bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and toxicity of carboplatin and cytarabine chemotherapy for dogs with relapsed or refractory lymphoma (2000–2013)
Authors: Gillem J. , Giuffrida M. , Krick E.
Published: October 2015

Medical records of 22 dogs treated with carboplatin (n = 8) or carboplatin and cytarabine (n = 14) chemotherapy for relapsed or refractory lymphoma between 2000 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical response rate was 18.2% (4/22). Median time to progression was 18 days (56 for responders; 12 for non‐responders, P = 0.0006). Median overall survival time was 28 days (109 for responders; 21 for non‐responders, P = 0.0007). Thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred in 84.2% (16/19) and 52.6% (10/19), respectively. Grade IV thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred in 56.3% (9/16) and 60.0% (6/10), respectively. Dogs that received both drugs were more likely to become neutropenic (P = 0.022) or thrombocytopenic (P = 0.001) than dogs receiving carboplatin alone. All responders received both drugs giving a 28.6% (4/14) response rate for the combination. Although some dogs responded to the combination, toxicity was high and the responses were not durable. With adequate supportive care, this protocol may be an acceptable rescue option for some dogs.
Hypoxia pretreatment of bone marrow—derived mesenchymal stem cells seeded in a collagen‐chitosan sponge scaffold promotes skin wound healing in diabetic rats with hindlimb ischemia
Authors: Tong Chuan , Hao Haojie , Xia Lei , Liu Jiejie , Ti Dongdong , Dong Liang , Hou Qian , Song Haijing , Liu Huiling , Zhao Yali , Fu Xiaobing , Han Weidong
Published: October 2015

Bone marrow—derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) have properties that make them promising for the treatment of chronic nonhealing wounds. The major challenge is ensuring an efficient, safe, and painless delivery of BM‐MSCs. Tissue‐engineered skin substitutes have considerable benefits in skin damage resulting from chronic nonhealing wounds. Here, we have constructed a three‐dimensional biomimetic scaffold known as collagen‐chitosan sponge scaffolds (CCSS) using the cross‐linking and freeze‐drying method. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that CCSS had an interconnected network pore configuration about 100 μm and exhibited a suitable swelling ratio for maintaining morphological stability and appropriate biodegradability to improve biostability using swelling and degradation assays. Furthermore, BM‐MSCs were seeded in CCSS using the two‐step seeding method to construct tissue‐engineered skin substitutes. In addition, in this three‐dimensional biomimetic CCSS, BM‐MSCs secreted their own collagen and maintain favorable survival ability and viability. Importantly, BM‐MSCs exhibited a significant upregulated expression of proangiogenesis factors, including HIF‐1α, VEGF, and PDGF following hypoxia pretreatment. In vivo, hypoxia pretreatment of the skin substitute observably accelerated wound closure via the reduction of inflammation and enhanced angiogenesis in diabetic rats with hindlimb ischemia. Thus, hypoxia pretreatment of the skin substitutes can serve as ideal bioengineering skin substitutes to promote optimal diabetic skin wound healing.
Psychometric Properties of a Tool to Measure Nurses’ Attitudes to Single Checking Medications: SCAMS‐II
Authors: Cross Rachel , Bennett Paul N. , Ockerby Cherene , Busija Lucy , Currey Judy
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims

Single checking medications has been increasingly adopted over the past decade by nurses in Australian healthcare services. However, attitudes toward the practice of only one nurse checking medications remain unclear. The aim of this article is to report on the development, reliability, and validity of a tool to measure nurses’ attitudes to single checking medications in a health service in which single checking has been in place for over a decade.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional survey design, the Single Checking and Administration of Medications Scale (SCAMS‐II) was used to measure the attitudes of 299 registered nurses (RNs) who were single checking medications in one metropolitan teaching hospital in Australia. Exploratory factor analysis was used to explore the dimensions that best represented the SCAMS‐II. Cronbach's α was used to assess internal consistency of the identified subscales. To test the construct validity of the emergent questionnaire, Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Rasch analyses were performed.

Results

The psychometric properties of the SCAMS‐II revealed 12 items with three reliable subscales: a five‐item accountability model; a four‐item efficiency model; and a three‐item knowledge model.

Linking Evidence to Action

In settings where single checking is current practice, the SCAMS‐II is recommended as a reliable tool to measure nurses’ attitudes toward the single checking of medications. The findings from this study may assist healthcare organizations in the development of policy and procedure guidelines for the safe administration of medications.
RAPD-PCR method for detecting DNA polymorphism in Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: LAN MINGYANG , SHENG WEIHUA , HUANG CAOQIUN , GU XIANDI , JIANG YING , ZHAO YUGANG , LU WEIXIAN
Published: October 2015

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) has been recently used in detecting genetic variation in insect populations. Here, we describe the use of RAPD-PCR for the study of tick DNA polymorphism. A primer "Pz" with the sequence of CGGCCCGGTA was found to be able to amplify the genome of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini). The pattern of the bands were reproducibly obtained and consisted of 13 discrete DNA fragments with the size of 1290, 1070, 960, 870, 790, 720, 630, 580, 500, 450, 390, 300 and 220 base pairs. The RAPD-PCR, for its simplicity, rapidity, and ability to reveal variation at the DNA level, is an additional taxonomic tool for the study of ticks.
Effect of hydrogen peroxide pretreatment on ZnO-based metal–semiconductor–metal ultraviolet photodetectors deposited using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Lin Yu-Chang , Lee Hsin-Ying , Lee Tsung-Hsin
Published: October 2015

In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) films were deposited on sapphire substrates using a plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition system. Prior to deposition, the substrates were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in order to increase nucleation on the initial sapphire surface and, thus, enhance the quality of deposited ZnO films. Furthermore, x-ray diffraction spectroscopy measurements indicated that the crystallinity of ZnO films was considerably enhanced by H2O2 pretreatment, with the strongest (002) diffraction peak occurring for the film pretreated with H2O2 for 60 min. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy also was used, and the results indicated that a high number of Zn–O bonds was generated in ZnO films pretreated appropriately with H2O2. The ZnO film deposited on a sapphire substrate with H2O2 pretreatment for 60 min was applied to metal–semiconductor–metal ultraviolet photodetectors (MSM-UPDs) as an active layer. The fabricated ZnO MSM-UPDs showed improvements in dark current and ultraviolet–visible rejection ratios (0.27 μA and 1.06 × 103, respectively) compared to traditional devices.
Growth optimization and characterization of GaN epilayers on multifaceted (111) surfaces etched on Si(100) substrates
Authors: Ansah-Antwi KwaDwo Konadu , Soh Chew Beng , Liu Hongfei , Chua Soo Jin
Published: October 2015

The four nearest Si{111} multifaceted sidewalls were exposed inside an array of 3 μm-wide square holes patterned on an Si(100) substrate, and this patterned Si(100) substrate was used as a substrate for the deposition of a gallium nitride (GaN) epilayer. Subsequently the effect that the growth pressure, the etched-hole profiles, and the etched-hole arrangement had upon the quality of the as-grown GaN was investigated. The coalescence of the as-grown GaN epilayer on the exposed Si{111} facets was observed to be enhanced with reduced growth pressure from 120 to 90 Torr. A larger Si(001) plane area at the bottom of the etched holes resulted in bidirectional GaN domains, which resulted in poor material quality. The bidirectional GaN domains were observed as two sets of six peaks via a high-resolution x-ray diffraction phi scan of the GaN(10-11) reflection. It was also shown that a triangular array of etched holes was more desirable than square arrays of etched holes for the growth high-quality and continuous GaN films.
Automatic transcription of Turkish microtonal music
Authors: Benetos Emmanouil , Holzapfel André
Published: October 2015

Automatic music transcription, a central topic in music signal analysis, is typically limited to equal-tempered music and evaluated on a quartertone tolerance level. A system is proposed to automatically transcribe microtonal and heterophonic music as applied to the makam music of Turkey. Specific traits of this music that deviate from properties targeted by current transcription tools are discussed, and a collection of instrumental and vocal recordings is compiled, along with aligned microtonal reference pitch annotations. An existing multi-pitch detection algorithm is adapted for transcribing music with 20 cent resolution, and a method for converting a multi-pitch heterophonic output into a single melodic line is proposed. Evaluation metrics for transcribing microtonal music are applied, which use various levels of tolerance for inaccuracies with respect to frequency and time. Results show that the system is able to transcribe microtonal instrumental music at 20 cent resolution with an F-measure of 56.7%, outperforming state-of-the-art methods for the same task. Case studies on transcribed recordings are provided, to demonstrate the shortcomings and the strengths of the proposed method.
Summer and winter whales in the Pacific Arctic
Authors: Stafford Kathleen
Published: October 2015

Changes in sea ice phenology have been profound in the Pacific Arctic, where the seasonal open-water period has increased by ~1.5 months over the past 30 years. The greatest changes in the open water season have occurred in fall resulting in changes to the Arctic ecosystem, including increased primary productivity, changing food web structure, and opening of new habitat. In the “new normal” Arctic, sub-arctic “summer” whales (fin, humpback, and killer) are poised to inhabit new seasonally ice-free habitats in the Arctic. The spatial and seasonal occurrence of summer and “winter” (bowhead) whales over 5 years from September through December was examined by deploying hydrophones in Bering Strait and comparing acoustic occurrence of the species concomitant with decadal-scale changes in seasonal sea ice. Fin and humpback whale acoustic detections extended from summer to late autumn while killer whale detections were more sporadic. Inter-annual differences in acoustic detections appear to be driven by interannual differences in the environment. Bowhead whale detections generally began after the departure of the summer whales and continued through the winter. In a future with further seasonal sea ice reductions, however, increased competition for resources between sub-Arctic and Arctic species may arise to the detriment of winter whales.
Hierarchical modeling approach to community noise annoyance
Authors: Wilson D. Keith , Wayant Nicole M. , Nykaza Edward T. , Pettit Chris L. , Armstrong Chandler M.
Published: October 2015

Previous efforts to predict community noise annoyance from objective measurements of sound exposure have been confounded by the large and unexplained scatter in survey data. We hypothesize that community noise annoyance can be rationally modeled and predicted through a hierarchical (multilevel) statistical paradigm, which incorporates variations in tolerance among individuals and communities. Simulations based on this conceptual model indicate that the individual- and community-level variations have distinct statistical signatures, both of which are clearly evident in existing meta-analyses of annoyance to transportation noise. We thus perform regression analyses of transportation noise annoyance using a multilevel, generalized linear model (GLM), which is statistically consistent with the conceptual model. The multilevel model strikes a compromise between no pooling and complete pooling of survey data, and enables the noise tolerances and their variations at the multiple model levels to be distinguished and quantified.
Classification of environmental noise sources using machine-learning methods
Authors: Nykaza Edward T. , Boedihardjo Arnold P. , Blevins Matthew G. , Hulva Andrew M. , Valente Dan
Published: October 2015

Unattended and continuously running environmental noise monitoring systems can capture an intractable amount of data. The signals captured can include a multitude of sources (e.g., wind noise and anthropogenic noise sources) in addition to the environmental noise sources of interest (e.g., aircraft, vehicles, trains, and military weapons). In this presentation, we explore the use of machine-learning methods to effectively isolate and identify environmental noise sources captured on such a noise monitoring system. Specifically, we consider the use of both unsupervised (e.g., principle components analysis, clustering methods, and deep belief networks) and supervised (e.g., logistic regression, support vector machines, and neural networks) pattern-learning methods to derive the features of interest and classify the signals based on the obtained features. The generalization performance of each method is assessed using a dataset of over 120,000 human classified signals, and the strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed.
Measurements and player surveys of crowd noise levels during college hockey ames
Authors: Boyd Brenna N. , Wang Lily M.
Published: October 2015

Measuring crowd noise in football stadiums has become popularized by the media in recent years, as teams have vied for the right to claim to have the “loudest stadium.” Many fans believe that the louder they cheer, the more likely their team will win. While cheering gives players mental support, the extraneous noise could also be detrimental to effective communications on the field. Based on Barnard’s previous study of crowd noise at outdoor football games (2011), the present study focuses on hockey arenas which, unlike football stadiums, typically have roofs that can add more surface area for sound to amplify. Measurements of the crowd noise levels and surveys of hockey players have been taken during four college hockey games within a closed-roof stadium. Results will be presented and discussed, with focus on determining the loudest section, if there is noise interference on the ice, and if there is correlation between noise level and goals acquired by the home team.
Choosing noise dose bin widths when modeling community response to noise
Authors: Wayant Nicole , Nykaza Edward T. , Wilson D. Keith , Armstrong Chandler M.
Published: October 2015

While there are many studies on how communities respond to noise, there are few that explicitly define how the noise dose, used to fit community response models, are binned. When modeling the dose response relationship between noise and community annoyance, the choice of the noise bin width can drastically affect the community response or tolerance models fit to the data. To explore the optimal noise bin width, we fit various dose response models to bin widths between 1 and 10 dB and data that had been divided into bins of varying widths but an equal number of points in each bin. Additionally, we fit the models using a weighted regression procedure that weights each bin by its number of points, and find that this approach mitigates the modeling errors implicit to the (often arbitrary) noise bin width decision.
The acoustic magician hat: Broadband acoustic cloaking within a cavity with hard boundaries
Authors: Kan Weiwei , Victor Garcia-Chocano M. , Cervera Francisco , Liang Bin , Zhou Xin-ye , Yin Lei-lei , Cheng Jianchun , Sanchez-Dehesa Jose
Published: October 2015

This work reports the design, fabrication, and experimental validation of a broadband acoustic cloak for the concealing of three-dimensional (3D) objects placed inside an open cavity with arbitrary surfaces. This 3D cavity cloak represents the acoustic analogue of a magician hat, giving the illusion that a cavity with an object is empty. Transformation acoustics is employed to design this cavity cloak, whose parameters represent an anisotropic acoustic metamaterial. A practical realization is made of perforated layers fabricated by drilling subwavelength holes on 1-mm-thick Plexiglas plates. In both simulation and experimental results, concealing of the reference object by the device is shown for airborne sound with wavelengths between 10 cm and 17 cm.
Design of one-way acoustic energy flow devices using Bayesian network classifiers
Authors: Goldsberry Benjamin M. , Konarski Stephanie G. , Klatt Timothy , Haberman Michael R.
Published: October 2015

Linear acoustic metamaterials (AMM) displaying dynamic negative stiffness or density have been the subject of current research to design exotic devices such as acoustic super-lenses and cloaks. More recently, nonlinear AMM have been of interest as one means of creating non-reciprocal acoustic devices [Liang et al., Nat. Mater. 9 (2010)]. The efficiency of those types of non-reciprocal acoustic devices strongly depends on the material nonlinearity of one of its components and is therefore limited by existing fluids containing contrast agents. This work addresses this limitation by exploring the top-down design of a nonlinear AMM with non-resonant subwavelength structures that display non-monotonic pressure-volume strain response to generate an AMM with large parameters of nonlinearity. A simple one-way device consisting of a frequency-selective acoustic mirror and a nonlinear medium is described using a nonlinear multiscale model and a nonlinear propagation model that includes quadratic and cubic nonlinearity. Bayesian network classifiers (BNC) map regions of high performance at the device scale to each design level and intersect the high performance space across levels to identify multilevel solutions. Three design levels are considered: one-way performance, nonlinear acoustic propagation in the effective medium, and effective properties of the AMM based on subwavelength structure.
Symmetric small-aperture arrays for three-dimensional bearing estimation
Authors: Swanson David C. , Culver Richard L.
Published: October 2015

Small aperture arrays (size less than a wavelength) can be used for passive direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of both broadband and narrowband signals in the frequency domain. Phase differences across the array are measured in the frequency domain and can be spectrally averaged for stationary DOA and frequencies if desired. Data windowing will bias the DOA measurement toward the center of the FFT data buffer and is useful to prevent spectral leakage from strong target signals overshadowing weak target signals. The array is capable of measuring multiple target DOAs so long as each target produces unique frequencies. Broadband signals from targets can be collected from the FFT bins and grouped by arrival angle using a bearing histogram. The Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for bearing accuracy is presented as a function of frequency, aperture, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The reduction in DOA accuracy due to a small aperture can be overcome if the SNR is sufficiently high. Using symmetry in 2D and 3D array geometries, we show how the azimuth and elevation angles can be separately measured. Examples are given for several single and multiple targets and different array shapes.
Modeling high-frequency acoustic backscatter for remote sensing of oil under sea ice and oil encapsulated in sea ice
Authors: Tang Dajun , Jackson Derrell R. , Bassett Christopher , Lavery Andone C.
Published: October 2015

High-frequency acoustic systems provide one of the potentially practical means for remote sensing of oil-in-ice. Sea ice is a complex medium that reflects, refracts, and scatters sound waves in complicated manner. The presence of oil adds additional complexity. A set of high-frequency acoustic data were taken at the Cold Regions Research and Environmental Laboratory (Hannover, NH) where crude oil was injected underneath artificial sea ice. A physics-based model is developed to interpret the data. The model consists of four layers to respectively describe the homogeneous half-space of water, the heterogeneous oil layer under ice, a thin skeletal ice layer, and a thick layer for the body of ice. The skeletal layer is allowed to have very different properties from the body of ice. All the interfaces at the boundaries of the layers are assumed rough. The model predicts scattered sound intensity in the time domain. Model results are discussed when it is applied to the acoustics data taken at both normal and 20-degree oblique incidence angles. The utility and the applicability of the model to actual arctic environments are anticipated.
Long-term measurements of the directionality and active intensity of the underwater noise field in the shallow Beaufort Sea
Authors: Thode Aaron , Blackwell Susanna , Seger Kerri , Kim Katherine
Published: October 2015

In each of the past seven years, at least 35 Directional Autonomous Seafloor Acoustic Recorders (DASARs) have been deployed over a 280 km swath of the Beaufort Sea continental shelf (20–55 m depth) during the open-water season to monitor the westward bowhead whale migration. DASARs have one omnidirectional pressure sensor and two orthogonal particle velocity sensors that permit measurements of the azimuths of both transient and continuous sounds, including diffuse ocean noise. Here, we map the azimuthal directionality of the Beaufort ambient noise field as a function of frequency and location across all seven seasons. Dominant directionalities exist in the diffuse ambient noise field, which change with frequency, time, and location. We examine how localized storms, heavy whale calling activity, seismic exploration, and other industrial activities influence the noise directionality. We also examine how both the active and reactive intensity of the noise evolves with frequency and time, by comparing the phase relationships between pressure and particle velocity. The directionality and active intensity help identify source mechanisms and help determine whether long-term changes in the ambient noise environment are occurring. [Work sponsored by the Shell Exploration and Production Company.]
A new perspective for lung ultrasonography, preliminary results
Authors: Demi Libertario , van Hoeve Wim , Demi Marcello , van Sloun Ruud J. , Soldati Gino , Mischi Massimo
Published: October 2015

Lung ultrasonography (LUS) is increasingly applied for the diagnosis of lung diseases. However, diagnoses are often based on imaging artifacts, e.g., B-lines, ultimately being qualitative and subjective. Aiming at gaining insight on the genesis of B-line artifacts, and on their link to the anatomical structures related to pathological conditions, dedicated lung-mimicking phantoms were manufactured and imaged with the ULA-OP research platform, proving access to raw radio-frequency (RF) data. To mimic a healthy and a diseased lung, two phantom types were made, being gelatin phantoms containing bubbly-layers composed of mono-disperse microbubble populations of different diameters: 140 and 80 μm, respectively. In fact, in various pathological conditions the size of the alveoli (air sacs composing the lung parenchyma), and hence the lung volume occupied by air, is alterated due to, e.g., fluid extravasation, alveolar collapse, and inflammation. Results show the appearance of B-lines only for phantoms designed to mimic pathological condition, confirming the link between artifact formation and reduction of air spaces dimensions. These preliminary results may be applicable to LUS, opening the way to the development of a quantitative ultrasound method dedicated to the lung.
Imaging of the femoral neck cortical bone based on iterative time domain topological energy
Authors: Han Chao , Cassereau Didier , Gibiat Vincent , Minonzio Jean-Gabriel , Laugier Pascal , Grimal Quentin
Published: October 2015

Osteoporosis is a frequent bone disease that mainly affects women after menopause. It is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and a deterioration of the micro-architecture, which can lead to an increased risk of fracture. Ultrasound technologies provide an affordable mean to implement non invasive solutions to diagnostically assess the characteristics of the bone structure. In this work, we are interested in imaging the external and internal boundary of the cortical bone, and the evaluation of the thickness using the Time Domain Topological Energy (TDTE) method. These two properties are important to interpret the measurements of guided waves dispersion curves and predict the risk of osteoporosis and fracture. The iterative procedure of TDTE provides better performance in imaging the internal boundary of the cortical bone compared to the one-step TDTE. The barrier of implementing iterative TDTE is the requirements of huge storage during the numerical propagation step. A specific back-propagation strategy is implemented here to deal with this obstacle. The obtained results will be illustrated numerically and experimentally.
Standardization in soundscape and its application
Authors: Schulte-Fortkamp Brigitte , Brooks Bennett
Published: October 2015

Since 2014, the first ISO Standard in Soundscape is on the market: IS0 12931-1, 2014 Acoustics — Soundscape — Part 1: Definition and conceptual framework. The Standard “explains factors relevant for measurement and reporting in soundscape studies, as well as for planning, design and management of soundscape.” It is a first but big step to accept the idea that the perception of people has at least the same relevance as the physical measurements for the purposes of urban planning. Moreover, as sound is considered to be a resource and not a waste, the door is now open for designing our acoustic environment. The next step in this process is the development of ISO 12931-2 on methods and measurements, from which we will learn more about the character of holistic judgments. In addition, there is much new work on ANSI standards that consider life in park and wilderness areas. All of these engagements are directed to enhance the quality of life not only for humans but also for non-human beings. The paper will describe and discuss these different approaches.
Auditory meaningscapes—An ecological perspective on soundscape perception
Authors: Nielbo Frederik L.
Published: October 2015

As a semiotic resource, the soundscape carries information about events relevant to the perceiving organism. Throughout evolution, the auditory system has been shaped to detect, localize, and identify such significant events in the environment in order to initiate appropriate behavior. The sounds are, in other words, environmental sign vehicles to be picked up and utilized by the perceiving organism, allowing it to navigate in the surroundings, avoid potential dangers, etc. Far from being a passive receiver, the auditory system is an active semiotic tool for collecting information relevant for the given situation. From the rudimentary hearing system of simpler organisms to the complex human auditory system, perception of auditory events is functional and instrumental; it guides the perceiver’s behavior by carrying information about potential interactions with the environment. A growing number of studies suggest that auditory perception is intimately coupled with action and that listeners’ perception of soundscapes is structured around semantic categories related to events and activities taking place in the heard environment. Thus, I argue, to get a richer understanding of soundscapes, it is necessary to pay attention to the semiotic dynamics of the interaction between the perceiver and the sonic environment.
Soundscape response in animals
Authors: Wiseman Susan M.
Published: October 2015

The World Health Organization (WHO) has long warned against chronic or extreme noise exposure as it has been shown to impact humans, as have the U.S. Surgeon General and a variety of academic and health research studies. Little is known about safe sound levels for animals, let alone safe frequency exposure for specific species. Behavioral and physiological response has been noted in human and non-human animals, most obviously fright and flight in the face of major stimuli such as thunder or gunshots at one end of the spectrum, down to minute stimuli such as the rustle of a leaf indicating the proximity of prey or a predator. Some animals are attracted or deterred by certain sounds, some mimic, in agriculture some become more or less productive according to their soundscape. To improve animal welfare, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums requires the enrichment of captive environments with the goal of increasing an animal’s behavioral choices and drawing out species-appropriate behavior. It has been noted that certain southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) altered their behavior in response to a variety of sound stimuli, including music, illustrating how the soundscape can be manipulated as a tool for animal enrichment.
Water soundscape and listening impression
Authors: Tedja Yosua W. , Tsaih Lucky
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the preference of water soundscape through listening evaluation. As meditation, listening to water sound is a tool that often use to provide positive emotion and psychological restoration. Twenty water soundscape samples were chosen based on natural and man-made sounds, as well as the sound in relation to the architecture and materiality. A semantic differential questionnaire was created with nine pairs of contractual sound qualities. Sixty-six architectural students with normal hearing condition were participated in this listening evaluation. The result has shown that 92% of the participants have positive impression to a soft quiet mid frequency sound (gentle stream) due to the listening impression of relax (88%) and comfort (89%) qualities. On the contrary, 77% of the participants have a negative impression for a loud intense broadband sound (rain on glass roof) due to the listening impression of noisy (82%) and agitating (80%) qualities. Sixty-two percent of the participants prefer rain on water sound due to the listening impression of comfort (60%) more than rain on different materials such as woods, metal, glass, tent, and pavement. Shishiodoshi and Suikinkutsu were also identified with “quiet” sound quality but overall likely impression is not as high as water fountain.
Negative refraction of acoustic waves in phononic crystals using recursive algorithms for block toeplitz matrices
Authors: Amirkulova Feruza A. , Norris Andrew N.
Published: October 2015

Recent improvements in design and manufacturing have significantly improved our ability to manage phononic crystals (PC). Researchers have been studied the negative refraction in PC experimentally and theoretically using multiple scattering (MS) theory. This problem requires solving a large complex valued linear system that has a special multilevel block Toeplitz (BT) structure. We study negative refraction of acoustic waves in 2D PC by means of MS theory, by taking advantage of the PC structure and using specific recursive algorithms for BT matrices. We present new efficient and accurate algorithms for solving acoustic MS problem by the cluster of closely spaced cylinders to design acoustic negative refraction imaging in a PC. The unit cell of the PC consists, in general, of a solid cylinder in an acoustic medium. The dispersion curves of PC have a negative refraction dispersion branch producing the focusing effect. Particular attention is given to the dynamic behavior in the vicinity of dispersion branches with negative slope, and to the band gaps. We explore the effect of focal point on structural parameters, and employ a parallelization technique that allows efficient application of the proposed recursive algorithms for solving BT systems on high performance computer clusters. Numerical comparisons of CPU time and total elapsed time taken to solve the linear system using the direct LAPACK and TOEPLITZ libraries on Intel FORTRAN show the advantage of high performance recursive algorithms over the Gaussian elimination.
Micro-aperture bio-inspired broadband sonar model and system for underwater imaging applications
Authors: Gaudette Jason E. , Caspers Philip , Simmons James A.
Published: October 2015

Conventional angular sonar imaging is based principally on the correlation of signals received across individual elements in an array. Thus, array signal processing simply matches a particular set of time delays (or equivalently, phase shifts) to the corresponding arrival angles. The angular resolution of such conventional systems is fundamentally limited by the aperture-to-wavelength ratio. The biosonar of echolocating bats and dolphins provide inspiration that we can significantly overcome these aperture-to-wavelength limits by two orders of magnitude. The key to success lies in the use of multiple octaves of bandwidth. Previous work in bat echolocation has shown how multiple overlapping echoes in range can be deconvolved through spectral pattern matching of broadband interference notches. Recent modeling and simulation results show how these bio-inspired broadband interferometric techniques can be extended to the angular imaging problem despite having only two elements spaced at 1 to 4 λ. Acoustic tank testing results from an underwater prototype array will also be presented. [Work supported by ONR 341 and internal investments by NUWC Division Newport.]
Nearfield acoustic holography in noisy environment based on the measurement using an acoustic mask with microphone array
Authors: Xiang Shang , Jiang Weikang
Published: October 2015

Nearfield acoustic holography (NAH) has been widely used for identifying acoustic noise sources. However, conventional NAH is theoretically available only in the free field; therefore, the NAH may meet difficulties in many application in-situ environments. An NAH based on the measurement using an acoustic mask with microphone array is proposed in this presentation to reconstruct sound pressure and velocity of target sources in the environment with reflections and disturbing acoustic noise sources. The microphone array is flush-mounted at the bottom plane of an open rectangular mask. Four side surfaces are designed to acquire sound pressure in Neumann’s boundary condition. In an actual measurement, the mask faces to near field of a target source. Although the sound wave from disturbing sources may propagate into the mask by passing through the gap between the mask and source surface, the disturbing waves can be decomposed by the proposed NAH using inverse patch transfer functions. Numerical simulations and experiments indicate that this novel NAH using mask with microphone array is valid for reconstructing sound source in noisy environment. The influence of different distances between the source surface and the mask is also investigated.
Effects of speaker location and orientation on room sound fields and room to room noise reduction
Authors: Stewart Noral D. , Eaton W. C.
Published: October 2015

ASTM E336 requires that loudspeakers be placed at least 5 m from a partition under test, and if that is not possible, then in the corners opposite the partition. The standard further advises that if directional loudspeakers are used in the corners, they should be faced into the corners. In practice, speakers are usually placed in the corners of residential and smaller office spaces, but not in the corners of large spaces. Recent experience has uncovered two effects that need further study. First, when loudspeakers are faced into the corners of a large room, the sound spectrum is strongly colored with a large dip typically in the 100 to 500 Hz range. This effect can be seen in smaller rooms, but is much less pronounced there so it is not normally noticed. Second, the noise reduction measured for a partition of a large room appears to vary depending on whether the speakers are in the corners or not, with lower noise reduction when the speakers are in the corners. This effect does not appear to depend on whether the speakers are faced into the corners or not. Data and any further observations and conclusions developed will be presented.
A new metric for evaluating mid- and high-frequency impact noise
Authors: LoVerde John , Dong David W.
Published: October 2015

Impact isolation within multi-family dwellings is currently evaluated using the single number laboratory metric Impact Insulation Class (IIC) and associated field test metrics. There is wide acceptance that IIC does not adequately quantify low frequency impact noise such as thudding from footfalls which is prevalent in lightweight joist-framed construction. However, it is often assumed that mid- and high-frequency impact sources, such as heel clicks, dragging furniture, and dropping objects, are adequately characterized by IIC. Previous research by the authors have indicated that IIC does not adequately distinguish or rank-order between the acoustical performances of resilient matting located in the upper room of a floor ceiling assembly [LoVerde and Dong, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 120, 3206 (2006); LoVerde and Dong, Proceedings of ICVS14 (2007)]. Many condominiums have regulations that require a minimum impact sound rating when replacing or installing hard surface finish flooring, and may require field testing to show compliance with the regulations. As expected, a field IIC metric like AIIC, NISR, or ISR is not a suitable descriptor for acoustical performance. A modified metric is defined that more accurately rank-orders the mid- and high-frequency impact noise performance of assemblies and is better suited for these performance requirements.
Sound isolation design options for mixed-use buildings
Authors: Connolly Sean
Published: October 2015

During the design of mixed-use buildings, developers typically have a general idea about the types of commercial tenants that will be in the building. However, those ideas can change after the building has been designed or built, and can range from an office space to retail to a fitness center to a restaurant with live music. This presents a challenge for noise control design to limit noise in residences located above the commercial spaces. Although some noise mitigation measures can be included as part of tenant improvements, the result may be limited by the building base structure decided upon when some commercial uses had not been originally considered. This paper discusses a menu of noise control design options for mixed-use buildings to separate commercial and residential spaces so a developer can make informed decisions about what types of commercial tenants to allow, core and shell constructions, costs of potential tenant improvements, and which options provide the most flexibility.
Comparisons of impact and airborne sound isolation among cross laminated timber, heavy-timber mill buildings, concrete, and light weight wood frame floor/ceiling assemblies
Authors: Golden Matthew V.
Published: October 2015

While laboratory measurements of the Impact Sound Pressure Level (ISPL) and Transmission Loss (TL) of concrete and lightweight wood-frame constructions are well understood, not much laboratory research has been conducted into the acoustical performance of CLT and heavy-timber mill buildings. Recent work on the performance of these wood based floor/ceilings has been presented at other conferences. This paper will review that previously published research for both the bare assemblies and assemblies that include resilient elements. These resilient elements include recycled rubber floor underlayment and sound isolation clip systems. This paper will then compare the performance of these assemblies to each other and to more common concrete and lightweight wood frame floor/ceiling assemblies. The analysis will also include the comparable strengths and weaknesses of each structural system along with the effectiveness of the various acoustical isolation techniques and their effectiveness on each of various floor ceiling assembly. It will be shown that the acoustical isolation techniques will perform differently on the various floor/ceiling assemblies.
The effects of aging on detection of ultrasonic calls by adult CBA/CaJ mice
Authors: Kobrina Anastasiya , Dent Micheal
Published: October 2015

Mice are frequently used as an animal model for human hearing research, yet their hearing capabilities have not been fully explored. Previous studies (Henry, 2004; Radziwon et al., 2009) have established auditory threshold sensitivities for pure tone stimuli in CBA/CaJ mice using ABR and behavioral methodologies. Yet, little is known about how they perceive their own ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), and nothing is known about how aging influences this perception. The aim of the present study was to establish auditory threshold sensitivity for several types of USVs, as well as to track these thresholds across the mouse’s lifespan. In order to determine how well mice perceive these complex communication stimuli, several CBA/CaJ mice were trained and tested at various ages in a detection task using operant conditioning procedures. Results showed that mice were able to detect USVs well into their lifespan, and that thresholds differed across USV types. Male mice showed higher thresholds for certain USVs later in life than females. In conclusion, the results suggest that mice are sensitive to their complex vocalizations even into old age, highlighting their likely importance for survival and communication.
Temporary threshold shift not found in ice seals exposed to single airgun impulses
Authors: Reichmuth Colleen , Southall Brandon L. , Ghoul Asila , Rouse Andrew , Sills Jillian M.
Published: October 2015

We measured low-frequency (100 Hz) hearing thresholds in trained spotted seals (Phoca largha) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida) before and immediately after controlled exposures to impulsive noise from a small (10 in3) seismic airgun. Threshold shifts were determined from psychoacoustic data, and behavioral responses to the impulse noise were scored from video recordings. Four incremental exposure conditions were established by manipulating both the distance and the operating pressure of the airgun, with received sound levels ranging from 190 to 207 dB re1μPa peak SPL and 165-181 dB re 1μPa2-s SEL. We found no evidence of temporary threshold shift (TTS, ≥ 6 dB) in four subjects tested up to eight times each per exposure condition, including at levels previously predicted to cause TTS. Relatively low-magnitude behavioral responses were observed during noise exposure and indicate that individuals can learn to tolerate loud, impulsive sounds, but this does not necessarily imply that similar sounds would not elicit stronger behavioral responses in wild seals. The maximum exposure values used here can improve precautionary estimates for TTS onset from impulse noise in pinnipeds. However, additional studies using multiple impulses and/or higher exposures are needed to identify the actual noise conditions that induce changes in hearing sensitivity.
Application of density estimation methods to datasets collected from a glider
Authors: Küsel Elizabeth T. , Siderius Martin , Mellinger David K. , Heimlich Sara L.
Published: October 2015

Ocean gliders can provide an inexpensive alternative for marine mammal population density studies. Gliders can monitor bigger spatial areas than fixed passive acoustic recorders. It is a low-noise, low-speed platform, easy to set up, maneuver, and transport on land, deploy, and recover. They can be deployed for long periods and report near real-time results through Iridium modem. Furthermore, gliders can sense the environmental conditions of the survey area, which are important for estimating detection distances. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the use of ocean gliders for population density estimation. Current methodologies developed for fixed sensors will be extended to these platforms by employing both simulations and real experimental data. An opportunistic preliminary sea trial conducted in June 2014 allowed for testing of a Slocum glider fitted with an inexpensive acoustic recording system comprising of two hydrophones connected to an off-the-shelf voice recorder installed inside the glider. Acoustic data recorded in deep waters (>1500 m) off the western coast of Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea, showed the presence of sperm whale echolocation clicks. An improved experiment is planned for the summer 2015. Preliminary results of both campaigns will be presented with an emphasis on population density estimation.
A technique for characterizing rhythms produced by singing whales
Authors: Mercado Eduardo
Published: October 2015

Structured sound sequences produced by baleen whales show strong rhythmicity. Such temporal regularity is widely acknowledged, but rarely analyzed. Researchers instead have focused heavily on describing progressive changes in sequential patterns of sounds revealed through spectrographic and aural impressions. Recent production-based analyses of humpback whale sounds suggest that the acoustic qualities of individual sounds can provide useful information about how whales are generating sounds and also may reveal constraints on cyclical production of sounds that help determine rhythmic patterns. Because past analyses have largely ignored the temporal dynamics of sound production, the extent to which whales vary the rhythmicity of sound production over time is essentially unknown. Production-based analyses can be combined with automated measures of temporal patterns of sound production to generate spectrogram-like images that directly reveal rhythmic variability within sound sequences. Rhythm spectrograms can reveal long-term regularities in the temporal dynamics of sound sequences that may provide new insights into how whales produce sequences as well as how they use them.
Passive acoustic remote sensing in a coastal ocean
Authors: Godin Oleg A. , Brown Michael G.
Published: October 2015

Sound propagation in shallow water over ranges large compared to ocean depth involves multiple reflections from the sea surface and seafloor. With the acoustic propagation environment being much more dynamic then in a deep ocean, noise interferometry faces new challenges but can also provide additional insights into physical processes in a coastal ocean. This paper will review the results on passive acoustic characterization of the seafloor and the water column, including ocean currents, that were obtained using the ambient noise data collected in 2012–2103 in the Straits of Florida. [Work supported by NSF and ONR.]
Spatial sampling of seabed properties using a glider equipped with a short hydrophone array
Authors: Nielsen Peter L. , Yong-Min Jiang , Siderius Martin , Muzi Lanfranco
Published: October 2015

Passive acoustic remote sensing of seabed geophysical properties using naturally occurring ambient noise and mobile underwater platforms has the advantage of providing critical environmental parameters over wide areas for sonar performance predictions. However, although technological advances have provided the opportunity to implement acoustic payloads on mobile underwater vehicles the extent and complexity of the acoustic sensors are limited and can therefore only serve as a sensing platform to derive lower resolution seabed properties. During the NATO-STO CMRE sea trial GLISTEN'15, a glider is equipped with an eight-element rigid hydrophone array to estimate the seabed properties based on natural occurring ambient noise. The glider will operate along tracks where the geoacoustic properties and stratification of the seabed are known to vary significantly from historical data. The results from the discrete sampling of the estimated seabed properties are presented and compared to estimates from a short and longer bottom-moored vertical hydrophone array along the tracks. The latest development in synthetic array extension to improve the resolution of the inferred seabed properties are applied and evaluated by comparison of results between the different arrays. The impact of the acquired seabed characteristics on long range acoustic propagation is assessed.