bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromatin-mediated feed-forward auxin biosynthesis in floral meristem determinacy
Authors: Yamaguchi Nobutoshi , Huang Jiangbo , Tatsumi Yoshitaka , Abe Masato , Sugano Shigeo S. , Kojima Mikiko , Takebayashi Yumiko , Kiba Takatoshi , Yokoyama Ryusuke , Nishitani Kazuhiko , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Ito Toshiro
Published: December 2018

In flowering plants, the switch from floral stem cell maintenance to gynoecium (female structure) formation is a critical developmental transition for reproductive success. In Arabidopsis thaliana, AGAMOUS (AG) terminates floral stem cell activities to trigger this transition. Although CRABS CLAW (CRC) is a direct target of AG, previous research has not identified any common targets. Here, we identify an auxin synthesis gene, YUCCA4 (YUC4) as a common direct target. Ectopic YUC4 expression partially rescues the indeterminate phenotype and cell wall defects that are caused by the crc mutation. The feed-forward YUC4 activation by AG and CRC directs a precise change in chromatin state for the shift from floral stem cell maintenance to gynoecium formation. We also showed that two auxin-related direct CRC targets, YUC4 and TORNADO2, cooperatively contribute to the termination of floral stem cell maintenance. This finding provides new insight into the CRC-mediated auxin homeostasis regulation for proper gynoecium formation.
Cross-Platform Comparison of Untargeted and Targeted Lipidomics Approaches on Aging Mouse Plasma
Authors: Contrepois Kévin , Mahmoudi Salah , Ubhi Baljit K. , Papsdorf Katharina , Hornburg Daniel , Brunet Anne , Snyder Michael
Published: December 2018

Lipidomics – the global assessment of lipids – can be performed using a variety of mass spectrometry (MS)-based approaches. However, choosing the optimal approach in terms of lipid coverage, robustness and throughput can be a challenging task. Here, we compare a novel targeted quantitative lipidomics platform known as the Lipidyzer to a conventional untargeted liquid chromatography (LC)-MS approach. We find that both platforms are efficient in profiling more than 300 lipids across 11 lipid classes in mouse plasma with precision and accuracy below 20% for most lipids. While the untargeted and targeted platforms detect similar numbers of lipids, the former identifies a broader range of lipid classes and can unambiguously identify all three fatty acids in triacylglycerols (TAG). Quantitative measurements from both approaches exhibit a median correlation coefficient (r) of 0.99 using a dilution series of deuterated internal standards and 0.71 using endogenous plasma lipids in the context of aging. Application of both platforms to plasma from aging mouse reveals similar changes in total lipid levels across all major lipid classes and in specific lipid species. Interestingly, TAG is the lipid class that exhibits the most changes with age, suggesting that TAG metabolism is particularly sensitive to the aging process in mice. Collectively, our data show that the Lipidyzer platform provides comprehensive profiling of the most prevalent lipids in plasma in a simple and automated manner.
Potential Disruption of Flood Dynamics in the Lower Mekong River Basin Due to Upstream Flow Regulation
Authors: Pokhrel Yadu , Shin Sanghoon , Lin Zihan , Yamazaki Dai , Qi Jiaguo
Published: December 2018

The Mekong River Basin (MRB) is undergoing unprecedented changes due to the recent acceleration in large-scale dam construction. While the hydrology of the MRB is well understood and the effects of some of the existing dams have been studied, the potential effects of the planned dams on flood pulse dynamics over the entire Lower Mekong remains unexamined. Here, using hydrodynamic model simulations, we show that the effects of flow regulation on downstream river-floodplain dynamics are relatively predictable along the mainstream Mekong, but flow regulations could potentially disrupt the flood dynamics in the Tonle Sap River (TSR) and small distributaries in the Mekong Delta. Results suggest that TSR flow reversal could cease if the Mekong flood pulse is dampened by 50% and delayed by one-month. While flood occurrence in the vicinity of the Tonle Sap Lake and middle reach of the delta could increase due to enhanced low flow, it could decrease by up to five months in other areas due to dampened high flow, particularly during dry years. Further, areas flooded for less than five months and over six months are likely to be impacted significantly by flow regulations, but those flooded for 5–6 months could be impacted the least.
Ultrasonography of the late-stage knee osteoarthritis prior to total knee arthroplasty: comparison of the ultrasonographic, radiographic and intra-operative findings
Authors: Nevalainen Mika T. , Kauppinen Kyösti , Pylväläinen Juho , Pamilo Konsta , Pesola Maija , Haapea Marianne , Koski Juhani , Saarakkala Simo
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the ultrasonography (US) on detecting osteoarthritis of the knee, and compare US and radiographic findings to intraoperative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) findings. Fifty-seven late-stage osteoarthritic knees undergoing TKA were evaluated with US and radiography. Standard knee US assessing femoral cartilage damage, osteophytes, effusion, synovitis, and meniscal extrusion was performed. On radiographs, osteophytes, joint space narrowing, and Kellgren-Lawrence grade were evaluated. Corresponding intra-operative findings were assessed during TKA as the gold standard. On the damage of the medial femoral condyle cartilage, the sensitivity of US was high (92%), whereas on the lateral condyle and sulcus area, sensitivities were 58% and 46%, respectively. On osteophytes, the detection rate of the US was remarkable especially on the medial side yielding sensitivities of 90–95%. The sensitivities for detecting effusion and synovitis were also excellent (97%). US detection rate of femoral cartilage damage was in concordance with the radiographic joint space narrowing. For the detection of osteophytes, US provided superior results to radiography particularly on the medial side. In conclusion, US can reliably assess the late-stage OA changes of the knee especially on the medial side of the knee joint.
Suppression of the coffee-ring effect by sugar-assisted depinning of contact line
Authors: Shimobayashi Shunsuke F. , Tsudome Mikiko , Kurimura Tomo
Published: December 2018

Inkjet printing is of growing interest due to the attractive technologies for surface patterning. During the printing process, the solutes are transported to the droplet periphery and form a ring-like deposit, which disturbs the fabrication of high-resolution patterns. Thus, controlling the uniformity of particle coating is crucial in the advanced and extensive applications. Here, we find that sweet coffee drops above a threshold sugar concentration leave uniform rather than the ring-like pattern. The evaporative deposit changes from a ring-like pattern to a uniform pattern with an increase in sugar concentration. We moreover observe the particle movements near the contact line during the evaporation, suggesting that the sugar is precipitated from the droplet edge because of the highest evaporation and it causes the depinning of the contact line. By analyzing the following dynamics of the depinning contact line and flow fields and observing the internal structure of the deposit with a FIB-SEM system, we conclude that the depinned contact line recedes due to the solidification of sugar solution without any slip motion while suppressing the capillary flow and homogeneously fixing suspended particles, leading to the uniform coating. Our findings show that suppressing the coffee-ring effect by adding sugar is a cost-effective, easy and nontoxic strategy for improving the pattern resolution.
A novel fluorescence method for activity assay and drug screening of T4 PNK by coupling rGO with ligase reaction
Authors: Zhou Hongyan , Tong Chunyi , Zou Wei , Yang Yupei , Liu Yongbei , Li Bin , Qin Yan , Dang Wenya , Liu Bin , Wang Wei
Published: December 2018

T4 polynucleotide kinase (PNK) is the primary member of the 5′-kinase family that can transfer the γ-phosphate residue of ATP to the 5′-hydroxyl group of oligonucleotides.
Application of vortex-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic droplets for determination of some pesticides in fruit juice samples
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Sadeghi Alavian Ali , Sattari Dabbagh Masoumeh
Published: December 2018

Menthol is used as a new extraction solvent in VALLME-SFO for the extraction of some pesticides from fruit juice samples.
Facile insertion of ethylene into a group 14 element-carbon bond: effects of the HOMO–LUMO energy gap on reactivity
Authors: Lai Ting Yi , Guo Jing-Dong , Fettinger James C. , Nagase Shigeru , Power Philip P.
Published: December 2018

The diarylstannylenes, Sn(AriPr4)2 and Sn(AriPr6)2, (AriPr4 = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)2, AriPr6 = C6H3-2,6-(C6H2-2,4,6-iPr3)2), undergo a facile migratory insertion reaction with ethylene at 60 °C to afford the alkyl aryl stannylenes AriPr4SnCH2CH2AriPr4 and AriPr6SnCH2CH2AriPr6 which were characterized via1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR, UV-vis and IR spectroscopy, as well as by X-ray crystallography.
N–H bond activation in ammonia by TM-SSZ-13 (Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) zeolites: a first-principles calculation
Authors: Wang Linxia , Chen Haijun , Wang Weichao
Published: December 2018

For Cu-SSZ-13, the lowest unoccupancy of b1g (dx2−y2) promotes the NH3 activation with an energy barrier of 1.26 eV.
Novel bimetallic MOF phosphors with an imidazolium cation: structure, phonons, high- pressure phase transitions and optical response
Authors: Ptak Maciej , Zarychta Bartosz , Stefańska Dagmara , Ciupa Aneta , Paraguassu Waldeci
Published: December 2018

We report the synthesis, high-pressure phase transitions and optical properties of novel bimetallic perovskite-type MOFs with imidazolium ions.
Fabrication of core–shell α-MnO2@polydopamine nanocomposites for the efficient and ultra-fast removal of U(vi) from aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Ma Junping , Zhang Chenlu , Li Xing , Song Shuang , Wen Tao , Fang Ming , Tan Xiaoli , Wang Xiangke
Published: December 2018

The development of functional nanoparticles with ultra-fast and high adsorption capacities is an important strategy for wastewater treatment.
Tuning the electrochemiluminescent properties of iridium complexes of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands
Authors: Quan Linh M. , Stringer Bradley D. , Haghighatbin Mohammad A. , Agugiaro Johnny , Barbante Gregory J. , Wilson David J. D. , Hogan Conor F. , Barnard Peter J.
Published: December 2018

A series of electrochemiluminescent iridium(iii) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes have been prepared to tune electrochemical and spectroscopic behaviour.
High-pressure behaviour of Prussian blue analogues: interplay of hydration, Jahn-Teller distortions and vacancies
Authors: Boström Hanna L. B. , Collings Ines E. , Cairns Andrew B. , Romao Carl P. , Goodwin Andrew L.
Published: December 2018

Compression of Mn[Pt(CN)6] and its defective analogue Mn[Co(CN)6]0.67leads to tilting, whereas no transition occurs for the orbitally disordered Cu[Co(CN)6]0.67.
Iron phosphate modified calcium iron oxide as an efficient and robust catalyst in electrocatalyzing oxygen evolution from seawater
Authors: Huang Wei-Hsiang , Lin Chia-Yu
Published: December 2018

CaFeOxmodified with electrodeposited FePO4exhibits high activity and stability in natural seawater splitting.
Focusing on “the important” through targeted NMR experiments: an example of selective13C–12C bond detection in complex mixtures
Authors: Jenne Amy , Soong Ronald , Bermel Wolfgang , Sharma Nisha , Masi Antonio , Tabatabaei Anaraki Maryam , Simpson Andre
Published: December 2018

Here, a targeted NMR experiment is introduced which selectively detects the formation of13C–12C bonds in mixtures.
A one-pot catalyst/external oxidant/solvent-free cascade approach to pyrimidines via a 1,5-hydride transfer
Authors: Deb Mohit L. , Borpatra Paran J. , Baruah Pranjal K.
Published: December 2018

A cascade reaction for synthesizing pyrimidines by the functionalization of the C–H bond adjacent to nitrogen through a 1,5-hydride shift is reported.
High-precision potassium isotopic analysis by MC-ICP-MS: an inter-laboratory comparison and refined K atomic weight
Authors: Chen Heng , Tian Zhen , Tuller-Ross Brenna , Korotev Randy L. , Wang Kun
Published: December 2018

We report a detailed method analyzing K isotopes in high-precision using Neptune Plus MC-ICP-MS in cold plasma and conduct an inter-laboratory comparison.
Lipidomics reveals insights on the biological effects of copper oxide nanoparticles in a human colon carcinoma cell line
Authors: Chavez Soria N. G. , Aga D. S. , Atilla-Gokcumen G. E.
Published: December 2018

Metabolomics-based approach provides insights to the effects of copper oxide nanomaterials in mammalian cells.
Induced CD of iron(ii) clathrochelates: sensing of the structural and conformational alterations of serum albumins
Authors: Kovalska Vladyslava , Kuperman Marina , Losytskyy Mykhaylo , Vakarov Serhii , Potocki Slawomir , Yarmoluk Sergiy , Voloshin Yan , Varzatskii Oleg , Gumienna-Kontecka Elzbieta
Published: December 2018

Iron(ii) clathrochelates are protein-sensitive CD reporters able to discriminate proteins of similar structure (HSA and BSA) and reflect the transitions of protein conformation.
Surface charge tunable catanionic vesicles based on serine-derived surfactants as efficient nanocarriers for the delivery of the anticancer drug doxorubicin
Authors: Gonçalves Lopes Raquel C. F. , Silvestre Oscar F. , Faria Ana Rita , C. do Vale M. Luísa , Marques Eduardo F. , Nieder Jana B.
Published: December 2018

Novel serine amino acid-based catanionic vesicles with tunable surface charge and high cell uptake for doxorubicin drug delivery.
Bi2SiO5@g-SiO2 upconverting nanoparticles: a bismuth-driven core–shell self-assembly mechanism
Authors: Back Michele , Trave Enrico , Zaccariello Gloria , Cristofori Davide , Canton Patrizia , Benedetti Alvise , Riello Pietro
Published: December 2018

The low melting point of bismuth allows the fabrication of a lanthanide-doped Bi2SiO5 crystalline-core/glassy silica-shell system through a simple impregnation of MSNs followed by thermal treatment. The synthetic strategy could be used for the synthesis of a wide variety of bismuth-based nanosystems.
Plasmonics of Au nanoparticles in a hot thermodynamic bath
Authors: Magnozzi Michele , Ferrera Marzia , Mattera Lorenzo , Canepa Maurizio , Bisio Francesco
Published: December 2018

Ellipsometry of hot gold nanoparticles reveals deviations of their optical properties from expectations due to temperature-induced surface effects.
Iodine monobromide catalysed regioselective synthesis of 3-arylquinolines from α-aminoacetophenones and trans-β-nitrostyrenes
Authors: Gattu Radhakrishna , Mondal Santa , Ali Saghir , Khan Abu T.
Published: December 2018

A simple and efficient method for regioselective synthesis of 3-arylquinolines is described from α-aminoacetophenones and trans-β-nitrostyrenes using 20 mol% iodine monobromide as a catalyst in acetonitrile solvent at 80 °C.
Gold-catalysed regioselective cascade cycloisomerisation reactions of aza-enediynes for the synthesis of substituted benzoisoquinoline derivatives
Authors: Undeela Sridhar , Chandra Rajesh , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Menon Rajeev S.
Published: December 2018

A facile, regioselective, gold-catalysed cascade cycloisomerisation of easily assembled aza-enediynes to afford dihydrobenzo[f]isoquinoline derivatives is reported.
Catalytic formal [4 + 1] isocyanide-based cycloaddition: an efficient strategy for the synthesis of 1H-cyclopenta[b]quinolin-1-one derivatives
Authors: Motaghi Milad , Khosravi Hormoz , Balalaie Saeed , Rominger Frank
Published: December 2018

Herein we describe an unprecedented isocyanide-based cycloaddition of alkyl and aryl isocyanides with (Z)-2-(2-hydroxy-2-alkylvinyl)quinoline-3-carbaldehydes. On the basis of DFT calculations a mechanism is proposed.
One-pot cascade polymerization based on the addition reactions of electrophilic selenium reagents to alkenes
Authors: An Xiaowei , Lu Weihong , Pang Minglun , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Xiulin , Zhu Jian , Pan Xiangqiang
Published: December 2018

A direct polymerization based on the addition reactions of electrophilic selenium reagents to alkenes was established.
Effect of side chains on color purities of mono-triphenylamine-functionalized polyspirobifluorenes for pure blue polymer light-emitting diodes
Authors: Jin Guangrong , Lian Shaoshan , Pan Yajuan , Wu Zilong , Hu Dehua , Mo Yueqi , Liu LinLin , Xie Zengqi , Ma Yuguang
Published: December 2018

Large and rigid substituents may facilitate the improvement of the color purity of polyfluorenes.
Enantioselective and site-specific copper-catalyzed reductive allyl–allyl cross-coupling of allenes
Authors: Xu Guoxing , Fu Bin , Zhao Haiyan , Li Yanfei , Zhang Ge , Wang Ying , Xiong Tao , Zhang Qian
Published: December 2018

A copper-catalyzed asymmetric reductive allyl–allyl cross-coupling reaction of allenes with allylic phosphates for the synthesis of chiral 1,5-dienes bearing a tertiary or all-carbon quaternary stereocenter has been achieved.
Linear-hairpin variable primer RT-qPCR for MicroRNA
Authors: Lan Lin , Guo Qiuping , Nie Hemin , Zhou Chang , Cai Qingyun , Huang Jin , Meng Xiangxian
Published: December 2018

Here, we present a highly specific, sensitive and cost-effective system to quantify microRNA (miRNA) expression based on two-step RT-qPCR with EvaGreen detection chemistry, called linear-hairpin variable primer RT-qPCR.
Shape-morphing architected sheets with non-periodic cut patterns
Authors: Celli Paolo , McMahan Connor , Ramirez Brian , Bauhofer Anton , Naify Christina , Hofmann Douglas , Audoly Basile , Daraio Chiara
Published: December 2018

Due to tensile loads that trigger geometric frustration, flat architected sheets featuring non-periodic cut patterns can morph into 3D surfaces.
Inherently magnetic hydrogel for data storage based on the magneto-optical Kerr effect
Authors: Gui Qinyuan , Zhou You , Liao Shenglong , He Yonglin , Tang Yifan , Wang Yapei
Published: December 2018

A magnetic hydrogel with remarkable flexibility is developed which shows great potential for data storage based on the magneto-optical Kerr effect.
Evidence for a role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 in proteinuria of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Filha Roberta da Silva , Pinheiro Sérgio Veloso Brant , Macedo e Cordeiro Thiago , Feracin Victor , Vieira Érica Leandro Marciano , Miranda Aline Silva , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a role in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Most studies investigated only the classical RAS axis. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to evaluate urinary levels of RAS molecules related to classical and to counter-regulatory axes in pediatric patients with INS, to compare the measurements with levels in healthy controls and to search for associations with inflammatory molecules, proteinuria and disease treatment. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study included 31 patients with INS and 19 healthy controls, matched for age and sex. Patients and controls were submitted to urine collection for measurement of RAS molecules [Ang II, Ang-(1-7), ACE and ACE2] by enzyme immunoassay and cytokines by Cytometric Bead Array. Findings in INS patients were compared according to proteinuria: absent (<150 mg/dl, n = 15) and present (≥150 mg/dl, n = 16). Results: In comparison to controls, INS patients had increased Ang II, Ang-(1-7) and ACE, levels while ACE2 was reduced. INS patients with proteinuria had lower levels of ACE2 than those without proteinuria. ACE2 levels were negatively correlated with 24-h-proteinuria. Urinary concentrations of MCP-1/CCL2 were significantly higher in INS patients, positively correlated with Ang II and negatively with Ang-(1-7). ACE2 concentrations were negatively correlated with IP-10/CXCL-10 levels, which, in turn, were positively correlated with 24-h-proteinuria. Conclusion: INS patients exhibited changes in RAS molecules and in chemokines. Proteinuria was associated with low levels of ACE2 and high levels of inflammatory molecules.
Investigating the RAS can be a fishy business: interdisciplinary opportunities using Zebrafish
Authors: Hoffmann Scott , Mullins Linda , Buckley Charlotte , Rider Sebastien , Mullins John
Published: December 2018

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is highly conserved, and components of the RAS are present in all vertebrates to some degree. Although the RAS has been studied since the discovery of renin, its biological role continues to broaden with the identification and characterization of new peptides. The evolutionarily distant zebrafish is a remarkable model for studying the kidney due to its genetic tractability and accessibility for in vivo imaging. The zebrafish pronephros is an especially useful kidney model due to its structural simplicity yet complex functionality, including capacity for glomerular and tubular filtration. Both the pronephros and mesonephros contain renin-expressing perivascular cells, which respond to RAS inhibition, making the zebrafish an excellent model for studying the RAS. This review summarizes the physiological and genetic tools currently available for studying the zebrafish kidney with regards to functionality of the RAS, using novel imaging techniques such as SPIM microscopy coupled with targeted single cell ablation and synthesis of vasoactive RAS peptides.
Safety and Tolerability of Pharyngeal High-Resolution Manometry
Authors: Knigge Molly A. , Marvin Stevie , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Pharyngeal high-resolution manometry is an emerging practice for diagnosis of swallowing disorders in the upper aerodigestive tract. Advancement of a catheter through the upper esophageal sphincter may introduce safety considerations. There are no published studies of catheter placement complications, side effects, or tolerability. This study examines patient-reported side effects and tolerability of pharyngeal high-resolution manometry.

Method

Data were collected prospectively from 133 adult patients who underwent pharyngeal high-resolution manometry for the 1st time. Patients rated tolerability specific to “nose” and “throat” using a visual analog scale for 4 procedure time points: catheter passage, during the procedure, catheter removal, and after the procedure. Complications during catheter passage and removal were recorded. A telephone call was placed to the patient within 6 days to survey side effects experienced after the procedure.

Results

The patient sample was composed of 91 males and 42 females with a mean age of 66 years (
SD
= 14.4). Tolerability scores for catheter passage showed no significant difference (
p
= .7288) in the nose versus throat. Tolerability for females was significantly less (
p
= .0144) than that for males. Participants with the shortest procedure duration showed greatest discomfort in the nose (
p
= .0592) and throat (
p
= .0286). Complications included gag response (14%), emesis (2%), and epistaxis (< 1%). Side effects included sore throat (16%), nose discomfort (16%), coughing (11 %), nosebleed (4%), and nausea/vomiting (4%).

Conclusions

High-resolution manometry appears to have high patient tolerability with low incidence of side effects. Rates of complications and side effects are similar to those reported for other transnasal procedures.
Basic Measures of Prosody in Spontaneous Speech of Children With Early and Late Cochlear Implantation
Authors: van de Velde Daan J. , Frijns Johan H. M. , Beers Mieke , van Heuven Vincent J. , Levelt Claartje C. , Briaire Jeroen , Schiller Niels O.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Relative to normally hearing (NH) peers, the speech of children with cochlear implants (CIs) has been found to have deviations such as a high fundamental frequency, elevated jitter and shimmer, and inadequate intonation. However, two important dimensions of prosody (temporal and spectral) have not been systematically investigated. Given that, in general, the resolution in CI hearing is best for the temporal dimension and worst for the spectral dimension, we expected this hierarchy to be reflected in the amount of CI speech's deviation from NH speech. Deviations, however, were expected to diminish with increasing device experience.

Method

Of 9 Dutch early- and late-implanted (division at 2 years of age) children and 12 hearing age-matched NH controls, spontaneous speech was recorded at 18, 24, and 30 months after implantation (CI) or birth (NH). Six spectral and temporal outcome measures were compared between groups, sessions, and genders.

Results

On most measures, interactions of Group and/or Gender with Session were significant. For CI recipients as compared with controls, performance on temporal measures was not in general more deviant than spectral measures, although differences were found for individual measures. The late-implanted group had a tendency to be closer to the NH group than the early-implanted group. Groups converged over time.

Conclusions

Results did not support the phonetic dimension hierarchy hypothesis, suggesting that the appropriateness of the production of basic prosodic measures does not depend on auditory resolution. Rather, it seems to depend on the amount of control necessary for speech production.
Individualized Patient Vocal Priorities for Tailored Therapy
Authors: Titze Ingo R. , Riede Tobias , Palaparthi Anil , Hynan Linda S. , Hamilton Amy , Toles Laura , Mau Ted
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purposes of this study are to introduce the concept of vocal priorities based on acoustic correlates, to develop an instrument to determine these vocal priorities, and to analyze the pattern of vocal priorities in patients with voice disorders.

Method

Questions probing the importance of 5 vocal attributes (vocal clarity, loudness, mean speaking pitch, pitch range, vocal endurance) were generated from consensus conference involving speech-language pathologists, laryngologists, and voice scientists, as well as patient feedback. The responses to the preliminary items from 213 subjects were subjected to exploratory factor analysis, which confirmed 4 of the predefined domains. The final instrument consisted of a 16-item Vocal Priority Questionnaire probing the relative importance of clarity, loudness, mean speaking pitch, and pitch range.

Results

The Vocal Priority Questionnaire had high reliability (Cronbach's α = .824) and good construct validity. A majority of the cohort (61%) ranked vocal clarity as their highest vocal priority, and 20%, 12%, and 7% ranked loudness, mean speaking pitch, and pitch range, respectively, as their highest priority. The frequencies of the highest ranked priorities did not differ by voice diagnosis or by sex. Considerable individual variation in vocal priorities existed within these large trends.

Conclusions

A patient's vocal priorities can be identified and taken into consideration in planning behavioral or surgical intervention for a voice disorder. Inclusion of vocal priorities in treatment planning empowers the patient in shared decision making, helps the clinician tailor treatment, and may also improve therapy compliance.
Broadband compact smooth horn with flat‐top radiation pattern
Authors: Wang Junbo , Yao Yuan , Yu Junsheng , Chen Xiaodong
Published: December 2018

A broadband compact smooth horn with flat‐top radiation pattern is presented in this Letter. Using a large flare angle, the whole length of the horn is reduced to 1.875λc (λc is the wavelength of 95 GHz) and the TE21 mode and higher order electromagnetic modes can be excited to exhibit flat‐top radiation performance. The measured radiation pattern of the presented horn can achieve <1 dB amplitude ripple in a beam width range of ±10° at 85–105 GHz (21%) where the reflection coefficient is below −22 dB. It indicates that the broadband compact smooth horn with flat‐top radiation pattern can be applied in wireless communication and reflector systems in the millimetre‐wave band.
Dual‐radar coherently combining: generalised paradigm and verification example
Authors: Liu Xinghua , Xu Zhenhai , Wang Luoshengbin , Dong Wei , Xiao Shunping
Published: December 2018

Coherently combining dual identical radars is a promising technology that can obtain a 23 times signal‐to‐noise ratio promotion over a single radar. The basic principle of dual‐radar coherently combining is to adjust transmitting/receiving time and phase of each radar via the coherent parameters (CPs), with the purpose of achieving coherent‐on‐transmit and ‐receive. However, this technology has not been researched systematically, especially in the target moving scenario. In this paper, a signal processing paradigm for dual‐radar coherent combination is proposed. Two stages exist in the proposed paradigm: coherence preparation stage and coherence maintenance stage. The former stage is considered as a means of bootstrapping to the latter stage, by offering the necessary coherent combining information (predicted transmit CPs and estimated synchronisation errors). And a great coherent gain is obtained in the latter stage, which allows dual‐radar works in a fully coherent transmit and receive mode. In both stages, CPs estimation and prediction are the indispensable key steps, whose corresponding algorithms and constraints are developed, respectively. Given to this proposed paradigm, a dual‐radar coherently combining example is implemented under a ballistic target tracking scenario, whose results verify the effectiveness of the proposed paradigm.
Low‐observable target detection using two‐stage RFRFT
Authors: Wang Wenguang , Chen Cheng , Qu Gaolong , Zuo Yan , Zeng Guoqi
Published: December 2018

Long‐time coherent integration is an effective method to implement low‐observable target detection in a complex scenario. Radon‐fractional Fourier transform (RFRFT) can compensate the range and Doppler migration simultaneously and obviously improve the signal‐to‐clutter‐noise ratio (SCNR) via long‐time coherent integration. However, RFRFT uses a combination of moving parameters, i.e. initial range, velocity and acceleration, to search targets, increasing the computational burden. In this study, a novel two‐stage RFRFT is proposed to detect low‐observable targets. In the first stage, by calculating the spectrum similarity between adjacent bins, regions of interest (ROIs) can be detected in the range–Doppler domain. The processing in the first stage reduces the global search to a limited number of ROIs. In the second stage, based on the extraction of moving parameters, a refined search is performed to realise target detection and false alarm discrimination. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed two‐stage method, both a simulation scenario and real radar dataset are applied. The theoretical analysis and experiment results show that the novel method is effective for the detection of dim targets with far less computation than standard RFRFT.
Three‐dimensional discrete‐time controller to intercept a targeted UAV using a capture net towed by multiple aerial robots
Authors: Kim Jonghoek
Published: December 2018

This study considers a team of aerial robots towing the boundary of a capture net so that the net intercepts a fast unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with variable velocity. The robot team tows the net boundary so that the net captures the targeted UAV as fast as possible. The centre of the net is controlled so that the net centre moves while not rotating the line‐of‐sight connecting the pair (the net centre and the UAV). MATLAB simulations are used to verify the effectiveness of the authors’ approach.
Fault location for transmission lines compensated with MOV‐protected SCs using voltage phasors
Authors: Gorgani Firouzjah Khalil
Published: December 2018

This study presents a fault location algorithm (FLA) for series compensated transmission lines (SCLs). It is established based on synchronised voltages sampling and Thevenin impedance estimation from both ends of SCL. The method is based on the use of phasor measurement units technology which is aimed to be independent of current measurements. This method includes two subroutines for the faults located on the right‐hand and left‐hand sides of series capacitor (SC). Lumped modelling is considered for SCL with SC equipped with metal–oxide varistor (MOV) arrester. The non‐linear behaviour of SC‐MOV system is investigated in the analysis. The proposed current independent FLA has been thoroughly tested using signals taken from simulations. According to the results, the percentage errors for the fault distances estimation are in proper ranges.
Impact of geometry of the powered roof support section on the rock mass
Authors: Szurgacz Dawid
Published: December 2018

The required functions of the powered roof support, the functions it must fulfil and the mechanical elements cause that the support practically continuously works with the rock mass. This applies to the canopy, the floor base and the shield support. Due to the different susceptibility and strength of the rocks, the roof support may lose its stability. This condition results in an uneven section load and difficulties with moving forward the support in the underground excavation. This, in turn, can lead to disturbances in the operation of the entire longwall system. In order to avoid this situation, it is necessary to conduct geometry tests, e.g. section tests for a dedicated testing station using innovative measuring inclinometers. They indicate the importance of proper geometry for proper and correct operation of the support section. The research was carried out with the use of a new methodology designed to test the geometry of powered roof supports. The solutions were developed by the author of the article.
Compressibility of materials and backfilling mixtures with addition of solid wastes from flue-gas treatment and fly ashes
Authors: Skrzypkowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2018

The article presents laboratory tests of pressure compressibility characteristics of materials and backfilling. The tests were carried out for three different types of backfilling: rock fill (dry), hydraulic and paste in oedometers for three different volume configurations with the addition of waste from flue-gas treatment or in the form of fly ash. For the rock fill, compressibility was determined for the backfilling made only from dolomite, while in subsequent tests 50% and 25% by volume of the waste from the flue-gas treatment were added to the backfilling material, respectively. In the case of hydraulic backfilling, the mixture was sand mixed with water and fly ash in a fixed ratio: a mixture of sand and water in a 1:1 ratio, a mixture of sand with water and fly ash in a volume ratio of 50% sand with water and 50% fly ash and 75% sand with water and 25% fly ash. The last type of research was paste backfilling, for which compressibility was determined for a mixture of waste (fly ash), binder and water in a volume ratio of: 50% fly ash, 40%, 45% and 48% water and 10%, 5% and 2% binder.
Evaluation of the impact of rock fracturing on the reservoir properties on the example of the hydrocarbon-bearing sandstones in the Polish part of the Western Carpathians - a case study
Authors: Kułynycz Vitalij , Maruta Michał
Published: December 2018

So far, the largest documented reserves of oil in the Skole unit are found in the Wańkowa-Łodyna-Brzegi fold, where the reservoir rock is composed of the sandstones belonging to layers of the menilite series. The oil inflow from Inoceramian, Hieroglyphic and Krosno layers was also obtained from this fold. These layers characterized by a low level of reservoir parameters, are associated with the presence of a system of fractures. The impact of fracturing on the permeability of these sandstones is of interest to the oil industry. The aim of the research was to carry out measurements of the basic geometric parameters of fractures, i.e: the length of the fracture trace, the assessment of the degree of mineral fill, the openness and the determination of the angle and azimuth of fracture dip. Then, linear densities, surface coefficients of fracture and the fracture permeability coefficient were calculated for each measuring field. Obtained research results in the form of diagrams, tables and diagrams showed that inoceramian sandstones belong to rocks of low-class reservoir capacity. The analyzed sandstones are characterized by low permeability and have a low effective porosity. The results of the analyzes carried out simultaneously confirmed the effect of the fracturing of inoceramian sandstones on their potential permeability.
Identification of shorelines for natural watercourses with the use of point cloud
Authors: Sudoł Ewa
Published: December 2018

The article presents the method of identifying the shorelines for natural watercourses located in agricultural and forest areas in accordance with applicable law. In the process of developing methods for identification and verification of the actual course of watercourses, data from the cadastral map was used in the form of a vector drawing of borders and a database with border points in ZRD, BPP attributes, metadata and point clouds. The identification of the course of a watercourse on shrubbery and wooded areas as well as on-screen vectorization of the shoreline is cumbersome, and in some cases even impossible. In connection with the above, it has been proposed to use a point cloud and vertical sections prepared on their basis that run perpendicular to the edge of the watercourse. On their basis, the course of the shoreline was recognized in accordance with the definition contained in the Act on Water Law. Pursuant to § 9 para. 3a, beginning of the regulation that the land occupied by the natural seepage constitutes a separate cadastral plot within the boundary line, the suggested procedures for verifying the boundaries of watercourses can be used to update the land and building register databases. The identification of the boundaries of registered parcels made on the principles described in the publication may precede the activities of accepting the boundaries to the division of real estate. On the other hand, the course of the identified, in the mode of § 82a, the regulation the boundaries of registration plots constituting natural watercourses can be shown in the land and building register on the terms specified in art. 24 sec. 2b point 2) geodesy law, in order to replace data inconsistent with the actual state and applicable technical standards, respectively, data consistent with the actual state and applicable technical standards (§ 45 section 1 point 1 of the Regulation).
Clustering of Complementary Electricity Consumers Based on Their Usage Patterns
Authors: Chen Sheng-Ta , Liu Chi-Lun , Lee Ming-Hung , Fung Min , Teng Wei-Guang
Published: December 2018

In the electricity market, the real-time balance of electricity generation and consumption is a main task. In view of this, power providers usually sign contracts with their critical consumers (i.e., usually large-scale industrial companies) for managing their capacity demands. On the other hand, aggregators group commercial and residential consumers, and integrate their demands to negotiate with power providers. With a proper grouping of numerous electricity consumers, aggregators help to ensure stable electric supply, and reduce the burden of managing many consumers. In this work, we thus propose a novel data clustering approach to group complementary consumers based on their usage patterns (i.e., daily electricity consumption curves.) Furthermore, we incorporate the technique of discrete wavelet transform to speed up the clustering process. Specifically, approximations reconstructed from only a few wavelet coefficients may precisely capture the shape of original usage patterns. Experimental results based on a real dataset show that our approach is promising in practical applications.
Review of Icing Effects on Wind Turbine in Cold Regions
Authors: Afzal Faizan , Virk Muhammad S.
Published: December 2018

This paper describes a brief overview of main issues related to atmospheric ice accretion on wind turbines installed in cold climate region. Icing has significant effects on wind turbine performance particularly from aerodynamic and structural integrity perspective, as ice accumulates mainly on the leading edge of the blades that change its aerodynamic profile shape and effects its structural dynamics due to added mass effects of ice. This research aims to provide an overview and develop further understanding of the effects of atmospheric ice accretion on wind turbine blades. One of the operational challenges of the wind turbine blade operation in icing condition is also to overcome the process of ice shedding, which may happen due to vibrations or bending of the blades. Ice shedding is dangerous phenomenon, hazardous for equipment and personnel in the immediate area.
Dielectric properties of the PFN ceramics obtained different chemical-wet technology and sintering by hot pressing method
Authors: Bochenek Dariusz , Niemiec Przemysław
Published: December 2018

The paper shows three kinds of chemical-wet technology synthesis of the ferroelectric-ferrimagnetic PbFe1/2Nb1/2O3 materials and technology process of the ceramic samples sintered by hot pressing method. In the technological process of the PFN powders were used follows precursors: lead acetate trihydrate and niobium ethoxide while an iron-related components were changed: iron nitrate obtained by first sol-gel technology (PFN-n), iron oxalate obtained by second sol-gel technology (PFN-ox) and iron citrate obtained by third technology (PFN-c). XRD, SEM tests and temperature measurements of dielectric properties of the ceramic samples were carried out. The SEM microstructure tests of the PFN ceramic samples confirm the properly conducted technological processes. The best dielectric properties of the PFN ceramic samples were obtained for third technology using iron citrate precursor. But, this method of the PFN ceramic powder requires minimization of a pyrochlore phase and reduction porosity of the ceramic samples.
Novel carbon fibers reinforced composites based on polysulfone matrix
Authors: Chukov Dilyus , Nematulloev Sarvarkhodzha , Stepashkin Andrey , Maksimkin Aleksey , Zherebtsov Dmitriy , Tcherdyntsev Victor
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study is to create composites based on the high-temperature polymer reinforced with the carbon fibers and to study interfacial interaction between carbon fibers and polymer matrix. We propose a new method to obtain polysulfone based composite materials reinforced with high-modulus carbon fibers. The influences of thermal oxidation of carbon fibers on mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were studied. It was found that the obtained composite materials have sufficiently high mechanical properties, tensile strength up to 1047 MPa and Young’s modulus up to 70.9 GPa were found. Considerable interest to the polymer composites is associated with their high performance and good mechanical and thermal properties, which enable a broad range of aerospace, automotive and medical applications. Additionally, the manufacturing process of such composites can easily be optimized and automatized, furthermore, it is not time-consuming process in relation with thermosetting polymer based composites.
Modeling of the Formation Processes of Nanocomposite Coatings by the Electrocodeposition
Authors: Vakhrushev Alexander , Molchanov Eugene , Fedotov Alexey
Published: December 2018

The coupled mathematical model of electrocodeposition process on the rotating cylinder electrode is presented. Low Reynolds k-e model with Abe-Kondoh-Nagano damping functions is used to describe mass transport of electrolyte. The cathodic and anodic processes are described by the tertiary current distribution theory. Mass transfer of electrolyte ions is described by diffusion-convection equation and is studied throughout the volume of the electrolyte cell. The simulation of electrocodeposition of Cu-Al2O3 nanoparticles on rotating cylinder electrode of are presented. It is found that the unsteady diffusion layer is formed close to the rotating electrode surface. Also it was found that the sign of the zeta potential of nanoparticles has a decisive influence on the possibility of forming the composite coatings. The results of mathematical modelling are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Research on the friction stir welding of Titanium Grade 1
Authors: Kosturek R. , Wachowski M. , Ślęzak T. , Śnieżek L. , Mierzyński J. , Sobczak U.
Published: December 2018

In this research the three different FSW joints of Titanium Grade 1 have been performed by using tool made of W25Re alloy with different welding velocity values. In order to investigate the influence of FSW process on microstructure of joined material the light microscope observations have been performed on the etched samples. It has been reported that significant grain refinement occurs in the stir zone in all analyzed samples. On the other hand, occurrence of weld defects, such as tunneling defect and kissing bond has been noticed. The microhardness analysis of the cross-section of the obtained joints indicates on microhardness increasing in the stir zone by 40-60 HV0,1 compared to the base material. Peak hardness of stir zone in the researched samples has tendency to decrease along with increasing of welding velocity. The strength of obtained joints was designated in the uniaxial tensile tests and confronted with strength of base material. Despite the occurrence of weld defects the established joints efficiency contains in range 92-94%. It has been stated that Young’s modulus of Titanium Grade 1 FSW joints is 15-19% lower in comparison to the base material. At the same time, no significant influence of FSW on the ductility of material were observed.
Antifungal Property of Piper betle Leaf Oil against Oral Candida Species
Authors: Kaypetch Rattiporn , Thaweboon Sroisiri
Published: December 2018

Fungal infection is one of the main clinical problems due to the extensive uses of broad-spectrum antibiotics and immunosuppressive therapy. Among all, candida species are the most prevalent. Piper betle Linn., a tropical plant intimately associated with pepper, has been widely used as a traditional herb in many Asian countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of essential oil extracted from fresh leaves of P. betle against four strains of candida species, C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. pseudotropicalis and C. stellatoidia. Inhibitory activity was primarily screened by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique and subsequently the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by agar dilution technique. Betel oil exhibited a high potential of antifungal property against all strains of yeast with inhibition zones ranged from 32 to 33 mm. in diameter and MIC values of 0.039-0.078 % v/v. Data from this study demonstrates a potential application of betel oil in drug preparations and development for the treatment of candida infection. Further investigations are required to define the antifungal mechanism of this oil as well as clinical trial in the patients.
The Russian national branding of innovations in defense industry complex as the answer to global challenges of the present
Authors: Danilova Elena , Vorozhtsov Alexander
Published: December 2018

In the article a comparative analysis of the international branding of armed forces is executed. The examples of effective national branding are given. Marketing technologies of defensive branch branding and formation of military culture are explored. Social media as a key instrument in the strategy of branding of defensive branch are considered. The Russian national branding of innovations in defense industry complex is analyzed. The successful Russian national brands in defense field are shown. The way of international collaboration strengthening in dual technologies in chemical and mechanical engineering, material science, nanotechnologies sphere is offered.