bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between behavioral and electrophysiological hearing thresholds
Authors: Goshorn Edward L. , Marx Charles G. , Ward Kimberly
Published: November 2017

Clinical applications for hearing thresholds obtained with electrophysiological measures are well established. Bush, Jones, and Shinn (2008) suggested that a diagnostic relationship exists between behavioral and auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds. They reported that subjects with MRI-confirmed vestibular schwannomas had differences greater than 30 dB when behavioral thresholds were compared to ABR using a 100 microsecond square wave (click) stimulus. However, there are little data available showing threshold relationships between behavioral and ABR thresholds for frequency specific stimuli. It is conceivable that a frequency specific stimulus may be more sensitive to schwannoma effects. Therefore, this project examined differences in hearing thresholds for normal hearing participants for two threshold methods (behavioral and ABR) and four stimuli: 250, 1000, and 4000 Hz tone bursts, and a 100 microsecond click. The same ABR instrument and stimuli were used for each method to obtain thresholds in twenty eight normal hearing adults in a repeated measures design. Results showed ABR thresholds to be significantly higher than behavioral. Thresholds varied significantly across stimuli for the ABR method but not the behavioral. Differences between methods were less than 30 dB for 93% of participants. These findings are consistent with Bush’s findings for a normal hearing control group.
Musical instrument dexterity requirements and its effects on adolescent diotic and dichotic listening performance
Authors: Weaver Aurora J. , Nagaraj Naveen K. , Turnbough Abby N.
Published: November 2017

Research examining the human asymmetry of handedness has included exploring the relationship to the auditory modality (e.g., digit span memory; Bannatyne & Wichiarajote, 1969). Musicians whose instruments require dual dexterity have more symmetric neural processing as a result of the sensory-motor experience with their instrument (Gaser & Schlaug, 2003). Little research translates these neurological differences based on dexterity to determine if more neurologic symmetry manifests into advantages for auditory processing. This study aimed to identify perceptual advantages of instrumental training based on dexterity, during stages when the central auditory nervous system is still developing. Monaural and binaural listening tasks, as well as working memory tasks, were collected on 33 adolescent (14–18 years old) musicians split into subgroups based on their instrument dexterity requirement (mono vs. dual). The outcomes indicate that instrumental choice did not significantly impact diotic digit span performance; however, a performance asymmetry (e.g., right ear advantage) was identified for the mono dexterity group for dichotic listening tasks performance at capacity limits. Overall, the results indicate that individuals choosing musical instruments that require dual dexterity had more symmetric auditory processing which corresponds to previous evidence of more neural symmetry based on instrumental dexterity.
Teaching phonetics and speech science—What's changed and what hasn't
Authors: Bell-Berti Fredericka
Published: November 2017

Many topics in articulatory phonetics that have been taught with traditional pedagogical techniques may be enhanced by the addition of acoustic information. However, it can be challenging to provide that information in ways that are accessible to students of Speech and Hearing, who often lack a strong background in physics. The ASA Committee on Education in Acoustics has offered sessions on acoustics demonstrations for ASA members. In meeting cities, the committee has hosted sessions for high school students and has co-sponsored sessions for Girl Scouts with Women in Acoustics. These sessions have resulted in a number of straightforward, accessible demonstrations of acoustics that are appropriate for use in undergraduate phonetics and speech science courses. This presentation will describe several traditional and computer-based demonstrations that may be used to teach speech acoustics to undergraduates in Speech and Hearing.
Developing an online phonetics course for a diverse student population
Authors: Smith Caroline L.
Published: November 2017

Approximately 140 students take Introduction to Phonetics each year at the University of New Mexico. They are diverse in several ways: in age (many are returning to school after years away), in ethnicity (UNM is majority-minority), in major (the course serves Linguistics and Speech & Hearing), and in preparation (there are no prerequisites, but many students have some related coursework). This paper reports on design considerations and experience with the first online offering of this course. Studying online requires self-motivation and the ability to work independently, which are difficult for the large number of students with poor study skills and time management. This course attempts to counter these challenges with a high degree of structure, and activities in a variety of formats for learning and assessment. Although some in distance education view structure as a “constraint” for learner and teacher (Farquhar 2013 Eur. J. e-learning), this instructor believes that the flexibility and isolation of online learning are overwhelming for many students and risk leading to paralysis. Providing options among different activities coupled with deadlines for completion of those they select, and requiring frequent interaction with classmates and instructor, is the chosen strategy for keeping students engaged and on track.
Sediment sound speed inversion at low frequencies in shallow water
Authors: Michalopoulou Zoi-Heleni
Published: November 2017

A direct method previously developed for shallow water inversion is presented here along with the assumptions for its convergence and improvements for the solution of a more complex inverse problem. The method estimates sediment sound speed and follows discontinuities as the sediment layer properties change. Sediment thickness is also calculated. The approach is fast in contrast to other techniques that navigate a multi-dimensional search space. Implementation requires low-frequency measurements at a horizontal array and a source anywhere in the water column with only the continuous spectrum available. Several assumptions are made which appear restrictive at first but can be eventually relaxed. Although the approach was first developed considering a constant density profile, we show how realistic density profiles can be considered. [Work supported by ONR.]
An experimental benchmark for geoacoustic inversion methods
Authors: Chapman N. Ross
Published: November 2017

Over the past 25 years, many methods have been developed for estimating parameters of geoacoustic models of the ocean bottom from acoustic field data. The methods involved model-based comparisons between experimental data and calculated fields or field quantities. Benchmarking workshops based on simulated field data confirmed the ability of the methods for inverting geoacoustic model parameters for range-independent and range-dependent ocean environments. Although there are many published examples of geoacoustic inversions in various different ocean environments, the methods have not been tested in an experimental benchmark. This paper describes the design of an experimental benchmark for geoacoustic inversion methods, and presents an analysis of the performance of the methods with experimental data. The benchmark involves application of different inversion methods to data spanning a frequency band from 50to 2500 Hz that were obtained at a single well-surveyed ocean bottom site. The performance metric involves comparisons of: estimated geoacoustic profiles against the ground truth information of the site; modal wavenumbers for the inverted models; and transmission loss calculations based on the estimated models against measured data. The analysis shows that the methods are capable of estimating realistic geoacoustic profiles, with sound speed the most reliable estimated model parameter.
Chester McKinney: Lessons I learned from a prominent scientist and leader in our acoustics community
Authors: Kuperman William A.
Published: November 2017

The impression that was left with me from his speech after he received the ASA’s Gold Medal at the 1994 New York City meeting still remains indelible. It was exactly the way someone born in Cooper Texas, population 2,600 should communicate the excitement of his career journey to national and international leadership in science, academia, and the technology associated with national defense. Comfortable in front of a large audience, he walked back and forth on the stage with complete informality reminiscing about his experiences in the multiple worlds he inhabited. As the new director of Marine Physical Lab, SIO/UCSD one generation after his tenure as director of the Applied Research Labs, UT, he reaffirmed to me why he had served as my mentor by example. Here, I review some of the lessons that his career provided
Acoustic and atomic force microscopy characterization of microbubbles with varying shell chemistry
Authors: Aliabouzar Mitra , Eslami Babak , Kumar Krishna N. , Solares Santiago , Sarkar Kausik
Published: November 2017

Applications of microbubbles (MBs) in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions critically depend on their stability and scattering properties. The shell chemistry of MBs defines these properties. We investigated the effects of shell chemistry on the size, abundance, acoustic response, and mechanical properties of MBs by varying the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molar ratio (0 to 100%) in a two-lipid (DPPC and DPPE-PEG2000) component shell formulation. Increasing PEG concentration from 0% to 10% resulted in an increase in the number of MBs by at least 10-fold, with adverse effects upon further increases. Microbubbles made with 5–10% PEG generated the strongest fundamental as well as nonlinear (subharmonic and second harmonic) components at the excitation frequency of 2.25 MHz. We used interfacial rheological models to determine the mechanical properties of MB shells as functions of PEG concentration using experimentally measured attenuation values. We also employed atomic force microscopy (AFM) to perform thin planar film characterization of the shells. The correlation between the AFM measurements of film properties and the acoustic responses of the corresponding coated MBs will be discussed.
Shock waves in the atmosphere, the body, and mercury
Authors: Cleveland Robin
Published: November 2017

As the 1995/96 F.V. Hunt Fellow, I transferred skills acquired during my Ph.D., at the University of Texas at Austin, in developing a numerical models of sonic boom propagation in the atmosphere, in order to investigate how shock waves propagate through the body, in order to better understand lithotripsy the medical procedure where shock waves are used to fragment kidney stones, at the Applied Physics Laboratory at the University of Washington in Seattle. After my fellowship, I joined the faculty at Boston University where a collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory resulted in a project to understand shock wave generation and propagation in liquid mercury. This talk will focus on the underlying nonlinear acoustics associated with shock waves in fluids and by use of nondimensionalization demonstrate the strong similarity in these three apparently disparate propagation problems. It will be then shown that even with modern computers the memory and calculation requirements associated with fully three-dimensional high-fidelity models of these problems are substantial. Finally, the differences in the problems due to boundary conditions and medium properties will be discussed. The Hunt Fellowship was the vehicle by which my training in shock propagation could be used to further research in other areas.
An unexpected but fulfilling path: From a Hunt Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Denmark to academia in Nebraska
Authors: Wang Lily M.
Published: November 2017

As the 1998-99 Hunt Postdoctoral Research Fellowship recipient, I conducted postdoctoral research at the Technical University of Denmark under the supervision of Prof. Anders Christian Gade. My goal as a teenager was to become an acoustical engineer who designed concert halls, after reading about such a job from a high school physics textbook. After receiving my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering, I had planned to get a Master’s degree in Acoustics from the Pennsylvania State University and then become an acoustical consultant; I certainly had no intention of pursuing a Ph.D., a postdoc, or an academic position. I was fortunate, though, to have had mentors who guided me on an unexpected but fulfilling career path: first in getting my Ph.D. instead of Master’s degree, then applying and receiving the Hunt Postdoctoral Research Fellowship to study abroad in Europe during which I made firm connections to other strong architectural acoustics groups, and finally becoming a faculty member at the University of Nebraska’s Architectural Engineering program, focused on architectural acoustics teaching and research. This poster explores the career path I have followed and reflects on the influential role the Hunt Postdoctoral Research Fellowship had upon it.
The French connection: My experience as a Hunt Fellow
Authors: Canney Michael
Published: November 2017

After finishing my Ph.D. degree in 2009 at the University of Washington, I was grateful to be the recipient of the Hunt Fellowship. During my year as a Hunt Fellow, I worked at an academic laboratory in Lyon, France, under the supervision of Dr. Cyril Lafon and Dr. Jean-Yves Chapelon. The laboratory specialized in the field of therapeutic ultrasound and had several translational projects to take new therapeutic ultrasound technologies into the clinic. Little did I realize that a one-year fellowship would turn into a 6-year hiatus living abroad in France and a working relationship with the French that continues to this day. After my Hunt fellowship, I continued as one of the first employees of a French startup company and helped lead the development of a novel therapeutic ultrasound device for brain drug delivery. During the six years that I worked in France, this device was successfully transitioned from animal experiments to clinical trials. This poster explores the work that I started in France on these technologies and which I continue to work on presently. In addition to the professional development it allowed, the Hunt Fellowship gave me the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream to live and work in a foreign country and to become fluent in a second language.
The F.V. Hunt fellowship: A step toward research independence and leadership
Authors: Fleury Romain
Published: November 2017

As the recipient of the 2016 F.V. Hunt postdoctoral fellowship, I had the immense privilege to experience postdoctoral research in one of the most active acoustic groups in France, in the Langevin Institute at ESPCI (School of Physics and Chemistry) under the supervision of Prof. Mathias Fink and Dr. Geoffroy Lerosey. This poster presents what I learned during this wonderful experience and the impact of the fellowship on my academic career and identity as a researcher.
Acoustic and seismic propagation between water and land—An experimental study
Authors: Swearingen Michelle E. , Albert Donald G. , Dorvee Jason R.
Published: November 2017

Pressure waves can travel through coupled media, such as water and land. A field experiment was performed to characterize impulsive signal propagation between these media. Balloon pops underwater provided the in-water source, while sledgehammer blows provided the land-based source. Data were collected using a distributed sensor array that included locations on land and in the water, using a combination of microphones, hydrophones, and geophones. The array extended 75 m from the shore onto land and 75 m into the water perpendicular to the shoreline. Additional sensors were placed 25 m from the nominal shoreline and parallel to the shore. Source locations varied over the area to maximize capture of varying propagation paths. Data are analyzed for travel time, amplitude, and waveform shape. A description of the field experiment and results are presented. [Work funded by U.S. Army ERDC.]
Seismic wave propagation between ice-covered water and land—An experimental study
Authors: Dorvee Jason R. , Albert Donald G. , Swearingen Michelle E.
Published: November 2017

A field experiment was performed to characterize impulsive signal propagation between ice-covered water and land in both directions. Sledgehammer blows provided the source on both the surface of the ice and the ground. Underwater signals were generated with a balloon breaker source positioned 1 m below the surface of the ice. Sources on the ice and on land were located either in-line with the sensor array or oblique to array. Data were recorded using a combination of hydrophones in the water, geophones on the ice, geophones on the land, and hydrophones on land used as microphones. The different velocity structure in the two media produces different waveform characteristics. A hammer blow on ice produces a wave about three times larger on ice compared to one on the ground. In general, waves traveling in the ice have higher frequency content, lower attenuation, and travel faster than waves on land. In addition, the water layer below the ice produces reverse dispersion with higher frequencies arriving before lower frequencies, the opposite of the situation on land. As these waves transit the shoreline, complex waveform changes occur as a result of the different propagation characteristics. [Work funded by U.S. Army ERDC.]
Modeling particle-laden and poroacoustic flow phenomena via the generalized continua approach
Authors: Jordan Pedro M.
Published: November 2017

With a focus on acoustic phenomena, we investigate several dual-phase (i.e., fluid-solid) flows using the generalized continua (GC) modeling approach, where by “GC” we mean modern generalizations of the constitutive relations of classical continuum mechanics that seek to capture the impact of sub-scale structure/dynamics on the (macroscopic) field variables. Working under the finite-amplitude framework, we derive and analyze generalizations of the weakly nonlinear versions of the Euler and Navier--Stokes equations for the case of particle-laden and poroacoustic flows. Using both analytical and numerical methods, we examine the impact of the solid phase on the propagation and evolution of (1D) traveling and acceleration waves. Along the way, the advantages and disadvantages of this modeling approach will be discussed and applications to other fields noted. [Work supported by ONR funding.]
Application of particle-based computational acoustics to sound scattering by vortex and moving bodies
Authors: Zhang Yong Ou
Published: November 2017

The Lagrangian meshfree method with interacting particles is a powerful and natural approach for simulating physical systems with complicated domain topologies, moving boundaries, and multiphase media. Particle-based computational acoustics (PCA) is a noval branch of computational acoustics that aims to simulate acoustic phenomenon by Lagrangian meshfree particle methods. The ability of different particle methods to simulate flow-acoustic and flow-structure-acoustic interaction problems is evaluated, and problems include scattering of sound by a vortex or moving bodies. To separate the acoustic perturbation from the particle motion, Lagrangian acoustic perturbation equations (LAPE) including two sets of governing equations are used. Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), corrective smoothed particle method (CSPM), and finite difference particle method (FDPM) are selected for a comparison. Several checks on the accuracy and convergence of the Lagrangian meshfree PCA method are discussed. Numerical results are obtained for vortex scattering and sound wave scattering by moving rigid bodies. Various acoustic boundary conditions including moving boundaries and perfectly matched layers are examined.
Measuring progress during practice: Motion analysis throughout visual biofeedback treatment for residual speech sound errors
Authors: Mental Rebecca , Carey Holle , Lee Gregory S. , Hodge Michael J. , Vick Jennell
Published: November 2017

The question of why some individuals make progress in speech therapy while others do not remains largely unanswered. Treatment delivery method could be a factor; individuals whose speech sounds have not improved through traditional therapy may be more responsive to alternative forms of treatment, such as visual biofeedback. The present study utilized visual biofeedback in the form of Opti-Speech, which uses real-time, three-dimensional streaming data from the Wave EMA system to create an avatar of a participant’s tongue. Participants included two adult females with residual /r/ errors. One participant demonstrated marked improvement during and after treatment, while the other exhibited little perceptual change. It is possible that a more flexible motor system (i.e., one that shows more variability as a new skill is being learned) is more conducive to the acquisition of new speech sound movements than a more rigid system. Kinematic data were analyzed from each session, including duration, maximum displacement, distance traveled, and peak and average speeds. The coefficient of variation was calculated for each measure to assess variability. The length of the ballistic phase versus the corrective phase of movement was also calculated as treatment progressed. These measures were compared to perceptual outcomes.
Using real time magnetic resonance imaging to measure changes in articulatory behavior due to partial glossectomy
Authors: Lander-Portnoy Maury , Goldstein Louis , Narayanan Shrikanth S.
Published: November 2017

Real time MRI presents an exciting new method for studying speech articulation, providing the ability to capture articulatory kinematics and coordination. The current study utilizes real time MRI to document the speech of a patient who has undergone partial glossectomy at both preoperative and postoperative time points. While previous work has studied and evaluated postoperative outcomes, the comparison of individual speakers preoperatively and postoperatively is lacking. The possibility of compensation for the pathological articulator by other articulators necessitates the ability to image multiple articulators simultaneously to observe changes in articulatory coordination. In this paper, we present a method for quantifying changes in articulatory behavior, such as compensation for pathology, between two points in time. We find no significant changes in the patient's articulatory coordination that would indicate compensation for pathology. We attribute this to the relatively high degree of speech intelligibility preserved postoperatively for this particular patient. We do observe differences in vocal tract morphology as well as changes in the variability and principle axes of movement for the tongue. The methods we present here provide a means not only for measuring individual morphological changes, but also for observing the relationship between changes in morphology and changes in articulatory behavior.
Study of architectural design & acoustic conditions of primary schools in Singapore
Authors: Lau Siu Kit , Lee Geok Ling
Published: November 2017

Urban noise problems are a growing concern in rapidly urbanizing cities such as Singapore. Studies have revealed that children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of noise. Children in Singapore schools are particularly susceptible considering the long hours spent in naturally ventilated classrooms. This study aims to assess the architectural design and planning of schools in Singapore based on their acoustic qualities. External ambient noise, façade sound insulation, and reverberation time were measured in three schools about the architectural design to characterize their acoustic environments and seek areas for improvements. It is revealed that all the classrooms studied experience internal noise levels above the guideline values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 35 dB, suggesting poor acoustic conditions and harmful effects on children’s’ health, behavior, and learning abilities. Reverberation time standards were only met by the classrooms in one school out of three, implying that speech intelligibility and learning performance are hindered elsewhere. Two overseas case studies are explored to demonstrate how better acoustic environments can be achieved through planning and design in unbuilt schools and abatement strategies for built schools. Architects and planners can adapt and incorporate them into the design of primary schools in Singapore.
Range perception in dolphins: Discrimination of sounds with distance-dependent features other than amplitude
Authors: Schlundt Carolyn E. , Mulsow Jason , Jones Ryan A. , Finneran James J.
Published: November 2017

Although sound pressure level (SPL) is typically used to estimate behavioral responses of marine mammals to anthropogenic sound, other factors, such as source distance, may play a role in an animal’s ability to assess the inherent risk of a sound (and thereby affect its response). Factors that contribute to range perception include a decrease in received SPL due to spreading loss and absorption, a relative decrease in the amplitude of high-frequencies from frequency-dependent differences in absorption, and the presence of reverberation due to boundary interactions. In the current study, three bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) learned to discriminate tones with simulated reverberation and high-frequency absorption (degraded stimuli) from tones without those features (undegraded stimuli). Tones were frequency modulated, with fundamental frequencies of approximately 10 kHz, and roving SPLs of 120 dB ± 10 dB. A progression of experiments examined the dolphins’ performance when presented with novel, degraded stimuli containing either reverberation or high-frequency attenuation. The results provide experimental evidence that marine mammals can differentially classify sounds with similar SPLs, but differing transmission-related acoustic cues of reverberation and frequency-dependent absorption, and may use signal degradation characteristics to judge the range of acoustic sources. [Work supported by US Fleet Forces Command.]
Doppler shifts in bat biosonar: The good, the bad, and the unexpected
Authors: Müller Rolf , Yin Xiaoyan , Qiu Peiwen
Published: November 2017

Most models for explaining bat biosonar are based on linear systems theory. A notable exception are frequency shifts due to the Doppler effect that occur whenever there is relative motion between the wave emitter and receiver. Bat species such as horseshoe bats, Old World leaf-nosed bats, and mustached bats have evolved particularly sophisticated biosonar systems that are able to exploit Doppler shifts for detecting prey in clutter. In this case, “good Doppler shifts” induced by the wing beat velocity of an insect prey give the prey echoes unique signatures that stand out among echoes from stationary targets such as reflecting facets in dense vegetation. Since these “good Doppler shifts” are small, bats exploiting them had to evolve specialized biosonar mechanisms to detect them. However, these mechanism are also sensitive to “bad Doppler shifts” that result, e.g,. from a bat's own flight velocity. It has been generally assumed that bats with Doppler-based biosonar will eliminate such nuisance Doppler shifts through compensation behaviors to allow them to detect the good Doppler shifts. However, a complete picture of Doppler shifts in bat biosonar systems may also have to account for other sources of Doppler shifts that do not fall into the above categories.
Some startling effects of biologic factors on seafloor physical properties
Authors: Wever Thomas F. , jenkins Chris J.
Published: November 2017

Recently, the biological impact on marine geophysics has received much interest. The question now is What types of impacts, how intense, and how changing? How can these impacts be understood and quantified, and then enacted in our practical predictive systems? Two dramatic examples from NW Europe. The acoustic response of the sandy seabeds is being altered by dense populations of species such as the invasive Ensis (i.e., a change of seabed properties). The same species forms a baffle that alters the seafloor response to flows, causing sediment trapping (i.e., a change of processes). At the sea surface, massive drifting rafts of detached bladder algae change the acoustic response of the sea surface and can attenuate surface waves. The rafts have seasonal and longevity attributes and can be tracked remotely, so effects on long-range underwater communications may be manageable. The Volkswagenstiftung, Office of Naval Research, NATO, and others have understood the significance and started to finance meetings, projects, and expert teams. To improve prediction capabilities, especially before at-sea operations, a close cooperation of biology and physical sciences is necessary. This can be achieved by two parallel approaches: (1) make existing bio- and geo-information compatible and (2) design new combined bio-geo experiments.
Ultrasound neuro-stimulation effects of peripheral axons in-vitro
Authors: Saffari Nader , Wright Christopher J. , Rothwell John
Published: November 2017

Neurological disorders are a huge disease burden for individuals and the economy worldwide. For a few of these disorders, successful new treatments have been found in neuro-stimulatory techniques. Ultrasound (US) can target the brain in a spatially precise, non-invasive manner, stimulating or suppressing neuronal activity. Much success has been reported with US in small animals, primates, and human subjects. Despite all the recent progress, very little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind the observed neural responses. This study uses a controlled in-vitro environment, directly stimulating and recording CAPs from excised crab nerves (Cancer pagurus). The aim is to create an environment where both the biological and ultrasound environment can be measured and modelled accurately to gain insight into the mechanism by which mechanical forces are transduced into propagating electrical activity in nerve fibres. The results demonstrate that the constituents of unmyelinated axonal tissue are sufficient to generate de-novo action potentials in response to US stimulus. The threshold for this stimulation was much higher than similar procedures performed on CNS models but in good agreement with other PNS focused studies. They also provide the first clear evidence for the involvement of cavitation as an ultrasound stimulation mechanism.
Imaging of tissue displacement induced during focused ultrasound neuromodulation in vivo
Authors: Lee Stephen A. , Downs Matthew , Saharkhiz Niloufar , Han Yang , Konofagou Elisa
Published: November 2017

Our group has recently shown feasibility of FUS modulation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in vivo. However, the interplay between FUS and the PNS is not completely understood and has never been imaged. To unveil both the mechanism as well as provide an image-guided approach to modulation monitoring, a new modulation system was designed to simultaneously image the mechanical perturbation of the tissue during modulation in vivo. The system consisted of a 4.5 MHz HIFU confocally aligned with a 7.8 MHz imaging transducer. Activation of the sciatic nerve of the mouse was induced with parameters previously reported for successful modulation. 200 RF frames at a 10 kHz pulse repetition frequency were used for 1D cross-correlation (20 lambda window, 90% overlap) to calculate the inter-frame axial displacement before, during, and after modulation. Displacement maps overlaid on the B-mode images illustrate that once FUS is applied, downward displacement was detected where the highest displacement is located at the focus (9.8 micron average peak displacement). After FUS modulation, displacement steadily reduced to baseline (0.5–0.8 ms). Our findings indicate that FUS neuromodulation is associated with the radiation force effect and therefore successful application is dependent upon sufficient displacements induced.
Ultrasonic neuromodulation of the mouse cortex increases cardiorespiratory activity
Authors: Aurup Christian , Konofagou Elisa
Published: November 2017

Focused ultrasound (FUS) has demonstrated its ability to modulate neuronal activity in both cortical and subcortical brain regions in a noninvasive and safe fashion in mice, non-human primates, and humans. Rodent studies have shown that ultrasonic neuromodulation (UNMOD) can elicit motor responses in limbs and trigger pupil dilation. Little is known about the effect of ultrasonic neuromodulation of the CNS on the autonomic activity in mice, primarily due to the cardiorespiratory depression caused by the anesthesia used. However, urethane has limited effects on autonomic activity and brain hemodynamics. In this paper, we demonstrate that UNMOD of the cortex increases cardiorespiratory activity in mice. A 1.9-MHz single-element focused ultrasound transducer was used to apply pulsed ultrasound to the mouse cortex. Each animal was injected intraperitoneally with urethane (1500 mg/kg), allowing for a stable plane of anesthesia and experimental efficacy window often exceeding 4 hours with minimal effects on autonomic activity. Sonications were performed in a grid spanning the cortex centered at the Bregma skull suture and heart and breathing rates were acquired using a pulse oximeter. FUS resulted in significant increases in both breathing and heart rates immediately following sonication. This study demonstrated that FUS can have an autonomous excitatory effect invivo.
Evaluation of urban soundscapes: Field vs. laboratory assessments using binaural recordings
Authors: Sottek Roland , Fiebig André
Published: November 2017

It is well-acknowledged that soundscape investigations must be carried out in the original context. In order to investigate the influence of acoustic cues on the perceptual measurements, binaural recordings were performed during soundwalks in the center of Gothenburg (Sweden) using a calibrated binaural headset. The participants were 20 students from the Chalmers Technical University. The evaluations were carried out in-situ regarding, e.g., loudness, appropriateness, pleasantness, and eventfulness at eight different outdoor gathering spaces. The group of students was divided into four groups. Two groups went from location 1 to 8, separated in time by 15 minutes. The other two groups went from location 8 to 1. At all eight locations each group recorded the acoustic environment (overall 32 recordings). The laboratory assessments were performed with the same students the next day using four recordings measured at four different locations. First, the evaluations were performed simultaneously in the classroom using Sennheiser HD 414 headphones, and second in groups of four students using four calibrated binaural headsets in playback mode. The paper describes the experiments performed in the original and laboratory context, and discusses the results of the different approaches. Additionally, instrumental parameters such as representative values for loudness are compared to the perceptual results: a relevant aspect regarding the second part of the international standard on soundscape dealing with data collection.
The soundwalk as a tool to improve community relations and aid in (sound) conflict resolution
Authors: Woolworth David S. , Stryckman Helene
Published: November 2017

The measurement of soundscapes (under development as ISO/DIS 12913-2) is often performed with local experts in the form of a soundwalk, and for the sake of comparable results requires standardization. One issue stemming from the standardization of the soundwalk is its applicability and usefulness to all situations/locations from a holistic point of view (social, cultural, political, etc.) and whether it considers all significant factors that affect the participants. This paper examines potential benefits of a less structured approach that permits/encourages interaction between the participants who may be at odds in regard to their views on the soundscape, and also provides observations on the impressions of repeat participants. Additionally, several observations of non-auditory or personal factors from soundwalks will be provided. The work referenced in this paper was performed in New Orleans.
Nonlinear propagation of N-waves through kinematic turbulence: Statistics of peak overpressure and shock front steepness
Authors: Yuldashev Petr V. , Karzova Maria M. , Ollivier Sébastien , Dragna Didier , Khokhlova Vera , Blanc-Benon Philippe
Published: November 2017

Nonlinear propagation of short N-waves (wavelength of 1.4 cm) through a turbulent layer with outer scale of about 16 cm was simulated based on the 2D parabolic KZK-type equation. A modified von Kármán spectrum was used to generate random fluctuations of wind velocity associated with the presence of turbulence. Statistics of peak overpressure and shock front steepness were analyzed for linear and various degrees of nonlinear effects in N-wave propagation. It was shown that in case of linear propagation, the turbulence mainly led to smearing the shock fronts and resulted in low probabilities of observing steepened shocks. At higher pressure level, nonlinear effects resulted in steepening of the shock fronts and hence counteracted the effects introduced by the turbulence. Due to nonlinear enhancement of focusing gain in random foci, up to twofold increase of the cumulative probability of observing highly peaked waveforms was shown for nonlinear wave propagation comparing to the linear case. However, it was also shown that for stronger nonlinearities, saturation of the focusing gain led to saturation of the overpressure cumulative probabilities. [Work supported by RSF-17-72-10277 and by the Labex CeLyA of Université de Lyon, operated by the French National Research Agency (ANR-10-LABX-0060/ ANR-11-IDEX-0007).]
The Reliability of Individualized Load–Velocity Profiles
Authors: Banyard Harry G. , Nosaka Kazunori , Vernon Alex D. , Haff G. Gregory
Published: November 2017

Purpose: To examine the reliability of peak velocity (PV), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), and mean velocity (MV) in the development of load–velocity profiles (LVP) in the full-depth free-weight back squat performed with maximal concentric effort. Methods: Eighteen resistance-trained men performed a baseline 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) back-squat trial and 3 subsequent 1-RM trials used for reliability analyses, with 48-h intervals between trials. 1-RM trials comprised lifts from 6 relative loads including 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 90%, and 100% 1-RM. Individualized LVPs for PV, MPV, or MV were derived from loads that were highly reliable based on the following criteria: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >.70, coefficient of variation (CV) ≤10%, and Cohen d effect size (ES) <0.60. Results: PV was highly reliable at all 6 loads. MPV and MV were highly reliable at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 90% but not 100% 1-RM (MPV: ICC = .66, CV = 18.0%, ES = 0.10, SEM = 0.04 m·s−1; MV: ICC = .55, CV = 19.4%, ES = 0.08, SEM = 0.04 m·s−1). When considering the reliable ranges, almost perfect correlations were observed for LVPs derived from PV20–100% (r = .91–.93), MPV20–90% (r = .92–.94), and MV20–90% (r = .94–.95). Furthermore, the LVPs were not significantly different (P > .05) between trials or movement velocities or between linear regression versus 2nd-order polynomial fits. Conclusions: PV20–100%, MPV20–90%, and MV20–90% are reliable and can be utilized to develop LVPs using linear regression. Conceptually, LVPs can be used to monitor changes in movement velocity and employed as a method for adjusting sessional training loads according to daily readiness.
Conflating Time and Energy: Views From Older Adults in Lower Socioeconomic Status Areas on Physical Activity
Authors: Devereux-Fitzgerald Angela , Powell Rachael , French David P.
Published: November 2017

Perceptions of time and energy and their role in physical activity engagement were examined in older adults living in lower socioeconomic status areas. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 participants aged 67–94 years. A thematic framework analysis identified four themes: Time is Energy (older adults conflate time and energy in relation to physical activity), Reduced Day (engaging in activities outside a certain time frame is deemed unacceptable), Being Given Enough Time (need for time to socialize and go at own pace), and Seasonal Impact (seasonal differences affecting access). Enjoyment appears to mitigate the perceived energy drain and increase the capacity for physical activities for many. Conflation of time and energy may explain observed discrepancies between older adults’ actual and perceived available time. Having locally based physical activities means less time/energy is required to attend, leaving more resources for physical activity itself. A limited availability of resources in lower socioeconomic status areas is therefore problematic.
Evaluation of a Shoulder Injury Prevention Program in Wheelchair Basketball
Authors: Wilroy Jereme , Hibberd Elizabeth
Published: November 2017

Context:Previous literature has theorized that alterations in shoulder physical characteristics are present in wheelchair athletes and contribute to shoulder pain and injury. Limited empirical evidence is present that evaluates the effectiveness of a shoulder injury prevention program focusing on improving these altered characteristics.Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week intervention program at improving characteristics that increases the risk of developing pain or shoulder injury.Design:Pretest and posttest.Setting:Home-based and controlled laboratory.Participants:Seven college wheelchair athletes.Interventions:Shoulder range of motion (ROM) and scapular muscle strength were assessed, and a 5-minute injury prevention program was taught to participants. Participants completed the intervention 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Following completion of the program, a postintervention screening was performed.Main OutcomeMeasures:Internal rotation (IR)/external rotation (ER) ROM, retraction strength, and IR/ER strength.Results:Participants experienced a significant improvement in dominant limb shoulder IR ROM (t6 = 3.56,P = .01) with an average increase of 11.4° of IR ROM and a significant improvement in dominant limb shoulder ER ROM (t6 = 2.79,P = .03) with an average increase of 8.0° of ER ROM. There were no significant increases in shoulder IR or ER strength and scapular retraction strength (P > .05).Conclusions:Improvements in ROM have previously been linked to decreases in shoulder pain and injury in other upper-extremity dominant sports by improving scapular kinematics. These results provide evidence that a 6-week strengthening and stretching intervention program may decrease risk factors for shoulder injury in wheelchair basketball athletes.
Acute Effect of 2 Self-Myofascial Release Protocols on Hip and Ankle Range of Motion
Authors: de Souza Amandda , Sanchotene Cristiano Gomes , Lopes Cristiano Moreira da Silva , Beck Jader Alfredo , da Silva Affonso Celso Kulevicz , Pereira Suzana Matheus , Ruschel Caroline
Published: November 2017

Context: Self-myofascial release (SMR) is an intervention popularly used by rehabilitation, fitness, and sports professionals to improve recovery and performance. In SMR, the athlete/patient applies pressure to the muscle and fascia using various tools, such as balls, rods, foam rolls, and massagers. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the acute effect of 2 SMR protocols (short term and long term) of the posterior thigh and calf muscles on hip and ankle range of motion (ROM) in physically active men. Participants: A total of 14 adult males (24.9 [3.2] y, 77.2 [13.2] kg, and 1.75 [0.06] m) who exercise regularly (at least twice a week, 45 min per session) participated in this study. Interventions: Participants performed a short-term SMR protocol (2 × 10 repetitions, SSMR) and a long-term SMR protocol (2 × 20 repetitions, LSMR) of the posterior thigh (using a foam roller) and calf (using a massage stick) muscles in counterbalanced order, on 2 different days with a 48-hour interval. Main Outcome Measures: Ankle dorsiflexion and hip-flexion ROM, evaluated at 5 moments: pre- and post-SSMR, pre- and post-LSMR, and in the control condition, which was always performed at the first visit. Results: The SMR promoted significant gains for both dorsiflexion (F1,13 =202.67, P < .001, ) and hip flexion (F1,13 = 66.46, P < .001, ), regardless of the protocol and limb analyzed. The average increase for both limbs corresponded, approximately, to 11% for ankle dorsiflexion and to 6% for and in hip flexion. Conclusions: The results suggest that SMR of the posterior thigh and calf muscles acutely increases the ROM of both hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion and that duplicating the SMR volume from 10 to 20 repetitions per set seems not to promote additional gains.
Intratester Reliability and Construct Validity of a Hip Abductor Eccentric Strength Test
Authors: Brindle Richard A. , Ebaugh David , Milner Clare E.
Published: November 2017

Context: Side-lying hip abductor strength tests are commonly used to evaluate muscle strength. In a “break” test, the tester applies sufficient force to lower the limb to the table while the patient resists. The peak force is postulated to occur while the leg is lowering, thus representing the participant’s eccentric muscle strength. However, it is unclear whether peak force occurs before or after the leg begins to lower. Objectives: To determine intrarater reliability and construct validity of a hip abductor eccentric strength test. Design: Intrarater reliability and construct validity study. Participants: Twenty healthy adults (26 [6] y; 1.66 [0.06] m; 62.2 [8.0] kg) made 2 visits to the laboratory at least 1 week apart. Main Outcome Measures: During the hip abductor eccentric strength test, a handheld dynamometer recorded peak force and time to peak force, and limb position was recorded via a motion capture system. Intrarater reliability was determined using intraclass correlation, SEM, and minimal detectable difference. Construct validity was assessed by determining if peak force occurred after the start of the lowering phase using a 1-sample t test. Results: The hip abductor eccentric strength test had substantial intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation(3,3) = .88; 95% confidence interval, .65–.95), SEM of 0.9 %BWh, and a minimal detectable difference of 2.5 %BWh. Construct validity was established as peak force occurred 2.1 (0.6) seconds (range: 0.7–3.7 s) after the start of the lowering phase of the test (P ≤ .001). Conclusion: The hip abductor eccentric strength test is a valid and reliable measure of eccentric muscle strength. This test may be used clinically to assess changes in eccentric muscle strength over time.