Is song processing distinct and special in the auditory cortex?

Is the singing voice processed distinctively in the human brain? In this Perspective, we discuss what might distinguish song processing from speech processing in light of recent work suggesting that some cortical neuronal populations respond selectively to song and we outline the implications for our understanding of auditory processing. We review the literature regarding the neural and physiological mechanisms of song production and perception and show that this provides evidence for key differences between song and speech processing. We conclude by discussing the significance of the notion that song processing is special in terms of how this might contribute to theories of the neurobiological origins of vocal communication and to our understanding of the neural circuitry underlying sound processing in the human cortex.

Coproducing Health Information Materials With Young People: Reflections and Lessons Learned.

BACKGROUND: This paper describes and critically reflects on how children and young people (CYP) acted as public advisors to coproduce health information materials about Long Covid for younger audiences. This work was underpinned by the Lundy model, a framework which provides guidance on facilitating CYP to actively contribute to matters which affect them. METHODS: Coproduction activity sessions took place with CYP in schools as well as video conferences with a CYP stakeholder group and CYP with Long Covid. Activities encouraged CYP to focus on the content, format, and design of materials and used problem-based and collaborative learning to encourage engagement with the project. Using a range of methods and open discussion, CYP codesigned a series of Long Covid health information materials for younger audiences. RESULTS: Sixty-six CYP (aged 10-18), and two young adults were involved. CYP codesigned specifications for the final materials and provided feedback on early designs. The project led to the development of a series of health information materials targeted at CYP: a short social media campaign with six short videos and a 12-page illustrated leaflet about Long Covid; released on social media and distributed in local area. All the CYP were positive about the project and their involvement. DISCUSSION: Involving CYP led to the development of innovative and engaging information materials (influence). Developing rapport was important when working with CYP and this was facilitated by using approaches and activities to establish an environment (space) where the CYP felt comfortable sharing their views (voice) and being listened to (audience) by the adults in the project. Working with external groups who are willing to share their expertise can help the meaningful involvement of voices 'less heard'. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: One CYP coapplicant contributed to the project design and facilitation of PPIE sessions, 64 CYP were involved in the PPIE sessions to design and feedback on materials. Two young adult media producers worked with CYP to produce these materials, another CYP supported this process. Three public contributors were involved in the preparation of this manuscript.

Design, Construction, and Test of Compact, Distributed-Charge, X-Band Accelerator Systems that Enable Image-Guided, VHEE FLASH Radiotherapy.

The design and optimization of laser-Compton x-ray systems based on compact distributed charge accelerator structures can enable micron-scale imaging of disease and the concomitant production of beams of Very High Energy Electrons (VHEEs) capable of producing FLASH-relevant dose rates. The physics of laser-Compton x-ray scattering ensures that the scattered x-rays follow exactly the trajectory of the incident electrons, thus providing a route to image-guided, VHEE FLASH radiotherapy. The keys to a compact architecture capable of producing both laser-Compton x-rays and VHEEs are the use of X-band RF accelerator structures which have been demonstrated to operate with over 100 MeV/m acceleration gradients. The operation of these structures in a distributed charge mode in which each radiofrequency (RF) cycle of the drive RF pulse is filled with a low-charge, high-brightness electron bunch is enabled by the illumination of a high-brightness photogun with a train of UV laser pulses synchronized to the frequency of the underlying accelerator system. The UV pulse trains are created by a patented pulse synthesis approach which utilizes the RF clock of the accelerator to phase and amplitude modulate a narrow band continuous wave (CW) seed laser. In this way it is possible to produce up to 10 µA of average beam current from the accelerator. Such high current from a compact accelerator enables production of sufficient x-rays via laser-Compton scattering for clinical imaging and does so from a machine of "clinical" footprint. At the same time, the production of 1000 or greater individual micro-bunches per RF pulse enables > 10 nC of charge to be produced in a macrobunch of < 100 ns. The design, construction, and test of the 100-MeV class prototype system in Irvine, CA is also presented.

Comparison of the Accuracy of WhipPredict to That of a Modified Version of the Short-Form Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire to Predict Poor Recovery After Whiplash Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of a whiplash-specific risk screening tool (WhipPredict) with that of the modified generic short-form Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (SF-ÖMPSQ) for predicting poor recovery in patients following whiplash injury. STUDY DESIGN: Inception cohort study. METHODS: Two hundred two participants with acute whiplash completed the WhipPredict and modified SF-ÖMPSQ at baseline. Poor recovery was measured at 6 and 12 months using the Neck Disability Index (greater than 10%), numeric pain-rating scale (greater than 3/10), global perceived recovery (less than +4), and inability to return to preinjury work level. Accuracy statistics were calculated to predict poor recovery. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent (n = 143) of participants completed the 6-month assessment and 56% (n = 113) completed the 12-month assessment. At baseline, agreement between the WhipPredict and modified SF-ÖMPSQ was fair (prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted κ = 0.26; 95% confidence interval: 0.12, 0.39). Depending on the outcome, 20% to 72% of people had not recovered at 6 months and 12% to 71% had not recovered at 12 months. At 6 and 12 months, the WhipPredict tool showed high sensitivity (88%-96%) and low specificity (all outcomes less than 31%) on all 4 separate outcomes. The modified SF-ÖMPSQ showed moderate sensitivity (67%-75%) for the Neck Disability Index, numeric pain-rating scale, and global perceived recovery, high sensitivity for return to work (81%-90%), and moderate specificity (54%-77%) for all 4 outcomes. CONCLUSION: Both tools showed acceptable accuracy in predicting poor recovery. The WhipPredict tool is recommended to correctly identify patients who will not recover but may falsely classify those who recover well. Using the modified SF-ÖMPSQ will result in fewer patients falsely categorized as being at risk of poor recovery and may result in some people being undertreated. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(5):207-215. Epub 19 Feb 2021. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.9987.