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Explaining coherence in coherence masking protection for adults and children.

ABSTRACT: Coherence masking protection (CMP) is the phenomenon in which a low-frequency target (typically a first formant) is labeled accurately in poorer signal-to-noise levels when combined with a high-frequency cosignal, rather than presented alone. An earlier study by the authors revealed greater CMP for children than adults, with more resistance to disruptions in harmonicity across spectral components [Nittrouer and Tarr (2011). Atten. Percept. Psychophys. 73, 2606-2623]. That finding was interpreted as demonstrating that children are obliged to process speech signals as broad spectral patterns, regardless of the harmonic structure of the spectral components. The current study tested three alternative, auditory explanations for the observed coherence of target + cosignal: (1) unique spectral shapes of target + cosignal support labeling, (2) periodicity of target + cosignal promotes coherence, and (3) temporal synchrony across target + cosignal reinforces temporal expectancies. Adults, eight-year-olds, and five-year-olds labeled stimuli in five conditions: F1 only and F1 + a constant cosignal (both used previously) were benchmarks for comparing thresholds for F1 + 3 new cosignals. Children again showed greater CMP than adults, but none of the three hypotheses could explain their CMP. It was again concluded that children are obliged to recognize speech signals as broad spectral patterns.

SUBMITTER: Tarr E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3689784 | biostudies-other | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Project description:BackgroundSurgical masks remain a focal part of the CDC guidelines to decrease COVID-19 transmission. Evidence refuting significant effects of masking on ventilation is mostly limited to small studies, with a paucity of studies on children, and none comparing children to adults.MethodsA total of 119 subjects were enrolled (71 adults, 49 children) in a prospective interventional study with each subject serving as their own mask-free control. End tidal CO2 (ETCO2), inspired CO2 (ICO2), and respiratory rate were measured by nasal cannula attached to an anesthesia machine D-fend module. Pulse oximetry and heart rate were also followed. After the mask-free period, an ASTM Level 3 disposable surgical mask was donned and 15 min of mask-worn data were collected.ResultsA steady state was confirmed for ETCO2 and ICO2 over the masked period, and mean ICO2 levels rose significantly (p < 0.001) after masking in all age groups. The increase in ICO2 for the 2- to 7-year-old group of 4.11 mmHg (3.23-4.99), was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the final ΔICO2 levels for both the 7- to 14-year-old group, 2.45 mmHg (1.79-3.12), and adults, 1.47 mmHg (1.18-1.76). For the pediatric group there was a negative, significant correlation between age and ΔICO2, r = -0.49, p < 0.001. Masking resulted in a statistically significant (p < 0.01) rise in ETCO2 levels of 1.30 mmHg in adults and 1.36 mmHg in children. The final respective ETCO2 levels, 34.35 (33.55-35.15) and 35.07 (34.13-36.01), remained within normal limits. Pulse oximetry, heart rate, and respiratory rate were not significantly affected.DiscussionThe physiology of mechanical dead space is discussed, including the inverse relationship of subject age vs ICO2. The methodology and results are compared to previously published studies which detracted from the physiologic safety of surgical masking.ConclusionsThe wearing of a surgical mask results in a statistically significant rise in ICO2 and a smaller rise in ETCO2. Because ETCO2 and other variables remain well within normal limits, these changes are clinically insignificant.

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Explaining coherence in coherence masking protection for adults and children.

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