Effects of singing training on the speaking voice of voice majors

This longitudinal study gathered data with regard to the question: Does singing training have an effect on the speaking voice? Fourteen voice majors (12 females and two males; age range 17 to 20 years) were recorded once a semester for four consecutive semesters, while sustaining vowels and reading the "Rainbow Passage." Acoustic measures included speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) and sound pressure level (SLP). Perturbation measures included jitter, shimmer, and harmonic-to-noise ratio. Temporal measures included sentence, consonant, and diphthong durations. Results revealed that, as the number of semesters increased, the SFF increased while jitter and shimmer slightly decreased. Repeated measure analysis, however, indicated that none of the acoustic, temporal, or perturbation differences were statistically significant. These results confirm earlier cross-sectional studies that compared singers with nonsingers, in that singing training mostly affects the singing voice and rarely the speaking voice.     

G. Paul Moore lecture: Rational thought: The impact of voice science upon voice care

Recent evolution in scientific knowledge and technology has led to monumental improvement in the standard of care for patients with voice disorders. New concepts in anatomy, physiology, measurement, and analysis have provided voice care professionals with not merely better understanding, but moreover an extensive vocabulary with which to think about voice function and dysfunction. Previously, we had to depend too much upon anecdote and “the art of medicine.” Thanks to scientific advances, we now have the tools we need for rational thought about the human voice. This is the fundamental change responsible for recent great advances in voice care.     

The treatment of essential voice tremor with botulinum toxin A: A longitudinal case report

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of bilateral botulinum toxin injection into the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles of a patient with essential voice tremor. Acoustic and aerodynamic data were collected weekly over a 16-week period. Flexible nasolaryngoscopy was performed prior to injection and 2, 6, 10, and 16 weeks postinjection. Perceptual analyses of the acoustic and nasolaryngoscopic data were performed. A reduction in frequency tremor and, to a lesser extent, amplitude tremor was observed during the 1-10 week period. Estimated laryngeal resistance decreased after injection and was accompanied in perceptual measures by a reduction in vocal effort, laryngeal tremor, and supraglottic hyperfunction. Essential voice tremor can be successfully attenuated with bilateral percutaneous injection of botulinum toxin A into the vocalis muscle.     

The Psychosocial Consequences of BOTOX Injections for Spasmodic Dysphonia: A Qualitative Study of Patients'' Experiences

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study is to examine the psychosocial consequences of BOTOX (Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA) treatment for spasmodic dysphonia (SD). This article also explores how patients judge the success of treatment and make decisions about future treatment based on psychosocial issues relevant to them. STUDY DESIGN: This study follows the phenomenological tradition of qualitative inquiry in which the objective is to explore the lived experiences of a group of persons who share a common phenomenon, in this case receiving BOTOX injections for SD. METHODS: Six adults with SD who had been receiving BOTOX injections on a long-term basis participated in face-to-face interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to phenomenological guidelines to identify consistent themes as well as differences among participants' experiences. RESULTS: The results are summarized in three primary themes that suggest (1) participants' experiences vary over time based on changes in factors such as lifestyle and personal priorities; (2) BOTOX has multidimensional psychosocial implications in physical, personal, and social domains; and (3) participants individualize their treatment regimens, taking into consideration the burden of treatment, scheduling priorities, and other strategies to maximize the benefits of BOTOX. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, suggestions are provided for future research into a psychosocial outcome measurement, including longitudinal evaluations that accommodate changing patient priorities over time; multidimensional evaluations that incorporate physical, personal, and social issues; evaluations that include a measure of the burden of treatment; and evaluations that support a shared decision-making model with the voice clinicians.     

The dissipation of vibrational quanta in exoergic surface processes and its impact on reaction rates: A case study

The kinetic model of exoergic surface reactions developed in a previous contribution [M. Tomellini, Surf. Sci. 577 (2005) 200] has been extended to include multiquantum processes of vibrational energy transfer to the solid. It is shown that, under quasi-steady state conditions, the flux of adsorbing atoms leads to overpopulation of the adatom vibrational ladder with respect to the Boltzmann distribution and to enhanced recombination rates. By means of the associative model for adatom recombination, the vibrational populations have been estimated from experimental data on the kinetics of D-adatoms abstraction by gas H-atoms at Pt(1 1 1), Pt(1 1 0), Ni(1 0 0) and Cu(1 1 1) surfaces. These populations have been found to be hyperthermal and the shape of the energy distribution functions approximated by the Treanor equation. The impact of the interplay between energy dissipation and diatom formation on the reaction rate, has also been analysed and discussed.     

A Model for Spacetime: The Role of Interpretation in Some Grothendieck Topoi

We analyse the proposition that the spacetime structure is modified at short distances or at high energies due to weakening of classical logic. The logic assigned to the regions of spacetime is intuitionistic logic of some topoi. Several cases of special topoi are considered. The quantum mechanical effects can be generated by such semi-classical spacetimes. The issues of: background independence and general relativity covariance, field theoretic renormalization of divergent expressions, the existence and definition of path integral measures, are briefly discussed in the proposal. The connection with some problems in foundations of mathematics and differential topology are also discussed.     

Prediction of epidemics dynamics on networks with partial differential equations: A case study for COVID-19 in China

Since December 2019, the COVID-19 epidemic has repeatedly hit countries around the world due to various factors such as trade, national policies and the natural environment. To closely monitor the emergence of new COVID-19 clusters and ensure high prediction accuracy, we develop a new prediction framework for studying the spread of epidemic on networks based on partial differential equations (PDEs), which captures epidemic diffusion along the edges of a network driven by population flow data. In this paper, we focus on the effect of the population movement on the spread of COVID-19 in several cities from different geographic regions in China for describing the transmission characteristics of COVID-19. Experiment results show that the PDE model obtains relatively good prediction results compared with several typical mathematical models. Furthermore, we study the effectiveness of intervention measures, such as traffic lockdowns and social distancing, which provides a new approach for quantifying the effectiveness of the government policies toward controlling COVID-19 via the adaptive parameters of the model. To our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to apply the PDE model on networks with Baidu Migration Data for COVID-19 prediction.     

The thermocurrents technique: A method for the study of dielectric and electronic properties of solids and liquids

Abstract

The principle of the ITC method is discussed in detail and some of its latest applications to solid and liquids dielectrics are summarized.     

The impact of Mg content on the structural,electrical and optical properties of MgZnO alloys: A first principles study

The structural, electronic and optical properties of wurtzite MgZnO with Mg concentration ranging from 0 to 0.5 are studied using the first principle calculations. It's found that the lattice constants c and specific volume V of the MgZnO alloys decrease and their band gap widens as Mg concentration increases, which are in agreement with our experimental results. A particular Mg concentration is found to exist at around 0.375, equals to which the corresponding MgZnO alloy has the minimum width of the top valence band. This indicates that Mg concentration may be used to tune the electronic properties of MgZnO alloy. Meanwhile, it's also found that the energy response range of the optical spectrums decreases with the increase of Mg concentration. There are different energy shifts toward high energy (blue shift) of the peaks in the optical spectrums with the increase of Mg concentration, which are explained by the variations of the density of states in details. So the electronic and optical properties of MgZnO may be tuned through Mg concentration, and our research results may provide meaningful references to the development and design of photoelectric devices.     

Prediction of a bcc-hcp phase transition for Sn: A first-principles study

The high-pressure structural transformation of elemental Sn is studied using an ab initio density functional theory implementation of the metadynamics method that predicts with sufficient compression, Sn will transform from the bcc structure into an hcp structure. The low-free-energy pathway associated with this phase transition is characterized as the Burgers transition mechanism. The superconducting properties of Sn under pressure are also investigated. Both bcc and hcp structures of Sn exhibit very weak electron-phonon coupling and therefore would not sustain superconductivity at high pressure.     

Ab-initio study of Li based chalcopyrite compounds LiGaX2 (X= S,Se, Te) in tetragonal symmetry: A class of future materials for optoelectronic applications

Structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric aspects of chalcopyrite LiGaX₂ (X = S, Se and Te) compounds have been investigated by density functional theory (DFT) based Wien2k simulator. The optimized ground state parameters are calculated by Wu-Cohen generalized gradient approximation (WC-GGA) and electronic structures, which have been further improved by modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) potential. Moreover, a comparative study is given among the contribution of three anions (S, Se and Te) in the same symmetry of tetragonal phase. The calculated band gaps of the studied compounds are 3.39, 2.83, and 1.96 eV for LiGaS_2, LiGaSe₂ and LiGaTe₂, respectively. The observed band gaps consider the studied compounds are potential materials for optoelectronic devices. In addition, the optical response of the studied materials has been analyzed in terms of dielectric constants, refraction, absorption, reflectivity and energy loss function. We have also reported the thermoelectric properties like Seebeck coefficient, thermal and electrical conductivities, and figure of merit as function of temperatures by using BoltzTrap code. The high thermal efficiency and absorption spectra in the visible region make the studied materials multifunctional for energy applications.     

Clinical prediction rule for early recovery of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective cohort study

Objective: To derive a clinical prediction rule for early recovery of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty. Methods: This prospective cohort study evaluated the data of 273 individuals undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty. The individual factors, the physical and motor function data were assessed preoperatively upon admission as a baseline survey. The knee joint extension angle and knee joint flexion angle were re-evaluated on postoperative day 14 as a follow-up. The recovery group comprised individuals with a knee joint extension angle of more than -5 degrees and knee joint flexion angle of more than 110 degrees on postoperative day 14. The other patients constituted the non-recovery group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for deriving a clinical prediction rule. Results: The results indicated that the use of a cane, knee joint extension and flexion angles, and Timed Up and Go test time were significant factors for predicting early recovery of knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty. Furthermore, a clinical prediction rule was derived and included the use of a cane, knee joint extension angle ≥ -15 degrees, knee joint flexion angle ≥ 125 degrees, and a Timed Up and Go test time < 11.2 s. A total clinical prediction rule score ≥ 8 indicated a positive likelihood ratio of more than 10 for a successful outcome and the post-test probability was approximately 95%. Conclusions: The derived clinical prediction rule might be a useful screening tool for proper postoperative goal setting and the establishment of individualized physical therapy programs.     

The effect of doping three Al and N atoms on the chemical shielding tensor parameters of the boron phosphide nanotubes: A DFT study

In this work, an armchair model of the (4,4) boron phosphide nanotubes (BPNTs) with a 1-nm length and consisting of 32 B and 32 P atoms is considered to study the influence of doping three atoms of aluminum in sites of boron (B_3AlPNTs) and three atoms of nitrogen in sites of phosphors (BP_3NNTs) on the electrostatic structure properties. The mouths of nanotubes are capped by hydrogen atoms in order to saturate the dangling bonds of the boundaries and to decrease the calculation time. The structures of BPNTs, B_3AlPNTs and BP_3NNTs are optimized by performing the level of density functional theory (DFT) using 6-31G^? basis set. The optimized structures are used for calculating the chemical shielding (CS) tensors and nuclear magnetic resonance parameters such as isotropic chemical shielding (CS^I) and anisotropic chemical shielding (CS^A). The results reveal that in both models of B_3AlPNTs and BP_3NNTs by doping N atoms the chemical shielding parameters of P and B atoms, which are directly connected to the Al and N atoms decreased and the other sites significantly changed.     

The use of infrared spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics for quality control and authentication of edible fats and oils: A review

Edible fats and oils provide a significant contribution in our diet and daily life, as cooking or frying oil, or as components used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics products. Fats and oils are characterized by specific values, including acid value, saponification value, iodine value, and peroxide value, as well as the oxidation products which occur during storage due to oxidative and hydrolytic deterioration. Currently, due to the high price of edible fats and oils, some unethical producers adulterate high-value edible oils like olive oil with low-priced oils like palm and corn oils; therefore the authentication analysis of edible fats and oils must be assured by introducing reliable and fast methods like infrared spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is an ideal technique for monitoring the quality control of fats and oils due to its property as a “fingerprint spectra technique,” which allows analysts to differentiate among fats and oils. FTIR spectra signals of fats and oils are very complex. Fortunately, a statistical technique called chemometrics can be used to handle the complex FTIR spectral data. Chemometrics in combination with FTIR spectroscopy has been widely used in many aspects of monitoring quality control of edible fats and oils including their authenticity.     

The association of octadecyl-end-capped poly-(sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonates) in water and salt solutions: A study by fluorescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry

Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) have been used to study the aggregation in aqueous solutions of poly-(2-acrylamido)-2-methylpropanesulfonic acids, sodium salt mono-endcapped with either N,N-di-n-octadecyl or N-4-[(1-pyrenyl)butyl]-N-n-octadecyl which were prepared by free radical polymerization of 2-(acrylamido)-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) initiated with the azo compounds, 4,4'-azobis{cyano-N,N-di-n-octadecyl}pentanamide and 4,4'-azobis{cyano-N,N-[4-(1-pyrenyl)butyl]-n-octadecyl}pentanamide, respectively. Both techniques indicate the occurrence of multimolecular aggregates in solutions of the polymers in water and in 0.2 M NaCl. The concentration range for aggregation is about 1-14 mmol AMPS l^-1 (0.5-2.7 g l^-1) in 0.2 M NaCl and the enthalpy of micellization, estimated from ITC data, is ∼100 J [mol AMPS]^-1. The accessibility of the chromophores to neutral molecules and to cationic species was assessed by quenching of fluorescence with nitromethane and thallium nitrate, respectively. The association of the mono-endcapped polymers is compared to that of PAMPS derivatives carrying hydrophobic groups randomly attached along the chain. Received 7 August 2000 and Received in final form 26 October 2000     

The AΠu state of : Electric properties, fine and hyperfine coupling constants, and magnetic moments (g-factors). A theoretical study

Several properties are calculated for A²Π_u of —the majority for the first time—including electric and magnetic moments, and fine/hyperfine structure (fs/hfs) parameters. The new results are compared with our previous ones for X² and B² of [P.J. Bruna, F. Grein, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 227 (2004) 67–80]. The electric quadrupole Θ and hexadecapole Φ moments, polarizability α, and hfs constants a, b, c, d, eQq₀, eQq₂ are evaluated at the density functional theory (DFT) level [B3LYP/aug-cc-pVQZ]. The fs constants (spin–orbit coupling A_Π, Λ-doubling p, q, spin-rotation γ_Π), and magnetic moments (g-factors) are obtained via 2nd-order sum-over-states expansions, using wavefunctions and matrix elements obtained with a multireference configuration interaction (MRDCI) method, and the Breit–Pauli Hamiltonian. At equilibrium, 2nd-order properties of A²Π_u are dominated by its coupling with B². For the A state, two independent components are reported for traceless tensor properties (multipoles Θ and Φ; hfs parameters c/d and q₀/q₂) and three for traced properties (polarizability α and g-factors), i.e., one more component than for axially symmetric Σ states. The currently available experimental data on — limited to A_Π, p, and q—are well reproduced by our theoretical results.     

The MP2 binding energy of the ethene dimer and its dependence on the auxiliary basis sets: a benchmark study using a newly developed infrastructure for the processing of quantum chemical data

Data intense processes such as the establishment of quantitative structure–property relationships, the design of novel compounds and also the validation of new quantum chemical methods call for a structured approach for the processing of the results. Whereas in quantum chemistry there are established de facto standards for the computational methods, community standards for [exchange-] data formats are still under development. In this article we present a benchmark study of the (auxiliary-) basis set dependence of the binding energies of an array of conformers of the ethene dimer using the RI-MP2-F12 method. The study was performed using a version of the TURBOMOLE program package modified to provide output in an extended CML format to be imported in an eXist database. This infrastructure for the generation, archival, analysis, and exchange of quantum chemical data is briefly introduced in this article.