scholarly journals Acoustic-phonetic and auditory mechanisms of adaptation in the perception of sibilant fricatives

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Chodroff ◽  
Colin Wilson
Keyword(s):  
White Noise ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Contextual Variation ◽  
Average Spectrum ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Spectral Components ◽  
Mechanisms Of Adaptation ◽  
Sibilant Fricatives ◽  
Contextual Adaptation

Listeners are highly proficient at adapting to contextual variation when perceiving speech. The present study examined the effects of brief speech and non-speech contexts on the perception of sibilant fricatives. We explored three theoretically motivated accounts of contextual adaptation based on phonetic cue calibration, phonetic covariation, and auditory contrast. Under the cue calibration account, listeners adapt by estimating a talker-specific average for each phonetic cue or dimension; under the cue covariation account, listeners adapt by exploiting consistencies in how the realization of speech sounds vary across talkers; under the auditory contrast account, adaptation results from (partial) masking of spectral components that are shared by adjacent stimuli. The spectral center of gravity, a phonetic cue to fricative identity, was manipulated for several types of context sound: /z/-initial syllables, /v/-initial syllables, and white noise matched in long-term average spectrum (LTAS) to the /z/-initial stimuli. Listeners’ perception of the /s/–/ʃ/ contrast was significantly influenced by /z/-initial syllables and LTAS-matched white noise stimuli, but not by /v/-initial syllables. No significant difference in adaptation was observed between exposure to /z/-initial syllables and matched white noise stimuli, and speech did not have a considerable advantage over noise when the two were presented consecutively within a context. The pattern of findings is most consistent with the auditory contrast account of short-term perceptual adaptation. The cue covariation account makes accurate predictions for speech contexts, but not for non-speech contexts or the absence of a speech vs. non-speech difference.

scholarly journals Acoustic–phonetic and auditory mechanisms of adaptation in the perception of sibilant fricatives

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 2027-2048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Chodroff ◽  
Colin Wilson
Keyword(s):  
White Noise ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Contextual Variation ◽  
Average Spectrum ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Spectral Components ◽  
Mechanisms Of Adaptation ◽  
Sibilant Fricatives ◽  
Contextual Adaptation

AbstractListeners are highly proficient at adapting to contextual variation when perceiving speech. In the present study, we examined the effects of brief speech and nonspeech contexts on the perception of sibilant fricatives. We explored three theoretically motivated accounts of contextual adaptation, based on phonetic cue calibration, phonetic covariation, and auditory contrast. Under the cue calibration account, listeners adapt by estimating a talker-specific average for each phonetic cue or dimension; under the cue covariation account, listeners adapt by exploiting consistencies in how the realization of speech sounds varies across talkers; under the auditory contrast account, adaptation results from (partial) masking of spectral components that are shared by adjacent stimuli. The spectral center of gravity, a phonetic cue to fricative identity, was manipulated for several types of context sound: /z/-initial syllables, /v/-initial syllables, and white noise matched in long-term average spectrum (LTAS) to the /z/-initial stimuli. Listeners’ perception of the /s/–/ʃ/ contrast was significantly influenced by /z/-initial syllables and LTAS-matched white noise stimuli, but not by /v/-initial syllables. No significant difference in adaptation was observed between exposure to /z/-initial syllables and matched white noise stimuli, and speech did not have a considerable advantage over noise when the two were presented consecutively within a context. The pattern of findings is most consistent with the auditory contrast account of short-term perceptual adaptation. The cue covariation account makes accurate predictions for speech contexts, but not for nonspeech contexts or for the absence of a speech-versus-nonspeech difference.

scholarly journals Combined Androgen Blockade in Localized Prostate Cancer Treated With Definitive Radiation Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 1497-1504
Author(s):  
Lucas K. Vitzthum ◽  
Chris Straka ◽  
Reith R. Sarkar ◽  
Rana McKay ◽  
J. Michael Randall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Combined Androgen Blockade ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Androgen Blockade

Background: The addition of androgen deprivation therapy to radiation therapy (RT) improves survival in patients with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer (PCa), but it is not known whether combined androgen blockade (CAB) with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-A) and a nonsteroidal antiandrogen improves survival over GnRH-A monotherapy. Methods: This study evaluated patients with intermediate- and high-risk PCa diagnosed in 2001 through 2015 who underwent RT with either GnRH-A alone or CAB using the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure. Associations between CAB and prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM) and overall survival (OS) were determined using multivariable regression with Fine-Gray and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, respectively. For a positive control, the effect of long-term versus short-term GnRH-A therapy was tested. Results: The cohort included 8,423 men (GnRH-A, 4,529; CAB, 3,894) with a median follow-up of 5.9 years. There were 1,861 deaths, including 349 resulting from PCa. The unadjusted cumulative incidences of PCSM at 10 years were 5.9% and 6.9% for those receiving GnRH-A and CAB, respectively (P=.16). Compared with GnRH-A alone, CAB was not associated with a significant difference in covariate-adjusted PCSM (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 1.05; 95% CI, 0.85–1.30) or OS (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.93–1.12). For high-risk patients, long-term versus short-term GnRH-A therapy was associated with improved PCSM (SHR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57–0.95) and OS (SHR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.73–0.93). Conclusions: In men receiving definitive RT for intermediate- or high-risk PCa, CAB was not associated with improved PCSM or OS compared with GnRH alone.

scholarly journals Can a simple, short-term memory task help to screen dyslexia?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Perham ◽  
Toni Howell ◽  
Andy Watt
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Compulsory Education ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Term Order ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Support Students

AbstractFunding to support students with dyslexia in post-compulsory education is under pressure and more efficient assessments may offset some of this shortfall. We tested potential tasks for screening dyslexia: recall of adjective-noun, compared to noun-adjective, pairings (syntax) and recall of high versus low frequency letter pairings (bigrams). Students who reported themselves as dyslexic failed to show a normal syntax effect (greater recall of adjective-noun compared to noun-adjective pairings) and no significant difference in recall between the two types of bigrams whereas students who were not dyslexic showed the syntax effect and a bias towards recalling high frequency bigrams. Findings are consistent with recent explanations of dyslexia suggesting that those affected find it difficult to learn and utilise sequential long-term order information (Szmalec et al. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory & Cognition, 37(5) ,1270-1279, 2011). Further, ROC curve analyses revealed both tasks showed acceptable diagnostic properties as they were able to discriminate between the two groups of participants.

Does meloxicam provide adequate pain management as a post-operative analgesic in canine ovariohysterectomy patients?

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 192-197
Author(s):  
Gavin Goldsbrough ◽  
Helen Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Pain Score ◽  
Pain Scale ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Time Frames ◽  
Adequate Pain Management

Background: Meloxicam is an analgesic agent with anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used in veterinary practices to treat a variety of different long-term medical conditions and is also used as a short-term pain relief following particularly traumatic surgeries. Aims: An observational study was conducted to determine whether meloxicam provides adequate pain management as a post-operative analgesic for canine ovariohysterectomies. Methods: 13 canines were admitted for ovariohysterectomy. Each patient was assessed using the Glasgow composite pain scale (CMPS) prior to surgery during the admission procedure, 15 minutes post-operatively, at discharge and at their post-operative check (POC) 3–5 days after surgery. Results: Data were statistically analysed to determine the overall effectiveness of meloxicam in reducing pain following canine ovariohysterectomy. The results showed a statistically significant difference (Kruskal-Wallis test: H3 =12.98, p=0.005) in pain scores between admission, 15 minutes post operatively, discharge and 3–5 days POC. The greatest decrease in pain score was between 15 minutes post-operatively and POC (Mann-Whitney U test: W=236, n=13, 13, p=0.0014) and between discharge and POC (Mann-Whitney U test: W=227, n=13, 13, p=0.0060). Overall, this demonstrated that there was an improvement in pain suggesting meloxicam is effective between these time frames. In addition, 69.2% (n=9) of patients in the study showed a pain score of 0, indicating an absence of pain, on their final POC. Statistical analysis was also used to determine if there was any difference in pain score between the 3, 4 or 5 day POC pain score. The results show there was no significant difference (Kruskal-Wallis test: H2 =0.090, p=0.638) suggesting that meloxicam's effectiveness was similar across this range of time post surgery. Conclusion: The results from the study indicate that meloxicam is an effective post-operative analgesic for canine patients undergoing an ovariohysterectomy.

Postoperative hemorrhage during the acute phase after direct or combined revascularization for moyamoya disease: risk factors, prognosis, and literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (5) ◽  
pp. 1450-1459
Author(s):  
Yu Chen ◽  
Li Ma ◽  
Junlin Lu ◽  
Xiaolin Chen ◽  
Xun Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Moyamoya Disease ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Propensity Score Analysis ◽  
Postoperative Hemorrhage ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Significant Difference

OBJECTIVEPostoperative hemorrhage during the acute phase is rarely observed after revascularization surgery for moyamoya disease (MMD) but can have severe complications. Its risk factors and outcomes are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of postoperative hemorrhage during the acute phase in MMD and examine the outcomes of the hemorrhage.METHODSThe authors reviewed the preoperative clinical characteristics and radiographic features of 465 consecutive MMD cases (518 procedures) that had undergone direct or combined bypass surgery at their institution between 2009 and 2015. Patients with postoperative intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) or ICH plus intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) during the acute phase were screened, and then the incidence, location, and risk factors of hemorrhage in these patients were analyzed. Short-term and long-term outcomes (modified Rankin Scale scores) for these patients were also collected. Outcomes were compared between patients with and those without postoperative ICH using propensity score analysis to reduce the between-group differences in baseline characteristics.RESULTSPostoperative hemorrhage occurred in 11 (2.1%; ICH = 9, IVH = 2) of 518 procedures (mean patient age 39.82 ± 8.8 years). Hemorrhage occurred in the first 24 hours after the operation in 8 cases (72.7%). In the ICH group, most of the hemorrhage sites (77.8%) were located beneath the anastomosed area, and the mean hematoma volume was 16.98 ± 22.45 ml (range 3–57 ml). One case from the ICH group required hematoma evacuation. Among the adult patients (463 procedures [89.4%]), preoperative hypertension (p = 0.008), CT perfusion (CTP) stage > III (p = 0.013), and posterior circulation involvement (p = 0.022) were significantly associated with postoperative ICH. No significant differences between the postoperative ICH group and the no-hemorrhage group were detected in terms of postoperative neurofunctional status at discharge (p = 0.569) or at the last follow-up (p = 1.000). Neither was there a significant difference in future stroke risk (p = 0.538) between these two groups.CONCLUSIONSPreoperative hypertension, CTP stage > III, and posterior circulation involvement are independent risk factors for postoperative ICH after direct or combined revascularization for MMD. After appropriate perioperative management, postoperative ICH has no significant correlations with the postoperative short-term and long-term neurofunctional status.

Early clinical results of minimally invasive coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction can be maintained at a minimum of five years’ follow-up

2020 ◽  
Vol 102-B (7) ◽  
pp. 918-924
Author(s):  
Steffen B. Rosslenbroich ◽  
Katharina Heimann ◽  
Jan Christoph Katthagen ◽  
Clemens Koesters ◽  
Oliver Riesenbeck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Constant Score ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Ac Joint ◽  
Ac Joint Dislocation ◽  
Significant Difference

Aims There is a lack of long-term data for minimally invasive acromioclavicular (AC) joint repair. Furthermore, it is not clear if good early clinical results can be maintained over time. The purpose of this study was to report long-term results of minimally invasive AC joint reconstruction (MINAR) and compare it to corresponding short-term data. Methods We assessed patients with a follow-up of at least five years after minimally invasive flip-button repair for high-grade AC joint dislocation. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the Constant score and a questionnaire. Ultrasound determined the coracoclavicular (CC) distance. Results of the current follow-up were compared to the short-term results of the same cohort. Results A total of 50 patients (three females, 47 males) were successfully followed up for a minimum of five years. The mean follow-up was 7.7 years (63 months to 132 months). The overall Constant score was 94.4 points (54 to 100) versus 97.7 points (83 to 100) for the contralateral side showing a significant difference for the operated shoulder (p = 0.013) The mean difference in the CC distance between the operated and the contralateral shoulder was 3.7 mm (0.2 to 7.8; p = 0.010). In total, 16% (n = 8) of patients showed recurrent instability. All these cases were performed within the first 16 months after introduction of this technique. A total of 84% (n = 42) of the patients were able to return to their previous occupations and sport activities. Comparison of short-term and long-term results revealed no significant difference for the Constant Score (p = 0.348) and the CC distance (p = 0.974). Conclusion The clinical outcome of MINAR is good to excellent after long-term follow-up and no significant differences were found compared to short-term results. We therefore suggest this is a reliable technique for surgical treatment of high-grade AC joint dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):918–924.

Percutaneous Tracheostomy under Bronchoscopic Visualization Does Not Affect Short-Term or Long-Term Complications

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (7) ◽  
pp. 696-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas S. Easterday ◽  
Joshuaw Moore ◽  
Meredith H. Redden ◽  
David V. Feliciano ◽  
Vernon J. Henderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trauma Registry ◽  
Percutaneous Tracheostomy ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Urban Level ◽  
Level I ◽  
Bronchoscopic Guidance

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a safe and effective bedside procedure. Some advocate the use of bronchoscopy during the procedure to reduce the rate of complications. We evaluated our complication rate in trauma patients undergoing percutaneous tracheostomy with and without bronchoscopic guidance to ascertain if there was a difference in the rate of complications. A retrospective review of all tracheostomies performed in critically ill trauma patients was performed using the trauma registry from an urban, Level I Trauma Center. Bronchoscopy assistance was used based on surgeon preference. Standard statistical methodology was used to determine if there was a difference in complication rates for procedures performed with and without the bronchoscope. From January 2007, to April 2016, 649 patients underwent modified percuteaneous tracheostomy; 289 with the aid of a bronchoscope and 360 without. There were no statistically significant differences in any type of complication regardless of utilization of a bronchoscope. The addition of bronchoscopy provides several theoretical benefits when performing percutaneous tracheostomy. Our findings, however, do not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in complications between procedures performed with and without a bronchoscope. Use of the bronchoscope should, therefore, be left to the discretion of the performing physician.

scholarly journals Management of appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic; short-term outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 144-148
Author(s):  
Radhakrishnan Ganesh ◽  
James Lucocq ◽  
Neville Ogbonnia Ekpete ◽  
Noor Ul Ain ◽  
Su Kwan Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Management ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Mri Scan ◽  
Operative Outcomes ◽  
Uncomplicated Appendicitis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Surgical Conditions

Background and aim COVID-19 pandemic has predisposed patients undergoing surgery to post-operative infection and resultant complications. Appendicitis is frequently managed by appendicectomy. After the onset of the pandemic, selected cases of appendicitis were managed with antibiotics which is a recognised treatment option. Our objective was to compare the management of appendicitis and post-operative outcomes between pre- and post-COVID-19. Methods Ninety-six patients were identified from before the onset of the pandemic (November 2019) to after the onset of the pandemic (May 2020). Data were collected retrospectively from electronic records including demographics, investigations, treatment, duration of inpatient stay, complications, readmissions and compared between pre- and post-COVID-19 groups. Results One hundred percent underwent surgical treatment before the onset of pandemic, compared with 56.3% from the onset of the pandemic. A greater percentage of patients were investigated with imaging post-COVID-19 (100% versus 60.9%; p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in the outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion CT/MRI scan was preferred to laparoscopy in diagnosing appendicitis and conservative management of uncomplicated appendicitis was common practice after the onset of pandemic. Health boards can adapt their management of surgical conditions during pandemics without adverse short-term consequences. Long term follow-up of this cohort will identify patients suitable for conservative management.

Intraindividual variation of glycohemoglobin: implications for interpretation and analytical goals

1993 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 2305-2308 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Phillipou ◽  
P J Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Weighted Average ◽  
Affinity Column ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Intraindividual Variation ◽  
Clinical Control ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Analytical Imprecision

Abstract Intraindividual variation (CVi) for glycohemoglobin (GHb) was estimated from serial measurements in patients with diabetes in either stable or variable clinical control. GHb determinations were performed by an affinity column procedure with an analytical imprecision of 4.9% (weighted average; GHb 8.2-14.7%). Within the groups of patients, both a short- (28-32 days) and long-term (approximately 85 days) sampling protocol was used. The derived CVi for each category was 4.2% (n = 16, stable, short-term), 7.1% (n = 23, stable, long-term), 5.1% (n = 13, variable, short-term), and 9.8% (n = 21, variable, long-term). The mean GHb within each category was similar (approximately 11%), and there was no statistically significant difference in GHb values between categories. The results establish that the CVi for GHb is affected by both clinical control and the sampling time interval. These findings have important implications for the estimation of significant differences between serial GHb measurements and the setting of appropriate analytical precision goals.

Effectiveness of two tagging devices in the sea cucumber Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 563
Author(s):  
Ruber Rodríguez-Barreras ◽  
Julián López-Morell ◽  
Alberto M. Sabat
Keyword(s):  
Sea Cucumber ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
The Body ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Pit Tag ◽  
Sea Cucumbers ◽  
Pit Tags ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Long Term Studies

A reliable and harmless mark–recapture method provides valuable information for the management of commercial sea cucumber species. Nevertheless, marking and tracking sea cucumbers is notoriously difficult and represents a serious challenge. In this study, we tested one external and one internal tag in the sea cucumber Holothuria grisea. A passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag was inserted into the coelomic cavity in one treatment, whereas a T-bar (external tag) was attached in the upper surface of the body wall in the other treatment; sea cucumbers were then followed for 17 weeks. The tagging procedure caused no evisceration in the experimental groups, nor was a significant difference in growth rate found between treatments. The retention of the PIT tag was low, with 100% lost by Week 9. Retention of T-bars was higher, with 90% still attached by the end of the Week 8, but retention decreased thereafter as T-bar absorption increased. No relationship was found between initial weight and the number of weeks PIT tags (r=–0.173, P=0.781) or T-bars (r=–0.220, P=0.652) were retained. Neither the T-bar nor the PIT tags fulfilled the requirements of high retention required for long-term studies. However, we do recommend the use of T-bars for short-term studies for H. grisea under laboratory conditions or in a habitat with low substrate complexity.

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