bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental perception of listening difficulties: an interaction between weaknesses in language processing and ability to sustain attention
Authors: Roebuck Hettie , Barry Johanna G.
Published: April 2018

(Central) auditory processing disorder ((C)APD) is a controversial diagnostic category which may be an artefact of referral route. Yet referral route must, to some extent, be influenced by a child’s profile of presenting symptoms. This study tested the hypothesis that parental perception of listening difficulty is associated with weaknesses in ability to sustain attention while listening to speech. Forty-four children (24 with listening difficulties) detected targets embedded in a 16-minute story. The targets were either mispronunciations or nonsense words. Sentence context was modulated to separate out effects due to deficits in language processing from effects due to deficits in attention. Children with listening difficulties missed more targets than children with typical listening abilities. Both groups of children were initially sensitive to sentence context, but this declined over time in the children with listening difficulties. A report-based measure of language abilities captured the majority of variance in a measure capturing time-related changes in sensitivity to context. Overall, the findings suggest parents perceive children to have listening, not language difficulties, because weaknesses in language processing only emerge when stressed by the additional demands associated with attending to, and processing, speech over extended periods of time.
Mapping distribution of cysts of recent dinoflagellate and Cochlodinium polykrikoides using next-generation sequencing and morphological approaches in South Sea, Korea
Authors: Jung Seung Won , Kang Donhyug , Kim Hyun-Jung , Shin Hyeon Ho , Park Joon Sang , Park So Yun , Lee Taek-Kyun
Published: April 2018

The total dinoflagellate cyst community and the cysts of Cochlodinium polykrikoides in the surface sediments of South Sea (Tongyeong coast), South Korea, were analysed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and morphological approaches. Dinoflagellate cysts can be highly abundant (111–4,087 cysts g−1 dry weight) and have diverse species composition. A total of 35 taxa of dinoflagellate cysts representing 16 genera, 21 species (including four unconfirmed species), and 14 complex species were identified by NGS analysis. Cysts of Scrippsiella spp (mostly Scrippsiella trochoidea) were the most dominant and Polykrikos schwartzii, Pentapharsodinium dalei, Ensiculifera carinata, and Alexandrium catenella/tamarense were common. Thus, a combination of NGS and morphological analysis is effective for studying the cyst communities present in a given environment. Although C. polykrikoides developed massive blooms during 2013–2014, microscopy revealed low density of their cysts, whereas no cysts were detected by NGS. However, the vegetative C. polykrikoides not appeared during 2015–2017 in spite of the observation of C. polykrikoides cysts. This suggests that the C. polykrikoides blooms were not due to development of their cysts but to other factors such as currents transporting them to a marine environment suitable for their growth.
Investigation of immunogenic properties of Hemolin from silkworm, Bombyx mori as carrier protein: an immunoinformatic approach
Authors: Aathmanathan Veeranarayanan Surya , Jothi Nattarsingam , Prajapati Vijay Kumar , Krishnan Muthukalingan
Published: April 2018

Infectious diseases are the major cause of high mortality among infants and geriatric patients. Vaccines are the only weapon in our arsenal to defend us ourselves against innumerable infectious diseases. Though myriad of vaccines are available, still countless people die due to microbial infections. Subunit vaccine is an effective strategy of vaccine development, combining a highly immunogenic carrier protein with highly antigenic but non–immunogenic antigen (haptens). In this study we have made an attempt to utilize the immunoinformatic tool for carrier protein development. Immunogenic mediators (T-cell, B-cell, IFN-γ epitopes) and physiochemical properties of hemolin protein of silkworm, Bombyx mori were studied. Hemolin was found to be non-allergic and highly antigenic in nature. The refined tertiary structure of modelled hemolin was docked against TLR3 and TLR4-MD2 complex. Molecular dynamics study emphasized the stable microscopic interaction between hemolin and TLRs. In-silico cloning and codon optimization was carried out for effective expression of hemolin in E. coli expression system. The overall presence of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL), Humoral T Lymphocytes (HTL), and IFN-γ epitopes with high antigenicity depicts the potential of hemolin as a good candidate for carrier protein.
Tissue storage affects lipidome profiling in comparison to in vivo microsampling approach
Authors: Roszkowska Anna , Yu Miao , Bessonneau Vincent , Bragg Leslie , Servos Mark , Pawliszyn Janusz
Published: April 2018

Low-invasive in vivo solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was used to investigate the lipid profiles of muscle tissue of living fish. Briefly, mixed mode SPME fibers were inserted into the muscle for 20 min extraction, and then the fibers were desorbed in an optimal mixture of solvents. The obtained lipid profile was then compared and contrasted to that obtained with employment of ex vivo SPME and solid-liquid extraction (SLE) from fish muscle tissue belonging to the same group of fish, following a one-year storage period. Ex vivo SPME analysis of stored muscle samples revealed 10-fold decrease in the number of detected molecular features in comparison to in vivo study. Moreover, in vivo microsampling enabled the identification of different classes of bioactive lipids, including fatty acyls, not present in the lipid profile obtained through ex vivo SPME and SLE, suggesting the alterations occurring in the unbound lipid fraction of the system under study during the storage and also indicating the advantage of the in vivo extraction approach.
Active Site Gate Dynamics Modulate the Catalytic Activity of the Ubiquitination Enzyme E2-25K
Authors: Rout Manoj K. , Lee Brian L. , Lin Aiyang , Xiao Wei , Spyracopoulos Leo
Published: April 2018

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) signals for degradation of proteins through attachment of K48-linked polyubiquitin chains, or alterations in protein-protein recognition through attachment of K63-linked chains. Target proteins are ubiquitinated in three sequential chemical steps by a three-component enzyme system. Ubiquitination, or E2 enzymes, catalyze the central step by facilitating reaction of a target protein lysine with the C-terminus of Ub that is attached to the active site cysteine of the E2 through a thioester bond. E2 reactivity is modulated by dynamics of an active site gate, whose central residue packs against the active site cysteine in a closed conformation. Interestingly, for the E2 Ubc13, which specifically catalyzes K63-linked ubiquitination, the central gate residue adopts an open conformation. We set out to determine if active site gate dynamics play a role in catalysis for E2-25K, which adopts the canonical, closed gate conformation, and which selectively synthesizes K48-linked ubiquitin chains. Gate dynamics were characterized using mutagenesis of key residues, combined with enzyme kinetics measurements, and main chain NMR relaxation. The experimental data were interpreted with all atom MD simulations. The data indicate that active site gate opening and closing rates for E2-25K are precisely balanced.
Determination of graphene's edge energy using hexagonal graphene quantum dots and PM7 method
Authors: Vorontsov Alexander V. , Tretyakov Evgeny V.
Published: April 2018

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are important for a variety of applications and designs, and the shapes of GQDs rely on the energy of their boundaries.
Luminescence properties of mechanochemically synthesized lanthanide containing MIL-78 MOFs
Authors: Alammar Tarek , Hlova Ihor Z. , Gupta Shalabh , Balema Viktor , Pecharsky Vitalij K. , Mudring Anja-Verena
Published: April 2018

Solvent-free mechanochemistry is a highly effective route to synthesize MOFs with good luminescent properties as demonstrated in Ln0.5Gd0.5{C6H3(COO)3 with a MIL-78 structure.
Development and validation of a robust analytical method to quantify both etoposide and prodigiosin in polymeric nanoparticles by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Agwa M. M. , Elessawy F. M. , Hussein A. , El Demellawy M. A. , Elzoghby A. O. , Abd El-Salam M. H. , Eldiwany A. I.
Published: April 2018

Preparation of the ETP-PRO loaded B-CN nanocarrier (1) and analysis of the % of ETP and PRO released (2) using the validated HPLC method (3).
Application of HPLC-DAD and spectrophotometric continuous wavelet transform methods for simultaneous determination of amoxicillin and diclofenac in their pure and capsule dosage forms
Authors: Salama Fathy M. , Attia Khalid A. , Abouserie Ahmed A. , El-Olemy Ahmed , Abolmagd Ebrahim
Published: April 2018

Two methods have been developed and validated for simultaneous determination of amoxicillin sodium and diclofenac sodium in their pure and combined pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Base promoted direct difunctionalization/cascade cyclization of 1,6-enynes
Authors: Li Ming , Wang Cui-Tian , Qiu Yi-Feng , Zhu Xin-Yu , Han Ya-Ping , Xia Yu , Li Xue-Song , Liang Yong-Min
Published: April 2018

A novel base-mediated direct difluoroalkylation of 1,6-enynes involving a CF2 radical process has been developed.
An Sn-induced resonant level in β-As2Te3
Authors: Wiendlocha Bartlomiej , Vaney Jean-Baptiste , Candolfi Christophe , Dauscher Anne , Lenoir Bertrand , Tobola Janusz
Published: April 2018

Sn creates a resonant state in β-As2Te3, which enhances its thermopower.
Transverse vibration driven large uniaxial negative and zero thermal expansion in boron bridged REPt3B framework materials
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Mazumdar Chandan , Ranganathan R.
Published: April 2018

REPt3B (RE = rare-earth) compounds exhibit anomalous thermal expansion behavior at low temperatures driven by transverse vibration of boron atoms perpendicular to the Pt(2)–B–Pt(2) linear chain.
Aromaticity of acenes: the model of migrating π-circuits
Authors: Szczepanik Dariusz W. , Solà Miquel , Krygowski Tadeusz M. , Szatylowicz Halina , Andrzejak Marcin , Pawełek Barbara , Dominikowska Justyna , Kukułka Mercedes , Dyduch Karol
Published: April 2018

The concept of migrating Clar's sextets is extended to explain the local aromaticity trends in linear acenes.
A tethered bilayer lipid membrane that mimics microbial membranes
Authors: Andersson Jakob , Fuller Melanie A. , Wood Kathleen , Holt Stephen A. , Köper Ingo
Published: April 2018

This work presents a self-assembled lipid bilayer architecture mimicking the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria.
Time-dependent changes in the growth of ultrathin ionic liquid films on Ag(111)
Authors: Lexow Matthias , Talwar Timo , Heller Bettina S. J. , May Benjamin , Bhuin Radha G. , Maier Florian , Steinrück Hans-Peter
Published: April 2018

Time dependent changes of IL film morphology depend on their molecular structure.
Persistent homology analysis of ion aggregations and hydrogen-bonding networks
Authors: Xia Kelin
Published: April 2018

In this paper, persistent homology is introduced for the first time to quantitatively analyze the intrinsic properties of ion aggregation systems and hydrogen-bonding networks.
Study on the mechanism of platinum(ii)-catalyzed asymmetric ring-opening addition of oxabicyclic alkenes with arylboronic acids
Authors: Lin Sipeng , Xu Chao , Peng Daoling , Peng Liang , Yang Dingqiao , Long Yuhua , Chang Yu , Gu Feng Long
Published: April 2018

The mechanism of an asymmetric ring-opening (ARO) addition of oxabicyclic alkenes catalyzed by a platinum(ii) catalyst was investigated by M06-2X/6-311G(d,p) using density functional theory (DFT).
Magnetism of NaFePO4 and related polyanionic compounds
Authors: Arcelus Oier , Nikolaev Sergey , Carrasco Javier , Solovyev Igor
Published: April 2018

The magnetic properties of NaFePO4, an important cathode material for Na-ion batteries, are investigated at the molecular level, by constructing and solving realistic model Hamiltonian, extracted from first-principles electronic structure calculations.
Correction: New carbon allotropes in sp + sp3 bonding networks consisting of C8 cubes
Authors: Wang Jian-Tao , Chen Changfeng , Mizuseki Hiroshi , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2018

Correction for ‘New carbon allotropes in sp + sp3 bonding networks consisting of C8 cubes’ by Jian-Tao Wang et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 7962–7967.
2D nanomaterials: graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Zhang Hua , Chhowalla Manish , Liu Zhongfan
Published: April 2018

Guest editors Hua Zhang, Manish Chhowalla and Zhongfan Liu introduce the 2D nanomaterials: graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides themed issue of Chemical Society Reviews.
Stable ruthenium olefin metathesis catalysts bearing symmetrical NHC ligands with primary and secondaryN-alkyl groups
Authors: Ambrosio Chiara , Paradiso Veronica , Costabile Chiara , Bertolasi Valerio , Caruso Tonino , Grisi Fabia
Published: April 2018

Novel ruthenium complexes withN,N′-dialkyl-substituted NHCs and their application in metathesis reactions involving model and biorenewable compounds are presented.
A [COF-300]-[UiO-66] composite membrane with remarkably high permeability and H2/CO2 separation selectivity
Authors: Das Saikat , Ben Teng
Published: April 2018

A [COF-300]-[UiO-66] composite membrane has been fabricated that demonstrates phenomenally high permeability together with excellent H2/CO2 separation selectivity.
Synthesis of well-dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded on montmorillonite and sensitive colorimetric detection of H2O2 based on its peroxidase-like activity
Authors: Wu Kaili , Zhao Xin , Chen Miaomiao , Zhang Huawei , Liu Zhenxue , Zhang Xiao , Zhu Xixi , Liu Qingyun
Published: April 2018

In this study, a simple strategy for the preparation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on montmorillonite as a support is reported.
Halimane diterpenoids: sources, structures, nomenclature and biological activities
Authors: Roncero Alejandro M. , Tobal Ignacio E. , Moro Rosalina F. , Díez David , Marcos Isidro S.
Published: April 2018

Diterpenes with a halimane skeleton constitute a small group of natural products that can be biogenetically considered as being between labdane and clerodane diterpenoids.
In situ generation of 3D graphene-like networks from cellulose nanofibres in sintered ceramics
Authors: Kocjan Andraž , Schmidt Rainer , Lazar Ana , Prado-Gonjal Jesús , Kovač Janez , Logar Manca , Mompean Francisco J. , Garcia-Hernandez Mar , Ruiz-Hitzky Eduardo , Wicklein Bernd
Published: April 2018

3D graphene-like networks generated in situ from cellulose nanofibres enhance the electrical, dielectric and mechanical properties of engineering ceramics.
Iridium-catalyzed C–H phosphoramidation of N-aryl-7-azaindoles with phosphoryl azides
Authors: Pan Changduo , Wang Yun , Wu Chao , Yu Jin-Tao
Published: April 2018

An iridium-catalyzed C–H phosphoramidation of N-aryl-7-azaindoles with phosphoryl azides was developed, affording a series of 7-azaindole phenylphosphoramidates.
Light-induced evolution of microaggregates: transformation to vesicles, cyclic growth and collapse and vesicle fusion
Authors: Ren Kaixuan , Perez-Mercader Juan
Published: April 2018

The self-assembled dynamic microaggregates were obtained in one pot via PISA and underwent visible light-induced evolutionary behaviors in the presence of nile red or rhodamine.
Closing the carbon cycle to maximise climate change mitigation: power-to-methanolvs.power-to-direct air capture
Authors: Daggash H. A. , Patzschke C. F. , Heuberger C. F. , Zhu L. , Hellgardt K. , Fennell P. S. , Bhave A. N. , Bardow A. , Mac Dowell N.
Published: April 2018

In order to meet the 1.5−2C target, with CCU, it is necessary to close the carbon cycle, and avoid partial decarbonisation scenarios. In this context, direct air capture appears more effective than CCU.
Micromechanical characterization of soft, biopolymeric hydrogels: stiffness, resilience, and failure
Authors: Rattan Shruti , Li Linqing , Lau Hang Kuen , Crosby Alfred J. , Kiick Kristi L.
Published: April 2018

Detailed understanding of the local structure–property relationships in soft biopolymeric hydrogels can be instrumental for applications in regenerative tissue engineering.
Cation exchange synthesis of NixCo(3−x)O4(x= 1.25) nanoparticles on aminated carbon nanotubes with high catalytic bifunctionality for the oxygen reduction/evolution reaction toward efficient Zn–air batteries
Authors: Chen Bohong , Jiang Zhongqing , Huang Jianlin , Deng Binglu , Zhou Lingshan , Jiang Zhong-Jie , Liu Meilin
Published: April 2018

NixCo(3–x)O4/NH2-CNTs for ORR and OER is successfully synthesized by a cation exchange reaction.
Binder-free stainless steel@Mn3O4 nanoflower composite: a high-activity aqueous zinc-ion battery cathode with high-capacity and long-cycle-life
Authors: Zhu Chuyu , Fang Guozhao , Zhou Jiang , Guo Jiahao , Wang Ziqing , Wang Chao , Li Jiaoyang , Tang Yan , Liang Shuquan
Published: April 2018

We report a binder-free stainless steel welded mesh@flower-like Mn3O4 composite with high zinc storage capability for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
Tunable electronic coupling of cobalt sulfide/carbon composites for optimizing oxygen evolution reaction activity
Authors: Chen Ziliang , Wu Renbing , Liu Miao , Liu Yang , Xu Shuangyu , Ha Yuan , Guo Yanhui , Yu Xuebin , Sun Dalin , Fang Fang
Published: April 2018

Construction of nanocomposites with tunable coupling effects to obtain the synergetic effects and optimal performance has been realized through annealing a Prussian blue analogue at controlled temperatures.
CO2 and water activation on ceria nanocluster modified TiO2 rutile (110)
Authors: Rhatigan Stephen , Nolan Michael
Published: April 2018

Ceria nanocluster modification of TiO2 rutile (110): Ce3+ formation, reduced energy gap, and enhanced CO2 and water activation.
Boron-doped coronenes with high redox potential for organic positive electrodes in lithium-ion batteries: a first-principles density functional theory modeling study
Authors: Zhu Yuntong , Kim Ki Chul , Jang Seung Soon
Published: April 2018

Boron-doped coronenes are attractive as promising positive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to the unique physical and chemical properties of coronene.
Highly efficient and highly stable terpolymer-based all-polymer solar cells with broad complementary absorption and robust morphology
Authors: Kim Aesun , Park Chang Geun , Park Su Hong , Kim Hyung Jong , Choi Suna , Kim Young Un , Jeong Choel Hun , Chae Weon-Sik , Cho Min Ju , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: April 2018

All-PSC based on Ter-3MTTPD:NDI-Se blend exhibited a high power conversion efficiency of 7.66% due to relatively smooth surface and fine internal morphology.
The impact of non-uniform photogeneration on mass transport in dye-sensitised solar cells
Authors: Jiang Roger , Boschloo Gerrit
Published: April 2018

Redox mediator mass transport through mesoporous TiO2 was investigated, as a function of the photogeneration profile, using short-circuit photocurrent transients.
Azetidinium lead iodide: synthesis, structural and physico-chemical characterization
Authors: Panetta Riccardo , Righini Guido , Colapietro Marcello , Barba Luisa , Tedeschi Davide , Polimeni Antonio , Ciccioli Andrea , Latini Alessandro
Published: April 2018

Azetidinium lead iodide was synthesized and extensively characterized. Its optical properties are synthesis-dependent because of variable degrees of cationic disorder.
Recent progress in 2D/quasi-2D layered metal halide perovskites for solar cells
Authors: Yan Jielin , Qiu Weiming , Wu Gang , Heremans Paul , Chen Hongzheng
Published: April 2018

This review summarized the recent progress in 2D/quasi-2D layered metal halide perovskites for solar cells.
Tubular Cu(OH)2 arrays decorated with nanothorny Co–Ni bimetallic carbonate hydroxide supported on Cu foam: a 3D hierarchical core–shell efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Kang Jiahui , Sheng Jiali , Xie Jinqi , Ye Huangqing , Chen Jiahui , Fu Xian-Zhu , Du Guoping , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: April 2018

The hierarchical open-structured core–shell Cu(OH)2@CoNiCH NTs/CF achieves extraordinary OER performance with a low overpotential and low Tafel slope.
Boosting the oxygen evolution reaction in non-precious catalysts by structural and electronic engineering
Authors: Zhang Guoge , Yuan Junyi , Liu Yan , Lu Wei , Fu Nianqing , Li Wenfang , Huang Haitao
Published: April 2018

A vertically aligned Ni3S2 nanorod@Ni–Fe LDH nanofilm was fabricated by a facile method and demonstrated as a superior oxygen-evolution catalyst.
Microporosity as a new property control factor in graphene-like 2D allotropes
Authors: Yi Wen-cai , Liu Wei , Botana Jorge , Liu Jing-yao , Miao Mao-sheng
Published: April 2018

Microporosity has very different effects on C and B allotropes, on both their energies and electronic structures.
Visible-light CO2 reduction over a ruthenium(ii)-complex/C3N4 hybrid photocatalyst: the promotional effect of silver species
Authors: Maeda Kazuhiko , An Daehyeon , Kumara Ranasinghe Chandana Sampath , Uchiyama Tomoki , Kuriki Ryo , Kanazawa Tomoki , Lu Daling , Nozawa Shunsuke , Yamakata Akira , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Ishitani Osamu
Published: April 2018

Promotional effect of Ag species on visible-light CO2 reduction by a Ru-complex/Ag/C3N4 photocatalyst was examined.
Predicting multiple Dirac-cones and ultrahigh Fermi velocity in perovskiteR3̄cphase LaCuO3
Authors: Zhang Chunmei , Jiao Yalong , Kou Liangzhi , Liao Ting , Du Aijun
Published: April 2018

The experimentally synthesised LaCuO3compound crystallizing in perovskite phase is predicted to be Dirac materials with multiple ultrafast transport channels.
A highly luminescent porous metamaterial based on a mixture of gold and alloyed semiconductor nanoparticles
Authors: Kormilina T. K. , Stepanidenko E. A. , Cherevkov S. A. , Dubavik A. , Baranov M. A. , Fedorov A. V. , Baranov A. V. , Gun'ko Y. K. , Ushakova E. V.
Published: April 2018

We report on universal destabilization-based synthetic protocol for the formation of highly luminescent porous metamaterials based on a mixture of gold and alloyed semiconductor nanoparticles.
Two-step vapor deposition of self-catalyzed large-size PbI2 nanobelts for high-performance photodetectors
Authors: Han Mingming , Sun Jiamin , Bian Luozhen , Wang Zhou , Zhang Lei , Yin Yanxue , Gao Zhaofeng , Li Fulin , Xin Qian , He Longbin , Han Ning , Song Aimin , Yang Zai-xing
Published: April 2018

Large-size, single-crystalline and high-density PbI2 nanobelts are successfully synthesized by a two-step vapor deposition process at a slow heating rate.
Multifunctional chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystals/glycerol structural colored nanocomposites for intelligent responsive films, photonic inks and iridescent coatings
Authors: Xu Mingcong , Li Wei , Ma Chunhui , Yu Haipeng , Wu Yiqiang , Wang Yonggui , Chen Zhijun , Li Jian , Liu Shouxin
Published: April 2018

Structural colored nanocomposites with photonic liquid crystal structures are desirable owing to their excellent optical performances, unique structural features and intelligent responsive behaviors.
Intervention Techniques Used With Autism Spectrum Disorder by Speech-Language Pathologists in the United States and Taiwan: A Descriptive Analysis of Practice in Clinical Settings
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Yeh , Lynch Georgina , Madison Charles
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This study examined intervention techniques used with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States and Taiwan working in clinic/hospital settings. The research questions addressed intervention techniques used with children with ASD, intervention techniques used with different age groups (under and above 8 years old), and training received before using the intervention techniques.

Method

The survey was distributed through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to selected SLPs across the United States. In Taiwan, the survey (Chinese version) was distributed through the Taiwan Speech-Language Pathologist Union, 2018, to certified SLPs.

Results

Results revealed that SLPs in the United States and Taiwan used 4 common intervention techniques: Social Skill Training, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Picture Exchange Communication System, and Social Stories. Taiwanese SLPs reported SLP preparation program training across these common intervention strategies. In the United States, SLPs reported training via SLP preparation programs, peer therapists, and self-taught.

Conclusions

Most SLPs reported using established or emerging evidence-based practices as defined by the National Professional Development Center (2014) and the National Standards Report (2015). Future research should address comparison of SLP preparation programs to examine the impact of preprofessional training on use of evidence-based practices to treat ASD.
Suprasegmental Features Are Not Acquired Early: Perception and Production of Monosyllabic Cantonese Lexical Tones in 4- to 6-Year-Old Preschool Children
Authors: Wong Puisan , Tsz-Tin Leung Carrie
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Previous studies reported that children acquire Cantonese tones before 3 years of age, supporting the assumption in models of phonological development that suprasegmental features are acquired rapidly and early in children. Yet, recent research found a large disparity in the age of Cantonese tone acquisition. This study investigated Cantonese tone development in 4- to 6-year-old children.

Method

Forty-eight 4- to 6-year-old Cantonese-speaking children and 28 mothers of the children labeled 30 pictures representing familiar words in the 6 tones in a picture-naming task and identified pictures representing words in different Cantonese tones in a picture-pointing task. To control for lexical biases in tone assessment, tone productions were low-pass filtered to eliminate lexical information. Five judges categorized the tones in filtered stimuli. Tone production accuracy, tone perception accuracy, and correlation between tone production and perception accuracy were examined.

Results

Children did not start to produce adultlike tones until 5 and 6 years of age. Four-year-olds produced none of the tones with adultlike accuracy. Five- and 6-year-olds attained adultlike productions in 2 (T5 and T6) to 3 (T4, T5, and T6) tones, respectively. Children made better progress in tone perception and achieved higher accuracy in perception than in production. However, children in all age groups perceived none of the tones as accurately as adults, except that T1 was perceived with adultlike accuracy by 6-year-olds. Only weak association was found between children's tone perception and production accuracy.

Conclusions

Contradicting to the long-held assumption that children acquire lexical tone rapidly and early before the mastery of segmentals, this study found that 4- to 6-year-old children have not mastered the perception or production of the full set of Cantonese tones in familiar monosyllabic words. Larger development was found in children's tone perception than tone production. The higher tone perception accuracy but weak correlation between tone perception and production abilities in children suggested that tone perception accuracy is not sufficient for children's tone production accuracy. The findings have clinical and theoretical implications.
1 kW/60,000 min−1 bearingless PM motor with combined winding for torque and rotor suspension
Authors: Dietz Daniel , Messager Gael , Binder Andreas
Published: April 2018

A comprehensive description of a bearingless permanent magnet synchronous machine is presented including simulation, design, control and measurement focusing on a 1 kW/60,000 min−1 machine. A combined six‐phase winding is used for the excitation of the two‐pole motor field wave and the four‐pole levitation field wave by applying two parallel three‐phase current systems. The decomposition into the individually controllable current systems for motor torque and lateral rotor position control and the calculation of the relevant control parameters is explained. Measurements give an insight on the controlled motor performance. Thus, it is shown that the combination of torque and lateral force production with a single six‐phase winding, fed by two three‐phase inverters, not only leads to advantages in winding manufacturing but can be operated with a conventional field‐oriented control also at high speed.
Extended multi‐energy demand response scheme for industrial integrated energy system
Authors: Jiang Ziqing , Hao Ran , Ai Qian , Yu Zhiwen , Xiao Fei
Published: April 2018

With the development of energy internet technology and smart power distribution & utilisation technology, multiparty interaction based on the complementarity of multi‐energy demand has become an alternative solution to avoiding power shortage and improving comprehensive energy efficiency. The industrial integrated energy system with CCHP (combined cooling heating and power) as a generation source of heating and cooling energy is studied. Based on the traditional electrical demand response (DR) mechanism, the demand for electricity, heating and cooling is incorporated in the scope of generalised demand side resources. Considering the difference on price, demand and supply characteristics of multiple energy resources, the multi‐energy‐based DR scheme and the corresponding optimisation model are established to minimise dispatching expenses and improve the interaction between electricity companies, CCHP and industrial consumers. The numerical analysis shows that the proposed scheme could effectively engage CCHPs and consumers in multi‐energy interaction, and the overall expenses can be significantly reduced.
Fractional‐order lead‐lag compensator‐based multi‐band power system stabiliser design using a hybrid dynamic GA‐PSO algorithm
Authors: Kuttomparambil Abdulkhader Haseena , Jacob Jeevamma , Mathew Abraham T.
Published: April 2018

Power system stabilisers (PSSs) are supplementary controllers connected to the excitation system of synchronous generators to damp electromechanical oscillations. Multi‐band PSSs are reported as advanced PSSs with the ability to damp out all oscillation modes present in the power systems. This study presents the design of a robust fractional‐order multi‐band power system stabiliser (Fo‐MBPSS) using a meta‐heuristic hybrid algorithm for dynamic stability improvement of multi‐machine power systems. The large bandwidth, memory effect and flat phase contribution in the frequency response of fractional‐order controllers are exploited to make the Fo‐MBPSS perform well against a wide range of system uncertainties. The parameter tuning problem of Fo‐MBPSS is transformed to an optimisation problem that is solved using a hybrid algorithm by combining a dynamic genetic algorithm (DGA) with a standard particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm. The performance of the proposed DGA‐PSO‐Fo‐MBPSS is evaluated through eigenvalue analysis, non‐linear time‐domain simulations and some performance indices, in two different multi‐machine systems under different loading conditions and disturbances. The results are compared with PSO‐based conventional MBPSS and PSO based Fo‐MBPSS (PSO‐Fo‐MBPSS) to establish the fractional parameter effect on the improvement of the system dynamic response and the relevance of the proposed hybrid optimisation technique in achieving robustness.
Algorithm for adaptive single‐phase reclosure on shunt‐reactor compensated extra high voltage transmission lines considering beat frequency oscillation
Authors: Jiaxing Ning , Baina He , Zhenzhen Wang , Jie Kong
Published: April 2018

The existing technique of fault state recognition for adaptive single‐phase reclosure is severely impacted by the transient beat frequency oscillations after the secondary arc being extinguished in a shunt‐reactance compensated line, due to the resonance between the equivalent capacitors and compensating inductors. The characters of fault phase terminal voltage and neutral small reactance voltage are analysed, and the differences of fault phase terminal voltage between the two fault states at recovery voltage stage are compared. Considering that there are some misjudged zones caused by beat frequency oscillation on the fault phase voltage, the neutral small reactance voltage is taken as a base value, and the ratio which uses the difference of calculated and measured on fault phase terminal voltage to neutral small reactance voltage is detected through a beat frequency cycle. Only when all ratios are >1 at the sampling points, a permanent fault is identified. If the ratio of a sampling point is <1, the transient fault is identified, and the reclosing command is issued after a determined delay. The simulation results show that the algorithm can distinguish the fault state under different compensation degrees effectively, and be free of different loads, fault locations and fault resistances.
Allocation of transmission active losses through a novel power tracing‐based technique
Authors: Enshaee Ali , Yousefi Gholam Reza , Ebrahimi Akbar
Published: April 2018

One of the challenging issues in a restructured power system is fair allocation of transmission losses to its users. This study proposes two new algorithms to trace the active power produced (consumed) by the generators (loads) for assigning active losses to the generators or loads separately. In the proposed methods, there is no need to convert the study system to a system for which the active power at both ends of each transmission line are the same. In these algorithms, based on AC power flow calculations, new matrices called outflow‐line and inflow‐line are first created. Then, according to the properties of these matrices, four other matrices, which express active power flows of the transmission lines in terms of active power productions (consumptions) of the generators (loads), are then derived. These matrices are employed not only to allocate the active loss of every transmission line to each generator or load, but also to determine the contribution of each generator to the active power consumption of each load. The results obtained by implementing the proposed algorithms on a five‐bus system and two IEEE standard systems indicate its superiority over some earlier methods.
Memory‐efficient architecture of circle Hough transform and its FPGA implementation for iris localisation
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Asati Abhijit , Gupta Anu
Published: April 2018

This study presents a circle Hough transform (CHT) architecture that provides memory reduction between 74 and 93% without and with little degradation in the accuracy, respectively. For an image of P × Q pixels, the standard (direct) CHT requires a two‐dimensional (2D) accumulator array of P × Q cells, but the proposed CHT uses a 2D accumulator array of (P/m) × (Q/n) cells for coarse circle detection and two 1D accumulator arrays of P × 1 and Q × 1 cells for fine detection, therein reducing the memory by a factor of m × n (approximately). The proposed CHT architecture was applied to iris localisation application and carried out its comprehensive evaluation. The average accuracy of the proposed CHT for iris localisation (inner plus outer iris‐circle detection) is 98% with memory reduction of 87% compared with the direct CHT. The proposed CHT architecture was implemented on field programmable logic array targeting Xilinx Zynq device. The proposed CHT hardware takes processing time of 6.25 ms (average) for iris localisation in an image of 320 × 240 px2. The proposed work is compared with the previous work, which shows improved results. Finally, the effect of additive Gaussian noise on the CHT performance is investigated.
Investigation of red‐emitting distributed Bragg reflector lasers by means of numerical simulations
Authors: Tronciu Vasile Z. , Wenzel Hans , Radziunas Mindaugas , Reggentin Matthias , Wiedmann Jörg , Knigge Andrea
Published: April 2018

The authors report theoretical and experimental results on the properties of distributed Bragg reflector semiconductor lasers. Using the traveling wave equation model, they show that a proper choice of coupling coefficient and front facet reflectivity allows an optimisation of the laser operation, such that for wide range of injected current into the active region the laser emits a temporally stable output power. The numerical results are in a qualitative agreement with the measured characteristics.
High step‐up dc/dc converter using switch‐capacitor techniques and lower losses for renewable energy applications
Authors: Maalandish Mohammad , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Jalilzadeh Tohid
Published: April 2018

In this study, a non‐isolated high step‐up direct current (dc)/dc converter with a diode–capacitor is presented. To obtain high‐voltage gain, the voltage multiplier units (diode–capacitor) can be extended to n stages which are used between the phases in up section and down section of the proposed converter. By increasing the number of voltage multiplier units, the nominal value of the components decreases. Therefore, the maximum voltage value of diodes and power switches compared with the output voltage is decreased and finally, the normalised voltage of these devices will decrease, significantly. In addition, the power level of the proposed converter can be increased for different values of duty cycles and voltage multiplier units and also leads to high efficiency. To illustrate the advantages of the proposed converter, comparison results with other topologies are provided. The principle of operation at n = 1, 2 stages, both theoretical analysis and experimental results of two prototypes in 100 and 250 W with operating at 40 kHz are provided.
Thyristor voltage equalising network for crowbar application
Authors: T.G. Joshi Subhash , John Vinod
Published: April 2018

Many high‐voltage applications are realised with series connected thyristors. Voltage imbalance among series connected thyristors during steady state as well as in transients is one of the major concerns. This voltage imbalance is mitigated by using static and dynamic balancing network. Dynamic balancing networks are typically designed based on reverse recovery charge of the thyristor during turn‐off, which suits many applications. But this is not the case for a crowbar application, where turn‐off of the thyristor is not a major circuit constraint. This study proposes the design method for dynamic balancing network considering gate turn‐on delay time and the balancing network component tolerances. The study derives two models for the dynamic balancing network based on its charge–discharge cycle. The importance of charge–discharge cycle in the design of dynamic balancing network during high operation is emphasised. Influence of dynamic balancing resistance and crowbar current limiting inductance on voltage imbalance, charging current and discharging current is studied using the analytical model. The proposed design method also offers flexibility to incorporate differences in propagation delays among the thyristor drivers that are used to trigger individual thyristors. Such delays cannot be directly incorporated in the conventional balancing network design method based on reverse recovery. Further, it is also analytically shown that designing the dynamic balancing network based on reverse recovery charge makes the balancing network lossy and bulky for crowbar application. Simulation studies and experimental results on a , crowbar consisting of six series connected thyristors confirm the theoretical analysis and validate the proposed approach for crowbar applications.
Non‐normality can facilitate pulsing in biomolecular circuits
Authors: Patel Abhilash , Sen Shaunak
Published: April 2018

Non‐normality can underlie pulse dynamics in many engineering contexts. However, its role in pulses generated in biomolecular contexts is generally unclear. Here, the authors address this issue using the mathematical tools of linear algebra and systems theory on simple computational models of biomolecular circuits. They find that non‐normality is present in standard models of feedforward loops. They used a generalised framework and pseudospectrum analysis to identify non‐normality in larger biomolecular circuit models, finding that it correlates well with pulsing dynamics. Finally, they illustrate how these methods can be used to provide analytical support to numerical screens for pulsing dynamics as well as provide guidelines for design.
Fine wave dynamics in umbral flash sources
Authors: Sych R. , Wang M.
Published: April 2018

Context. Umbral flashes (UFs) are most common phenomenon of wave processes in sunspots. Studying the relationship between wave time dynamics and the origin of UFs requires further investigation of their fine spatial and height structure.

Aims. We investigated the association between a short time increase in the variations of 3-min extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission at footpoints of coronal magnetic loops and the UF emergence in sunspot umbra. The spatial structure of magnetic field lines and their inclination determine the cut-off frequency and visibility of sunspot waves.

Methods. We applied the pixelized wavelet filtering (PWF) technique to analyse a cube of the images obtained by SDO/AIA at 1600 Å, 304 Å, and 171 Å to study the spatio-temporal oscillation power distribution in individual magnetic loops. Time–distance plots were used to obtain the wave front propagation velocity.

Results. For the first time, we obtained the 2D images of the fine wave processes in magnetic structures of different spatial scales related to the UFs in sunspot. We revealed two types of the UFs as background and local. The background UFs associated with random increasing of separate parts of wave fronts. These UFs are seen as weak and diffuse details that ride the wave fronts without stable shapes and localization in space. The local UFs sources mainly localize near to the footpoint of magnetic loops, anchored in an umbra, along which the propagation of 3-min waves was observed. The time dynamics of flash evolution shows an increase in 3-min oscillations before the UFs peak value within one low-frequency wave train. It is shown that the maxima of 3-min oscillation trains coincide with the peak intensity of UFs. During the UFs evolution, a fine wave spatial and temporal dynamics in UFs local sources was observed.

Conclusions. The sunspot 3-min wave dynamics showed a relation between the localization of oscillations power peak at the coronal magnetic loop footpoints and the UFs origin. The spatial structure of the UFs sources, their power, and lifetime are determined by the cut-off frequency of the waves for the detected waveguides. We concluded that UFs are a global process of short-time increase of the wave activity.
Recurrent Miscarriage: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k-Level, AWMF Registry Number 015/050)
Authors: Toth Bettina , Würfel Wolfgang , Bohlmann Michael , Zschocke Johannes , Rudnik-Schöneborn Sabine , Nawroth Frank , Schleußner Ekkehard , Rogenhofer Nina , Wischmann Tewes , von Wolff Michael , Hancke Katharina , von Otte Sören , Kuon Ruben , Feil Katharina , Tempfer Clemens
Published: April 2018

Purpose Official guideline of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (ÖGGG) and the Swiss Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SGGG). The aim of this guideline was to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of couples with recurrent miscarriage (RM). Recommendations were based on the current literature and the views of the involved committee members.

Methods Based on the current literature, the committee members developed the statements and recommendations of this guideline in a formalized process which included DELPHI rounds and a formal consensus meeting.

Recommendations Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with RM were compiled based on the international literature. Specific established risk factors such as chromosomal, anatomical, endocrine, hemostatic, psychological, infectious and immunological disorders were taken into consideration.
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors from Derris scandens
Authors: Chaichamnong Nattiya , Temkitthawon Prapapan , Khorana Nantaka , Pitpakdeeanan Prompan , Taepavarapruk Pornnarin , Nuengchamnong Nitra , Siriwattanasathien Yuthana , Suksamrarn Apichart , Ingkaninan Kornkanok
Published: April 2018

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors have been used as a first-line medicine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In the search for new phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors from natural sources, we found that the 95% ethanol extract of Derris scandens stem showed phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of about 7 µg/mL. Seven isoflavones and a coumarin constituent isolated from this plant were investigated for phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitory activity. The results showed that osajin (8), 4′,5,7-trihydroxybiprenylisoflavone (4), and derrisisoflavone A (2) had the ability to inhibit phosphodiesterase 5 with IC50 values of 4, 8, and 9 µM, respectively. These compounds exhibited selectivity on phosphodiesterase 5 over phosphodiesterase 1, however, the selectivity on phosphodiesterase 5 over phosphodiesterase 6 was low. In order to quantitatively determine these bioactive constituents in D. scandens extract, LC-QTOF-MS method has been developed and validated. The limit of quantitation values in the range of 0.1 – 5 µg/mL were obtained. The assay showed satisfactory precision and accuracy. The results from our method showed that the 95% ethanol extract of D. scandens stem was comprised of all eight compounds, with derrisisoflavone A (2) and lupalbigenin (3) presenting as the major constituents.