Acoustic Measures and Self-reports of Vocal Fatigue by Female Teachers

This study investigated the relation of symptoms of vocal fatigue to acoustic variables reflecting type of voice production and the effects of vocal loading. Seventy-nine female primary school teachers volunteered as subjects. Before and after a working day, (1) a 1-minute text reading sample was recorded at habitual loudness and loudly (as in large classroom), (2) a prolonged phonation on [a:] was recorded at habitual speaking pitch and loudness, and (3) a questionnaire about voice quality, ease, or difficulty of phonation and tiredness of throat was completed. The samples were analyzed for average fundamental frequency (F0), sound pressure level (SPL), and phonation type reflecting alpha ratio (SPL [1-5 kHz]-SPL [50 Hz-1 kHz]). The vowel samples were additionally analyzed for perturbation (jitter and shimmer). After a working day, F0, SPL, and alpha ratio were higher, jitter and shimmer values were lower, and more tiredness of throat was reported. The average levels of the acoustic parameters did not correlate with the symptoms. Increase in jitter and mean F0 in loud reading correlated with tiredness of throat. The results seem to suggest that, at least among experienced vocal professionals, voice production type had little relevance from the point of view of vocal fatigue reported. Differences in the acoustic parameters after a vocally loading working day mainly seem to reflect increased muscle activity as a consequence of vocal loading.     

Complications of collagen injection of the vocal fold: report of several unusual cases and review of the literature

Injection laryngoplasty is one of the most frequently performed procedures in patients with voice complaints. Various biomaterials have been used to medialize vocal folds or to treat symptoms of vocal fold scar. The ideal biomaterial would be easily injected through a fine-gauge needle, well tolerated, and long lasting. Injectable collagen preparations fulfill at least two of these criteria, and collagen has been used widely for vocal fold injections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a retrospective review of two unusual complications of collagen injection and a review of the relevant literature on the complications of medical use of collagen compounds. RESULTS: Two patients in whom collagen was injected formed firm submucosal deposits that interrupted the normal mucosal wave and produced significant dysphonia. Surgical removal of these deposits restored the mucosal wave and improved voice quality. Management of this unusual complication of human collagen injection in the vocal fold has not been reported previously. Other complications of collagen injection include hypersensitivity reactions to bovine collagen, local abscess formation at injection sites, and possibly induction of collagen vascular disease in some patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although collagen injections of the vocal fold rarely result in complications, physicians using collagen must be familiar with the types of complications that can occur. Proper diagnosis and prompt management of complications can result in good outcomes.     

IDose^4迭代重建技术应用于低剂量CT肾动脉血管造影的临床分析

为探讨IDose 4迭代重建技术在低剂量CT肾动脉血管造影中的应用价值,选取205例拟行肾动脉CT血管造影患者,随机将其分为4组,A组(51例)采用管电压100 kV、管电流100 mA,碘海醇370 mg I/mL及IDose 4迭代重建技术,B组(51例)采用管电压100 kV、管电流150 mA,碘海醇270 mg I/mL及IDose 4迭代重建技术,C组(51例)采用管电压80 kV、管电流180 mA,碘海醇270 mg I/mL及IDose 4迭代重建技术,D组(52例)管电压120 kV、管电流120 mA,碘海醇370 mg I/mL及滤波反投影(FBP)重建技术。分析各组图像肾主动脉干CT值、噪声(SD)、信噪比(SNR)和噪声比(CNR),受检者接受CT有效剂量(ED)、容积CT剂量指数(CTDI vol)、剂量长度乘积(DLP)、碘摄入量以及重建图像评分差异和诊断效能。结果显示,A、B、C组重建图像评分优于D组,肾动脉主干CT值、SD、SNR、CNR均高于D组,B、C组肾动脉主干CT值、SD略低于A组。A、B、C组CTDI vol、DLP、ED均低于D组,B组CTDI vol、DLP、ED高于A组。A、B、C、D组诊断肾主动脉狭窄准确率分别为92.68%、86.49%、84.62%、82.86%。证实IDose 4迭代重建技术能降低受试者受辐射和造影剂剂量,提高成像质量,在低剂量CT肾动脉血管造影中具有较高可行性和实用性。     

同步动态随机存储器辐射效应测试系统研制

在分析同步动态随机存储器(SDRAM)辐射效应主要失效现象的基础上,研制了具备了读写功能测试、刷新周期测试及功耗电流测试三种功能的SDRAM辐射效应在线测试系统,并开展了SDRAM的总剂量效应实验研究。结果表明,总剂量效应会导致SDRAM器件的数据保持时间不断减小,功耗电流不断增大以及读写功能失效。实验样品MT48LC8M32B2的功能失效主要由外围控制电路造成,而非存储单元翻转。数据保持时间虽然随着辐照剂量的累积不断减小,但不是造成该器件功能失效的直接原因。     

Acoustic Analyses of Developmental Changes and Emotional Expression in the Preverbal Vocalizations of Infants

The nonverbal vocal utterances of seven normally hearing infants were studied within their first year of life with respect to age- and emotion-related changes. Supported by a multiparametric acoustic analysis it was possible to distinguish one inspiratory and eleven expiratory call types. Most of the call types appeared within the first two months; some emerged in the majority of infants not until the 5th (“laugh”) or 7th month (“babble”). Age-related changes in acoustic structure were found in only 4 call types (“discomfort cry,” “short discomfort cry,” “wail,” “moan”). The acoustic changes were characterized mainly by an increase in harmonic-to-noise ratio and homogeneity of the call, a decrease in frequency range and a downward shift of acoustic energy from higher to lower frequencies. Emotion-related differences were found in the acoustic structure of single call types as well as in the frequency of occurrence of different call types. A change from positive to negative emotional state was accompanied by an increase in call duration, frequency range, and peak frequency (frequency with the highest amplitude within the power spectrum). Negative emotions, in addition, were characterized by a significantly higher rate of “crying,” “hic” and “ingressive vocalizations” than positive emotions, while positive emotions showed a significantly higher rate of “babble,” “laugh,” and “raspberry.”     

Phonetogram Changes for Trained Singers Over a Nine-Month Period of Vocal Training

Professional vocalists encounter demands requiring voluntary control of phonation, while utilizing a considerable range of frequency and intensity. These quantifiable acoustic events can be measured and represented in a phonetogram. Previous research has compared the phonetograms of trained and untrained voices and found significant differences between these groups. This study was designed to assess the effects of vocal training for singers over a period of nine months. Phonetogram contour changes were examined, with the primary focus on expansion of frequency range and/or intensity control. Twenty-one first-year, master's level, vocal music students, who were engaged in an intensive vocal performance curriculum, participated in this study. Following nine months of vocal training, significant differences were revealed in the subjects' mean frequency range and minimum vocal intensity across frequency levels. There was no significant difference for the mean maximum vocal intensity across frequency levels following vocal training.     

A Pilot Survey of Vocal Health in Young Singers

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of vocal problems in young choir singers and to correlate vocal problems with demographic and behavioral information. A questionnaire addressing vocal habits and hygiene was offered to 571 young choir singers, up to 25 years of age, who sing at least weekly; 129 (22.6%) responded. More than one-half of the respondents had experienced vocal difficulty, particularly older adolescents. Detrimental behaviors and circumstances surveyed were not reflective of the incidence of vocal difficulty, except for morning hoarseness, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and female gender after puberty. Voice care professionals should be aware that self-reported voice difficulties are common among young choral singers, especially postpubescent girls, and children with symptoms consistent with reflux (morning hoarseness) and emotional stress (insomnia). Laryngologists should communicate with choral conductors and singing teachers to enhance early identification and treatment of children with voice complaints, and to develop choral educational strategies that help decrease their incidence.