Pitch Production Research Articles

Auditory-Motor Control of Vocal Production during Divided Attention: Behavioral and ERP Correlates.

When people hear unexpected perturbations in auditory feedback, they produce rapid compensatory adjustments of their vocal behavior. Recent evidence has shown enhanced vocal compensations and cortical event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to attended pitch feedback perturbations, suggesting that this reflex-like behavior is influenced by selective attention. Less is known, however, about auditory-motor integration for voice control during divided attention. The present cross-modal study investigated the behavioral and ERP correlates of auditory feedback control of vocal pitch production during divided attention. During the production of sustained vowels, 32 young adults were instructed to simultaneously attend to both pitch feedback perturbations they heard and flashing red lights they saw. The presentation rate of the visual stimuli was varied to produce a low, intermediate, and high attentional load. The behavioral results showed that the low-load condition elicited significantly smaller vocal compensations for pitch perturbations than the intermediate-load and high-load conditions. As well, the cortical processing of vocal pitch feedback was also modulated as a function of divided attention. When compared to the low-load and intermediate-load conditions, the high-load condition elicited significantly larger N1 responses and smaller P2 responses to pitch perturbations. These findings provide the first neurobehavioral evidence that divided attention can modulate auditory feedback control of vocal pitch production.

Blending effect of pyrolyzed fuel oil and coal tar in pitch production for artificial graphite

Blending effect of pyrolyzed fuel oil and coal tar in pitch production for artificial graphite

Reverse Engineering Tone-Deafness: Disrupting Pitch-Matching by Creating Temporary Dysfunctions in the Auditory-Motor Network

Perceiving and producing vocal sounds are important functions of the auditory-motor system and are fundamental to communication. Prior studies have identified a network of brain regions involved in pitch production, specifically pitch matching. Here we reverse engineer the function of the auditory perception-production network by targeting specific cortical regions (e.g., right and left posterior superior temporal (pSTG) and posterior inferior frontal gyri (pIFG)) with cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—commonly found to decrease excitability in the underlying cortical region—allowing us to causally test the role of particular nodes in this network. Performance on a pitch-matching task was determined before and after 20 min of cathodal stimulation. Acoustic analyses of pitch productions showed impaired accuracy after cathodal stimulation to the left pIFG and the right pSTG in comparison to sham stimulation. Both regions share particular roles in the feedback and feedforward motor control of pitched vocal production with a differential hemispheric dominance.

Empirical study of petroleum-based pitch production via pressure- and temperature-controlled thermal reactions

Three-stage thermal reactions were conducted to investigate empirical trends of petroleum-based pitch production and the chemical characteristics of pitch produced by controlling the temperature and pressure operating parameters. The softening point of pitch increased with increasing reaction temperature under atmospheric pressure, whereas the pitch yield increased with decreasing reaction temperature under a pressurized condition. Elemental analysis supported the result of decreased hydrogen content. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis revealed that higher reaction temperatures could induce the polymerization and condensation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with carbon yield at 900°C. The molecular weight distribution (MWD) of pitch was analyzed by MALDI-TOF analysis according to the operating parameters during the thermal reaction. The MALDI-TOF spectrum was normalized to observe the variation in the MWD by Anthracene (178Da) as a pseudo-component. Range 2–3 and range 6–8 in the MWD coincided with the trends of the pitch yield and the softening point, respectively. The results suggested that pitch yield is related to the PAHs with 2–6 aromatic rings and that the softening point is related to highly condensed PAHs with more than 6 aromatic rings. The anisotropy/isotropy of the pitch was analyzed by polarized light microscopy. The pitch produced under the pressurized condition was isotropic. However, the pitch produced under atmospheric pressure exhibited a well-oriented domain texture. We concluded that volatile contents disturb the polymerization and condensation of PAHs because of side reactions involving the aliphatic contents.

Fundamental Tongue Motions for Trumpet Playing: A Study Using Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Cine MRI).

Though the motions of structures outside the mouth in trumpet performance have been reported, the dynamics of intraoral structures remain unelucidated. This study explored the tongue's movement in trumpet playing using cine magnetic resonance imaging (cine MRI) and demonstrated the effects of intraoral anatomical structures on changes in pitch and dynamics. Cine MRI was applied to 18 trumpet players, who were divided into two groups (7 beginner, 11 advanced) based on their ability to play a certain high note. They were instructed to play a custom-made MRI-compatible simulated trumpet. Pitch-change tasks and dynamics-change tasks were assigned. The positions of the anatomical points and intraoral areas were identified on outlined images, and the changes associated with each task were evaluated. A forward and upward projection of the tongue was observed in the production of higher pitches, and there were no significant differences in all areas. In louder dynamics, a backward and downward bending of the tongue occurred, the tongue area became smaller (p<0.001), and the oral cavity area became larger (p<0.001). No significant differences between beginner and advanced trumpet players were seen in the changes in pitch and dynamics. It was demonstrated using cine MRI that certain tongue movements were associated with each task. Tongue protrusion in the production of higher pitch and bending in louder dynamics can be rationalized using acoustics theory and the movements of anatomical structures. These findings seem to be consistent regardless of the player's proficiency.

Production of Pitch from Coal Tar Obtained by Light Pyrolysis

Means of improving the electrode pitch in processing coal tar obtained by light pyrolysis have been developed on the basis of operational experience at Makeevka Coke Plant.

Comparison of the Singing Pitch Characteristics in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Based on Their Choir Experience

본 연구는 성인지적장애인의 노래부르기 시 음도산출 특성을 알아보고 이를 대상자의 합창경험 유무에 따라 비교하였다. 연구대상자는 모두 남성으로 장애인 합창단에서 활동하고 있는 12명과 장애기관을 이용하고 있으며 합창경험이 없는 9명의 성인지적장애인을 대상으로 진행하였다. 음도산출 특성을 비교하기 위해 Praat을 사용하여 편안한 음역대에서 <생일 축하> 노래를 부르도록 하여 녹음하였고, 음도 도약이 포함된 특정구간(‘합니다-사랑하는’)을 발췌하여 음절별 개별 산출음도를 비교 분석하였다. 연구결과, 합창단원 그룹의 경우 음역대가 넓고 높은 것으로 나타났으며, 최저음과 최고음에서는 모두 합창단원 그룹이 더 높은 것으로 나타났다. <생일 축하> 노래 중 구간에서의 개별 음절별산출음도를 분석한 결과, 기대음도와 실제 산출음도 간 차이가 있었으며, 합창단원 그룹의 음도산출정확도가 모든 음절에서 더 높은 것으로 나타났으며, 음절 ‘다’와 ‘하’ 완전 5도, 완전 8도에서 통계적으로 유의한 것으로 나타났다. 또한, 상대적 음도산출치의 경우, 음절 ‘니’,‘다’, ‘하’, 완전5도, 완전4도, 완전 8도에서 집단간 통계적으로 유의미한 차이가 나타났으며 합창단원 그룹의 음도산출 정확도가 더 높은 것으로 나타났다. 선율윤곽의 경우 개인이 부른 멜로디의 음도가 얼마나 기대음도에 유사하게 진행되는지를 시각적으로 보여주는 것으로 합창단원의 경우 음도산출 정확도의 수준에 관계없이 기대되는 선율진행의 윤곽과 유사한 형태로 나타났다. 이처럼 합창단원 그룹의 확장된 음역대와 음도산출 정확도는 일정수준의 노래 부르기 지속 시 음도 훈련이 가능함을 보여주는 결과로 볼 수 있으며, 향후 성인지적장애인의 노래 부르기 능력에 관한 지속적인 연구가 필요함을 시사한다.The purpose of this study was to compare adults with intellectual disabilities voice pitch between who have choir experiences and those who do not. Participants were a total of 21 male adults with intellectual disabilities (12 choir group members and 9 non-choir group). Praat test was conducted to compare the characteristics of pitch, produced by the participants while they were singing in their comfortable pitch range. The results showed that the range of melodic contour in the choir group was broader and higher than those of the non choir group. Participants in the choir group produced a lower pitch in the beginning note, and they produced a higher pitch compared to the non-choir group on the highest and lowest note of the song. An analysis on the pitch of the individual note that the participants produced revealed a gap between the expected pitch notes and the actual notes produced while singing. In all syllables of the song, participants in the choir group showed higher accuracy of the pitch production, and significantly more accurate on the perfect fifth and eighth intervals. Regarding to the relative pitch, participants in the choir group produced significantly more accurate notes on perfect fifth, perfect fourth, and perfect eighth intervals. Findings of the study suggest that constant singing experience enable them to have pitch training. It also implies for further studies regarding to singing abilities of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Covariation between voice quality and pitch: Revisiting the case of Mandarin creaky voice.

This study investigates the interaction between voice quality and pitch by revisiting the well-known case of Mandarin creaky voice. This study first provides several pieces of experimental data to assess whether the mechanism behind allophonic creaky voice in Mandarin is tied to tonal categories or is driven by phonetic pitch ranges. The results show that the presence of creak is not exclusively limited to tone 3, but can accompany any of the low pitch targets in the Mandarin tones; further, tone 3 is less creaky when the overall pitch range is raised, but more creaky when the overall pitch range is lowered. More importantly, tone 3 is not unique in this regard, and other tones such as tone 1 are also subject to similar variations. In sum, voice quality is quite systematically tied to F0 in Mandarin. Results from a pitch glide experiment further suggest that voice quality overall covaries with pitch height in a wedge-shaped function. Non-modal voice tends to occur when pitch production exceeds certain limits. Voice quality, thus, has the potential to enhance the perceptual distinctiveness of extreme pitch targets.

Laboratory strength testing of pine wood and birch bark adhesives: A first study of the material properties of pitch

Adhesives are an important yet often overlooked aspect of human tool use. Previous experiments have shown that compound resin/gum adhesive production by anatomically modern humans was a cognitively demanding task that required advanced use of fire, forward planning and abstraction, among other traits. Yet the oldest known adhesives were produced by Neandertals, not anatomically modern humans. These tar or pitch adhesives are an entirely different material, produced from a distinct, albeit similarly complex process. However, the material properties of these adhesives and the influence of the production process on performance are still unclear. To this end we conducted a series of laboratory based lap shear and impact tests following modern adhesive testing standards at three different temperatures to measure the strength of pine and birch pitch adhesives. We tested eight different recipes that contain charcoal as an additive (mimicking contamination) or were reduced by boiling (seething) for different lengths of time. Lap shear tests were conducted on wood and flint adherends to determine shear strength on different materials, and we conducted high load-rate tests to understand how the same material behaves under impact forces. Our results indicate that both pine and birch pitch adhesives behave similarly at room temperature. Pine pitch is highly sensitive to the addition of charcoal and further heating. Up to a certain extent, charcoal additives increase performance, as does extra seething. However, too much charcoal and seething will reduce performance. Similarly, pine pitch is sensitive to ambient temperature changes and it is strongest at 0°C and weakest at 38°C. Adhesive failures occur in a similar manner on flint and wood suggesting the weakest part of a flint-adhesive-wood composite tool may have been the cohesive strength of the adhesive. Finally, pine pitch adhesives may be better suited to resisting high-load rate impacts than static shear forces. Our experiments show that pitch production and post-production manipulation are sensitive processes, and to obtain a workable and strong adhesive one requires a deep understanding of the material properties. Our results validate previous archaeological adhesive studies that suggest that the manufacture and use of adhesives was an advanced technological process.

High-temperature synthesis of pitch

The heat treatment of the anthracene fraction of coal tar under pressure is considered. In the production of synthetic pitch, the duration of the process is varied from 10 to 80 min, at a temperature of 500°C and a pressure of 3 MPa. Kinetic data for the formation of γ and α1 fractions show that the polycondensation of the γ fraction is of second order, while the formation of the α1 fraction is of zero order. Pitch obtained with holding for 10–40 min does not contain the α1 fraction. Extending the process beyond 30 min does not affect the removal of heteroatoms. IR spectroscopic data indicate that dealkylation predominates for the first 40 min. Then the process slows, and compaction develops.

CTDI versus New AAPM Metrics to assess Doses in CT: a case study

In modern CT, CTDI 100 measurements would underestimate accumulated dose at the gantry center. AAPM TG 111 report proposed improved metrics for CT dosimetry, mainly for helical and wide beam width scanning. In this study, a methodology to assess CT dose, inspired on TG 111, was applied. Dosimeters were firstly calibrated in lab in beams like those utilized clinically. Using a reference 0.6cc Farmer chamber, two CT “pencil” chambers were calibrated in P KL by substitution method. Results showed differences ≤ 2% in the calibration coefficients, for three collimation apertures. A small 0.6cc chamber was calibrated in air kerma with this setup, without any collimator. After this, in a private Brazilian hospital, the small chamber was applied in dosimetry tests of a CT scanner, according to TG 111, determining Dose profiles and Equilibrium dose free-in-air (D eq,air ) for some protocols and pitch values. Results showed that D eq,air increased when reducing pitch and Equilibrium dose-pitch product free-in-air (p.D eq,air ) remain constant. In measurements with a 450mm CT phantom, differences between Planar Average Equilibrium Dose (D eq,p ) and CTDI vol ranged between 30-37%. This occurs because CTDI vol cannot include dose profile tail contribution, caused by scattering in phantom, especially for wide beam widths.

Effects of vocal training in a musicophile with congenital amusia

ABSTRACTCongenital amusia is a condition in which an individual suffers from a deficit of musical pitch perception and production. Individuals suffering from congenital amusia generally tend to abstain from musical activities. Here, we present the unique case of Tim Falconer, a self-described musicophile who also suffers from congenital amusia. We describe and assess Tim’s attempts to train himself out of amusia through a self-imposed 18-month program of formal vocal training and practice. We tested Tim with respect to music perception and vocal production across seven sessions including pre- and post-training assessments. We also obtained diffusion-weighted images of his brain to assess connectivity between auditory and motor planning areas via the arcuate fasciculus (AF). Tim’s behavioral and brain data were compared to that of normal and amusic controls. While Tim showed temporary gains in his singing ability, he did not reach normal levels, and these gains faded when he was not engaged in regular lessons and practice. Tim did show some sustained gains with respect to the perception of musical rhythm and meter. We propose that Tim’s lack of improvement in pitch perception and production tasks is due to long-standing and likely irreversible reduction in connectivity along the AF fiber tract.

Co-carbonization behavior of petroleum pitch/graphene oxide: Influence on structure and mechanical property of resultant cokes

By adding graphene oxide (GO) into petroleum pitch, mesophase pitch/GO composites were obtained via liquid dispersion and co-carbonization method. The results show that the mesophase development of the petroleum pitch/GO mixture was obviously changed during the heat treatment and the anisotropic texture was flow domain when the GO content was 0.03wt%. The interlayer spacing of the heat treatment products was reduced firstly, and then increased with increasing GO content. Moreover, the thermal stability of the precursor of mesophase pitch/GO composites is higher than that of the heat treatment product of the petroleum pitch. The mass ratio of GO to the petroleum pitch plays an important role in the mechanical properties of the composites. The bending strength of the mesopahse pitch/GO composites first increased and then decreased with the increase of the proportion of GO. When the GO content was 0.03wt%, the bending strength of the composites reached to the maximum of 81.5MPa.

Study of Alternative Methods for Preparing the Pitch Binder for the Anode Paste

800x600 Aluminium smelting industry is the biggest consumer of coal tar pitch, but the use of pitch causes numerous problems because of some economic and environmental factors. Russia’s growing deficit is covered by import deliveries, which cannot guarantee a secure future. At the same time stricter environmental sanctions related to the use of coal tar pitch as a source of cancer-inducing emissions, are supporting the search for alternative raw materials and the development of new pitch binder production techniques. Given that the known reserves of bituminous coal will be sufficient to last for 230 years at the current production rates as opposed to the oil reserves that will be enough for 40 years only, it becomes obvious that the development of a pitch binder production technique based on thermochemical processing of coals is a promising direction to follow. Investigations were carried out to dissolve coals thermo-chemically in various organic solvents at varying levels of temperature, pressure, and reaction times. It was shown how mechanic activation and ultrasonic exposure affect the degree of organic coal mass extraction. The methods of vacuum and atmospheric distillation were used to produce pitch products from coal extracts. It was demonstrated that the use of coking additives, including nano-modified carbon, helps improve the application properties of pitch products. Large-sized samples of coal tar pitch were used to produce trial lots of anode paste for Soederberg anodes. Normal 0 false false false RU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Обычная таблица; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;}

Heat treatment of anthracene oil under pressure

The heat treatment of the anthracene fraction of coal tar under pressure is investigated. In the production of synthetic pitch, the temperature is varied in the range 400–480°C. The duration of the process is 5 h, and the pressure is 3–5 MPa. After treatment at temperatures below 480°C, the pitch produced lacks the quinoline-insoluble fraction. Chemical analysis shows that increasing the treatment temperature results in consumption of cata-condensed aromatic hydrocarbons, with simultaneous accumulation of peri-condensed aromatic hydrocarbons. NMR and IR spectroscopy indicates simultaneous increase in the aromatic index and the degree of condensation of samples with increase in the treatment temperature, as the result of dealkylation and condensation. Optical analysis shows clearly expressed mesogenic properties of the synthetic pitch. Pitch produced by low-temperature synthesis forms needle coke, with a greater anisotropy and greater real density than coke obtained from pitch produced by high-temperature synthesis. With increase in pressure in the course of coking, the anisotropy and the real density decline for low-temperature pitch, but increase for high-temperature pitch.

Production of coal pitch by the oxidation of coal extracts in anthracene oil

If anthracene oil is used to produce extracts from 2B, D, 2G, GZh coal, coal pitch may be produced by oxidation of the extracts using atmospheric oxygen. The resulting pitch is characterized by higher yield and by a greater coke residue than is observed in pitch produced from anthracene oil without added coal in analogous conditions. Ultrasound treatment for 3 h on an IL10-0.63 unit ensures complete solution of the coal (4–9%) in the anthracene oil. The mineral component of the coal also enters the solution and is then concentrated in the pitch formed. To reduce the ash content of the pitch, ash must preliminarily be removed from the initial coal. For the example of 2B and D coal, it is found that reducing the ash content of the coal to ~1% and subsequent solution in the anthracene oil to a coal concentration of 5–8% yields a coal extract such that pitch with no more than 0.4% ash and up to 41% coke residue is formed on oxidation by atmospheric oxygen.

Thermal solution of coal to obtain binder for refractories. 1. Binder production

Experimental coal-based pitch obtained by the controlled action of solvent (a hydrogen donor) on the thermally activated organic mass of coking coal is studied. The basic parameters required for the production of such pitch are determined: the temperature; the duration of the process; and the proportions of the components. The pitch produced matches high-temperature coke-plant pitch in terms of the yield of volatiles, the softening temperature, the content of toluene- and quinoline-insoluble materials, and structure. The maximum conversion and best quality of the pitch (in terms of the traditional characteristics) are obtained when using coal with the maximum vitrinite content and plastic-layer thickness. Pitch produced by the solution of coal is suitable for use as a binder in the production of refractories and its content of carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene is an order of magnitude less than that of standard coal pitch, since it is obtained directly from coal, without the need for the high temperatures used in coking.

Pitch perception and production in congenital amusia: Evidence from Cantonese speakers.

This study investigated pitch perception and production in speech and music in individuals with congenital amusia (a disorder of musical pitch processing) who are native speakers of Cantonese, a tone language with a highly complex tonal system. Sixteen Cantonese-speaking congenital amusics and 16 controls performed a set of lexical tone perception, production, singing, and psychophysical pitch threshold tasks. Their tone production accuracy and singing proficiency were subsequently judged by independent listeners, and subjected to acoustic analyses. Relative to controls, amusics showed impaired discrimination of lexical tones in both speech and non-speech conditions. They also received lower ratings for singing proficiency, producing larger pitch interval deviations and making more pitch interval errors compared to controls. Demonstrating higher pitch direction identification thresholds than controls for both speech syllables and piano tones, amusics nevertheless produced native lexical tones with comparable pitch trajectories and intelligibility as controls. Significant correlations were found between pitch threshold and lexical tone perception, music perception and production, but not between lexical tone perception and production for amusics. These findings provide further evidence that congenital amusia is a domain-general language-independent pitch-processing deficit that is associated with severely impaired music perception and production, mildly impaired speech perception, and largely intact speech production.

Benefits of ultrasound in pitch production from coal tar and its mixtures with styrene distillation residue

Ultrasound treatment of coal tar increases the yield of pitch by a factor of 1.5 in subsequent oxidation by atmospheric oxygen. The yield of pitch may be regulated in terms of its softening temperature by changing the oxidation time. To obtain standard pitch, the following conditions are employed: ultrasound treatment for 3 h; initial oxidation temperature 260–270°C; final oxidation temperature 360–370°C; rate of air supply 63 L/h; oxidation time ~30–70 min, depending on the requirements on the final product. The concentration of aromatic derivatives of benzo[a]pyrene type in the pitch produced and in the liquid fraction (which may be used as a fuel) is considerably less than in the current industrial method. After ultrasound treatment, a 1: 1 mixture of coal tar and rectification residues from styrene yields pitch with satisfactory characteristics on oxidation by atmospheric air. That expands the range of raw materials for pitch production.

Production of a self-adhering mesophase powder from anthracene oil for low pressure forming of graphite artefacts

The objective of the investigation was to produce a high mesophase content pitch from low-cost anthracene oil without the use of catalysts. The pitch product was then used to produce graphitic artefacts using only a low pressure (5 MPa) forming step followed by carbonization and graphitization at a comparatively high heating rate. The heat treatment times and temperatures were varied across a wide range but only material treated at 475 °C produced a significant amount of mesophase. Furthermore only one pitch material resulted in a successful moulding which could be carbonized and graphitized. This pitch contained a significant portion (~8 wt%) of light material, which results in melting and flow behaviour during pressing, rather than sintering, if it is removed the material can no longer be successfully pressed. Due to the high mesophase content of the pitch, a high density (1720 kg m−3), highly graphitic artefact with minimal deformation during heat treatment is produced. The graphite product demonstrates grain separation but still results in a reasonable flexural strength of 4.5 MPa which may be improved further by re-impregnation depending on the requirement. This combined with its excellent purity and high yield makes it a good candidate for nuclear applications.