bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Consonant-Weighted Envelope Difference Index (cEDI): A Proposed Technique for Quantifying Envelope Distortion
Authors: Hoover Eric C. , Souza Pamela E. , Gallun Frederick J. 
Published: March 2012

Purpose
The benefits of amplitude compression in hearing aids may be limited by distortion resulting from rapid gain adjustment. To evaluate this, it is convenient to quantify distortion by using a metric that is sensitive to the changes in the processed signal that decrease consonant recognition, such as the Envelope Difference Index (EDI; Fortune, Woodruff, & Preves, 1994). However, the EDI relies on the entire duration of the signal, including portions irrelevant to consonant recognition.

Method
This note describes a computationally efficient method of automatically segmenting speech in time according to the syllable structure. Our technique uses the 1st derivative of the envelope as a basis. Peaks located in the derivative were used to generate a weighting function for the computation of a metric of signal distortion.

Results
The weighting function significantly improved the variance explained in consonant recognition scores over previous methods. However, only 3.2% of the variance was explained in the revised model.

Conclusion
This technique was effective in focusing the analysis of distortion on specific segments of the signal. Use of the technique has implications for speech analysis. The difference in the amplitude envelope of consonants is not a robust model of the effect of hearing aid compression on consonant recognition.
New Sentence Recognition Materials Developed Using a Basic Non-Native English Lexicon
Authors: Calandruccio Lauren , Smiljanic Rajka 
Published: March 2012

Purpose
The objective of this project was to develop new sentence test materials drawing on a basic non-native English lexicon that could be used to test speech recognition for various listener populations. These materials have been designed to provide a test tool that is less linguistically biased, compared with materials that are currently available, for sentence recognition for non-native as well as native speakers of English.

Method
One hundred non-native speakers of English were interviewed on a range of 20 conversational topics. Over 26 hr of recorded non-native English speech were transcribed. These transcriptions were used to create a lexicon of over 4,000 unique words. The words from this lexicon were used to create the new materials based on a simple syntactic sentence structure frame.

Results
Twenty lists of 25 sentences were developed. Each sentence has 4 keywords, providing 100 keywords per list. Lists were equated for rate of occurrence of keywords in lexicon, high-frequency count (total number of affricates and fricatives), number of syllables, and distribution of syntactic structure. Listening-in-noise results for native-English-speaking, normal-hearing listeners indicated similar performance across lists.

Conclusion
The Basic English Lexicon materials provide a large set of sentences for native and non-native English speech-recognition testing.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6170381
Genetics.
Authors: Stommel J. R. , Albrecht E. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This chapter presents recent advances in research on the genetics of pepper (Capsicum spp.), mainly discussing molecular taxonomy, phylogenetics, male sterility, interspecific hybridization, and genetic improvement of colour, capsaicinoid content, morphology, and resistance to abiotic stress (drought, flooding, salinity, heat stress and cold stress), diseases (fungal, bacterial and viral diseases) and pests (insects, mites and nematodes). Quantitative trait loci and genetic markers associated with economically important traits of pepper are extensively covered.
Stand establishment.
Authors: Leskovar D. I. , Kahn B. A. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This chapter describes the impact of physiological, chemical and biological agents (including plant growth regulators, endophytes, and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizas) on key morphological and physiological adaptive mechanisms that peppers (Capsicum spp.) use to cope with abiotic stress (heat and cold stress, drought, nutrition-related stress, salinity, and transplant shock). A comparison of direct sowing and transplanting methods of sweet and hot peppers based on root and shoot growth and yield is presented.
Salt tolerance in pepper (Capsicum spp.).
Authors: Niu G. H. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This chapter summarizes recent research findings on salt tolerance in Capsicum species and genotypes. Factors influencing salt tolerance (environmental conditions, nutrient management, plant age, and cultural methods), the effects of salinity and soil type on seedling emergence of pungent peppers, salt tolerance in pungent peppers during early vegetative growth under greenhouse and field conditions, and physiological responses of peppers to salinity.
Organic pepper production.
Authors: Ozores-Hampton M. , Roberts P. , Stansly P. A. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This chapter discusses the following aspects of organic pepper (Capsicum spp.) production: transplant production, soil fertility management and nutrient budgeting (establishment of cover crops, compost application and composting, and manure application), weed management, disease management, arthropod pest management, and postharvest handling.
Crown and root diseases of pepper.
Authors: Huang C. H. , Vallad G. E. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This chapter describes the symptoms, disease cycle and epidemiology, and control (cultural, chemical, biological and integrated control methods) of the following crown and root diseases of pepper (Capsicum spp.): charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina); damping-off and root rot (Rhizoctonia solani [Thanatephorus cucumeris], and various species of Fusarium, Phytophthora and Pythium); Fusarium stem and fruit rot (Nectria haematococca [Haematonectria haematococca]); Fusarium wilt (various Fusarium species, including F. oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum, F. redolens and F. oxysporum f.sp. capsici); Phytophthora blight and root, crown and fruit rot (Phytophthora capsici); southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii [Athelia rolfsii]); Verticillium wilt (Verticillium albo-atrum and V. dahliae); white mould (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and S. minor); and bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum).
Fine‐Scale Population Genetic Structure and Dispersal of Juvenile Steelhead in the Bulkley‐Morice River, British Columbia
Authors: Wellband Kyle W. , Atagi Dana Y. , Koehler Rachel A. , Heath Daniel D. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA knowledge of fine‐scale population genetic structure and patterns of dispersal is an essential component of any action to conserve genetic diversity and maintain population viability. We genotyped 417 juvenile steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss from the main stem and tributaries of the Bulkley–Morice River, British Columbia, at 10 microsatellite loci to assess fine‐scale population structure and the patterns and magnitude of juvenile dispersal and mixing. We detected significant genetic structuring among juvenile steelhead from seven tributaries of the Bulkley–Morice River (pairwise FST: 0.008–0.156) and found significant isolation by distance among the tributary populations (R2 = 0.198, P = 0.038). These results reflect the homing behavior of spawning adults as well as the temporal stability of those populations. Genotype assignment of tributary‐caught juveniles showed that rates of juvenile dispersal varied among tributaries. The assignment of juveniles sampled from the main stem of the river to source tributary populations suggested that long‐distance movement in juvenile steelhead is common and that juveniles are well mixed in the main stem. Dispersal and fine‐scale genetic structure in pristine steelhead populations are more complex than previously thought. Therefore, actions to conserve Bulkley–Morice River steelhead must strive to maintain the genetic diversity of tributary populations.
Left ventricular discoordination index measured by speckle tracking strain rate imaging predicts reverse remodelling and survival after cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Wang Chun‐Li , Powell Brian D. , Redfield Margaret M. , Miyazaki Chinami , Fine Nowell M. , Olson Lyle J. , Cha Yong‐Mei , Espinosa Raul E. , Hayes David L. , Hodge David O. , Lin Grace , Friedman Paul A. , Oh Jae K. 
Published: March 2012

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of a baseline speckle tracking strain rate imaging‐derived discoordination index for response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).Methods and resultsNinety‐seven patients with QRS ≥120 ms and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≤35% were prospectively followed after CRT in the Mayo CRT Registry. The LV discoordination index (stretch/shortening or thinning/thickening during ejection) was calculated from three types of deformation, radial, circumferential, and longitudinal, using two‐dimensional speckle tracking strain rate imaging. The benefit of CRT was evaluated by reverse remodelling (i.e. reduction of LV end‐systolic volume ≥15% at 6‐month follow‐up) and survival. The optimal cut‐off value of the baseline discoordination index in discriminating responders from non‐responders was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Significant differences in baseline indices between responders and non‐responders were noted for radial and circumferential discoordination indices. A mid‐ventricular radial discoordination index (RDI‐M) >38% best predicted responders, especially in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (area under the curve 0.86 for all patients, sensitivity 80%, and specificity 91%). Death occurred in 28 patients over a median follow‐up of 3.2 years. When adjusted for confounding variables, lack of significant discoordination (RDI‐M <38%) before CRT was associated with a particularly high mortality (hazard ratio 7.05, 95% confidence interval 2.45–26.0).ConclusionLV discoordination assessed by speckle tracking RDI‐M imaging was able to predict reverse remodelling at 6 months and survival of patients who received CRT.
Noninvasive Continuous Arterial Blood Pressure Monitoring with Nexfin®
Authors: Martina Jerson R. , Westerhof Berend E. , van Goudoever Jeroen , de Beaumont Edouard M. F. H. , Truijen Jasper , Kim Yu-Sok , Immink Rogier V. , Jöbsis Dorothea A. , Hollmann Markus W. , Lahpor Jaap R. , de Mol Bas A. J. M. , van Lieshout Johannes J. 
Published: March 2012

Background
If invasive measurement of arterial blood pressure is not warranted, finger cuff technology can provide continuous and noninvasive monitoring. Finger and radial artery pressures differ; Nexfin® (BMEYE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) measures finger arterial pressure and uses physiologic reconstruction methodologies to obtain values comparable to invasive pressures.

Methods
Intra-arterial pressure (IAP) and noninvasive Nexfin arterial pressure (NAP) were measured in cardiothoracic surgery patients, because invasive pressures are available. NAP-IAP differences were analyzed during 30 min. Tracking was quantified by within-subject precision (SD of individual NAP-IAP differences) and correlation coefficients. The ranges of pressure change were quantified by within-subject variability (SD of individual averages of NAP and IAP). Accuracy and precision were expressed as group average ± SD of the differences and considered acceptable when smaller than 5 ± 8 mmHg, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation criteria.

Results
NAP and IAP were obtained in 50 (34-83 yr, 40 men) patients. For systolic, diastolic, mean arterial, and pulse pressure, median (25-75 percentiles) correlation coefficients were 0.96 (0.91-0.98), 0.93 (0.87-0.96), 0.96 (0.90-0.97), and 0.94 (0.85-0.98), respectively. Within-subject precisions were 4 ± 2, 3 ± 1, 3 ± 2, and 3 ± 2 mmHg, and within-subject variations 13 ± 6, 6 ± 3, 9 ± 4, and 7 ± 4 mmHg, indicating precision over a wide range of pressures. Group average ± SD of the NAP-IAP differences were -1 ± 7, 3 ± 6, 2 ± 6, and -3 ± 4 mmHg, meeting criteria. Differences were not related to mean arterial pressure or heart rate.

Conclusion
Arterial blood pressure can be measured noninvasively and continuously using physiologic pressure reconstruction. Changes in pressure can be followed and values are comparable to invasive monitoring.
Impact of ustekinumab on health‐related quality of life in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: Results from a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 2 / 3 trial
Authors: NAKAGAWA Hidemi , SCHENKEL Brad , KATO Mai , KATO Takeshi , IGARASHI Atsuyuki ,   The Japanese Ustekinumab Study Group
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis study evaluates the effect of ustekinumab on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis through 64 weeks. A total of 158 patients were randomized to receive subcutaneous injections of ustekinumab 45 mg (n = 64) or 90 mg (n = 62) at weeks 0, 4, and every‐12‐weeks, or placebo (n = 32) with crossover to ustekinumab at week 12. Secondary study endpoints included change in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at week 12. Other assessments included the 36‐item Short Form health survey to assess Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores, and Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI), a psoriasis‐specific instrument to assess HRQoL. Baseline demographic and disease characteristics were similar across randomized treatment groups. Ustekinumab‐treated patients had significantly greater mean improvements in DLQI from baseline to week 12 (45 mg: 8.0 ± 6.5; 90 mg: 7.4 ± 6.5) than placebo‐treated patients (0.3 ± 5.3; P < 0.0001 for each), and these improvements were maintained through week 64. Also at week 12, significant improvements from baseline in PDI scores were observed in ustekinumab‐treated patients (45 mg: 8.6 ± 9.6; 90 mg: 12.0 ± 11.8) compared with placebo‐treated patients (−0.1 ± 4.2). Improvements in the PCS (45 mg: 7.8 ± 14.5; 90 mg: 5.1 ± 12.0) and MCS (45 mg: 5.3 ± 9.8; 90 mg: 5.8 ± 10.5) scores were also observed in ustekinumab‐treated patients at week 12. Placebo‐treated patients who crossed‐over to ustekinumab achieved improvements in HRQoL comparable to those observed in patients originally randomized to ustekinumab. Ustekinumab significantly improves HRQoL in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis through week 64.
Renal iron load in sickle cell disease is influenced by severity of haemolysis
Authors: Vasavda Nisha , Gutiérrez Lucía , House Michael J. , Drašar Emma , St Pierre Tim G. , Thein Swee L. 
Published: March 2012

SummarySpin density projection‐assisted R2‐magnetic resonance imaging (R2‐MRI; FerriScan®) scans from 40 chelation‐naïve sickle cell patients were used to assess renal iron load by measuring renal R2 (R‐R2). Clinical data were collected retrospectively for the 2‐year period preceding the scan. R‐R2 showed no significant correlation with transfusional iron load (assessed by liver iron concentration), but correlated significantly with serum bilirubin (R = 0·61, P < 0·0001) and lactate dehydrogenase (R = 0·58, P < 0·0001). Mean (±standard deviation) R‐R2 was higher (P = 0·02) in patients with renal hyperfiltration (29·8 ± 10·3/s) than those without (23·11 ± 6·6/s). Five patients had significantly lower signal intensity in the renal cortex, as compared to the medulla. These patients had a significantly higher (P < 0·0001) mean R‐R2 than those showing no cortico‐medullary difference. We postulate that the increased R‐R2 is associated with haemolysis rather than transfusional iron load in sickle cell disease.
Soil respiration under climate change: prolonged summer drought offsets soil warming effects
Authors: Schindlbacher Andreas , Wunderlich Steve , Borken Werner , Kitzler Barbara , Zechmeister‐Boltenstern Sophie , Jandl Robert 
Published: March 2012

AbstractClimate change may considerably impact the carbon (C) dynamics and C stocks of forest soils. To assess the combined effects of warming and reduced precipitation on soil CO2 efflux, we conducted a two‐way factorial manipulation experiment (4 °C soil warming + throughfall exclusion) in a temperate spruce forest from 2008 until 2010. Soil was warmed by heating cables throughout the growing seasons. Soil drought was simulated by throughfall exclusions with three 100 m2 roofs during 25 days in July/August 2008 and 2009. Soil warming permanently increased the CO2 efflux from soil, whereas throughfall exclusion led to a sharp decrease in soil CO2 efflux (45% and 50% reduction during roof installation in 2008 and 2009, respectively). In 2008, CO2 efflux did not recover after natural rewetting and remained lowered until autumn. In 2009, CO2 efflux recovered shortly after rewetting, but relapsed again for several weeks. Drought offset the increase in soil CO2 efflux by warming in 2008 (growing season CO2 efflux in t C ha−1: control: 7.1 ± 1.0; warmed: 9.5 ± 1.7; warmed + roof: 7.4 ± 0.3; roof: 5.9 ± 0.4) and in 2009 (control: 7.6 ± 0.8; warmed + roof: 8.3 ± 1.0). Throughfall exclusion mainly affected the organic layer and the top 5 cm of the mineral soil. Radiocarbon data suggest that heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration were affected to the same extent by soil warming and drying. Microbial biomass in the mineral soil (0–5 cm) was not affected by the treatments. Our results suggest that warming causes significant C losses from the soil as long as precipitation patterns remain steady at our site. If summer droughts become more severe in the future, warming induced C losses will likely be offset by reduced soil CO2 efflux during and after summer drought.
Influence of exercise on mood in postmenopausal women
Authors: Villaverde Gutiérrez Carmen , Torres Luque Gema , Ábalos Medina Gracia M , Argente del Castillo Maria J , Guisado Isabel M , Guisado Barrilao Rafael , Ramírez Rodrigo Jesús 
Published: March 2012

Aim and objective.  To evaluate the influence of an exercise programme on postmenopausal women with symptoms of anxiety and depression.Background.  The menopause is a period of hormonal changes when mood variations are probably more severe than at any other period of women’s lives.Design.  Prospective study with control group and pre‐ and post‐treatment measures, after six months treatment. Conducted at two healthcare clinics, in the province of Granada (Spain).Methods.  A convenience sample of 60 postmenopausal women aged 60–70 years, with symptoms of depression and anxiety, was recruited. The women were randomly divided into two groups: (1) control group, no treatment (n = 30); (2) exercise group, which carried out a programme of mixed physical exercises with musical support (n = 30). All subjects answered questionnaires for the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Brink and Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale before and after treatment.Results.  In the exercise group, statistically significant improvements were observed in subjects with moderate and severe depression (18 and 22%, respectively) and in those with symptoms of anxiety. No such changes were observed in the control group.Conclusions.  A controlled programme of physical exercise for postmenopausal women alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression, and its inclusion in primary healthcare programmes should be considered.Relevance to clinical practice.  Menopausal women may benefit from physical exercise, which attenuates the effects of the physiological and psychological changes associated with the menopause and prevents pathologic changes.
Dangling conversations: reflections on the process of creating digital stories during a workshop with people with early‐stage dementia
Authors: STENHOUSE R. , TAIT J. , HARDY P. , SUMNER T. 
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary
Digital stories provide a creative way for people to tell their stories using an amalgamation of voice, image and music, and can be used to engage nurses with others' experiences in the classroom setting.
Seven people with early‐stage dementia and one carer participated in making their own stories during a digital storytelling workshop.
These participants experienced particular and varied challenges relating to telling a story and engaging with the technical process of digital storytelling. They were supported in overcoming these challenges through person‐centred relationships with facilitators, allowing them to negotiate the help required.
During the workshop a number of positive changes were observed in the participants: increased confidence, improved speech, a sense of purpose and increased connection.
AbstractCare and compassion are key features of the NHS Constitution. Recent reports have identified a lack of compassion in the care and treatment of older people. Nurses draw on aesthetic knowledge, developed through engagement with the experience of others, when providing compassionate care. Patient Voices reflective digital stories are used in healthcare education to facilitate student engagement with the patient experience. Digital stories were made with seven people with early‐stage dementia as part of a learning package for student nurses. In this paper the authors reflect on their experience and observations from facilitating the 4‐day digital story‐making workshop. Social theories of dementia provide a theoretical framework for understanding these reflections. Despite considerable challenges in developing a story, and anxiety about using the technology, reading and speaking, all participants engaged in creating their own digital stories. Positive changes in the participants' interactions were observed. These improvements appeared to be the product of the person‐centred facilitation and the creative process which supported self‐expression and a sense of identity. Nurses working in this way could facilitate ability of the person with dementia to participate in their care, and improve their sense of well‐being by supporting self‐expression.
Drug solubility classification in the dog
Authors: MARTINEZ M. N. , PAPICH M. G. 
Published: March 2012

Martinez, M. N., Papich, M. G. Drug solubility classification in the dog. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35 (Suppl. 1), 87–91.Similar to human drugs, oral drug delivery is a major route of drug administration in dogs. Therefore, it is important to consider how the physiological characteristics of the dog may influence the considerations that go into the classification of drug solubility. In this manuscript, we discuss the impact of body size vs. administered dose and gastric volume on the estimated gastric drug concentration that needs to be considered. However, when using a dose number (Do) paradigm, there are very few drugs for which the different methods of estimating gastric volume will alter the drug solubility classification. We also evaluate the range of pH values under which a solubility assessment should be generated and conclude that despite specific differences in the pH values of the gastrointestinal environment of people and dogs, the human pH criteria for evaluating drug solubility can be used when evaluating drug solubility of oral medications in dogs.