gut erforscht und enthält umfangreiche Normwerte für Kinder, Jugendliche und Erwachsene. Außerdem kann man ihn leicht selbst herstellen.
Maximal Fat Oxidation is Related to Performance in an Ironman Triathlon
Authors: Frandsen Jacob , Vest Stine , Larsen Steen , Dela Flemming , Helge Jørn
Published: October 2017

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between maximal fat oxidation rate (MFO) measured during a progressive exercise test on a cycle ergometer and ultra-endurance performance. 61 male ironman athletes (age: 35±1 yrs. [23–47 yrs.], with a BMI of 23.6±0.3 kg/m2 [20.0–30.1 kg/m2], a body fat percentage of 16.7±0.7% [8.4–30.7%] and a VO2peak of 58.7±0.7 ml/min/kg [43.9–72.5 ml/min/kg] SEM [Range]) were tested in the laboratory between 25 and 4 days prior to the ultra-endurance event, 2016 Ironman Copenhagen. Simple bivariate analyses revealed significant negative correlations between race time and MFO (r2=0.12, p<0.005) and VO2peak (r2=0.45, p<0.0001) and a positive correlation between race time and body fat percentage (r2=0.27, p<0.0001). MFO and VO2peak were not correlated. When the significant variables from the bivariate regression analyses were entered into the multiple regression models, VO2peak and MFO together explained 50% of the variation observed in race time among the 61 Ironman athletes (adj R2=0.50, p<0.001). These results suggests that maximal fat oxidation rate exert an independent influence on ultra-endurance performance (>9 h). Furthermore, we demonstrate that 50% of the variation in Ironman triathlon race time can be explained by peak oxygen uptake and maximal fat oxidation.
Lower Limb Force, Velocity, Power Capabilities during Leg Press and Squat Movements
Authors: Padulo Johnny , Migliaccio Gian , Ardigò Luca , Leban Bruno , Cosso Marco , Samozino Pierre
Published: October 2017

The aim was to compare lower-limb power, force, and velocity capabilities between squat and leg press movements. Ten healthy sportsmen performed ballistic lower-limb push-offs against 5-to-12 different loads during both the squat and leg press. Individual linear force-velocity and polynomial power-velocity relationships were determined for both movements from push-off mean force and velocity measured continuously with a pressure sensor and linear encoder. Maximal power output, theoretical maximal force and velocity, force-velocity profile and optimal velocity were computed. During the squat, maximal power output (17.7±3.59 vs. 10.9±1.39 W·kg−1), theoretical maximal velocity (1.66±0.29 vs. 0.88±0.18 m·s−1), optimal velocity (0.839±0.144 vs. 0.465±0.107 m·s−1), and force-velocity profile (−27.2±8.5 vs. −64.3±29.5 N·s·m−1·kg−1) values were significantly higher than during the leg press (p=0.000, effect size=1.72–3.23), whereas theoretical maximal force values (43.1±8.6 vs. 51.9±14.0 N·kg−1, p=0.034, effect size=0.75) were significantly lower. The mechanical capabilities of the lower-limb extensors were different in the squat compared with the leg press with higher maximal power due to much higher velocity capabilities (e.g. ability to produce force at high velocities) even if moderately lower maximal force qualities.
Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Offspring of Hypertensive Parents During Exercise
Authors: Almeida Leonardo , Peçanha Tiago , Mira Pedro , Souza Livia , da Silva Lílian , Martinez Daniel , Freitas Isabelle , Laterza Mateus
Published: October 2017

Offspring of hypertensive parents present autonomic dysfunction at rest and during physiological maneuvers. However, the cardiac autonomic modulation during exercise remains unknown. This study tested whether the cardiac autonomic modulation would be reduced in offspring of hypertensive parents during exercise. Fourteen offspring of hypertensive and 14 offspring of normotensive individuals were evaluated. The groups were matched by age (24.5±1.0 vs. 26.6±1.5 years; p=0.25) and BMI (22.8±0.6 vs. 24.2±1.0 kg/m2; p=0.30). Blood pressure and heart rate were assessed simultaneously during 3 min at baseline followed by 3-min isometric handgrip at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction. Cardiac autonomic modulation was evaluated using heart rate variability. Primary variables were subjected to two-way ANOVA (group vs. time). P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Blood pressure and heart rate were similar between groups during exercise protocol. In contrast, offspring of hypertensive subjects showed a reduction of SDNN (Basal=34.8±3.5 vs. 45.2±3.7 ms; Exercise=30.8±3.3 vs. 41.5±3.9 ms; p group=0.01), RMSSD (Basal=37.1±3.7 vs. 52.0±6.0 ms; Exercise=28.6±3.4 vs. 41.9±5.3 ms; p group=0.02) and pNN50 (Basal=15.7±4.0 vs. 29.5±5.5%; Exercise=7.7±2.4 vs. 18.0±4.3%; p group=0.03) during the exercise protocol in comparison with offspring of normotensive parents. We concluded that normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents exhibit impaired cardiac autonomic modulation during exercise.
Medizinischer Einsatz von Cannabis bei Tumorerkrankungen
Authors: Bagar Tanja , Perdija Željko
Published: October 2017

Endocannabinoide und Phytocannabinoide spielen eine wichtige Rolle beim Tumorwachstum und der Tumorprogression. Auch wenn es aufgrund der
Komplexität der beteiligten Signalpfade noch viel zu entdecken gibt, besteht kein Zweifel, dass Endo- und Phytocannabinoide bei der
Zellproliferation, beim Zellzyklus und der Apoptose eine entscheidende Rolle spielen.

Die klinischen Erfahrungen zum Einsatz von Cannabinoiden bei Tumorpatienten zeigen vielversprechende Ergebnisse, z. B. Verringerung von
Komplikationen, Verbesserung der Lebensqualität, geringere Tumorprogression. Allerdings ist der Einsatz von Cannabis in der Onkologie von
falschen Vorstellungen und oft unrealistischen Erwartungen seitens der Patienten geprägt.

Die Autoren geben eine Übersicht zu den bisherigen Forschungsergebnissen und einen Ausblick auf die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in der
Praxis.
Interface inductive currents and carrier injection in hybrid perovskite single crystals
Authors: Kovalenko Alexander , Pospisil Jan , Krajcovic Jozef , Weiter Martin , Guerrero Antonio , Garcia-Belmonte Germà
Published: October 2017

Interfaces between the absorbing perovskite and transporting layers are gaining attention as the key locus that governs solar cell operation and long term performance. The interplay of ionic and electronic processes, along with the asymmetrical architecture of any solar cell, makes the interpretation of electrical measurements always inconclusive. A strategy to progress in relating electric responses, operating mechanisms, and device architecture relies upon simplifying the probing structure. Macroscopic CH3NH3PbBr3 single crystals with symmetrical contacts are tested by means of long-time current transient and impedance spectroscopy. It is observed that interfaces govern carrier injection to (and extraction from) perovskite layers through an inductive (negative capacitance) mechanism with a response time in the range of ∼1–100 s under dark conditions and inert atmosphere. Current transient exhibits a slow recovering after the occurrence of an undershoot, signaling a complex carrier dynamics which involves changes in surface state occupancy.
Residual stress evaluation by Barkhausen signals with a magnetic field sensor for high efficiency electrical motors
Authors: Tsuchida Yuji , Enokizono Masato
Published: October 2017

The iron loss of industrial motors increases by residual stress during manufacturing processes. It is very important to make clear the distribution of the residual stress in the motor cores to reduce the iron loss in the motors. Barkhausen signals which occur on electrical steel sheets can be used for the evaluation of the residual stress because they are very sensitive to the material properties. Generally, a B-sensor is used to measure Barkhausen signals, however, we developed a new H-sensor to measure them and applied it into the stress evaluation. It is supposed that the Barkhausen signals by using a H-sensor can be much effective to the residual stress on the electrical steel sheets by referring our results regarding to the stress evaluations. We evaluated the tensile stress of the electrical steel sheets by measuring Barkhausen signals by using our developed H-sensor for high efficiency electrical motors.