bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing patient capacity to consent to treatment: an integrative review of instruments and tools
Authors: Lamont Scott , Jeon Yun‐Hee , Chiarella Mary
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectives

To provide a narrative synthesis of research findings on instruments or tools designed to aid assessment of patient capacity to consent to treatment.

Background

Capacity assessment is of significant priority within health care as a finding of incapacity is a vehicle for the removal of many of an individual's fundamental rights. Despite there being many instruments and tools available to aid health professionals in the assessment of patient capacity, there are no standardised guidelines from professional bodies that inform the assessment of mental capacity.

Design

Integrative review.

Method

Primary studies of instruments or tools concerning assessment of patient capacity to consent to treatment, published in English in peer‐reviewed journals betweenJanuary 2005–December 2010, were included in the review. Review papers of capacity assessment instruments were included for years including and prior to 2006.

Results

Nineteen instruments were found which assess patient capacity to consent. Key themes were identified in terms of capacity domains assessed, psychometric properties, instrument implementation, patient populations studied and instrument versus clinician judgement.

Conclusion

Despite a plethora of capacity assessment instruments and tools available, only a small number of instruments were found to have demonstrated both reliability and validity. Further research is required to improve the validity of existing capacity assessment instruments.

Relevance to clinical practice

Increased attention to patient rights and autonomy arguably places a considerable burden on healthcare professionals to facilitate capacity assessments across a continuum of health care. Despite a plethora of capacity assessment instruments and tools being available to healthcare professionals, a comprehensive assessment requires time and is often difficult in the acute care setting. A strictly formulaic approach to the assessment of capacity is unlikely to capture specific individual nuances; therefore, capacity assessment instruments should support, but not replace, experienced clinical judgement.
The effect of local dry heat pack application on recovering the bruising associated with the subcutaneous injection of heparin
Authors: Balci Akpinar Reva
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectives

To determine the effect of the local dry heat pack application on recovering or alleviating the bruising associated with the subcutaneous injection of heparin.

Background

In studies conducted to prevent the bruising associated with the subcutaneous injection of heparin, it is observed that bruising cannot be prevented completely; however, there is a decrease in frequencies and sizes of bruising. There is no study aimed at accelerating the bruising recovery.

Design

Quasi‐experimental.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients, who were treated for heparin and had bruising in the injection site, were included in the study. One of their upper arms with bruising was considered as the experimental arm, and the other upper arm with bruising was considered as the control arm. ‘Local dry heat pack’ application was performed on the bruising area in the experimental arm 72 hours after the heparin injection. As the bruising areas in the other upper arm were considered as the control arm, no application was performed. The sizes of bruising areas were drawn on the transparent film and determined as square centimetre.

Results

The size of bruising areas was 3·21 ± 3·78 cm² in the experimental arm and 5·22 ± 4·45 cm² in the control arm 120 hours after the injections. The difference between the bruising sizes of the experimental and control arms was statistically significant.

Conclusions

It was observed that ‘local dry heat pack’ application had a positive effect on the recovery of bruising, associated with the subcutaneous injection of heparin.

Relevance to clinical practice

The acceleration of bruising recovery will enable decreasing patients' anxieties, improving their body image and increasing their adherence to therapy.
Factors associated with numbers of remaining teeth among type 2 diabetes: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Huang Jui‐Chu , Peng Yun‐Shing , Fan Jun‐Yu , Jane Sui‐Whi , Tu Liang‐Tse , Chang Chang‐Cheng , Chen Mei‐Yen
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore the factors associated with the numbers of remaining teeth among type 2 diabetes community residents.

Background

Promoting oral health is an important nursing role for patients with diabetes, especially in disadvantaged areas. However, limited research has been carried out on the relationship between numbers of remaining teeth, diabetes‐related biomarkers and personal oral hygiene among diabetic rural residents.

Design

A cross‐sectional, descriptive design with a simple random sample was used.

Methods

This study was part of a longitudinal cohort study of health promotion for preventing diabetic foot among rural community diabetic residents. It was carried out in 18 western coastal and inland districts of Chiayi County in central Taiwan. In total, 703 participants were enrolled in this study.

Results

The findings indicated that a high percentage of the participants (26%) had no remaining natural teeth. Nearly three quarters (74%) had fewer than 20 natural teeth. After controlling for the potential confounding factors, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the factors determining numbers of remaining teeth were age (p < 0·001), education (p < 0·001), using dental floss (p = 0·003), ankle brachial pressure index (p = 0·028), waist circumference (p = 0·024) and HbA1C (p = 0·033).

Conclusions

Except for some unmodifiable factors, the factors most significantly associated with numbers of remaining teeth were less tooth‐brushing with dental floss, abnormal ankle brachial pressure and poor glycemic control.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study highlights the importance of nursing intervention in oral hygiene for patients with type 2 diabetes. It is necessary to initiate oral health promotion activities when diabetes is first diagnosed, especially for older diabetic residents of rural or coastal areas who are poorly educated.
Fatigue related to radiotherapy for breast and/or gynaecological cancer: a systematic review
Authors: de M Alcântara‐Silva Tereza Raquel , Freitas‐Junior Ruffo , Freitas Nilceana MA , Machado Graziela DP
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectives

To assess the profile, evaluation criteria and fatigue treatment.

Background

Fatigue, characterised by tiredness, weakness or lack of energy, involves physical, cognitive and emotional aspects. Its aetiology is not well defined and the prevalence ranges from 30–70% in women with breast cancer, reaching up to 80% when they are undergoing radiotherapy. This is one of the most frequent side effects of radiotherapy, and it may interfere with self‐esteem, social activities and quality of life.

Design

Literature systematic review.

Methods

A search for studies published from 2000–2010 was carried out in Pubmed, Scielo and Bireme databases, using the descriptors fatigue and radiotherapy and their correlates in Portuguese.

Results

We selected 12 articles of 1085 found. The number of studies involving breast cancer was higher than those related to gynaecological cancer. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Fatigue was the most used scale specifically for the evaluation of fatigue. Pretreatment fatigue level may be an important risk factor to aggravate it during radiotherapy and decrease the quality of life. Five studies proposed interventions, all of them involving nonpharmacological therapies: cognitive‐behavioural therapy associated with hypnosis, moderate‐intensity physical exercises, stretching programmes, yoga and polarity therapy. The studies showed good results in relation to fatigue, physical and psychological aspects, and quality of life.

Conclusion

Early detection of fatigue, using appropriate scales, is relevant to propose suitable treatments and achieve better clinical conditions, adherence and continuity of radiotherapy treatment, aiming to ensure more effective responses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients undergoing radiotherapy. It may become a factor that limits or prevents the continuity of radiotherapy and therefore should be diagnosed in the initial appointments, so that it can be properly treated.
Applicability ofAFLPFingerprinting Markers to Molecular Discrimination of the Three Main Fungal Species Associated with Grapevine Decline in Spain
Authors: Martín Laura , Sáenz de Miera Luis E. , Martín Maria Teresa
Published: May 2013

Diplodia seriata,Phaeomoniella chlamydosporaandPhaeoacremonium aleophilumare the three main species associated with grapevine decline in Spain.AFLPmarkers were developed to discriminate Spanish populations of these species. The markers were used to genotype isolates ofD. seriata,P. chlamydosporaandP. aleophilum.AFLPmarkers were valuable in performing population genetic studies as genetic variability (Kx) ranged from 0.07 in theP. chlamydosporapopulation to 0.28 in theD. seriatapopulation. Species‐specific markers obtained using only twoAFLPcombinations clearly discriminateD. seriata,P. chlamydosporaandP. aleophilumand are a useful tool in simultaneous identification tests.
Hepatitis B virus‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma: functional roles of MICA variants
Authors: Tong H. V. , Toan N. L. , Song L. H. , Bock C.‐T. , Kremsner P. G. , Velavan T. P.
Published: May 2013

Hepatitis B virus infection is a high‐risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. The human major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related gene A (MICA) is a ligand of the NKG2D receptor that modulates the NK and T‐cell‐mediated immune responses and is associated with several diseases. This study determined the effects of MICA polymorphisms during HBV infection and HBV‐induced HCC. We conducted a case–controlled study in a Vietnamese cohort and genotyped ten functional MICA polymorphisms including the microsatellite motif in 552 clinically classified hepatitis B virus patients and 418 healthy controls. The serum soluble MICA levels (sMICA) were correlated with MICA variants and liver enzyme levels. We demonstrated a significant contribution of MICA rs2596542G/A promoter variant and nonsynonymous substitutions MICA‐129Met/Val, MICA‐251Gln/Arg, MICA‐175Gly/Ser, triplet repeat polymorphism and respective haplotypes with HBV‐induced HCC and HBV persistence. The circulating sMICA levels in HBV patient groups were elevated significantly compared with healthy controls. A significant contribution of studied MICA variants to sMICA levels was also observed. The liver enzymes alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were positively correlated with sMICA levels suggesting sMICA as a biomarker for liver injury. We conclude that MICA polymorphisms play a crucial role in modulating innate immune responses, tumour surveillance and regulate disease susceptibility during HBV infection.
Extended leaf phenology in deciduous forest invaders: mechanisms of impact on native communities
Authors: Smith L.M.
Published: May 2013

Many high‐impact invaders of temperate deciduous forests of Eastern North America exhibit extended leaf phenology compared to native species, with leaf emergence occurring earlier in the spring and abscission occurring later in the autumn. This observation indicates that extended phenology may be an important invasion mechanism for this system. However, most evidence that extended leaf phenology drives species invasion is anecdotal, and most studies that directly address the role of leaf phenology in invasion focus solely on increased invader growth. Beyond increasing invader growth, extended leaf phenology may drive invader impact on natives by (1) facilitating resource competition through nutrient pre‐emption and shading, (2) altering production of secondary chemicals by invasive plants, (3) altering apparent competition dynamics mediated by native herbivores, (4) allowing temporal enemy escape, and (5) altering behaviour of native pollinators. I review current evidence from the literature regarding each of these possible consequences of extended invader phenology and emphasize the need for experimental manipulations to measure the extent to which extended leaf phenology mediates impact on the native community. Understanding the importance of leaf phenology in species invasion will facilitate prevention of future invasions while elucidating the role of seasonality in shaping species interactions.
Interplay of Aro80 and GATA activators in regulation of genes for catabolism of aromatic amino acids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lee Kyusung , Hahn Ji‐Sook
Published: May 2013

Aro80, a member of the Zn2Cys6 family proteins, activates expression of the ARO9 and ARO10 genes involved in catabolism of aromatic amino acids in response to aromatic amino acids that act as inducers. ARO9 and ARO10 are also under the control of nitrogen catabolite repression, but the direct roles for GATA factors, Gat1 and Gln3, in this regulation have not yet been elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that Aro80 is constitutively bound to its target promoters and activated by inducers at the level of transactivation. Although Aro80 also binds to its own promoter, ARO80 expression is induced only by rapamycin, but not by tryptophan. We show that Aro80 is absolutely required for Gat1 binding to the ARO9, ARO10 and ARO80 promoters upon rapamycin treatment. Gln3 binding to these promoters shows a partial requirement for Aro80. Rapamycin‐dependent Gat1 and Gln3 binding to the Aro80 target promoters is not affected by tryptophan availability, suggesting that transactivation activity of Aro80 is not necessary for the recruitment of GATA factors. Rapamycin‐dependent induction of Aro80 target genes also requires PP2A phosphatase complex, but not Sit4 phosphatase, acting downstream of TORC1.
Health promotion behavior in middle‐aged Koreans: A cross sectional survey
Authors: Yeun Eun Ja , Baek Sunsook , Kim Heejeong
Published: May 2013

This cross‐sectional study was conducted to verify self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, and social support as characteristics of health promotion behavior in middle‐aged Koreans, and the influence of social support on self‐efficacy and self‐esteem with respect to health promotion behavior. Data were collected from 310 subjects in South Korea using a self‐administered questionnaire. We found a significant finding that self‐efficacy positively influences health promotion behavior, focusing on the moderating effect of social support. Self‐efficacy affected health promotion behavior (P < 0.01) as did social support. Mean self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, health promotion behavior, and social support scores were 50.27, 29.35, 124.39, and 76.51, respectively. This finding provides strong evidence that social support can be used as a model to understand health promotion behavior. Individualized nursing interventions based on social support and self‐efficacy theory should be utilized in high‐risk middle‐aged patients so as to assist and improve health promotion behavior. Also, in community practice settings, nurses should consider that increased social support and self‐efficacy are required to improve health promotion behaviors.
Immunotherapy in preneoplastic disease: targeting early procarcinogenic inflammatory changes that lead to immune suppression and tumor tolerance
Authors: Keenan Bridget , Jaffee Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2013

Recent advances in immunotherapy have demonstrated that single agent vaccines can be effective when given as primary prevention before exposure to the causative agent, and partially effective in some patients with existing cancer. However, as tumors develop and progress, tumor‐induced immune suppression and tolerance present the greatest barrier to therapeutic success. Preneoplastic disease represents an important opportunity to intervene with tumor antigen–targeted vaccines before these mechanisms of immune evasion outpace efforts by the immune system to destroy precancerous cells. However, as we discuss in this review, emerging evidence suggests that procarcinogenic inflammatory changes occur early in cancer development, in both patients and mouse models of cancer progression. Defining early inhibitory signals within tumor microenvironments will yield insights that can eventually be used in the clinic to target these events and deliver treatments that can be used in addition to cancer vaccines to prevent premalignant and early invasive cancers.
How to become a tree without wood – biomechanical analysis of the stem ofCarica papayaL
Authors: Kempe A. , Lautenschläger T. , Lange A. , Neinhuis C.
Published: May 2013

Carica papayaL. does not contain wood, according to the botanical definition of wood as lignified secondary xylem. Despite its parenchymatous secondary xylem, these plants are able to grow up to 10‐m high. This is surprising, as wooden structural elements are the ubiquitous strategy for supporting height growth in plants. Proposed possible alternative principles to explain the compensation for lack of wood inC. papayaare turgor pressure of the parenchyma, lignified phloem fibres in the bark, or a combination of the two. Interestingly, lignified tissue comprises only 5–8% of the entire stem mass. Furthermore, the phloem fibres do not form a compact tube enclosing the xylem, but instead form a mesh tubular structure. To investigate the mechanism of papaya's unusually high mechanical strength, a set of mechanical measurements were undertaken on whole stems and tissue sections of secondary phloem and xylem. The structuralYoung's modulus of mature stems reached 2.5 GPa. Since this is low compared to woody plants, the flexural rigidity of papaya stem construction may mainly be based on a higher second moment of inertia. Additionally, stem turgor pressure was determined indirectly by immersing specimens in sucrose solutions of different osmolalities, followed by mechanical tests; turgor pressure was between 0.82 and 1.25 MPa, indicating that turgor is essential for flexural rigidity of the entire stem.
A missense mutation in CHS1, a TIR‐NB protein, induces chilling sensitivity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Yuancong , Zhang Yao , Wang Zheng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Shuhua
Published: May 2013

Low temperature is an environmental factor that affects plant growth and development and plant–pathogen interactions. How temperature regulates plant defense responses is not well understood. In this study, we characterized chilling‐sensitive mutant 1 (chs1), and functionally analyzed the role of the CHS1 gene in plant responses to chilling stress. The chs1 mutant displayed a chilling‐sensitive phenotype, and also displayed defense‐associated phenotypes, including extensive cell death, the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid, and an increased expression of PR genes: these phenotypes indicated that the mutation in chs1 activates the defense responses under chilling stress. A map‐based cloning analysis revealed that CHS1 encodes a TIR‐NB‐type protein. The chilling sensitivity of chs1 was fully rescued by pad4 and eds1, but not by ndr1. The overexpression of the TIR and NB domains can suppress the chs1–conferred phenotypes. Interestingly, the stability of the CHS1 protein was positively regulated by low temperatures independently of the 26S proteasome pathway. This study revealed the role of a TIR‐NB‐type gene in plant growth and cell death under chilling stress, and suggests that temperature modulates the stability of the TIR‐NB protein in Arabidopsis.
Muscle glycogen stores and fatigue
Authors: Ørtenblad Niels , Westerblad Håkan , Nielsen Joachim
Published: May 2013

Abstract  Studies performed at the beginning of the last century revealed the importance of carbohydrate as a fuel during exercise, and the importance of muscle glycogen on performance has subsequently been confirmed in numerous studies. However, the link between glycogen depletion and impaired muscle function during fatigue is not well understood and a direct cause‐and‐effect relationship between glycogen and muscle function remains to be established. The use of electron microscopy has revealed that glycogen is not homogeneously distributed in skeletal muscle fibres, but rather localized in distinct pools. Furthermore, each glycogen granule has its own metabolic machinery with glycolytic enzymes and regulating proteins. One pool of such glycogenolytic complexes is localized within the myofibrils in close contact with key proteins involved in the excitation–contraction coupling and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). We and others have provided experimental evidence in favour of a direct role of decreased glycogen, localized within the myofibrils, for the reduction in SR Ca2+ release during fatigue. This is consistent with compartmentalized energy turnover and distinctly localized glycogen pools being of key importance for SR Ca2+ release and thereby affecting muscle contractility and fatigability.
A ‘toothache tree’ alkylamide inhibits Aδ mechanonociceptors to alleviate mechanical pain
Authors: Tsunozaki Makoto , Lennertz Richard C. , Vilceanu Daniel , Katta Samata , Stucky Cheryl L. , Bautista D. M.
Published: May 2013

Key points

Extracts from the toothache tree (Zanthoxylum) are used to treat inflammatory pain, such as toothache and arthritis.

Hydroxy‐α‐sanshool (sanshool) is a major alkylamide in extracts from Zanthoxylum plants.

Sanshool treatment in mice caused a selective attenuation of mechanical sensitivity under naïve and inflammatory conditions

Sanshool inhibits Aδ mechanonociceptors that mediate both sharp acute pain and inflammatory pain, and inhibits the activity of multiple voltage‐gated sodium channel subtypes, among which Nav1.7 is the most strongly affected.

Our data implicate Nav1.7 as a key mediator of inflammatory mechanical pain in ‘fast pain’ mechanosensory neurons.

Abstract  In traditional medicine, the ‘toothache tree’ and other plants of the Zanthoxylum genus have been used to treat inflammatory pain conditions, such as toothache and rheumatoid arthritis. Here we examined the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the analgesic properties of hydroxy‐α‐sanshool, the active alkylamide produced by Zanthoxylum plants. Consistent with its analgesic effects in humans, sanshool treatment in mice caused a selective attenuation of mechanical sensitivity under naïve and inflammatory conditions, with no effect on thermal sensitivity. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which sanshool attenuates mechanical pain, we performed single fibre recordings, calcium imaging and whole‐cell electrophysiology of cultured sensory neurons. We found that: (1) sanshool potently inhibits Aδ mechanonociceptors that mediate both sharp acute pain and inflammatory pain; (2) sanshool inhibits action potential firing by blocking voltage‐gated sodium currents in a subset of somatosensory neurons, which express a unique combination of voltage‐gated sodium channels; and (3) heterologously expressed Nav1.7 is most strongly inhibited by sanshool as compared to other sodium channels expressed in sensory neurons. These results suggest that sanshool targets voltage‐gated sodium channels on Aδ mechanosensory nociceptors to dampen excitability and thus induce ‘fast pain’ analgesia.
Carbon monoxide-induced reduction and healing of graphene oxide
Authors: Narayanan Badri , Weeks Stephen L. , Jariwala Bhavin N. , Macco Bart , Weber Jan-Willem , Rathi Somilkumar J. , van de Sanden Mauritius C. M. , Sutter Peter , Agarwal Sumit , Ciobanu Cristian V.
Published: May 2013

Graphene oxide holds promise as a carbon-based nanomaterial that can be produced inexpensively in large quantities. However, its structural and electrical properties remain far from those of the graphene sheets obtained by mechanical exfoliation or by chemical vapor deposition—unless efficient reduction methods that preserve the integrity of the parent carbon-network structure are found. Here, the authors use molecular dynamics and density functional theory calculations to show that the oxygen from the main functional groups present on graphene oxide sheets is removed by the reducing action of carbon monoxide; the energy barriers for reduction by CO are very small and easily overcome at low temperatures. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy experiments confirm the reduction in CO atmosphere and also reveal a strong tendency for CO to heal vacancies in the carbon network. Our results show that reduced graphene oxide with superior properties can be obtained through reduction in CO atmosphere.
Experimental demonstration of novel imaging geometries for x‐ray fluorescence computed tomography
Authors: Fu Geng , Meng Ling‐Jian , Eng Peter , Newville Matt , Vargas Phillip , Riviere Patrick La
Published: May 2013

Purpose:

X‐ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) is an emerging imaging modality that maps the three‐dimensional distribution of elements, generally metals, inex vivo specimens and potentially in living animals and humans. At present, it is generally performed at synchrotrons, taking advantage of the high flux of monochromatic x rays, but recent work has demonstrated the feasibility of using laboratory‐based x‐ray tube sources. In this paper, the authors report the development and experimental implementation of two novel imaging geometries for mapping of trace metals in biological samples with ∼50–500 μm spatial resolution.

Methods:

One of the new imaging approaches involves illuminating and scanning a single slice of the object and imaging each slice's x‐ray fluorescent emissions using a position‐sensitive detector and a pinhole collimator. The other involves illuminating a single line through the object and imaging the emissions using a position‐sensitive detector and a slit collimator. They have implemented both of these using synchrotron radiation at the Advanced Photon Source.

Results:

The authors show that it is possible to achieve 250 eV energy resolution using an electron multiplying CCD operating in a quasiphoton‐counting mode. Doing so allowed them to generate elemental images using both of the novel geometries for imaging of phantoms and, for the second geometry, an osmium‐stained zebrafish.

Conclusions:

The authors have demonstrated the feasibility of these two novel approaches to XFCT imaging. While they use synchrotron radiation in this demonstration, the geometries could readily be translated to laboratory systems based on tube sources.
Mapping motion from 4D‐MRI to 3D‐CT for use in 4D dose calculations: A technical feasibility study
Authors: Boye Dirk , Lomax Tony , Knopf Antje
Published: May 2013

Purpose:

Target sites affected by organ motion require a time resolved (4D) dose calculation. Typical 4D dose calculations use 4D‐CT as a basis. Unfortunately, 4D‐CT images have the disadvantage of being a “snap‐shot” of the motion during acquisition and of assuming regularity of breathing. In addition, 4D‐CT acquisitions involve a substantial additional dose burden to the patient making many, repeated 4D‐CT acquisitions undesirable. Here the authors test the feasibility of an alternative approach to generate patient specific 4D‐CT data sets.

Methods:

In this approach motion information is extracted from 4D‐MRI. Simulated 4D‐CT data sets [which the authors call 4D‐CT(MRI)] are created by warping extracted deformation fields to a static 3D‐CT data set. The employment of 4D‐MRI sequences for this has the advantage that no assumptions on breathing regularity are made, irregularities in breathing can be studied and, if necessary, many repeat imaging studies (and consequently simulated 4D‐CT data sets) can be performed on patients and/or volunteers. The accuracy of 4D‐CT(MRI)s has been validated by 4D proton dose calculations. Our 4D dose algorithm takes into account displacements as well as deformations on the originating 4D‐CT/4D‐CT(MRI) by calculating the dose of each pencil beam based on an individual time stamp of when that pencil beam is applied. According to corresponding displacement and density‐variation‐maps the position and the water equivalent range of the dose grid points is adjusted at each time instance.

Results:

4D dose distributions, using 4D‐CT(MRI) data sets as input were compared to results based on a reference conventional 4D‐CT data set capturing similar motion characteristics. Almost identical 4D dose distributions could be achieved, even though scanned proton beams are very sensitive to small differences in the patient geometry. In addition, 4D dose calculations have been performed on the same patient, but using 4D‐CT(MRI) data sets based on variable breathing patterns to show the effect of possible irregular breathing on active scanned proton therapy. Using a 4D‐CT(MRI), including motion irregularities, resulted in significantly different proton dose distributions.

Conclusions:

The authors have demonstrated that motion information from 4D‐MRI can be used to generate realistic 4D‐CT data sets on the basis of a single static 3D‐CT data set. 4D‐CT(MRI) presents a novel approach to test the robustness of treatment plans in the circumstance of patient motion.
Eyebrow movements and vocal pitch height: Evidence consistent with an ethological signal
Authors: Huron David , Shanahan Daniel
Published: May 2013

When asked to sing a high pitch, people produce a facial expression that is judged more friendly compared with singing a low pitch [Huron et al. (2009). Empirical Musicology Rev. 4(3), 93–100]. This effect was observed even when judges viewed only the face above the tip of the nose, and implies a relationship between pitch height and eyebrow height. In the current study, we examine the reverse relationship. Thirty-one participants were asked to read aloud standard texts while holding their eyebrows in a raised, neutral, or lowered position. Average F0 was found to correlate positively with eyebrow position, with higher vocal pitch associated with higher eyebrow placement. However, manipulating eyebrow placement produces a considerably smaller effect (on pitch) compared with the effect of manipulating pitch (on eyebrows). Results are discussed from the perspective of ethological signals [Lorenz (1939). Zool. Anz. 12, 69–102].
Viscous contributions to low-frequency scattering, power absorption, radiation force, and radiation torque for spheres in acoustic beams
Authors: Marston Philip L.
Published: May 2013

An analysis of the dipole response of solid spheres illuminated by plane acoustic traveling waves [Settnes and Bruus, Phys. Rev. E 85, 016327 (2012)] has implications for estimating the magnitude of viscous corrections to quantities of broader interest. Their results may be recast to give the viscous correction to the dipole scattering s-function for solid spheres. For the present discussion, it may be assumed that the Stokes layer is thin relative to the sphere’s radius, giving a simple reduction in magnitude of the dipole s-function (which is unimodular in the lossless case). The power absorption for plane waves and Bessel beams follow immediately from a prior formulation [Zhang and Marston, Phys. Rev. E 84, 035601 (2011)] as does the axial radiation force. The plane-wave force agrees after correcting a minor error in Settnes and Bruus. A condition G = 0 previously noted for low-ka negative radiation forces on spheres in Bessel beams [Marston, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 120, 3518–3524 (2006)] still gives negative forces for sufficiently large spheres. The torque caused by first-order vortex beams may also be estimated [Zhang and Marston, Phys. Rev. E 84, 065601 (2011)]. [Work supported by ONR.]
Improved hydrophone calibration by combining acoustic holography with the radiation force balance measurements
Authors: Tsysar Sergey , Kreider Wayne , Sapozhnikov Oleg
Published: May 2013

Ultrasound sources are frequently characterized by the radiation force (RF) balance method that is based on the relation between the total acoustic power and RF on absorbing or reflecting targets. This relation is usually taken from the plane-wave approximation or with a geometrical correction for focused sources. However, real sources emit inhomogeneous acoustic beams. Acoustic holography is a method of recording the true field by measuring both pressure magnitude and phase over a 2D surface (a hologram). The hologram makes it possible to accurately calculate the radiation stress tensor on the surface of the absorbing target. Such measurements allow the relation of hydrophone sensitivity with measured RF based on the known exact expression for RF as a function of the 2D pattern of acoustic pressure and particle velocity. This suggests an improved approach for single-frequency hydrophone calibration that benefits from the inherent accuracy of mass balances as well as the fact that pressure approximately scales with one half of the accuracy of the RF measurement. In the current study this approach was used to calibrate a hydrophone by characterizing a 1-MHz flat piezoceramic source in water using acoustic holography and a RF balance. [Work supported by RFBR and NIH EB007643.]
Multi-spectral acoustic imaging on object surface in air
Authors: Guo Xinhua , Mizuno Yosuke , Nakamura Kentaro
Published: May 2013

Acoustical imaging has been performed using mono-frequency or a limited number of frequencies in the previous studies. The frequency dependence, however, may provide rich information on surface profiles, structures hidden under surfaces, and material properties of objects. In this study, acoustic imaging on object surfaces was conducted over a wide frequency range with a fine frequency step. A rigid surface with different profiles and a boundary between two objects composed of different materials were illuminated by sound wave swept over the frequency range from 1 kHz to 20 kHz with a 30-Hz step. The scattered sound field was recorded two-dimensionally using a scanning microphone, and the holographic method was used to reconstruct the sound pressure distribution on the surface from the recorded data. From the experimental results, the characteristics of the surfaces with respect to the shapes and material properties were demonstrated experimentally. The depth of the holes was identified by its own resonance frequency, and the two different materials were successfully distinguished by multiple images obtained at different frequencies.
Linearized versus non-linear inverse methods for seismic localization of underground sources
Authors: Oh Geok Lian , Jacobsen Finn
Published: May 2013

The problem of localization of underground sources from seismic measurements detected by several geophones located on the ground surface is addressed. Two main approaches to the solution of the problem are considered—a beamforming approach that is derived from the linearized inversion problem, and the Bayes nonlinear inversion method. The travel times used in the beamformer are derived from solving the Eikonal equation. In the linearized inversion method, we assume that the elastic waves are predominantly acoustic waves, and the acoustic approximation is applied. For the nonlinear inverse method, we apply the Bayesian framework where the misfit function is the posterior probability distribution of the model space. The model parameters are the location of the seismic source that we are interested in estimating. The forward problem solver applied for the nonlinear inverse method is a finite difference elastic wave-field numerical method. In this paper, the accuracy and performance of the linear beamformer and nonlinear inverse methods to localize a underground seismic source are checked and compared using computer generated synthetic experimental data.
Comparative signal processing analyses of a speed-dependent problem as motivated by brake judder problem
Authors: Sen Osman T. , Dreyer Jason T. , Singh Rajendra
Published: May 2013

The goal of this paper is to investigate a transient problem using several digital signal processing techniques. First, a simple linear mathematical model, where a point mass is connected to a roller through a contact interface, is developed and the dynamic interfacial force is analytically calculated as a function of the speed. In this model, the contact interface is described with a linear spring and viscous damper, and the system is excited with a base excitation, as defined by the undulations on the roller surface. Due to the time-varying speed characteristics of the roller, the resulting response is transient. Second, the dual-domain analyses of the calculated system response is carried out by using short-time Fourier and wavelet transforms, since single-domain representation leads to a loss of information due to signal’s transient characteristics. Third, the Hilbert transform is applied and the envelope curves of the interfacial force response are successfully obtained. Finally, this problem is briefly linked to brake judder phenomenon and its source regimes are briefly explained.
A novel noise-reduction algorithm for real-time speech processing
Authors: Theunissen Frederic E. , Lee Tyler
Published: May 2013

We developed a new noise-reduction algorithm based on a joint spectro-temporal representation of signals. The algorithm was inspired by the discovery in our laboratory of higher-level avian auditory cortical neurons that showed invariant responses to communication signals. The algorithm consists of an analysis step and a synthesis step. In the analysis step, the sound is first decomposed into narrow band signals by a frequency filter bank. These time-frequency waveforms are then further analyzed using a spectro-temporal modulation filter bank to obtain a representation that is akin to the one generated by cortical neurons. In our algorithm, this modulation filter bank was obtained from the principal component analysis of the speech signal in the time-frequency representation. We then learned which subset of the modulation filters provided the best information to extract the signal from the noise. In the synthesis step, we then used this subset of spectral-temporal modulation feature detectors to generate a set of time-varying frequency gains that could be applied directly to the original time frequency decomposition. In this manner, we were able to perform noise reduction in real time and with minimal delay. Our algorithm yielded similar noise reduction but better quality speech quality than current state-of-the-art algorithms.
Evaluation of human-phonatory radiation characteristics with a polyhedron loudspeaker
Authors: Yoshimoto Naoki , Nakano Kota , Nakayama Masato , Nishiura Takanobu
Published: May 2013

Spoken dialog systems have been studied for car navigation systems and voice search systems. For evaluating these systems, a loudspeaker is used instead of a human because these systems require various kinds of speech samples. However, the sounds radiated by loudspeaker cannot reproduce human-phonatory radiation characteristics. Therefore, the mouth simulator is utilized to reproduce human-phonatory radiation characteristics. Although it is based on the average mouth shapes, shapes of mouth are different among phonemes. Therefore, due to the hardware structure, it cannot accurately reproduce various human-phonatory radiation characteristics affected by shapes of mouth. In this study, we developed a polyhedron loudspeaker to solve this problem. It consists of 11 loudspeakers, which are independently controlled. Controlling eleven loudspeakers makes it possible to reproduce desired radiation characteristics. By utilizing this method, we try to reproduce human-phonatory radiation characteristics of Japanese five vowels and typical consonants with digital filters which were adaptively designed. We carried out an evaluation experiment in various measuring points to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. As a result, it was confirmed that human-phonatory radiation characteristics with the proposed method could be accurately approximated compared with the conventional mouth simulator.
Sound source measurement of magnetic resonance imaging driving sound for feedforward active noise control system
Authors: Nakayama Shohei , Muto Kenji , Yagi Kazuo , Chen Guoyue
Published: May 2013

We proposed the active noise control (ANC) system reduce the loud MRI sound. It was important for performance improvement of the system. Therefore, we estimated the sound source of MRI driving sound. The position of the sound source of MRI driving sound was between the center and the edge in the gantry of MRI equipment. MRI equipment is important for the medical inspection, which gets the tomography of the body without x-ray. The patient of the MRI inspection needs to use the ear protector because the MRI equipment generated the loud sound, which the sound pressure level was around 100 dB. Here, our study was to make good acoustical environment using the ANC system for the MRI patient. The ANC system used the feedforward type because the MRI driving sound have unsteady pulsed sound. We made the ANC system using non-magnetic devices, ear protectors, and optical microphones. Because the MRI room had high magnetic environment. We measured the sound source of MRI driving sound to set the reference microphone. In this case, we showed the reduction effect of the ANC system of the sound by the computer simulation. As a result, the system reduced the MRI driving sound by around 50 dB.
High frequency backscattering from sandy sediments: single or multiple scattering
Authors: Chotiros Nicholas P. , Isakson Marcia J.
Published: May 2013

As the sand grain size approaches the acoustic wavelength, the underwater backscattering strength increases rapidly. Laboratory measurements indicate that the shallow-grazing angle backscattering strength increases as the third power of the normalized grain diameter. In this regime, it has been shown that the attenuation of the sound in the sand increases as the fourth power of frequency and the speed of sound decreases with increasing frequency. The most likely explanation for the attenuation and speed dispersion is multiple scattering [Schwartz and Plona, J. Appl. Phys. 55 (1984) and Kimura, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. Express Lett. 129 (2011)]. Single and multiple scattering theories will be applied to the backscattering problem with the purpose of determining if it is a single or multiple scattering process. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research, Ocean Acoustics Program.]
Sound system in a small college auditorium
Authors: Beristain Sergio
Published: May 2013

A new 220 seats college auditorium needed an electro acoustics system in order to adequately perform all its normal activities, which included live voices for lectures and conferences, a sound reproduction system working alone or together with the projection equipment, sometimes background music, and eventually some small groups with live music presentations as requested in the specs of the auditorium usage; it also needed recording capabilities for the most important lectures and presentations. A 12/8 channel with stereo output system with peripherals was chosen for the installation, where three microphones were reserved for the front table, six distributed in fixed stands located in the aisles of the audience area for questions and dialog, and the other three were movable. Background noise was not an issue because the auditorium is located in a tree full area within the university campus, away from busy streets. Budget for the acoustical conditioning and the electronic equipment was very limited.
Adapting spaciousness of artificial, enveloping reverberation in multichannel rendering based on coded sequences
Authors: Xiang Ning , Oh Jiseong , Braasch Jonas , Xie Bosun
Published: May 2013

For virtual room environments, adapting realistic reverberation and enhancing reverberation are critical for producing a convincing immersive experience. Also, in perceptual studies of room-acoustics using virtual room environments, using the appropriate enveloping reverberance to correlate perceived room size to the virtual space is a challenging task. This research applies to both binaural rendering and a multi-channel loudspeaker reproduction that can be employed in simulating such an environment. Approaches to adapting and enhancing spaciousness within the context of artificially generated reverberation are investigated via psychoacoustics tests. The pseudo-random properties of coded signals based on reciprocal maximum-length sequences allow for a deterministic, controllable decorrelation between all reverberation channels. For this challenging task, shapes of both sound energy decay and spatial profiles have been found to be decisive for creating successful immersive environments. This paper will discuss potential values for fundamental research in room-acoustics and for educational purposes in seeking a broadened understanding of perceived spaciousness and reverberance in varying contexts.
Rectangular slot perforations to improve the sound absorption of walls
Authors: Berardi Umberto
Published: May 2013

This paper focuses on theories to predict the sound absorption properties of a surface with rectangular perforations. First, the paper gives a synthetic review of available knowledge about theoretical and experimental works about rectangular slot perforations. A comparison of these models is also reported. Then, the adaptability of these models to 3-d structures of finite size, such as walls, is discussed. Later the paper presents a model based on the transfer matrix method, which takes into account surface, hole and cavity impedances. In particular, the surface impedance is obtained by the sum of a resistance term, a mass term, and characteristic impedance. The numerical model is hence adapted to the case of stone walls. Experimental tests have been performed in a reverberant chamber to measure the sound absorption of several configurations of slotted walls. The bricks of these walls have been mounted creating vertical slots of different dimensions, which, combined with different air gaps, allowed the wall to work as an assembly of Helmholtz resonant absorbers. Comparisons with theoretical models are carried out to explain the different mechanisms of sound absorption. Finally, this paper aims to establish practical roles to develop optimized noise control solutions through rectangular slot perforated walls.
Joint classification of whistles and echolocation clicks from odontocetes
Authors: Lu Yang , Mellinger David K. , Klinck Holger , Roch Marie A.
Published: May 2013

We propose to use acoustic features of both clicks and whistles to classify odontocete sounds to species. The species studied are Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra), and short- and long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis and D. capensis). An energy-based detector is used for echolocation click detection, and Roch’s Silbido algorithm is used for whistle detection. Detected whistles are characterized by maximum and minimum frequencies, duration, slope, spectral maxima, spectral gaps, number and frequency of inflection points, number of “loop” repetitions, and other acoustic characteristics. Detected clicks are characterized by cepstral characteristics, as well as by a set of noise-resistant statistics. Clicks that occur within a certain time neighborhood of a whistle have the corresponding feature vectors merged to produce the input to the classification system. Random forest and Gaussian mixture model classifiers are tested on the resulting features and performance is characterized. [Funding from ONR.]