bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The activities of the research committee on “Oto barrier-free” of the Acoustical Society of Japan
Authors: Shiraishi Kimio , Nakamura Kentaro , Oikawa Yasuhiro , Ueda Mari
Published: November 2016

The number of the persons above 65 years old has reached 26% of the population in Japan. Consequently, the number of persons with hearing and/or visual impairments has increased very rapidly. It is important to support communication or sound information compensation for these persons. From this background, the research committee on “Oto barrier-free” of the Acoustical Society of Japan has started in 2006. The “Oto barrier-free” committee intends to resolve problems related to improving accessibility in daily life for persons with disabilities or elderly people. The research fields are very diverse and include speech communication, electro- acoustics, noise and vibration, architectural acoustics, and laws for disabled persons. The research activities for persons with hearing impairments or elderly people aim to improve their listening environment in indoor spaces, such as homes for the aged or station buildings, by testing the use of sound absorbing materials and hearing assistive devices. The research assists or complements the use of aids such as voice guidance devices for persons with a visual impairment, and will be useful for foreigners visiting the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Games in 2020 too.
AcousessMap: Smartphone-based collaborative tool to facilitate assessing acoustical accessibility conditions for visually impaired people
Authors: Ueda Mari , Miura Takahiro , Yabu Ken-ichiro , Morihara Takashi , Tsuchida Yoshio
Published: November 2016

Assistive instruments such as textured paving blocks and acoustical traffic signals are installed for helping visually impaired people to walk comfortably and avoid traffic accidents, who have any inconvenience to move outside. Though these precipitous situations of accessibility progress affect their migration pathway for their destination, up-to-date accessibility information is difficult to gain quickly because of local information disclosure. Thus it is necessary to develop a comprehensive system that appropriately acquires and arranges scattered accessibility information, and then presents this information intuitively. However, these systems present volunteers with difficulties when they are gathering accessibility conditions and then organizing them. Also, most of the volunteers do not know the current situations of acoustical support systems for the visually impaired. In this study, our final goal is to establish an efficient scheme to share the conditions and places of the acoustical support systems by many volunteers. Particularly, in this report, we aimed to check the feasibility to share the acoustical conditions to the web by persons without any knowledge of the support systems. We first developed a smartphone-based application for sharing accessibility conditions and carried out events to share accessibility conditions as a part of a lecture course for technical college students.
Tissue boundary roughness index for evaluating malignancy of cancer in ultrasound-computed tomography system
Authors: Yamanaka Kazuhiro , Terada Takahide , Tsubota Yushi , Wu Wenjing , Suzuki Atsuro , Maruoka Takashi , Kawabata Ken-ichi
Published: November 2016

Ultrasound-computed tomography (USCT) is a promising candidate for a radiation free, painless, and quantitative modality for breast cancer examination. We developed a USCT prototype with a ring-shaped transducer array (frequency: 1.5 MHz) that moves along the ring axis for scanning the entire breast. Distributions of speed and attenuation of ultrasound are computed from ultrasound transmitted through tissue. Although prior research shows that there is a correlation between malignancy and the speed of sound and attenuation values, in some cases both benign and malignant tumors have similar values. In this study, we propose to quantify the boundary roughness of a tumor from the spatial power distributions of reflected ultrasounds that are transmitted from different apertures of the ring transducer. In conventional ultrasound echography, the boundary roughness of a tumor is an important indicator of malignancy. However, roughness is judged by radiologists based on B-mode images and is a subjective index. We simulated the ultrasound reflection signal from boundaries of different roughness. The simulation result indicates that a spatial power concentration has a significant correlation with boundary roughness. We confirmed through gel phantom experiments that the index distinguishes rough and smooth boundaries, which is not evident in B-mode images.
Quantitative evaluation of hemolysis induced by pulsed ultrasound exposure
Authors: Tani Kentaro , Imura Masato , Koyama Daisuke , Watanabe Yoshiaki
Published: November 2016

To establish safety criteria of ultrasound for blood, we examined hemolysis induced by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and performed in vitro experiments using bovine blood. Quantitative evaluation by microscopic observations and the relationship between the hemolysis and cavitation microbubbles were discussed. Hemolysis was evaluated by red blood ghost cell. The presence of red blood ghost cells in the plasma component implies that the cell membrane was broken and the internal hemoglobin flowed out to surrounding blood plasma. Pulsed ultrasound at 1 MHz with the maximum sound pressure amplitude of 200 kPa was irradiated for one minute, and the ratio of non-exposure time (0—80%) was changed. After ultrasound exposure, the blood samples were centrifuged and divided into two layers: blood cells and plasma components. 10 μL of the plasma components was sampled and the number of the red blood ghost cells was counted. The number of red blood ghost cells increased gradually with the decrease in the ratio of non-exposure time and decreased again at 0% (continuation wave). This result implies that the hemolysis is mainly caused by microbubble cavitation and the non-exposure time of ultrasound is one of the important factors for hemolysis in such low-intensity ultrasound field.
Locally-concentrated sonicated microbubbles: Potential as an antibiotic
Authors: Howell Mark , Wang Qi , Shimizu Shota , Feeny Albert , Clement Greg
Published: November 2016

While the antimicrobial effects of ultrasound have been well established, application as a bactericide in medicine has been hindered in part by significant variation in reported efficacy. Non-thermal mechanisms of cell death are generally attributed to cavitation, prompting us to investigate the potential for locally applied microbubbles to serve as a catalyst for reliably increasing bacterial death, while sparing surrounding cells. This preliminary study was limited to gram-negative bacteria (E-coli) suspended in buffered saline. Preliminary work at 40 kHz continuous-wave sonication established a threshold time for our setup of 15 minutes, below which negligible cell death was observed relative to control samples. Experiments were then performed with and without the introduction of octofluropropane-filled lipid shells microbubbles, sonicated over the 15 minute period. Thermometry and passive cavitation monitoring (PCD) were both conducted. Analysis by dilution and plating indicate a 65-80% reduction in bacteria relative to controls, while microscopy, cavitation detection, and a negligible temperature rise all point to cavitation as the mechanism of death. Results motivate further investigation into the utility of microbubbles in combination with ultrasound for the treatment of certain non-perfusing infections such as chronic wounds and abscesses. Further work is necessary to confirm similar effects for gram-positive bacteria.
Numerical investigation of the nonlinear dynamics of interacting microbubbles
Authors: Jafari Sojahrood Amin , Haghi Hossein , Karshafian Raffi , Kolios Michael C.
Published: November 2016

The successful application of MBs requires detailed understanding of the nonlinear behavior of microbubbles (MBs), especially in polydisperse clouds, where the dynamic of every individual MB affects the other MBs. However, there is not enough information on how the nonlinear oscillations of one MB influences the other and vice versa. In this work the dynamics of 2 and 3 interacting MBs of initial radii of 1μm<R0<4 μm are studied by investigating the pressure dependent resonance curves and the bifurcation diagrams of the MBs (1 MHz<f<15 MHz, 1 kPa<p<1 MPa) for cases of no interaction and interaction with varying MB-MB distances. Results show that, for small enough distances, the pressure dependent resonance frequencies (fr) and the pressure threshold for harmonic and SH fr decreases. The larger MB may force new peaks in the resonance curves of the smaller MB at fr, harmonic fr and SH fr of the larger MB. The larger MB can control the dynamics of the smaller MB and force the smaller MB to exhibit the same nonlinear behavior (e.g., ½, 1/3, 1/4 SH) as of the larger MB. The dynamics of a cloud of interacting MBs maybe controlled by controlling the dynamics of the larger MB in the population.
High-throughput production of microbubble contrast agents using a sonofluidic device
Authors: Stride Eleanor P. , Browning Richard , Rademeyer Paul , Carugo Dario
Published: November 2016

The response of microbubbles to a given sound field is determined by their size and coating. These, in turn, depend on their chemical formulation and the production technique. Sonication is the most commonly employed method and can generate high concentrations of microbubbles rapidly but with a broad size distribution and poor reproducibility. Microfluidic devices provide excellent control over size, but the small-scale architectures required are often challenging to manufacture, offer low production rates, and are prone to clogging. Microbubbles may also have inferior surface characteristics and stability compared to those produced by sonication. In this study we investigate a hybrid technique in which monodisperse microbubbles of ~200μm diameter are produced at high flow rates in a simple T-junction and then undergo controlled fragmentation by exposure to ultrasound via an integrated transducer operating between 71-73kHz. Microbubbles were prepared using the device or a standard sonication protocol and compared in terms of their size, size distribution, concentration, stability, acoustic response, and surface molecular concentration using quantitative fluorescence microscopy. The characteristics of the microbubbles produced by the device were found to be equivalent in terms of production rate, stability and acoustic response but with a narrower size distribution and tunable mean size.
Propagation of low amplitude focused ultrasound waves in a bubbly medium: Finite element simulation and theoretical considerations for optimization of the treatment parameters
Authors: Jafari Sojahrood Amin , Haghi Hossein , Karshafian Raffi , Kolios Michael C.
Published: November 2016

Administration of microbubbles (MBs) increases the attenuation and changes the sound speed (Cs) of the medium. These phenomena are nonlinear and depend on MB size frequency and acoustic pressure. The increased attenuation can shield the focal region and reduce the efficacy of the application (e.g., drug delivery). Detailed information on the attenuation and Cs in the medium is needed to optimize these applications. In this study, using our recently developed nonlinear model, the pressure dependent (PD) attenuation and Cs of a bubbly medium are calculated and classified in terms of the resonance frequency (fr) of the MBs for (0.5fr<fr<4fr) and for pressures between 1 kPa<P<2 MPa. The propagation of the focused waves was simulated for each classified case using FEM simulation of the Helmholtz model. Results show that the presence of the MBs may shilled the target and eliminate the focal zone especially for frequencies close to fr. We show that, by choosing the optimal frequency (e.g., PD fr), the attenuation of the pre-focal region can be minimized while the attenuation at the focus maximized. This restores the focal pressure with minimum loss and decreases the pre and post-focal MB activity which may result in a better imaging or treatment efficacy.
Time delay spectrometry methods for broadband characterization of plastics and tissue-mimicking materials for high intensity therapeutic ultrasound
Authors: Maruvada Subha , Liu Yunbo , Gammell Paul , Wear Keith
Published: November 2016

Because of the nonlinear nature of High Intensity Therapeutic Ultrasound (HITU), tissues and tissue-mimicking materials must be characterized over a broad frequency band. Time Delay Spectrometry (TDS) measures the frequency response of a system or sample by applying a swept frequency source and using a tracking receiver to select only those through-transmission signals that have the desired time delay. Due to the greater time-bandwidth product, TDS provides considerable signal-to-noise improvement over Fourier transform techniques. This system has been used previously to provide broadband measurements of complex hydrophone sensitivity. We have further refined our TDS system to provide frequency-dependent attenuation and phase velocity characterization of materials over the range from 1 MHz to 19 MHz. We have compared the results to predicted dispersion curves based on the Kramers-Kronig relations. The measurements of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and a HITU-compatible tissue-mimicking material agree to within 1% for both TDS and PR acquisition methods, but the TDS measurements provide superior bandwidth over the PR. Measured phase velocity agrees to within 1% with Kramers-Kronig-based dispersion curves from 1 MHz to 19 MHz.
Targeted phase-change contrast agents for intracellular delivery to breast cancer tumors: An In vitro study in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells
Authors: Hadinger Kyle P. , Marshalek Joseph P. , Sheeran Paul S. , Ingram Pier , Witte Russell S. , Dayton Paul A. , Matsunaga Terry O.
Published: November 2016

We have found that folate-targeted, ultrasound-activated phase-change contrast agents (PCCAs) composed of volatile perfluorocarbons are able to bind and internalize within breast cancer cells prior to vaporization into intracellular microbubbles. We here report studies assessing internalization, stability to thermal activation, and ultrasound activation of PCCAs formed by condensation of dodecafluoropentane (DDFP), decafluorobutane (DFB), and octafluoropropane (OFP). Using a Zonare “z.one-ultra” ultrasound system and L14-5sp probe operating in B-mode at 9 MHz (frame rate 13 Hz) to activate PCCAs and imaging with a Leica confocal microscope, we studied delivery in cultured MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with folate-targeted PCCAs. The number of internalized bubbles pre- and post- insonation were measured as a function of: 1) PCCA incubation times (i.e 10 mins, 60 mins); 2) ultrasound exposure (4 passes vs. 12 passes); and 3) mixtures of OFP, DFB, and DDFP. DFB:DDFP PCCAs, 60 minute incubations, and 12 passes offered a promising combination of stability and activation, with post-ultrasound to pre-ultrasound microbubble ratios approximating 3.4 (microbubbles pre-ultrasound per cell = 0.68 + /- 0.49, microbubbles post-ultrasound per cell = 2.35 + /- 0.79). Results indicate that intracellular delivery of targeted-PCCAs can potentially offer a new methodology for clinical application with ultrasound-mediated intracellular imaging of breast cancer.
Experimental and theoretical studies on acoustic droplet vaporization
Authors: Kumar Krishna N. , Aliabouzar Mitra , Sarkar Kausik
Published: November 2016

Phase shift nanodroplets are better alternatives to microbubbles due to their enhanced stability and smaller size distribution. These nanodroplets undergo phase transition from liquid to highly echogenic gaseous state under acoustic excitation through a process termed acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV). In this study, we synthesized lipid-coated perfluoropentane (PFP)-filled nanodroplets via sonication and mechanical agitation methods. We investigated the ADV threshold of these nanodroplets as a function of acoustic parameters such as excitation frequency and pulse repetition period (PRP). Experiments were performed at frequencies 2.25, 5, and 10 MHz. The acoustic signature of droplet vaporization was observed to be a broadband signal at all the studied frequencies. The ADV threshold was studied by increasing the excitation pressure in steps of 200 kPa. The ADV threshold at 2.25 and 5 MHz was found to be 1.8 and 2.2 MPa, respectively. The scattered response from droplets were studied at different PRPs of 500 çs, 1 ms, and 10 ms; the results indicate that the scattered response is PRP-independent. Classical nucleation theory (CNT) was employed to determine the dependence of ADV threshold on parameters such as surface tension of the liquid, droplet size, degree of superheat of the droplet liquid, and excitation frequency.
Sensitivity study of high-frequency ultrasound to skin cancer using micro-tumor mimicking phantoms
Authors: Cowan Nicole , Coffman Zachary A. , Omer Robyn K. , Carter Caitlin , Doyle Timothy E.
Published: November 2016

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. An estimated one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime with approximately 145,000 new cases each year. Mohs surgery (Mohs micrographic surgery) is a surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, thin layers of skin tissue are excised from the cancer site and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. The examination of excised layers is tedious and time-consuming (4-5 hours). A rapid assessment tool for detecting cancerous tissue in excised margins would prove beneficial for both dermatologists and their patients. High-frequency (HF) ultrasound (20-80 MHz) has been explored as a rapid assessment tool for such cases. The purpose of this study was to test the sensitivity of HF ultrasound to micro-tumors present in skin cancer margins using histology mimicking phantoms. Phantoms were created from distilled water, agarose powder, 10X TBE stock solution, and polyethylene microspheres to simulate micro-tumors. Pitch-catch and pulse-echo measurements were acquired using a high-frequency ultrasound system with glycerol as the coupling agent. The phantom results show consistent increases in attenuation when testing positions containing micro-tumors, confirming the sensitivity of HF ultrasound to skin cancer pathologies.
Writer recognition with a sound in hand-writing
Authors: Asakura Daichi , Nishino Takanori , Naruse Hiroshi
Published: November 2016

Hand writing sound is one of noises existing in the real environment. Generally speaking, noises are meaningless; however, some noises, e.g., footsteps and a road noise, are effective to recognize circumstances. Hand writing sound also has some information to recognize a writing character. Previous study addressed the recognition of handwritten numeric characters by using writing sound, and the average recognition rate was 88.4%. We advanced previous research and examined the possibility of writer recognition from writing sound. We asked our subjects to write three target names. When subjects wrote on paper by a ballpoint pen, writing sounds were recorded. Three subjects chosen as the target name also wrote their own names under the different conditions, e.g., writing slowly and writing in another day. In our experiments, writer recognition was performed by the hidden Markov model. Acoustic features were mel-frequency cepstrum coefficients (MFCC), delta coefficients, and delta-delta (acceleration) coefficients. Experimental results showed that the writer recognition is possible; however, problems still exist such as how to deal with the difference between the writing conditions. In future works, it is necessary to increase learning data and to improve the recognition method.
Effect of the horizontal panning on sense of presence in three-dimensional audio system based on multiple vertical panning
Authors: Kimura Toshiyuki , Ando Hiroshi
Published: November 2016

We previously proposed a three-dimensional (3D) audio system using the multiple vertical panning (MVP) method to develop a 3D audio system that matches a multi-view 3D video display system (REI display). In this paper, in order to apply our proposed method to the teleconference system, we performed two audio-visual psychological experiments and evaluated the effect of the horizontal panning on the sense of presence in our proposed method. We found that the performance is maintained when four loudspeakers were placed at the position except the edges of the display.
Shape optimization of reactive mufflers using threshold acceptance and finite element methods
Authors: Khamchane Abdelkader , Khelfaoui Youcef , Hamtache Brahim
Published: November 2016

Recently, research on the acoustic performance of reactive mufflers under space constraint becomes important. The attenuation performance of single and double expansion-chambers under space constraint is presented in this paper. A shape optimization analysis is performed using a novel scheme called Threshold Acceptance (TA), the best design obtained by the shape optimization method are analysed by Finite Element Method (FEM). The acoustical ability of the mufflers obtained is than assessed by comparing the FEM solution with the analytical method. Results show that the maximal STL is precisely located at the desired targeted tone. In addition, the acoustical performance of mufflers with double expansion-chamber is found to be superiors to the other one. Consequently, this approach provides a quick and novel scheme for the shape optimization of reactive mufflers.
Personalization of head-related transfer functions in the median plane based on spectral correction with pinna angle
Authors: Mishima Sakiko , Komatsu Hajime , Fukumori Takahiro , Nakayama Masato , Nishiura Takanobu
Published: November 2016

Head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) are studied to realize high-precision sound field reproduction systems. These systems usually utilize the HRTFs of other listeners because self-measurement of one’s own HRTFs is a heavy burden. The localized sound accuracy of the listener, especially in the median plane, is degraded when the systems utilize the HRTFs of other listeners, which have different characteristics from the listener’s own ones. Thus, simple personalization of HRTFs is necessary for solving this problem. In this research, we focus on personalization of HRTFs in the median plane on the basis of spectral correction with pinna angles as anthropometric parameters. We first made analyses of the relationship between pinna angles and the spectral envelopes of HRTFs in the median plane through an experiment with a dummy head with a replicated pinna made from silicone. From these analyses, the spectral envelopes were confirmed to be affected by pinna angles. We then proposed a method for personalization of HRTFs on the basis of spectral correction with the pinna angles. Objective and subjective evaluation experiments were carried out in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. As a result, we confirmed improvement in the performance of sound image localization.
Analysis of the relationship between muscle activity and acoustic features during trumpet play and the construction of a myoelectric visual feedback system
Authors: Satou Megumi , Kitahara Tetsuro , Terasawa Hiroko , Matsubara Masaki
Published: November 2016

Breath control and lip vibration are crucial for a stable performance while playing the trumpet. We analyzed the differences in abdominal and orofacial muscle activity in acoustic features such as pitch (B♭2, F3, B♭3, F4, B♭4), intensity (pp, mf, ff), and duration (0.75, 6 s) during the preparation and sustain periods using surface electromyography in 11 amateur trumpeters. When the pitch was high, the activity of both muscles increased in both the preparation and sustain periods. However, when the intensity was high, the activity of both muscles increased only during the sustain period. Orofacial muscle activity was lower after tone production and abdominal muscle activity was higher after tone production than before tone production. In addition, we developed a visual feedback system that displays the muscle activities and acoustic features related to the produced sound as biofeedback can make learning performing technique efficient (LeVine, 1984). This system enables the player to objectively recognize the acoustic features and muscle activities related to sound. We aim to enhance performing technique by determining the relationship between the use of the body during a performance and the produced sound.
Sound has size: Stages of concert halls
Authors: Lee James B.
Published: November 2016

Sabine characterized whole concert halls by ratio of volume to absorption, which devolves into a “reverberation time” of logarithmic decay of intensity of sound. These times, on the order of seconds, are generic but indeterminate functions of architecture. The critical time for human perception, the aural integration period, where perception of time (intervals) passes over to inverse time (frequencies), is two orders of magnitude shorter, and can be used to scale and define the “orchestral region” of a hall. In 25 ms sound travels 8.5 m, and 8.5 m is the wavelength of 40 Hz, near low E, the lowest orchestral note. If, by analogy with optics, 8.5 m is thought of as a “coherence length,” it affects the time domain by promoting ensemble and the frequency domain by enhancing bass tones through proximity effects. A primary property of human hearing so scales the stages of concert halls.
Investigations of the coupling of doubled mandolin strings using high-speed video
Authors: Tufte Steve , Rose Zach , Schwartzwald Karlie
Published: November 2016

The mandolin has four courses of doubled strings and in each pair the strings are tuned in unison. By using a macro lens on a quality high-speed camera, we are able to study the bridge-coupled motions of the strings in exquisite detail. We use an angled mirror to allow monitoring of the vertical and horizontal motions of both strings in a pair. With small colored tags on each string, we have automated the amplitude vs. time measurements using the Tracker Video Analysis tool. We observe clear evidence of coupling including the exchange of energy between the four modes. There is a strong tendency for the two strings to anti-correlate, while the vertical and horizontal modes of one string usually differ in phase by 90 degrees. We clearly observe the double-decay phenomena noted in Weinreich’s study of piano strings. The coupling thus serves to add richness to mandolin tones and also increases the sustain. We compare the experimental results to a Runge-Kutta coupled oscillator model implemented in Matlab. Matching the observations requires the model damping constants to be slightly larger than the coupling constants and a slight detuning of the strings is necessary to produce the observed anti-correlated behavior.
The effect of harmonic overtones in relation to “sharpness” for perceived brightness of distorted guitar timbre
Authors: Tsumoto Koji , Marui Atsushi , Kamekawa Toru
Published: November 2016

Perceived timbral brightness is often predicted by “sharpness,” which is the conventional predictor described by von Bismarck. Perceived brightness and the predicted “sharpness” value increases when the energy of harmonic overtones in high-frequency range increases. Studies regarding the relationship between “sharpness” and harmonic overtones are relatively rare. “Sharpness” and harmonic overtones may have the synergistic effect or the canceling effect over perceived brightness. The electric guitar is one of the representative musical instruments which controls its timbre by adjusting the harmonic overtones. Under the assumption that there is a specific canceling effect, the stimuli generated by non-linear distortion processor for the electric guitar were compared for the first experiment. The values of the “sharpness” were adjusted by shelving filters. The onset of the each stimulus was deleted for the second experiment, since any variables other than “sharpness” and the harmonic overtones needed to be eliminated. The result indicated that “sharpness” and the amount of harmonic overtones had a canceling effect. A high amount of harmonic overtones decreased the perceived brightness. This result provokes the question of “why did the harmonic overtones cancel the perceived brightness predicted by sharpness?” This canceling effect was discussed by observing acoustic features.
Acoustic design of timpani using vibro-acoustic numerical analysis
Authors: Araki Yozo , Samejima Toshiya
Published: November 2016

A vibro-acoustic analysis method of timpani reveals several conditions taking account of the interdependency among design parameters of timpani for delivering harmonic overtones. The head of a timpani is analyzed with the modal expansion type of the theoretical solution for an ideal circular membrane. The sound field around the timpani is analyzed with the normal derivative form of boundary element method. The theoretical solution of the membrane is included into the boundary element method as a characteristic matrix through proper vibro-acoustic coupling conditions. Therefore, the vibration displacement of the membrane is not included as unknowns in the equation to be solved. Frequency response functions of a timpani calculated with the analysis method show good agreement with measured ones. A timpani is designed based on the analysis method such that it has a strong sense of pitch. Tensions and surface densities of heads and kettle shapes that shift eigenfrequencies of the timpani into nearly harmonic ratios are presented. It is concluded that the consideration of the interdependency among such design parameters of timpani is important for composing harmonic overtones.
Effect of music experience on perception of tempo change
Authors: Yamashita Mayuko , Yanagida Masuzo , Umata Ichiro , Kato Tsuneo , Yamamoto Seiichi
Published: November 2016

Tempo is one of the basic factors in music expression and perception. Although there have been studies on the perception of tempo change, little is known about how the type of music experience affects the sensitivity to this change. We analyze the effects of music experience on the perception of tempo change to contribute to music education. Our analysis focuses on sensitivity to tempo change. Participants were classified into three groups according to their musical experience: (A) inexperienced in any musical instrument, (B) players majoring in the piano, and (C) amateur players belonging to brass bands. We performed experiments in which monotone piano sequences that gradually change tempo from the initial inter-onset interval (IOI) to the target IOI were used. We manipulated three tempo change patterns, namely, (I) linear, (II) exponential, and (III) the average of (I) and (II). We compared the point of tempo change perception among the three groups with the assumption that the sensitivity would be higher in (B) and (C) than in (A). The results, however, showed that the sensitivity was lowest in (B), except for one player who often plays with other players. These results suggest that ensemble experience may affect sensitivity to tempo change.
Automatic arrangement for ensemble music by estimating playing difficulty on instrumentalists
Authors: Yasui Nozomiko , Nabara Shiori , Miura Masanobu
Published: November 2016

Since arrangement of sheet music for orchestral ensemble requires a certain musical knowledge and expertise, amateur orchestral musicians often have difficulties when arranging. An automatic arrangement method was proposed by employing Eigenmusic which is a set of eigenvector for many music excerpts, in order to evaluate the similarity among phrases. The difficulty in playing the arranged sheet music, however, was not evaluated; so, whether players feel difficulties on playing, or playability, was out of discussion. This study proposes a method to evaluate the degree how easy to play the phrases on sheet music. This method generates phrases for woodwind instruments using a MIDI database of backing phrases. Each musical phrases selected from the database are allocated to instrumentalists. In turn, the phrases’ playability is evaluated based on instrumentalist’s individual ratings for playing features such as cross-fingering, jumping notes, and so forth. Finally, phrases evaluated as the easiest are conjoined in each instrumentalist. We conducted an experiment to investigate the playability of generated sheet music by musician’s rating. Experimental results showed that the evaluation of playability by proposed method is effective so that proposed method generates easier phrases to play than our previous method.
Wind farm infrasound—Are we measuring what is actually there of something else—(Part 3)
Authors: Cooper Steven E.
Published: November 2016

With the method of analysis demonstrated in part 2 of the subject title, and the requirement for accurate reproduction of the signal (presented in Salt Lake City) the hypothesis as to infrasound contributions is revised in light of further investigations with test subjects for both inaudible ILFN and audible LFN to 50 dB(A). The work ties in with the investigations into the startle reflex using wind turbines as the source of the acoustic trigger. The ramifications as to suitable criteria for the protection of the community are discussed.
A non-contact detection of the internal defect in solid material by aerial ultrasonic beam
Authors: Mukaiyama Yuriko , Osumi Ayumu , Ito Youichi
Published: November 2016

Measurement method using aerial sound waves and an optical equipment is utilized in a non-contact and non-destructive testing. Technique that we have been conventionally proposed, uses high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves (20kHz). Specifically, a surface of an object is vibrated by high-intensity ultrasonic waves with a point focus. A vibration generated on the surface of the object is measured by laser Doppler vibration galvanometer. In general, the vibration of defect area is larger than that of defect-free area when the sound waves were irradiated to the object. Therefore, by performing the measurement over a target area, it is possible to image the defect area from the vibration distribution. However, this method needs a long time to measure the object with the defect. Therefore, we adopted a method of irradiating high-intensity ultrasonic to a wide range on the surface of the object using an aerial ultrasonic waves focused into a beam. In this report, we describe the details of the experimental results to detect defects in the object by using this technique.
Non-contact method for detecting crack in shallow layer of solid materials by using very high-intensity aerial ultrasonic wave and optical equipment
Authors: Osumi Ayumu , Ogita Masashi , Ito Youichi
Published: November 2016

We have studied a noncontact and nondestructive method of imaging by using a high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves and an optical equipment. This non-contact method detects a defect in solid materials by measuring a vibration velocity distribution on an object surface continuously irradiated by the aerial ultrasonic waves. In previous study, it was confirmed to image a relatively large peeling and defect in size by proposed method. Meanwhile, one of nondestructive testing target is a crack. It is difficult to vibrate the crack by this method has a lack of sound pressure of irradiating sound wave because the crack is very smaller than peeling. Therefore, in this study, we developed a new very high-power aerial ultrasonic sound source and attempted to detect the crack. In this report, we investigated to detect a crack in shallow layer of solid materials by this ultrasonic sound source. As a result, it is confirmed to image the crack around the shallow layer of object and the micro crack for extending to front surface of object by proposed method.
Bonding characterization of three layers metal/adhesive/metal using Lamb waves
Authors: Gauthier Camille , Predoï Mihai , Mounsif Ech-Cherif El-Kettani , Galy Jocelyne , Leduc Damien , Izbicki Jean-Louis
Published: November 2016

The studied samples are three layer Aluminum/Epoxy/Aluminum structures, realized with the cooperation of Physico-Chemists, to obtain samples of controlled adhesion properties, and acousticians for ultrasounds characterization. Different mechanical (roughness) and/or chemical (silanisation) surface treatments at the interface substrate/adhesive are performed. A numerical FEM model is achieved to solve a rheological description of the interface as springs distribution. This model allows the study of the sensitivity of Lamb waves to the interface and the determination of their energy in the cross section of the structure, depending on the stiffness values of the springs. The sensitive modes are then looked for to be excited in the experimental study, particularly the vertical modes that are indicative of a more or less coupling in the three layer structure. Experimental results show different adhesion levels, depending on the surface treatments, and correspond stiffness springs value to each sample.
Modeling the scattering of elastic waves from defects in buried pipes
Authors: Kirby Ray , Duan Wenbo
Published: November 2016

Long Range Ultrasonic Testing (LRUT) is a popular non-destructive evaluation technique for identifying defects in pipelines. The method sends an elastic wave down the walls of a pipe and then monitors echoes that arise if the wave is scattered by a defect. The technical challenge of LRUT lies in separating out, and interpreting from coherent and random background noise, those signals that belong to a defect. This becomes particularly challenging when a pipe is buried, because energy in an elastic wave is known to leak out of the pipe walls when it is surrounded by materials such as soil, concrete, or sand. To address this problem it is necessary to develop a better understanding of how elastic waves propagate in buried structures, and so, a finite element based model is introduced here that seeks to analyze the scattering from a defect in a buried pipe in both the frequency and time domain. Results from the implementation of this numerical model for the torsional T(0,1) mode are presented, and the effects of the burying material on the LRUT time domain response are discussed.
Non-contact heating of surface on the object using by high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves
Authors: Sato Hirotaka , Osumi Ayumu , Ito Youichi
Published: November 2016

In the present study, the authors investigate a method of rising a temperature of an object’s surface for an instant without contact by using high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves (frequency 20 to 50 kHz). In recent years, much attention has been directed at a thermal effect technology which utilizes ultrasonic energy such as HIFU and MRgFUS treatment. These technologies are realized for heating by using ultrasonic source which contact with a target. It is expected to realize the same heat effect by aerial ultrasonic waves, but a research of using ultrasonic waves to heat objects without contact has never been done. The authors propose a new method to use a very high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves (intensity is about 25 kPa) which are generated by a point-converging acoustic source with a stripe-mode vibration plate and attempt to establish a technique. Recently, the authors reported that a temperature of silicone rubber material rise about 15°C after 1 second from the start of ultrasonic irradiation. With the realization of the technology, it is able to be a new underlying technology and is expected to be applied to a development of heating technique and non-destructive inspection.
Behavior of liquid in a thin type vessel irradiated with high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves
Authors: Urakami Taichi , Osumi Ayumu , Ito Youichi
Published: November 2016

A high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves can remove liquid that has penetrated into the pores instantaneously. Further, tiny particles adhered to a solid surface is removed from the surface of object by radiation of the ultrasonic waves instantaneously. These techniques are implemented to a target by an action aerial ultrasonic waves directly. If these operations can be realized similarly even when the ultrasonic waves pass through the object, the field of application is expected to spread extremely. For example, if it is possible to exert a force to the liquid injected into a small container from the outside of the container by irradiating the aerial ultrasonic waves, various applications can be greatly expected. We have investigated the observations of liquid behavior when the high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves were irradiated to the very small vessel filled with liquid. As a result, tiny bubbles were generated from the vicinity irradiated with the aerial ultrasonic waves, and the bubbles had a fierce tiny vibration. Further, in the observation of the liquid in the vessel by using ink, the ink is greatly diffused throughout the vessel and the behavior of the bubbles was confirmed to contribute to the diffusion of the ink extensively.
Pitch model as interspike interval periodicity present at all active Bark bands during harmonic sound perception
Authors: Bader Rolf
Published: November 2016

A Finite-Difference Time Domain (FDTD) physical model of the basilar membrane (BM) is implemented including the transition of mechanical energy on the BM into spike excitation. The spike train caused by this transition shows energy at all Bark bands of a harmonic input sound. Still higher partials are often not able to produce a regular interspike interval (IS) firing pattern all through one periodicity of the fundamental frequency. Instead drop-outs occur, where one or several spikes are missing. This produces higher ISI periodicities and therefore lower frequencies as the critical frequency of the respective Bark bands. These lower frequencies are integer subharmonics of the critical frequency. The lowest of these frequencies is the fundamental frequency of the input sound. Therefore, the model shows these fundamental frequencies in all Bark banks of active sound input frequency. The fundamental frequency of a harmonic sound is therefore present at many cochlea fibers and may be the reason for pitch perception. This mechanism also works for residual pitches. Compared to other pitch models which need further calculation in following neural nuclei, like autocorrelations, the pitch model proposed here has pitch intrinsically present right at the cochlea output with no need of further computations. From this view, a pitchness can be defined as the strength of a frequency present at many Bark bands, in accordance with the strength of a pitch perception.
More about monaural noise edge pitch
Authors: Hartmann William M. , Shore Aimee
Published: November 2016

Lowpass noise with a sharp spectral cutoff generates a monaural noise edge pitch (MNEP) that listeners match with a sine tone having a frequency somewhat below the noise cutoff frequency (negative pitch shift). If the MNEP is a proper musical pitch, listeners should be able to identify musical intervals made using only the MNEP stimulus. Open-set MNEP experiments in the edge-frequency range of 600-2400 Hz found that four out of four listeners with musical training correctly identified octaves, fifths, fourths, and major thirds, proving that the MNEP is a musical pitch. The MNEP can be heard for edge frequencies at least as low as 100 Hz, but the negative pitch shift becomes larger than a semitone, consistent with a timing model of the MNEP having a fixed integration time. If the MNEP reflects the expected quasi-periodic timing response of the auditory system to a sharp spectral edge, the pitch should become inaudible if the edge frequency becomes too high for neural synchrony—expected to be about 5000 Hz. Sine tone pitch matching experiments showed that such a limit clearly applies for most listeners, but less clearly for others. [Work supported by the USAFOSR.]
Training F0 discrimination improves vowel identification among speech m
Authors: Gao Xiang , Zhang Yuxuan
Published: November 2016

Listeners can use voice or fundamental frequency (F0) differences to separate target speech from competing talkers. Discrimination of F0 of harmonic tones has been shown to improve with adaptive training. Here, we examine whether such F0 learning can benefit speech identification in noise. Normal-hearing adults practiced F0 discrimination with standard F0 roved between 120 and 240 Hz. Before and after training, these listeners and a no-contact control group were tested on a vowel identification task, in which Mandarin vowels were embedded within six-talker babble noise at multiple signal-to-noise ratios. After training, the trained listeners improved more than controls on F0 discrimination. Critically, they also improved more in vowel identification. Threshold SNR at 60% intelligibility dropped 1.9 dB as a result of F0 training. The results demonstrate that speech perception in noise can benefit from learning of basic auditory skills, revealing a promising approach for rehabilitative training.
Development of music-specific pitch processing
Authors: Vanden Bosch der Nederlanden Christina , Hannon Erin , Snyder Joel
Published: November 2016

Both music and speech contain meaningful variations in pitch, however discrete pitch intervals are more prominent in music than they are in speech. Most research has separately examined perception of pitch patterning in the musical and linguistic domains; however, less is known about how listeners flexibly recruit musical and linguistic knowledge to interpret similar pitch patterns across different contexts, nor how these abilities develop with age. We asked children and adults to detect pitch changes to vocal stimuli that were presented in separate blocks as music (part of a “musical”) or speech (part of a “play”). Stimuli were overtly sung (in the musical) or spoken (in the play) but matched in pitch range and contour, and across both contexts we occasionally presented ambiguous vocalizations (speech-to-song illusions). Pitch changes were created by subjecting stimuli to a pitch range expansion which preserved the pitch contour but distorted pitch interval relationships. Adults showed greater detection accuracy for overtly sung than spoken utterances; however, children showed comparable performance for speech and song. No difference was observed for ambiguous vocalizations at any age. Implications for the development of domain-specificity of pitch processing will be discussed.
Psychoacoustic assessment of auditory impression of the coolness and warmness induced by HVAC noise
Authors: Nakagawa Seiji , Hotehama Takuya , Kamiya Masaru
Published: November 2016

Noise induced by a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in a vehicle is an important factor that affects the comfort of the interior of a car cabin. To date, much effort has been devoted to reduce noise levels. However, for example, silence sometimes causes a loss of operation feeling—we recognize the HVAC doesn't work enough in case the air flow sound is too quiet, even if it works well actually. Therefore, there is a need for a new sound design that addresses the noise problem from a different point of view in addition to the reduction of noise levels. In this study, focusing on the auditory impression of automotive HVAC noise concerning coolness and warmness, listening tests were performed using a paired comparison technique under various conditions of room temperature. Five stimuli were synthesized by stretching the spectral envelopes of recorded automotive HVAC noise to assess the effect of the spectral centroid, and were presented through headphones at 70 dBA. Results show that the spectral centroid significantly affects the auditory impression concerning coolness and warmness; a higher spectral centroid induces a cooler auditory impression regardless of the room temperature.