Maximum Amplitude Difference Research Articles

Cross-feature fusion speech emotion recognition based on attention mask residual network and Wav2vec 2.0

Speech Emotion Recognition (SER) has received widespread attention as a crucial way for understanding human emotional states. However, the impact of irrelevant information on speech signals and data sparsity limit the development of SER system. To address these issues, this paper proposes a framework that incorporates the Attentive Mask Residual Network (AM-ResNet) and the self-supervised learning model Wav2vec 2.0 to obtain AM-ResNet features and Wav2vec 2.0 features respectively, together with a cross-attention module to interact and fuse these two features. The AM-ResNet branch mainly consists of maximum amplitude difference detection, mask residual block, and an attention mechanism. Among them, the maximum amplitude difference detection and the mask residual block act on the pre-processing and the network, respectively, to reduce the impact of silent frames, and the attention mechanism assigns different weights to unvoiced and voiced speech to reduce redundant emotional information caused by unvoiced speech. In the Wav2vec 2.0 branch, this model is introduced as a feature extractor to obtain general speech features (Wav2vec 2.0 features) through pre-training with a large amount of unlabeled speech data, which can assist the SER task and cope with data sparsity problems. In the cross-attention module, AM-ResNet features and Wav2vec 2.0 features are interacted with and fused to obtain the cross-fused features, which are used to predict the final emotion. Furthermore, multi-label learning is also used to add ambiguous emotion utterances to deal with data limitations. Finally, experimental results illustrate the usefulness and superiority of our proposed framework over existing state-of-the-art approaches.

Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Neuromuscular Efficiency and Muscular Strength in Runners

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the menstrual cycle (MC) stages on neuromuscular efficiency and muscular strength in female runners. METHODS: Three runners (females) underwent testing using a BIODEX isokinetic dynamometer concurrently with a BioPac EMG, during which peak torque, peak torque/body weight, time to peak torque, mean amplitude, median amplitude, minimum amplitude, maximum amplitude, frequency, and the p-p value were collected throughout the test. During the test, the performance variables were assessed on the quadriceps (rectus femoris) muscle and collected at speeds of 60 degrees/second and 180 degrees/second. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A paired-sample t-test was used to determine the correlation between neuromuscular efficiency and peak torque of the quadriceps during extension in the two MC phases. A paired-sample t-test was also used to determine the difference in neuromuscular efficiency between the MC phases, as well as peak torque between the MC phases. RESULTS: Muscular strength testing did not reveal statistical significance between neuromuscular efficiency and peak torque of the quadriceps during MC phases. Furthermore, there was no statistical significance between the differences in peak torque of the MC phases. Maximum amplitude at 60 degrees/second on the left leg between the MC phases revealed statistical significance (p = 0.026). EMG wave frequency at 60 degrees/second on the right leg between the MC phases revealed statistical significance (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Results show a significant difference in maximum amplitude and wave frequency at 60 degrees/second during knee extension between the MC phases.

Application of speech induced ABR in rehabilitation intervention for hearing impaired children

Objective:Exploring the electrophysiological changes of auditory rehabilitation in young children with hearing impairment, providing more methods for early assessment and intervention. Methods:Twenty children aged 2-4 were enrolled, with moderate hearing loss and no other abnormalities in the ears. Divide them into group 1 with normal hearing, group 2 with abnormal hearing, group 3 with abnormal hearing receiving hearing aid intervention for one year, and group 4 with abnormal hearing receiving hearing aid and language training rehabilitation for one year. The SmartEP auditory evoked potential instrument was used to detect speech induced ABR and conduct screening for 'Standards and Evaluating Hearing and Language Abilities of Children with Hearing Impairment in 80 enrolled children after rehabilitation training, and the latency、amplitude of speech induced ABR waveform and evaluation scale scores for each group after rehabilitation intervention were compared. Results:Compared with the normal group, the latency of each wave in the other three groups was prolonged. The differences in each wave between Group 2 and Group 3 were statistically significant, while the differences in D and F waves between Group 3 and Group 4 were statistically significant. Compared with the normal group, the maximum amplitude at F0 decreased in the other three groups, and the differences in maximum amplitude between Group 2 and Group 3, Group 2 and Group 4, and Group 3 and Group 4 were statistically significant. Compared with the normal group, the scores of the auditory language assessment scale in the hearing intervention group and the hearing aid plus language training group were significantly higher than those in the abnormal group in terms of recognition rate. The recognition rates of hearing impaired children with language training foundation are similar to those of the normal group of children. Conclusion:Auditory rehabilitation can alter the electrophysiological aspects of hearing and serve as a basis for early assessment and intervention in young children.

Analysis of the Thermal–Mechanical–Hydraulic Coordination Mechanism of a Constrained Piston Hydraulic Engine

By effectively integrating traditional engines with reciprocating plunger pumps, the constrained piston hydraulic engine can simultaneously output hydraulic energy and rotational mechanical energy, which effectively solves the problems of the complex structure, long power transmission chain, and low energy conversion efficiency of traditional power sources. Based on a certain single-cylinder diesel engine, a single-cylinder axial constrained piston hydraulic engine was designed, and its thermal–mechanical–liquid coordination mechanism was studied and analyzed in-depth. A mathematical model of the thermal–mechanical–liquid coupling working process of the single-cylinder axial hydraulic engine was established, and the conversion mechanism and output of the three types of energy, thermal, mechanical, and liquid, were simulated and analyzed. The results show that under the premise of improving the overall efficiency, the constrained piston hydraulic engine can effectively output mechanical–hydraulic dual-element power, and its combustion characteristics and output power performance indicators meet the expected design requirements. The maximum amplitude difference of the output hydraulic oil flow rate reaches 248 L/min, and the flow rate fluctuates greatly, so it is necessary to adopt methods to suppress the flow rate pulsation to ensure the reliability of the output flow rate.

Utility of Global Coagulation Assays in Myeloproliferative Neoplasm: Thromboelastography, Thrombin Generation and Overall Haemostatic Potential

IntroductionMyeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), such as polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET), are independent risk factors for arterial and venous thrombotic events, with the estimated risks of thrombotic complications at diagnosis to be approximately 7-26% in ET patients and 19-32% in PV patients. As such, one of the management goals for MPN is directed towards modifying thrombosis risk via cytoreduction and anti-platelet therapies. However, there are no routinely available laboratory tests to evaluate the patient's thrombotic risk beyond the assessment of blood counts. Global coagulation assays such as thromboelastography, thrombin and fibrin generation may be better surrogate measures of thrombosis. This pilot study evaluates a cohort of MPN patients on current treatment, to further elucidate the impact of their prothrombotic milieu on global coagulation assays.MethodsParticipants with MPN (proven on bone marrow biopsy and/or molecular diagnosis) were recruited. Thromboelastography (using TEG® 5000) was performed on citrated whole blood while additional citrated blood samples were double spun at -2500G to obtain platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and stored in at -80°C within 2 hours of sample collection. The stored PPP were then used for thrombin generation assessment using the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT), fibrinolysis evaluation using overall haemostatic potential assay (OHP) as well as p-selectin testing. The results were compared to our previously collected age-matched healthy normal controls (n=41).ResultsThirty-eight MPN patients (20 females, 18 males) with median age 65 years (range: 29-84) were recruited. There were 26 patients with ET (68.4%) including a patient with post-ET myelofibrosis, 8 patients with PV (20.5%), 3 patients with primary myelofibrosis and one with MPN, unclassifiable. The majority of the patients are JAK2 V617F positive (30/38, 79%). The haemoglobin level was comparable between both groups (p=0.73) although the MPN group had significantly increased platelet count (526 vs 237 x 109/L, p<0.01).When compared to normal controls, the thromboelastography parameters were mostly comparable including no significant difference in maximum amplitude or clot strength (59.6 vs 60.1 mm, p=0.42) although the clot lysis time (LY30) was significantly higher (5.1% vs 0.9%, p<0.01) in the MPN group, independent of the use of aspirin. Higher LY30 (>5%) was associated with higher haemoglobin (150.3 vs 138.4 g/L, p=0.03) but not platelet count. CAT parameters, however, showed higher thrombin peak (260.8 vs 227.3 nM; p=0.01) and velocity index (93.4 vs 70.1 nM.min; p<0.01) compared to the normal controls, but interestingly no difference in endogenous thrombin potential (1397.5 vs 1363.0 nM.min, p=0.52).Fibrin generation parameters, namely the overall coagulation potential (OCP) and OHP were significantly reduced in the MPN cohort (OCP - 56.5 vs 66.7, p<0.001; OHP - 27.4 vs 33.0, p<0.001) with preserved overall fibrinolytic potential (p=0.66). P-selectin was markedly increased in MPN patients compared to the normal controls (116.3 vs 54.6 ng/mL, p<0.001), with higher P-selectin levels correlating with a higher platelet counts (p<0.01).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that global coagulation assays can provide additional information regarding the thrombotic risks in MPN patients. The MPN patients in our study had significantly higher lysis time and a reduction in fibrin generation parameters, which is contradictory to the prothrombotic nature of MPN. It may be a protective prognostic marker in the setting of treatment and could represent an underlying compensatory effect. Despite being a treated MPN cohort, the P-selectin remained higher in these patients and correlated with higher platelet count, suggesting that the higher P-selectin seen is likely of platelet subtype, though this did not correlate with changes in other global coagulation assay parameters despite thrombin being a known trigger of P-selectin exocytosis. Further prospective clinical studies including assessment of fibrinolysis markers and markers of platelet and endothelial function to evaluate and confirm these findings are proposed. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Validation of Badan Informasi Geospasial Tide Model in the Sunda Strait Waters using Sebesi Island Tide Gauge Data

Badan Informasi Geospasial (BIG) has developed tide model using 128 tide gauges (TG) data in 2015. During the period of 2016-2020 BIG has established new 31 TG and these stations have not yet been included into the model, one of them was Sebesi TG located in Sunda Strait. The aim of this research was to validate the BIG tide model using latest data of Sebesi TG by comparing Harmonic Constituents (HC) and tide prediction. HC to be compared were M2, S2, N2, K2, K1, O1, P1, Q1 from BIG tide model and Sebesi TG data. Each HC were used to generate tide predictions for August 10-20, 2020 compared with Sebesi TG raw data. HC comparison results showed the maximum amplitude difference was S2(0.011 m) and minimum was Q1(0.001 m). The maximum phase difference was Q1(14.2170) and minimum was N2(1.4510). The RMS generated for tide prediction using BIG tide model HC compared to TG raw data was 17.788cm, while RMS generated for tide prediction using HC from Sebesi TG data compared to TG raw data was 17.707cm. The correlation between raw data and tide prediction using BIG tide model HC was 0.977 while the correlation between raw data and tide prediction using Sebesi TG HC was 0.980.

The prehospital use of younger age whole blood is associated with an improved arrival coagulation profile.

Recent in vitro data have shown that the hemostatic profile of whole blood (WB) degrades significantly after 14 days, yet the optimal storage remains debated. We hypothesized that arrival coagulation studies would be improved in patients receiving younger WB in the prehospital setting. This study was approved by our institutional institutional review board. We evaluated all trauma patients who received prehospital blood products by our helicopter service between July 2017 and July 2019. "Young" WB was defined as 14 days or less. Patients who received at least 1 U of young WB were classified as YOUNG, while the remainder was classified as OLD. Continuous data are presented as medians (25th-75th interquartile range) with comparisons performed using Wilcoxon rank sum. Assessments of clinical hemostatic potential included arrival platelet cell count and rapid thrombelastography. Multivariate regression analysis was also performed (Stata 12.1; College Station, TX). A total of 220 patients received prehospital WB during the study period. Of these, 153 patients received YOUNG WB, while 67 were transfused only OLD WB units. There were no differences in demographics, prehospital or arrival physiology, or Injury Severity Score among the two groups. The measures of clot initiation (activated clotting time) and kinetics (k time) were improved, as were the measures of clot acceleration/fibrinogen function (angle) and platelet function (maximum amplitude). As well, arrival platelet count was higher in the YOUNG cohort. No significant differences in postarrival transfusion were noted (p = 0.220). Multivariate analysis showed the greatest differences in maximum amplitude and α angle but failed to reach significance. Previous in vitro data have suggested deterioration of platelet function in cold-stored WB after 14 days. The current study demonstrated decreased global hemostasis by clinically available laboratory tests, especially related to fibrinogen and platelet interactions on univariate, but not multivariate analysis. This did not translate into increased transfusion requirements. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal storage duration for cold-stored WB for transfusion in the bleeding trauma patient, as well as rule out the presence of confounding variables. Therapeutic, level IV.

Spatial-Temporal Signals and Clinical Indices in Electrocardiographic Imaging (I): Preprocessing and Bipolar Potentials.

During the last years, Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI) has emerged as a powerful and promising clinical tool to support cardiologists. Starting from a plurality of potential measurements on the torso, ECGI yields a noninvasive estimation of their causing potentials on the epicardium. This unprecedented amount of measured cardiac signals needs to be conditioned and adapted to current knowledge and methods in cardiac electrophysiology in order to maximize its support to the clinical practice. In this setting, many cardiac indices are defined in terms of the so-called bipolar electrograms, which correspond with differential potentials between two spatially close potential measurements. Our aim was to contribute to the usefulness of ECGI recordings in the current knowledge and methods of cardiac electrophysiology. For this purpose, we first analyzed the basic stages of conventional cardiac signal processing and scrutinized the implications of the spatial-temporal nature of signals in ECGI scenarios. Specifically, the stages of baseline wander removal, low-pass filtering, and beat segmentation and synchronization were considered. We also aimed to establish a mathematical operator to provide suitable bipolar electrograms from the ECGI-estimated epicardium potentials. Results were obtained on data from an infarction patient and from a healthy subject. First, the low-frequency and high-frequency noises are shown to be non-independently distributed in the ECGI-estimated recordings due to their spatial dimension. Second, bipolar electrograms are better estimated when using the criterion of the maximum-amplitude difference between spatial neighbors, but also a temporal delay in discrete time of about 40 samples has to be included to obtain the usual morphology in clinical bipolar electrograms from catheters. We conclude that spatial-temporal digital signal processing and bipolar electrograms can pave the way towards the usefulness of ECGI recordings in the cardiological clinical practice. The companion paper is devoted to analyzing clinical indices obtained from ECGI epicardial electrograms measuring waveform variability and repolarization tissue properties.

Design of all-optical JK, SR and T flip-flops using micro-ring resonator-based optical switch

In the present communication, all-optical clocked J–K flip-flop is proposed and described using silicon waveguide-based optical micro-ring resonator (OMRR). We have used two optical pump signals representing the two operands (J and K) of the logical operation to modulate the OMRRs under low pump power condition. A theoretical model of the proposed J–K flip-flop and hence S–R and T flip-flop are developed using micro-ring resonator through pump–probe configuration. Numerical simulation results for clocked flip-flop circuits verifying the proposed method are given in this paper. We identified a combination of feasible OMRR radius and detuning through numerical simulation which allows analyzing the system performance of the scheme such as maximum amplitude difference between marks $$(\hbox {AD}_{1,\mathrm{{max}}})$$ , between spaces $$(\hbox {AD}_{0,\mathrm{{max}}})$$ and between marks and spaces $$(\hbox {AD}_{1/0,\mathrm{{max}}})$$ , which confirm the feasibility of the flip-flop design. A maximum buildup factor of 19.57 is achieved at an optimized coupling coefficient of 0.22.

The influence of errors in the source wavelet on inversion‐based surface‐related multiple attenuation

ABSTRACTWe investigate the influence of source wavelet errors on inversion‐based, surface‐related multiple attenuation, in order to address how the inverted primary impulse response, estimated primaries, and predicted multiples are affected by the estimated wavelet. In theory, errors in estimated wavelet can lead to errors in the upgoing waves. Because of smoothness and the band‐limitedness characteristics of the estimated wavelet, errors in the upgoing waves are usually not white and random. Theoretical analysis and two synthetic examples demonstrate that (i) when the overall amplitude scalar of the estimated wavelet is underestimated, the inversion of the primary impulse response suffers from instability, which will distort the estimation of primaries, and (ii) when the wavelet is overestimated, the estimated primaries will simply mimic the recorded upgoing waves. Nevertheless, the quality of the estimated primaries in the region above the first‐order, water‐bottom multiples is independent of the estimated wavelet. Synthetic results illustrate that inversion‐based, surface‐related multiple attenuation with a known wavelet is stable, since slight inaccuracy in amplitude spectrum and/or phase spectrum of the given wavelet or the corresponding upgoing waves will not lead to considerable deviation in the waveforms of the inverted results from those of the references. Furthermore, shot‐to‐shot wavelet variations, with maximum amplitude difference of 5% and maximum phase difference of 10°, create just slight artefacts in both the inverted primary impulse response and the estimated primaries. Moreover, the sensitivity test of estimation of primaries by sparse inversion method involving wavelet estimation shows that this method can stably and alternately update the wavelet and the primary impulse response; however, different choices of the initial wavelet can lead to different final inverted results.

Design of all-optical universal shift register using nonlinear microring resonators

An all-optical universal shift register using silicon waveguide microring resonators (MRRs) to form a nonlinear all-optical switch is proposed and described. Such devices can be used as building blocks for optical computing and information processing systems. The proposed device comprises two optical multiplexers and two optical D flip-flops. Each optical D flip-flop consists of a single microring resonator, sharing the same clock pulse. Each multiplexer consists of two microring resonators controlled by optical pump pulses to perform bidirectional shifting and parallel in/parallel out operations on optical signals. Numerical simulation results confirming the described approach are presented. Based on the numerical simulation results, we specify a combination of feasible MRR radius and detuning which enables analysis of system performance parameters for the scheme such as the maximum amplitude difference between marks, between spaces, and between marks and spaces.

Quantitative characterization of repolarization alternans in terms of amplitude and location: What information from different methods?

The qualitative definition of repolarization alternans (RA) as an every-other-beat alternation of the repolarization amplitude allows several possible quantitative characterizations of RA. In the absence of a standardization, any correct comparison among quantitative outputs by different automatic methods requires knowledge of the differences in the RA parameterization at the basis of their algorithms. Thus, aim of the present study was to investigate the kind of information provided by five methods, namely the fast Fourier spectral method (FFTSM), the complex demodulation method (CDM), the modified moving average method (MMAM), the Laplacian likelihood ratio method (LLRM) and the heart-rate adaptive match filter method (AMFM) when characterizing RA in terms of its amplitude and location. Eight synthetic ECG recordings affected by stationary RA with uniform and triangular profiles localized along the ST segment, over the T wave, at the end of the T wave and all along the JT segment, respectively, were considered. Results indicate that quantitative RA characterization is method dependent. More specifically, the FFTSM and the LLRM provide a measure that matches the root mean square of the RA profile over the JT segment. Instead, the CDM and the AMFM compute RA amplitude as the mean value of the RA profile over the JT segment. Eventually, the MMAM provides the maximum amplitude difference between consecutive beats along repolarization. RA location is homogeneously among methods, since they all provide the time instant in correspondence of which the center of mass of the alternation occurs.

Effects of Ozone on Sciatic Nerve in Rat

This study evaluated the influence of ozone on rat sciatic nerve structure and function. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 5). In groups I to IV, 1ml of ozone (O(3)) 10 μg/ml, 30 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 8 0 μg/ml was injected at the junction of gluteus maximus margin and lateral edge of the long head of biceps femoris respectively, in group V, 1 ml of pure O(2) was injected at the same point, and group V had puncture without any injection. Ozone was manufactured by an ozone generator (Ozone Line Co, Italy). The rats were investigated by both gross measurement and behavioral changes. One day, one week and three weeks after injection, rat hindlimb footprints were measured and the sciatic nerve function index (SFI) was calculated, and after three weeks, all right sciatic nerves were exposed under anesthesia. Near neural stimulation of the rat sciatic nerve was calculated and nerve conduction velocity, latency and maximum amplitude recorded. Animals were sacrificed for pathology, and ipsilateral triceps surae were taken for wet weight. No serious behavioral abnormalities were observed in any animal. SFI comparison in the various times and various groups showed no significant differences (p<0.05), and nerve conduction velocity, latency and maximum amplitude difference amongst the groups was not significant (p<0.05). There were no abnormalities in peripheral nerves pathologically after injection. Our initial study suggests that ozone concentrations from 10 μg/ml to 80 μg/ml injected around rat's peripheral nerve will not cause serious sequelae or serious damage to the structure and function of peripheral nerve. This finding provides evidence of the safety of ozone injected around the peripheral nerve.

Rapid Assessment of Platelet Function Using Thromboelastography and Small Volumes of Citrated Whole Blood.

Platelet function disorders are a key cause of abnormal bleeding, and diagnosis is challenging because:platelet abnormalities are diverse, affecting many aspects of function;variability in platelet function testing in clinical laboratories makes it difficult to compare results;large blood volumes required for platelet function analysis make it difficult to perform in neonatal patients;manipulation of platelet rich plasma used for platelet aggregation can lead to test variability;platelet aggregation curves are difficult to interpret in thrombocytopenic patients.We describe a method of testing platelet function using citrated whole blood and thromboelastography (TEG) that overcomes some of these limitations. Commercially-available platelet mapping kits allow the effects of the platelet agonists adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid (AA) to be assessed via a TEG assay where reptilase and activated factor XIII produce fibrin clots independent of thrombin in heparinized whole blood. The activation and aggregation of platelets is quantified by measuring the difference in maximum amplitude (MA) between unstimulated samples, which form weak fibrin-only clots, and samples with agonists added, which form stronger clots containing fibrin and activated/aggregated platelets. Platelet mapping was used as the basis for a TEG assay which can be used to assess platelet responses to a wide range of stimuli - including ADP, AA, epinephrine, collagen, U46619 (thromboxane-A2 receptor agonist), SFLLRN (PAR-1 thrombin receptor activating peptide) and AYPGKF (PAR-4 activating peptide) - in small samples (330μL) of citrated native (CN) blood or plasma to which heparin is added to a concentration of 20U/mL. Samples were recalcified by adding calcium chloride to 10mM (necessary for the function of reptilase and FXIIIa), and other reagent volumes were the same as in platelet mapping assays, with fibrin activator prepared at 1/2 regular strength. The concentrations of platelet agonists were: collagen 51μg/ml, epinephrine 0.27μM, ADP 5.4μM, arachidonic acid 135μg/mL, U46619 2.6μM, SFLLRN 6.76μM and AYPGKF 34μM. These concentrations produced TEG MA values in heparinated fibrin-activated CN blood from a panel of normal individuals comparable to those obtained from recalcified CN blood in the absence of heparin (the fibrin/platelet response control). The platelet response was rapid with maximum amplitudes reached within 10 minutes for all agonists except collagen, which required >30 minutes to produce maximum amplitude. We have found this TEG platelet-response assay to be useful in detecting platelet function abnormalities, producing results which correlate with and extend those of other platelet function tests. For example in one patient a weak response to epinephrine corresponded to similar platelet aggregation results, and in another the TEG assay detected a weak PAR-1 response not specifically detected in other tests. The assay has also proven useful in assessing platelet function in blood and plasma having low platelet concentrations (<50 x 10E9/L) from experimental or pathological causes (e.g. thrombocytopenia), in titrating platelet responses to agonists and in assessing the effects of antiplatelet agents in vivo and in vitro. Thus this TEG platelet function assay has the advantages of speed, ease of use, flexibility, adaptability to low platelet concentrations and sample economy, requiring small volumes of citrated blood which can be used for other coagulation assays and platelet response tests.