bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased sound tolerance associated with blast exposure
Authors: Theodoroff Sarah M. , Reavis Kelly M. , Griest Susan E. , Carlson Kathleen F. , Hammill Tanisha L. , Henry James A.
Published: July 2019

Current research on blast and other injuries sustained by United States Service members and Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars reveals a multitude of auditory complaints linked to exposures experienced during these conflicts. Among these complaints is decreased sound tolerance, which refers to a class of auditory-related problems including physical and/or psychological reactions to aspects of everyday sounds. Limited attention has been given to the possible relationship between blast exposure and decreased sound tolerance in Service members and Veterans, which is the purpose of this report. Baseline data were gathered and analyzed from 426 Service members (n = 181) and Veterans (n = 245) who participated in the Noise Outcomes in Servicemembers Epidemiology (NOISE) Study. Logistic regression analyses were performed to generate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each group, adjusted for age and sex. Of those who reported blast exposure, 33% of Service members (adjusted OR = 1.4; CI = 0.7–2.8) and 48% of Veterans (adjusted OR = 1.9; CI = 1.1–3.3) reported decreased sound tolerance. Among Service members and Veterans who did not report blast exposure, 28% and 34% respectively, also reported decreased sound tolerance. Overall, blast exposure increased the likelihood of participants reporting decreased sound tolerance. The strength of this association was significant in Veterans.
Transcriptome analysis of rice (Oryza sativa L.) shoots responsive to cadmium stress
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Wang Jun , Song Ke , Sun Yafei , Qin Qin , Xue Yong
Published: July 2019

Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic to living organisms. This study aimed to elucidate the regulation of gene expression in rice shoots under Cd stress. Rice plants were exposed to 0, 50, 75, 100 μmol/L CdCl2 in hydroponic culture for 7 d. Transcriptional changes in rice shoots were examined by transcriptome sequencing techniques. A total of 2197 DEGs (987 up-regulated and 1210 down-regulated) were detected in rice shoots under the exposure of 75 μmol/L CdCl2. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that genes encoding auxin-responsive protein IAA and peroxidase were up-regulated, while genes encoding proteins involved in signal transduction, including TIFY family, ERF and bZIP were down-regulated. Abundant ROS related terms were also identified and grouped into significantly differentially expressed GO terms, including oxidoreductase activity, catalytic activity, oxidation-reduction process, confirming the enhanced oxidative stress of Cd. Genes encoding photosystem I reaction center subunit and photosynthetic NDH subunit of luminal location were up-regulated in pathway of energy metabolism, suggesting an interference of photosynthesis by Cd stress. Our results improve the understanding of the complex molecular responsive mechanisms of rice shoots under Cd stress.
Evaluating BRCA mutation risk predictive models in a Chinese cohort in Taiwan
Authors: Hung Fei-Hung , Wang Yong Alison , Jian Jhih-Wei , Peng Hung-Pin , Hsieh Ling-Ling , Hung Chen-Fang , Yang Max M. , Yang An-Suei
Published: July 2019

Accurate estimation of carrier probabilities of cancer susceptibility gene mutations is an important part of pre-test genetic counselling. Many predictive models are available but their applicability in the Asian population is uncertain. We evaluated the performance of five BRCA mutation risk predictive models in a Chinese cohort of 647 women, who underwent germline DNA sequencing of a cancer susceptibility gene panel. Using areas under the curve (AUCs) on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves as performance measures, the models did comparably well as in western cohorts (BOADICEA 0.75, BRCAPRO 0.73, Penn II 0.69, Myriad 0.68). For unaffected women with family history of breast or ovarian cancer (n = 144), BOADICEA, BRCAPRO, and Tyrer-Cuzick models had excellent performance (AUC 0.93, 0.92, and 0.92, respectively). For women with both personal and family history of breast or ovarian cancer (n = 241), all models performed fairly well (BOADICEA 0.79, BRCAPRO 0.79, Penn II 0.75, Myriad 0.70). For women with personal history of breast or ovarian cancer but no family history (n = 262), most models did poorly. Between the two well-performed models, BOADICEA underestimated mutation risks while BRCAPRO overestimated mutation risks (expected/observed ratio 0.67 and 2.34, respectively). Among 424 women with personal history of breast cancer and available tumor ER/PR/HER2 data, the predictive models performed better for women with triple negative breast cancer (AUC 0.74 to 0.80) than for women with luminal or HER2 overexpressed breast cancer (AUC 0.63 to 0.69). However, incorporating ER/PR/HER2 status into the BOADICEA model calculation did not improve its predictive accuracy.
Contribution of the uremic milieu to an increased pro-inflammatory monocytic phenotype in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Borges Bonan Natalia , Schepers Eva , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Dhondt Annemieke , Pletinck Anneleen , De Somer Filip , Vanholder Raymond , Van Biesen Wim , Moreno-Amaral Andréa , Glorieux Griet
Published: July 2019

Intermediate (CD14++CD16+) monocytes have important pro-inflammatory and atherogenic features and are increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present study aims to elucidate the role of the uremic milieu and of platelet activation in monocyte differentiation. Monocyte subtypes were analyzed in CKD patients (n = 193) and healthy controls (n = 27). Blood from healthy controls (Ctrl; n = 8) and hemodialysis patients (HD; n = 8) was centrifuged, and plasma (pl) was exchanged between Ctrl and HD (Ctrlcells/HDpl and HDcells/Ctrlpl) or reconstituted as original (Ctrlsham and HDsham) and incubated for 24 h (T24). Monocyte differentiation and platelet aggregation to monocytes (MPA) was assessed by flow cytometry. Especially, a higher proportion of CD14++CD16+ monocytes was found in hemodialysis (HD) patients (p < 0.01). In plasma exchange experiments, Ctrl cells/HD pl T24 showed an increased percentage of CD14++CD16+ monocytes versus Ctrl sham (33.7% ± 15 vs. 15.7% ± 9.6; P < 0.005), comparable to the level of CD14++CD16+ monocytes in the HD sham condition. The percentage of CD14++CD16+ monocytes was lowered by suspending HD cells in Ctrl pl (18.4% ± 7.8 vs. 36.7% ± 15 in HD sham; P < 0.005) reaching the level of the Ctrl sham condition (15.7% ± 9.6). A mixture of uremic sulfates increased CD14++CD16+ monocytes compared to control (19.8 ± 9.6% vs. 15.8 ± 10.9%; P < 0.05), paralleled by a rise MPA. Blocking MPA by abciximab, a potential therapeutic strategy, or anti-CD62P did not inhibit differentiation towards the CD14++CD16+ monocytes. In conclusion, in the present cohort, CD14++CD16+ monocytes are especially increased in HD patients and this can at least in part be attributed to the presence of the uremic milieu, with uremic sulfates inducing a reversible shift towards pro-inflammatory CD14++CD16+ monocytes.
The influence on survival of delay in the treatment initiation of screening detected non-symptomatic breast cancer
Authors: Li Yan , Zhou Yidong , Mao Feng , Guan Jinghong , Lin Yan , Wang Xuejing , Zhang Yanna , Zhang Xiaohui , Shen Songjie , Sun Qiang
Published: July 2019

We aimed to determine whether the detection-to-treatment interval of non-symptomatic breast cancer is associated with factors that can predict survival outcomes. A retrospective review of the Breast Surgery Department Database at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) was performed, and a total of 1084 non-symptomatic invasive breast cancer patients were included. The findings revealed that detection-to-treatment interval was significantly longer for women who were older (p = 0.001), lived in rural areas (p = 0.024), had lower education (p = 0.024), and had detection in other institutions (p = 0.006). Other sociodemographic and clinicopathological characteristics were not associated to longer interval. A median follow-up of 35 months (range: 6–60 months) was carried out and a long delay at more than 90 days did not significantly decrease the DFS (univariate, P = 0.232; multivariate, P = 0.088). For triple negative breast cancer, there was a worse DFS if the interval was longer than 90 days both in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.40; 95% CI, 1.12–10.35; P = 0.031) and univariate analysis (HR = 2.86; 95% CI, 1.03–7.91; P = 0.042). Further studies on care before initial treatment of non-symptomatic breast cancers are warranted.
Suppressed Growth of (Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu)Sn2 Intermetallic Compound at Interface between Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu Solder and FeCoNiCrCu0.5 Substrate during Solid-state Aging
Authors: Shen Yu-An , Lin Chun-Ming , Li Jiahui , Gao Runhua , Nishikawa Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are promising materials for next-generation applications because of their mechanical properties, excellent high-temperature stability, and resistance against oxidation and corrosion. Although many researchers have investigated high-temperature HEA applications, few have considered low-temperature applications. Here we demonstrate an unprecedented intermetallic compound of (Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu)Sn2 at the interface between Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC) solder and FeCoNiCrCu0.5 HEA substrate after reflow at 400 °C. Significantly suppressed growth of intermetallic compound without detachment from the substrate was observed during thermal aging at 150 °C for 150 h. Sn grains with an average grain size of at least 380 μm are observed. The results reveal a completely new application for the fields of Sn-Ag-Cu solder and HEA materials.
High-throughput, low-cost reaction screening using a modified 3D printer
Authors: Schrader Robert L. , Ayrton Stephen T. , Kaerner Andreas , Cooks R. Graham
Published: July 2019

We describe a reaction screening system, based on a 96-well array, and scaled to suit use on the individual scientist's bench.
Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution on Si photocathodes modified with bis(thiosemicarbazonato)nickel(ii)/Nafion
Authors: Gulati Saumya , Hietsoi Oleksandr , Calvary Caleb A. , Strain Jacob M. , Pishgar Sahar , Brun Henry C. , Grapperhaus Craig A. , Buchanan Robert M. , Spurgeon Joshua M.
Published: July 2019

Molecular NiATSM on p-Si durably photocatalyzed hydrogen evolution from water at practical conditions in acid with greater activity than Ni metal.
Novel dithiano-thieno fused perylene diimides: synthesis, characterization and application in organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs)
Authors: Li Gang , Li Dandan , Liu Xitong , Xu Haixiao , Zhang Jing , Wang Shuaihua , Liu Zhenhua , Tang Bo
Published: July 2019

Novel dithiano-thieno fused perylene diimides are facilely synthesized and investigated in organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) devices for the first time.
Energy transfer on a two-dimensional antenna enhances the photocatalytic activity of CO2 reduction by metal–organic layers
Authors: Hu Xuefu , Chen Peican , Zhang Cankun , Wang Zhiye , Wang Cheng
Published: July 2019

Excited state energies on a two-dimensional light-harvesting metal–organic layer (MOL) are efficiently transported to Re- and Ir-based reaction centers for converting CO2 to CO or HCOOH.
Sterically hindered N-heterocyclic carbene/palladium(ii) catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of nitrobenzenes
Authors: Chen Kai , Chen Wei , Yi Xiaofei , Chen Wanzhi , Liu Miaochang , Wu Huayue
Published: July 2019

A palladium-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction of nitroarenes has been developed using 5-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)-2,3-imidazolylidene[1,5-a]pyridines as the ligands.
Online desalting and sequential formation of analyte ions for mass spectrometry characterization of untreated biological samples
Authors: Rahman Md. Matiur , Chingin Konstantin , Chen Huanwen
Published: July 2019

Current-limited high voltage polarity reversing nanoelectrospray ionization allows online separation of intrinsic metal ions in complex biological samples, resulting in the generation of protonated analytes without interference from salt cations.
Chiral footprint of the ligand layer in the all-alkynyl-protected gold nanocluster Au144(CCPhF)60
Authors: Malola Sami , Häkkinen Hannu
Published: July 2019

DFT calculations reveal the origins of chiroptical response of atomically precise alkynyl- and thiolate-protected 144-atom gold nanoclusters.
Morphology engineering of a Suzuki coupling-based microporous organic polymer (MOP) using a Sonogashira coupling-based MOP for enhanced nitrophenol sensing in water
Authors: Ryu Sang Hyun , Lee Doo Hun , Lee Sang Moon , Kim Hae Jin , Ko Yoon-Joo , Ko Kyoung Chul , Son Seung Uk
Published: July 2019

A hollow and hydrophilic Suzuki coupling-based microporous organic polymer was engineered using a Sonogashira coupling based MOP.
Macrocyclisation and functionalisation of unprotected peptides via divinyltriazine cysteine stapling
Authors: Robertson Naomi S. , Walsh Stephen J. , Fowler Elaine , Yoshida Masao , Rowe Sam M. , Wu Yuteng , Sore Hannah F. , Parker Jeremy S. , Spring David R.
Published: July 2019

A functionalisable divinyltriazine linker was developed for two-component peptide stapling and macrocyclisation of cysteine residues.
Correlating structure and transport behavior in Li+ and O2 containing pyrrolidinium ionic liquids
Authors: Gittleson Forrest S. , Ward Donald K. , Jones Reese E. , Zarkesh Ryan A. , Sheth Tanvi , Foster Michael E.
Published: July 2019

Using experiments and molecular simulations, we evaluate pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquid Li electrolytes and find that Li+ and O2 transport can be enhanced by varying the pyrrolidinium structure and Li concentration.
Magnetic descriptors of hydrogen bonds in malonaldehyde and its derivatives
Authors: Montero Marcos D. A. , Martínez Fernando A. , Aucar Gustavo A.
Published: July 2019

The NMR spectroscopic parameters can be used to get reliable criteria for knowing whether the H-bond is RAHB or CHAB. The magnetic shielding of the hydrogen is also a good descriptor of the strength of the H-bond.
Cu(ii) complexes of N-rich aroylhydrazone: magnetism and catalytic activity towards microwave-assisted oxidation of xylenes
Authors: Sutradhar Manas , Roy Barman Tannistha , Alegria Elisabete C. B. A. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Liu Cai-Ming , Kou Hui-Zhong , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: July 2019

Three new polynuclear Cu(ii) complexes derived from the new aroylhydrazoneN′-(di(pyridin-2-yl)methylene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide (HL) have been screened towards the oxidation of xylene isomers.
Interlaced NiMn-LDH nanosheet decorated NiCo2O4 nanowire arrays on carbon cloth as advanced electrodes for high-performance flexible solid-state hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Xia Hanchun , Li Geng , Cai Haoran , Li Xiaolong , Sun Peiheng , Wang Peijia , Huang Jiajie , Wang Liang , Zhang Desuo , Yang Yefeng , Xiong Jie
Published: July 2019

3D hierarchical NiCo2O4@NiMn-LDH nanowire/nanosheet arrays have been successfully fabricated on carbon cloth as superior battery-type electrode for high-performance flexible solid-state HSC devices.
Organophosphorus-B(C6F5)3 adducts: towards new solid-state emitting materials
Authors: Regulska Elzbieta , Christ Sonja , Zimmermann Johannes , Rominger Frank , Hernandez-Sosa Gerardo , Romero-Nieto Carlos
Published: July 2019

Tuning the physicochemical properties of six-membered phosphorus heterocycles through complexation with B(C6F5)3 towards improved solid-state emitting materials.
An experimental and computational study of the effect of aqueous solution on the multiphoton ionisation photoelectron spectrum of phenol
Authors: Henley Alice , Riley Jamie W. , Wang Bingxing , Fielding Helen H.
Published: July 2019

We revisit the photoelectron spectroscopy of aqueous phenol in an effort to improve our understanding of the impact of inhomogeneous broadening and inelastic scattering on solution-phase photoelectron spectra.
Efficient synthesis of organic semiconductors by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling in an aromatic micellar medium
Authors: Sanzone Alessandro , Mattiello Sara , Garavaglia Giulia Maria , Calascibetta Adiel Mauro , Ceriani Chiara , Sassi Mauro , Beverina Luca
Published: July 2019

New PiNap-750M π-surfactant enables unprecedented performances in the preparation of BTBT derivatives and other organic semiconductors by Suzuki-Miyaura coupling in water and at room temperature.
Organic ligand and solvent free oxidative carbonylation of amine over Pd/TiO2 with unprecedented activity
Authors: Liu Shujuan , Dai Xingchao , Wang Hongli , Shi Feng
Published: July 2019

A highly active Pd/TiO2 catalyst system was prepared and applied in the oxidative carbonylation of amines to ureas with ultra-low Pd content under organic ligand and solvent free conditions.
Pursuing DHDPS: an enzyme of unrealised potential as a novel antibacterial target
Authors: Christoff Rebecca M. , Gardhi Chamodi K. , Soares da Costa Tatiana P. , Perugini Matthew A. , Abbott Belinda M.
Published: July 2019

DHDPS represents a novel enzyme target for the development of new antibiotics to combat multidrug resistance.
Incorporating mixed cations in quasi-2D perovskites for high-performance and flexible photodetectors
Authors: Dong Ruoting , Lan Changyong , Li Fangzhou , Yip SenPo , Ho Johnny C.
Published: July 2019

A simple method is developed to incorporate formamidinium and Cs mixed cations into quasi-2D perovskites of (iBA)2(CH3NH2)3Pb4I13 (iBA = iso-butylamine) to enhance their film qualities and improve their subsequently fabricated device performances.
Construction of a wide-spectrum-driven VN-g-C3N4/Cu2(OH)2CO3 heterojunction catalyst from VIS to NIR light via the in situ self-sacrificial method: the effect of oxygen on the N2 photofixation ability
Authors: Liang Hongyu , Fang Lei , Hu Shaozheng
Published: July 2019

In this work, an N vacancy-doped g-C3N4/Cu2(OH)2CO3 (VN-GCN/CuCOH) heterojunction catalyst with superior wide-spectrum-driven (from VIS to NIR) N2 photofixation ability was synthesized via the in situ self-sacrificial method.
NiSe2 nanooctahedra as anodes for high-performance sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Fan Siwei , Li Guangda , Yang Gai , Guo Xu , Niu Xinhuan
Published: July 2019

Octahedral NiSe2 was fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method. It showed excellent Na ion storage performance when used as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries.
Deep eutectic solvent promoted synthesis of structurally diverse hybrid molecules with privileged heterocyclic substructures
Authors: Rushell Esha , Tailor Yogesh Kumar , Khandewal Sarita , Verma Kanchan , Agarwal Monu , Kumar Mahendra
Published: July 2019

Structurally diverse hybrid molecules; indenopyrroloimidazoles, imidazoindoles, chromenopyrroloimidazoles and imidazopyrrlopyrimidines, have been synthesized using DES as a sustainable solvent and promoter.
Step by step designing of sensitive luminescent nanothermometers based on Cr3+,Nd3+ co-doped La3−xLuxAl5−yGayO12 nanocrystals
Authors: Elzbieciak-Piecka K. , Matuszewska C. , Marciniak L.
Published: July 2019

In this work we present step by step designing of sensitive luminescent thermometers utilizing Cr3+,Nd3+ co-doped La3−xLuxAl5−yGayO12 garnets.
High temperature-mediated rocksalt to wurtzite phase transformation in cadmium oxide nanosheets and its theoretical evidence
Authors: Das Arkaprava , Saini C. P. , Singh Deobrat , Ahuja R. , Kaur Anumeet , Aliukov Sergei , Shukla D. , Singh F.
Published: July 2019

A cubic rocksalt to hexagonal wurtzite phase transformation is reported with the formation of nanosheets in CdO thin films annealed at 900 °C.
Self-reporting visible light-induced polymer chain collapse
Authors: Offenloch Janin T. , Blasco Eva , Bastian Simon , Barner-Kowollik Christopher , Mutlu Hatice
Published: July 2019

We introduce a facile photoinduced self-reporting crosslinking methodology for the compaction of polymer chains in highly diluted solution.
Chemical functionalization of the ZnO monolayer: structural and electronic properties
Authors: Chen Lanli , Cui Yuanyuan , Xiong Zhihua , Zhou Mingbin , Gao Yanfeng
Published: July 2019

After hydrogenation or fluorination, the band gap of the ZnO monolayer can be effectively modulated, and a nonmagnetic metal or magnetic half-metal → non-magnetic semiconductor transition can be achieved.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of TiO2 nanorod array films based on TiO2 compact layers synthesized by a two-step method
Authors: Deng Yafeng , Ma Zhanhong , Ren Fengzhang , Wang Guangxin
Published: July 2019

An innovative two-step method perfectly prepared TCLs with different thicknesses, and then the TNA films based on TCLs were successfully prepared.
Investigation of GTP-dependent dimerization of G12X K-Ras variants using ultraviolet photodissociation mass spectrometry
Authors: Mehaffey M. Rachel , Schardon Christopher L. , Novelli Elisa T. , Cammarata Michael B. , Webb Lauren J. , Fast Walter , Brodbelt Jennifer S.
Published: July 2019

Variations in backbone cleavage efficiencies during UVPD-MS of G12X variants of K-Ras are used to relate mutation identity to structural changes that impact downstream signaling with Raf.
A review of biomass materials for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yuan Huadong , Liu Tiefeng , Liu Yujing , Nai Jianwei , Wang Yao , Zhang Wenkui , Tao Xinyong
Published: July 2019

This review summarizes recent progress of biomass-derived materials in Li–S batteries. These materials are promising due to their advantages including strong physical and chemical adsorption, high abundance, low cost, and environmental friendliness.
Oxygen atom transfer with organofunctionalized polyoxovanadium clusters: O-atom vacancy formation with tertiary phosphanes and deoxygenation of styrene oxide
Authors: Petel Brittney E. , Meyer Rachel L. , Brennessel William W. , Matson Ellen M.
Published: July 2019

We report a rare example of oxygen atom transfer (OAT) from a polyoxometalate cluster to a series of tertiary phosphanes followed by OAT from styrene oxide to the reduced scaffold, resulting in the formation of styrene.
Substrate-rigidity dependent migration of an idealized twitching bacterium
Authors: Simsek Ahmet Nihat , Braeutigam Andrea , Koch Matthias D. , Shaevitz Joshua W. , Huang Yunfei , Gompper Gerhard , Sabass Benedikt
Published: July 2019

An analytical model reveals generic physical mechanisms for substrate-rigidity dependence of cellular motion. Key ingredients are a tight surface adhesion and forced adhesion rupture.
In situ formation of a multicomponent inorganic-rich SEI layer provides a fast charging and high specific energy Li-metal battery
Authors: Sun Ho-Hyun , Dolocan Andrei , Weeks Jason A. , Rodriguez Rodrigo , Heller Adam , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: July 2019

Incorporation of multiple inorganics that complement each other can strengthen the efficacy of the SEI layer.
Chemo-mechanical degradation in V2O5 thin film cathodes of Li-ion batteries during electrochemical cycling
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Luo Yuting , Fincher Cole , Banerjee Sarbajit , Pharr Matt
Published: July 2019

We have devised an approach to fabricate dense textured V2O5 thin films, which allows us to scrutinize the root cause of capacity fade in V2O5 cathodes of Li-ion batteries.
Cationic shield mediated electrodeposition stability in metal electrodes
Authors: Hao Feng , Verma Ankit , Mukherjee Partha P.
Published: July 2019

Mechanistic understanding of coupled reaction kinetics, diffusive transport and electrostatic shield mediated electrodeposition stability is elucidated.
Correction: Significant average ZT enhancement in Cu3SbSe4-based thermoelectric material via softening p–d hybridization
Authors: Zhang Dan , Yang Junyou , Bai Hongchang , Luo Yubo , Wang Bin , Hou Shuaihang , Li Zhiliang , Wang Shufang
Published: July 2019

Correction for ‘Significant average ZT enhancement in Cu3SbSe4-based thermoelectric material via softening p–d hybridization’ by Dan Zhang et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c9ta05115e.
Entirely solution-processed and template-assisted fabrication of metal grids for flexible transparent electrodes
Authors: Jang Nam-Su , Jung Soo-Ho , An Eun Jeong , Oh Jin-Woo , Lee Hye Moon , Kim Jong-Man
Published: July 2019

Photopatterned seamless polymer meshes coated chemically with aluminum are successfully demonstrated as metal grids for high-performance flexible transparent electrodes.
Enhancing the intrinsic p-type conductivity of the ultra-wide bandgap Ga2O3 semiconductor
Authors: Chikoidze Ekaterine , Sartel Corinne , Mohamed Hagar , Madaci Ismail , Tchelidze Tamar , Modreanu Mircea , Vales-Castro Pablo , Rubio Carles , Arnold Christophe , Sallet Vincent , Dumont Yves , Perez-Tomas Amador
Published: July 2019

Strongly compensated Ga2O3 is shown to be an intrinsic (or native) p-type conductor with the largest bandgap for any reported p-type transparent semiconductor oxide which may shift the frontiers in fields such as power electronics and photonics.
The catalytic mechanism for NO production by the mitochondrial enzyme, sulfite oxidase
Authors: Mutus Bulent
Published: July 2019

Recently, Guenter Schwarz and colleagues published an elegant study in the Biochemical Journal (2019) 476, 1805–1815 which combines kinetic and spectroscopic studies with protein engineering to provide a mechanism for sulfite oxidase (SO)-catalyzed nitrite reduction that yields nitric oxide (NO). This work is noteworthy as it demonstrates that (i) for NO generation, both sulfite and nitrite must bind to the same molybdenum (Mo) center; (ii) upon sulfite reduction, Mo is reduced from +6 (MoVI) to +4 (MoIV) and MoIV reduces nitrite to NO yielding MoV; (iii) the heme moiety, linked to the Mo-center by an 11 amino acid residue tether, gets reduced by intramolecular electron transfer (IET) resulting in MoV being oxidized to MoVI; (iv) the reduced heme transfers its electron to a second nitrite molecule converting it to NO; (v) the authors demonstrate steady-state NO production in the presence of the natural electron acceptor cytochrome c; (vi) Finally, the authors use protein engineering to shorten the heme tether to reduce the heme-Mo-center distance with the aim of increasing NO production. Consequently, the rate of IET to cytochrome c is decreased but the enzymatic turnover rate for NO production is increased by ∼10-fold. This paper is unique as it provides strong evidence for a novel mechanism for steady-state NO production for human mitochondrial SO and serves as a potential template for studying NO production mechanisms in other enzymes by integrating the information gained from enzyme kinetics with EPR and UV/vis spectroscopy and protein engineering.
We have entered the era of genome-edited farmed animals
Authors: Whitelaw Bruce
Published: July 2019

Genome editing technology provides a transformative approach to animal breeding. Otherwise difficult or impossible-to-access genetic variation can now be used in a given target population, with leading examples focussing on animal health and welfare. The race is on for the first food from genome-edited farm animals to reach the shops.
Speech Fluency in Acquired Apraxia of Speech During Narrative Discourse: Group Comparisons and Dual-Task Effects
Authors: Harmon Tyson G. , Jacks Adam , Haley Katarina L.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Slowed speech and interruptions to the flow of connected speech are common in aphasia. These features are also observed during dual-task performance for neurotypical adults. The purposes of this study were to determine (a) whether indices of fluency related to cognitive–linguistic versus motor processing would differ between speakers with aphasia plus apraxia of speech (AOS) and speakers with aphasia only and (b) whether cognitive load reduces fluency in speakers with aphasia with and without AOS.

Method

Fourteen speakers with aphasia (7 with AOS) and 7 neurotypical controls retold short stories alone (single task) and while simultaneously distinguishing between a high and a low tone (dual task). Their narrative samples were analyzed for speech fluency according to sample duration, speech rate, pause/fill time, and repetitions per syllable.

Results

As expected, both speaker groups with aphasia spoke slower and with more pauses than the neurotypical controls. The speakers with AOS produced more repetitions and longer samples than controls, but they did not differ on these measures from the speakers with aphasia without AOS. Relative to the single-task condition, the dual-task condition increased the duration of pauses and fillers for all groups but reduced speaking rate only for the control group. Sample duration and frequency of repetitions did not change in response to cognitive load.

Conclusions

Speech output in aphasia becomes less fluent when speakers have to engage in simultaneous tasks, as is typical in everyday conversation. Although AOS may lead to more sound and syllable repetitions than normal, speaking tasks other than narrative discourse might better capture this specific type of disfluency. Future research is needed to confirm and expand these preliminary findings.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8847845
Feasibility of Automatic Speech Recognition for Providing Feedback During Tablet-Based Treatment for Apraxia of Speech Plus Aphasia
Authors: Ballard Kirrie J. , Etter Nicole M. , Shen Songjia , Monroe Penelope , Tien Tan Chek
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Individuals with neurogenic speech disorders require ongoing therapeutic support to achieve functional communication goals. Alternative methods for service delivery, such as tablet-based speech therapy applications, may help bridge the gap and bring therapeutic interventions to the patient in an engaging way. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an iPad-based speech therapy app that uses automatic speech recognition (ASR) software to provide feedback on speech accuracy to determine the ASR's accuracy against human judgment and whether participants' speech improved with this ASR-based feedback.

Method

Five participants with apraxia of speech plus aphasia secondary to stroke completed an intensive 4-week at-home therapy program using a novel word training app with built-in ASR. Multiple baselines across participants and behaviors designs were employed, with weekly probes and follow-up at 1 month posttreatment. Four sessions a week of 100 practice trials each were prescribed, with 1 being clinician-run and the remainder done independently. Dependent variables of interest were ASR–human agreement on accuracy during practice trials and human-judged word production accuracy over time in probes. Also, user experience surveys were completed immediately posttreatment.

Results

ASR–human agreement on accuracy averaged ~80%, which is a common threshold applied for interrater agreement. All participants demonstrated improved word production accuracy over time with the ASR-based feedback and maintenance of gains after 1 month. All participants reported enjoying using the app with support of a speech pathologist.

Conclusion

For these participants with apraxia of speech plus aphasia due to stroke, satisfactory gains were made in word production accuracy with an app-based therapy program providing ASR-based feedback on accuracy. Findings support further testing of this ASR-based approach as a supplement to clinician-run sessions to assist clients with similar profiles in achieving higher amount and intensity of practice as well as empowering them to manage their own therapy program.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8206628
Filled Pauses as a Special Case of Automatic Speech Behaviors and the Effect of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Alvar Ann M. , Lee Jiyeon , Huber Jessica E.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

In Parkinson's disease (PD), there are significant changes in the basal ganglia, a structure known to be important for controlling automatic responses to cues. Changes to the basal ganglia in PD impair an individual's ability to trigger a behavior in response to cues, but more so in response to internal cue
s
more than external ones. Filled pauses are considered a subconscious or automatic speech response to an internal cue that there are difficulties with ongoing communication. Typical speakers use filled pauses (such as
uh
or
um
) to mark silent pauses. The purpose of this study was to examine how automatic speech responses are impacted in PD by looking at filled and silent pausing behaviors, extending our understanding of the role of the basal ganglia in automatic behaviors. We hypothesized that individuals with PD would use fewer filled pauses and longer silent pauses. We also hypothesized that longer pauses would be more likely to be marked with filled pauses and that this relationship would be weaker in speakers with PD.

Method

Speech samples were collected via a story-retelling task from 15 individuals with PD and 18 age-matched controls. Duration and frequency of filled and silent pauses were measured using spectrographic analysis. Number and duration of marked silent pauses (those consecutive with 1 or more filled pauses) were measured. The
t
tests and analyses of variance were used to test our hypotheses.

Results

There was no significant difference in the number of silent pauses between groups, but the duration of silent pauses was significantly greater for individuals with PD. Despite this, individuals with PD produced significantly fewer filled pauses and fewer marked silent pauses. For both groups, longer silent pauses were more likely to be marked by filled pauses, but individuals with PD marked a smaller percentage of silent pauses at longer durations than controls.

Conclusions

Producing fewer marked silent pauses, coupled with longer silent pauses, reduces natural cues to discourse and puts people with PD at greater risk of sounding unnatural and losing their communicative turn. These results suggest that automatic responses regarding speech production difficulties are impaired by PD. This interpretation fits with nonspeech literature where automatic responses have been demonstrated to be impaired in PD.
Dysarthria Profiles in Adults With Hereditary Ataxia
Authors: Spencer Kristie A. , Dawson Mallory
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This preliminary study examined whether speech profiles exist for adults with hereditary ataxia based on 2 competing frameworks: a pattern of instability/inflexibility or a pattern of differential subsystem involvement.

Method

Four dysarthria experts rated the speech samples of 8 adults with dysarthria from hereditary ataxia using visual analog scales and presence/severity rating scales of speech characteristics. Speaking tasks included diadochokinetics, sustained phonation, and a monologue.

Results

Speech profiles aligned with the instability/inflexibility framework, with the pattern of instability being the most common. Speech profiles did not emerge for the majority of speakers using the differential subsystem framework.

Conclusions

The findings extend previous research on pure ataxic dysarthria and suggest a possible framework for understanding the speech heterogeneity associated with the ataxias. The predominance of the instability profile is consistent with the notion of impaired feedforward control in speakers with cerebellar disruption.
The Effects of Modulating Fundamental Frequency and Speech Rate on the Intelligibility, Communication Efficiency, and Perceived Naturalness of Synthetic Speech
Authors: Vojtech Jennifer M. , Noordzij Jacob P. , Cler Gabriel J. , Stepp Cara E.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study investigated how modulating fundamental frequency (f0) and speech rate differentially impact the naturalness, intelligibility, and communication efficiency of synthetic speech.

Method

Sixteen sentences of varying prosodic content were developed via a speech synthesizer. The f0 contour and speech rate of these sentences were altered to produce 4 stimulus sets: (a) normal rate with a fixed f0 level, (b) slow rate with a fixed f0 level, (c) normal rate with prosodically natural f0 variation, and (d) normal rate with prosodically unnatural f0 variation. Sixteen listeners provided orthographic transcriptions and judgments of naturalness for these stimuli.

Results

Sentences with f0 variation were rated as more natural than those with a fixed f0 level. Conversely, sentences with a fixed f0 level demonstrated higher intelligibility than those with f0 variation. Speech rate did not affect the intelligibility of stimuli with a fixed f0 level. Communication efficiency was highest for sentences produced at a normal rate and a fixed f0 level.

Conclusions

Sentence-level f0 variation increased naturalness ratings of synthesized speech, whether the variation was prosodically natural or not. However, these f0 variations reduced intelligibility. There is evidence of a trade-off in naturalness and intelligibility of synthesized speech, which may impact future speech synthesis designs.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8847833
PG 1610+062: a runaway B star challenging classical ejection mechanisms
Authors: Irrgang A. , Geier S. , Heber U. , Kupfer T. , Fürst F.
Published: July 2019

Hypervelocity stars are rare objects, mostly main-sequence (MS) B stars, traveling so fast that they will eventually escape from the Milky Way. Recently, it has been shown that the popular Hills mechanism, in which a binary system is disrupted via a close encounter with the supermassive black hole at the Galactic center, may not be their only ejection mechanism. The analyses ofGaiadata ruled out a Galactic center origin for some of them, and instead indicated that they are extreme disk runaway stars ejected at velocities exceeding the predicted limits of classical scenarios (dynamical ejection from star clusters or binary supernova ejection). We present the discovery of a new extreme disk runaway star, PG 1610+062, which is a slowly pulsating B star bright enough to be studied in detail. A quantitative analysis of spectra taken with ESI at the Keck Observatory revealed that PG 1610+062 is a late B-type MS star of 4–5M⊙with low projected rotational velocity. Abundances (C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Al, Si, S, Ar, and Fe) were derived differentially with respect to the normal B star HD 137366 and indicate that PG 1610+062 is somewhat metal rich. A kinematic analysis, based on our spectrophotometric distance (17.3 kpc) and on proper motions fromGaia’s second data release, shows that PG 1610+062 was probably ejected from the Carina-Sagittarius spiral arm at a velocity of 550 ± 40 km s−1, which is beyond the classical limits. Accordingly, the star is in the top five of the most extreme MS disk runaway stars and is only the second among the five for which the chemical composition is known.
Probing the shape of the mixing profile and of the thermal structure at the convective core boundary through asteroseismology
Authors: Michielsen M. , Pedersen M. G. , Augustson K. C. , Mathis S. , Aerts C.
Published: July 2019

Aims. We investigate from a theoretical perspective if space asteroseismology can be used to distinguish between different thermal structures and shapes of the near-core mixing profiles for different types of coherent oscillation modes in massive stars with convective cores; we also examine whether this capacity depends on the evolutionary stage of the models along the main sequence.

Methods. We computed 1D stellar structure and evolution models for four different prescriptions of the mixing and temperature gradient in the near-core region. We investigated their effect on the frequencies of dipole prograde gravity modes in slowly pulsating B stars and in β Cep stars as well as pressure modes in β Cep stars.

Results. A comparison between the mode frequencies of the different models at various stages during the main sequence evolution reveals that they are more sensitive to a change in temperature gradient than to the exact shape of the mixing profile in the near-core region. Depending on the duration of the observed light curve, we can distinguish between either just the temperature gradient, or also between the shapes of the mixing coefficient. The relative frequency differences are in general larger for more evolved models and are largest for the higher frequency pressure modes in β Cep stars.

Conclusions. In order to unravel the core boundary mixing and thermal structure of the near-core region, we must have asteroseismic masses and radii with ∼1% relative precision for hundreds of stars.
Updating the theoretical tidal evolution constants: Apsidal motion and the moment of inertia
Authors: Claret A.
Published: July 2019

Context. The theoretical apsidal motion constants are key tools to investigate the stellar interiors in close eccentric binary systems. In addition, these constants and the moment of inertia are also important to investigate the tidal evolution of close binary stars as well as of exo-planetary systems.

Aims. The aim of the paper is to present new evolutionary models, based on the MESA package, that include the internal structure constants (k2, k3, and k4), the radius of gyration, and the gravitational potential energy for configurations computed from the pre-main-sequence up to the first ascent giant branch or beyond. The calculations are available for the three metallicities [Fe/H] = 0.00, −0.50, and −1.00, which take the recent investigations in less metallic environments into account. This new set of models replaces the old ones, published about 15 years ago, using the code GRANADA.

Methods. Core overshooting was taken into account using the mass-fov relationship, which was derived semi-empirically for models more massive than 1.2 M⊙. The differential equations governing the apsidal motion constants, moment of inertia, and the gravitational potential energy were integrated simultaneously through a fifth-order Runge-Kutta method with a tolerance level of 10−7.

Results. The resulting models (from 0.8 up to 35.0 M⊙) are presented in 54 tables for the three metallicities, containing the usual characteristics of an evolutionary model (age, initial masses, log Teff, log g, and log L), the constants of internal structure (k2, k3, and k4), the radius of gyration β, and the factor α that is related with the gravitational potential energy.
Tunisian reservoirs: diagnosis and biological potentialities
Authors: Jenhani Amel Ben Rejeb , Fathalli Afef , Djemali Imed , Changeux Thomas , Romdhane Mohamed Salah
Published: July 2019

Due to scarcity, irregular rainfall and increasing water demand, several reservoirs have been built in recent decades in Tunisia to meet water needs for essential uses, which is generally done without analysis of their capacity to maintain a high quality of aquatic life and equitable distribution of water resources. Currently, 90% of available water resources are already mobilized and climate change exacerbates the country's aridity which makes it difficult to monitor water needs. With a view to contributing to their effective management and setting future directions for controlling and improving inland fish productivity, a comparative limnological study was carried out on 8 artificial reservoirs that were stocked with mullet fry. This study, based on a review of existing data, provides information on the availability and quality of inland water resources in relation to international standards and the biological potential (plankton, fish and other organisms) of these reservoirs. The satisfactory water quality for aquatic life, as well as the significant growth and production of introduced species associated with the rearing of mullet fry, clearly show that, despite several problems, Tunisian reservoirs represent an important potential that still needs to be developed. To this end, we recommend to improve the fishing techniques and the stocking of mullet fry. In addition, the strengthening of fishermen's groups, the encouragement of private initiative and the quality control of water and fish meat are highly requested.
Genetic diversity and population structure of small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) in the Yellow and East China seas based on microsatellites
Authors: Cheng Qiqun , Chen Wenming , Ma Li
Published: July 2019

Small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis), a member of family Sciaenidae, is mainly distributed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. To assess the genetic diversity and population structure of this species across its range, we genotyped 150 L. polyactisindividuals sampled in five locations along the coast of the Yellow and East China seas using 20 polymorphic microsatellites. A total of 499 alleles were detected at 20 loci across all individuals, and a relatively high level of genetic diversity was observed, with observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He) and polymorphic information content (PIC) ranging from 0.233 to 1.000, from 0.438 to 0.955, and from 0.367 to 0.953 per locus-location combination, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) (FST = 0.00915,P < 0.001), pairwise FST, and corrected average pairwise differences indicated that there was extremely low, but statistically significant genetic differentiation among the studied populations. However, Bayesian assignment analysis revealed a high number of immigrants among populations and no obvious genetic differentiation. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and mode-shift indicator of allele frequency distribution support the inferrence thatL. polyactishad not experienced a recent genetic bottleneck. Overall, the results suggest that, despite low genetic differentiation in this species, the small yellow croaker forms a single panmictic population with high genetic variation and gene flow in the studied area. This study will provide useful information for conservation and sustainable exploitation of this important aquatic living resource.
Time domain model of the resonance-based electromagnetic pulses emission system
Authors: Nowak Mikołaj , Jakubiuk Kazimierz , Kowalak Daniel , Wołoszyn Mirosław
Published: July 2019

In the literature, the emission properties of the electromagnetic field pulse systems based on high voltage antennas (HVR) have been widely described. In order to increase the emission efficiency by extending duration and increasing amplitude of the impulse it is possible to use a resonance system tuned to the parameters of the signal shaped in the pulse forming circuit. The synthesis of a time-domain simulation model of a complex electromagnetic pulses emission system and its verification by experimental research has been presented in this paper.
Comparison analysis of induction and line-start synchronous reluctance motors
Authors: Grycmacher Mateusz , Lyskawinski Wieslaw , Szelag Wojciech
Published: July 2019

The article presents research on the development of a low-cost line start synchronous reluctance motor (LSSRM) on the basis of components of a mass-produced three-phase low-power cage induction motor (IM). The aim was to obtain the best functional parameters for both the steady-state work condition and the asynchronous start-up. In the design-optimization calculations of the LSSRM, a field model of electromagnetic phenomena developed using the MagNet program was used. Laboratory tests were carried out on the designed and constructed prototype of the LSSRM, and the obtained results were compared with the results of an IM test.
A neural model supported by the Evolutionary Algorithm inspired by quantum calculations to determine prices at the Polish Power Exchange Day Ahead Market
Authors: Tchórzewski Jerzy , Ruciński Dariusz
Published: July 2019

The paper contains selected results of research related to the nature and the implementation of the neural model supported by the evolutionary algorithm inspired by quantum calculations for determination of prices at the Polish Power Exchange. Numeric data quoted at the Day Ahead Market in the period of 1st January 2015 to 30th June 2015 were used to train the artificial neural network in the model of the system. Attention was paid to quantization method, dequantization method and the method of quantum calculations. Significant improvement of the neural model supported by the quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm was obtained compared with the model without quantum inspiration.