Publication date: Available online 19 January 2016
Source:Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología
Author(s): Adriana Marcela Rojas Gil, Ricardo León Sánchez Arenas
El lenguaje se constituye en una variable importante en el desarrollo de la habilidad comunicativa de todo ser humano; su desarrollo depende, entre otros aspectos, de las oportunidades dadas por el contexto. Dentro de estas oportunidades, se encuentran los servicios de fonoaudiología, en donde los procesos de intervención se derivan de una evaluación. Dicho proceso evaluativo en la población con discapacidad cognitiva presenta limitaciones por la falta de pruebas objetivas, válidas y confiables que permitan determinar las características de su situación comunicativa. El objetivo de esta investigación fue establecer la validez (de contenido y constructo) y la confiabilidad de una prueba para evaluar comportamientos lingüísticos en población con discapacidad cognitiva de la ciudad de Medellín. Para ello se utilizó un método analítico inferencial relacionado con la validación de instrumentos de medición; la validez de contenido se realizó por juicio de expertos; participaron 13 fonoaudiólogos con experiencia en la atención a la población objeto, quienes evaluaron la prueba bajo los criterios de pertinencia y suficiencia. Para establecer la validez de constructo confirmatorio se utilizó el análisis factorial y se determinó la confiabilidad del instrumento a partir de la consistencia interna de constructo y la prueba test-retest; participaron 75 usuarios. Los resultados del presente estudio avalan la consistencia interna y la estabilidad de la prueba, su validez de contenido y de constructo.Language is an important variable in the development of the communication skill of every human being; their development depends among other things of the opportunities given by the context. Among these opportunities are the services of phonoaudiology, where the intervention processes are derived from an assessment. This evaluative process in people with cognitive disabilities presents limitations due to the lack of objective, valid and reliable evidence for our context, that allow us to determine the characteristics of their communicative situation. The goal of this research was to establish the validity (in content and construct terms) and the reliability of a test to assess linguistic behaviours in people with cognitive disabilities in the city of Medellin.For this purpose an analytical inferential method was used, related to the validation of measuring instruments: content validity was performed by expert judgment, in which 13 phonoaudiologists participated with experience in care of target population, who assessed the test under the criteria of relevance and adequacy. To establish the validity of confirmatory construct, a factorial analysis was used and the instrument's reliability was determined from the internal consistency of the construct and the test - re test method, applied in 75 users. The results of this study show the internal consistency and stability of the test, as well as content and construct validity.
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Τρίτη 19 Ιανουαρίου 2016
Validez y confiabilidad de una prueba para evaluar comportamientos lingüísticos en población con discapacidad cognitiva
Publication date: Available online 19 January 2016
Source:Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología
Author(s): Adriana Marcela Rojas Gil, Ricardo León Sánchez Arenas
El lenguaje se constituye en una variable importante en el desarrollo de la habilidad comunicativa de todo ser humano; su desarrollo depende, entre otros aspectos, de las oportunidades dadas por el contexto. Dentro de estas oportunidades, se encuentran los servicios de fonoaudiología, en donde los procesos de intervención se derivan de una evaluación. Dicho proceso evaluativo en la población con discapacidad cognitiva presenta limitaciones por la falta de pruebas objetivas, válidas y confiables que permitan determinar las características de su situación comunicativa. El objetivo de esta investigación fue establecer la validez (de contenido y constructo) y la confiabilidad de una prueba para evaluar comportamientos lingüísticos en población con discapacidad cognitiva de la ciudad de Medellín. Para ello se utilizó un método analítico inferencial relacionado con la validación de instrumentos de medición; la validez de contenido se realizó por juicio de expertos; participaron 13 fonoaudiólogos con experiencia en la atención a la población objeto, quienes evaluaron la prueba bajo los criterios de pertinencia y suficiencia. Para establecer la validez de constructo confirmatorio se utilizó el análisis factorial y se determinó la confiabilidad del instrumento a partir de la consistencia interna de constructo y la prueba test-retest; participaron 75 usuarios. Los resultados del presente estudio avalan la consistencia interna y la estabilidad de la prueba, su validez de contenido y de constructo.Language is an important variable in the development of the communication skill of every human being; their development depends among other things of the opportunities given by the context. Among these opportunities are the services of phonoaudiology, where the intervention processes are derived from an assessment. This evaluative process in people with cognitive disabilities presents limitations due to the lack of objective, valid and reliable evidence for our context, that allow us to determine the characteristics of their communicative situation. The goal of this research was to establish the validity (in content and construct terms) and the reliability of a test to assess linguistic behaviours in people with cognitive disabilities in the city of Medellin.For this purpose an analytical inferential method was used, related to the validation of measuring instruments: content validity was performed by expert judgment, in which 13 phonoaudiologists participated with experience in care of target population, who assessed the test under the criteria of relevance and adequacy. To establish the validity of confirmatory construct, a factorial analysis was used and the instrument's reliability was determined from the internal consistency of the construct and the test - re test method, applied in 75 users. The results of this study show the internal consistency and stability of the test, as well as content and construct validity.
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Source:Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología
Author(s): Adriana Marcela Rojas Gil, Ricardo León Sánchez Arenas
El lenguaje se constituye en una variable importante en el desarrollo de la habilidad comunicativa de todo ser humano; su desarrollo depende, entre otros aspectos, de las oportunidades dadas por el contexto. Dentro de estas oportunidades, se encuentran los servicios de fonoaudiología, en donde los procesos de intervención se derivan de una evaluación. Dicho proceso evaluativo en la población con discapacidad cognitiva presenta limitaciones por la falta de pruebas objetivas, válidas y confiables que permitan determinar las características de su situación comunicativa. El objetivo de esta investigación fue establecer la validez (de contenido y constructo) y la confiabilidad de una prueba para evaluar comportamientos lingüísticos en población con discapacidad cognitiva de la ciudad de Medellín. Para ello se utilizó un método analítico inferencial relacionado con la validación de instrumentos de medición; la validez de contenido se realizó por juicio de expertos; participaron 13 fonoaudiólogos con experiencia en la atención a la población objeto, quienes evaluaron la prueba bajo los criterios de pertinencia y suficiencia. Para establecer la validez de constructo confirmatorio se utilizó el análisis factorial y se determinó la confiabilidad del instrumento a partir de la consistencia interna de constructo y la prueba test-retest; participaron 75 usuarios. Los resultados del presente estudio avalan la consistencia interna y la estabilidad de la prueba, su validez de contenido y de constructo.Language is an important variable in the development of the communication skill of every human being; their development depends among other things of the opportunities given by the context. Among these opportunities are the services of phonoaudiology, where the intervention processes are derived from an assessment. This evaluative process in people with cognitive disabilities presents limitations due to the lack of objective, valid and reliable evidence for our context, that allow us to determine the characteristics of their communicative situation. The goal of this research was to establish the validity (in content and construct terms) and the reliability of a test to assess linguistic behaviours in people with cognitive disabilities in the city of Medellin.For this purpose an analytical inferential method was used, related to the validation of measuring instruments: content validity was performed by expert judgment, in which 13 phonoaudiologists participated with experience in care of target population, who assessed the test under the criteria of relevance and adequacy. To establish the validity of confirmatory construct, a factorial analysis was used and the instrument's reliability was determined from the internal consistency of the construct and the test - re test method, applied in 75 users. The results of this study show the internal consistency and stability of the test, as well as content and construct validity.
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Validez y confiabilidad de una prueba para evaluar comportamientos lingüísticos en población con discapacidad cognitiva
Publication date: Available online 19 January 2016
Source:Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología
Author(s): Adriana Marcela Rojas Gil, Ricardo León Sánchez Arenas
El lenguaje se constituye en una variable importante en el desarrollo de la habilidad comunicativa de todo ser humano; su desarrollo depende, entre otros aspectos, de las oportunidades dadas por el contexto. Dentro de estas oportunidades, se encuentran los servicios de fonoaudiología, en donde los procesos de intervención se derivan de una evaluación. Dicho proceso evaluativo en la población con discapacidad cognitiva presenta limitaciones por la falta de pruebas objetivas, válidas y confiables que permitan determinar las características de su situación comunicativa. El objetivo de esta investigación fue establecer la validez (de contenido y constructo) y la confiabilidad de una prueba para evaluar comportamientos lingüísticos en población con discapacidad cognitiva de la ciudad de Medellín. Para ello se utilizó un método analítico inferencial relacionado con la validación de instrumentos de medición; la validez de contenido se realizó por juicio de expertos; participaron 13 fonoaudiólogos con experiencia en la atención a la población objeto, quienes evaluaron la prueba bajo los criterios de pertinencia y suficiencia. Para establecer la validez de constructo confirmatorio se utilizó el análisis factorial y se determinó la confiabilidad del instrumento a partir de la consistencia interna de constructo y la prueba test-retest; participaron 75 usuarios. Los resultados del presente estudio avalan la consistencia interna y la estabilidad de la prueba, su validez de contenido y de constructo.Language is an important variable in the development of the communication skill of every human being; their development depends among other things of the opportunities given by the context. Among these opportunities are the services of phonoaudiology, where the intervention processes are derived from an assessment. This evaluative process in people with cognitive disabilities presents limitations due to the lack of objective, valid and reliable evidence for our context, that allow us to determine the characteristics of their communicative situation. The goal of this research was to establish the validity (in content and construct terms) and the reliability of a test to assess linguistic behaviours in people with cognitive disabilities in the city of Medellin.For this purpose an analytical inferential method was used, related to the validation of measuring instruments: content validity was performed by expert judgment, in which 13 phonoaudiologists participated with experience in care of target population, who assessed the test under the criteria of relevance and adequacy. To establish the validity of confirmatory construct, a factorial analysis was used and the instrument's reliability was determined from the internal consistency of the construct and the test - re test method, applied in 75 users. The results of this study show the internal consistency and stability of the test, as well as content and construct validity.
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Source:Revista de Logopedia, Foniatría y Audiología
Author(s): Adriana Marcela Rojas Gil, Ricardo León Sánchez Arenas
El lenguaje se constituye en una variable importante en el desarrollo de la habilidad comunicativa de todo ser humano; su desarrollo depende, entre otros aspectos, de las oportunidades dadas por el contexto. Dentro de estas oportunidades, se encuentran los servicios de fonoaudiología, en donde los procesos de intervención se derivan de una evaluación. Dicho proceso evaluativo en la población con discapacidad cognitiva presenta limitaciones por la falta de pruebas objetivas, válidas y confiables que permitan determinar las características de su situación comunicativa. El objetivo de esta investigación fue establecer la validez (de contenido y constructo) y la confiabilidad de una prueba para evaluar comportamientos lingüísticos en población con discapacidad cognitiva de la ciudad de Medellín. Para ello se utilizó un método analítico inferencial relacionado con la validación de instrumentos de medición; la validez de contenido se realizó por juicio de expertos; participaron 13 fonoaudiólogos con experiencia en la atención a la población objeto, quienes evaluaron la prueba bajo los criterios de pertinencia y suficiencia. Para establecer la validez de constructo confirmatorio se utilizó el análisis factorial y se determinó la confiabilidad del instrumento a partir de la consistencia interna de constructo y la prueba test-retest; participaron 75 usuarios. Los resultados del presente estudio avalan la consistencia interna y la estabilidad de la prueba, su validez de contenido y de constructo.Language is an important variable in the development of the communication skill of every human being; their development depends among other things of the opportunities given by the context. Among these opportunities are the services of phonoaudiology, where the intervention processes are derived from an assessment. This evaluative process in people with cognitive disabilities presents limitations due to the lack of objective, valid and reliable evidence for our context, that allow us to determine the characteristics of their communicative situation. The goal of this research was to establish the validity (in content and construct terms) and the reliability of a test to assess linguistic behaviours in people with cognitive disabilities in the city of Medellin.For this purpose an analytical inferential method was used, related to the validation of measuring instruments: content validity was performed by expert judgment, in which 13 phonoaudiologists participated with experience in care of target population, who assessed the test under the criteria of relevance and adequacy. To establish the validity of confirmatory construct, a factorial analysis was used and the instrument's reliability was determined from the internal consistency of the construct and the test - re test method, applied in 75 users. The results of this study show the internal consistency and stability of the test, as well as content and construct validity.
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HHF Announces New CEO
Nadine Dehgan is the Hearing Health Foundation’s (HHF) newest chief executive officer, effective immediately, according to a release from the organization.
Most recently, Ms. Dehgan held executive positions with Canada's Brandon University and The Humane Society, also in Canada.
Her connection to hearing loss and tinnitus has familial roots. Her father has adult-onset tinnitus, her younger brother experiences hearing loss—though now wears hearing aids—and her daughter had painful, recurring ear infections that led to permanent hearing loss.
"I am excited to be joining an organization whose programs directly benefit and enhance the lives of my loved ones, as well as millions of individuals living with hearing loss and tinnitus," she said in the release.
Ms. Dehgan succeeds Claire Schultz, HHF’s outgoing CEO, who held the role for two years.
Tags: hearing health, HHF, hearing loss, tinnitus
Published: 1/19/2016 9:41:00 AM
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HHF Announces New CEO
Nadine Dehgan is the Hearing Health Foundation’s (HHF) newest chief executive officer, effective immediately, according to a release from the organization.
Most recently, Ms. Dehgan held executive positions with Canada's Brandon University and The Humane Society, also in Canada.
Her connection to hearing loss and tinnitus has familial roots. Her father has adult-onset tinnitus, her younger brother experiences hearing loss—though now wears hearing aids—and her daughter had painful, recurring ear infections that led to permanent hearing loss.
"I am excited to be joining an organization whose programs directly benefit and enhance the lives of my loved ones, as well as millions of individuals living with hearing loss and tinnitus," she said in the release.
Ms. Dehgan succeeds Claire Schultz, HHF’s outgoing CEO, who held the role for two years.
Tags: hearing health, HHF, hearing loss, tinnitus
Published: 1/19/2016 9:41:00 AM
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HHF Announces New CEO
Nadine Dehgan is the Hearing Health Foundation’s (HHF) newest chief executive officer, effective immediately, according to a release from the organization.
Most recently, Ms. Dehgan held executive positions with Canada's Brandon University and The Humane Society, also in Canada.
Her connection to hearing loss and tinnitus has familial roots. Her father has adult-onset tinnitus, her younger brother experiences hearing loss—though now wears hearing aids—and her daughter had painful, recurring ear infections that led to permanent hearing loss.
"I am excited to be joining an organization whose programs directly benefit and enhance the lives of my loved ones, as well as millions of individuals living with hearing loss and tinnitus," she said in the release.
Ms. Dehgan succeeds Claire Schultz, HHF’s outgoing CEO, who held the role for two years.
Tags: hearing health, HHF, hearing loss, tinnitus
Published: 1/19/2016 9:41:00 AM
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Masked Speech Perception Thresholds in Infants, Children, and Adults.
Objective: The primary goal of this study was to compare infants' susceptibility to making produced by a two-talker speech and a speech-shaped noise masker. It is well documented that school-age children experience more difficulty recognizing speech embedded in two-talker speech than spectrally matched noise, a result attributed to immaturity in the ability to segregate target from masker speech, and/or to selectively attend to the target while disregarding the perceptually similar speech masker. However, findings from infant psychophysical studies suggest that infants are susceptible to auditory masking even when target and competing sounds are acoustically distinct. Design: Listeners were infants (8 to10 months), children (8 to 10 years), and adults (18 to 33 years). The task was an observer-based, single-interval disyllabic word detection, in the presence of either a speech-shaped noise or a two-talker masker. The masker played continuously at 55 dB SPL, and the target level was adapted to estimate threshold. Results: As observed previously for closed-set consonant and word identification as well as open-set word and sentence recognition, school-age children experienced relatively more masking than adults in the two-talker than the speech-shaped noise masker. The novel result of this study was that infants' speech detection thresholds were about 24 dB higher than those of adults in both maskers. While response bias differed between listener groups, it did not differ reliably between maskers. Conclusions: It is often assumed that speech perception in a speech masker places greater demands on a listener's ability to segregate and selectively attend to the target than a noise masker. This assumption is based on results showing larger child/adult differences for speech perception in a speech masker composed of a small number of talkers than in spectrally matched noise. The observation that infants experience equal masking for speech and noise maskers suggests that infants experience informational masking in both maskers and raises the possibility that the cues which make the steady noise a relatively ineffective masker for children are learned. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Relative Weighting of Semantic and Syntactic Cues in Native and Non-Native Listeners' Recognition of English Sentences.
Objective: Non-native listeners do not recognize English sentences as effectively as native listeners, especially in noise. It is not entirely clear to what extent such group differences arise from differences in relative weight of semantic versus syntactic cues. This study quantified the use and weighting of these contextual cues via Boothroyd and Nittrouer's j and k factors. The j represents the probability of recognizing sentences with or without context, whereas the k represents the degree to which context improves recognition performance. Design: Four groups of 13 normal-hearing young adult listeners participated. One group consisted of native English monolingual (EMN) listeners, whereas the other three consisted of non-native listeners contrasting in their language dominance and first language: English-dominant Russian-English, Russian-dominant Russian-English, and Spanish-dominant Spanish-English bilinguals. All listeners were presented three sets of four-word sentences: high-predictability sentences included both semantic and syntactic cues, low-predictability sentences included syntactic cues only, and zero-predictability sentences included neither semantic nor syntactic cues. Sentences were presented at 65 dB SPL binaurally in the presence of speech-spectrum noise at +3 dB SNR. Listeners orally repeated each sentence and recognition was calculated for individual words as well as the sentence as a whole. Results: Comparable j values across groups for high-predictability, low-predictability, and zero-predictability sentences suggested that all listeners, native and non-native, utilized contextual cues to recognize English sentences. Analysis of the k factor indicated that non-native listeners took advantage of syntax as effectively as EMN listeners. However, only English-dominant bilinguals utilized semantics to the same extent as EMN listeners; semantics did not provide a significant benefit for the two non-English-dominant groups. When combined, semantics and syntax benefitted EMN listeners significantly more than all three non-native groups of listeners. Conclusions: Language background influenced the use and weighting of semantic and syntactic cues in a complex manner. A native language advantage existed in the effective use of both cues combined. A language-dominance effect was seen in the use of semantics. No first-language effect was present for the use of either or both cues. For all non-native listeners, syntax contributed significantly more to sentence recognition than semantics, possibly due to the fact that semantics develops more gradually than syntax in second-language acquisition. The present study provides evidence that Boothroyd and Nittrouer's j and k factors can be successfully used to quantify the effectiveness of contextual cue use in clinically relevant, linguistically diverse populations. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Masked Speech Perception Thresholds in Infants, Children, and Adults.
Objective: The primary goal of this study was to compare infants' susceptibility to making produced by a two-talker speech and a speech-shaped noise masker. It is well documented that school-age children experience more difficulty recognizing speech embedded in two-talker speech than spectrally matched noise, a result attributed to immaturity in the ability to segregate target from masker speech, and/or to selectively attend to the target while disregarding the perceptually similar speech masker. However, findings from infant psychophysical studies suggest that infants are susceptible to auditory masking even when target and competing sounds are acoustically distinct. Design: Listeners were infants (8 to10 months), children (8 to 10 years), and adults (18 to 33 years). The task was an observer-based, single-interval disyllabic word detection, in the presence of either a speech-shaped noise or a two-talker masker. The masker played continuously at 55 dB SPL, and the target level was adapted to estimate threshold. Results: As observed previously for closed-set consonant and word identification as well as open-set word and sentence recognition, school-age children experienced relatively more masking than adults in the two-talker than the speech-shaped noise masker. The novel result of this study was that infants' speech detection thresholds were about 24 dB higher than those of adults in both maskers. While response bias differed between listener groups, it did not differ reliably between maskers. Conclusions: It is often assumed that speech perception in a speech masker places greater demands on a listener's ability to segregate and selectively attend to the target than a noise masker. This assumption is based on results showing larger child/adult differences for speech perception in a speech masker composed of a small number of talkers than in spectrally matched noise. The observation that infants experience equal masking for speech and noise maskers suggests that infants experience informational masking in both maskers and raises the possibility that the cues which make the steady noise a relatively ineffective masker for children are learned. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Relative Weighting of Semantic and Syntactic Cues in Native and Non-Native Listeners' Recognition of English Sentences.
Objective: Non-native listeners do not recognize English sentences as effectively as native listeners, especially in noise. It is not entirely clear to what extent such group differences arise from differences in relative weight of semantic versus syntactic cues. This study quantified the use and weighting of these contextual cues via Boothroyd and Nittrouer's j and k factors. The j represents the probability of recognizing sentences with or without context, whereas the k represents the degree to which context improves recognition performance. Design: Four groups of 13 normal-hearing young adult listeners participated. One group consisted of native English monolingual (EMN) listeners, whereas the other three consisted of non-native listeners contrasting in their language dominance and first language: English-dominant Russian-English, Russian-dominant Russian-English, and Spanish-dominant Spanish-English bilinguals. All listeners were presented three sets of four-word sentences: high-predictability sentences included both semantic and syntactic cues, low-predictability sentences included syntactic cues only, and zero-predictability sentences included neither semantic nor syntactic cues. Sentences were presented at 65 dB SPL binaurally in the presence of speech-spectrum noise at +3 dB SNR. Listeners orally repeated each sentence and recognition was calculated for individual words as well as the sentence as a whole. Results: Comparable j values across groups for high-predictability, low-predictability, and zero-predictability sentences suggested that all listeners, native and non-native, utilized contextual cues to recognize English sentences. Analysis of the k factor indicated that non-native listeners took advantage of syntax as effectively as EMN listeners. However, only English-dominant bilinguals utilized semantics to the same extent as EMN listeners; semantics did not provide a significant benefit for the two non-English-dominant groups. When combined, semantics and syntax benefitted EMN listeners significantly more than all three non-native groups of listeners. Conclusions: Language background influenced the use and weighting of semantic and syntactic cues in a complex manner. A native language advantage existed in the effective use of both cues combined. A language-dominance effect was seen in the use of semantics. No first-language effect was present for the use of either or both cues. For all non-native listeners, syntax contributed significantly more to sentence recognition than semantics, possibly due to the fact that semantics develops more gradually than syntax in second-language acquisition. The present study provides evidence that Boothroyd and Nittrouer's j and k factors can be successfully used to quantify the effectiveness of contextual cue use in clinically relevant, linguistically diverse populations. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Masked Speech Perception Thresholds in Infants, Children, and Adults.
Objective: The primary goal of this study was to compare infants' susceptibility to making produced by a two-talker speech and a speech-shaped noise masker. It is well documented that school-age children experience more difficulty recognizing speech embedded in two-talker speech than spectrally matched noise, a result attributed to immaturity in the ability to segregate target from masker speech, and/or to selectively attend to the target while disregarding the perceptually similar speech masker. However, findings from infant psychophysical studies suggest that infants are susceptible to auditory masking even when target and competing sounds are acoustically distinct. Design: Listeners were infants (8 to10 months), children (8 to 10 years), and adults (18 to 33 years). The task was an observer-based, single-interval disyllabic word detection, in the presence of either a speech-shaped noise or a two-talker masker. The masker played continuously at 55 dB SPL, and the target level was adapted to estimate threshold. Results: As observed previously for closed-set consonant and word identification as well as open-set word and sentence recognition, school-age children experienced relatively more masking than adults in the two-talker than the speech-shaped noise masker. The novel result of this study was that infants' speech detection thresholds were about 24 dB higher than those of adults in both maskers. While response bias differed between listener groups, it did not differ reliably between maskers. Conclusions: It is often assumed that speech perception in a speech masker places greater demands on a listener's ability to segregate and selectively attend to the target than a noise masker. This assumption is based on results showing larger child/adult differences for speech perception in a speech masker composed of a small number of talkers than in spectrally matched noise. The observation that infants experience equal masking for speech and noise maskers suggests that infants experience informational masking in both maskers and raises the possibility that the cues which make the steady noise a relatively ineffective masker for children are learned. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Relative Weighting of Semantic and Syntactic Cues in Native and Non-Native Listeners' Recognition of English Sentences.
Objective: Non-native listeners do not recognize English sentences as effectively as native listeners, especially in noise. It is not entirely clear to what extent such group differences arise from differences in relative weight of semantic versus syntactic cues. This study quantified the use and weighting of these contextual cues via Boothroyd and Nittrouer's j and k factors. The j represents the probability of recognizing sentences with or without context, whereas the k represents the degree to which context improves recognition performance. Design: Four groups of 13 normal-hearing young adult listeners participated. One group consisted of native English monolingual (EMN) listeners, whereas the other three consisted of non-native listeners contrasting in their language dominance and first language: English-dominant Russian-English, Russian-dominant Russian-English, and Spanish-dominant Spanish-English bilinguals. All listeners were presented three sets of four-word sentences: high-predictability sentences included both semantic and syntactic cues, low-predictability sentences included syntactic cues only, and zero-predictability sentences included neither semantic nor syntactic cues. Sentences were presented at 65 dB SPL binaurally in the presence of speech-spectrum noise at +3 dB SNR. Listeners orally repeated each sentence and recognition was calculated for individual words as well as the sentence as a whole. Results: Comparable j values across groups for high-predictability, low-predictability, and zero-predictability sentences suggested that all listeners, native and non-native, utilized contextual cues to recognize English sentences. Analysis of the k factor indicated that non-native listeners took advantage of syntax as effectively as EMN listeners. However, only English-dominant bilinguals utilized semantics to the same extent as EMN listeners; semantics did not provide a significant benefit for the two non-English-dominant groups. When combined, semantics and syntax benefitted EMN listeners significantly more than all three non-native groups of listeners. Conclusions: Language background influenced the use and weighting of semantic and syntactic cues in a complex manner. A native language advantage existed in the effective use of both cues combined. A language-dominance effect was seen in the use of semantics. No first-language effect was present for the use of either or both cues. For all non-native listeners, syntax contributed significantly more to sentence recognition than semantics, possibly due to the fact that semantics develops more gradually than syntax in second-language acquisition. The present study provides evidence that Boothroyd and Nittrouer's j and k factors can be successfully used to quantify the effectiveness of contextual cue use in clinically relevant, linguistically diverse populations. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Evaluation of the effects of occupational noise exposure on serum aldosterone and potassium among industrial workers
Sajad Zare, Parvin Nassiri, Mohammad Reza Monazzam, Akram Pourbakht, Kamal Azam, Taghi Golmohammadi
Noise and Health 2016 18(80):1-6
The existing literature indicates that occupational exposure to noise may have adverse effects on workers' health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of exposure to different sound pressure levels (SPLs) on serum aldosterone and potassium concentration among Iranian blue collar workers in Golgohar Mining and Industrial Company in Sirjan, Kerman Province, Iran. This case-control study was performed on 45 workers of Golgohar Mining and Industrial Company. The subjects consisted of 30 workers from manufacturing departments and 15 office employees of the mining company. The controls, mainly with administrative jobs were exposed to 72 dBA SPL. Cases, in two separate groups, were exposed to noise levels of 88 dBA and 103 dBA, respectively. Noise intensity was measured at the desired locations. Noise measurements were performed according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9612. To measure the serum aldosterone and potassium concentrations, a 5 mL blood sample was taken from each worker at the specified time intervals and aldosterone concentration was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test in the laboratory. Repeated measurement and Spearman's correlation coefficient analysis were used with α = 0.05. Exposure to the different levels of sound pressure resulted in different aldosterone concentrations and meanwhile an increase in the SPL did not affect the concentration of potassium. From 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, as SPL increased, aldosterone concentrations did not increase significantly but from 13:30 PM to 14:00 PM, raised SPL led to a significant increase in aldosterone concentration. However, there was no correlation between the concentration of potassium and different factors. This study indicated that increases in SPLs affect aldosterone concentration but at the same time do not have significant effects on serum potassium level.
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Noise and Health 2016 18(80):1-6
The existing literature indicates that occupational exposure to noise may have adverse effects on workers' health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of exposure to different sound pressure levels (SPLs) on serum aldosterone and potassium concentration among Iranian blue collar workers in Golgohar Mining and Industrial Company in Sirjan, Kerman Province, Iran. This case-control study was performed on 45 workers of Golgohar Mining and Industrial Company. The subjects consisted of 30 workers from manufacturing departments and 15 office employees of the mining company. The controls, mainly with administrative jobs were exposed to 72 dBA SPL. Cases, in two separate groups, were exposed to noise levels of 88 dBA and 103 dBA, respectively. Noise intensity was measured at the desired locations. Noise measurements were performed according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9612. To measure the serum aldosterone and potassium concentrations, a 5 mL blood sample was taken from each worker at the specified time intervals and aldosterone concentration was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test in the laboratory. Repeated measurement and Spearman's correlation coefficient analysis were used with α = 0.05. Exposure to the different levels of sound pressure resulted in different aldosterone concentrations and meanwhile an increase in the SPL did not affect the concentration of potassium. From 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, as SPL increased, aldosterone concentrations did not increase significantly but from 13:30 PM to 14:00 PM, raised SPL led to a significant increase in aldosterone concentration. However, there was no correlation between the concentration of potassium and different factors. This study indicated that increases in SPLs affect aldosterone concentration but at the same time do not have significant effects on serum potassium level.
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Investigation of the effect of the efficiency of noise at different intensities on the DNA of the newborns
Nesrin Ceylan, Sultan Kaba, Kamuran Karaman, Metin Celiker, Yildiray Basbugan, Nihat Demir
Noise and Health 2016 18(80):7-9
Hearing loss can occur in newborns exposed to high-level noise; noise exposure can cause more physiological stress and can lead to DNA damage. This study was designed to determine DNA damage in newborn rats exposed to sound at different concentrations. For this purpose, 28 newborn (3-6 days old) rats were divided into four groups of 7 rats in each group (Control and Groups of 40 decibel (dB), 70 dB, and 110 dB]. In the experimental groups, 40 dB, 70 dB, and 110 dB (7.5-15 kHz) of sound was applied to the experimental groups for 30 min a day for 7 days. DNA damage levels in the serums obtained from this study were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. According to this, it was determined that DNA damage in the group exposed to 110 dB showed a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) compared to the compared to the control, 40 dB, and 70 dB groups. Related to the subject, it was concluded that DNA damage may occur in newborns exposed to 110 dB or higher sound in neonatal units, wards, and home environments with newborn babies. Mothers should be warned about this situation and noise should be kept under 110 dB volume in the environments with the newborns.
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Noise and Health 2016 18(80):7-9
Hearing loss can occur in newborns exposed to high-level noise; noise exposure can cause more physiological stress and can lead to DNA damage. This study was designed to determine DNA damage in newborn rats exposed to sound at different concentrations. For this purpose, 28 newborn (3-6 days old) rats were divided into four groups of 7 rats in each group (Control and Groups of 40 decibel (dB), 70 dB, and 110 dB]. In the experimental groups, 40 dB, 70 dB, and 110 dB (7.5-15 kHz) of sound was applied to the experimental groups for 30 min a day for 7 days. DNA damage levels in the serums obtained from this study were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. According to this, it was determined that DNA damage in the group exposed to 110 dB showed a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) compared to the compared to the control, 40 dB, and 70 dB groups. Related to the subject, it was concluded that DNA damage may occur in newborns exposed to 110 dB or higher sound in neonatal units, wards, and home environments with newborn babies. Mothers should be warned about this situation and noise should be kept under 110 dB volume in the environments with the newborns.
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Preferred listening levels of mobile phone programs when considering subway interior noise
Jyaehyoung Yu, Donguk Lee, Woojae Han
Noise and Health 2016 18(80):36-41
Today, people listen to music loud using personal listening devices. Although a majority of studies have reported that the high volume played on these listening devices produces a latent risk of hearing problems, there is a lack of studies on "double noise exposures" such as environmental noise plus recreational noise. The present study measures the preferred listening levels of a mobile phone program with subway interior noise for 74 normal-hearing participants in five age groups (ranging from 20s to 60s). The speakers presented the subway interior noise at 73.45 dB, while each subject listened to three application programs [Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), music, game] for 30 min using a tablet personal computer with an earphone. The participants' earphone volume levels were analyzed using a sound level meter and a 2cc coupler. Overall, the results showed that those in their 20s listened to the three programs significantly louder with DMB set at significantly higher volume levels than for the other programs. Higher volume levels were needed for middle frequency compared to the lower and higher frequencies. We concluded that any potential risk of noise-induced hearing loss for mobile phone users should be communicated when users listen regularly, although the volume level was not high enough that the users felt uncomfortable. When considering individual listening habits on mobile phones, further study to predict total accumulated environmental noise is still needed.
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Noise and Health 2016 18(80):36-41
Today, people listen to music loud using personal listening devices. Although a majority of studies have reported that the high volume played on these listening devices produces a latent risk of hearing problems, there is a lack of studies on "double noise exposures" such as environmental noise plus recreational noise. The present study measures the preferred listening levels of a mobile phone program with subway interior noise for 74 normal-hearing participants in five age groups (ranging from 20s to 60s). The speakers presented the subway interior noise at 73.45 dB, while each subject listened to three application programs [Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), music, game] for 30 min using a tablet personal computer with an earphone. The participants' earphone volume levels were analyzed using a sound level meter and a 2cc coupler. Overall, the results showed that those in their 20s listened to the three programs significantly louder with DMB set at significantly higher volume levels than for the other programs. Higher volume levels were needed for middle frequency compared to the lower and higher frequencies. We concluded that any potential risk of noise-induced hearing loss for mobile phone users should be communicated when users listen regularly, although the volume level was not high enough that the users felt uncomfortable. When considering individual listening habits on mobile phones, further study to predict total accumulated environmental noise is still needed.
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Distortion product otoacoustic emissions in college music majors and nonmusic majors
Rebecca L. Warner Henning, Kate Bobholz
Noise and Health 2016 18(80):10-20
The presence and absence of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) as well as DPOAE amplitudes were compared between college music majors and a control group of nonmusic majors. Participants included 28 music majors and 35 nonmusic majors enrolled at a university with ages ranging from 18-25 years. DPOAEs and hearing thresholds were measured bilaterally on all the participants. DPOAE amplitudes were analyzed at the following f2 frequencies: 1,187 Hz, 1,500 Hz, 1,906 Hz, 2,531 Hz, 3,031 Hz, 3812 Hz, 4,812 Hz, and 6,031 Hz. Significantly more music majors (7/28) than nonmusic majors (0/35) exhibited absent DPOAEs for at least one frequency in at least one ear. Both groups of students reported similar histories of recreational and occupational noise exposures that were unrelated to studying music, and none of the students reported high levels of noise exposure within the previous 48 h. There were no differences in audiometric thresholds between the groups at any frequency. At DPOAE f2 frequencies from 3,031 Hz to 6,031 Hz, nonsignificantly lower amplitudes of 2-4 dB were seen in the right ears of music majors versus nonmajors, and in the right ears of music majors playing brass instruments compared to music majors playing nonbrass instruments. Given the greater prevalence of absent DPOAEs in university music majors compared to nonmusic majors, it appears that early stages of cochlear damage may be occurring in this population. Additional research, preferably longitudinal and across multiple colleges/universities, would be beneficial to more definitively determine when the music students begin to show signs of cochlear damage, and to identify whether any particular subgroups of music majors are at a greater risk of cochlear damage.
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Noise and Health 2016 18(80):10-20
The presence and absence of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) as well as DPOAE amplitudes were compared between college music majors and a control group of nonmusic majors. Participants included 28 music majors and 35 nonmusic majors enrolled at a university with ages ranging from 18-25 years. DPOAEs and hearing thresholds were measured bilaterally on all the participants. DPOAE amplitudes were analyzed at the following f2 frequencies: 1,187 Hz, 1,500 Hz, 1,906 Hz, 2,531 Hz, 3,031 Hz, 3812 Hz, 4,812 Hz, and 6,031 Hz. Significantly more music majors (7/28) than nonmusic majors (0/35) exhibited absent DPOAEs for at least one frequency in at least one ear. Both groups of students reported similar histories of recreational and occupational noise exposures that were unrelated to studying music, and none of the students reported high levels of noise exposure within the previous 48 h. There were no differences in audiometric thresholds between the groups at any frequency. At DPOAE f2 frequencies from 3,031 Hz to 6,031 Hz, nonsignificantly lower amplitudes of 2-4 dB were seen in the right ears of music majors versus nonmajors, and in the right ears of music majors playing brass instruments compared to music majors playing nonbrass instruments. Given the greater prevalence of absent DPOAEs in university music majors compared to nonmusic majors, it appears that early stages of cochlear damage may be occurring in this population. Additional research, preferably longitudinal and across multiple colleges/universities, would be beneficial to more definitively determine when the music students begin to show signs of cochlear damage, and to identify whether any particular subgroups of music majors are at a greater risk of cochlear damage.
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Acoustic assessment of speech privacy curtains in two nursing units
Diana S Pope, Erik T Miller-Klein
Noise and Health 2016 18(80):26-35
Hospitals have complex soundscapes that create challenges to patient care. Extraneous noise and high reverberation rates impair speech intelligibility, which leads to raised voices. In an unintended spiral, the increasing noise may result in diminished speech privacy, as people speak loudly to be heard over the din. The products available to improve hospital soundscapes include construction materials that absorb sound (acoustic ceiling tiles, carpet, wall insulation) and reduce reverberation rates. Enhanced privacy curtains are now available and offer potential for a relatively simple way to improve speech privacy and speech intelligibility by absorbing sound at the hospital patient's bedside. Acoustic assessments were performed over 2 days on two nursing units with a similar design in the same hospital. One unit was built with the 1970s' standard hospital construction and the other was newly refurbished (2013) with sound-absorbing features. In addition, we determined the effect of an enhanced privacy curtain versus standard privacy curtains using acoustic measures of speech privacy and speech intelligibility indexes. Privacy curtains provided auditory protection for the patients. In general, that protection was increased by the use of enhanced privacy curtains. On an average, the enhanced curtain improved sound absorption from 20% to 30%; however, there was considerable variability, depending on the configuration of the rooms tested. Enhanced privacy curtains provide measureable improvement to the acoustics of patient rooms but cannot overcome larger acoustic design issues. To shorten reverberation time, additional absorption, and compact and more fragmented nursing unit floor plate shapes should be considered.
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Noise and Health 2016 18(80):26-35
Hospitals have complex soundscapes that create challenges to patient care. Extraneous noise and high reverberation rates impair speech intelligibility, which leads to raised voices. In an unintended spiral, the increasing noise may result in diminished speech privacy, as people speak loudly to be heard over the din. The products available to improve hospital soundscapes include construction materials that absorb sound (acoustic ceiling tiles, carpet, wall insulation) and reduce reverberation rates. Enhanced privacy curtains are now available and offer potential for a relatively simple way to improve speech privacy and speech intelligibility by absorbing sound at the hospital patient's bedside. Acoustic assessments were performed over 2 days on two nursing units with a similar design in the same hospital. One unit was built with the 1970s' standard hospital construction and the other was newly refurbished (2013) with sound-absorbing features. In addition, we determined the effect of an enhanced privacy curtain versus standard privacy curtains using acoustic measures of speech privacy and speech intelligibility indexes. Privacy curtains provided auditory protection for the patients. In general, that protection was increased by the use of enhanced privacy curtains. On an average, the enhanced curtain improved sound absorption from 20% to 30%; however, there was considerable variability, depending on the configuration of the rooms tested. Enhanced privacy curtains provide measureable improvement to the acoustics of patient rooms but cannot overcome larger acoustic design issues. To shorten reverberation time, additional absorption, and compact and more fragmented nursing unit floor plate shapes should be considered.
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Age-related hearing decline in individuals with and without occupational noise exposure
Christina Hederstierna, Ulf Rosenhall
Noise and Health 2016 18(80):21-25
This study was conducted to compare the pattern of age-related hearing decline in individuals with and without self-reported previous occupational noise exposure. This was a prospective, population-based, longitudinal study of individuals aged 70-75 years, from an epidemiological investigation, comprising three age cohorts. In total there were 1013 subjects (432 men and 581 women). Participants were tested with pure tone audiometry, and they answered a questionnaire to provide information regarding number of years of occupational noise exposure. There were no significant differences in hearing decline, at any frequency, for those aged 70-75 years between the noise-exposed (N= 62 men, 22 women) and the nonexposed groups (N = 96 men, 158 women). This study supports the additive model of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and age-related hearing loss (ARHL). The concept of different patterns of hearing decline between persons exposed and not exposed to noise could not be verified.
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Noise and Health 2016 18(80):21-25
This study was conducted to compare the pattern of age-related hearing decline in individuals with and without self-reported previous occupational noise exposure. This was a prospective, population-based, longitudinal study of individuals aged 70-75 years, from an epidemiological investigation, comprising three age cohorts. In total there were 1013 subjects (432 men and 581 women). Participants were tested with pure tone audiometry, and they answered a questionnaire to provide information regarding number of years of occupational noise exposure. There were no significant differences in hearing decline, at any frequency, for those aged 70-75 years between the noise-exposed (N= 62 men, 22 women) and the nonexposed groups (N = 96 men, 158 women). This study supports the additive model of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and age-related hearing loss (ARHL). The concept of different patterns of hearing decline between persons exposed and not exposed to noise could not be verified.
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Evaluating effectiveness of dynamic soundfield system in the classroom
Aline Duarte da Cruz, Kelly Cristina Alves Silvério, Aline Roberta Aceituno Da Costa, Adriane Lima Mortari Moret, José Roberto Pereira Lauris, Regina Tangerino de Souza Jacob
Noise and Health 2016 18(80):42-49
Research has reported on the use of soundfield amplification devices in the classroom. However, no study has used standardized tests to determine the potential advantages of the dynamic soundfield system for normally hearing students and for the teacher's voice. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of using dynamic soundfield system on the noise of the classroom, teacher's voice and students' academic performance. This was a prospective cohort study in which 20 student participants enrolled in the third year of basic education were divided into two groups (i.e., control and experimental); their teacher participated. The experimental group was exposed to the dynamic soundfield system for 3 consecutive months. The groups were assessed using standardized tests to evaluate their academic performance. Further, questionnaires and statements were collected on the participants' experience of using the soundfield system. We statistically analyzed the results to compare the academic performance of the control group with that of the experimental group. In all cases, a significance level of P < .05 was adopted. Use of the dynamic soundfield system was effective for improving the students' academic performance on standardized tests for reading, improving the teacher's speech intelligibility, and reducing the teacher's vocal strain. The dynamic soundfield system minimizes the impact of noise in the classroom as demonstrated by the mensuration of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and pupil performance on standardized tests for reading and student and teacher ratings of amplification system effectiveness.
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Noise and Health 2016 18(80):42-49
Research has reported on the use of soundfield amplification devices in the classroom. However, no study has used standardized tests to determine the potential advantages of the dynamic soundfield system for normally hearing students and for the teacher's voice. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of using dynamic soundfield system on the noise of the classroom, teacher's voice and students' academic performance. This was a prospective cohort study in which 20 student participants enrolled in the third year of basic education were divided into two groups (i.e., control and experimental); their teacher participated. The experimental group was exposed to the dynamic soundfield system for 3 consecutive months. The groups were assessed using standardized tests to evaluate their academic performance. Further, questionnaires and statements were collected on the participants' experience of using the soundfield system. We statistically analyzed the results to compare the academic performance of the control group with that of the experimental group. In all cases, a significance level of P < .05 was adopted. Use of the dynamic soundfield system was effective for improving the students' academic performance on standardized tests for reading, improving the teacher's speech intelligibility, and reducing the teacher's vocal strain. The dynamic soundfield system minimizes the impact of noise in the classroom as demonstrated by the mensuration of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and pupil performance on standardized tests for reading and student and teacher ratings of amplification system effectiveness.
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Wearable Devices: From CE Show to AudiologyNOW! 2016
The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) provides an annual opportunity for technophiles to view many of the latest gadgets in one location – Las Vegas. The meeting, held this year on January 6-9, shines a spotlight on emerging innovation from a broad array of industries.
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Modeling of aerodynamic interaction between vocal folds and vocal tract during production of a vowel–voiceless plosive–vowel sequence
The context of this study is the physical modeling of speech production. The objective is, by using a mechanical replica of the vocal tract, to test quantitatively an aerodynamic model of the interaction between the vocal folds and the vocal tract during the production of a vowel–voiceless plosive–vowelsequence. The first step is to realize acoustic and aerodynamic measurements on a speaker during the production of an /apa/ sequence. The aperture and width of the lips are also derived from a high-speed video recording of the subject's face. Theoretical models to describe the flow through the lips and the effect of an expansion of the supraglottal cavity are proposed and validated by comparison with measurements made using a self-oscillating replica of the phonatory system. Finally, using these models, numerical simulations of an /apa/ sequence are performed using the measured lip parameters as the only time-varying input parameters. The results of these simulations suggest that the realization of an occlusion of the vocal tract produces a passive increase in glottal area associated with a voice offset and that the expansion of the supraglottal cavity is responsible for the extension of the phonation up to 40 ms after closure of the lips.
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ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To receive a copy of the latest Standards catalog, please contact Susan B. Blaeser.
Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.
This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National Catalog of Acoustical Standards and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://ift.tt/1rNqYG4.
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An acoustic study of multiple lateral consonants in three Central Australian languages
This study presents dental, alveolar, retroflex, and palatal lateral /̪ll ɭ ʎ/ data from three Central Australian languages: Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara, and Warlpiri. Formant results show that the laminal laterals (dental /̪l/ and palatal /ʎ/) have a relatively low F1, presumably due to a high jaw position for these sounds, as well as higher F4. In addition, the palatal /ʎ/ has very high F2. There is relatively little difference in F3 between the four lateral places of articulation. However, the retroflex /ɭ/ appears to have slightly lower F3 and F4 in comparison to the other lateral sounds. Importantly, spectral moment analyses suggest that centre of gravity and standard deviation (first and second spectral moments) are sufficient to characterize the four places of articulation. The retroflex has a concentration of energy at slightly lower frequencies than the alveolar, while the palatal has a concentration of energy at higher frequencies. The dental is characterized by a more even spread of energy. These various results are discussed in light of different acoustic models of lateral production, and the possibility of spectral cues to place of articulation across manners of articulation is considered.
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Effects of relative and absolute frequency in the spectral weighting of loudnessa)
The loudness of broadband sound is often modeled as a linear sum of specific loudness across frequency bands. In contrast, recent studies using molecular psychophysical methods suggest that low and high frequency components contribute more to the overall loudness than mid frequencies. In a series of experiments, the contribution of individual components to the overall loudness of a tone complex was assessed using the molecular psychophysical method as well as a loudness matching task. The stimuli were two spectrally overlapping ten-tone complexes with two equivalent rectangular bandwidth spacing between the tones, making it possible to separate effects of relative and absolute frequency. The lowest frequency components of the “low-frequency” and the “high-frequency” complexes were 208 and 808 Hz, respectively. Perceptual-weights data showed emphasis on lowest and highest frequencies of both the complexes, suggesting spectral-edge related effects.Loudness matching data in the same listeners confirmed the greater contribution of low and high frequency components to the overall loudness of the ten-tone complexes. Masked detection thresholds of the individual components within the tone complex were not correlated with perceptual weights. The results show that perceptual weights provide reliable behavioral correlates of relative contributions of the individual frequency components to overall loudness of broadband sounds.
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Effects of fluid medium flow and spatial temperature variation on acoustophoretic motion of microparticles in microfluidic channelsa)
A numerical modeling method for accurately predicting the acoustophoretic motion of compressible microparticles in microfluidic devices is presented to consider the effects of fluid medium flow and spatial temperature variation that can significantly influence the acoustophoretic motion. In the proposed method, zeroth-order fluid medium flow and temperature, and first- and second-order acoustic fields in the microfluidic devices are first calculated by applying quadratic mapping functions and a second-order finite difference method (FDM) to perturbed mass, momentum, and energy conservation equations and state equation. Then, the acoustic radiation force is obtained based on the Gorkov's acoustic radiation force equation and applied to the Newton's Equation of Motion to calculate the microparticle motion. The proposed method was validated by comparing its results to a commercial software package, COMSOL Multiphysics results, one-dimensional, analytical modeling results, and experimental results. It is shown that the fluid medium flow affects the acoustic radiation force and streaming significantly, resulting in the acoustic radiation force and streaming prediction errors of 10.9% and 67.4%, respectively, when the fluid medium flow speed is increased from 0 to 1 m/s. A local temperature elevation from 20 °C to 22 °C also results in the prediction errors of 88.4% and 73.4%.
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Commentary to Gorelenkova Miller and Mieyal (2015): sulfhydryl-mediated redox signaling in inflammation: role in neurodegenerative diseases.
Commentary to Gorelenkova Miller and Mieyal (2015): sulfhydryl-mediated redox signaling in inflammation: role in neurodegenerative diseases.
Arch Toxicol. 2016 Jan 16;
Authors: Kato M, Ninomiya H, Maeda M, Tanaka N, Ilmiawati C, Yoshinaga M
Abstract
Gorelenkova Miller and Mieyal (Arch Toxicol 89(9): 1439-1467, 2015) recently published a review paper suggesting that reversible cysteine plays a key role in redox-linked signal transduction via alteration of protein function, resulting in an association with many diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. Following their suggestions, we considered the correlation between sulfhydryl-mediated redox signaling and neurodegenerative diseases by focusing on RET proteins, a protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) potentially sited upstream of the signal transduction cascade. c-RET is the receptor for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family ligands. c-RET has been reported to be involved in not only Hirschsprung disease via development of the enteric nervous system but also neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We also showed that c-RET might be associated with hearing loss via neurodegeneration of spiral ganglion neurons in the inner ear after birth in mice and humans. Moreover, we have reported that three kinds of oxidative stress, ultraviolet light-induced stress, osmotic stress and arsenic-induced stress, modulate kinase activity of RET-PTC1 without an extracellular domain as well as c-RET by conformational change of RET protein (dimerization) via disulfide bond formation. The oxidative stresses also modulate kinase activity of RET-PTC1 with cysteine 365 (C365) replaced by alanine with promotion of dimer formation, but not with cysteine 376 (C376) replaced by alanine. Since C376 of Ret-PTC-1 or its equivalent is most highly conserved and crucial for activity in PTKs, the cysteine could be one of major targets for oxidative stresses.
PMID: 26780347 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Safety of the HyperSound® Audio System in Subjects with Normal Hearing.
Safety of the HyperSound® Audio System in Subjects with Normal Hearing.
Audiol Res. 2015 Jun 11;5(2):136
Authors: Mehta RP, Mattson SL, Kappus BA, Seitzman RL
Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess the safety of the HyperSound® Audio System (HSS), a novel audio system using ultrasound technology, in normal hearing subjects under normal use conditions; we considered pre-exposure and post-exposure test design. We investigated primary and secondary outcome measures: i) temporary threshold shift (TTS), defined as >10 dB shift in pure tone air conduction thresholds and/or a decrement in distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) >10 dB at two or more frequencies; ii) presence of new-onset otologic symptoms after exposure. Twenty adult subjects with normal hearing underwent a pre-exposure assessment (pure tone air conduction audiometry, tympanometry, DPOAEs and otologic symptoms questionnaire) followed by exposure to a 2-h movie with sound delivered through the HSS emitter followed by a post-exposure assessment. No TTS or new-onset otological symptoms were identified. HSS demonstrates excellent safety in normal hearing subjects under normal use conditions.
PMID: 26779330 [PubMed]
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Chiropractic Response to a Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection.
Chiropractic Response to a Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection.
J Chiropr Med. 2015 Sep;14(3):183-90
Authors: Tarola G, Phillips RB
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe a case in which early detection and proper follow-up of spontaneous vertebral artery dissection led to satisfactory outcomes.
CLINICAL FEATURES: A 34-year old white woman reported to a chiropractic clinic with a constant burning pain at the right side of her neck and shoulder with a limited ability to turn her head from side to side, periods of blurred vision, and muffled hearing. Dizziness, visual and auditory disturbances, and balance difficulty abated within 1 hour of onset and were not present at the time of evaluation. A pain drawing indicated burning pain in the suboccipital area, neck, and upper shoulder on the right and a pins and needles sensation on the dorsal surface of both forearms. Turning her head from side-to-side aggravated the pain, and the application of heat brought temporary relief. The Neck Disability Index score of 44 placed the patient's pain in the most severe category.
INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was not treated on the initial visit but was advised of the possibility of a vertebral artery or carotid artery dissection and was recommended to the emergency department for immediate evaluation. The patient declined but later was convinced by her chiropractor to present to the emergency department. A magnetic resonance angiogram of the neck and carotid arteries was performed showing that the left vertebral artery was hypoplastic and appeared to terminate at the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery. There was an abrupt moderately long segment of narrowing involving the right vertebral artery beginning near the junction of the V1 and V2 segments. The radiologist noted a concern regarding right vertebral artery dissection. Symptoms resolved and the patient was cleared of any medications but advised that if symptoms reoccurred she was to go for emergency care immediately.
CONCLUSION: Recognition and rapid response by the chiropractic physician provided the optimum outcome for this particular patient.
PMID: 26778932 [PubMed]
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Safety of the HyperSound® Audio System in Subjects with Normal Hearing.
Safety of the HyperSound® Audio System in Subjects with Normal Hearing.
Audiol Res. 2015 Jun 11;5(2):136
Authors: Mehta RP, Mattson SL, Kappus BA, Seitzman RL
Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess the safety of the HyperSound® Audio System (HSS), a novel audio system using ultrasound technology, in normal hearing subjects under normal use conditions; we considered pre-exposure and post-exposure test design. We investigated primary and secondary outcome measures: i) temporary threshold shift (TTS), defined as >10 dB shift in pure tone air conduction thresholds and/or a decrement in distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) >10 dB at two or more frequencies; ii) presence of new-onset otologic symptoms after exposure. Twenty adult subjects with normal hearing underwent a pre-exposure assessment (pure tone air conduction audiometry, tympanometry, DPOAEs and otologic symptoms questionnaire) followed by exposure to a 2-h movie with sound delivered through the HSS emitter followed by a post-exposure assessment. No TTS or new-onset otological symptoms were identified. HSS demonstrates excellent safety in normal hearing subjects under normal use conditions.
PMID: 26779330 [PubMed]
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Chiropractic Response to a Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection.
Chiropractic Response to a Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection.
J Chiropr Med. 2015 Sep;14(3):183-90
Authors: Tarola G, Phillips RB
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe a case in which early detection and proper follow-up of spontaneous vertebral artery dissection led to satisfactory outcomes.
CLINICAL FEATURES: A 34-year old white woman reported to a chiropractic clinic with a constant burning pain at the right side of her neck and shoulder with a limited ability to turn her head from side to side, periods of blurred vision, and muffled hearing. Dizziness, visual and auditory disturbances, and balance difficulty abated within 1 hour of onset and were not present at the time of evaluation. A pain drawing indicated burning pain in the suboccipital area, neck, and upper shoulder on the right and a pins and needles sensation on the dorsal surface of both forearms. Turning her head from side-to-side aggravated the pain, and the application of heat brought temporary relief. The Neck Disability Index score of 44 placed the patient's pain in the most severe category.
INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was not treated on the initial visit but was advised of the possibility of a vertebral artery or carotid artery dissection and was recommended to the emergency department for immediate evaluation. The patient declined but later was convinced by her chiropractor to present to the emergency department. A magnetic resonance angiogram of the neck and carotid arteries was performed showing that the left vertebral artery was hypoplastic and appeared to terminate at the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery. There was an abrupt moderately long segment of narrowing involving the right vertebral artery beginning near the junction of the V1 and V2 segments. The radiologist noted a concern regarding right vertebral artery dissection. Symptoms resolved and the patient was cleared of any medications but advised that if symptoms reoccurred she was to go for emergency care immediately.
CONCLUSION: Recognition and rapid response by the chiropractic physician provided the optimum outcome for this particular patient.
PMID: 26778932 [PubMed]
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