bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain responses to biological motion predict treatment outcome in young children with autism
Authors: Yang D , Pelphrey K A , Sukhodolsky D G , Crowley M J , Dayan E , Dvornek N C , Venkataraman A , Duncan J , Staib L , Ventola P
Published: November 2016

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are common yet complex neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by social, communication and behavioral deficits. Behavioral interventions have shown favorable results—however, the promise of precision medicine in ASD is hampered by a lack of sensitive, objective neurobiological markers (neurobiomarkers) to identify subgroups of young children likely to respond to specific treatments. Such neurobiomarkers are essential because early childhood provides a sensitive window of opportunity for intervention, while unsuccessful intervention is costly to children, families and society. In young children with ASD, we show that functional magnetic resonance imaging-based stratification neurobiomarkers accurately predict responses to an evidence-based behavioral treatment—pivotal response treatment. Neural predictors were identified in the pretreatment levels of activity in response to biological vs scrambled motion in the neural circuits that support social information processing (superior temporal sulcus, fusiform gyrus, amygdala, inferior parietal cortex and superior parietal lobule) and social motivation/reward (orbitofrontal cortex, insula, putamen, pallidum and ventral striatum). The predictive value of our findings for individual children with ASD was supported by a multivariate pattern analysis with cross validation. Predicting who will respond to a particular treatment for ASD, we believe the current findings mark the very first evidence of prediction/stratification biomarkers in young children with ASD. The implications of the findings are far reaching and should greatly accelerate progress toward more precise and effective treatments for core deficits in ASD.
Newer insights into the role of miRNA a tiny genetic tool in psychiatric disorders: focus on post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Giridharan V V , Thandavarayan R A , Fries G R , Walss-Bass C , Barichello T , Justice N J , Reddy M K , Quevedo J
Published: November 2016

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder occurring in about 2–9% of individuals after their exposure to life-threatening events, such as severe accidents, sexual abuse, combat or a natural catastrophe. Because PTSD patients are exposed to trauma, it is likely that epigenetic modifications have an important role in disease development and prognosis. For the past two decades, abnormal expression of the epigenetic regulators microRNAs (miRs) and miR-mediated gene regulation have been given importance in a variety of human diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and viral infection. Emerging evidence supports a role for miR dysregulation in psychiatric and neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorder and Tourette’s syndrome. Recently mounting of evidence supports the role of miR both in preclinical and clinical settings of psychiatric disorders. Abnormalities in miR expression can fine-tune the expression of multiple genes within a biological network, suggesting that miR dysregulation may underlie many of the molecular changes observed in PTSD pathogenesis. This provides strong evidence that miR not only has a critical role in PTSD pathogenesis, but can also open up new avenues for the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets for the PTSD phenotype. In this review, we revisit some of the recent evidence associated with miR and PTSD in preclinical and clinical settings. We also discuss the possible clinical applications and future use of miRs in PTSD therapy.
Evidence for impaired glucose metabolism in the striatum, obtained postmortem, from some subjects with schizophrenia
Authors: Dean B , Thomas N , Scarr E , Udawela M
Published: November 2016

Studies using central nervous system tissue obtained postmortem suggest pathways involved in energy and metabolism contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia; neuroimaging studies suggesting glucose metabolism is particularly affected in the striatum. To gain information on the status of pathways involved in glucose metabolism in the striatum, we measured levels of glucose, pyruvate, acetyl-CoA and lactate as well as the β subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase, a rate limiting enzyme, in the postmortem tissue from subjects with schizophrenia and age/sex-matched controls. The subjects with schizophrenia were made up of two subgroups, which could be divided because they either had (muscarinic receptor deficit schizophrenia (MRDS)), or did not have (non-MRDS), a marked deficit in cortical muscarinic receptors. Compared to controls, levels of β subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase were lower (Δ mean=−20%) and levels of pyruvate (Δ mean=+47%) and lactate (Δ mean=+15%) were significantly higher in the striatum from subjects with schizophrenia. Notably, in subjects with non-MRDS, striatal levels of β subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase were lower (Δ mean=−29%), whereas levels of pyruvate (Δ mean=−66%), acetyl-CoA (Δ mean=−28%) and glucose (Δ mean=-27%) were higher, whereas levels of lactate (Δ mean=+17%) were higher in MRDS. Finally, discriminate analyses using levels the β subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase and glucose, or better still, β subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase and glucose in combination with pyruvate, lactate or acetyl-CoA could separate subjects with non-MRDS from controls with high levels of specificity (up to 93%) and selectivity (up to 91%). Our data show the benefit of being able to study defined subgroups within the syndrome of schizophrenia as such an approach has revealed that changes in glucose metabolism may be a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of non-MRDS.
Introduction to Proteome Informatics
Authors: Bessant Conrad
Published: November 2016

At its core, proteomics can be defined as the branch of analytical science concerned with identifying and, ideally, quantifying every protein within a complex biological sample. This chapter provides a high level overview of this field and the key technologies that underpin it, as a primer for the chapters that follow. It also introduces the field of proteome informatics, and explains why it is an integral part of any proteomics experiment.
Informatics Solutions for Selected Reaction Monitoring
Authors: Schilling Birgit , Maclean Brendan , Held Jason M. , Gibson Bradford W.
Published: November 2016

Informatics solutions for SRM assays pose several specific bioinformatics challenges including assay development, generating acquisition methods, and data processing. Furthermore, SRM is often coupled to experimental designs using stable isotope dilution SRM mass spectrometry workflows (SID-SRM-MS) that utilize one or more stable isotope versions of the analyte as internal standards. Skyline, an open-source software suite of tools for targeted proteomics, has emerged as the most widely used platform for SRM-specific assays. Skyline is a freely-available, comprehensive tool with high versatility for SRM assay development and subsequent processing of data acquired on triple quadrupole mass spectrometers. Skyline can be used for peptide and transition selection, assay optimization, retention time scheduling, SRM instrument method export, peak detection/integration, post-acquisition signal processing, and integration with statistical tools and algorithms to generate quantitative results for peptides and proteins. To highlight some of the Skyline SRM functionalities, we describe features including important visual displays and statistical tools, including ‘External Tools’. We discuss Skyline features that are particularly valuable for system suitability assessments, as well as for data sets with posttranslational modifications. Finally, an easy, point-and-click strategy is presented that supports dissemination of SRM data processed in Skyline to the Panorama web data repositories.
Using Galaxy for Proteomics
Authors: Guerrero Candace R. , Jagtap Pratik D. , Johnson James E. , Griffin Timothy J.
Published: November 2016

The area of informatics for mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics data has steadily grown over the last two decades. Numerous, effective software programs now exist for various aspects of proteomic informatics. However, many researchers still have difficulties in using these software. These difficulties arise from problems with running and integrating disparate software programs, scalability issues when dealing with large data volumes, and lack of ability to share and reproduce workflows comprised of different software. The Galaxy framework for bioinformatics provides an attractive option for solving many of these current issues in proteomic informatics. Originally developed as a workbench to enable genomic data analysis, numerous researchers are now turning to Galaxy to implement software for MS-based proteomics applications. Here, we provide an introduction to Galaxy and its features, and describe how software tools are deployed, published and shared via the scalable framework. We also describe some of the existing tools in Galaxy for basic MS-based proteomics data analysis and informatics. Finally, we describe how proteomics tools in Galaxy can be combined with other existing tools for genomic and transcriptomic data analysis to enable powerful multi-omic data analysis applications.
UPLC-MS/MS investigation of β-glucan oligosaccharide oxidation
Authors: Boulos Samy , Nyström Laura
Published: November 2016

Fenton-induced degradation of isomeric β-d-glucotetraoses is systematically investigated by negative mode HILIC UPLC-MS/MS with regard to the effect of the glycosidic linkage on kinetics, product profiles, and MS/MS fragmentation patterns.
Optimization and validation of an environmentally friendly method for zinc determination in new and used lubricating oil samples
Authors: Mota Mariana F. B. , Gama Ednilton M. , Rodrigues Guilherme D. , Costa Letícia M.
Published: November 2016

This work presents the optimization and validation of a new environmentally friendly method for zinc quantification in new and used lubricating oil samples, using, for the first time, the extracting agent diphenylthiocarbazone (dithizone) associated with the aqueous two-phase system (ATPS).
Simultaneous detection of multiple viruses based on chemiluminescence and magnetic separation
Authors: Ali Zeeshan , Wang Jiuhai , Tang Yongjun , Liu Bin , He Nongyue , Li Zhiyang
Published: November 2016

In this report, a DNA hybridization based chemiluminescent detection method has been proposed for reliable detection of multiple pathogens. The use of surface modified magnetic nanoparticles can help to integrate this system into an automated platform for high throughput applications.
Dynamic covalent single chain nanoparticles based on hetero Diels–Alder chemistry
Authors: Wedler-Jasinski Nils , Lueckerath Thorsten , Mutlu Hatice , Goldmann Anja S. , Walther Andreas , Stenzel Martina H. , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: November 2016

We report a dynamic covalent single chain nanoparticle collapse and subsequent re-opening of the coil based on hetero Diels–Alder chemistry.
Silver-doped molybdenum carbide catalyst with high activity for electrochemical water splitting
Authors: Li Xiumin , Ma Xuli , Du Xiao , Zheng Junlan , Hao Xiaogang , Abudula Abuliti , Guan Guoqing
Published: November 2016

Ag-doped β-Mo2C composite synthesized by carbonization of an amine–metal oxide hybrid precursor shows excellent performance for the HER.
Assembly of NHC-stabilized 2-hydrophosphasilenes from Si(iv) precursors: a Lewis acid–base complex
Authors: Dhara Debabrata , Mandal Debdeep , Maiti Avijit , Yildiz Cem B. , Kalita Pankaj , Chrysochos Nicolas , Schulzke Carola , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli , Jana Anukul
Published: November 2016

Reaction of an aryldichlorosilane with lithiumarylphosphide leads to 1,2-dihydro-2-chlorophosphasilane which yields NHC-stabilized 2-hydrophosphasilene upon NHC-assisted elimination of HCl.
Protective mechanisms of purified polyphenols from pinecones of Pinus koraiensis on spleen tissues in tumor-bearing S180 mice in vivo
Authors: Yi Juanjuan , Cheng Cuilin , Li Xiaoyu , Zhao Haitian , Qu Hang , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Lu
Published: November 2016

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of the purified polyphenols from pinecones ofPinus koraiensis(PPP-40) on spleen tissues of S180 micein vivo.
Polymer biquinolyl-containing complexes of Pd(ii) as efficient catalysts for cyanation of aryl and vinyl halides with K4Fe(CN)6
Authors: Nikitin Oleg M. , Polyakova Olga V. , Sazonov Petr K. , Yakimansky Alexander V. , Goikhman Mikhail Ya. , Podeshvo Irina V. , Magdesieva Tatiana V.
Published: November 2016

Stereo- and chemoselective cyanation of compounds containing Csp2–Br bonds catalyzed by Pd–polymer complexes is reported.
Influence of phase transition from order to disorder and Philip's ionicity on the thermal expansion coefficient of pyrochlore type compositions with a multivalent environment
Authors: Renju Ushakumari A. , Prabhakar Rao Padala , Vaisakhan Thampi Divakaran S.
Published: November 2016

The pyrochlore to fluorite transition in the RE2Y2/3Zr2/3Nb2/3O7 system allows us to understand the interrelationships among ionicity, thermal expansion and ionic conductivity.
Closed-cell and open-cell porous polymers from ionomer-stabilized high internal phase emulsions
Authors: Zhang Tao , Xu Zhiguang , Guo Qipeng
Published: November 2016

We firstly present a strategy that enables fabrication of both closed-cell and open-cell porous polymers (polyHIPEs) from high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) stabilized with an ionomer.
Nanostructure of the rust formed on low alloy steels after exposure tests in a high SOx environment
Authors: Nishimura T.
Published: November 2016

Exposure tests were performed on low alloy steels in a high SOx environment, and the structure of the rust was analyzed by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) and Raman spectroscopy.
La–Mg mixed oxide as a highly basic water resistant catalyst for utilization of CO2 in the synthesis of quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione
Authors: Rasal Kalidas B. , Yadav Ganapati D.
Published: November 2016

Synthesis of quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione using La–Mg mixed oxide in water.
Heterojunction solar cells with improved power conversion efficiency using graphene quantum dots
Authors: Dang Yang , Zhang Xinyang , Chen Xin , Kang Bonan , Silva S. Ravi P.
Published: November 2016

The effect of incorporating graphene quantum dots (GQDs) synthesized by a hydrothermal method in the active layer of organic solar cells was investigated.
Effect of electrostatic incitation on the wetting mode of a nano-drop over a pillar-arrayed surface
Authors: Miqdad Ansari Mohd. , Datta Saikat , Das Arup Kumar , Das Prasanta Kumar
Published: November 2016

The influence of the external electric field on the transition of the wetting mode over pillar-arrayed surfaces is investigated through a molecular dynamics study.
Mesoporous silicon carbide via nanocasting of Ludox® xerogel
Authors: Korytko Dmytro , Gryn Svitlana , Alekseev Sergei , Iablokov Viacheslav , Khaynakova Olena , Zaitsev Vladimir , Bezverkhyy Igor , Kruse Norbert
Published: November 2016

Porous SiC with uniformly sized 12 nm and 22 nm spherical pores was synthesized from nanocomposites of polycarbosilane and xerogels of SiO2NPs as templates. Addition of Ni2+to the composite significantly improved the crystallinity of SiC.
pH-tuned diverse structures and properties: two Anderson-type polyoxometalate-based metal–organic complexes for selective photocatalysis and adsorption of organic dyes
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Sun Junjun , Lin Hongyan , Chang Zhihan , Liu Guocheng , Wang Xiang
Published: November 2016

Two novel Anderson-type POM-based metal–organic complexes were synthesized, which exhibit high selective photocatalytic activities for the degradation of organic dyes. Interestingly, 2 also shows selective adsorption capacity of organic dyes.
Recent advances of titanium dioxide (TiO2) for green organic synthesis
Authors: Oi Lee Eng , Choo Min-Yee , Lee Hwei Voon , Ong Hwai Chyuan , Hamid Sharifah Bee Abd , Juan Joon Ching
Published: November 2016

This review focuses on the recent development of TiO2 as a catalyst in green organic synthesis including in hydrodeoxygenation, hydrogenation, esterification/transesterification, the water–gas shift reaction, and visible light-induced organic transformation.
Electrospun membrane composed of poly[acrylonitrile-co-(methyl acrylate)-co-(itaconic acid)] terpolymer and ZVI nanoparticles and its application for the removal of arsenic from water
Authors: Thekkae Padil Vinod Vellora , Filip Jan , Suresh Kattimuttathu Ittara , Wacławek Stanisław , Černík Miroslav
Published: November 2016

We present a facile approach to immobilizing nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) particles onto an electrospun membrane based on poly[acrylonitrile-co-(methyl acrylate)-co-(itaconic acid)] (hereinafter referred to as AN/MA/IA).
Facile synthesis of silver nanoparticles deposited on a calcium silicate hydrate composite as an efficient bactericidal agent
Authors: Jiao Wei
Published: November 2016

Silver nanoparticles deposited calcium silicate hydrate composite was synthesized and demonstrated high antibacterial activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Photocatalytic degradation of phenanthrene in the presence of akaganeite nano-rods and the identification of degradation products
Authors: Gupta Himanshu
Published: November 2016

The spiked samples of phenanthrene on the soil surfaces were irradiated in presence of akaganeite nano-rods.
Expedient synthesis of the heneicosasaccharyl mannose capped arabinomannan of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cellular envelope by glycosyl carbonate donors
Authors: Islam Maidul , Shinde Ganesh P. , Hotha Srinivas
Published: November 2016

Herein, a highly convergent strategy is developed to synthesize heneicosasaccharyl arabinomannan for the first time.
An ultra-absorbent alkyne-rich porous covalent polycalix[4]arene for water purification
Authors: Shetty Dinesh , Jahovic Ilma , Raya Jesus , Ravaux Florent , Jouiad Mustapha , Olsen John-Carl , Trabolsi Ali
Published: November 2016

A superhydrophobic porous covalent polymer with a calix[4]arene backbone was synthesized and shown to efficiently remove oil, organic solvents and toxic dyes from aqueous mixtures.
Stable and accessible metal catalysts confined by mesoporous carbon structures derived from multicomponent colloidal spheres
Authors: Chen Tianyun , Lei Yaofan , Yang Qinghua , Wu Yuen
Published: November 2016

A novel strategy to fabricate porous graphite spheres with a well-defined mesoporous structure, derived from 3D multicomponent colloidal spheresviaa process comprising self-assembly, carbonization, and selective etching.
Efficient photocatalytic reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia on bismuth monoxide quantum dots
Authors: Sun Songmei , An Qi , Wang Wenzhong , Zhang Ling , Liu Jianjun , Goddard III William A.
Published: November 2016

An efficient and sustainable production of ammonia from water and air under simulated solar light is achieved using a BiO photocatalyst.
The properties of the RNA-binding protein NF90 are considerably modulated by complex formation with NF45
Authors: Schmidt Tobias , Knick Paul , Lilie Hauke , Friedrich Susann , Golbik Ralph Peter , Behrens Sven-Erik
Published: November 2016

Nuclear factor 90 (NF90) is an RNA-binding protein (RBP) that regulates post-transcriptionally the expression of various mRNAs. NF90 was recently shown to be capable of discriminating between different RNA substrates. This is mediated by an adaptive and co-operative interplay between three RNA-binding motifs (RBMs) in the protein's C-terminus. In many cell types, NF90 exists predominantly in a complex with NF45. Here, we compared the RNA-binding properties of the purified NF90 monomer and the NF90–NF45 heterodimer by biophysical and biochemical means, and demonstrate that the interaction with NF45 considerably affects the characteristics of NF90. Along with a thermodynamic stabilization, complex formation substantially improves the RNA-binding capacity of NF90 by modulating its binding mode and by enhancing its affinity for single- and double-stranded RNA substrates. Our data suggest that features of both the N- and C-termini of NF90 participate in the heterodimerization with NF45 and that the formation of NF90–NF45 changes the conformation of NF90's RBMs to a status in which the co-operative interplay of the RBMs is optimal. NF45 is considered to act as a conformational scaffold for NF90's RBMs, which alters the RNA-binding specificity of NF90. Accordingly, the monomeric NF90 and the NF90–NF45 heterodimer may exert different functions in the cell.
Association between polymorphisms of thymidylate synthase gene 5′- and 3′-UTR and gastric cancer risk: meta-analysis
Authors: Mo Ao , Zhao Yongliang , Shi Yan , Qian Feng , Hao Yingxue , Chen Jun , Yang Shiwei , Jiang Yuxing , Luo Ziyan , Yu Peiwu
Published: November 2016

Gastric cancer is the most common cancer and the most frequent cause of cancer death worldwide. Several studies have identified the role of thymidylate synthase (TS) 5′- and 3′-UTR and gastric cancer susceptibility; however, the results still remain inconclusive. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to reinvestigate this correlation. In the present study, online databases were searched to retrieve relevant articles published between January 2000 and 2016. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to calculate the strength of association. Overall, a total of 13 articles were screened out, including 2382 gastric cancer patients and 3171 healthy controls. We found that polymorphisms of TS 5′-UTR 2R (double repeats)/3R (triple repeats) of a 28-bp sequence (11 articles) and 3′-UTR del6/ins6 (seven articles) were not significantly associated with increased risk of gastric cancer. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that 2R allele and 2R/2R genotype in TS 5′-UTR were associated with gastric cancer susceptibility in Caucasian and African populations; del6 allele, del6/del6 and del6/ins6 genotypes were correlated with gastric cancer in Caucasian population. In conclusion, our result suggested that TS polymorphisms might be the risk factors for gastric cancer risk in Caucasian population, although this association needs further study, and future large-scale researches are still required.
The Three Definitions of Application for AAC Intervention
Authors: Sennott Samuel C. , Ferrari Reny , McLernon Gayle , Lesher Deborah
Published: November 2016

This article will address an important issue related to speech-generating devices (SGDs) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) software applications (apps) in relation to the widespread adoption of mobile devices. This article will explore each of the three definitions of application including (a) a software application, (b) putting something into practice or operation, and (c) sustained effort. We hope that these three “app” definitions and discussion of our use of the Student, Environments, Tasks, and Tools (SETT) Framework can be a quick, easy, and memorable way to convey to families, therapists, and teachers that tools are made powerful when they are combined with good teaching and processes that sustain the use of AAC. A review of The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services updated 2015 National Coverage Decision for SGDs will be included, highlighting the major change to this updated coverage which includes the expansion of the definition of speech.
Laryngeal Movement Disorders and Their Management
Authors: Murry Thomas , Milstein Claudio F.
Published: November 2016

This review describes the current information related to laryngeal neuropathic disorders and the possible management options available. Voice changes may range from severe hoarseness due to choking and coughing to a mild intermittent dysphonia possibly accompanied by unusual breathing. Neither the sound of the voice nor the lack of hoarseness should suggest that the problem itself is a minor one. Laryngeal neuropathic disorders may be the outcome of inflammation, irritation, infection, or a combination of these that causes a disruption in normal sensation. When sensory mediators no longer function normally, breathing, phonation, and even swallowing changes may be affected. Clinicians must be aware of the numerous sensory related disorders in the upper airway and currently accepted methods of treatment.
Seed growing for interactive image segmentation using SVM classification with geodesic distance
Authors: Park S. , Lee H.S. , Kim J.
Published: November 2016

In an interactive image segmentation, the quantity of a user‐given seed is known to affect the segmentation accuracy. In this Letter, we propose a seed‐growing method expanding the quantity of a seed to reduce the bias of the given seed and improve the segmentation accuracy. To grow the given seed, a supervised classification framework with geodesic distance features is proposed. From a single input image, a support vector machine (SVM) classifier is trained on the seed superpixels of an input image. Other non‐seed superpixels are then classified into object, background and non‐seed regions by the trained classifier. In experiments, the proposed method showed promising results by improving the segmentation accuracy of existing segmentation methods in public benchmark datasets.
Real‐time estimation of AC‐grid short circuit capacity for HVDC control application
Authors: Babazadeh Davood , Muthukrishnan Arvind , Mitra Pinaki , Larsson Tomas , Nordström Lars
Published: November 2016

Being able to estimate the AC grid strength using short circuit capacity (SCC) from the perspective of a connected high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) station allows adjustment of converter control parameters or to select the converter's operational control mode. The SCC can be calculated by estimation of the grid's impedance and its equivalent voltage. This study presents the operational and practical challenges in real‐time implementation of the grid estimation algorithms especially for HVDC applications. This study shows that the recursive least‐square algorithm can be very efficiently used for the real‐time estimation of SCC. This technique forms a regression problem using algebraic complex equations with an objective to minimise the error between estimated and measured parameters. The algorithm has been reformulated and simplified to make it non‐complex without the use of matrices, in order to facilitate further implementation on an industrial real‐time controller. The performance of the real‐time implementation has been evaluated using a hardware‐in‐the‐loop platform. A sensitivity analysis has been also carried out to study the impact of different parameters and operational conditions on the performance of the estimation algorithm. Finally, the actual application of real‐time SCC estimation for the HVDC systems has been demonstrated.
Improved droop control based on virtual impedance and virtual power source in low‐voltage microgrid
Authors: Dou Chunxia , Zhang Zhanqiang , Yue Dong , Song Mengmeng
Published: November 2016

Droop control is a common method in the universal microgrid applications. Conventional droop control is unpractical for low‐voltage microgrid, where the line impedance among distributed generation units (DGs) is mainly resistive to generate the active and reactive power of DG is coupled. Besides, accurate reactive power sharing is not achieved due to the voltage deviation of DGs caused by disparate line impedance in microgrid. An improved droop control based on the virtual power source (VPS) and composite virtual impedance, which is constituted by a negative resistance and a negative inductance, is proposed for low‐voltage microgrid. The virtual negative resistance counteracts the line resistance to decouple power. The reactive power sharing accuracy based on the virtual negative inductance and VPSs control increases through analysing the line and virtual voltage drop. Finally, the fractional‐order PID controller is adopted to control the inverter voltage. The optimal controller parameters are obtained by the differential evolution algorithm. To verify the viability and availability of improved control strategy, simulations are carried out on MATLAB/Simulink.
LED lamp modelling for harmonic studies in distribution systems
Authors: Molina Julio , Mesas Juan Jose , Mesbahi Nadhir , Sainz Luis
Published: November 2016

Energy saving policies have boosted the use of light emitting diode (LED) lamps in distribution networks. These lamps are non‐linear loads which inject harmonic currents into the distribution system, which has led to a decrease in the system power quality. Study of the modelling of these lamps would allow the prediction of harmonic emissions into distribution systems. This study presents a frequency‐domain LED lamp model for harmonic emission calculation, together with a simple estimation procedure for model parameter determination from experimental measurements. Both were validated by laboratory tests. Finally, an application illustrates the effect of widespread use of LED lamps in a typical distribution system and allows LED lamp models to be compared.
Spinning disk as a spatial light modulator for rapid infrared imaging
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Liu Lin , Abu Bakar Sajak Aznida , Gan Lu , Huang Yi , Shen Yaochun
Published: November 2016

A novel spinning disk approach is reported, to achieve video‐rate compressive imaging at infrared (IR) and terahertz (THz) frequencies. It uses a 200‐mm‐diameter circular stainless steel disk with a number of chemically etched 2‐mm‐diameter holes as a spatial light modulator (SLM). The authors demonstrate that this mechanical SLM is well suited for imaging at both optical and THz frequencies since the stainless steel is opaque to all optical and electromagnetic radiations while the holes are totally transparent. Using a single pair of IR emitter and receiver, the authors demonstrate that the system is capable of capturing a 96 × 96 video sequence at 10 frames/s. The achieved spatial resolution is better than 2 mm using the spinning disk where the diameter of the holes is 2 mm. The authors also present a key‐frame extraction method based on this SLM disk, which allows us to capture the shape of a sample even when its size is larger than the effective imaging area of the system.
Evaluating residual errors in waveguide VNAs from microwave to submillimetre‐wave frequencies
Authors: Stant Laurence , Aaen Peter , Ridler Nick
Published: November 2016

Vector network analysers (VNAs) are used extensively for measurements that are made at frequencies ranging from a few kilohertz to at least one terahertz. At radio and microwave frequencies, there are well‐established methods for assessing the quality and confidence of these measurements, when they are made in coaxial lines. These methods are usually based on determining the size of residual errors that remain in the VNA after calibration. To date, the performance of these methods has not been investigated in rectangular waveguide, and, at millimetre‐ and submillimetre‐wave frequencies. This study investigates the application of one of these techniques for waveguide measurements at microwave, millimetre‐ and submillimetre‐wave frequencies. Typical values of residual errors obtained over these frequency ranges are given, and range from 0.001 to 0.024 linear units up to 220 GHz. Above this frequency, the technique is shown to underestimate some residual errors. The values reported up to 220 GHz are considered representative and so can be used by other users of waveguide VNAs to compare with values obtained on their own systems; therefore, helping to verify the performance of their systems.
Compact single/dual band BPF with harmonic suppression using open‐loop resonator and L‐shaped coupling arm
Authors: Kumar Nagendra , Kumar Singh Yatendra
Published: November 2016

A new approach is presented to design a widestopband single and dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) using L‐shaped coupling‐arm and open‐loop resonators (OLRs). Non‐uniform gap between the L‐shaped coupling‐arm and OLR and the length of the coupling‐arm lead to the selective and collective suppression of higher order harmonics. Using voltage wave analysis, it is shown that the coupling‐coefficient reduces to zero for certain harmonics. To demonstrate the application of the proposed technique single and dual‐band BPFs is designed and fabricated. Second‐ and fourth‐order single‐band BPFs are fabricated for the centre frequency of 2.24 GHz. Harmonic suppression up to 5.8 fo with the suppression level >30 dB is achieved in second‐order BPF. One more second‐order BPF is designed and fabricated using stub‐loaded stepped impedance OLR. This BPF displays widestopband up to 8.4 fo with the suppression level of 30 dB. Further a compact dual‐band BPF is also designed and fabricated. The response shows the harmonic suppression up to 5.3 fo. The measured results are in good agreement with the full‐wave simulation performed by high‐frequency structure simulator.
Hybrid control of the dc–dc SRC operating below resonance
Authors: Afshang Hamid , Tahami Farzad , Molla‐Ahmadian Hamed
Published: November 2016

Control and stabilisation of the resonant converters are essential problems in power electronics. The conventional model of the dc–dc series resonant converter (SRC) is derived using the sinusoidal approximation and generalised averaging followed by linearisation about an operating point. This model involves considerable approximation and is not applicable for large variation of load and supply voltage. The authors have already proposed a direct piece‐wise affine (DPWA) modelling and control approach for the SRC that operates above resonant frequency. However, the DPWA technique is not applicable to an SRC that operates below resonance because of the presence of harmonics. In this study, a dynamic voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) is introduced, so that the overall system consisting of the proposed VCO following by the SRC is modelled as a PWA system. Then, a hybrid controller is designed in order to regulate the dc output voltage of the SRC operating below resonance. Also, the stability analysis of the closed‐loop system is presented in the form of linear matrix inequalities. A prototype of the SRC is constructed and the proposed hybrid controller is implemented on a digital signal processor (DSP) core. The simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of this modelling and control approach.
Predictive dead time controller for GaN‐based boost converters
Authors: Schirone Luigi , Macellari Michele , Pellitteri Filippo
Published: November 2016

A dynamic dead time controller is presented, specifically intended to operate in synchronous boost converters based on GaN field‐effect transistor switches. These transistors have a reduced stored charge with respect to silicon metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistors with similar breakdown voltage and series resistance, and can operate at higher frequencies with reduced switching losses. On the other hand, the voltage drop in reverse conduction is typically more than doubled with respect to silicon devices resulting in relevant power losses during the free‐wheeling phases. Therefore, dynamic control of dead time can be profitably applied even in converters operating in the tens of volts range. The device presented in this study controls the switching delays taking into account both variations of the fall/rise times and of the turn‐off/on delays, in order to keep dead time within a range of a few nanoseconds above its minimum value. A discrete‐component prototype was designed, built in a synchronous boost converter and extensively tested at 1–2 MHz switching frequency, in a range of operating parameters corresponding to significant variations of the switching times (currents in the 1–6 A range, output voltage up to 50 V). The prototype demonstrated the capability to match dead time to actual operating conditions with a smooth and fast transient response.
Gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität im Rahmen der frühen Nutzenbewertung von Arzneimitteln nach § 35a SGB V: Ein Endpunkt mit vielen Herausforderungen für alle beteiligten Akteure
Authors: Bender H. , Dintsios C.-M.
Published: November 2016

Angesichts des wiederholten Einforderns von Ergebnissen zum Endpunkt gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität im Zuge der frühen Nutzenbewertung sowie der anhaltenden methodischen Diskussionen stellt sich die Frage, welche Geltung diese Zielgröße im bisherigen Verlauf erfahren hat. Um die Stellung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität im Bewertungsprozess zu bestimmen, wurden die veröffentlichten Dokumente zu den ersten 90 Verfahren diesbezüglich akteursbezogen extrahiert und synoptisch bewertet. Die Erkenntnisse sind vielschichtig. Im Grundsatz zeigt sich die Schwierigkeit, eine qualitative Zielgröße zu quantifizieren und deren Wertigkeit zu verorten. Erkennbar ist, dass der Endpunkt gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität in einer Reihe von Verfahren a priori nicht erhoben wurde. Liegen hingegen Daten zur gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität vor, so kann vielfach ein Zusatznutzen nicht abgeleitet werden. In den verbleibenden Fällen schließlich wird ein solcher in der Mehrzahl vom IQWiG bzw. G-BA nicht anerkannt. Die Einbeziehung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität im Studiensetting scheint zuzunehmen, allerdings ist allzu häufig eine explorative Konzeptualisierung des Endpunktes auszumachen. Entsprechend heterogen stellt sich das vorgefundene Evidenzniveau dar. Neben nicht erreichten statistischen Signifikanzen für eine, einen Zusatznutzen begründende, Berücksichtigung benennen die Evaluationsberichte insbesondere diverse methodische Limitationen, die aus Sicht der Bewertungsinstanzen einen Ausschluss begründen. So werden etwa hohe Anteile fehlender Patientendaten oder Schwierigkeiten bei der Interpretierbarkeit der Messergebnisse angeführt. Hinsichtlich der dahinterstehenden Bewertungssystematiken zeigen sich allerdings Inkonsistenzen bei der Anwendung sowohl konzeptioneller als auch methodischer Standards. Um die Wertigkeit des Endpunktes gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität innerhalb der frühen Nutzenbewertung zu erhöhen, erscheint es notwendig, verlässliche (Mess-)Standards konsensuell zu etablierten. Zudem sollten die Wertungskriterien transparenter gemacht und eine Harmonisierung mit dem Zulassungsprozess zumindest für die Erstbewertung angestrebt werden.
Vibrational Spectroscopic Characterization and DFT Study of Palladium(II) Complexes with N-Benzyliminodiacetic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Smrečki Neven , Rončević Igor , Popović Zora
Published: November 2016

The reactions of N-benzyliminodiacetic acid (BnidaH2) and its para-substituted derivatives, namely N-(p-chlorobenzyl)iminodiacetic acid (p-ClBnidaH2), N-(p-nitrobenzyl)iminodiacetic acid (p-NO2BnidaH2), and N-(p-methoxybenzyl)iminodiacetic acid (p-MeOBnidaH2) with sodium tetrachloropalladate(II) were performed in aqueous solutions. Three new complexes [Pd(p-ClBnidaH)2]·2H2O (2), [Pd(p-NO2BnidaH)2]·2H2O (3), and [Pd(p-MeOBnidaH)2] (4) were prepared and characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. The molecular geometry and infrared spectra of these three complexes, together with the previously synthesized [Pd(BnidaH)2]·2H2O (1a) and [Pd(BnidaH)2] (1b) were also modelled using density functional theory calculations at the BP86/6–311+G(d,p) level of theory with SDD pseudopotentials.
Synthesis and Structures of Rare Earth 3-(4′-Methylbenzoyl)-propanoate Complexes – New Corrosion Inhibitors
Authors: de Bruin-Dickason Caspar N. , Deacon Glen. B. , Forsyth Craig M. , Hanf Schirin , Heilmann Oliver B. , Hinton Bruce R. W. , Junk Peter C. , Somers Anthony E. , Tan Yu Qing , Turner David R.
Published: November 2016

A series of rare earth 3-(4′-methylbenzoyl)propanoate (mbp–) complexes [RE(mbp)3(H2O)] (RE = rare earth = Y, La, Ce, Nd, Ho, Er) have been prepared by either metathesis reactions between the corresponding rare earth chloride and Na(mbp) or protolysis of rare earth acetates by the free acid. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of [RE(mbp)3(H2O)] (RE = Ce, Nd) and [Ce(mbp)3(dmso)] reveal a 1D carboxylate-bridged polymeric structure in the solid state, featuring 9-coordinate rare earth ions. X-ray powder diffraction patterns of the bulk materials indicates that all of the [RE(mbp)3(H2O)] complexes except RE = La are isomorphous. Hence, there is no structural change from the complex with RE = Ce to that with RE = Er despite the lanthanoid contraction. The 1H NMR spectra of the RE = Ho or Er complexes in (CD3)2SO show large paramagnetic shifts and broadening of the CH2 resonances, indicating the retention of substantial carboxylate coordination in solution.
Identification and characterization of high methane-emitting abandoned oil and gas wells
Authors: Kang Mary , Christian Shanna , Celia Michael A. , Mauzerall Denise L. , Bill Markus , Miller Alana R. , Chen Yuheng , Conrad Mark E. , Darrah Thomas H. , Jackson Robert B.
Published: November 2016

Significance

Millions of abandoned oil and gas wells exist across the United States and around the world. Our study analyzes historical and new field datasets to quantify the number of abandoned wells in Pennsylvania, individual and cumulative methane emissions, and the attributes that help explain these emissions. We show that (
i
) methane emissions from abandoned wells persist over multiple years and likely decades, (
ii
) high emitters appear to be unplugged gas wells and plugged/vented gas wells, as required in coal areas, and (
iii
) the number of abandoned wells may be as high as 750,000 in Pennsylvania alone. Knowing the attributes of high emitters will lead to cost-effective mitigation strategies that target high methane-emitting wells.
Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater consumption associated with Bakken tight oil
Authors: Laurenzi Ian J. , Bergerson Joule A. , Motazedi Kavan
Published: November 2016

Significance

The growth of production from tight oil plays such as the Bakken and Eagle Ford has prompted public interest in understanding the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and freshwater consumption associated with these resources, specifically with regard to hydraulic fracturing and flaring. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive life cycle assessment of Bakken crude, using thousands of data from XTO Energy and other Bakken operators, establishing robust estimates of the footprint of current production practices. We conclude that flaring and hydraulic fracturing have a small impact on the life cycle (well to wheel) GHG emissions associated with Bakken and that these GHG emissions are comparable to those of other crudes.
Origins of the current seventh cholera pandemic
Authors: Hu Dalong , Liu Bin , Feng Lu , Ding Peng , Guo Xi , Wang Min , Cao Boyang , Reeves Peter R. , Wang Lei
Published: November 2016

Significance

Cholera, a major disease in human history, has terrorized the world through seven pandemics. The seventh pandemic started in Indonesia in 1961 and spread globally, currently infecting 3–5 million people annually. By combining all available historical records and genomic analysis of available preseventh pandemic and some early pandemic strains, we revealed the complex six-step evolution of the pandemic strain from its probable origin in South Asia to its nonpathogenic form in the Middle East in ∼1900 to Indonesia in ∼1925, where it evolved into a pandemic strain before becoming widespread in 1961. This pathway relates to human traffic routes, including the annual Hajj pilgrimage, and involved novel niches that provided gene sources and the driving forces for stepwise evolution.
DNA polymerase ζ limits chromosomal damage and promotes cell survival following aflatoxin exposure
Authors: Lin Ying-Chih , Owen Nichole , Minko Irina G. , Lange Sabine S. , Tomida Junya , Li Liang , Stone Michael P. , Wood Richard D. , McCullough Amanda K. , Lloyd R. Stephen
Published: November 2016

Significance

Human dietary exposures to foods contaminated with fungi that synthesize aflatoxins present major health concerns and are associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinomas. Previous biochemical analyses revealed a prominent role for DNA polymerase ζ in replication bypass and mutagenesis of the long-lived aflatoxin DNA adduct. This investigation reveals an essential role for polymerase ζ in cell survival after aflatoxin exposure and that polymerase ζ limits aflatoxin-induced genomic instability and associated nuclear defects.
VEGF preconditioning leads to stem cell remodeling and attenuates age-related decay of adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Licht Tamar , Rothe Gadiel , Kreisel Tirzah , Wolf Brachi , Benny Ofra , Rooney Alasdair G. , ffrench-Constant Charles , Enikolopov Grigori , Keshet Eli
Published: November 2016

Significance

Generation of new neurons is maintained in the adult hippocampus throughout life. The process, which is driven by an exhaustible reservoir of neuronal stem cells (NSCs), greatly declines with age, however. We show that even a short, episodic exposure to the angiogenic factor VEGF and a resultant ramification/rejuvenation of the vasculature within the stem cell microenvironment (“niche”) is sufficient for neurogenesis to proceed at a markedly elevated rate for months later without accelerating the rate of NSC depletion. Importantly, this manipulation culminates in marked attenuation of age-dependent neurogenic decline. Long-term neurogenic enhancement via VEGF preconditioning was found to be associated with extensive NSC morphological remodeling resembling a “juvenile” pattern of NSC and blood vessel engagements.
Mapping membrane activity in undiscovered peptide sequence space using machine learning
Authors: Lee Ernest Y. , Fulan Benjamin M. , Wong Gerard C. L. , Ferguson Andrew L.
Published: November 2016

Significance

We use machine learning on membrane-permeating ⍺-helical host defense peptides to study the nature of their functional commonality and sequence homology. Machine learning is combined with calibrating experiments to show that the metric in our support vector machine model correlates not with antimicrobial activity but with a peptide’s ability to generate the negative Gaussian membrane curvature necessary for membrane permeation. Moreover, we use the classifier reflexively to map the undiscovered sequence space of antimicrobial peptides and identify taxonomies of peptides with similar topological membrane remodeling activity, including endogenous neuropeptides, viral fusion proteins, topogenic peptides, and amyloids.
Tethered IL-15 augments antitumor activity and promotes a stem-cell memory subset in tumor-specific T cells
Authors: Hurton Lenka V. , Singh Harjeet , Najjar Amer M. , Switzer Kirsten C. , Mi Tiejuan , Maiti Sourindra , Olivares Simon , Rabinovich Brian , Huls Helen , Forget Marie-Andrée , Datar Vrushali , Kebriaei Partow , Lee Dean A. , Champlin Richard E. , Cooper Laurence J. N.
Published: November 2016

Significance

We describe an approach based on cytokine therapeutics to enhance the persistence and effectiveness of T-cell–based immunotherapies using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). This strategy is effective without the use of high-dose exogenous cytokines that are typically associated with toxicities. Moreover, we report that the persistence of the least differentiated memory T cell, the T-memory stem cell, was promoted by signaling induced by a membrane-bound chimeric IL-15 cytokine-fusion molecule. These findings may contribute to improving the safety and therapeutic efficacy of CAR-based immunotherapies of patients with advanced cancer.