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The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and... May 2024To evaluate the extent of benefit the second processor provides and to better understand utilization patterns regarding cochlear implant (CI) sound processors.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the extent of benefit the second processor provides and to better understand utilization patterns regarding cochlear implant (CI) sound processors.
BACKGROUND
Institutional contracts determine the external CI sound processor hardware that a patient is eligible for. Despite the high prevalence of CI worldwide, there is a paucity in the literature regarding patient preferences and how patients utilize provided external hardware.
METHODS
A close-ended, multiple-choice survey was mailed to all patients over the age of 18 years who underwent CI between 2016 to 2020 at a tertiary academic medical center. Patients who received their CI hardware prior to 2018 were provided 2 processors, whereas those who received their hardware in 2018 or later were provided 1 processor.
RESULTS
A total of 100/263 surveys were returned for a response rate of 38.0%. Of the cohort with 1 processor, 31.3% experienced a period without a functioning processor and access to sound compared to 5.6% of the cohort with 2 processors ( = -.003). Of the cohort with 2 processors, 24.3% noted that they often or always utilize their second processor. When asked how important having a second processor was, 62.9% of the 2-processor group responded that it was very important ( = .001). The most common reason for utilizing the second processor was a damaged primary processor. Patients who received 2 processors had a significantly lower number of postoperative audiology clinic visits for device troubleshooting ( < .001).
CONCLUSION
Patients who have 2 CI external processors identify this as being very important to them and experience significantly less time without access to sound due to lack of a functioning processor. As institutional contracts often dictate whether a patient will receive 1 or 2 sound processors with their CI hardware, it is important to understand patient preferences and utilization patterns in order to guide patient-centric policies.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Cochlear Implants; Noise; Speech Perception; Cochlear Implantation; Sound
PubMed: 38384240
DOI: 10.1177/00034894241234589 -
Nature Computational Science Oct 2023Gaussian boson sampling (GBS) has the potential to solve complex graph problems, such as clique finding, which is relevant to drug discovery tasks. However, realizing...
Gaussian boson sampling (GBS) has the potential to solve complex graph problems, such as clique finding, which is relevant to drug discovery tasks. However, realizing the full benefits of quantum enhancements requires large-scale quantum hardware with universal programmability. Here we have developed a time-bin-encoded GBS photonic quantum processor that is universal, programmable and software-scalable. Our processor features freely adjustable squeezing parameters and can implement arbitrary unitary operations with a programmable interferometer. Leveraging our processor, we successfully executed clique finding on a 32-node graph, achieving approximately twice the success probability compared to classical sampling. As proof of concept, we implemented a versatile quantum drug discovery platform using this GBS processor, enabling molecular docking and RNA-folding prediction tasks. Our work achieves GBS circuitry with its universal and programmable architecture, advancing GBS toward use in real-world applications.
Topics: Humans; Molecular Docking Simulation; Accidental Injuries; Drug Discovery; Normal Distribution; Photons
PubMed: 38177757
DOI: 10.1038/s43588-023-00526-y -
International Journal of Pediatric... Apr 2024The Baha SoundArc coupling system has been developed as a non-surgical coupling of a Baha sound processor to the skull allowing the transfer of vibrational energy to the...
OBJECTIVE
The Baha SoundArc coupling system has been developed as a non-surgical coupling of a Baha sound processor to the skull allowing the transfer of vibrational energy to the cochlear partition via bone conduction pathways. Today, there are several alternatives to this non-surgical approach as the Baha headband/test band, or the Baha Softband, or adhesive patches. Each of these current options have benefits and liabilities. The aim of the study was to evaluate pediatric experience and performance when using two non-surgical options, the Baha SoundArc compared to the Baha Softband.
METHODS
Twenty-five children with unilateral mixed or conductive hearing loss aged 5-12 years of age evaluated the use of the Baha SoundArc compared to their existing Baha Softband in a one month take home trial. Participants had a minimum of 3 months experience using the control, Baha Softband. Participants were assessed at baseline and one month following fit of the Baha SoundArc. Measures included an experience and use patient reported outcome, speech perception testing in quiet using Phonetically Balanced Kindergarten (PBK) words, and sound field audiometry.
RESULTS
Mean aided soundfield thresholds across the frequency range were 27.6 dB HL for Softband and 26.0 dB HL for SoundArc, which were not significantly different (P = >.05). Mean word recognition score was 80.8% when aided with the Softband device and 85.1% with the SoundArc, which was also not significantly different (P = >.05). Most children favored the aesthetics and usability of the SoundArc over Softband, but comfort ratings were largely similar for both devices.
CONCLUSIONS
Bone conduction sound processors mounted on a SoundArc or a Softband resulted in comparable improvements in aided thresholds and speech understanding in children suffering from conductive or mixed hearing loss. Both wearing modalities can be considered equivalent in terms of audiological outcomes, although both patients and clinicians preferred the usability and aesthetics of the SoundArc. The SoundArc provides an alternative wearing option for patients that may otherwise be discouraged by the aesthetics and usability of the Softband device.
GOV IDENTIFIER
NCT03333577.
Topics: Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Hearing Aids; Hearing Loss, Conductive; Audiometry; Bone Conduction; Hearing Loss; Speech Perception
PubMed: 38552429
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.111925 -
MethodsX Dec 2023Quantum field theory (QFTh) simulators simulate physical systems using quantum circuits that process quantum information (qubits) via single field (SF) and/or quantum... (Review)
Review
Quantum field theory (QFTh) simulators simulate physical systems using quantum circuits that process quantum information (qubits) via single field (SF) and/or quantum double field (QDF) transformation. This review presents models that classify states against pairwise particle states , given their state transition (ST) probability . A quantum AI (QAI) program, weighs and compares the field's distance between entangled states as qubits from their scalar field of radius . These states distribute across with expected probability and measurement outcome . A quantum-classical hybrid model of processors via QAI, classifies and predicts states by decoding qubits into classical bits. For example, a QDF as a quantum field computation model (QFCM) in IBM-QE, performs the doubling of for a strong state prediction outcome. QFCMs are compared to achieve a universal QFCM (UQFCM). This model is novel in making strong event predictions by simulating systems using QAI. Its expected measurement fidelity is in classifying states to select 7 optimal QFCMs to predict 's on QFTh observables. This includes QFCMs' commonality of against QFCMs limitations in predicting system events. Common measurement results of QFCMs include their expected success probability over STs occurring in the system. Consistent results with high 's, are averaged over STs as yielding performed by an SF or QDF of certain QFCMs. A combination of QFCMs with this fidelity level predicts error rates (uncertainties) in measurements, by which a is weighed as a QAI output to a QFCM user. The user then decides which QFCMs perform a more efficient system simulation as a reliable solution. A UQFCM is useful in predicting system states by preserving and recovering information for intelligent decision support systems in applied, physical, legal and decision sciences, including industry 4.0 systems.
PubMed: 37767157
DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102366 -
PloS One 2023Addition is a fundamental computer arithmetic operation that is widely performed in microprocessors, digital signal processors, and application-specific processors. The...
Addition is a fundamental computer arithmetic operation that is widely performed in microprocessors, digital signal processors, and application-specific processors. The design of a high-speed and energy-efficient adder is thus useful and important for practical applications. In this context, this paper presents the designs of novel asynchronous carry look-ahead adders (CLAs) viz. a standard CLA (SCLA) and a block CLA (BCLA). The proposed CLAs are monotonic, dual-rail encoded, and are realized according to return-to-zero handshake (RZH) and return-to-one handshake (ROH) protocols using a 28-nm CMOS process technology. The proposed BCLA has a slight edge over the proposed SCLA, and the proposed BCLA reports the following optimizations in design metrics such as cycle time (delay), area, and power compared to a recently presented state-of-the-art asynchronous CLA for a 32-bit addition: (i) 32.6% reduction in cycle time, 29% reduction in area, 4.3% reduction in power, and 35.5% reduction in energy for RZH, and (ii) 31.4% reduction in cycle time, 28.9% reduction in area, 4.4% reduction in power, and 34.4% reduction in energy for ROH. Also, the proposed BCLA reports reductions in cycle time and power/energy compared to many other asynchronous adders.
Topics: Mathematics; Physical Phenomena; Technology
PubMed: 37796887
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289569 -
Cochlear Implants International Dec 2023Device activation typically occurs four weeks post cochlear implant surgery. Emerging evidence suggests earlier activation is feasible and beneficial, giving patients... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Device activation typically occurs four weeks post cochlear implant surgery. Emerging evidence suggests earlier activation is feasible and beneficial, giving patients quicker access to sound and rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVES
Assess current literature for effects of early cochlear implant activation.
METHODS
Electronic searches of Medline/PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library following PRISMA guidelines. Studies investigating any aspect of early activation were included for review.
RESULTS
From 15 studies, 625 patients received early activation, compared with 243 patients in the control groups. Early activation was considered as within 7 days post-operatively with 12 studies reporting within 1 day post-operatively, compared with standard activation of 9-46 days post-operatively in the control group. Some studies indicated earlier low levels of impedance in the early activation group. Magnet strength adjustment or off-ear processor wear was often recommended within the early activation cohort. Complication rates were low in both groups. Early activation improved patient satisfaction and anxiety levels without detriment to speech recognition or rehabilitation.
CONCLUSION
Early cochlear implant activation is feasible and allows patients with no contraindications, earlier access to auditory perception and rehabilitation and reduces anxiety linked to delay in activation. Further evidence is required to monitor long-term effects of early activation.
PubMed: 38111171
DOI: 10.1080/14670100.2023.2290777 -
Optics Express Aug 2023Recent developments in microwave photonic filters (MPFs) offer superior properties for radio frequency (RF) signal processing, such as large instantaneous bandwidth,...
Recent developments in microwave photonic filters (MPFs) offer superior properties for radio frequency (RF) signal processing, such as large instantaneous bandwidth, high resolution and multifunctional shapes. However, it is quite challenging to realize two or more characteristics simultaneously to meet the diverse needs in complex electromagnetic environment. In this paper, we propose a reconfigurable RF signal spectral processor with both large instantaneous bandwidth and high resolution. In the proposed spectral processor, sufficient taps supplied by an optical frequency comb (OFC) offer a large instantaneous bandwidth to process broadband RF signals. Flexible tap coefficients can be obtained by manipulating an optical spectral shaper (OSS), which provides excellent reconfigurability. This tap-by-tap manipulation is realized with a high resolution of hundreds of megahertz, allowing precise shape configuration of the response. In the experiment, we demonstrate a flat-top response with a wide bandwidth of 7.1 GHz. Reconfigurable features such as tunable bandwidth, adjustable center frequency and diverse shapes are also shown. In particular, the measured frequency resolution of 96.5 MHz demonstrates the ability for precise configuration.
PubMed: 37710720
DOI: 10.1364/OE.499828 -
Brain Structure & Function May 2024Stress and learning co-evolved in parallel, with their interdependence critical to the survival of the species. Even today, the regulation of moderate levels of stress... (Review)
Review
Stress and learning co-evolved in parallel, with their interdependence critical to the survival of the species. Even today, the regulation of moderate levels of stress by the central autonomic network (CAN), especially during pre- and post-natal periods, facilitates biological adaptability and is an essential precursor for the cognitive requisites of learning to read. Reading is a remarkable evolutionary achievement of the human brain, mysteriously unusual, because it is not pre-wired with a genetic address to facilitate its acquisition. There is no gene for reading. The review suggests that reading co-opts a brain circuit centered in the left hemisphere ventral occipital cortex that evolved as a domain-general visual processor. Its adoption by reading depends on the CAN's coordination of the learning and emotional requirements of learning to read at the metabolic, cellular, synaptic, and network levels. By stabilizing a child's self-control and modulating the attention network's inhibitory controls over the reading circuit, the CAN plays a key role in school readiness and learning to read. In addition, the review revealed two beneficial CAN evolutionary adjustments to early-life stress "overloads" that come with incidental costs of school under-performance and dyslexia. A short-term adaptation involving methylation of the FKBP5 and NR3C1 genes is a liability for academic achievement in primary school. The adaptation leading to dyslexia induces alterations in BDNF trafficking, promoting long-term adaptive fitness by protecting against excessive glucocorticoid toxicity but risks reading difficulties by disruptive signaling from the CAN to the attention networks and the reading circuit.
Topics: Child; Humans; Literacy; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Dyslexia; Reading; Learning
PubMed: 38436668
DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02766-8 -
Journal of Food Protection Oct 2023Imported mangoes have been linked to outbreaks of salmonellosis in the USA. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the persistence and growth kinetics of...
Imported mangoes have been linked to outbreaks of salmonellosis in the USA. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the persistence and growth kinetics of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes on the intact surface of whole 'Ataulfo', 'Kent', and 'Tommy Atkins' mangoes stored at three different temperatures. L. monocytogenes was also evaluated on fresh-cut 'Tommy Atkins' mangoes stored at 4, 12, 20 ± 2°C. Whole mangoes were spot inoculated with rifampicin-resistant pathogen cocktails (6 log CFU/mango) onto the midsection of whole fruit (n = 6). Fruit was stored at 12, 20, or 30 ± 2°C and sampled for up to 28 days. The specific growth rates derived from DMFit models as a function of time were used to develop secondary models. On 'Kent' mangoes, Salmonella had a population increase from 0.3 to 1.1 log CFU/mango with a linear growth rate of ∼0.004, 0.01, and 0.06 log CFU/mango/h at 12, 20, and 30°C, respectively. At 20 and 30°C, Salmonella growth rates were significantly higher than 12°C (P < 0.05). No clear Salmonella growth trend was observed; populations decreased up to 1.6 log CFU/mango on 'Tommy Atkins' and 'Ataulfo' at 12°C. Populations of L. monocytogenes on whole and fresh-cut mangoes declined regardless of temperature and storage period. Food safety during storage should be the top priority for fresh-cut tropical fruit processors.
Topics: Food Microbiology; Listeria monocytogenes; Mangifera; Colony Count, Microbial; Salmonella; Temperature; Food Handling
PubMed: 37634809
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100151 -
JMIR MHealth and UHealth Nov 2023Digital technologies, especially contact tracing apps, have been crucial in monitoring and tracing the transmission of COVID-19 worldwide. China developed health code... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Digital technologies, especially contact tracing apps, have been crucial in monitoring and tracing the transmission of COVID-19 worldwide. China developed health code apps as an emergency response to the pandemic with plans to use them for broader public health services. However, potential problems within privacy policies may compromise personal information (PI) protection.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate the compliance of the privacy policies of 30 health code apps in the mainland of China with the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and related specifications.
METHODS
We reviewed and assessed the privacy policies of 30 health code apps between August 26 and September 6, 2023. We used a 3-level indicator scale based on the information life cycle as provided in the PIPL and related specifications. The scale comprised 7 level-1 indicators, 26 level-2 indicators, and 71 level-3 indicators.
RESULTS
The mean compliance score of the 30 health code apps was 59.9% (SD 22.6%). A total of 13 (43.3%) apps scored below this average, and 6 apps scored below 40%. Level-1 indicator scores included the following: general attributes (mean 85.6%, SD 23.3%); PI collection and use (mean 66.2%, SD 22.7%); PI storage and protection (mean 63.3%, SD 30.8%); PI sharing, transfer, disclosure, and transmission (mean 57.2%, SD 27.3%); PI deletion (mean 52.2%, SD 29.4%); individual rights (mean 59.3%, SD 25.7%); and PI processor duties (mean 43.7%, SD 23.8%). Sensitive PI protection compliance (mean 51.4%, SD 26.0%) lagged behind general PI protection (mean 83.3%, SD 24.3%), with only 1 app requiring separate consent for sensitive PI processing. Additionally, 46.7% (n=14) of the apps needed separate consent for subcontracting activities, while fewer disclosed PI recipient information (n=13, 43.3%), safety precautions (n=11, 36.7%), and rules of PI transfer during specific events (n=10, 33.3%). Most privacy policies specified the PI retention period (n=23, 76.7%) and postperiod deletion or anonymization (n=22, 73.3%), but only 6.7% (n=2) were committed to prompt third-party PI deletion. Most apps delineated various individual rights: the right to inquire (n=25, 83.3%), correct (n=24, 80%), and delete PI (n=24, 80%); cancel their account (n=21, 70%); withdraw consent (n=20, 60%); and request privacy policy explanations (n=24, 80%). Only a fraction addressed the rights to obtain copies (n=4, 13.3%) or refuse advertisement of automated decision-making (n=1, 3.3%). The mean compliance rate of PI processor duties was only 43.7% (SD 23.8%), with significant deficiencies in impact assessments (mean 5.0%, SD 19.8%), PI protection officer appointment (mean 6.7%, SD 24.9%), regular compliance audits (mean 6.7%, SD 24.9%), and complaint management (mean 37.8%, SD 39.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis revealed both strengths and significant shortcomings in the compliance of privacy policies of health code apps with the PIPL and related specifications considering the information life cycle. As China contemplates the future extended use of health code apps, it should articulate the legitimacy of the apps' normalization and ensure that users provide informed consent. Meanwhile, China should raise the compliance level of relevant privacy policies and fortify its enforcement mechanisms.
Topics: Humans; Privacy; Mobile Applications; Guideline Adherence; COVID-19; Computer Security
PubMed: 37990813
DOI: 10.2196/48714