bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coaching Caregivers of Young Children With Autism via Telepractice to Collect Assessment Data and Implement Interventions
Authors: Lee James D. , Yoon Christy D. , Meadan Hedda
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this review article was to (a) scope the literature related to coaching caregivers of children with autism to provide an overview of current practices for assessment and intervention conducted via telepractice in collaboration with caregivers and (b) examine commonly reported challenges related to telepractice and potential solutions.

Method:

We conducted a search of relevant literature and identified seven articles that are related to the topic of caregiver involvement in remote assessments and interventions for children with autism.

Results:

Seven studies that include 10 caregiver-implemented interventions were identified. Researchers have used telepractice to conduct both assessments and interventions, and they generally reported having successful interactions with caregivers using different telepractice platforms. The most common telepractice modality was conducting live videoconferencing to provide services. These articles also contained rich information related to the commonly reported barriers and needs of caregivers to conduct telepractice, such as challenges in using telepractice technology and providing adequate training to caregivers. The studies also address different strategies researchers and professionals may utilize to alleviate these practical challenges to provide more streamlined telepractice services.

Conclusions:

Although there are challenges related to conducting assessments and interventions via telepractice, it was suggested that telepractice can be a supplement in delivering evidence-based interventions. As there are implications for future research and practice, we call for more research and practice to examine how professionals may optimize service delivery to caregivers.
Multi‐UAV active target search based on perceptual adaptation in marine environment
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Hebin , Shen Xingfa
Published: March 2022

This work considers the problem of target search in marine environment. A perceptual adaptive Gaussian sum cubature Kalman filter is proposed for multi‐target search in non‐linear and non‐Gaussian noise environment. Firstly, the robot collects environmental information, conducts environmental perception, and actively makes decisions. Secondly, the Dynamic Time Warping distance and Frechet distance weighted fusion are used to extract the association knowledge by analysing the trajectories of the underwater and surface targets obtained in the search process. The extracted association knowledge is used in the search process to form an evolving search relationship and increase the search efficiency. Finally, it is applied to realise the search of multiple dynamic targets, including underwater and surface targets, in the non‐Gaussian marine environment.
Initiation of Alfvénic turbulence by Alfvén wave collisions: A numerical study
Authors: Shestov S. V. , Voitenko Y. M. , Zhukov A. N.
Published: March 2022

In the framework of compressional magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), we numerically studied the commonly accepted presumption that the Alfvénic turbulence is generated by the collisions between counter-propagating Alfvén waves (AWs). In the conditions typical for the low-beta solar corona and inner solar wind, we launched two counter-propagating AWs in the three-dimensional simulation box and analyzed polarization and spectral properties of perturbations generated before and after AW collisions. The observed post-collisional perturbations have different polarizations and smaller cross-field scales than the original waves, which supports theoretical scenarios with direct turbulent cascades. However, contrary to theoretical expectations, the spectral transport is strongly suppressed at the scales satisfying the classic critical balance of incompressional MHD. Instead, a modified critical balance can be established by colliding AWs with significantly shorter perpendicular scales. We discuss consequences of these effects for the turbulence dynamics and turbulent heating of compressional plasmas. In particular, solar coronal loops can be heated by the strong turbulent cascade if the characteristic widths of the loop substructures are more than ten times smaller than the loop width. The revealed new properties of AW collisions have to be incorporated in the theoretical models of AW turbulence and related applications.
Radial velocity variability and the evolution of hot subdwarf stars
Authors: Geier S. , Dorsch M. , Pelisoli I. , Reindl N. , Heber U. , Irrgang A.
Published: March 2022

Hot subdwarf stars represent a late and peculiar stage in the evolution of low-mass stars, since they are likely formed by close binary interactions. In this work, we perform a radial velocity (RV) variability study of a sample of 646 hot subdwarfs with multi-epoch radial velocities based on spectra from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fibre Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST). The atmospheric parameters and RVs were taken from the literature. For stars with archival spectra but without literature values, we determined the parameters by fitting model atmospheres. In addition, we redetermined the atmospheric parameters and RVs for all the He-enriched sdO/Bs. This broad sample allowed us to study RV-variability as a function of the location in the Teff − log g- and Teff − log n(He)/n(H) diagrams in a statistically significant way. We used the fraction of RV-variable stars and the distribution of the maximum RV variations ΔRVmax as diagnostics. Both indicators turned out to be quite inhomogeneous across the studied parameter ranges. A striking feature is the completely dissimilar behaviour of He-poor and He-rich hot subdwarfs. While the former have a high fraction of close binaries, almost no significant RV variations could be detected for the latter. This has led us to the conclusion that there is likely no evolutionary connection between these subtypes. On the other hand, intermediate He-rich- and extreme He-rich sdOB/Os are more likely to be related. Furthermore, we conclude that the vast majority of this population is formed via one or several binary merger channels. Hot subdwarfs with temperatures cooler than ∼24 000 K tend to show fewer and smaller RV-variations. These objects might constitute a new subpopulation of binaries with longer periods and late-type or compact companions. The RV-variability properties of the extreme horizontal branch (EHB) and corresponding post-EHB populations of the He-poor hot subdwarfs match and confirm the predicted evolutionary connection between them. Stars found below the canonical EHB at somewhat higher surface gravities show large RV variations and a high RV variability fraction. These properties are consistent with most of them being low-mass EHB stars or progenitors of low-mass helium white dwarfs in close binaries.
Quasimodes in the cusp continuum in nonuniform magnetic flux tubes
Authors: Geeraerts M. , Vanmechelen P. , Van Doorsselaere T. , Soler R.
Published: March 2022

Context. The study of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves is important both for understanding heating in the solar atmosphere (and in particular the corona) and for solar atmospheric seismology. The analytical investigation of wave mode properties in a cylinder is of particular interest in this domain because many atmospheric structures can be modeled as such in a first approximation.

Aims. The aim of this study is to use linearized ideal MHD to investigate quasimodes (global modes that are damped through resonant absorption) with a frequency in the cusp continuum, in a straight cylinder with a circular base and an inhomogeneous layer at its boundary that separates two homogeneous plasma regions inside and outside. We are particularly interested in the damping of these modes, and therefore try to determine their frequency as a function of background parameters.

Methods. After linearizing the ideal MHD equations, we found solutions to the second-order differential equation for the perturbed total pressure in the inhomogeneous layer in the form of (1) Frobenius series around the regular singular points that are the Alfvén and cusp resonant positions, and (2) power series around regular points. By connecting these solutions appropriately through the inhomogeneous layer and with the solutions of the homogeneous regions inside and outside the cylinder, we derive a dispersion relation for the frequency of the eigenmodes of the system.

Results. From the dispersion relation, it is also possible to find the frequency of quasimodes, even though they are not eigenmodes. As an example, we find the frequency of the slow surface sausage quasimode as a function of the width of the inhomogeneous layer for values of the longitudinal wavenumber relevant for photospheric conditions. The results closely match findings by other authors who studied the resistive slow surface sausage eigenmode. We also discuss the perturbation profiles of the quasimode and the eigenfunctions of continuum modes.
Study on the third-order nonlinear optical properties of Cd2+ ion doped ZnS/PVP nanocomposite films
Authors: Suresh Babu , Ramachandran Selvam , Shanmugam Govindaraj
Published: March 2022

Cd2+ ion doped ZnS/PVP nanocomposite films have been prepared using in-situ chemical method. XRD studies confirm the cubic structure of ZnS for all the films. The SEM micrograph shows the mono dispersion of ZnS nanoparticles in PVP matrix. FTIR spectra confirm the formation of nanocomposites containing ZnS nanoparticles and PVP polymer. Optical absorption spectra reveal the blue shift on the absorbance onset with the comparison of bulk ZnS. Photoluminescence spectra show a blue emission peak for all the films. The Z-scan results of all the films show a reverse saturation absorption process in open Z-scan experiment and self-focusing behavior in closed Z-scan experiment. Both ZnS/PVP and Cd2+ ion doped ZnS/PVP films exhibited the large optical nonlinearity and the value of nonlinear refractive index (n2), nonlinear absorption coefficient (β), third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility (χ(3)) and figure of merit (FOM) increase with Cd doping. The estimated n2, β, χ(3) and FOM values are found to be 1.771 × 10−10 m2 W−1, 4.148 × 10−3 mW−1, 1.603 × 10−4 esu and 9.576 × 10−6 esu m 6 mol% Cd doped ZnS/PVP nanocomposite film. The experimental results clearly showed that the Cd2+ ion doped ZnS/PVP nanocomposite film is a worthy candidate for the future nonlinear optical device fabrication.
Frühgeborenenretinopathie
Authors: Li Jeany Q. , Kellner Ulrich , Lorenz Birgit , Stahl Andreas , Krohne Tim U.
Published: March 2022

Die Frühgeborenenretinopathie zählt zu den häufigsten behandelbaren Erblindungsursachen bei Kindern. Es handelt sich um eine vasoproliferative Netzhauterkrankung, die nur bei Frühgeborenen
auftritt. Durch ein konsequentes augenärztliches Screening können nahezu alle Augen mit behandlungsbedürftiger ROP frühzeitig identifiziert und einer Behandlung zugeführt werden, sodass das
Risiko einer schweren Sehbehinderung oder Erblindung durch eine ROP erheblich gesenkt wird.
Die degenerative Lumbalskoliose – Kurze Versorgung ausreichend
Authors: Vajkoczy Peter
Published: March 2022

Dieses Manukript diskutiert die kurzstreckige Versorgung von erwachsenen Patienten mit degenerativer Lumboskoliose. Eine kurzstreckige Fusion wird in der Regel als posterolaterale Fusion, 360° Fusion oder dynamische Instrumentation, in Kombination mit neuroforaminaler oder spinaler Dekompression, durchgeführt. Diese Techniken werden unter dem Begriff “in situ Fusion” zusammengefasst und schneiden gegenüber umfangreicheren Korrekturspondylodesen mit Hinblick auf eine Kosten/Nutzen Analyse positiv ab. In Schlussfolgerung eignet sich die “in situ Fusion” sehr gut für erwachsene Patienten mit degenerativer Lumboskoliose, wenn die Patienten monoradikuläre Symptome aufweisen und lediglich eine fokale Dekompression und Stabilisierung der Wirbelsäule erforderlich ist.
Stellenwert der PET-CT in der Beurteilung von Lymphomen: klinischer Aspekt
Authors: Melchardt Thomas , Greil Richard
Published: March 2022

Die PET-Untersuchung ist mittlerweile ein integraler Bestandteil der Diagnostik und Behandlung von Lymphompatienten geworden. V. a. bei Lymphomen mit hoher FDG-Avidität wie dem Hodgkin-Lymphom, dem diffus großzelligen B-Zell Lymphom oder dem follikulären Lymphom wird die PET-Untersuchung zur Therapiesteuerung und Optimierung eingesetzt. Dazu werden hier die wichtigste Indikation und Konsequenzen aus klinischer Sicht diskutiert.
18F-FDG PET-CT zur Strahlentherapie der lokalisierten follikulären Lymphome
Authors: Rehn Stephan , Pixberg Michaela , Reinartz Gabriele , Eich Hans Theodor
Published: March 2022

Das follikuläre Lymphom ist das zweithäufigste Lymphom der westlichen Welt und beinhaltet im Regelfall insbesondere in den lokalisierten Stadien auch eine (18F-FDG) PET-CT im Rahmen des Stagings. Die Einteilung nach Ann-Arbor bzw. der modifizierten Lugano-Klassifikation ermöglicht eine Einschätzung über das weitere Therapievorgehen als auch über die Prognose. Der PET-CT kommt hier eine bedeutende Rolle zu, indem sie die bildgebende Sensitivität im Vergleich zur konventionellen CT weiter stark erhöhen kann. Verschiedene Parameter dienen bei der PET-CT zur Interpretation der Befunde, wobei insbesondere der SUVmax hier eine wichtige Rolle spielt. Weitere Parameter wie metabolisches Tumorvolumen (MTV) oder Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG) sind Gegenstand der aktuellen Forschung. Für die Strahlentherapie spielt die PET-CT eine bedeutende Rolle, da sie eine noch präzisere Erfassung des metabolisch aktiven Lymphoms ermöglichen kann. Hierdurch können Zielvolumina weiter verkleinert und so umliegende Gewebe geschont werden. Zudem wird durch die PET-CT auch die initiale Stadieneinteilung präziser und damit einhergehend auch die Prognose bzw. das Therapie-Outcome besser abschätzbar. Im Bereich der Diagnostik und Therapiesteuerung der Hodgkin-Lymphomerkrankung ist die PET-CT schon länger unverzichtbar geworden. Mit der in den letzten Jahren steigenden Verfügbarkeit ist die PET-CT heute ein immer wichtiger werdender Bestandteil sowohl in der Primärdiagnostik als auch in der Rezidivsituation bei Patienten mit follikulärem Lymphom und findet zunehmend Eingang in die aktuellen Leitlinienempfehlungen für die Non-Hodgkin Lymphome (NHL).
Übermäßiges Körpergewicht und
Krebsrisiko
Authors: Scherübl Hans
Published: March 2022

Übermäßiges Körpergewicht (ÜKG) stellt
derzeit die zweitwichtigste vermeidbare Krebsursache in Deutschland dar.
Für viele Karzinome ist eine Dosis-Wirkungs- Beziehung belegt,
d. h. je ausgeprägter das ÜKG, desto
größer ist das Krebsrisiko. Bedenklich: Etwa 60% der
erwachsenen Bundesbürger weisen ein ÜKG auf und mehr als
23% sind adipös. Mittlerweile sind von ÜKG-assoziierten
Tumoren immer öfter 20–40-Jährige betroffen.
Ausblick auf neue Arzneimittel zur Gewichtsreduktion
Authors: Engeli Stefan
Published: March 2022

Der Einsatz von Arzneimitteln zur Gewichtsreduktion als adjuvante Therapie
zusätzlich zu Ernährungs-, Bewegungs- und
Verhaltensinterventionen wird in den bisherigen und zukünftigen
Leitlinien der Deutschen Adipositas-Gesellschaft klar beschrieben. In den
letzten zwei Jahren hat es auf dem deutschen Markt einige Bereinigungen bei den
Gewichtsreduktionsarzneimitteln gegeben. Der Artikel fasst die derzeitige
Situation in Deutschland einschließlich der derzeitigen
Erstattungssituation in Deutschland im Bereich der gesetzlichen Krankenkassen
zusammen und gibt einen Ausblick auf neue Arzneimittel zur Gewichtsreduktion,
deren Zulassung kurz bevor steht oder die sich derzeit in Phase 3 der
Zulassungsstudien befinden.
Cucurbitacins Elicit Anti-Platelet Activity via Perturbation of the Cytoskeleton and Integrin Function
Authors: Kriek Neline , Nock Sophie H. , Sage Tanya , Khalifa Badrija , Bye Alexander P. , Mitchell Joanne L. , Thomson Steven , McLaughlin Mark G. , Jones Sarah , Gibbins Jonathan M. , Unsworth Amanda J.
Published: March 2022

Cucurbitacins are dietary compounds that have been shown to elicit a range of anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Originally identified as signal transducer and activator of transcription, STAT, inhibitors, a variety of mechanisms of action have since been described, including dysregulation of the actin cytoskeleton and disruption of integrin function. Integrin outside-in signalling and cytoskeletal rearrangements are critical for the propagation of stable thrombus formation and clot retraction following platelet adhesion at the site of vessel damage. The effects of cucurbitacins on platelet function and thrombus formation are unknown. We report for the first time anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic effects of cucurbitacins B, E and I in human platelets. Treatment of platelets with cucurbitacins resulted in attenuation of platelet aggregation, secretion and fibrinogen binding following stimulation by platelet agonists. Cucurbitacins were also found to potently inhibit other integrin- and cytoskeleton-mediated events, including adhesion, spreading and clot retraction. Further investigation of cytoskeletal dynamics found treatment with cucurbitacins altered cofilin phosphorylation, enhanced activation and increased F actin polymerisation and microtubule assembly. Disruption to cytoskeletal dynamics has been previously shown to impair integrin activation, platelet spreading and clot retraction. Anti-platelet properties of cucurbitacins were found to extend to a disruption of stable thrombus formation, with an increase in thrombi instability and de-aggregation under flow. Our research identifies novel, anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic actions of cucurbitacins that appear to be linked to dysregulation of cytoskeletal dynamics and integrin function.
NO Release Inhibitory Activity of Flavonoids from Aesculus Wilsonii Seeds through MAPK (P38), NF-κB, and STAT3 Cross-Talk Signaling Pathways
Authors: Cao Hui Na , Ruan Jing Ya , Han Yu , Zhao Wei , Zhang Ying , Gao Chang , Wu Hong Hua , Ma Lin , Gao Xiu Mei , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: March 2022

The flavonoid constituents of Aesculus wilsonii, a source of the Chinese medicinal drug Suo Luo Zi, and their in vitro anti-inflammatory effects were investigated. Fifteen flavonoids, including aeswilflavonosides IA-IC (1 – 3) and aeswilflavonosides IIA-IIE (4 – 8), along with seven known derivatives were isolated from a seed extract. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, acid and alkaline hydrolysis, and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. Among them, compounds 3 and 7 possess a 5-[2-(carboxymethyl)-5-oxocyclopent-yl]pent-3-enylate or oleuropeoylate substituent, respectively, which are rarely reported in flavonoids. Compounds 2, 3, 7, and 12 – 15 were found to inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cell lines. In a mechanistic assay, the flavonoid glycosides 2, 3, and 7 reduced the expressions of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced by lipopolysaccharide. Further investigations suggest that 2 and 3 downregulated the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38. Compound 7 was found to reduce the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 through inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B signaling pathway. Compounds 2, 3, and 7 possessed moderate inhibitory activity on the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3. Taken together, the data indicate that the flavonoid glycosides of A. wilsonii seeds exhibit nitric oxide release inhibitory activity through mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B, and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 cross-talk signaling pathways.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Thurin Kristina , Daffner Kirk , Gale Seth , Donovan Nancy J. , Urizar Juan Carlos
Published: March 2022

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a syndrome defined by objective cognitive deficits that do not impact functional independence. Individuals with MCI develop dementia at an annual rate of 10 to 15%. Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common non-cognitive features of neurocognitive disorders and have a major impact on the wellbeing and quality of life of affected individuals and their families. Non-pharmacological interventions for NPS are considered the first-line treatment because of the limited efficacy and side-effect potential of current pharmacological agents. This article summarizes the literature on non-pharmacological treatments for NPS in MCI. The limited number of studies specific to individuals with MCI and its various etiologies, as well as the overall heterogeneity of research design and methodologies, make the evidence base inconclusive. Nevertheless, some studies support psychosocial interventions aimed at individuals with MCI and their caregivers.
A Newly Identified Int22h1/Int22h2‐Mediated Xq28 Duplication Syndrome Case Misdiagnosed as Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bastos Paulo André Dias , Barbosa Raquel
Published: March 2022

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a nonprogressive, early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder affecting ∼2 to 3/1,000 children worldwide. It is characterized by movement/postural disabilities accompanied by sensitive, perceptual, cognitive, communicational, behavioral, and musculoskeletal perturbations. Many CP patients are thought to have genetic etiologies overlapping those of other neurodevelopmental conditions. Herein, we reported a newly discovered case (the 36th case to date) of a female patient (misdiagnosed with CP until age 19) with the rare X-linked intellectual disability syndrome resulting from an int22h1/int22h2-mediated Xq28 duplication. A microarray analysis revealed a ∼0.4 Mb duplication within the 154.1 to 154.6 Mb subregion of Xq28 (hg19, CRCh37), confirming a diagnosis of the rare int22h1/int22h2-mediated Xq28 duplication intellectual disability syndrome. Atypical T2 hyperintensities were also observed. This case report builds upon the limited cohort of X-linked intellectual disability syndrome patients and reiterates the growing observations pertaining to the phenotypic overlap between genetic CP cases and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Evaluation of the Computer-Assisted Speech Perception Assessment Test (CASPA)
Authors: Mackersie Carol L. , Boothroyd Arthur , Minniear Donna
Published: March 2022

Interlist equivalency and short-term practice effects were evaluated for the recorded stimuli of the Computer-Assisted Speech Perception Assessment (CASPA) Test. Twenty lists, each consisting of 10 consonant-vowel-consonant words, were administered to 20 adults with normal hearing. The lists were presented at 50 dB SPL (Leq) in the presence of spectrally matched steady-state noise (55 dB SPL Leq). Phoneme recognition scores for the first list presented were significantly lower than for the second through the twentieth list presented, indicating a small practice effect. Phoneme scores for 4 of the lists (3, 6, 7, and 16) were significantly higher than scores for the remaining 16 lists by approximately 10 percentage points. Eliminating the effects of interlist differences reduced the 95 percent confidence interval of a test score based on a single list from 18.4 to 16.1 percentage points. Although interlist differences have only a small effect on confidence limits, some clinicians may wish to eliminate them by excluding lists 3, 6, 7, and 16 from the test. The practice effect observed here can be eliminated by administering one 10-word practice list before beginning the test.

Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance, CASPA = Computer-Assisted Speech Perception Assessment, CASRA = Computer-Assisted Speech Recognition Assessment, CVC = consonant-vowel-consonant
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials: Preliminary Report
Authors: Akin Faith Wurm , Murnane Owen D.
Published: March 2022

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are short-latency electromyograms evoked by high-level acoustic stimuli recorded from surface electrodes over the tonically contracted sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. These responses are presumed to originate in the saccule. The purpose of this preliminary report is to provide an overview of our initial experience with the VEMP by describing the responses obtained in five subjects. Click-evoked VEMPs were present at short latencies in two normal-hearing subjects, one patient with profound congenital sensorineural hearing loss, and one patient with a severe sensorineural hearing loss due to Meniere’s disease. Additionally, VEMPs were absent in a patient with profound sensorineural hearing loss following removal of a cerebellopontine angle tumor. The amplitude of the VEMP was influenced by the amount of background activity of the SCM muscle, stimulus level, and stimulus frequency.Tone-burst evoked responses showed an inverse relationship between stimulus frequency and response latency. VEMPs may prove to be a reliable technique in the clinical assessment of vestibular function.

Abbreviations: EMG = electromyography, SCM = sternocleidomastoid, VEMP = vestibular evoked myogenic potential
Normative Behavioral Thresholds for Short Tone-Bursts
Authors: Beattie Randall C. , Rochverger Ilanit
Published: March 2022

Although tone-bursts have been commonly used in auditory brainstem response (ABR) evaluations for many years, national standards describing normal calibration values have not been established. This study was designed to gather normative threshold data to establish a physical reference for tone-burst stimuli that can be reproduced across clinics and laboratories. More specifically, we obtained norms for 3-msec tone-bursts presented at two repetition rates (9.3/sec and 39/sec), two gating functions (Trapezoid and Blackman), and four frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz). Our results are specified using three physical references: dB peak sound pressure level, dB peak-to-peak equivalent sound pressure level, and dB SPL (fast meter response, rate = 50 stimuli/sec). These data are offered for consideration when calibrating ABR equipment. The 39/sec stimulus rate yielded tone-burst thresholds that were approximately 3 dB lower than the 9.3/sec rate. The improvement in threshold with increasing stimulus rate may reflect the ability of the auditory system to integrate energy that occurs within a time interval of 200 to 500 msec (temporal integration). The Trapezoid gating function yielded thresholds that averaged 1.4 dB lower than the Blackman function. Although these differences are small and of little clinical importance, the cumulative effects of several instrument and/or procedural variables may yield clinically important differences.

Abbreviations: ANSI = American National Standards Institute, IHS = Intelligent Hearing Systems, peSPL = peak equivalent sound pressure level, ppeSPL = peak-to-peak equivalent sound pressure level, pSPL = peak sound pressure level
Effect of Spectral Shaping and Content on Loudness Discomfort
Authors: Bentler Ruth A. , Nelson John A.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this investigation was to study the impact of spectral shape and content on thresholds of discomfort (TD) for listeners with normal hearing and listeners with hearing loss. Secondary to that purpose was to quantify binaural summation at high intensities across complex stimulus conditions for both groups of listeners. Forty subjects (20 with normal hearing, 20 with hearing loss) participated. Complex acoustic stimuli (multitone and continuous discourse) were filtered to have four spectral shapes: (1) flat spectrum, (2) long-term average speech spectrum, (3) reverse long-term average speech spectrum, and (4) theTD contour derived for each subject from pure-tone TD obtained with eight pure tones from 250 to 4000 Hz. The results suggest that (1) TD for complex stimuli are lower for subjects with hearing loss compared with those with normal hearing, suggesting increased loudness summation with this population; (2) binaural summation of approximately 6 dB (independent of stimulus type, filter shape, or spectral content), indicating that a correction of similar magnitude for bilateral hearing aid fittings is appropriate; and (3) TD obtained at 750, 1500, and 3000 Hz accounted for approximately 60 percent of the variance in the complex TD measures, suggesting that TD at these frequencies be used to set the output obtained from a hearing aid with a 90–dB pure-tone sweep as the input stimulus.

Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance, FIR = finite-impulse response, FS = flat spectrum, LTASS = long-term average speech spectrum, OSPL90 = output obtained from a hearing aid with a 90–dB pure-tone sweep as the input stimulus, R-LTASS = reverse long-term average speech spectrum, TD = threshold(s) of discomfort, TD contour = spectrum derived from TDs obtained with eight pure tones from 250 to 4000 Hz
A Search for Evidence of a Direct Relationship between Tinnitus and Suicide
Authors: Jacobson Gary P. , McCaslin Devin L.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether there exists in the scientific literature support for a cause and effect relationship between tinnitus and suicide. MEDLINE and HealthStar databases were queried using the combined search terms “tinnitus” and “suicide” over the time period from 1966 to 2001 for MEDLINE and from 1975 to 2001 for HealthStar. Foreign-language reports were included if they had been translated into English or, at least, if they contained an English-language translation of the abstract. A total of three published reports pertinent to this topic were recovered. None of these reports showed a causal relationship between tinnitus and suicide. More often, patients who had attempted or committed suicide had significant preexisting psychiatric conditions, the most common being depression. Accordingly, it is our conclusion that nowhere in the existing literature is there any evidence supporting a cause and effect relationship between tinnitus and suicide.
Evaluation of Hearing Handicaps and Presbyacusis Using World Wide Web-Based Calculators
Authors: Kavanagh Kevin T.
Published: March 2022

This article is a clinical report on the applicability of computer software in determining hearing handicaps and presbyacusis. The software is now World Wide Web based and can be implemented in a clinical setting by using JavaScript calculators housed on the World Wide Web at. Added features consist of calculating the maximum recommended allowable noise exposure using the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health 1997 frequencies in handicap determination and the projection of future audiometric thresholds using the International Standards Organization 1999 compression factor. A review of the literature and the theoretical and clinical applications of these new features are discussed. A guide in the selection of Web-based development software is also presented in the hope of encouraging other researchers to develop Web-based versions of their software applications.

Abbreviations: AAO = American Academy of Otolaryngology; AAOO = American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology; ASHA = American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; CHABA = Committee on Hearing, Bioacoustics, and Biomechanics for the National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council; HTL = hearing threshold level; IARL = initial age-related loss; IHT = initial hearing threshold; ISO = International Standards Organization; NIL = noise-induced loss; NIOSH = National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health; OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration; PARL = projected age-related loss
Human Frequency-Following Responses: Representation of Second Formant Transitions in Normal-Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Listeners
Authors: Plyler Patrick N. , Ananthanarayan A.K.
Published: March 2022

Auditory nerve single-unit studies have demonstrated that phase-locking plays an important role in the neural encoding of the spectrum of speech-like sounds. Recently, it has been reported that the phase-locked activity underlying the scalp-recorded human frequencyfollowing response (FFR) also encodes the first two formants of several steady-state vowels and the time-variant frequency presented in tonal sweeps. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) if FFR can encode the time-varying second formant transitions in synthetic stop consonant stimuli in normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners, (2) if hearing-impairment causes degradation of this neural representation, and (3) if the degraded representation is correlated with reduced consonant identification in hearing-impaired listeners. FFRs were obtained from normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners in response to several synthetic stop consonants. The results demonstrated that the FFR did encode the second formant transition in normal-hearing listeners. However, FFR encoding was severely degraded in most of the hearing-impaired listeners. Further, comparison of identification and FFR data for individual hearing-impaired listeners appears to suggest that degradation in the neural representation of the second formant transition may be accompanied by reduction in identification performance.

Abbreviations: FFR = frequency-following response
Externalization in the platform economy: Social platforms and institutions
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Sali , Wei Jiang , Yang Yang
Published: March 2022

The growing platform economy has revived the debate on the applicability of internalization theory in contemporary contexts. In moving this debate forward, we draw on insights from hybrids research and property rights theory to complement the internalization school. Our core contribution lies in a reconceptualization of platforms as a hybrid organizational form enabling the exchange of property rights between platform owners and complementors. Using social platforms as an example, we propose that improvement in a host country’s intellectual property protection will increase the multinational platform’s (MNP) level of internalization, and that the platform firm’s governance capabilities may weaken the effect of institutions on its operation mode. Our theoretical analysis yields new insights beyond the received view of internationalization that builds on the assumption of internalized proprietary resources. We conclude that internalization theory, as an overarching paradigm in IB, remains adaptable to new organizational forms in the digital economy.
Wearable sensor system tracks lung function for COPD patients
Authors: Piccone Ashley
Published: March 2022

Device combines a digital stethoscope, electrocardiogram monitor, thermometer, and goniometer into one wearable platform, which aims to predict COPD exacerbations for early intervention.
Mechanism analysis for excitatory interneurons dominating poly-spike wave and optimization of electrical stimulation
Authors: Yan Luyao , Zhang Honghui , Sun Zhongkui , Cao Zilu , Shen Zhuan , Zhao Yuzhi
Published: March 2022

In addition to inhibitory interneurons, there exist excitatory interneurons (EINs) in the cortex, which mainly have excitatory projections to pyramidal neurons. In this study, we improve a thalamocortical model by introducing EIN, investigate the dominant role of EIN in generating spike and slow wave discharges (SWDs), and consider a non-rectangular pulse to control absence seizures. First, we display here that the improved model can reproduce typical SWDs of absence seizures. Moreover, we focus on the function of EIN by means of bifurcation analysis and find that EIN can induce transition behaviors under Hopf-type and fold limit cycle bifurcations. Specifically, the system has three stable solutions composing a tri-stable region. In this region, there are three attraction basins, which hints that external stimulation can drive the system trajectory from one basin to another, thereby eliminating abnormal oscillations. Furthermore, we compare the increasing ramp with rectangular pulse and optimize stimulation waveforms from the perspective of electrical charges input. The controlling role of the single increasing ramp to absence seizures is remarkable and the optimal stimulus parameters have been found theoretically. This work provides a computational model containing EIN and a theoretical basis for future physiological experiments and clinical research studies.
Hyperspectral imaging through scattering layers with incoherent light
Authors: Li Yitong , Wei Shili , Li Ze , Zhu Zhengbo , Peng Jianguo , Ma Donglin
Published: March 2022

Overcoming the light scattering for imaging under natural light conditions is a tough question to solve. One major issue is the absence of an efficient model to characterize the spectral features of incoherent light scattering. Here, we put forward the incoherent light transmission matrix (TM) approach in thin scattering layers. The proposed model is a unique form of TM that characterizes the spectral transmission feature of a system with multiple spatial transmission modes. With this method, we recover hyperspectral information from a single-shot monochromatic light spot without any additional dispersion or imaging elements. The proposed TM method can also be extended to recover other information from the light field, such as the polarization information without the use of a traditional polarizer. Our method also outperforms traditional optimization algorithms in terms of time and memory cost. The results demonstrate the feasibility of our method for retrieving the abundant information from natural light scattering with the help of simple optical setups.
Extended mean-field approach for chimera states in random complex networks
Authors: Yi Sudo , Um Jaegon , Kahng B.
Published: March 2022

Identical oscillators in the chimera state exhibit a mixture of coherent and incoherent patterns simultaneously. Nonlocal interactions and phase lag are critical factors in forming a chimera state within the Kuramoto model in Euclidean space. Here, we investigate the contributions of nonlocal interactions and phase lag to the formation of the chimera state in random networks. By developing an extended mean-field approximation and using a numerical approach, we find that the emergence of a chimera state in the Erdös–Rényi network is due mainly to degree heterogeneity with nonzero phase lag. For a regularly random network, although all nodes have the same degree, we find that disordered connections may yield the chimera state in the presence of long-range interactions. Furthermore, we show a nontrivial dynamic state in which all the oscillators drift more slowly than a defined frequency due to connectivity disorder at large phase lags beyond the mean-field solutions.
Observation of symmetry-protected corner states in breathing honeycomb topolectrical circuits
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Huanhuan , Wang X. S. , Li Z.-X. , Cao Yunshan
Published: March 2022

We report the experimental observation of second-order corner states in a two-dimensional breathing honeycomb topolectrical circuit with sixfold rotational symmetry C6 through voltage measurements. The topological corner states originate from the nontrivial bulk topology, which can be characterized by the topological invariant associated with the rotation eigenspectrum. We confirm two types of corner states, both originate from the C6 symmetry, while one of them is specially pinned to zero admittance because of the emerging chiral symmetry protection. We then examine the robustness of zero modes in the presence of next-nearest-neighbor hopping terms that destroy chiral symmetry but still preserve C6 symmetry. Our work provides a paradigm in circuit systems to study the exotic topological physics.
Flow characterization in the uphill region of pulsed oblique round jet
Authors: Mishra Abhishek , Djenidi Lyazid , Agrawal Amit
Published: March 2022

An experimental study to investigate the effect of jet pulsations on the wall jet development in the uphill region of an obliquely inclined round water jet has been performed using particle image velocimetry technique. The study has been performed at a constant nozzle to target wall distance, L/D = 4 (D is the diameter of the nozzle) by varying the jet impingement angle θ (=60o, 45o, and 30o), Reynolds numbers (ReD = 1900 and 3280; based on nozzle diameter and average nozzle exit velocity Uavg), and Strouhal number (0 ≤ St ≤ 0.9; St=fDUavg, where f is the frequency of external pulsation). It is observed that the pulsations have no significant effect on the jet in the free jet region when the target plate is kept at a distance less than the potential core length (the potential core extends up to 4D–6D from the nozzle exit toward the impinging plate), and the jet impingement region extends up to 1D from the plate. The location of the stagnation point is observed to depend on all three parameters: the jet pulsation, the Reynolds number, and the jet impingement angle. An increase in Reynolds number creates an adverse pressure gradient toward the downstream direction in the uphill region, resulting in an intrusion of ambient fluid toward the wall jet. The distance between the geometric center and the stagnation point is observed to be minimum for St = 0.44 at both the Reynolds numbers. The wall jet that develops in the uphill region exhibits a maximum velocity decay rate and a jet half width growth rate corresponding to St = 0.44. These parameters are also observed to increase with the increase in the Reynolds number and decrease in the jet impingement angle. The velocity fields reconstructed using proper orthogonal decomposition reveal the dominant modes in the upstream location for St = 0.44 than the other pulsations. Furthermore, we observed that the jet after impingement deviates entirely in the downhill region for θ=30o irrespective of the jet pulsation, suggesting a non-dependence of the critical angle of inclination on jet pulsations for L/D = 4.
Surfactant effects on microfluidic extensional flow of water and polymer solutions
Authors: Dacus Michael , Raihan Mahmud Kamal , Baghdady Micah , Gabbard Chase , Wu Sen , Bostwick Joshua B. , Song Yongxin , Xuan Xiangchun
Published: March 2022

Surfactants are often added to particle suspensions in the flow of Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluids for the purpose of reducing particle-particle aggregation and particle-wall adhesion. However, the impact on the flow behavior of such surfactant additions is often overlooked. We experimentally investigate the effect of the addition of a frequently used neutral surfactant, Tween 20, at the concentration pertaining to microfluidic applications on the entry flow of water and three common polymer solutions through a planar cavity microchannel. We find that the addition of Tween 20 has no significant influence on the shear viscosity or extensional flow of Newtonian water and Boger polyethylene oxide solution. However, such a surfactant addition reduces both the shear viscosity and shear-thinning behavior of xanthan gum and polyacrylamide solutions that each exhibit a strong shear-thinning effect. It also stabilizes the cavity flow and delays the onset of flow instability in both cases. The findings of this work can directly benefit microfluidic applications of particle and cell manipulation in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.
Effects of silage to concentrate ratio and duration of feeding on the fatty acid composition of ovine muscle and adipose tissue
Authors: Gravador R. S. , Fahey A. G. , Harrison S. M. , Gkarane V. , Moloney A. P. , Brunton N. P. , Claffey N. A. , Diskin M. G. , Farmer L. J. , Allen P. , Monahan F. J.
Published: March 2022

Context Dietary strategies may influence the fatty acid composition of sheep meat and ultimately its nutritional and sensory quality. Aim This study investigated the effects of silage to concentrate ratio and feeding duration on the concentration of intramuscular fatty acids and branched chain fatty acid in subcutaneous adipose tissue of lambs. Methods Pasture fed lambs were assigned in groups of 11 to one of nine dietary treatments consisting of silage to cereal concentrate at ratios (dry matter basis) of 100:0 (silage), 50:50 (silage:concentrate) or 0:100 (concentrate) for three feeding durations (36, 54 or 72 days) pre-slaughter. A 10th group of 11 lambs remained at pasture until slaughter. Fatty acid methyl esters were prepared using a microwave-assisted method and quantified by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection. Results The concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and proportions of C18:3n-3 and C18:2 cis-9 trans-11 decreased for mixed feed and/or concentrate treatments, but not for silage, from 36 to 72 days. The C18:2n-6 and n-6 PUFA concentrations increased for mixed feed and concentrate, but not for silage, from 36 to 72 days. The animals that remained at pasture had lower C18:2n-6 and n-6 PUFA than those receiving mixed feed for 72 days, concentrate for 54 days and concentrate for 72 days, but higher C18:3n-3, C18:2 cis-9 trans-11 and n-3 PUFA concentrations than the indoor finishing groups. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was lower in pastured lambs compared to the other groups. 4-Methyloctanoic acid and 4-ethyloctanoic acid were higher in concentrate and mixed feed treatments than in silage while 4-methylnonanoic acid increased with increase in concentrate level in the diet. Conclusion The ratio of silage to concentrate in the diet and duration of feeding pre-slaughter influence the fatty acid composition of muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue of lambs. Implications The results are important for lamb producers in understanding the nutritional and sensory implications of altering lamb diets.
Accumulation of zinc, iron and selenium in wheat as affected by phosphorus supply in salinised condition
Authors: Zhao De-Yong , Zhang Zai-Wang , Yuan Yu-Rong , Zhang Xiao-Lin , Zhao Wang-Feng , Li Xue-Ping , Wang Jun , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: March 2022

Biofortification of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) in crops could be affected by environmental factors such as soil salinity and phosphorus supply levels, as well as by the genotypic effect. Two pot experiments were conducted with one examined the effects of P supply and salinity on plant growth and Zn, Fe and Se uptake in wheat, and the other examined genotypic differences in Zn, Fe and Se accumulation among 20 wheat genotypes. The results of the first pot study showed significant interactive effects between P supply and salinity on Zn, Fe and Se accumulation. Increasing salinity at the same P supply level increased shoot Zn concentrations, but significantly decreased total shoot Zn amount owing to decreased aboveground biomass. An increased accumulation of total shoot Fe and Se in P-added treatments, relative to the no-P treatments, was mainly due to increased aboveground biomass. The results of the second pot study showed substantial genotypic variations in Zn, Fe and Se accumulation; principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that agronomic traits and nutrient accumulation were controlled by independent genetic mechanisms. These results indicated that the amount of P supply is a key factor regulating biomass and accumulation of Zn, Fe and Se in certain saline soils; the sizable genotypic difference in Zn, Fe and Se accumulation observed in salinised conditions has provided potential scope for genetic improvement by breeding strategies.