bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of obesity on left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in children and adolescents
Authors: Bartkowiak Joanna , Spitzer Ernest , Kurmann Reto , Zürcher Fabian , Krähenmann Peter , Garcia-Ruiz Victoria , Mercado Jorge , Ryffel Christoph , Losdat Sylvain , Llerena Nassip , Torres Pedro , Lanz Jonas , Stocker Martin , Ren Ben , Glöckler Martin , Pilgrim Thomas
Published: June 2021

Childhood obesity continues to escalate worldwide and may affect left ventricular (LV) geometry and function. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of obesity on prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction in children. In this analysis of prospectively collected cross-sectional data of children between 5 and 16 years of age from randomly selected schools in Peru, parameters of LV geometry and function were compared according to presence or absence of obesity (body mass index z-score > 2). LVH was based on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) adjusted for age and sex and defined by a z-score of > 2. LV diastolic function was assessed using mitral inflow early-to-late diastolic flow (E/A) ratio, peak early diastolic tissue velocities of the lateral mitral annulus (E′), early diastolic transmitral flow velocity to tissue Doppler mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/E′) ratio, and left atrial volume index (LAVI). Among 1023 children, 681 children (mean age 12.2 ± 3.1 years, 341 male (50.1%)) were available for the present analysis, of which 150 (22.0%) were obese. LVH was found in 21 (14.0%) obese and in 19 (3.6%) non-obese children (padjusted < 0.001). LVMI was greater in obese than that in non-obese children (36.1 ± 8.6 versus 28.7 ± 6.9 g/m2.7, p < 0.001). The mean mitral E/E′ ratio and LAVI were significantly higher in obese than those in non-obese individuals (E/E′: 5.2 ± 1.1 versus 4.9 ± 0.8, padjusted = 0.043; LAVI 11.0 ± 3.2 versus 9.6 ± 2.9, padjusted = 0.001), whereas E′ and E/A ratio were comparable. Childhood obesity was associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and determinants of diastolic dysfunction.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02353663.
PD-L1 upregulation is associated with activation of the DNA double-strand break repair pathway in patients with colitic cancer
Authors: Ozawa Naoya , Yokobori Takehiko , Osone Katsuya , Katayama Chika , Suga Kunihiko , Komine Chika , Shibasaki Yuta , Shiraishi Takuya , Okada Takuhisa , Kato Ryuji , Ogawa Hiroomi , Sano Akihiko , Sakai Makoto , Sohda Makoto , Ojima Hitoshi , Miyazaki Tatsuya , Motegi Yoko , Ide Munenori , Yao Takashi , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Shirabe Ken , Saeki Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a DNA damage-associated chronic inflammatory disease; the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway participates in UC-associated dysplasia/colitic cancer carcinogenesis. The DSB/interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) pathway can induce PD-L1 expression transcriptionally. However, the association of PD-L1/DSB/IRF-1 with sporadic colorectal cancer (SCRC), and UC-associated dysplasia/colitic cancer, remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated the significance of the PD-L1/DSB repair pathway using samples from 17 SCRC and 12 UC patients with rare UC-associated dysplasia/colitic cancer cases by immunohistochemical analysis. We compared PD-L1 expression between patients with SCRC and UC-associated dysplasia/colitic cancer and determined the association between PD-L1 and the CD8+ T-cell/DSB/IRF-1 axis in UC-associated dysplasia/colitic cancer. PD-L1 expression in UC and UC-associated dysplasia/colitic cancer was higher than in normal mucosa or SCRC, and in CD8-positive T lymphocytes in UC-associated dysplasia/colitic cancer than in SCRC. Moreover, PD-L1 upregulation was associated with γH2AX (DSB marker) and IRF-1 upregulation in UC-associated dysplasia/colitic cancer. IRF-1 upregulation was associated with γH2AX upregulation in UC-associated dysplasia/colitic cancer but not in SCRC. Multicolour immunofluorescence staining validated γH2AX/IRF-1/PD-L1 co-expression in colitic cancer tissue sections. Thus, immune cell-induced inflammation might activate the DSB/IRF-1 axis, potentially serving as the primary regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 expression in UC-associated carcinogenesis.
A DNA-damage immune response assay combined with PET biomarkers predicts response to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and survival in oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Foley Kieran G. , Lavery Anita , Napier Eoin , Campbell David , Eatock Martin M. , Kennedy Richard D. , Bradley Kevin M. , Turkington Richard C.
Published: June 2021

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT may guide treatment decisions in patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). This study evaluated the added value of maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) to a novel DNA-damage immune response (DDIR) assay to improve pathological response prediction. The diagnostic accuracy of PET response and the prognostic significance of PET metrics for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. This was a retrospective, single-centre study of OAC patients treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy from 2003 to 2014. SUVmax was recorded from baseline and repeat PET-CT after completion of pre-operative chemotherapy. Logistic regression models tested the additional predictive value of PET metrics combined with the DDIR assay for pathological response. Cox regression models tested the prognostic significance of PET metrics for RFS and OS. In total, 113 patients were included; 25 (22.1%) were DDIR positive and 88 (77.9%) were DDIR negative. 69 (61.1%) were PET responders (SUVmax reduction of 35%) and 44 (38.9%) were PET non-responders. After adding PET metrics to DDIR status, post-chemotherapy SUVmax (hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, p = 0.02), SUVmax change (HR 1.04, p = 0.003) and an optimum SUVmax reduction of 46.5% (HR 4.36, p = 0.021) showed additional value for predicting pathological response. The optimised SUVmax threshold was independently significant for RFS (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26–0.85, p = 0.012) and OS (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–0.99, p = 0.047). This study demonstrated the additional value of PET metrics, when combined with a novel DDIR assay, to predict pathological response in OAC patients treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Furthermore, an optimised SUVmax reduction threshold for pathological response was calculated and was independently significant for RFS and OS.
Association between domain-specific physical activity and diabetes in Korean adults
Authors: Lee Eun-Byeol , Hong Sunghyun , Min Jihee , Park Dong-Hyuk , Cho Wonhee , Suh Sang-Hoon , Lee Hae-Dong , Lee Han-Joo , Kimm Heejin , Jee Sun Ha , Kang Eun Seok , Lee Dong Hoon , Jeon Justin Y.
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate the association between domain-specific physical activity (PA) and diabetes in Korean adults. We analyzed 26,653 men and women (aged > 18 years) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2018). PA was measured using a validated Global PA Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjustment for various confounders. Transport PA accounted for the majority of total PA (46%, men; 58%, women), followed by leisure-time PA (30%; 22%) and work PA (24%; 20%). In men, ORs (95% CI) of diabetes comparing ≥ 600 metabolic task of equivalent (MET)-min/week vs. no activity were 0.82 (0.71–0.95) for leisure-time PA, 0.85 (0.75–0.96) for transport PA, and 0.88 (0.78–0.99) for leisure-time + transport PA. In women, ORs (95% CI) of diabetes comparing the same groups were 0.73 (0.60–0.89) for leisure-time PA, 0.97 (0.85–1.10) for transport PA, and 0.88 (0.78–1.00) for leisure-time + transport PA. However, work PA showed no association with diabetes. In conclusion, leisure-time PA was inversely associated with diabetes in both men and women, while transport PA was inversely associated only in men. But work PA was not associated with diabetes in Korean adults.
Neuroanatomical correlates of poststroke complex regional pain syndrome: a voxel-based lesion symptom-mapping study
Authors: Lee Jae-Ik , Kwon Soon-Woo , Lee Ahry , Tae Woo-suk , Pyun Sung-Bom
Published: June 2021

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a common poststroke complication. However, the neural substrates associated with CRPS remain unclear. We investigated the neural correlates associated with poststroke CRPS using voxel-based lesion‒symptom mapping (VLSM) analysis. Among 145 patients with ischemic stroke, 35 were diagnosed with CRPS and categorized into the poststroke CRPS group, and the remaining 110 into the control group. We compared the clinical characteristics between the groups. VLSM analysis was performed to identify the brain region associated with the development of poststroke CRPS. The clinical findings suggested that the poststroke CRPS group had lower muscle strength; lower scores on Fugl‒Meyer assessment, Manual Function Test, Mini-Mental Status Examination; and higher incidence of absent somatosensory evoked potentials in the median nerve than the control group. The head of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and white matter complexes in the corona radiata were significantly associated with poststroke CRPS development in ischemic stroke patients. These results facilitate an understanding of poststroke CRPS pathophysiology. Monitoring patients with lesions in these structures may aid the prevention and early treatment of poststroke CRPS.
Evidence for improved prognosis of colorectal cancer diagnosed following the detection of iron deficiency anaemia
Authors: Almilaji Orouba , Parry Sally D. , Docherty Sharon , Snook Jonathon
Published: June 2021

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is common in colorectal cancer (CRC), especially, in right-sided CRC which is known to have an overall worse prognosis. The associations between diagnostic pathway (Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP), IDA, symptomatic) and tumour side/stage was assessed using logistic regression models in 1138 CRC cases presenting during 2010–2016 at a single secondary-care centre in the UK. In the IDA sub-group, the relationship between CRC stage and the event of having a blood count prior to CRC diagnosis was examined using Bayesian parametric survival model. IDA was found as the only significant predictor of right-sided CRC (OR 10.61, 95% CI 7.02–16.52). Early-stage CRC was associated with both the IDA (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.18–2.29) and BCSP pathway (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.75–3.37). At any age, the risk of detecting CRC at late-stage was higher in those without a previous blood count check (hazard ratio 1.53, 95% credibility interval 1.08–2.14). The findings of this retrospective observational study suggest a benefit from diagnosing CRC through the detection of IDA, and warrant further research into the prognosis benefit of systematic approach to blood count monitoring of the at-risk population.
The pan-cancer landscape of crosstalk between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune evasion relevant to prognosis and immunotherapy response
Authors: Wang Guangyu , Xu Dandan , Zhang Zicheng , Li Xinhui , Shi Jiaqi , Sun Jie , Liu Huan-Zhong , Li Xiaobo , Zhou Meng , Zheng Tongsen
Published: June 2021

An emerging body of evidence has recently recognized the coexistence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune response. However, a systems-level view and survey of the interplay between EMT and immune escape program, and their impact on tumor behavior and clinical outcome across various types of cancer is lacking. Here, we performed comprehensive multi-omics analyses to characterize the landscape of crosstalk between EMT and immune evasion and their clinical relevance across 17 types of solid cancer. Our study showed the presence of complex and dynamic immunomodulatory crosstalk between EMT and immune evasion shared by pan-cancer, and the crosstalk was significantly associated with cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response. Integrative quantitative analyses of genomics and immunogenomics revealed that cellular composition of immune infiltrates, non-synonymous mutation burden, chromosomal instability and oncogenic gene alterations are associated with the balance between EMT and immune evasion. Finally, we proposed a scoring model termed EMT-CYT Index (ECI) to quantify the EMT-immunity axis, which was a superior predictor of prognosis and immunotherapy response across different malignancies. By providing a systematic overview of crosstalk between EMT and immune evasion, our study highlights the potential of pan-cancer EMT-immunity crosstalk as a paradigm for dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and guiding more effective and generalized immunotherapy strategies.
Airborne geophysical surveys of the lower Mississippi Valley demonstrate system-scale mapping of subsurface architecture
Authors: Minsley Burke J. , Rigby J. R. , James Stephanie R. , Burton Bethany L. , Knierim Katherine J. , Pace Michael D. M. , Bedrosian Paul A. , Kress Wade H.
Published: June 2021

The Mississippi Alluvial Plain hosts one of the most prolific shallow aquifer systems in the United States but is experiencing chronic groundwater decline. The Reelfoot rift and New Madrid seismic zone underlie the region and represent an important and poorly understood seismic hazard. Despite its societal and economic importance, the shallow subsurface architecture has not been mapped with the spatial resolution needed for effective management. Here, we present airborne electromagnetic, magnetic, and radiometric observations, measured over more than 43,000 flight-line-kilometers, which collectively provide a system-scale snapshot of the entire region. We develop detailed maps of aquifer connectivity and shallow geologic structure, infer relationships between structure and groundwater age, and identify previously unseen paleochannels and shallow fault structures. This dataset demonstrates how regional-scale airborne geophysics can close a scale gap in Earth observation by providing observational data at suitable scales and resolutions to improve our understanding of subsurface structures.
NaBH4-reduction induced tunable oxygen vacancies in LaNiO2.7 to enhance the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Jin Yuwei , Huo Wenjing , Zhang Libin , Li Yong , Chen Qianqian , Zhang Xiaodong , Yang Shuo , Nie Huagui , Zhou Xuemei , Yang Zhi
Published: June 2021

The LNO2.7 catalyst with superior catalytic activity for water oxidation is realized by NaBH4-reduction approach. Direct evidence of the active site center and the intermediates is observed from in situ Raman spectrum and DFT calculation.
Efficient hydrogenation of levulinic acid catalysed by spherical NHC-Ir assemblies with atmospheric pressure of hydrogen
Authors: Shen Lingyun , Zheng Qingshu , Liu Yaoqi , Wu Jiajie , Lu Zeye , Tu Tao
Published: June 2021

Enhanced catalytic activity towards hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone under 1 atm H2 was realized by spherical porous self-supported NHC-Ir catalysts.
“One-to-three” droplet generation in digital microfluidics for parallel chemiluminescence immunoassays
Authors: Jin Kai , Hu Chenxuan , Hu Siyi , Hu Chengyou , Li Jinhua , Ma Hanbin
Published: June 2021

A “one-to-three” splitting method is able to generate sub-microlitre droplets beyond the “well-known” geometry limit in EWOD digital microfluidics. It helps to realise parallel on-chip CLIA with enhanced magnetic beads washing efficiency.
Molecular gate effects observed in fluoroalkylsilane self-assembled monolayers grafted on LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4cathodes: an application to efficient ion-exchange reactions
Authors: Charles-Blin Youn , Todoki Hitomi , Zettsu Nobuyuki , Teshima Katsuya
Published: June 2021

This work demonstrates the role of fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) self-assembled monolayers in improving the high-voltage durability and C-rate capabilities of spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4(LNMO) cathodes.
Structure and properties of radical anion and dianion salts of organic dye trans-perinone and its mixed salt with gallium(iii) phthalocyanine
Authors: Faraonov Maxim A. , Romanenko Nikita R. , Mikhailenko Maxim V. , Kuzmin Alexey V. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Konarev Dmitri V.
Published: June 2021

Reduction of organic dye trans-perinone in different experimental conditions was studied. New crystallite salts containing reduced species of trans-perinone together with mixed salt with GaIIIClPc radical anions were obtained and characterized.
Considerations of the biosynthesis and molecular diversity of tolyporphins
Authors: Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: June 2021

Tolyporphins, relatively new members of the pigments of life family found in a cyanobacterium, differ in the chromophores, pyrroline substituents, and stereochemistry, yet likely all derive from uroporphyrinogen III.
Na4SnS4 and Na4SnSe4 exhibiting multifunctional physicochemical performances as potential infrared nonlinear optical crystals and sodium ion conductors
Authors: Gao Lihua , Bian Gang , Yang Ya , Zhang Bingbing , Wu Xiaowen , Wu Kui
Published: June 2021

Na4SnS4 and Na4SnSe4 exhibiting excellent physicochemical performances as potential IR NLO crystals and sodium ion conductors were systematically studied.
Interaction of serum proteins with SARS-CoV-2 RBD
Authors: Yin Yue-wen , Sheng Yan-jing , Wang Min , Ma Yu-qiang , Ding Hong-ming
Published: June 2021

In this work, we report a comprehensive study clarifying the role of protein corona in the bio-behaviors of SARS-CoV-2 by using molecular docking and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations.
Correction: Exploring the 3D structure and defects of a self-assembled gold mesocrystal by coherent X-ray diffraction imaging
Authors: Carnis Jerome , Kirner Felizitas , Lapkin Dmitry , Sturm Sebastian , Kim Young Yong , Baburin Igor A. , Khubbutdinov Ruslan , Ignatenko Alexandr , Iashina Ekaterina , Mistonov Alexander , Steegemans Tristan , Wieck Thomas , Gemming Thomas , Lubk Axel , Lazarev Sergey , Sprung Michael , Vartanyants Ivan A. , Sturm Elena V.
Published: June 2021

Correction for ‘Exploring the 3D structure and defects of a self-assembled gold mesocrystal by coherent X-ray diffraction imaging’ by Jerome Carnis et al., Nanoscale, 2021, DOI: 10.1039/D1NR01806J.
Label-free quantitative proteomics analysis of jujube (Ziziphus jujubaMill.) during different growth stages
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Hou Zhaohua
Published: June 2021

Chinese jujube (Zizyphus jujubaMill.), a member of the Rhamnaceae family with favorable nutritional and flavor quality, exhibited characteristic climacteric changes during its fruit growth stage.
Inverse kinetic isotope effects in the charge transfer reactions of ammonia with rare gas ions
Authors: Tsikritea A. , Park K. , Bertier P. , Loreau J. , Softley T. P. , Heazlewood B. R.
Published: June 2021

Inverse kinetic isotope effects are observed in the charge transfer reactions of rare gas ions with ammonia molecules.
Characterization of caspase-7 interaction with RNA
Authors: Desroches Alexandre , Denault Jean-Bernard
Published: June 2021

Apoptosis is a regulated form of cell death essential to the removal of unwanted cells. At its core, a family of cysteine peptidases named caspases cleave key proteins allowing cell death to occur. To do so, each caspase catalytic pocket recognizes preferred amino acid sequences resulting in proteolysis, but some also use exosites to select and cleave important proteins efficaciously. Such exosites have been found in a few caspases, notably caspase-7 that has a lysine patch (K38KKK) that binds RNA, which acts as a bridge to RNA-binding proteins favoring proximity between the peptidase and its substrates resulting in swifter cleavage. Although caspase-7 interaction with RNA has been identified, in-depth characterization of this interaction is lacking. In this study, using in vitro cleavage assays, we determine that RNA concentration and length affect the cleavage of RNA-binding proteins. Additionally, using binding assays and RNA sequencing, we found that caspase-7 binds RNA molecules regardless of their type, sequence, or structure. Moreover, we demonstrate that the N-terminal peptide of caspase-7 reduces the affinity of the peptidase for RNA, which translates into slower cleavages of RNA-binding proteins. Finally, employing engineered heterodimers, we show that a caspase-7 dimer can use both exosites simultaneously to increase its affinity to RNA because a heterodimer with only one exosite has reduced affinity for RNA and cleavage efficacy. These findings shed light on a mechanism that furthers substrate recognition by caspases and provides potential insight into its regulation during apoptosis.
The HSP70 chaperone as sensor of the NEDD8 cycle upon DNA damage
Authors: Bailly Aymeric P. , Xirodimas Dimitris P.
Published: June 2021

Molecular chaperones are essential components of the protein quality control system and maintenance of homeostasis. Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70), a highly evolutionarily conserved family of chaperones is a key regulator of protein folding, oligomerisation and prevents the aggregation of misfolded proteins. HSP70 chaperone function depends on the so-called ‘HSP70-cycle', where HSP70 interacts with and is released from substrates via ATP hydrolysis and the assistance of HSP70 co-factors/co-chaperones, which also provide substrate specificity. The identification of regulatory modules for HSP70 allows the elucidation of HSP70 specificity and target selectivity. Here, we discuss how the HSP70 cycle is functionally linked with the cycle of the Ubiquitin-like molecule NEDD8. Using as an example the DNA damage response, we present a model where HSP70 acts as a sensor of the NEDD8 cycle. The NEDD8 cycle acts as a regulatory module of HSP70 activity, where conversion of poly-NEDD8 chains into mono-NEDD8 upon DNA damage activates HSP70, facilitating the formation of the apoptosome and apoptosis execution.
Plant derived cyclic peptides
Authors: Daly Norelle L. , Wilson David T.
Published: June 2021

Cyclic peptides are widespread throughout the plant kingdom, and display diverse sequences, structures and bioactivities. The potential applications attributed to these peptides and their unusual biosynthesis has captivated the attention of researchers for many years. Several gene sequences for plant cyclic peptides have been discovered over the last two decades but it is only recently that we are beginning to understand the intricacies associated with their biosynthesis. Recent studies have focussed on three main classes of plant derived cyclic peptides, namely orbitides, SFTI related peptides and cyclotides. In this mini-review, we discuss the expansion of the known sequence and structural diversity in these families, insights into the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis, the exciting applications which includes a cyclotide currently in clinical trials for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, and new production methods that are being developed to realise the potential of plant cyclic peptides as pharmaceutical or agricultural agents.
Speech Movement Variability in People Who Stutter: A Vocal Tract Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Wiltshire Charlotte E. E. , Chiew Mark , Chesters Jennifer , Healy Máiréad P. , Watkins Kate E.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

People who stutter (PWS) have more unstable speech motor systems than people who are typically fluent (PWTF). Here, we used real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the vocal tract to assess variability and duration of movements of different articulators in PWS and PWTF during fluent speech production.

Method

The vocal tracts of 28 adults with moderate to severe stuttering and 20 PWTF were scanned using MRI while repeating simple and complex pseudowords. Midsagittal images of the vocal tract from lips to larynx were reconstructed at 33.3 frames per second. For each participant, we measured the variability and duration of movements across multiple repetitions of the pseudowords in three selected articulators: the lips, tongue body, and velum.

Results

PWS showed significantly greater speech movement variability than PWTF during fluent repetitions of pseudowords. The group difference was most evident for measurements of lip aperture using these stimuli, as reported previously, but here, we report that movements of the tongue body and velum were also affected during the same utterances. Variability was not affected by phonological complexity. Speech movement variability was unrelated to stuttering severity within the PWS group. PWS also showed longer speech movement durations relative to PWTF for fluent repetitions of multisyllabic pseudowords, and this group difference was even more evident as complexity increased.

Conclusions

Using real-time MRI of the vocal tract, we found that PWS produced more variable movements than PWTF even during fluent productions of simple pseudowords. PWS also took longer to produce multisyllabic words relative to PWTF, particularly when words were more complex. This indicates general, trait-level differences in the control of the articulators between PWS and PWTF.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14782092
Providing Aphasia Therapy Across Health Care Settings: Clinical Simulation in the Academic Classroom
Authors: Smith Kimberly G. , Hill Grayson , Brown Gidget , Hudson Kendra , McVay Karen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a free, video-based simulation activity implemented in a first-year graduate speech-language pathology class would improve students' confidence with assessment and treatment of persons with aphasia across health care settings.

Method

Assessment of a fictional patient with aphasia was presented for four settings: acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, home health, and outpatient rehabilitation in video format. Goals were written collaboratively, and therapy techniques were practiced in small groups with direction from clinical instructors. Pre- and posttests assessed change in students' confidence with assessment and treatment of patients with aphasia across health care settings. Students also listed the factors a speech-language pathologist should consider that would impact a patient's functional rehabilitation in any health care setting.

Results

Students' confidence improved from pre to post for each clinical skill and health care setting presented in the simulation activity. The simulation activity did not, however, affect the speech-language pathology students' ability to identify factors that would impact a patient's functional rehabilitation across health care settings, such as patient motivation and comorbidities.

Conclusion

Overall, the results suggest that a free, accessible video-based simulation can be used to facilitate student learning, when challenges such as cost and accessibility limit the use and implementation of simulation and standardized patient experiences in university settings.
A FR4‐based compact VCO with wide tuning range using SISL transformed triple‐tanks
Authors: Fu Haipeng , Ma Kaige , Ma Kaixue , Wang Yongqiang
Published: June 2021

This work proposes a compact voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) using the transformer‐based triple‐tanks on substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) platform for 5G applications. In order to broaden the tuning range, the varactors are loaded on the second tank to avoid the effect of parasitic capacitance of bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) on the tuning range, and compact transformed triple‐tanks are designed to decrease the parasitic capacitance. By using a compact transformed triple‐tanks and double layers wiring technology, the core circuit area is only 0.1λg × 0.1λg, which is the smallest among the reported board‐level VCOs. Although the low‐cost FR4 is chosen, the phase noise is still acceptable by adopting cross‐coupled topology and multi‐tanks technology. The measured results show that the VCO exhibits a wide tuning range of 28.9% from 2.88  to 3.85 GHz, and the best phase noise is –119.45 dBc/Hz @1 MHz at 3.76 GHz.
DAN‐Conv: Depth aware non‐local convolution for LiDAR depth completion
Authors: Yan Lin , Liu Kai , Gao Long
Published: June 2021

Sparse LiDAR depth completion is a beneficial task for many robotic applications. It commonly generates a dense depth prediction from a sparse depth map and its corresponding aligned RGB image. This image‐guided depth completion task mainly has two challenges: sparse data processing and multi‐modality data fusion. In this letter, they are dealt with by two novel solutions: (1) To efficiently process sparse depth input, a Depth Aware Non‐local Convolution (DAN‐Conv) is proposed. It augments the spatial sampling locations of a convolution operation. Specifically, DAN‐Conv constructs a non‐local neighbourhood relationship by exploiting the intrinsic correlation among observable depth pixels. In particular, it can readily replace standard convolution without introducing additional network parameters. (2) A Symmetric Co‐attention Module (SCM) is proposed to fuse and enhance features from depth and image domain. It estimates the importance of complementary features by the co‐attention mechanism. Finally, a neural network built on DAN‐Conv and SCM is proposed. It achieves competitive performance on the challenging KITTI depth completion benchmark. Comparing to approaches with approximate accuracy, this lightweight network requires significantly fewer learnable parameters.
Grid voltage sensor fault‐tolerant control for single‐phase two‐level PWM rectifier
Authors: Gong Zifeng , Huang Deqing , Ma Lei , Qin Na , Jadoon Habib Ullah Khan
Published: June 2021

The main purpose of this work is to address the problem of robust grid voltage sensor fault‐tolerant control for a single‐phase two‐level rectifier. First, considering a rectifier with disturbances and grid voltage sensor fault, the standard switched system model is constructed. Based on identical transformation, the original system is converted into an augmented system. In the augmented system, the information of the grid voltage sensor fault is included in the state vector. Second, an unknown input observer is designed for the augmented system for sensor fault estimation. The observer error is totally robust against independent deterministic disturbances. In addition, the effect of the disturbance caused by unknown disturbances or a modelling error is minimised with respect to a prescribed H∞ performance index. Finally, the sensor fault‐tolerant control is realised by fault compensation technique, which protects the rectifier from serious performance degradation in the presence of the grid voltage sensor fault. The proposed fault‐tolerant control strategy requires no supplementary hardware and all the inputs involved in the algorithm are directly available. Simulation and experimental results are exhibited to illustrate the capability of the proposed method to tolerate the grid voltage sensor fault.
Modelling of brushless doubly fed reluctance machines based on reluctance network model
Authors: Kenmoe Fankem Eric Duckler , Kendeg Onla Clement Junior , Xiaoyan Wang , Dountio Tchioffo Alix , Effa Joseph Yves
Published: June 2021

The modelling and analysis of Brushless Doubly Fed Reluctance Machines (BDFRMs), taking into account magnetic saturation and rotor movement, by conventional modelling techniques are very difficult, if not impossible, because the two stator windings have different number of poles leading to a complex flux pattern. To overcome this drawback, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is generally used for modelling and analysing BDFRMs. But it requires a considerable computational time compared with semi‐analytical methods. This article, therefore, steps forward by proposing a new approach to dynamical modelling of BDFRM based on the Reluctance Network Method (RNM), which can enable accurate calculation of the electromagnetic parameters and performances of BDFRMs. Indeed, the reluctance network method offers an interesting compromise between precision and computation time compared to finite element analysis. To validate the proposed model, simulations are carried out and comparison are made with FEA. It is observed that the greatest error between the values of the proposed model and those from FEA is close to 1%. The accuracy in the calculation of electromagnetic parameters, as well as the computational time leads us to the conclusion that the proposed model could be suitable for optimisation and control purposes.
Simulations and experiments of the generation apparatus of the DC electric field with the space charge
Authors: Wang Yanzhao , Zhang Jiangong , Gan Zheyuan , Xu Jilai
Published: June 2021

To make accurate measurements, field mills must be calibrated in a known DC electric field space charge in which the quantities can be control1ed. A simulation model of the generation apparatus of the electric field with a space charge has been built. Based on the combination of the electric field and the transfer of a dilute substances model, the influence of openings in the metal screen was calculated. Simulation results showed that the opening size of the high‐voltage electrode has a great influence on the distribution of the electric field and ion density at the calibration zone. Next, a generation apparatus was designed and developed and ion mobility was researched. The experimental results showed that ion mobility decreased with an increase in electric field strength. However, ion mobility tends to be saturated when the electric field reaches a certain critical value. Two fitting formulas of ion mobility of positive and negative charge are proposed that can be used to predicate ion mobility in a high electric field.
Towards multilingual end‐to‐end speech recognition for air traffic control
Authors: Lin Yi , Yang Bo , Guo Dongyue , Fan Peng
Published: June 2021

In this work, an end‐to‐end framework is proposed to achieve multilingual automatic speech recognition (ASR) in air traffic control (ATC) systems. Considering the standard ATC procedure, a recurrent neural network (RNN) based framework is selected to mine the temporal dependencies among speech frames. Facing the distributed feature space caused by the radio transmission, a hybrid feature embedding block is designed to extract high‐level representations, in which multiple convolutional neural networks are designed to accommodate different frequency and temporal resolutions. The residual mechanism is performed on the RNN layers to improve the trainability and the convergence. To integrate the multilingual ASR into a single model and relieve the class imbalance, a special vocabulary is designed to unify the pronunciation of the vocabulary in Chinese and English, i.e., pronunciation‐oriented vocabulary. The proposed model is optimized by the connectionist temporal classification loss and is validated on a real‐world speech corpus (ATCSpeech). A character error rate of 4.4% and 5.9% is achieved for Chinese and English speech, respectively, which outperforms other popular approaches. Most importantly, the proposed approach achieves the multilingual ASR task in an end‐to‐end manner with considerable high performance.
Evaluation of the E‐polarization focusing ability in Thz range for microsize cylindrical parabolic reflector made of thin dielectric layer sandwiched between graphene
Authors: Oğuzer Taner , Altıntaş Ayhan
Published: June 2021

We consider two‐dimensional (2‐D) thin dielectric parabolic reflector, covered with graphene from both sides, illuminated symmetrically by an E‐polarized electromagnetic plane wave. Our aim is to estimate the focussing ability of such a composite reflector depending on the graphene parameters. We use a version of the two‐side generalized boundary condition, modified for a thin multilayer case. The scattering is formulated as an electromagnetic boundary‐value problem; it is cast to a set of two coupled singular integral equations that are further subjected to analytical regularisation based on the known Riemann–Hilbert problem solution. Thanks to this procedure, the numerical results are computed from a Fredholm second‐kind matrix equation that guarantees convergence and provides easily controlled accuracy. In the lower part of the THz range, high values of the focusing ability are observed even for a thin reflector; they are greater than for a purely dielectric reflector and a free standing graphene reflector. On the other hand, a regime of almost full transparency, intrinsic for the dielectric layer, can spoil focusing ability. Novel aspect is that the location in frequency of this effect can be controlled, in wide range, by changing the chemical potential of graphene.
Fully FPGA‐based implementation of a modified control strategy for power electronic transformer in railway traction applications
Authors: Akbariavaz Khalil , Fazel Seyed Saeed , Khosravi Mahyar
Published: June 2021

Due to its several advantages (especially low volume and weight), power electronic transformer has gained notable attraction in railway applications. The main focus of this work is devoted to development a fully filed programmable gate array (FPGA)‐based control platform for power electronic transformer in the aforementioned application. Due to the parallel processing of FPGAs that results in a faster control algorithm execution, reliable operation (which is of major importance in traction applications) is guaranteed. For this purpose, an input series output parallel power electronic transformer structure is built, and various considerations for reliable and stable operation of the power electronic transformer in traction applications, such as safe start‐up and bidirectional power flow, along with the required control and pulse generation schemes, have been designed and implemented in a Xilinx FPGA control platform. Moreover, a modified control algorithm is proposed for controlling the power electronic transformer in a simple and more reliable manner. This control scheme is developed based on the output voltage of the DC–DC–LLC resonant converter, and can effectively control the sum of rectifier DC‐link voltages and track the input sine reference current, with a lower number of required sensors. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposal has been tested from various aspects by experimental tests.
Deep transfer learning for the classification of variable sources
Authors: Kim Dae-Won , Yeo Doyeob , Bailer-Jones Coryn A. L. , Lee Giyoung
Published: June 2021

Ongoing or upcoming surveys such asGaia, ZTF, or LSST will observe the light curves of billions or more astronomical sources. This presents new challenges for identifying interesting and important types of variability. Collecting a sufficient amount of labeled data for training is difficult, especially in the early stages of a new survey. Here we develop a single-band light-curve classifier based on deep neural networks and use transfer learning to address the training data paucity problem by conveying knowledge from one data set to another. First we train a neural network on 16 variability features extracted from the light curves of OGLE and EROS-2 variables. We then optimize this model using a small set (e.g., 5%) of periodic variable light curves from the ASAS data set in order to transfer knowledge inferred from OGLE and EROS-2 to a new ASAS classifier. With this we achieve good classification results on ASAS, thereby showing that knowledge can be successfully transferred between data sets. We demonstrate similar transfer learning using HIPPARCOSand ASAS-SN data. We therefore find that it is not necessary to train a neural network from scratch for every new survey; rather, transfer learning can be used, even when only a small set of labeled data is available in the new survey.
Impact of biofertilizers on resistance to diseases of spring barley
Authors: Tychinskaya Irina , Tarakin Alexey , Bukhvostov Yuriy , Minakova Irina , Bukreeva Tatyana
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the effect of biofertilizers (Bioklad and Vermix) on the severity of common diseases of spring barley in field trials conducted in the Orel region. The authors estimate risks of spring barley diseases and analyse the results of the three-year experiment, carried out under certain weather and climate conditions. The subject of the research is the spring barley crop Suzdalets under intensive farming (zoned for 2, 3, 5 regions of Russia). For a more comprehensive assessment, the experimental process includes separate and combined application of biofertilizers at two different doses. The results of the experiment shows that spring barley crops have responded to all tested combinations of treatment and, at the same time, biofertilizers Bioklad and Vermix, regardless of the doses of application used, had a positive treatment effect and reduced development of severe plant diseases such as root rot by 8.4%, Helminthosporium spot by 29.2%, powdery mildew by 28.9%, Rhynchosporium by 26.3%, stem rust by 65.9%, Septoria spot by 24.4%, and Fusarium head blight by 12%. The most productive agrocenosis of spring barley was formed with the use of Bioklad: barley yield was 0.59 t/ha at a dose of 1 L/ ha and 0.61 t/ha at a dose of 2 L/ha.
Influence of technology elements on the yield and grain quality of spring wheat in the northern forest-steppe of the Tyumen region
Authors: Loginov Yury , Kazak Anastasia , Yakubyshina Lyudmila , Yashchenko Sergey
Published: June 2021

It was found that varieties Novosibirskaya 31 and Iren have an advantage in yield and grain quality over Omskaya 36 and Tyumenskaya 25 in terms of the predecessors of annual grasses and green manure fallow. For varieties Omskaya 36, Tyumenskaya 25, Iren, the background of mineral nutrition is optimal for obtaining a yield of 4 t/ha. A further increase in yield leads to a decrease in grain quality. The exception was the Novosibirskaya 31 variety, which retained the grain quality to a yield level close to 5 t/ha. The best sowing dates are the first and second.
Features of physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of wine from Krasnostop Zolotovsky grapevine variety
Authors: Ganich Valentina , Naumova Lyudmila , Matveeva Natalia
Published: June 2021

The aim of the work was a detailed study of physicochemical and organoleptic components of the wine from native Don grapevine variety Krasnostop Zolotovsky, in comparison with the classic variety Cabernet Sauvignon. The work was carried out in 2000–2019 at the Don ampelographic collection (Novocherkassk, Russia). Samples of wine materials were prepared in micro-winemaking conditions according to the classical technology of making for red dry table wines. The article analyzes data on the amount of: sugars, volatile and titratable acids, total dry extract, phenolic substances, anthocyanins, sulfur dioxide and others. The content of organic acids – tartaric, malic, succinic, citric and others-was determined in wine materials. Wine tasting assessments and sugar content in berry juice for 20 years are given. The results of long-term studies of the agrobiological features of the Krasnostop Zolotovsky grapevine variety allow us to draw conclusions about its high adaptability over 20 years of research. The wine made from the Krasnostop Zolotovsky variety surpasses in many respects the wine from the widely known and widespread variety Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is rich in biochemical components with dietary and medicinal properties and can compete with wines that have become famous in the world market.
Effect of fungicide farmayod on agrotechnical and technological indicators of grapevine, on viral diseases and oidium
Authors: Sirotkina Nadezda
Published: June 2021

The paper presents the study on the effect of Farmayod’s GR (100 g/l of iodine) spraying on vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon and Baklanovsky varieties on the degree of viral and oidium prevalence as well as on agrobiological and technological indicators. According to the aggregate agrobiological and technological indicators, the best results on Cabernet Sauvignon variety were obtained when the drug was used at a concentration of 0.06 %. On the Baklanovsky variety the best indicators were obtained at a drug concentration of 0.04%. Testing of plant samples for the presence of Grapevine fan leaf virus, Arabis mosaic virus and Oidium tuckeri showed that after two years of applying the drug, the prevalence of infected plants (P, %) with Grapevine fanleaf virus on the Cabernet Sauvignon cultivar varied from 0% (fungicide concentration 0.04 and 0.05 %) to 0.8 % (0.06 %) and 2.65 % (control). For Baklanovsky variety: Grapevine fanleaf virus - concentration 0.04 % - 1.8; 0.05 % - 0.4; 0.06 % - 2.0; control - 2.65 %. Arabis mosaic virus – 0; 0; 3.0; 12.1 %, respectively. Oidium tuckeri was 0 % in all variants with any drug concentrations. Control variant and later 80 % for 29.09.
Monitoring of rice agrophiocenoses in relation to their states
Authors: Garkusha Sergei , Skazhennik Michael , Kovalyov Victor , Chizhikov Vitaly , Pshenicina Tatyana
Published: June 2021

The aim of the research was to study the production process of rice agrophytocenoses and carry out their geoinformation monitoring to develop a methodology for automated mapping of their condition and forecasting yield. Small varietal differences in the productivity of photosynthesis of plants of intensive and extensive rice varieties on different backgrounds of mineral nutrition were noted. When a closed crop is formed, the nature of the distribution of assimilates over the organs of the plant and the shoot is the main physiological mechanism for the formation of different yields of the studied genotypes and their resistance to the effects of unfavorable environmental factors. With the onset of the flowering phase, the differences in the mass of panicle and stem of shoots in intensive and extensive rice genotypes are very significant. Research has been carried out to study the optical properties of cenoses of varieties and their relationship with the morphophysiological characteristics of plants and yield to monitor the state of their crops. It was shown that the value of the vegetation index (NDVI) has a positive relationship with signs of photosynthetic activity of plants and their nitrogen status. Linear regression equations have been obtained, which make it possible to assess the degree of relationship between yield and vegetation index NDVI.
Testing of bio-organic fertilizer based on organic waste to improve the productivity of vineyards
Authors: Stranishevskaya Elena , Gavrish Vladimir , Shagova Julia
Published: June 2021

The authors developed an environmentally safe technology for obtaining liquid organic fertilizer. The technology includes obtaining compost by applying microflora containing actinomycetes and microscopic fungi, populating the compost with vermiculture Eisenia foetida and obtaining biohumus. In 2018-2020 fertilizers obtained from organic waste were used on industrial plantings of technical variety Bastardo Magarachsky (planting scheme: 3 × 1.5 m, formation - double-shouldered cordon, rootstock - Kober 5 BB, non-irrigated culture) as foliar dressing. Climatic zone and place of experiment: South Coast agroclimatic area, sub-area - with subtropical winter (annual rainfall - 450-500 mm; hydrothermal coefficient of moisture - 0.5-0.6). Standard methods of agronomic observations of growth and development of grape plants were used in the work. Consumption rate 2 l/100 liters of water. The number of treatments - six, the terms of application: shoots growth; before flowering; after flowering; berry growth; beginning of softening; beginning of sugar accumulation (a month before harvesting). It was found that at the background of the same potential productivity of grape plants compared to the control, the yield increased by 15,9%; mass fraction of sugars in berry juice - by 7,1%, mash output - by 14,7%; technological stock of coloring and phenolic substances - by 7,6%.