bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time magnetic resonance imaging for the study of speech production
Authors: Soquet Alain , Demolin Didier , Branderud Peter , Linblom Bjorn , Metens Thierry
Published: October 2013

We have shown [D. Demolin et al., C. R. Biol. 325, 111 (2002)] that it is possible to record in real-time the MR images and the speech signal. This technique opens new perspectives for the study of speech production. For acquisition of the speech signal, we have used an optical microphone. The principle of the optical microphone is as follows. A first optical fibre carries an incident light produced by a light source. The light is then reflected by a diaphragm and transmitted through a second optical fibre to a photodetector. When the diaphragm moves according to the ambient sound, it modulates the amount of light reaching the photodetector. This kind of microphone has two major advantages. First, it does not contain any metallic part; it can therefore be placed close to the lips without any danger or artefact. Second, the signal is carried with optical fibres; this allows the electronic and the recording device to be placed outside the acquisition room. Real-time MRI technique allows to explore movement of articulators involved during normal speech, while dynamic MRI relies on numerous repetition of the same sequence to reconstruct the impression of movements in time.
(Spectral) pattern recognition as a versatile tool towards automatic landmine detection: A new European approach
Authors: Klein Volker , Lutzmann Peter , Mechnig Thomas
Published: October 2013

A mobile acousto-optical sensor (Laser Vibrometer) is being used for the detection and discrimination of buried landmines. Analysis of measurement data, obtained in a number of field tests, reveals that buried mines (anti-tank mines as well as anti personnel mines) can reliably be discriminated from nonlethal clutter objects, such as stones, wood, cans, etc. due to their individual shapes and spectral properties. Increasing operational demands on these acoustic soundings (speed, reliability, and spatial/spectral resolution) implies the introduction of new procedures and strategies to identify and suppress misleading features as well as improved correlation of useful data. These procedures will include improved techniques for real time: (a) processing of the spectrally resolved image of the soil surface as well as (b) spectral analysis of the on-target soil vibrations. Image processing is comprising background linearization and suppression, shape recognition and gradient detection. Spectral analysis is including the use of look-up tables for cross-correlation and identification of characteristic features. This paper is presenting an introduction to the detection technique, sounding strategies as well as subsequent spectral data evaluation toward automated target recognition.
Hydroacoustic station network for monitoring the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
Authors: Lawrence Martin W. , Galindo Arranz Marta , Grenard Patrick , Newton John
Published: October 2013

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) provides for monitoring of the whole globe by a network of stations, using various technologies, in order to verify the absence of nuclear explosion tests. The hydroacoustic component of this network, which monitors the major world oceans, is currently under construction. When complete it will consist of 11 stations located with an emphasis on the vast ocean areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Presently, three stations have been completed and work is underway on all of the remaining stations. The stations transmit real-time continuous data to the CTBT Organization headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The hydroacoustic network uses two different types of stations. One type is based on hydrophones floated from the sea floor to the SOFAR axis depth, arranged horizontally in a triplet configuration. The other type is based on the use of seismometers located on small islands to detect hydroacoustic signals after conversion to seismic signals at the flanks of the island. During the time since completing the first stations, many interesting acoustical phenomena have been observed in the data.
Generic file format
Authors: Felgate Nick
Published: October 2013

The Generic File Format (GFF) is a file format developed within the UK ASW community for the interchange and storage of underwater sonar data. Originally developed for the interchange of time-series data between analysis systems, it has been extended to provide for storage of processed acoustic data (e.g., power and DEMON spectrum, lofargram grey-scale), nonacoustic data (e.g., own-ship dynamics, sensor configuration) and event data (e.g., tracker output, sonar intercepts). The format employs the chunk concept, as used in the WAV and AIFF file formats, to provide extendability (including local variants) while providing a measure of backward compatability. However, the basic concept has been adapted to allow for the mixing in the one file of multiple channels of different sample-rates and data-types through the inclusion of a data frame concept and multiple data blocks. Chunk cross-referencing has been employed to ensure data consistency. A provision is made in the header of the file to store details of the sensor and processing for the data (e.g., the number of hydrophones, beam direction, FFT size) so that an analysis system does not need to know about the sensor or other system from which the data originated.
Organic sonobuoy ranging
Authors: Felgate Nick
Published: October 2013

It is important that military vessels periodically check their passive signatures for vunerabilities. Traditionally, this is undertaken on a fixed range (e.g., AUTEC, BUTEC) with low noise conditions. However, for operational and cost reasons it is desirable to be able to undertake such measurements while the asset is operating in other areas using expendable buoys deployed by the vessel itself. As well as the wet-end hardware for such organic sonobuoy ranging systems (e.g., calibrated sonobuoys, calibrated data uplink channels), careful consideration is needed of the signal-processing required in the harsher environmental conditions of the open ocean. In particular, it is noted that the open ocean is usually much noisier, and the propagation conditions more variable. To overcome signal-to-noise problems, techniques such as Doppler-correction, zero-padding/peak-picking, and noise estimation/correction techniques have been developed to provide accurate and unbiased estimates of received levels. To estimate propagation loss for source level estimation, a model of multipath effects has been included with the ability for analysts to compare predicted and observed received levels against time/range and adjust modeling parameters (e.g., surface loss, bottom loss, source depth) to improve the fit.
Target strengths of two gillnets and predictions of biosonar detection ranges
Authors: Mooney T. Aran , Nachtigall Paul E. , Au Whitlow W. L.
Published: October 2013

Small cetaceans are often caught as bycatch in gillnet fisheries. One potential method that has been shown to significantly reduce harbor porpoise incidental take is the use of barium sulfate enhanced gillnets. One hypothesis states barium sulfate nets reduce bycatch because they are acoustically more reflective than monofilament nets, thus easier to detect by echolocating odontocetes. This premise remains untested. To determine acoustic reflectivity, this study compared the target strength of a barium sulfate gillnet with a comparable monofilament gillnet at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40. At normal incidence (0) the monofilament target strength measured slightly greater than the barium sulfate net and biosonar detection ranges are estimated to be greater for the monofilament. As the angle of incidence increased from normal to 20, the barium sulfate net echo strength remained the same while the nylon net echo strength decreased significantly at 10. Biosonar detection ranges are estimated to be greater for the barium sulfate net at increased angles. Echolocating odontocetes may utilize acoustic reflections of both nets but due to the weak target strength of both nets, other mechanisms may also mitigate reduced odontocete bycatch. Current psychoacoustic research is investigating the net detection ranges of captive bottlenose dolphins.
Chiroptera-inspired robotic cephaloid (CIRCE): A next generation biomimetic sonar head
Authors: Müller Rolf , Mubeezi-Magoola Andrew J. , Peremans Herbert , Hallam John , Jones Simon , Flint James , Reynaerts Dominiek , Bruyninckx Herman , Lerch Reinhard , Streicher Alexander
Published: October 2013

The dynamic interplay between signal processing in the acoustic and neural domain renders the biosonar system of bats, a prime example of intelligent, integrated systems in biology. Previous attempts at technical reproductions of this system have studied a few functional aspects but did not produce convincing replicas of the integrated system. In particular, none of them could provide for beamforming pinnae, ear mobility, signal bandwidth and an adequate number of elements in the primary signal representation at the scale of the biological paragon. The CIRCE (http://www.circe-project.org) project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium with all competences necessary for addressing these aspects in conjunction. Well-integrated solutions to the following technological key challenges are therefore sought: (a) Evolution of pinna shapes to optimize performance in natural biosonar tasks. (b) Adaptation of state-of-the-art ultrasonic transducer technology for matching bats in terms of bandwidth and sound pressure level/sensitivity. (c) Actuation of mobile pinnae (including the possibility of nonrigid transformations) within the scale constraints of a bat’s head. (d) Custom-designed DSP hardware providing a qualitative and quantitative reproduction of the neural signal representation at the level of the auditory nerve. [Work supported by the European Commission, LPS Initiative.]
Target range discrimination by the bottlenose dolphin
Authors: Zaslavskiy L. Gennadi
Published: October 2013

In order to measure range accuracy of the dolphin’s sonar, a range discrimination experiment was conducted. To prevent simultaneous exposure of both targets to each dolphin’s click, targets were submerged under water at different ranges in sequence with a 0.3–0.5-sec delay. Otherwise, if presented simultaneously, the targets could be distinguished by difference in the echo arrival times, without measuring the target ranges. Couples of identical spheres as well as targets of a different size and shape were tested. Nevertheless, it proved to be impossible to make the dolphin’s measure the distance from themselves to targets. Both dolphins solved the task by measuring a time interval between the target echo and an echo from a reference object, which could be the pool walls or even a net. There was no consistent change in the range accuracy with the change of the target range whereas it regularly increased when the targets were moved closer to the reference object. The dolphins did not keep the distance from the targets as short as possible. Instead, by backing off from the targets they tried to position the target echoes as close as possible to the reference echo. It appeared that the dolphins were incapable of measuring a target range.
Interaction of ultrasound driven microbubbles and lipid membranes
Authors: Marmottant Philippe , Hilgenfeldt Sascha
Published: October 2013

Micron-sized bubbles show pronounced oscillations when submitted to ultrasound, leading to increased scattering and improved echographic contrast. It has been reported that this excitation can also alter nearby cell membranes [M. Ward, J. Wu, and J. F. Chiu, Ultrasound Med. Biol. 26, 1169–1175 (2000)], and increase the permeability for drug delivery. To elucidate the mechanisms at work in these sonoporation experiments, we developed a setup that allows for a controlled study of the interaction of single microbubbles with single lipid bilayer vesicles. Substituting vesicles for cell membranes is advantageous because the mechanical properties of vesicles are well-known. Microscopic observations reveal that vesicles near a bubble undergo vivid motion, being periodically accelerated toward and away from the bubble. This ‘‘bouncing’’ of vesicles is a vivid motion that we attribute to a streaming flow field set up by the bubble oscillation. Some vesicles undergo dramatic deformations as they follow the flow, reflecting the high shear rates attained. Break-up of vesicles could also be observed.
Evaluation of polymer solubility and cavitation on ultrasound-polymer synergy
Authors: Porter Tyrone M. , Crum Lawrence A. , Stayton Patrick S. , Hoffman Allan S.
Published: October 2013

Poly(propylacrylic acid) is a pH-sensitive membrane disruptive polymer designed to release therapeutic molecules from endosomes to the cell cytoplasm before degradation. In mildly acidic environments, the polymer becomes more hydrophobic and less soluble in aqueous medium. Previous research has demonstrated the capacity of polyelectrolytes and therapeutic ultrasound to synergistically disrupt red blood cell membranes, resulting in hemolysis [Mourad (2000)]. In this investigation, the ability of therapeutic ultrasound and PPAA to disrupt cell membranes and deliver fluorescently labeled polymer to the cell cytoplasm was demonstrated. The ultrasound/polymer synergy was dependent upon the solubility of PPAA and acoustic cavitation activity. The solubility of PPAA in phosphate buffered saline was quantified by measuring variations in liquid/gas interfacial tension with polymer concentration and acidity. Reductions of surface tension up to 28% were measured using the Wilhemy plate technique. Acoustic cavitation activity was measured using a passive cavitation detection scheme, quantified, and correlated with the number of fluorescent cells. This study demonstrates the potential of combining therapeutic ultrasound and membrane-disruptive polymers for drug delivery.
Ultrasound mediated gene transfection
Authors: Williamson Rene G. , Apfel Robert E. , Brandsma Janet L.
Published: October 2013

Gene therapy is a promising modality for the treatment of a variety of human diseases both inherited and acquired, such as cystic fibrosis and cancer. The lack of an effective, safe method for the delivery of foreign genes into the cells, a process known as transfection, limits this effort. Ultrasound mediated gene transfection is an attractive method for gene delivery since it is a noninvasive technique, does not introduce any viral particles into the host and can offer very good temporal and spatial control. Previous investigators have shown that sonication increases transfection efficiency with and without ultrasound contrast agents. The mechanism is believed to be via a cavitation process where collapsing bubble nuclei permeabilize the cell membrane leading to increased DNA transfer. Our research is focused on the use of pulsed wave high frequency focused ultrasound to transfect DNA into mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. Results from further in vitro experiments with a 2.5 MHz transducer and Optison as microbubble nuclei will be presented, as well as a discussion of the design of future in vivo experiments.
The current status of measurement standards for acoustics and vibration at INMETRO
Authors: Ripper Gustavo P. , Hoffmann Walter E.
Published: October 2013

The Division of Acoustics and Vibration of INMETRO (DIAVI) establishes, validates and maintains the Brazilian national measurement standards used for the realization of the units of physical quantities related to the field of acoustics and vibration. The basic vibration quantity realized by DIAVI is translational acceleration, from which the other motion quantities, i.e., velocity and displacement can be derived. Acoustics physical quantities include sound pressure and sound power. The national measurement standards comprise both absolute (primary) and comparison (secondary) calibration setups, which are used to cover the wide range of calibration and testing services demanded by the Brazilian society, trade, industry, and science. This paper outlines the current status of these measurement standards and presents the measurement capabilities of INMETRO in the field of acoustics and vibration.
Uncertainties related to fast determination of free-field response for sound level meters
Authors: Gramtorp Johan
Published: October 2013

As a part of the ongoing work on the new standard IEC 61672 Electroacoustics–Sound level meters, the TC29 WG4 working group is writing the specifications for the periodic verification of sound level meters. Recent investigations of historical data have shown that the frequency response for the microphone is the most likely cause for the rejection of a sound level meter under test. It is therefore very important to measure the frequency response of the sound level meter with acoustical input signals. In order to keep the cost of the test down, it is essential to be able to choose a fast and sufficiently accurate method. In this paper some of the possible measurement methods such as free-field comparison, electrostatic actuator, multifrequency calibrator, and comparison coupler are described. The focus is on their advantages, drawbacks, and their associated uncertainties.
IEC measurement standards for ultrasonic hydrophones and radiation force balances
Authors: Beissner K.
Published: October 2013

Acoustic output measurements of medical ultrasonic equipment are usually performed in water and using two widely established methods: ultrasonic power measurement with a radiation force balance and acoustic pressure measurement with an ultrasonic hydrophone. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has published a number of International Standards on both methods, prepared by its Technical Committee 87 ‘‘Ultrasonics.’’ These are discussed and future standardization trends are presented. The basic standard for ultrasonic power measurements is IEC 61161. It recommends using a radiation force balance and specifies the relevant technical properties and sources of uncertainty. It is currently envisaged to revise this standard and to include particular recommendations for the power range up to 20 W which have recently been worked out in an international cooperation of national metrology institutes. Hydrophone standards have continuously been developed over many years. The most recent one is IEC 62092 which extends the upper frequency limit of hydrophone standarization from 15 MHz to 40 MHz. The current trend is to reorganize all existing hydrophone standards and to find a new scheme of three parallel standards dealing with hydrophone properties, hydrophone use, and hydrophone calibration.
Cabin noise and weight reduction program for the Gulfstream G200
Authors: Barton C. Kearney
Published: October 2013

This paper describes the approach and logic involved in a cabin noise and weight reduction program for an existing aircraft that was already in service with a pre-existing insulation package. The aircraft, a Gulfstream G200, was formally an IAI Galaxy, and the program was purchased from IAI in 2001. The approach was to investigate every aspect of the aircraft that could be a factor for cabin noise. This included such items as engine mounting and balancing criteria, the hydraulic system, the pressurization and air-conditioning system, the outflow valve, the interior shell and mounting system, antennae and other hull protuberances, as well as the insulation package. Each of these items was evaluated as potential candidates for noise and weight control modifications. Although the program is still ongoing, the results to date include a 175-lb weight savings and a 5-dB reduction in the cabin average Speech Interference Level (SIL).
Uncertain structural dynamics of aircraft panels and fuzzy structures analysis
Authors: Sparrow Victor W. , Buehrle Ralph D.
Published: October 2013

Aircraft fuselage panels, seemingly simple structures, are actually complex because of the uncertainty of the attachments of the frame stiffeners and longitudinal stringers. It is clearly important to understand the dynamics of these panels because of the subsequent radiation into the passenger cabin, even when complete information is not available for all portions of the finite-element model. Over the last few years a fuzzy structures analysis (FSA) approach has been undertaken at Penn State and NASA Langley to quantify the uncertainty in modeling aircraft panels. A new MSC.Nastran [MSC.Software Corp. (Santa Ana, CA)] Direct Matrix Abstraction Program (DMAP) code was written and tested [AIAA paper 2001-1320, 42nd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conf., Seattle, WA, 16 April 2001] and was applied to simple fuselage panel models [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 109, 2410(A) (2001)]. Recently the work has focused on understanding the dynamics of a realistic aluminum fuselage panel, typical of today’s aircraft construction. This presentation will provide an overview of the research and recent results will be given for the fuselage panel. Comparison between experiments and the FSA results will be shown for different fuzzy input parameters. [Work supported by NASA Research Cooperative Agreement NCC-1-382.]
Dispersion and soliton formation from longitudinal acoustic phonons in crystalline solids
Authors: Maris Humphrey J. , Hao Hsin-Yi , Singhsomroje Wisit
Published: October 2013

Experiments are described in which the picosecond ultrasonic technique is used to study the effects of dispersion and elastic nonlinearity on the shape of longitudinal acoustic pulses propagating in crystalline solids. In these experiments, a subpicosecond light pulse (pump pulse) is used to generate an acoustic pulse at one surface of the sample. After propagation through the sample, the shape of this acoustic pulse is modified. When the amplitude of the pump pulse is sufficiently low, nonlinear effects can be neglected and a measurement of the acoustic pulse shape can be used to determine the phonon dispersion. This measured phonon dispersion is compared with various lattice dynamical models. When the pump pulse intensity is high, the nonlinear effects become strong enough to balance the dispersion, and acoustic solitons emerge from the original acoustic pulse. Measurements of the characteristics of these solitons are in agreement with the results of computer simulations based on the Korteweg-de Vries equation.
Laser ultrasonic in-process inspection of paper for elastic properties
Authors: Ridgway Paul , Russo Richard , Lafond Emmanuel , Habeger Charles , Jackson Ted
Published: October 2013

A laser-ultrasonic (LUS) sensor has been developed that allows measurement of the bending stiffness (BS) and shear rigidity (SR) of paper and paperboard as it is being made on the papermaking machine. A prototype system was recently tested in a paper mill at web speeds up to 5000 ft/min with excellent precision and accuracy. The LUS technique performs well on paper and board with basis weights up to 130 g/m2. Several laboratory methods exist for measuring the bending stiffness in small samples of paper and board. Currently, no commercial method exists for nondestructively measuring this property on the papermaking machine at production speeds. Commercial instruments using contact transducers measure ‘‘tensile strength orientation’’ (TSO) on heavier boards, where marking of the sheet by the contact transducers is not of concern. Unlike contact ultrasonic techniques, LUS does not visibly mark even the lightest grade papers. Contact ultrasonic measurements correlate approximately to the tensile strength of the sheet and can be used to calculate an approximate value for BS. LUS measurements are directly related to BS and should yield more accurate determinations. Optimum use of feed stock, reduced waste, and decreased energy consumption are potential benefits of the LUS technology.
Characterization of graded coatings using laser generated acoustic waves
Authors: Balogun Oluwaseyi O. , Murray Todd W. , Basu Soumendra N.
Published: October 2013

Theoretical and experimental results are presented for the pulsed laser generation of ultrasound in functionally graded coating materials. The case of 9–12 m compositionally graded mullite (3Al2O3:2SiO2) environmental barrier coatings in which the Al composition varies as a function of depth is considered in detail. The laser source is seen to generate both the lowest order Rayleigh mode and Sezawa mode in the coatings. The waveforms are processed using the 2-D FFT technique to extract the dispersion curves. Theoretical dispersion curves and time domain signals generated in coatings with linear, sigmoidal, and exponential compositional gradations will be presented and the sensitivity of the wave modes to elastic property gradation explored. The graded coatings are treated as multilayer materials with a sufficient number of layers chosen to achieve convergence of the dispersion curves for a given elastic property gradation. The (depth dependent) elastic properties of the coatings are evaluated using the simplex optimization routine and the functional form of the property variation is correlated with the measured compositional profiles. This work demonstrates that laser based ultrasonic measurements of acoustic modes in functionally graded EBCs provides a useful tool for extracting the depth dependent elastic properties.
Processing and analysis of infrasound data at the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty International Data Center
Authors: North Robert G. , Woodward Robert L.
Published: October 2013

The Center for Monitoring Research (CMR) in Arlington, VA served as a prototype of the International Data Center (IDC) that is specified in the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The CMR developed the software that is now being used by the IDC that has been established in Vienna to acquire, process, and analyze data from the global networks of hydroacoustic, infrasonic, radionuclide, and seismic sensors that are being installed to assist verification of the CTBT. The prototype IDC tested this software and related procedures very extensively with seismic and radionuclide data, but the infrasonic aspects of the system are less advanced due to the limited number of sensors available and a less complete knowledge of sources and signal propagation. The infrasonic processing system attempts to detect signals of interest by combining spatial coherence and power, and estimates signal arrival time, direction of approach, velocity, and other parameters. After a signal is detected, further processing is carried out to try to identify ‘‘phases’’ that correspond to reflections from different atmospheric layers. Finally, detections at multiple sensors of all types (seismic and hydroacoustic as well as infrasonic) are combined to estimate the time and location of potential sources.
The reconstruction of the acoustical field over nonconformal surfaces
Authors: Valdivia Nicolas , Williams Earl G.
Published: October 2013

Consider the inverse problem of reconstructing the acoustical field over a surface Sv by measuring the acoustical pressure over an interior surface Sp. Ideally the measurement surface Sp is conformal to the reconstruction surface Sv, and close to Sv. In this work the reconstruction surface Sv will be a box, and the interior surface Sp will be a small sphere inside the box. We study the solution to this inverse problem with two different methods: Near-field Acoustical Holography (NAH) and Helmholtz Equation Least Squares (HELS). We will compare the reconstruction of the two methods using two test solutions. The first test solution will be a point source, and the second test solution will be a plate vibrator in one side of the box. In addition we study the inclusion of white noise to the test solution and regularization methods for its recovery. [Work supported by ONR.]
Visual enhancement for consonants, words, and sentences in normal-hearing young and older adults
Authors: Sommers Mitchell S. , Tye-Murray Nancy , Spehar Brent
Published: October 2013

Visual enhancement in speech perception refers to the benefit obtained from seeing and hearing a talker, compared with listening alone. Previous studies comparing visual enhancement in younger (under age 25) and older (over age 65) adults have been confounded by age-related hearing loss. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare visual enhancement for consonants, words, and sentences in normal-hearing older and younger adults. All participants had clinically normal audiograms for octave frequencies from 250 Hz to 4 kHz. Consonant identification was tested using the Iowa Consonant Confusion Test. Word identification was measured using the Children’s Auditory–Visual Enhancement Test and sentence identification was measured using the Iowa Sentence Test. All testing was conducted in the presence of a multitalker background babble and baseline differences in auditory-only performance were minimized by setting signal-to-babble ratios individually to produce approximately 50% correct identification inthe auditory-only conditions. Visual enhancement, computed as the relative benefit obtained from adding visual speech information to the auditory signal, was significantly higher for younger than for older adults for consonants and words, but not for sentences. The results are discussed as supporting an age-related decline in intermodal sensory integration.
Perception of Mandarin Chinese tones by Mandarin versus French listeners
Authors: Hallé Pierre A. , Best Catherine T. , Chang Yueh-Chin
Published: October 2013

Few reports exist on perception of lexical tones by native listeners (e.g., Mandarin Chinese) versus non-native listeners whose language lacks tone contrasts. In those few, the non-native language was English, in which pitch differences signal stress alternations. No studies have examined perception of minimal tone contrasts, of central concern to theories of nonnative speech perception [e.g., PAM: Best (1995)]. We examined categorical perception of Mandarin tone contrasts, in order to detect fine-grained performance differences [see Hall et al. (1999)] between listeners of Mandarin and of French, a nonstress language. Three tone continua were derived from natural Mandarin target utterances within carrier sentences. We interpolated on both F0 and intensity contours. First, Mandarin listeners identified the tone of target syllables within carrier sentences. Next, both French and Mandarin listeners completed A×B identification and discrimination tests on isolated syllables. Mandarin, but not French listener perceived tones quasicategorically. French listeners showed substantial sensitivity to tone contour differences, although to a lesser extent than Mandarin listeners. Thus, despite the lack of linguistically relevant pitch contrasts in their language, French listeners are not ‘‘deaf’’ to tonal variations. They simply fail to perceive tones along the lines of a well-defined and finite set of linguistic categories.
Intelligibility testing of dysarthria in native Spanish speaking adults
Authors: Fraas Michael
Published: October 2013

Intelligibility testing in dysarthria has attempted to assess, not only the severity of the motor speech deficit but also the nature of the disorder. Kent, Weismer, Kent, & Rosenbek (1989) developed a single word test of intelligibility consisting of acoustic/phonetic contrasts sensitive to both dysarthric impairment and its contribution to speech intelligibility. Although effective for assessing dysarthria in neurodegenerative diagnoses such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it was constructed to serve an English speaking population. The current investigation will use the Kent et al. (1989) study as a model to develop a single word test of intelligibility in native Spanish speakers. Here 30 subjects, 15 with dysarthria due to neurodegenerative disease and 15 normal controls will be used. Subjects will be recorded reading a list of Spanish minimal pair contrasts. In the study we will attempt to describe the speech characteristics associated with dysarthria in Spanish speakers using acoustic-instrumental analysis and comparatively evaluate these characteristics against those of Spanish-speaking normals. Recordings of the responses will be examined to determine the effectivess of the Spanish paired word test of intelligibility, and its sensitivity to error patterns of Spanish-speaking dysarthrics.
Representational specificity of lexical form in the perception of spoken words
Authors: McLennan Conor T. , Luce Paul A. , Charles-Luce Jan
Published: October 2013

In previous research using the long-term repetition-priming paradigm, we demonstrated that flapped intervocalic alveolar stops in American English may be mapped onto underlying representations of /t/ and /d/ during spoken word processing. More specifically, we found that casually articulated, flapped stimuli primed their carefully articulated counterparts (e.g., casually articulated atom primed carefully articulated atom and Adam) and vice versa. We argued that form-based or phonological ambiguity (present in our flapped stimuli) is one of the conditions leading to the activation of underlying representations. However, our flapped items were also lexically ambiguous (e.g., our casually articulated atom was ambiguous between Adam and atom). Is the long-term priming effect we observed for flapped and carefully articulated words lexically or sublexically mediated? In the present research we attempt to answer this question by examining form-based ambiguity in the absence of lexical ambiguity. Long-term repetition priming experiments were conducted with nonword stimuli that preserve form-based ambiguity (e.g., oytem, oydem) and flapped stimuli without lexical pairs (e.g., pretty). The results provide further insights into the conditions under which underlying representations are activated during spoken word processing.
Temporal integration of acoustic cues in fricative perception
Authors: Fernández Santiago , Feijóo Sergio
Published: October 2013

An important issue in speech perception is to determine how the components of a syllable interact to enhance perception of both consonant and vowel. To date the mechanism underlying that integration has not yet been discovered. Different approaches to the temporal integration between fricative and vowel in a set of natural syllables were explored. Two hypotheses were considered. (a) The two segments are evaluated separately and then combined into a single percept; (b) both cues are evaluated jointly. To test those hypotheses several computational models were considered. If the F and V segments are evaluated separately, two statistical functions are available: An ‘‘OR’’ function corresponding to the perceptual hypothesis predicting that only one of the segments determines the identity of the fricative; an ‘‘AND’’ function corresponding to the perceptual hypothesis predicting the use of both cues. The hypothesis of the joint evaluation of both cues was tested using the whole FV segment. Their performances were compared with the perceptual performance of a group of listeners in a fricative identification task. Although the joint evaluation model was superior to the other models, it was unable to extract the same benefits as listeners from the fricative–vowel interaction. [Work supported by Xunta de Galicia.]
Analysis of time series data in the East China Sea generated from explosive sources
Authors: Knobles D. P. , Yudichak Thomas W. , Cable Peter , Dorfman Y. , Dahl Peter H. , Miller James H. , Potty Gopu R. , Zhang Renhe , Peng Zhaohui , Li Fenghua , Li Zhenglin
Published: October 2013

Time series data collected on the APL–UW/URI VLA in the East China Sea as part of the Asian Sea International Acoustics Experiment are analyzed for the information they contain on the characteristics of the seabed. Sound generated by explosive sources deployed by the IOA propagates in a shallow water wave guide under downward refracting conditions, making the received field at the VLA sensitive to the structure of the seabed. A broadband normal mode approach is used to model the measured time series in the 10–500 Hz band. The complex multipath arrival pattern as a function of source–receiver range and source depth allows one to infer certain characteristics of the seabed without the aid of an inversion approach. A finer specification of the seabed, including the determination of the statistics of the geoacoustic parameters is achieved by a simulated annealing inversion methodology. The sensitivity of the acoustic propagation to the elastic properties of the seabed is also investigated along with the nature of the attenuation. The estimated properties of the seabed are compared with independent geophysical measurements and those that can be obtained from reverberation data. [Work supported by ONR.]
Characteristics and speculations on the uses of Strombus trumpets found at the ancient Peruvian center Chavín de Huántar
Authors: Rick John , Lubman David
Published: October 2013

A cache of 20 Strombus shell trumpets was excavated in 2001 from an underground gallery at Chavín de Huántar, the type site of the Peruvian Early Horizon period (ca. 1200 to 400 B.C.). Strombus shell usage stretches from antiquity to present day Peru, with the trumpet function showing remarkable continuity. Soon after their discovery, a dozen of the ancient shells were played to an enthusiastic audience at Lima’s National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History. Evidence suggests that Strombus trumpets are, and were, used as ritual instruments for the legitimization of political and religious power. Those uses may have developed from earlier practical uses for ritual and communication. This paper describes measured acoustical properties of a Strombus horn. Strombus blasts are rich in overtones. Source strengths as high as 111 dBA @ 1 M were observed. These high source levels support speculation that shell trumpets could have been used for signaling over great distances. The trumpets can produce strong combination tones, which, accompanied by likely ingestion of local hallucinogenic substances, the use of reflected light, and other sound manipulation, suggests that early leaders in Chavín were using a range of methods to help establish early religious and political authority.
Zapotec whistles
Authors: Sanchez Gonzalo
Published: October 2013

Sonorous artifacts or ‘‘pre-Hispanic musical instruments’’ have attracted the attention of ethnomusicologists, acousticians and archaeologists. The Mexican cultures that have had most studies on the matter are the Maya, Mexica, and Totonaca ones. In the case of the Oaxaca culture, until recently, investigations of this type had not been made. Thus, the task was to look for and to analyze material that belonged to the cultures that inhabited the present Oaxacan territory from a perspective acoustics-organlogic to be able to understand what type of sonorities that were used. The first step was to consider the project of investigation within the field of ethnomusiclogy. In the explorations of the archaeological sites of the Oaxaca Valley it is common to find whistles, which are complete or in fragments, that show certain organologic characteristics that until now have only detected for the Zapotec culture. In this study the morphology, the chronological location, the contexts, the characteristics of the sounds, the symbolism, and the techniques of elaboration of Zapotec whistles are presented. (To be presented in Spanish.)
Yaxchilan’s whistles
Authors: Velazquez Roberto
Published: October 2013

Eight clay whistles found buried in Small Acropolis temples (650–800 BC) of Yaxchilan were analyzed. The study was centered on three dual whistles with body shapes resembling those of frogs. A method developed in previous studies and evidence from several disciplines were applied. Experimental replicas were made to find possible ancient ways of construction and to test hypotheses. The Helmholtz equation for globular resonators was calculated, sound signals were analyzed with spectrograms, and radiated acoustic power in different modes was estimated (0.0005–0.003W). The power level indicates that whistles’ sounds could not be heard well if they were played along with louder Mayan aerophones like those of Bonampak’s mural band nor in noisy celebrations in big plazas. Clay frogs were adequate to be used in the Small Acropolis, in the Labyrinth and by big groups, surely related to religion. The whistles can sing like natural frogs and produce beats, and they might have been used to produce a chorus in ceremonies to the god Chaac to call for rain, in H-men rites, or in the infraworld where they were discovered.
High intensity focused ultrasound for treatment of bleeding and air leaks due to lung trauma
Authors: Vaezy Shahram , Martin Roy , Crum Larry , Cornejo Carol , Jurkovich Jerry , Sharar Sam , Nicolaou Savvas
Published: October 2013

In thoracic surgery, bleeding and air leaks from the lungs can be difficult to control. We have investigated the use of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for control of lung bleeding and air leaks in operative situations. An intraoperative HIFU device, equipped with a Titanium coupler, was used. The HIFU transducer was a PZT-8 concave element, with a focal length of 5 cm, and a diameter of 2.5 cm. The transducer was operated at 5.7 MHz and intensity of 5000 W/cm2. The coupler length was 4 cm, placing the focal volume, defined by full-width half-maximum at approximately 1 cm from the tip of the coupler. A pig animal model was used. Incisions in the lung were made, having lengths of 2–5 cm, and depths of 3–10 mm which created both parenchymal hemorrhage and air leakage from the lung. HIFU was applied within 10 seconds of inducing the injury. The average hemostasis time was approximately 60 seconds. All incisions were completely sealed, and no blood or air leaked from the incisions. Intraoperative HIFU may provide an effective method in various pulmonary surgery indications, and hemostasis and control of air leaks from lacerations due to trauma. [Work supported by NIH and NSF.]
Influence of vasoactive drugs on the induction of microvascular leakage in rat hearts by contrast echocardiography
Authors: Miller Douglas , Li Peng , Armstrong William
Published: October 2013

Diagnostic ultrasound can induce microvascular leakage in rat hearts when a gas-body based contrast agent is present in the circulation, a response which might be partly physiological in origin. Anesthetized rats with tail vein cannulas were mounted in a 37°C water bath. Rats were pretreated with saline, or with isoproterenol, propranolol or dobutamine, drugs which can modulate microvascular leakage. Evans blue dye and a 0.5 ml/kg bolus of Optison (Mallinckrodt) were injected before 5 min exposures. A diagnostic ultrasound scanner (GE Vingmed System Five) operated at 1.7 MHz and a measured Mechanical Index of 1.5 was used to obtain cardiac images with end-systole triggering each fourth beat. For shams, only a few petechia were occasionally observed on the excised hearts. For exposure (five rats in each treatment), an average of 208 (86 standard deviation, SD), 200 (72 SD), 236 (52 SD), and 159 (57 SD) petechiae were counted for saline, isoproterenol, propranolol, and dobutamine, respectively (no significant differences). Evans blue dye leakage also appeared to be approximately the same for all treatment conditions. These results suggest that the microvascular leakage induced by contrast echocardiography in rats in primarily a mechanical effect of the ultrasound-induced gas body activity.
Evaluation of the noise emitted by the condenser of a household refrigerator
Authors: Llado Paris Juan , Sanchez Tabuenca Beatriz
Published: October 2013

It has been determined that the noise emitted by a household refrigerator is the addition of two main sources: the direct noise emitted by both compressor shells, and the structural noise caused by the condenser vibration, that depends on the coolant excitation, on its own structural rigidity, and on the rigidity of the joints that fix it to the back panel of the refrigerator and to the compressors. The decrease of the sound power due to the condenser implies the modification of their mechanical and geometric characteristics: shape, thickness, type of material, redesign of the joints to the back panel of the refrigerator, and optimization of their number and location, etc., to achieve a less rigid structure. From these proposals, a new more flexible design of the joints was tested because it was the faster one to implement due to the refrigerator efficiency is not altered. A sound power reduction of about 2 dBA, was obtained. Finally, the location and number of the joints were optimized, getting the same sound power level with three than with four joints. (To be presented in Spanish.)
Characteristics of successful local noise enforcement programs
Authors: Zwerling Eric
Published: October 2013

A well crafted local noise ordinance, customized to the needs of the jurisdiction, enforced by motivated and well-trained officers, can resolve long-standing problems, and prevent new ones from arising. The ordinance must be simple enough for all parties to understand: enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, residents and importantly, the regulated community. Uncomplicated performance standards lead to reliably frequent enforcement, the deterrence from which engenders self-policing by source facilities, after initial unsuccessful court challenges to the new ordinance (e.g., St. Augustine, FL). New facilities will be designed for compliance with a well established ordinance (e.g., Denville, NJ). Innovative approaches, such as an interior C-scale standard, successfully curb amplified low-frequency rhythmic emissions from bars without the need for 1/1 or 1/3 octave band analysis (e.g., Anchorage, AK). A ‘‘plainly audible’’ standard for vehicular sound systems is effective, easily enforced (e.g., Lafayette, LA), court tested, and enhanced penalties such as towing can reduce complaints and recidivism to negligible levels (e.g., Rochester, NY). Objective, content-neutral standards successfully control amplified speech (e.g, Long Beach, NY) and street music (New York City). Local communities are increasingly developing noise enforcement programs, many of which are highly effective.
Detection and interpretation of infrasonic signals observed in Hawaii
Authors: Garces Milton , Hetzer Claus
Published: October 2013

Various array processing and signal detection algorithms have been tested and evaluated at International Monitoring System infrasound array I59US, also known as KONA, located on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. The array consists of four elements deployed as a triangle with a central element, with a baseline of 2 km. Initial tests were made by defining multiple beams and running STA/LTA, coherence, and F-statistic detectors to estimate the apparent horizontal phase velocity and incidence azimuth of arrivals in frequency–wavenumber space. Such methods generally proved effective only for infrasonic signals with signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) greater than ∼4, and their performance varied with signal frequency. The Progressive Multi-Channel Correlation (PMCC) detector is a time–domain detector that uses the correlation between various groupings of three sensors to obtain an estimate of the consistency of specified closure relations. If the consistency is below a certain threshold, a detection is registered. This detector has performed well for S/N ratios that are close to unity and for all frequencies. Examples of infrasonic detections in Hawaii for small (Leonids 2001) and large bolides (23 April 2001), blasting activity, surf, thunder, severe storms, and low-frequency signals of unknown origin are presented.