ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate if a directional microphone mode improves speech perception in noise and sound localization in experienced pediatric bilateral cochlear implant users. METHODS: 15 bilaterally implanted children were included in the analysis. Speech perception in 4 noise conditions (S0N0, S0N90, S0N-90, S0N180) and sound localization were measured when using the OPUS 2 audio processor (omnidirectional mode) and the SONNET audio processor (omnidirectional and natural mode). RESULTS: Speech perception in all 4 noise conditions was better with the SONNET natural mode than with the omnidirectional mode of either SONNET or OPUS 2. The root-mean-square error of the sound localization test was smaller with the natural mode of SONNET than with the omnidirectional mode of either SONNET or OPUS 2. The performance of the audio processors in the omnidirectional mode did not differ significantly except in the S0N0 condition of the speech perception test. CONCLUSION: The natural microphone mode of the SONNET audio processor improved speech perception in noise and sound localization in bilaterally implanted children.
Subject(s)
Cochlear Implantation , Cochlear Implants , Sound Localization , Speech Perception , Child , Humans , NoiseABSTRACT
The synthesis of a new family of ferromagnetically-coupled {Ni10} clusters counterbalanced by various [Ln(NO3)5]2- ions is herein described. The resulting compounds are organic chelate-free and the metal ions are exclusively bridged by end-on azido ligands to stabilize a beautiful disk-like topology reminiscent of the structure of the brucite mineral.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pleiotropic cytokine centrally involved in the cytokine cascade with complex immunomodulatory functions in innate and acquired immunity. Circulating IL-18 concentrations are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular events, and diverse inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. METHODS AND RESULTS: To identify causal variants affecting circulating IL-18 concentrations, we applied various omics and molecular biology approaches. By genome-wide association study, we confirmed association of IL-18 levels with a single nucleotide polymorphism in the untranslated exon 2 of the inflammasome component NLRC4 (NLR family, caspase recruitment domain-containing 4) gene on chromosome 2 (rs385076; P=2.4 × 10(-45)). Subsequent molecular analyses by gene expression analysis and reporter gene assays indicated an effect of rs385076 on NLRC4 expression and differential isoform usage by modulating binding of the transcription factor PU.1. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence for the functional causality of single nucleotide polymorphism rs385076 within the NLRC4 gene in relation to IL-18 activation.
Subject(s)
CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins/genetics , Calcium-Binding Proteins/genetics , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics , Interleukin-18/metabolism , Alleles , Cohort Studies , Computer Simulation , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism , Gene Expression , Genome-Wide Association Study , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Inflammasomes/metabolism , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Protein Isoforms/geneticsABSTRACT
CuAAC click reactions were used for the first time to assemble click-functionalized magnetic molecules into extended molecular arrangements in a deliberate manner.
