bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A short training as an enhancer of sensory ability: The case of red wine consumers
Authors: Veríssimo Caio Monteiro , de Macêdo Morais Samara , de Andrade Lima Luciana Leite , Pereira Giuliano Elias , Maciel Maria Inês Sucupira
Published: December 2020

The need for rapid and low‐cost methods has made consumer‐based methodologies, such as check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA), a reality in sensory science instead of the traditional tools, namely, descriptive analysis (DA). This research investigated how training, even short and simple, and reduction of panel size may affect the consumers evaluation of tropical red wines (Vitis vinifera L.). To achieve this goal, nine samples were characterized by DA with trained assessors (n = 8), CATA with consumers (n = 100) and CATA with semi‐trained panelists (n = 30). The results were compared in terms of configuration and sample discrimination similarities between methodologies. DA and CATA with semi‐trained panelists provided the highest capacity of discrimination and the highest index of similarity for aged samples (95%). The two‐hour training period, as well as previous experience with the methodology and products, had a positive effect in reducing the panel size and on the discrimination and characterization of samples, presenting itself as a valuable tool when time‐ and cost‐efficient sensory profiling is needed.

Practical Applications

For decades, consumers were considered only capable of hedonic judgments, however with the development of sensory science and new consumer market dynamics, alternative methods could be studied, providing not only reliable data, but also an accessible language and an easy application. Thus, this study focused on the evaluation of the effect of a short training on the characterization of red wines by consumers, showing that with this step it was possible to reduce 70% of the consumer panel size and to improve 30% in the descriptive power of the samples, in addition to reduce inconsistencies in the responses, using a rapid, low‐cost and easy to apply method.
“Can mental health nurses working in acute mental health units really be trauma‐informed?” An integrative review of the literature
Authors: Wilson Allyson , Hurley John , Hutchinson Marie , Lakeman Richard
Published: December 2020

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

The lifetime prevalence of trauma for consumers of mental health services is high.

Both nurses and consumers of mental health services experience trauma and re‐traumatization in mental health units.

TIC is a model of care or approach increasingly used in mental health units to guide nursing actions to minimize trauma and re‐traumatization for those working and accessing mental health services.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Overall, there is poor quality of studies exploring TIC in acute mental health units from the perspective of the MHN.

Acute mental health units have competing organizational demands that can often be a source of conflict for nurses providing TIC.

To be trauma‐informed, a critical examination of the dynamic and unique system‐related processes in mental health units is required.

TIC literature reveals that nurses are seeking to develop the basic skills expected to be gained in earlier preparatory education to respond therapeutically to consumers.

Not all MHNs agree that TIC is necessarily a new or useful model to inform their practice.

Trauma and re‐traumatization experienced by MHNs can be a source of conflict for TIC in the mental health unit environment.

What are the implications for practice?

The broader environmental and organizational demands placed on nurses can create professional and moral conflict for providing TIC.

TIC should acknowledge trauma and re‐traumatization experienced by MHNs in the acute mental health units.

Introduction

Trauma‐informed care (TIC) is an approach that mental health inpatient units are increasingly adopting, with mental health nurses (MHNs) being the largest occupational group working this area.

Aim

To critically examine the literature on TIC in mental health inpatient units from a MHN perspective.

Methods

Primary studies examining TIC in mental health inpatient units from a MHN perspective were examined in CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO database including the reference lists of primary sources. A total of n = 10 studies met the inclusion criteria with four themes identified.

Discussion

There is a paucity of quality research available on TIC to guide MHNs employed in mental health inpatient units. The review has highlighted that MHN practice is influenced by the medical model ideology and competing organizational demands that can at least partially negate the effective provision of TIC.

Implications for Practice

For purposeful application of TIC, the parallel and often unconscious organizational processes that exist for MHNs working in mental health units must too be examined.

Relevance Statement

The review invites an opportunity for important reflections by MHNs employed in mental health units. TIC may help restore MHN practice to the interpersonal tenants the profession is best distinguished by.
Preferential retention of the slowly evolving gene in pairs of duplicates in angiosperm genomes
Authors: Wang Lin‐Bo , Ma Hong , Lin Juan
Published: December 2020

Gene duplication provides raw material for functional innovation, but gene duplicability varies considerably. Previous studies have found widespread asymmetrical sequence evolution between paralogs. However, it remains unknown whether the rate of evolution among paralogs affects their propensity of being retained after another round of whole‐genome duplication (WGD). In this study, we investigated gene groups that have experienced two successive WGDs to determine which of two older duplicates with different evolutionary rates was more likely to retain both younger duplicates. To uncouple the measurement of evolutionary rates from any assignment of duplicate or singleton status, we measured the evolutionary rates of singleton genes in out‐lineages but classified these singleton genes according to whether they are retained or not in a crown group of species. We found that genes that retained younger duplicates in the crown group of genomes were more constrained prior to the younger duplication event than those that failed to leave duplicates. In addition, we also found that the retained clades have more genes in out‐lineages. Subsequent analyses showed that genes in the retained clades were expressed more broadly and highly than genes in the singleton clades. We concluded that the set of repeatedly retained genes after two WGDs is biased toward slowly evolving genes in angiosperms, suggesting that the potential of genes for both functional conservation and divergence likely affects their propensity of being retained after WGD in angiosperms.
A Simmelian theory of structural loneliness
Authors: Donbavand Steven
Published: December 2020

Whilst loneliness may be receiving greater media and political attention, the tendency to present the issue as a discrete individual problem separable from wider social concerns has led to some frustration amongst the sociologically minded. The purpose of this paper is to provide a sociological account of loneliness which is not as susceptible to individualist interpretations as other works in the genre have been. As such the paper focuses on how the structure of a society, rather than its culture, might lead to loneliness. To this end, the paper makes original use of the works of Georg Simmel (1858–1918). Specifically, Simmel's account of how we come to know other people through synthetic construction is applied to his better‐known theory of intersecting social circles. The author claims that when taken together these two aspects of Simmel's thought suggest that social structure can create a form of social isolation in which people find it very difficult to get to know one another, due to a lack of multiple‐context interactions with the same people during their day‐to‐day behavioural patterns. This clustering of interactions within narrow interlocuter‐contexts is hypothesised to account for a portion of the variability in loneliness across individuals, societies and historical time, and is provisionally named as structural loneliness.
Utility of point‐of‐care lung ultrasound for monitoring cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs
Authors: Murphy Shane D. , Ward Jessica L. , Viall Austin K. , Tropf Melissa A. , Walton Rebecca L. , Fowler Jennifer L. , Ware Wendy A. , DeFrancesco Teresa C.
Published: December 2020

Background

Point‐of‐care lung ultrasound (LUS) is an effective tool to diagnose left‐sided congestive heart failure (L‐CHF) in dogs via detection of ultrasound artifacts (B‐lines) caused by increased lung water.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether LUS can be used to monitor resolution of cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs, and to compare LUS to other indicators of L‐CHF control.

Animals

Twenty‐five client‐owned dogs hospitalized for treatment of first‐onset L‐CHF.

Methods

Protocolized LUS, thoracic radiographs (TXR), and plasma N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide were performed at hospital admission, hospital discharge, and recheck examinations. Lung ultrasound findings were compared between timepoints and to other clinical measures of L‐CHF.

Results

From time of hospital admission to discharge (mean 19.6 hours), median number of LUS sites strongly positive for B‐lines (>3 B‐lines per site) decreased from 5 (range, 1‐8) to 1 (range, 0‐5;P < .001), and median total B‐line score decreased from 37 (range, 6‐74) to 5 (range, 0‐32;P= .002). Lung ultrasound indices remained improved at first recheck (P < .001). Number of strong positive sites correlated positively with respiratory rate (r= 0.52,P= .008) and TXR edema score (r= 0.51,P= .009) at hospital admission. Patterns of edema resolution differed between LUS and TXR, with cranial quadrants showing more significant reduction in B‐lines compared to TXR edema score (80% vs 29% reduction, respectively;P= .003).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Lung ultrasound could be a useful tool for monitoring resolution of pulmonary edema in dogs with L‐CHF.
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of solid dispersion formulation of tilmicosin in pigs
Authors: Zhang Nan , Ba Juan , Wang Shaojie , Xu Zhigao , Wu Fuda , Li Zhili , Deng Hua , Yang Hong
Published: December 2020

Tilmicosin (TMS) is a semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic restricted to veterinary use but is only partially soluble in aqueous solutions, which limits its administration in treatments. We developed a strategy to enhance the supersaturated solubility of TMS using amorphous solid dispersion (SD). The dissolution profile shown that the dissolution rate of TMS‐SD was obviously faster than TMS. The pharmacokinetics of tilmicosin (TMS) and tilmicosin solid dispersion (TMS‐SD) in pigs after oral administration at a single dose of 50 mg/kg b.w were investigated. The tmax of TMS‐SD (2.50 hr) was 1.80 times faster than TMS (4.50 hr) (p < .05). There were no significant differences in the other PK parameters (Cmax, t1/2β, V/F, CL/F, MRT, and AUC0‐inf) (p > .05). The mean relative bioavailability of TMS‐SD compared with TMS was 140.39%, according to the AUC0‐inf values. These results demonstrated that the solid dispersion technique enhanced the bioavailability of TMS and the new formulation administered to animals via drinking water may be used as a therapeutic alternative for clinical treatments.
Legislative Constraints, Ideological Conflict, and the Timing of Executive Unilateralism
Authors: Bolton Alexander , Thrower Sharece
Published: December 2020

Whether unilateral actions are used to circumvent legislative policy preferences is a central question in separated systems. Although executives have incentives to engage in this behavior, US policymaking studies offer little evidence of it. We explore how intervals between legislative sessions can create such opportunities, depending on interbranch policy disagreement and legislatures' special session powers. During intersession breaks, executives issue more executive orders under divided government relative to unified, but only when legislatures lack control over special sessions. Executives facing legislatures with such powers cannot exploit these breaks. We demonstrate these dynamics in the US states. Additionally, we find governors “wait out” legislatures without special session powers, engaging in more unilateral activity following the adjournment of sessions. This study has implications for understanding the conditions under which legislatures can constrain executive power and the balance of power in separated systems.
Glycan moieties in Entamoeba histolytica ubiquitin are immunodominant
Authors: Flores María S. , Obregón‐Cardenas Adriana , Rangel Roberto , Tamez Eva , Flores Andrés , Trejo‐Avila Laura , Quintero Isela , Arévalo Katiushka , Maldonado María G. , Gandarilla Fátima L. , Galán Luis
Published: December 2020

The ubiquitin‐proteasome system plays a central role performing several functions to maintain parasite homeostasis. We have reported the partial characterization of N‐linked glycosylation profile in E. histolytica ubiquitin (EhUb). Here we examined the immunogenicity and antigenicity of carbohydrates in EhUbiquitin. Rabbits were immunized with purified EhUbiquitin or purified recombinant rUb expressed by E. coli. Using Western Blot, we explored the immunogenicity and antigenicity of protein portion and carbohydrates moiety. Interestingly, immunized rabbits produced antibodies to both Ub glycoprotein and rUb; but antibodies against carbohydrates were immunodominant, rather than antibodies to the protein moiety of EhUbiquitin. In addition, we observed that antibodies to protein moiety are not conserved in serum unless antigen is continually administrated. Conversely, anti‐Ub glycoprotein antibodies are well maintained in circulation. In humans, infection with Entamoeba histolytica induces strong IgG anti‐Ub response. The human antibodies recognize both, the protein moieties and the glycosylated structure. Entamoeba histolytica ubiquitin is immunogenic and antigenic. The glycan moieties are immunodominant and induces IgG. These data open the door to use carbohydrates as potential targets for diagnose tests, drugs and vaccine to prevent this parasitic disease.
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia as a dyadic protective factor in the transition to parenthood
Authors: Bar‐Kalifa Eran , Abba‐Daleski Michal , Pshedetzky‐Shochat Rony , Gleason Marci E. J. , Rafaeli Eshkol
Published: December 2020

Considerable heterogeneity has been observed in couples’ adjustment to the transition to parenthood (TTP). One potential yet understudied predictor of emotional adjustment to the TTP is the new parents’ capacity for regulation. A widely accepted biological marker of this capacity is respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), which is closely tied to parasympathetic activation. In the present work, we sought to examine the role of tonic RSA and RSA reactivity as possible protective dyadic factors in the TTP. As part of a larger study, we recruited a sample (N = 100) of TTP couples. At 15 weeks postpartum, the couples took part in a lab session during which their RSA was assessed both at rest (tonic RSA) and during four affiliative dyadic interactions (RSA reactivity). Following this session, couples completed daily diaries over a period of 3 weeks, reporting their daily levels of negative affect and stress. A Multivariate Actor Partner Interdependence Model was used to examine the extent to which each partner's RSA predicted their own and their partner's negative affect (NA) level, as well as NA stress‐reactivity (i.e., the strength of the within‐person stress‐affect association). New mothers’ tonic RSA predicted their own lower NA level and NA stress‐reactivity; both their tonic RSA and RSA reactivity predicted their (male) partners’ lower NA level; and finally, new fathers’ tonic RSA and RSA reactivity predicted their (female) partners’ lower NA stress‐reactivity. These results suggest that RSA may serve as a personal and dyadic protective factor.
The versatile “lip switch” or transitional flap vestibuloplasty combined with alveoloplasty and implant placement to treat atrophic mandibles with inadequate vestibules and attached tissue: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Adams David R. , Petukhova Yuliya , Halpern Leslie R.
Published: December 2020

Introduction/Aims

The edentulous mandibular ridge and associated shallow vestibule are often seen as a challenge in the oral rehabilitation of patients. Dental implants can provide an improvement in mastication and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to utilize a preprosthetic mucosal flap combined with a repositional periosteal flap concomitant with an alveoloplasty and placement of endosteal implants as a single‐stage procedure in the anterior mandible. This approach provides a valued alternative for dental rehabilitation in patients with poor masticatory efficiency using a conventional denture.

Methods

Eight patients underwent the preprosthetic surgical plan in the oral surgery clinic of the dental school during a 1‐year period. Age, sex, preoperative, and postoperative vestibular depth, as well as hard and soft tissue elements were measured (P < .05) at 4‐6 months.

Results

Mean age was 53 years ± 14.62 (N = 8). Anterior mandible height was 19 ± 4.8 mm. A significant difference was measured using a two‐tailed Student's t‐test between pre‐ and postoperative vestibular depths, respectively (3.9 mm vs 10.5 ± 0.96 mm; P < .01).

Conclusions

A lip switch vestibuloplasty combined with placement of two implants provide a one‐stage procedure that is convenient, provides a shorter postoperative period, and can be financially affordable. Future research requires larger sampling to support this treatment as a standard of care.
‘I have cried a lot’: a qualitative study on children experiencing severe parental illness
Authors: Faugli Anne , Kufås Elin , Haukland Magne , Kallander Ellen K. , Ruud Torleif , Weimand Bente M.
Published: December 2020

Background

A considerable body of research has explored implications of severe parental illness on children. However, less is known about what children and adolescents with a severely ill parent experience as the most challenging.

Aims

To describe what children with a severely ill parent experience as their most difficult challenge.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design with a manifest content analysis was used on data from a cross‐sectional, multicenter study on children of patients in five Norwegian Health trusts. Data consisted of written textual responds from 238 children (age 8–18) to one open‐ended question in a self‐report questionnaire.

Results

The overall theme concerning the children’s most difficult challenge was named ‘the drama of life unfoldment’, reflecting the parental illness’ impact on themselves, their relationships with others, and their life circumstances. The subthemes consisted of: Children’s experiences of difficult thoughts and feelings; negatively impaired relationship with parents, friends and others; and challenging life events and obstacles in welfare.

Conclusions

The most difficult challenge experienced by the children with a severely ill parent implies life unfoldment challenges and include negative personal and relational impact, challenging life events and obstacles in welfare.
The importance of families in nursing care: attitudes of nurses in the Netherlands
Authors: Hagedoorn Ellen I. , Paans Wolter , Jaarsma Tiny , Keers Joost C. , van der Schans Cees P. , Luttik Marie Louise A.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Positive attitudes towards family involvement in nursing care are essential for improving the involvement of and collaboration with patients’ families. The aim of this study is to explore nurses’ attitudes towards the importance of families in nursing care.

Method

Using a cross‐sectional design, hospital and homecare nurses completed the Families Importance to Nursing Care (FINC‐NA) scale, Dutch language version, consisting of four subscales. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses.

Results

A total of 426 hospital and homecare nurses were eligible for analysis (mean (SD) age 42 years (13), 93% female). The mean (SD) attitude of nurses was 63.8 (12) (100‐point scale) on the FINC‐NA. Less than half of the nurses (44%) considered family as a collaboration partner, and 37% of nurses stated that families should be invited to actively participate in planning patient care. The nurses’ attitudes were explained by years of work experience in nursing, work setting and existing policy regarding families in patient care.

Conclusion

This study identifies areas of improvement regarding to nurses’ attitudes towards the importance of families in nursing care in order to establish a more family‐focused approach in nursing care. Nursing policies should facilitate working with families as part of regular nursing processes. Furthermore, the importance of family involvement in care should be an explicit matter of concern for nursing educational institutions and for policy making within healthcare organisations.
Modeling the geospatial dynamics of residential segregation in three Canadian cities: An agent‐based approach
Authors: Anderson Taylor , Leung Aaron , Dragicevic Suzana , Perez Liliana
Published: December 2020

Long‐term residential segregation can exacerbate social inequality and exclusion in urban populations. Existing models of segregation aim to represent and better understand drivers of segregation and assess possible segregation effects in response to incoming immigrant populations. However, these studies are not typically implemented on real geospatial data to represent the urban environment, and even less frequently compare patterns of segregation between cities. Therefore, the objective of this study is to implement an agent‐based model that simulates the decision‐making process of immigrants as they arrive and settle in three Canadian gateways for immigration, including the City of Toronto, the City of Calgary, and Metro Vancouver. The resulting simulated spatial patterns of segregation are visually compared to real data representing the location of hotspots of immigrants of various ethnic origins. The degree of segregation is measured and compared, with measures of segregation obtained from actual census data. The spatial patterns and degree of segregation are compared across the three study areas. The developed model has the potential to be used as a tool for knowledge discovery and decision‐making in the processes of city planning.
Arabidopsis Abscisic Acid Repressor 1 is a susceptibility hub that interacts with multiple Pseudomonas syringae effectors
Authors: Schreiber Karl J. , Hassan Jana A. , Lewis Jennifer D.
Published: December 2020

Pathogens secrete effector proteins into host cells to suppress host immunity and promote pathogen virulence, although many features at the molecular interface of host–pathogen interactions remain to be characterized. In a yeast two‐hybrid assay, we found that the Pseudomonas syringae effector HopZ1a interacts with the Arabidopsis transcriptional regulator Abscisic Acid Repressor 1 (ABR1). Further analysis revealed that ABR1 interacts with multiple P. syringae effectors, suggesting that it may be targeted as a susceptibility hub. Indeed, loss‐of‐function abr1 mutants exhibit reduced susceptibility to a number of P. syringae strains. The ABR1 protein comprises a conserved APETALA2 (AP2) domain flanked by long regions of predicted structural disorder. We verified the DNA‐binding activity of the AP2 domain and demonstrated that the disordered domains act redundantly to enhance DNA binding and to facilitate transcriptional activation by ABR1. Finally, we compared gene expression profiles from wild‐type and abr1 plants following inoculation with P. syringae, which suggested that the reduced susceptibility of abr1 mutants is due to the loss of a virulence target rather than an enhanced immune response. These data highlight ABR1 as a functionally important component at the host–pathogen interface.
Natural Frequency Measurements of the Fluid-Elastic-Coupled Shell Plate Vibration in a Large-Sized Cylindrical Steel Tank by Microtremor Observations
Authors: Hatayama Ken , Zama Shinsaku , Yoshida Shoichi
Published: December 2020

Naturally occurring microtremor observations measured the natural frequencies of the fluid-elastic-coupled shell plate vibration (bulging) in a large flat-bottomed cylindrical steel tank with a capacity of 125,000-m3. Five peaks appear in the observed microtremor spectral ratios of the top or midheight of the shell plate to the bottom on the tank foundation. Comparing the spectral ratios to the solutions obtained by FEM eigenvalue analysis assuming a fixed base suggests that the five peaks are the bulging modes of (m, n)=(1, 1–5), where m and n denote the vertical order and the circumferential wavenumber, respectively. The measured non-soil-coupled natural frequencies from the spectral ratio agree fairly well with those obtained from FEM analysis. The measured natural frequencies of the fundamental mode (m = n = 1) also agree well with those projected by a simplified equation developed under the assumption of a fixed base, which is adopted in the seismic codes of the Japanese Fire Service Act. This equation should provide a reliable soil-coupled natural frequency of the fundamental mode for a tank situated on firm ground in which the storage-soil-coupled effects are presumed weak. Additionally, a simple method is presented to determine the non-soil-coupled natural frequency of the fundamental mode from the observed microtremor spectral ratios without referencing the FEM eigenvalue solutions. This simple method works very well for the tank examined.
Multi-particle assembling patterning by acoustic forces and scattering dissipation
Authors: Tang Tianquan , Huang Lixi
Published: December 2020

There has been growing interest in exerting the radiation forces to trap and cluster the randomly distributed cells in body fluid, the micro-particles in water, or the microorganism in the fluid-like culture medium. The standing wave is extensively utilized as a patterning tool, and micro-particles assemble at the nodes or antinodes. For the frequencies above megahertz, the distances among nodes or antinodes are below millimeters, too close for cluster separation or detection. We create a scenario where traveling waves dominate instead of standing waves by way of scattering dissipation, and particles assemble at a central location. We first provide a theoretical prediction model based on the translational addition theorem and the partial-wave expansion method. We evaluate the attenuation exerted by an external plane wave on a set of particles immersed in the host-fluid medium, and the bulk acoustic wave (BAW) device is used to verify the prediction. It is found that, for the high concentration medium with particles, the scattering dissipation is significant and the forces are directed towards a central space instead of the nodes or antinodes of the standing waves, leading to meaningful separation of micro-particles from their host-fluid medium.
Identification of listener identity from frequency following responses in 7 and 11-month-old infants
Authors: Pettet Mark , Llanos Fernando , Kuhl Patricia K. , Chandrasekaran Bharath , Zhao Tian
Published: December 2020

The frequency-following response (FFR) is a neurophonic potential reflecting phase-locked responses from neural ensembles along the auditory pathway. In addition to encoding sound properties, the FFR also reflects listener properties. Recent work shows that adult listener identity can be decoded from the FFRs. Interestingly, listener decoding, but not stimulus decoding is greater when language experience is more limited, suggesting that the FFR represents more biometrical properties. Here we examined the extent to which biometric information is present in infants across two ages (i.e., 7 months and 11 months) that straddle the “sensitivity period” for phonetic learning. Using HMM to decode listener identity from FFRs to a non-native Mandarin lexical tone, we show that infant identity can be decoded higher than chance at both age groups with a distinct increase from 7 months (31.6%, CI ± 1.9%) to 11 months of age (45.9%, CI ± 1.6%). Listener identity, reflected in the FFRs to non-native speech, increases even as the neural commitment to non-native speech reduces [see Zhao et al., ASA virtual abstract (2020)].
Stationary solution for distortion-products in two-dimensional cochlear model with inhomogeneities
Authors: Vencovsky Vaclav , Vetesnik Ales , Gummer Anthony W.
Published: December 2020

Vetešník and Gummer [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 131, 3914–3934 (2012)] obtained a stationary solution for distortion products (DPs) in a two-dimensionalcochlear model in which the impedance of the basilar membrane varied smoothly along its length. Their solution was used to study the dependence of the nonlinear-distortion source of distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) on stimulus level [Vencovský et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 145, 2909–2931 (2019); Vencovský et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 146, EL92–EL98 (2019)]. Here, the solution is extended to “impedance irregularities” in the mechanics of the cochlea causing the generation of the coherent-reflection source of DPOAEs near the DP characteristic place. The coherent-reflection source of DPOAEs can be relatively pronounced in normal-hearing humans and the interference between the nonlinear-distortion and coherent-reflection components complicates the use of DPOAEs in routine clinical screening of the auditory periphery. The solution for the model with mechanical perturbation can be used to study the relationship between nonlinear-distortion and coherent-reflection components of DPOAEs.
Changes in the acoustic characteristics of speech in the later years of life
Authors: Tucker Benjamin V. , Berardi Mark L. , Hunter Eric , Hedges Stephanie
Published: December 2020

Acoustic and perceptual research has shown that an individual's vocal characteristics change over time [e.g., Harnsberger et al., J. Voice 22(1), 2334–2350 (2008)]. Most previous studies have investigated speech changes over time using cross-sectional data. The present study is a later-life longitudinal investigation of three speakers using publicly available archives of speeches given to large audiences on a semi-regular basis (generally with a couple of years between each instance). The group of speeches was given during the last 30–50 years of each speakers' life. From each speech, 5-minutesamples (recordings and transcripts) were force-aligned to identify word and phoneme boundaries. Acoustic characteristics of the speech were extracted from the speech signal using Praat. In the present analysis, we investigate changes in the vowel space, pitch, word duration, segment duration, and speech rate. These acoustic characteristics are modeled using Generalized Additive Models [Hastie and Tibshirani, Generalized Additive Models (1990)] to allow for non-linear changes over time. The results are discussed in terms of vocal changes over the lifespan in the speakers' later-years. We find that not all of the effects are as expected and that the effects are idiosyncratic and dynamic over the lifespan.
Allobates femoralis: An anuran model species for field bioacoustics, behavioural ecology and cognition
Authors: Hödl Walter
Published: December 2020

The males of the brilliant-thighed poison frog, Allobates femoralis, are known to present stereotypic phonotactic responses to the playback of conspecific and synthetic calls. Fixed site attachment and a long calling period render this terrestrial and diurnal pan-Amazonian frog a rewarding species for bioacoustics. Several aspects of field bioacoustics in A. femoralis have been studied by the author's research team during the last 35 years such as the influence of temporal and spectral variation of the advertisement call on phonotactic responses. A clear difference in the phonotactic behaviour was found in populations with or without a co-occuring species presenting an overlap in the frequency range. With the use of a robot frog it could be shown that a combination of acoustic and a visual signal is necessary to elicit agonistic behaviour in this highly territorial species. In A. femoralis obligatory tadpole transport is generally performed by males, whereas females abandon their clutches after oviposition. However, when males are removed (and unable to acoustically announce their presence) females flexibly take over their parental duty and carry the tadpoles to aquatic sites. Contrary to the view of amphibian parental care as being stereotyped, these results demonstrate behavioural flexibility as an adaptive response to environmental and social uncertainty. Tracking experiments with territorial and/or tadpole carrying males revealed accurate homing or water finding trajectories suggesting the integration of learned landmarks.
Simulation study of transcranial ultrasound delivery to the hippocampus to test the feasibility of non-invasive neuromodulation
Authors: Cheng Xinghao , Butler Christopher , Cleveland Robin O.
Published: December 2020

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is an emerging technology for non-invasive neuromodulation of localised sites in the brain. Here simulations using the k-Wave toolbox, were used to determine an appropriate ultrasound source to target the hippocampus (a relatively deep target in the brain) and the perirhinal cortex which is a neighbouring site that can be used as control for neurostimulation studies. Anonymised T1-weighted MR images were segmented and used as the 3-D simulation space. A virtual source was placed at the target location and captured on a surface outside the head. Phase-conjugation was employed to design a lens for an unfocused transducer and forward propagation employed to predict the acoustic field in the head. The size of the transducer frequency, transducer diameter, and the lens material were each varied. The simulation results suggested that the optimal configuration was a 65 mm diameter, 500 kHz transducer fitted a PDMS lens. Targeting was accurate to within 1 mm with a focal volume less than 30 mm3. In comparison, using a single element transducer with a fixed radius of curvature produce a focal volume greater than 1300 mm3. This motivates developing and validating a lens based TUS with neuromodulation of the hippocampus.
Ray model limitations
Authors: Keenan Ruth E.
Published: December 2020

Ray based models have been used extensively in underwater acoustics with the generalization that they are only valid at high frequency. This presentation will demonstrate that frequency is not the critical parameterization for the Gaussian beam ray models, Bellhop and Comprehensive Acoustic Simulation System/Gaussian Ray Bundle (CASS/GRAB). A more useful parameter to determine the expected accuracy are the number of modes trapped in the waveguide of interest. These Gaussian beam ray methods tend to break down when the waveguide contains fewer than 5 modes. Surface duct environments can be particularly challenging, especially when there is a significant amount of energy that diffracts or leaks out of the duct. Lower frequencies will reach the low order mode limit as water depth decreases. Yet, these ray methods can be accurate for long distance, low frequency waterborne propagation and can provide important angular and temporal resolution of arrival structures.
Techniques that can be used in a musical acoustics course
Authors: Ramsey Gordon P.
Published: December 2020

A course in Musical Acoustics provides a unique opportunity to involve some innovative techniques in and out of the classroom. Our Physics of Music course is a thorough integration of physics and music.1 It starts with the mathematical structure of music and discusses musical styles and how they differ. After an introduction of related physics concepts, the physical structure and operation of instruments in the various groups are studied. Connection is made of the instruments and how they reproduce the mathematical nature of music. The course integrates different learning modes, some of which are not found in a typical physics course. The classes include lecture/demonstration, group discussions, in-class laboratories, guest lecturers and a final individual project encompassing many course elements. The constant connection between the physics and the music, along with varied learning techniques, including hands-on experience, provides a motivating approach for students to experience science in a familiar context. This talk will provide a brief course overview and discussion of the non-standard instruction elements used in the course. 1 For a detailed course description, see POMA18 (2014). DOI: 10.1121/1.4895817
Elliott Berger's contributions to military hearing conservation and standards
Authors: McKinley Richard L.
Published: December 2020

Military organizations world-wide experience the great majority of the extreme occupational noise exposures. The noise sources range from tanks and armored personnel carriers to fighter jets and shoulder launched missiles. It is a difficult task to protect the men and women who serve their countries and experience these extreme environments where the continuous noise levels can reach 150 dBA and the peak noise levels from firing weapons can reach 195 dBpeak. Stable methods to measure hearing protector attenuation benefit the development and optimization of hearing protection. National and international standards measuring hearing protection attenuation have been the focus of much of Elliott's work during his career and now in semi-retirement. These standards have been the catalysts that have enabled the development of improved hearing protectors that help conserve the hearing of service members in military noise environments. Data will be presented showing ranges of military continuous and impulsive noise exposures, the amount of hearing protection attenuation needed to meet US DoD noise exposure criteria, and the ANSI standards for the measurement of hearing protector attenuation.
Comparison of two types of earplugs by musicians
Authors: Rawool Vishakha , Bunag Roraine
Published: December 2020

This research compared the preference of musicians across two earplugs; a typical earplug with un-even attenuation across the frequency range (Clarity 695) and another with relatively flat attenuation (ER-20). Thirty-three musicians with normal hearing were first oriented to hearing loss, benefits of using earplugs and the correct procedures for inserting earplugs. Then, they played music for three minutes in five conditions (Trial 1 with First earplug type, Trial 1 with second earplug type, no earplugs, Trial 2 with first earplug type, Trial 2 with second earplug type) and completed a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The VAS scores for the ER-20 earplugs were significantly higher and a significantly higher percentage of musicians preferred the ER-20 earplugs (74%) over the Clarity earplugs (26%). This preference may be related to the relatively flat attenuation provided by the ER-20 earplugs across the frequency range or the lower Noise Reduction Rating (NRR:13) of this earplug compared to the clarity earplugs (NRR:21). The VAS scores improved on trial 2 over trial 1 suggesting some adaptation to the use of earplugs over time. [Funded by the 2015 – 2016 Wirt C. and Mae S. Belcher Graduate Education Award at West Virginia University.]
The history of holographic vibration analysis
Authors: Stetson Karl A.
Published: December 2020

This paper describes the evolution of holographic vibration analysis from its discovery in 1964 to its present form as a technique of digital holography. The speckle interferometer is discussed as a replacement for real-time holographic interferograms and electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) as the precursor to digital holography. The development of methods for converting vibratory (Jo) fringe patterns into numerical data is discussed along with applications to Modal Assurance Criteria (MAC) calculations. Finally, an application is presented for vibratory strain measurement in one dimension.
Constructing an electronic speckle pattern interferometry system for visualizing operational deflection shapes
Authors: Morrison Andrew C. , Moore Thomas R.
Published: December 2020

Electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) is an effective optical method for visualizing operational deflection shapes of vibrating objects. The time-averaged ESPI method is used to show how an object vibrates when driven sinusoidally. We describe the construction of our system, which we built using standard optical components. Such a system is appropriate for both research and educational purposes. We will discuss the lessons learned by constructing several ESPI systems.
Variations on the common electronic speckle pattern interferometer
Authors: Moore Thomas R.
Published: December 2020

Electronic speckle pattern interferometry is often used to visualize deflection shapes of vibrating objects. We discuss variations on this common laboratory technique, emphasizing unique applications as well as methods for reducing the cost and complexity of theexperimental arrangement.
Acoustic excitation of landmines and remote sensing from a moving truck
Authors: Libbey Brad
Published: December 2020

The U.S. Department of Defense developed a 960 pixel laser Doppler vibrometer to capture seismic vibration and detect buried landmines. The sensor relied on a loudspeaker to create the seismic disturbances. This system captured seismic spatial responses while advancing at 1 m/s at 30 m standoff. Automated target recognition algorithms quickly processed the spatial vibration data to warn operators of threats. Sensor noise was highly variable, but on the order of .05mm/s in a band 50–400 Hz over which the sensor operated. Inertial sensing reduced gross Doppler components common to all channels. Even with these corrections, channel dropouts remained a challenge, so filtering of erroneous samples in time and space was required to improve the data quality, which is possible due to 960 simultaneous spatial samples. The large pixel count permitted road scans of 2 m × 1 km in less than 30 min. The system proved effective at finding buried threats that produced seismic anomalies at the surface, but additional challenges lie in differentiating target responses from clutter. This presentation will introduce the system and display high-resolution seismic images excited acoustically. It will also illustrate an acoustic wave captured directly by the lasers as the air's index-of-refraction fluctuated.
Optical measurements of acoustic fields using refracto-vibrometry
Authors: Huber Thomas M. , Anderson Haley , Espe Katelyn , Haugen Ezekiel , Michael Zane , Rorem Benjamin
Published: December 2020

Refracto-vibrometry (RV) is an interferometric method for optically measuring acoustic fields. The measurement beam from a Polytec PSV-400 scanning laser Doppler vibrometer was directed through water or air towards a stationary retroreflective surface. Acoustic wave fronts (density variations) which pass through the measurement laser cause variations in the integrated optical path length. By superimposing a large number of scan points, 2-D projections of propagating acoustic fields can be determined. Videos will be shown that enable visualization of acoustic wave propagation in air, water, and other transparent media. It is also possible to determine acoustic field distributions in 3-D through tomographic reconstruction of multiple RV projections through the acoustic field at different angles. It will be shown that there is strong agreement between the acoustic field distributions measured using a conventional needle hydrophone and the optical measurements using tomographic reconstruction of RV measurements. One of the limitations of the RV technique is that these optical measurements have a relatively low signal-to-noise ratio that may require averaging of a large number of ultrasound pulses. Techniques will be presented to minimize this acquisition time, including deep learning and frequency-sweep cross-correlation.
Acoustic wave focusing using a 2.5-D graded metamaterial lens
Authors: Zhao Yuanyan , Subramanian Sriram , Memoli Gianluca
Published: December 2020

The creation of a three-dimensional focal spot in air underpins applications in many fields. The literature presents many examples of focusing with acoustic metamaterials, but they are difficult to manufacture in large scale. Sonic crystals, are easier to make—since they are periodic arrangements of simple scatterers—but there are not many studies on achieving 3-D acoustic convergence through a 2-D sonic structure in air. In this study, we exploit the methods of sonic crystals to design the acoustic equivalent of a gradient index (GRIN) lens. We show that an extruded 2-D hexagonal lattice array of rigid cylinders with gradient diameters can be used to achieve the focusing of a 3-D shaped beam at audio frequencies i.e., a 2.5-D lens. We use finite-elements simulations with a commercial software to describe the device's performance in terms of band structure and equifrequency contours. We also present some preliminary measurements taken using a 3-D-printed model of our lens, designed for a focal length of 3.1 cm at 8 kHz. We find our 2.5-D GRIN lens works over a bandwidth of almost one octave. We discuss potential future uses, like in the correction of acoustical aberrations and in devices of flexible focal length.
A spatial sound delivery system for virtual and augmented reality
Authors: Rajguru Chinmay , Pouryazdan Arash , Memoli Gianluca
Published: December 2020

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR and AR) are increasingly becoming a consumer commodity, where sound plays a central role, usually delivered through headphones. Headphones, however, do not allow direct interactions between users outside the virtual world: other solutions may be necessary. In this work, we present a different approach: a sound projector, which can deliver spatial sound at a distance by forming a beam of audible sound. Our device consists of a portable speaker and two metamaterial lenses of different focal length, arranged in a telescope. We test our device by delivering signals between 5 and 6 kHz to moving people, tracked by a camera. We benchmark its performance with measurements and a pilot study, with human participants. Finally, we connect our projector to a VR headset and show how it can be used to deliver messages in VR. In this work, we discuss the limitations and perspectives of similar metamaterial-based delivery systems.
Development and assessment of a low frequency acoustic liner design for landing systems noise minimization
Authors: Simon Frank , Ghouali Amin , Fascio Valia , Fleury Vincent
Published: December 2020

Acoustic liners for aeronautics have mostly a Helmholtz resonator behavior provided by perforated sheets backed by honeycombs. They may be used, for example, at the surface of a landing gear door to reduce the noise generated by a landing gear at landing. However, their acoustic absorption ability is naturally limited to medium and high frequencies due to thickness constraints. The LEONAR concept is proposed to overcome the problem of available space in case of “low frequency” range. The design consists in a meta-surface in which a perforated plate is coupled with tubes of variable lengths. This meta-surface covers a back cavity with limited volume and generate a significant shift in the frequency range of absorption, towards lower frequencies. First, an optimization problem is carried out to obtain the LEONAR meta-surface design that allows a maximal absorption coefficient between 400 and 1000 Hz, for a low thickness and a grazing flow up to Mach 0.2. Then the effect of impedance surface is checked by simulation of the radiated pressure field produced by a monopole source in presence of a landing gear door and compared with wind tunnel tests. The measurements showed significant attenuation within the prescribed range (D(OASPL) up to 1.5dBA).