bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using PVA/CA/Au NPs electrospun nanofibers as a green nanosorbent to preconcentrate and determine Pb2+and Cu2+in rice samples, water sources and cosmetics
Authors: Mehrani Zahra , Karimpour Zahra , Ebrahimzadeh Homeira
Published: August 2020

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/citric acid (CA)/Au NPs electrospun nanofibers was synthesized and applied as a green and efficient sorbent to extract and preconcentrate Pb2+and Cu2+from water sources, rice samples and cosmetics before FAAS.
Efficient nonlinear-optical behaviors of chiral-amide-bonded porphyrin noncovalent functionalized MWCNTs by terminated pyrene units
Authors: Zhu Weihua , Zhang Honglin , Liu Siqi , Wang Aijian , Liang Xu
Published: August 2020

Four chiral porphyrins and their derivatives with chiral-amide-bonded terminal pyrene were synthesized and isolated.
Gate-tunable trion binding energy in monolayer MoS2 with plasmonic superlattice
Authors: Luo Zhuang , Jia Hao , Lv Liu , Wang Quan , Yan Xiaohong
Published: August 2020

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides exhibit promising potential and attract the attention of the world in the application of optoelectronic devices owing to their distinctive physical and chemical properties.
On the lipid flip-flop and phase transition coupling
Authors: Porcar Lionel , Gerelli Yuri
Published: August 2020

We measured by neutron reflectometry the loss of asymmetry in solid supported lipid bilayers, revealing an intrinsic interplay between passive lipid flip-flop and lipid phase transition.
Sacrificial agent-free photocatalytic H2O2evolutionviatwo-electron oxygen reduction using a ternary α-Fe2O3/CQD@g-C3N4photocatalyst with broad-spectrum response
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Wenwen , Zhang Lixiang , Feng Luping , Zhang Chunxian , Jiang Jie , Yan Tingjiang , Wang Hua
Published: August 2020

The developed α-Fe2O3/CQD@g-C3N4can perform a direct one-step two-electron reduction for efficient photocatalytic H2O2evolution in pure water.
High-latitude emission from the structured jet of γ-ray bursts observed off-axis
Authors: Ascenzi S. , Oganesyan G. , Salafia O. S. , Branchesi M. , Ghirlanda G. , Dall’Osso S.
Published: August 2020

The X-ray emission of γ-ray burst (GRBs) is often characterized by an initial steep decay followed by a nearly constant emission phase (so-called “plateau”) which can extend up to thousands of seconds. While the steep decay is usually interpreted as the tail of the prompt γ-ray flash, the long-lasting plateau is commonly associated to the emission from the external shock sustained by energy injection from a long-lasting central engine. A recent study proposed an alternative interpretation, ascribing both the steep decay and the plateau to high-latitude emission (HLE) from a “structured jet” whose energy and bulk Lorentz factor depend on the angular distance from the jet symmetry axis. In this work we expand on this idea and explore more realistic conditions: (a) the finite duration of the prompt emission, (b) the angular dependence of the optical depth, and (c) the dependence of the light curve on the observer viewing angle. We find that, when viewed highly off-axis, the structured jet HLE light curve is smoothly decaying with no clear distinction between the steep and flat phases, as opposed to the on-axis case. For a realistic choice of physical parameters, the effects of a latitude-dependent Thomson opacity and finite duration of the emission have a marginal effect on the overall light-curve evolution. We discuss the possible HLE of GW170817, showing that the emission would have faded away long before the first Swift-XRT observations. Finally, we discuss the prospects for the detection of HLE from off-axis GRBs by present and future wide-field X-ray telescopes and X-ray surveys, such as eROSITA and the mission concept THESEUS.
Clinical Characteristics of Primary Hypophysitis – A Single-Centre Series of 60 Cases
Authors: Amereller Felix , Küppers Anna-Maria , Schilbach Katharina , Schopohl Jochen , Störmann Sylvère
Published: August 2020

Objective Clinical data on primary hypophysitis are still scarce. Especially non-surgical cases are underreported. We sought to analyse clinical characteristics of primary hypophysitis, particularly in clinically diagnosed patients.

Design Retrospective single centre study in 60 patients with primary hypophysitis.

Methods Symptoms, MRI, histopathological findings, treatment and outcomes were analysed in 12 histopathologically and 48 clinically diagnosed patients. Diagnostic criteria for clinical diagnosis were: a) MRI findings compatible with primary hypophysitis; b) course of disease excluding other differential diagnoses. Mean duration of follow-up was 69 months.

Results Female sex was predominant (73%). Fatigue (52%), headache (38%) and diabetes insipidus (38%) were the most frequent symptoms. 42% had a concomitant autoimmune disease. The corticotropic, thyrotropic, gonadotropic, somatotropic axis was impaired in 67%, 57%, 52%, 20%, respectively. Men had a higher number of impaired hormone axes (p=0.022) with the gonadotropic axis being affected more frequently in men (p=0.001). Infundibular thickening (56%) and space occupying lesions (46%) were typical MRI findings. Pituitary size was frequently enlarged at presentation (37%) but diminished during observation (p=0.029). Histopathologically and clinically diagnosed cases did not differ.

Conclusions The cohort of clinically diagnosed patients did not differ from our histopathologically diagnosed patients or from published cohorts with predominantly surgical patients. Thus, diagnosis of primary hypophysitis using clinical criteria seems feasible.
Fat-free Mass Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Predictive Equation
for Athletes using a 4-Compartment Model
Authors: Matias Catarina N , Campa Francesco , Santos Diana A. , Lukaski Henry , Sardinha Luís B. , Silva Analiza M.
Published: August 2020

Bioelectrical impedance analysis equations for fat-free mass prediction in
healthy populations exist, nevertheless none accounts for the inter-athlete
differences of the chemical composition of the fat-free mass. We aimed to
develop a bioimpedance-based model for fat-free mass prediction based on the
four-compartment model in a sample of national level athletes; and to
cross-validate the new models in a separate cohort of athletes using a
4-compartment model as a criterion. There were 142 highly trained athletes
(22.9±5.0 years) evaluated during their respective competitive seasons.
Athletes were randomly split into development (n=95) and validation
groups (n=47). The criterion method for fat-free mass was the
4-compartment model. Resistance and reactance were obtained with a
phase-sensitive 50 kHz bioimpedance device. Athletic impedance-based
models were developed (fat-free
mass=− 2.261+0.327*Stature2/Resistance+0.525*Weight+5.462*Sex,
where stature is in cm, Resistance is in Ω, Weight is in kg, and sex is
0 if female or 1 if male). Cross validation revealed R2 of 0.94,
limits of agreement around 10% variability and no trend, as well as a
high concordance correlation coefficient. The new equation can be considered
valid thus affording practical means to quantify fat-free mass in elite adult
athletes.
Palladium-Catalyzed Cyanation under Mild Conditions: A Case Study to Discover Appropriate Substrates among Halides and Pseudohalides
Authors: Sunil K. , Rajendra Merla Arjuna , Sajith Ayyiliath Meleveetil , Joy Muthipeedika Nibin , Bakulev Vasiliy A. , Haridas Karickal Raman
Published: August 2020

A case study has been effectively carried out to identify a suitable substrate among halides and pseudohalides for the palladium-catalyzed cyanation reactions under mild conditions. Among the various substrates considered for evaluation, aryl pentafluorobenzenesulfonates and nonaflates were identified to be the best substrates when compared to corresponding halides and pseudohalides. The substoichiometric use of nontoxic, environmentally benign potassium hexacyanoferrate as a cyanide source and exceptionally milder conditions further highlights the significance of the protocol developed. A wide range of electronically biased and sterically challenging substrates provided the corresponding the nitriles in good to excellent yields.
Sulfur-Chelated Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalysts
Authors: Lemcoff N. Gabriel , Nechmad Noy B.
Published: August 2020

This Account summarizes the historical development of latent sulfur-chelated ruthenium precatalysts from the Lemcoff group’s perspective. The most unique feature of this family of complexes is that they appear in the more stable cis-dichloro configuration, which is latent towards olefin metathesis reactions. Activation of the precatalyst, brought about by isomerization from the cis-dihalo to the trans-dihalo forms, can be achieved either by thermal or light stimuli. Modifications of the ligand sphere bestows unique properties upon the catalysts, which have been used in diverse applications, from 3D printing of metathesis polymers to orthogonally divergent synthetic pathways.

1 Introduction

2 Effect of Sulfur Substituents

3 Effect of Benzylidene Ligands

4 Effect of the NHC Ligands

5 Effect of the Anionic Ligands

6 Conclusions
Asociación entre el cociente del segundo y cuarto dedo y el riesgo de cáncer de próstata: Un estudio de casos y controles en población mediterránea
Authors: García-Escudero Damián , Arense-Gonzálo Julián J. , Mendiola Jaime , Oñate-Celdrán Julián , Adoamnei Evdochia , Sánchez-Rodríguez Carlos , Samper-Mateo Paula , Torres-Roca Marcos , Molina-Hernández Olimpia , Guzmán Martínez-Valls Pablo L. , Torres-Cantero Alberto M.
Published: August 2020

Objetivo Evaluar la asociación entre el cociente de los dedos segundo y cuarto (2D:4D), como un biomarcador de la exposición prenatal a andrógenos, y la presencia de cáncer de próstata (CaP).

Métodos Estudio de casos y controles con 260 hombres que consultaron en el Servicio de Urología del Hospital General Universitario Reina Sofía (Murcia, España). Los casos (n = 125) fueron pacientes diagnosticados de CaP por anatomía patológica a los que se les realizó una prostatectomía radical. Los controles (n = 135) fueron pacientes que consultaron en Urología por otro motivo y que no mostraron signos ni síntomas de patología prostática. La longitud del 2D y 4D de la mano derecha fue medida mediante un pie de rey digital y se calculó el cociente entre ambos (2D:4D). Para los análisis estadísticos se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística obteniendo Odds ratios (OR) crudas y ajustadas e intervalos de confianza al 95%.

Resultados Los casos presentaron un cociente 2D:4D significativamente menor que los controles. El cociente 2D:4D se relacionó significativamente con la presencia de CaP. Tras el ajuste multivariante, se observó que los varones que se encontraban en el primer tercil de distribución del cociente 2D:4D, presentaban casi el doble de riesgo de padecer CaP (OR 1,9: IC 95% 1,1–4,0; P-valor = 0,040) en comparación con los varones que se encontraban en el segundo y tercer tercil.

Conclusiones Una mayor exposición prenatal a andrógenos, reflejada por un cociente 2D:4D menor, podría estar asociado con riesgo aumentado de padecer CaP, pero más estudios son necesarios para corroborar esos hallazgos.
A Rare Case of Medulloblastoma with Supratentorial Metastasis Two Years after Treatment
Authors: Reihanian Zoheir , Behzadnia Hamid , Namin Ahmad Kheiri , Zaresharifi Nooshin
Published: August 2020

One of the most invasive malignant tumors of the cerebellum is medulloblastoma, which is also the most common malignant tumor of the brain in children. Patients with a recurrent disease following initial treatment have the most unfavorable prognosis. The most common metastasis locations are the spine, the posterior fossa, the bones, and the supratentorium. Late medulloblastoma metastasis in the supratentorial intraventricular region is uncommon. We report here a case with supratentorial seeding.
Pyloric Mucosal Diaphragm Associated with Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis: An Unusual Combination in a Male Neonate
Authors: Chariot Eugenie , Poupalou Anna , Estievenart Julie , Dassonville Martine , Vanderveken Erwin , Steyaert Henri
Published: August 2020

We describe herein the case of a 3-week-old baby with persistent nonbilious vomiting, due to a hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) associated with a congenital pyloric mucosal diaphragm. So far, an association between the two conditions has not been described. The diagnosis of a pyloric mucosal diaphragm was delayed because of its cooccurrence with HPS.
Tinnitus Impact: Three Different Measurement Tools
Authors: Bauch Christopher D. , Lynn Susan G. , Williams Donald E. , Mellon Michael W. , Weaver Amy L.
Published: August 2020

The impact of tinnitus and overall levels of distress were measured with three assessment tools for patients with tinnitus. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and an activities limitations questionnaire were administered to 53 audiology patients reporting tinnitus. Forty-three percent of these patients experienced either quality of life reductions associated with tinnitus, substantial perceived handicap, and/or a high level of distress. Results from the General Severity Index (GSI) of the SCL-90-R indicated that 25% of these patients displayed distress greater than that of the general medical population. The SCL-90-R can be a useful tool for audiologists working with tinnitus patients in assessing needs for referral for psychological or psychiatric counseling.
Magnesium and Hearing
Authors: Cevette Michael J. , Vormann Jürgen , Franz Kay
Published: August 2020

The last several decades have revealed clinical and experimental data regarding the importance of magnesium (Mg) in hearing. Increased susceptibility to noise damage, ototoxicity, and auditory hyperexcitibility are linked to states of Mg deficiency. Evidence for these processes has come slowly and direct effects have remained elusive because plasma Mg levels do not always correlate with its deficiency. Despite the major progress in the understanding of cochlear mechanical and auditory nerve function, the neurochemical and pharmacologic role of Mg is not clear. The putative mechanism suggests that Mg deficiency may contribute to a metabolic cellular cascade of events. Mg deficiency leads to an increased permeability of the calcium channel in the hair cells with a consequent over influx of calcium, an increased release of glutamate via exocytosis, and over stimulation of NMDA receptors on the auditory nerve. This paper provides a current overview of relevant Mg metabolism and deficiency and its influence on hearing.
Comparison of ABR Stimuli for the Early Detection of Ototoxicity: Conventional Clicks Compared with High Frequency Clicks and Single Frequency Tonebursts
Authors: Fausti Stephen A. , Flick Christopher L. , Bobal Alison M. , Ellingson Roger M. , Henry James A. , Mitchell Curtin R.
Published: August 2020

Effective objective testing methodology is needed for early detection of the effects of ototoxicity on hearing in patients. The requirements for such testing include responses that are: 1) reliable across test sessions; 2) sensitive to ototoxic change (> 8 kHz), and 3) recordable in a time-efficient manner. Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) appear well suited to this task however, conventional clicks stimulate primarily mid-frequencies (1-4 kHz) and high frequency tonebursts require too much time. We hypothesized that delivery of a band of high frequencies (a high frequency "click"), would elicit reliable and useful ABRs. In the current study, flat and sloped HF (high frequency) clicks with a bandwidth of 8-14 kHz were used. The purpose was to compare brainstem responses elicited by tonebursts, two HF clicks and conventional clicks. The results show that the reliability of responses to the HF clicks were comparable to the tonebursts and further, both HF clicks produced responses slightly larger than tonebursts.
Potential Contamination Effects of Neuronal Refractoriness on the Speech-evoked Mismatch Negativity Response
Authors: Cranford Jerry L. , Walker Letitia J. , Stuart Andrew , Elangovan Saravanan , Pravica David
Published: August 2020

The mismatch negativity response (MMN) is an event-related potential that is believed to reflect the automatic (possibly preconscious) neural processing of changes in ongoing environmental sounds. The MMN involves a negative voltage shift of baseline electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in the approximate latency window of the N1 and P2 cortical potentials in response to new or novel sounds. The most commonly used laboratory tests for extracting the MMN from EEG activity all involve oddball stimulus presentation procedures in which the interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of the frequently occurring standard sounds are shorter in length then that of the infrequently occurring deviant sounds. This presents the possibility that the MMN response could be affected by neuronal refractory or recovery events. The present study tested 12 young females, using the syllabic events /da/ and /ga/ as standard and deviant stimuli, and found evidence that, with certain experimental protocols, ISI-dependent neural refractory effects can affect the morphology of the MMN, possibly resulting in misinterpretation of the underlying neural bases of the response.
Communication in Noise with Acoustic and Electronic Hearing Protection Devices
Authors: Plyler Patrick N. , Klumpp Micah L.
Published: August 2020

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate communication ability in noise at two signal presentation levels when using acoustic and electronic hearing protection devices (HPDs). Fourteen normal hearing subjects were fitted binaurally with custom acoustic HPDs (ER-15) and custom electronic HPDs (Starkey SA T9). Probe microphone measurements were obtained on 28 ears for three experimental conditions (open ear, acoustic HPD, electronic HPD) at four input signal levels (60, 70, 80, 90 dB SPL). Also, communication in noise was evaluated for three conditions (open ear, acoustic HPD, electronic HPD) at two input signal levels (75 and 90 dB SPL) using the Hearing In Noise Test. Results indicated significantly greater attenuation as well as significantly better communication in noise for the acoustic HPD. Results also indicated that the electronic HPD failed to attenuate any input signal utilized. Although results of behavioral testing indicated that communication ability in noise was not significantly impacted by varying the signal presentation level when utilizing either HPD, a more salient finding may be that utilization of the electronic HPD may place listeners at risk for temporary or permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
Mouse Tales from Kresge: The Deafness Mouse
Authors: Drury Stacy S. , Keats Bronya J. B.
Published: August 2020

Mouse models for human deafness have not only proven instrumental in the identification of genes for hereditary hearing loss, but are excellent model systems in which to examine gene function as well as the resulting pathophysiology. One mouse model for human nonsyndromic deafness is the deafness (dn) mouse, a spontaneous mutation in the curly-tail (ct) stock. The dn gene is on mouse Chromosome 19 and it was recently shown to be a novel gene called Tmc1. A mutation in Tmc1 is also found in Beethoven (Bth), which is another deaf mouse mutant. In humans, one autosomal dominant form of nonsyndromic hearing loss (DFNA36) and two autosomal recessive forms (DFNB7 and DFNB11) are associated with mutations in TMC1, the human homologue of Tmc1. The transmembrane protein encoded by this gene is required for normal cochlear hair cell function and the mouse models will facilitate the elucidation of the molecular pathway that is disrupted when mutations are present.
Audiometric Correlates of the Unaided APHAB
Authors: Cox Robyn M. , Alexander Genevieve C. , Gray Ginger A.
Published: August 2020

The Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) is a self-report questionnaire that is used to quantify the impact of a hearing problem on an individual's daily life. In this investigation, the relationships were explored between typical clinical audiometric data and the four subscale scores of the APHAB administered in the unaided (without-amplification) condition. Sixty subjects provided APHAB scores, audiograms, and speech recognition data. Analyses revealed significant relationships between audiometric data and each of the three APHAB subscales that reflect speech communication (EC, RV, and BN). None of these subscales was significantly more strongly related to any specific audiological variable. However, the pattern of associations between audiometric variables and subscale scores was consistent with predictions based on item content for subscales EC and RV, but not for BN. As predicted, no relationship was found between audiometric data and scores for the Aversiveness subscale (AV). Even for the subscales with the strongest associations, differences in audiometric data could be used to explain half or less of the variance in self-report data.
The Influence of Listener's Gender on the Acceptance of Background Noise
Authors: Rogers Deanna S. , Harkrider Ashley W. , Burchfield Samuel B. , Nabelek Anna K.
Published: August 2020

The acceptance of background noise can be assessed by having participants select the maximum background noise level (BNL) to which they are willing to listen while following speech at their most comfortable listening level (MCL). The difference between the selected BNL and MCL is the acceptable noise level (ANL). Preliminary investigations have revealed large between-participant ANL differences that are not related to age, hearing status, preference for background noise, or uncomfortable listening level. This study investigated listener's gender as a possible factor contributing to these between-participant differences. Comfortable listening levels for speech and accepted levels of speech-babble background noise were obtained binaurally, via the sound field, from 50 (25 male, 25 female) young, acoustically naive adults with normal hearing sensitivity. Results indicate that, although males had higher comfortable listening levels and accepted higher levels of background noise than females, ANL values were not different between males and females.
Tympanometry in Newborn Infants—1 kHz Norms
Authors: Margolis Robert H. , Bass-Ringdahl Sandie , Hanks Wendy D. , Holte Lenore , Zapala David A.
Published: August 2020

With the rapid implementation of universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) programs, a test of middle-ear function for infants is urgently needed. Recent evidence suggests that 1 kHz tympanometry may be effective. Normative data are presented for newborn intensive care unit (NICU) graduates tested at a mean age of 3.9 weeks (Study 1) and full-term infants tested at 2–4 weeks (Study 2) who passed an otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screen. Nearly all infants tested had single-peaked tympanograms. The norms are evaluated for a group of full-term infants who were screened with OAE (Study 3) and two groups of infants (NICU patients and well babies) who were not screened by OAE (Study 4). The 5th percentile for static admittance for NICU and full-term babies was identical, allowing a single pass-fail criterion. Using that criterion, well babies who passed an OAE screen (Study 3) yielded a 91% pass rate. Those who passed the OAE screen had substantially higher 1 kHz static admittance than those who failed, suggesting a strong relationship between middle-ear transmission characteristics and OAE responses. The pass rate was lower for newborn well babies and NICU graduates who were not screened by OAE (Study 4).
A Reexamination of the Long Latency N1 Response in Patients with Tinnitus
Authors: Jacobson Gary P. , McCaslin Devin L.
Published: August 2020

There have been disparate findings reported previously by investigators who have examined differences in the cortically generated N1 (i.e., N100) from control and tinnitus samples. Investigators have employed differing stimulation paradigms applied to relatively small subject samples. Accordingly, it is not surprising that there has been no unanimity in the reported findings. The present investigation was conducted to determine, once again, whether differences exist in the cortically generated N1 potential recorded from both normals and subjects with bothersome tinnitus. In this investigation both passive and selective auditory attention paradigms were employed. Subjects were a total of 63 adults (31 controls and 32 tinnitus patients). The mean score on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory for the tinnitus group was 39 points. Results failed to reveal group differences in the latency of N1 across listening conditions. However, tinnitus patients demonstrated N1 potentials that were of significantly smaller amplitude than those obtained from normal subjects. These findings are consistent with those reported in previous investigations.
Effects of Decreased Audibility Produced by High-Pass Maskers in Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Souza Pamela E. , Tremblay Kelly L. , Boike Kumiko T.
Published: August 2020

A recurring problem in aging research is separating the effects of age per se from the effects of high-frequency hearing loss. One approach is to present test stimuli in the presence of a high-pass masker to control confounding differences in high-frequency audibility across age groups. However, there is evidence that such maskers may affect older and younger listeners differently. In this study, pure-tone thresholds were measured for younger and older listeners in the presence of high-pass maskers. The age groups were carefully selected based on similar unmasked thresholds at each frequency. Thresholds were measured in quiet and in seven masker conditions. Both younger and older listeners showed increased threshold shift below the masker passband as the masker level increased. The degree of threshold shift was not greater for older versus younger listeners. Results suggest that high-pass maskers may be used to reduce high-frequency sensitivity differences between younger and older listeners without introducing differential masking effects.
Development of a Speech-in-Multitalker-Babble Paradigm to Assess Word-Recognition Performance
Authors: Wilson Richard H.
Published: August 2020

A simple word-recognition task in multitalker babble for clinic use was developed in the course of four experiments involving listeners with normal hearing and listeners with hearing loss. In Experiments 1 and 2, psychometric functions for the individual NU No. 6 words from Lists 2, 3, and 4 were obtained with each word in a unique segment of multitalker babble. The test paradigm that emerged involved ten words at each of seven signal-to-babble ratios (S/B) from 0 to 24 dB. Experiment 3 examined the effect that babble presentation level (70, 80, and 90 dB SPL) had on recognition performance in babble, whereas Experiment 4 studied the effect that monaural and binaural listening had on recognition performance. For listeners with normal hearing, the 90th percentile was 6 dB S/B. In comparison to the listeners with normal hearing, the 50% correct points on the functions for listeners with hearing loss were at 5 to 15 dB higher signal-to-babble ratios.
Counseling Adolescents with Hearing Loss with the Use of Self-Assessment/Significant Other Questionnaires
Authors: Elkayam Judy , English Kris
Published: August 2020

After adapting a pair of adult Self-Assessment/Significant Other questionnaires, the first author explored the value of the modified questionnaires in providing counseling to adolescents with hearing loss. Twenty adolescents with hearing loss served as subjects; peers with normal hearing were selected as their Significant Other to capitalize on the importance of peer relationships and opinions during adolescence. Each dyad completed a 12-item questionnaire designed to explore the communicative, emotional, and social impact of hearing loss. Responses to each pair of questionnaires were reviewed by the adolescent and the audiologist and served as a basis for counseling. Subsequent dialogues revealed recurring themes as the teens attempted to face age-appropriate developmental challenges as individuals with hearing loss. Based on their responses to a follow-up questionnaire, most of the adolescents found the counseling process beneficial.
Benefits of Syllabic Input Compression for Users of Cochlear Implants
Authors: McDermott Hugh J. , Henshall Katherine R. , McKay Colette M.
Published: August 2020

Ten users of multielectrode cochlear implants participated in an evaluation of the perceptual effects of input-signal compression. A syllabic compressor was introduced into the microphone circuit of Spectra-22 or SPrint sound processors. The post-compression gain was adjusted to provide similar loudness for speech at an average level of 65 dBA with compression either enabled or disabled. Sentence recognition was measured at three levels. Averaged across all listeners, statistically significant score increases were obtained at each level with compression enabled (45 dBA: 19.6 percentage points, p < .0001; 55 dBA: 16.6 percentage points, p < .0001; 70 dBA: 3.1 percentage points, p = .031). A test of speech intelligibility in noise showed no significant effect of compression. Generally, participants in the trial reported improved perception of low-level sounds with compression, although a few disliked the increased loudness of some background noises. Some participants suggested that the ability to enable or disable compression with a manual switch would be helpful. Overall, the results show that input compression can improve the performance of these sound processors for users of cochlear implants, especially when listening to speech at low levels.
Reversal of Hemispheric Asymmetry on Auditory Tasks in Children Who Are Poor Listeners
Authors: Estes Rebecca I. , Jerger James , Jacobson Gary
Published: August 2020

We examined hemispheric activation patterns during auditory and visual processing in two groups of children: 13 boys in the age range from 9 to 12 years rated by their parents and teachers as poor listeners and 11 boys in the same age range rated as normal listeners. Three tasks were employed: auditory gap detection, detection of auditory movement, and a control task involving visuospatial discrimination. Electrical activity was recorded from 30 scalp electrodes as participants responded to target stimuli in an event-related potential paradigm. In the visual task, hemispheric activation was relatively symmetric around the midsagittal plane in both groups. In the two auditory tasks, however, hemispheric activation patterns differed significantly between groups. In the normal-listener group, activation was asymmetric to the right hemisphere. In the poor-listener group, however, activation tended toward asymmetry, favoring the left hemisphere. These results suggest that abnormalities in hemispheric lateralization of function may underlie the auditory processing problems of at least some children described as poor listeners.
Use of the Median Method to Enhance Detection of the Mismatch Negativity in the Responses of Individual Listeners
Authors: Fox Lisa G. , Dalebout Susan D.
Published: August 2020

The median method was evaluated as an alternative way of expressing the mismatch negativity (MMN). Traditionally, signal averaging has been used to extract these event-related potentials from unwanted background noise. However, mean values are biased by unrejected artifact that skews the relatively small distribution of values on which the MMN is based. Because the median is a more valid measure of central tendency in asymmetric distributions, it may describe MMN data more accurately. Better representation of the signal in the median waveform might enhance detection of the MMN in the responses of individual listeners. Mean and median waveforms were computed from previously recorded MMN data. Visually identified MMNs were validated using area and onset latency criteria. Detectability of the MMN was not improved using median waveforms. Despite this result, a theoretical argument for use of the median is presented.
The Auditory Processing Battery: Survey of Common Practices
Authors: Emanuel Diana C.
Published: August 2020

A survey of auditory processing (AP) diagnostic practices was mailed to all licensed audiologists in the State of Maryland and sent as an electronic mail attachment to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Educational Audiology Association Internet forums. Common AP protocols (25 from the Internet, 28 from audiologists in Maryland) included requiring basic audiologic testing, using questionnaires, and administering dichotic listening, monaural low-redundancy speech, temporal processing, and electrophysiologic tests. Some audiologists also administer binaural interaction, attention, memory, and speech-language/psychological/educational tests and incorporate a classroom observation. The various AP batteries presently administered appear to be based on the availability of AP tests with well-documented normative data. Resources for obtaining AP tests are listed.
Effects of Stimulus Presentation Level on Stop Consonant Identification in Normal-Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Listeners
Authors: Plyler Patrick N. , Hedrick Mark S.
Published: August 2020

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether varying the presentation level of stop consonant stimuli resulted in similar phonetic boundary shifts for listeners with normal and impaired hearing. Sixteen normal-hearing and 16 hearing-impaired listeners categorized synthetic speech stimuli as /b/, /d/, or /g/. The onset frequency of F2 varied from 900 to 2300 Hz (100-Hz steps), and the presentation level varied from 92 to 62 dB SPL (10-dB steps) for each stimulus presentation. Hearing-impaired listeners had significantly more missing boundary values than normal-hearing listeners; however, the correlation between the number of missing boundary values and hearing sensitivity was not significant. Comparison of boundary shift with level demonstrated that hearing-impaired listeners had a smaller boundary shift with increasing level than normal-hearing listeners. The amount of boundary shift was not correlated with audibility. The results of the current study suggest that increasing the presentation level of a signal does not result in performance similar to that of listeners with normal hearing.
The Auditory Steady-State Response: Full-Term and Premature Neonates
Authors: Cone-Wesson Barbara , Parker John , Swiderski Nina , Rickards Field
Published: August 2020

Two studies were aimed at developing the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) for universal newborn hearing screening. First, neonates who had passed auditory brainstem response, transient evoked otoacoustic emission, and distortion-product otoacoustic emission tests were also tested with ASSRs using modulated tones that varied in frequency and level. Pass rates were highest (> 90%) for amplitude-modulated tones presented at levels ≥ 69 dB SPL. The effect of modulation frequency on ASSR for 500- and 2000-Hz tones was evaluated in full-term and premature infants in the second study. Full-term infants had higher pass rates for 2000-Hz tones amplitude modulated at 74 to 106 Hz compared with pass rates for a 500-Hz tone modulated at 58 to 90 Hz. Premature infants had lower pass rates than full-term infants for both carrier frequencies. Systematic investigation of ASSR threshold and the effect of modulation frequency in neonates is needed to adapt the technique for screening.
Temporal Compounds Reveal Interaural Biases
Authors: Tillman Gail , Jerger James
Published: August 2020

A temporal compound is a complex pattern associated with a sequence of brief (30–100 msec) acoustic events whose identity can be distinguished but whose order cannot be reported. In the present study, two frequency glides were concatenated to form a 400-msec temporal compound consisting of 10 40-msec glides. Fourteen young adults were asked to discriminate these temporal compounds in a same-different paradigm employing a dichotic probe technique. Results supported the hypotheses that same judgments of temporal compounds involve global, or right hemisphere, processing and that different judgments of temporal compounds involve analytical, or left hemisphere, processing. Event-related potential (ERP) data revealed an interaction between side attended (right or left) and type of judgment (same or different). Same stimuli presented from the left side elicited greater ERP responses than different stimuli presented from the left side; conversely, different stimuli presented from the right side elicited greater ERP responses than same stimuli presented from the right side. Reaction times showed the "fast-same" effect, consistently observed in this paradigm.
Performance of Directional Microphone Hearing Aids in Everyday Life
Authors: Cord Mary T. , Surr Rauna K. , Walden Brian E. , Olson Laurel
Published: August 2020

This study explored the use patterns and benefits of directional microphone technology in real world situations experienced by patients who had been fitted with switchable omnidirectional/directional hearing aids. Telephone interviews and paper-and-pencil questionnaires were used to assess perceived performance with each microphone type in a variety of listening situations. Patients who used their hearing aids regularly and switched between the two microphone configurations reported using the directional mode, on average, about one-quarter of the time. From brief descriptions, patients could identify listening situations in which each microphone mode should provide superior performance. Further, they reported encountering listening situations in which an omnidirectional microphone should provide better performance more frequently than listening situations in which the directional microphones should be superior. Despite using the omnidirectional mode more often and encountering situations in which an omnidirectional microphone should provide superior performance more frequently, participants reported the same level of satisfaction with each microphone type.
Behavioral Characteristics of Auditory Processing Disorder and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Predominantly Inattentive Type
Authors: Chermak Gail D. , Tucker Ellen , Seikel J. Anthony
Published: August 2020

Auditory processing disorder (APD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) present overlapping symptomatology. Previous research has demonstrated that professionals use different behavioral descriptors to characterize APD and ADHD combined and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtypes, which present with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. The present study extends this research by comparing audiologists' and pediatricians' rankings of 58 behavioral symptoms associated with APD and ADHD predominantly inattentive (PI) subtype, the ADHD subtype that presents without hyperactivity and impulsivity. Audiologists ranked the degree to which each symptom pertained to individuals with APD, and pediatricians ranked the same symptom as it relates to ADHD-PI. Item analysis revealed that respondents identified a reasonably exclusive set of behaviors characterizing APD and ADHD-PI. None of the four behaviors ranked 2 SD above the grand means (i.e., inattention, academic difficulties, asking for things to be repeated, and poor listening skills) was ranked in common.
Performance of Custom-Fit versus Fixed-Format Hearing Aids for Precipitously Sloping High-Frequency Hearing Loss
Authors: Walden Therese C. , Walden Brian E. , Cord Mary T.
Published: August 2020

This study compared the real-ear response provided by custom-fit hearing aids to the closest matching fixed-format disposable hearing aids in patients with precipitous high-frequency hearing loss. Laboratory and field measures of aided performance were obtained to compare patient performance with the custom-fit and fixed-format hearing aids. In addition, coupler versus real-ear response differences were compared for the two hearing aid types. The results revealed that relatively close approximations to the real-ear aided responses of the custom-fit instruments were possible for most participants using seven fixed acoustic formats. No significant differences in mean performance between the two instrument types were observed for aided speech recognition or field ratings of aided performance, although mean patient satisfaction was lower for the disposable hearing aids. The real-ear to coupler difference was greater for the disposable hearing aid than for the custom-fit instruments, presumably owing to its deeper insertion into the ear canal.
Real-Ear-to-Coupler Difference Predictions as a Function of Age for Two Coupling Procedures
Authors: Bagatto Marlene P. , Scollie Susan D. , Seewald Richard C. , Moodie K. Shane , Hoover Brenda M.
Published: August 2020

The predicted real-ear-to-coupler difference (RECD) values currently used in pediatric hearing instrument prescription methods are based on 12-month age range categories and were derived from measures using standard acoustic immittance probe tips. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to develop normative RECD predicted values for foam/acoustic immittance tips and custom earmolds across the age continuum. To this end, RECD data were collected on 392 infants and children (141 with acoustic immittance tips, 251 with earmolds) to develop normative regression equations for use in deriving continuous age predictions of RECDs for foam/acoustic immittance tips and earmolds. Owing to the substantial between-subject variability observed in the data, the predictive equations of RECDs by age (in months) resulted in only gross estimates of RECD values (i.e., within ± 4.4 dB for 95% of acoustic immittance tip measures; within ± 5.4 dB in 95% of measures with custom ear molds) across frequency. Thus, it is concluded that the estimates derived from this study should not be used to replace the more precise individual RECD measurements. Relative to previously available normative RECD values for infants and young children, however, the estimates derived through this study provide somewhat more accurate predicted values for use under those circumstances for which individual RECD measurements cannot be made.
Assessment and Treatment of Tinnitus Patients Using a "Masking Approach"
Authors: Schechter Martin A. , Henry James A.
Published: August 2020

Audiology clinics are increasingly being asked to provide tinnitus treatment services to patients who are severely distressed by tinnitus. It is unclear what levels of tinnitus care are available at different audiology clinics across the nation. Some clinics have staff who are experienced with the tinnitus masking technique or with tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), whereas other clinics may limit their care to the provision of hearing aids. This article is an attempt to provide some basic information for those clinicians who would like to provide at least a minimum level of care for their tinnitus patients using the tinnitus masking approach. The most important requirement is a commitment by the clinician to assemble some basic resources and to structure the clinical schedule so that adequate time is available for historical review, evaluation, trial and selection of devices, and tinnitus counseling. A minimum set of measurements is recommended for inclusion in the tinnitus evaluation process. This informal review summarizes a variety of clinical observations culled from years of direct patient care experience. A tinnitus questionnaire is provided to help clinicians review potentially relevant issues.
Glutathione Ester But Not Glutathione Protects Against Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity in a Rat Model
Authors: Campbell Kathleen C.M. , Larsen Deb L. , Meech Robert P. , Rybak Leonard P. , Hughes Larry F.
Published: August 2020

Glutathione (GSH) provides an important antioxidant and detoxification pathway. We tested to determine if direct administration of GSH or GSH ester could reduce cisplatin- (CDDP) induced ototoxicity. We tested eight groups of five rats each: a control group, a group receiving 16 mg/kg ip CDDP infused over 30 minutes, and six groups receiving either GSH or GSH ester at 500, 1000, or 1500 mg/kg intraperitoneally 30 minutes prior to 16 mg/kg CDDP. Auditory brainstem response thresholds were measured for click and tone-burst stimuli at baseline and 3 days later. Outer hair cell (OHC) loss was measured for the apical, middle and basal turns. The 500 mg/kg GSH ester reduced hearing loss and OHC loss, but protection decreased as dosage increased, suggesting possible toxicity. GSH was not significantly protective. The best GSH ester protection was less than we have previously reported with D-methionine. El glutatión (GSH) brinda una importante vía antioxidante y de cetoxificación. Realizamos una prueba para determinar si la administración directa de GSH o del éster de GSH podía reducir la ototoxicidad inducida por cisplatino (CDDP). Hicimos una evaluación en ocho grupos de cinco ratas cada uno: un grupo control, un grupo que recibió CDDP intraperitoneal a 16 mg/kg en una ínfusión durante 30 minutos y seis grupos que recibieron intraperitonealmente GSH o el éster de GSH a 500, 1000 o 1500 mg/kg, 30 minutos antes del CDDP a 16 mg/kg. Se midieron umbrales de respuestas auditivas del tallo cerebral tanto para clicks como para bursts tonales, al inicio y 3 días después. La pérdida de células ciliadas externas (OHC) fue establecida a nivel de las vueltas apical, media y basal. La dosis de 500 mg/kg de éster de GSH redujo la hipoacusia y la pérdida de OHC, pero la protección disminuyó conforme la dosis se incrementó, sugiriendo una posible toxicidad. EL GSH no resultó significativamente protector. El mejor efecto protector del éster de GSH fue menor que el previamente reportado con D-Metionina.
Carrot diseases resulting from phytoplasmas and viruses.
Authors: Groves Russell L. , Clements Justin R. , Bradford Benjamin Z.
Published: August 2020

Among several bacteria-like organisms and virus-induced diseases observed in association with diseased plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae), those that consistently appear to be particularly harmful are referenced in this chapter. These include aster yellows phytoplasmas ('Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'), beet leaf hopper-transmitted virescence agent phytoplasma ('Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii'), Carrot virus Y, Carrot thin leaf virus and Celery mosaic virus. Information is given on disease symptoms, ecology (including insect vectors) and management strategies.
Ajowan.
Authors: Noori Seyed Ahmad Sadat , Howyzeh Mehdi Soltani , Moradi Narges
Published: August 2020

Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) is an essential oil, an annual and a medicinally valuable herbaceous and seed spice plant which grows in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. This chapter provides information on the importance, growing areas, plant development, chemical composition, cropping system, postharvest and product valorization of ajowan.
Coriander.
Authors: Gallotte Philippe , Walton Alan , Bouverat-Bernier Jean-Pierre , Gallois Philippe
Published: August 2020

This chapter provides information on the biology, uses, crop management strategies, plant diseases and pests, crop protection and harvests of coriander (Coriandrum sativum).
Fennel.
Authors: D'Antuono Luigi Filippo
Published: August 2020

Fennel is an ancient agricultural crop; the multiple uses of non-bulbiferous forms as aromatic herb, medicinal and ritual plants have been amply documented. The origin of the bulb-forming types, used as a vegetable, seems to date back to the 15th century, in the area of Florence. No world statistics report fennel production data separately for the different uses. Some reports also confuse seed with vegetable fennel, giving completely misleading data. This chapter describes the morphology, taxonomy, importance, growing areas, adaptation, development, biology, adapted varieties for year-round production, cropping system, main diseases, postharvest treatment and main uses of fennel.
Parsley.
Authors: Marthe Frank
Published: August 2020

This chapter provides information on the importance, growing areas, plant development, cropping system, postharvest and product valorization of parsley (Petroselinum crispum).