bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative switch drives mitophagy defects in dopaminergic parkin mutant patient neurons
Authors: Schwartzentruber Aurelie , Boschian Camilla , Lopes Fernanda Martins , Myszczynska Monika A. , New Elizabeth J. , Beyrath Julien , Smeitink Jan , Ferraiuolo Laura , Mortiboys Heather
Published: September 2020

Mutations in PRKN are the most common cause of early onset Parkinson’s disease. Parkin is an E3 ubiquitin ligase, functioning in mitophagy. Mitochondrial abnormalities are present in PRKN mutant models. Patient derived neurons are a promising model in which to study pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Here we generate induced neuronal progenitor cells from PRKN mutant patient fibroblasts with a high dopaminergic neuron yield. We reveal changing mitochondrial phenotypes as neurons undergo a metabolic switch during differentiation. Fibroblasts from 4 controls and 4 PRKN mutant patients were transformed into induced neuronal progenitor cells and subsequently differentiated into dopaminergic neurons. Mitochondrial morphology, function and mitophagy were evaluated using live cell fluorescent imaging, cellular ATP and reactive oxygen species production quantification. Direct conversion of control and PRKN mutant patient fibroblasts results in induced neuronal progenitor and their differentiation yields high percentage of dopaminergic neurons. We were able to observe changing mitochondrial phenotypes as neurons undergo a metabolic switch during differentiation. Our results show that when pre-neurons are glycolytic early in differentiation mitophagy is unimpaired by PRKN deficiency. However as neurons become oxidative phosphorylation dependent, mitophagy is severely impaired in the PRKN mutant patient neurons. These changes correlate with changes in mitochondrial function and morphology; resulting in lower neuron yield and altered neuronal morphology. Induced neuronal progenitor cell conversion can produce a high yield of dopaminergic neurons. The mitochondrial phenotype, including mitophagy status, is highly dependent on the metabolic status of the cell. Only when neurons are oxidative phosphorylation reliant the extent of mitochondrial abnormalities are identified. These data provide insight into cell specific effects of PRKN mutations, in particular in relation to mitophagy dependent disease phenotypes and provide avenues for alternative therapeutic approaches.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of bZIP gene family in Carthamus tinctorius L.
Authors: Li Haoyang , Li Lixia , ShangGuan Guodong , Jia Chang , Deng Sinan , Noman Muhammad , Liu Yilin , Guo Yongxin , Han Long , Zhang Xiaomei , Dong Yuanyuan , Ahmad Naveed , Du Linna , Li Haiyan , Yang Jing
Published: September 2020

The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) is a widely known transcription factors family in eukaryotes. In plants, the role of bZIP proteins are crucial in various biological functions such as plant growth and development, seed maturation, response to light signal and environmental stress. To date, bZIP protein family has been comprehensively identified in Arabidopsis, castor, rice, ramie, soybean and other plant species, however, the complete genome-wide investigation of Carthamus tinctorius-bZIP family still remains unexplained. Here, we identified 52 putative bZIP genes from Carthamus tinctorius using a draft genome assembly and further analyzed their evolutionary classification, physicochemical properties, Conserved domain analysis, functional differentiation and the investigation of expression level in different tissues. Based on the common bZIP domain, CtbZIP family were clustered into 12 subfamilies renamed as (A–J, S, X), of which the X is a unique subfamily to Carthamus tinctorius. A total of 20 conserved protein motifs were found in CtbZIP proteins. The expression profiling of CtbZIP genes deciphered their tissue-specific pattern. Furthermore, the changes in CtbZIP transcript abundance suggested that their transcription regulation could be highly influenced by light intensity and hormones. Collectively, this study highlights all functional and regulatory elements of bZIP transcription factors family in Carthamus tinctorius which may serve as potential candidates for functional characterization in future.
The oil removal and the characteristics of changes in the composition of bacteria based on the oily sludge bioelectrochemical system
Authors: Guo Haiying , Tang Shanfa , Xie Shuixiang , Wang Penghua , Huang Chunfeng , Geng Xiaoheng , Jia Xinlei , Huo Hongjun , Li Xueping , Zhang Jiqiang , Zhang Zaiwang , Fang Jidun
Published: September 2020

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology is a simple way to accelerate the treatment of the oily sludge which is a major problem affecting the quality of oil fields and surrounding environment while generating electricity. To investigate the oil removal and the characteristics of changes in the composition of bacteria, sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) supplemented with oily sludge was constructed. The results showed that the degradation efficiency of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) of SMFC treatment was 10.1 times higher than the common anaerobic degradation. In addition, the degradation rate of n-alkanes followed the order of high carbon number > low carbon number > medium carbon number. The odd–even alkane predominance (OEP) increased, indicating that a high contribution of even alkanes whose degradation predominates. The OUT number, Shannon index, AEC index, and Chao1 index of the sludge treated with SMFC (YN2) are greater than those of the original sludge (YN1), showing that the microbial diversity of sludge increased after SMFC treatment. After SMFC treatment the relative abundance of Chloroflexi, Bacteroidia and Pseudomonadales which are essential for the degradation of the organic matter and electricity production increased significantly in YN2. These results will play a crucial role in improving the performance of oily sludge MFC.
Ceruloplasmin oxidized and deamidated by Parkinson's disease cerebrospinal fluid induces epithelial cells proliferation arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Barbariga Marco , Zanardi Alan , Curnis Flavio , Conti Antonio , Boselli Daniela , Di Terlizzi Simona , Alessio Massimo
Published: September 2020

In Parkinson's disease, the ferroxidase ceruloplasmin (Cp) is oxidized and deamidated by the pathological cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) environment. These modifications promote the gain of integrin binding properties, fostered by the deamidation of two NGR-motifs present in the Cp sequence that convert into the isoDGR-motif. Through isoDGR/integrin binding, the oxidized/deamidated-Cp (Cp-ox/de) mediates cell adhesion and transduces an intracellular signal in epithelial cells that seems to be addressed to regulate cell cycle, proliferation and cytoskeletal re-arrangement. However, the effect fostered on cells by integrins engagement via Cp-ox/de is not known. We found that in HaCaT epithelial cells, the incubation with Cp-ox/de resulted in proliferation inhibition mediated by isoDGR, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Similar proliferation inhibition was induced by treatment with purified Cp previously incubated in the CSF from Parkinson's disease patients, but not by Cp incubated in the CSF from healthy subjects. In human primary choroid plexus epithelial cells, a possible in vivo target of Cp-ox/de generated in pathological CSFs, we found that Cp-ox/de mediated cell adhesion via isoDGR/integrins binding and transduced an intracellular signal, which resulted in cell proliferation inhibition. Thus, the generation of Cp-ox/de in pathological CSFs and the consequent apoptosis induction of epithelial cells facing the liquor, might represent a novel mechanism that contributes to neurodegeneration.
Comparison of visual performance between monofocal and multifocal intraocular lenses of the same material and basic design
Authors: Tanabe Hirotaka , Tabuchi Hitoshi , Shojo Tomohiro , Yamauchi Tomofusa , Takase Kosuke
Published: September 2020

To compare the visual performance of a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) (ZCB00) and a multifocal IOL (ZMB00) of the same material and basic design, we evaluated postoperative parameters at 10 weeks after the last surgery in cataract patients who underwent bilateral ZCB00 or ZMB00 implantation from December 13, 2010, to July 29, 2019, with the right and left lenses implanted within 3 months of each other. The study enrolled 2,230 eyes of 1,115 patients. The monofocal group comprised 904 eyes of 452 patients (72.3 ± 6.8 years; females/males, 268/184), and the multifocal group comprised 1,326 eyes of 663 patients (67.0 ± 7.8 years; females/males, 518/145). Contrast sensitivity (4.0/2.5/1.6/1.0/0.7 degrees), contrast sensitivity with glare (1.6/1.0/0.7 degrees), and the VFQ-25 score for driving at night were significantly better in the monofocal group (p < 0.00068, Wald test). Uncorrected intermediate/near visual acuity and near spectacle independence were significantly better in the multifocal group (p < 0.00068, Wald test). The two IOL groups had different characteristics in terms of contrast sensitivity, night-time driving, uncorrected intermediate/near visual acuity and near spectacle independence.
Nanosecond pulsed electric fields modulate the expression of the astaxanthin biosynthesis genes psy, crtR-b and bkt 1 in Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Bai Fan , Gusbeth Christian , Frey Wolfgang , Nick Peter
Published: September 2020

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) have been extensively studied with respect to cellular responses. Whether nsPEFs can regulate gene expression and to modulate the synthesis of valuable compounds, has so far been only tested in the context of apoptosis in cancer cells. We used the unicellular algae Haematococcus pluvialis as system to test, whether nsPEFs could alter gene expression and to promote the biosynthesis of astaxanthin. We find that nsPEFs induce a mild, but significant increase of mortality up to about 20%, accompanied by a moderate increase of astaxanthin accumulation. Steady-state transcript levels of three key genes psy, crtR-b and bkt 1 were seen to increase with a maximum at 3 d after PEF treatment at 50 ns. Pulsing at 25 ns reduce the transcripts of psy, crtR-b from around day 2 after the pulse, while those of bkt 1 remain unchanged. By blocking the membrane-located NADPH oxidase RboH, diphenylene iodonium by itself increased both, the levels of astaxanthin and transcripts of all three biosynthetic genes, and this increase was added up to that produced by nsPEFs. Artificial calcium influx by an ionophore did not induce major changes in the accumulation of astaxanthin, nor in the transcript levels, but amplified the response of crtR-b to nsPEFs at 25 ns, while decreased in 50 ns treatment. When Ca2+ influx was inhibited by GdCl3, the transcript of psy and bkt 1 were decreased for both 25 ns and 50 ns treatments, while crtR-b exhibited an obvious increase for the 25 ns treatment. We interpret these data in a working model, where nsPEFs permeabilise plasma and chloroplast membrane depending on pulse duration leading to a differential release of plastid retrograde signaling to the nucleus.
Complete genome sequence of fish-pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila HX-3 and a comparative analysis: insights into virulence factors and quorum sensing
Authors: Jin Lei , Chen Yu , Yang Wenge , Qiao Zhaohui , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: September 2020

The gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteriumAeromonas hydrophila, the causative agent of motile aeromonad septicaemia, has attracted increasing attention due to its high pathogenicity. Here, we constructed the complete genome sequence of a virulent strain,A. hydrophilaHX-3 isolated fromPseudosciaena croceaand performed comparative genomics to investigate its virulence factors and quorum sensing features in comparison with those of otherAeromonasisolates. HX-3 has a circular chromosome of 4,941,513 bp with a 61.0% G + C content encoding 4483 genes, including 4318 protein-coding genes, and 31 rRNA, 127 tRNA and 7 ncRNA operons. Seventy interspersed repeat and 153 tandem repeat sequences, 7 transposons, 8 clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, and 39 genomic islands were predicted in theA. hydrophilaHX-3 genome. Phylogeny and pan-genome were also analyzed herein to confirm the evolutionary relationships on the basis of comparisons with other fully sequencedAeromonasgenomes. In addition, the assembled HX-3 genome was successfully annotated against the Cluster of Orthologous Groups of proteins database (76.03%), Gene Ontology database (18.13%), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathway database (59.68%). Two-component regulatory systems in the HX-3 genome and virulence factors profiles through comparative analysis were predicted, providing insights into pathogenicity. A large number of genes related to the AHL-type 1 (ahyI,ahyR), LuxS-type 2 (luxS,pfs,metEHK,litR,luxOQU) and QseBC-type 3 (qseB,qseC) autoinducer systems were also identified. As a result of the expression of theahyIgene inEscherichia coliBL21 (DE3), combined UPLC-MS/MS profiling led to the identification of several new N-acyl-homoserine lactone compounds synthesized by AhyI. This genomic analysis determined the comprehensive QS systems ofA. hydrophila, which might provide novel information regarding the mechanisms of virulence signatures correlated with QS.
Determination of controlled limit value of groundwater level depth and management practice in Xi’an, China
Authors: Mu En-lin , Yan Long , Ding Ai-zhong , Deng Wei , Wang Yong
Published: September 2020

Based on the different types of geomorphic units in Xi'an, China, and the groundwater recharge methods of the different geomorphic units, the goal is to ensure the sustainable development and utilization of groundwater, to ensure the natural attributes and to prevent salinization. According to different rainfall conditions, the upper and lower limits of the controlled limit value of groundwater level in different regions are calculated to define the control targets of the different geomorphic units. Based on the calculated controlled limit value of groundwater level and the administrative divisions of Xi'an City, the red lines of groundwater control in each county and city are developed. Four management lines are delineated from the surface to the bottom (from top to bottom, the upper limit of groundwater depth, the upper limit of infiltration of groundwater depth, the lower limit of groundwater depth and the risk line in extremely dry years), and five management areas are delineated (from top to bottom, the prevent soli salinization area, the normal extraction area, the careful extraction area, the permit only in extreme dry years area and the prohibited extraction area) to provide technical support for groundwater management in Xi'an.
A multiple drug loaded, functionalized pH-sensitive nanocarrier as therapeutic and epigenetic modulator for osteosarcoma
Authors: Yuan Ye , Song Jia-Xing , Zhang Mei-Na , Yuan Bao-Shan
Published: September 2020

Osteosarcoma is a malignant condition affecting adolescents and children more than adults. Nanobiomedicine has opened up several avenues which have increased therapeutic efficiencies than the conventional treatment for the same. In the current study, a novel organic nanoparticle was devised conjugated with bisphosphonate zoledronic acid which has an affinity for bone tissues. Moreover, the nanoparticle was loaded with multiple anti-cancer drugs like gemcitabine and epirubicin. The nanoparticles were characterized by microscopic analysis, entrapment and loading efficiencies, bone affinity studies, in-vitro release studies, cytotoxicity studies and finally in-vivo tumor regression studies. Bone affinity studies depicted a high affinity of zoledronic acid towards bone powder. The nanoparticle exhibited a nanosize dimension, high entrapment and loading efficiencies with uniform symmetry devoid of agglomeration. The in-vitro release experiments showed a measured release of drugs over a longer time without any hint of burst release. However, the release was comparatively for a longer duration in acidic pH and normal physiological pH which may be excellent for therapeutic efficiency. The cytotoxicity studies revealed enhanced cytotoxic effect for MG-63 cell lines in comparison of free drug or single drug combinations. Nonetheless, they proved to be cytocompatible with primary bone cells. Additionally, cellular uptake of nanoparticle was appreciably improved. Significant tumor (250%) regression was seen upon treatment with multiple drug loaded zoledronic acid conjugated nanoparticle, along with epigenetic changes affecting microRNA expressions. The increased cytotoxicity and increased cellular uptake may be of greater advantage in systemic osteosarcoma therapy. Combining all results, our study demonstrated substantial potential towards management of osteosarcoma.
Landscape of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related adverse events in Chinese population
Authors: Li Li , Li Gang , Rao Bin , Dong An-Hui , Liang Wei , Zhu Jin-Xian , Qin Mu-Ping , Huang Wen-Wen , Lu Jie-Ming , Li Zi-Fang , Wu Yao-Zhong
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to describe the landscape of Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-related adverse events (AEs) in a predominantly Chinese cohort. We searched electronic datasets including PubMed, Web of Science and Embase to identify and recruit relevant trials up to September 2, 2019. Clinical trials focusing on ICIs in Chinese patients or a predominantly Chinese population were included. Incidences of treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) and immune-related AEs (irAEs) were pooled and compared. In total, we recruited 13 trials consisting of 1063 patients, with 922 (86.7%) receiving ICI monotherapy and 141 (13.3%) receiving combination of ICI with chemotherapy or anti-angiogenesis. The pooled incidence of any grade TRAEs, grade 1–2, grade 3–5 TRAEs, any grade irAEs, grade 1–2 irAEs and grade 3–5 irAEs in all 1063 patients were 84.1%, 63.3%, 20.9%, 43.3%, 40.0% and 3.0%, respectively. Moreover, 4.3% (44/1018) of patients experienced treatment discontinuation and only 8 (0.8%) patients experienced treatment-related death. Compared to ICI monotherapy, combination significantly increased grade 3–5 TRAEs (46.1% vs. 17.0%, P < 0.001) and grade 3–5 irAEs (7.1% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.015). By comparing the toxicity profiles between different ICIs, we found some drug-specific AEs such as reactive capillary haemangiomas for camrelizumab (58.6%), hyperglycemia for toripalimab (55.6%) and pyrexia for tislelizumab (54.3%). Additionally, nivolumab has the lowest incidence of any grade (64.1%) and grade 3–5 (11.8%) TRAEs. ICI-related AEs were generally mild and tolerable for a predominantly Chinese cohort. However, we should pay attention to the combination of ICI with chemotherapy as it could increase grade 3–5 TRAEs and irAEs.
Advanced risk-based event attribution for heavy regional rainfall events
Authors: Imada Yukiko , Kawase Hiroaki , Watanabe Masahiro , Arai Miki , Shiogama Hideo , Takayabu Izuru
Published: September 2020

Risk-based event attribution (EA) science involves probabilistically estimating alterations of the likelihoods of particular weather events, such as heat waves and heavy rainfall, owing to global warming, and has been considered as an effective approach with regard to climate change adaptation. However, risk-based EA for heavy rain events remains challenging because, unlike extreme temperature events, which often have a scale of thousands of kilometres, heavy rainfall occurrences depend on mesoscale rainfall systems and regional geographies that cannot be resolved using general circulation models (GCMs) that are currently employed for risk-based EA. Herein, we use GCM large-ensemble simulations and high-resolution downscaled products with a 20-km non-hydrostatic regional climate model (RCM), whose boundary conditions are obtained from all available GCM ensemble simulations, to show that anthropogenic warming increased the risk of two record-breaking regional heavy rainfall events in 2017 and 2018 over western Japan. The events are examined from the perspective of rainfall statistics simulated by the RCM and from the perspective of background large-scale circulation fields simulated by the GCM. In the 2017 case, precipitous terrain and a static pressure pattern in the synoptic field helped reduce uncertainty in the dynamical components, whereas in the 2018 case, a static pressure pattern in the synoptic field provided favourable conditions for event occurrence through a moisture increase under warmer climate. These findings show that successful risk-based EA for regional extreme rainfall relies on the degree to which uncertainty induced by the dynamic components is reduced by background conditioning.
Long-term outcomes of therapist-guided Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Lenhard Fabian , Andersson Erik , Mataix-Cols David , Rück Christian , Aspvall Kristina , Serlachius Eva
Published: September 2020

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the recommended first-line intervention for children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but is not broadly accessible. Internet-delivered CBT (ICBT) with minimal therapist support is efficacious and cost-effective, at least in the short term. Whether the therapeutic gains of ICBT for OCD are sustained in the long run is unknown. In this study, 61 adolescents with OCD who participated in a randomized trial of ICBT were followed-up 3 and 12 months after treatment. The proportion of treatment responders and remitters remained stable from post-treatment to 3-month follow-up and increased significantly from 3-month to 12-month follow-up. This study suggests that the gains of ICBT for youth with OCD are not only maintained long-term, but that further improvements continue to occur during follow-up.
Machine learning and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk prediction in a multi-ethnic population
Authors: Ward Andrew , Sarraju Ashish , Chung Sukyung , Li Jiang , Harrington Robert , Heidenreich Paul , Palaniappan Latha , Scheinker David , Rodriguez Fatima
Published: September 2020

The pooled cohort equations (PCE) predict atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in patients with characteristics within prespecified ranges and has uncertain performance among Asians or Hispanics. It is unknown if machine learning (ML) models can improve ASCVD risk prediction across broader diverse, real-world populations. We developed ML models for ASCVD risk prediction for multi-ethnic patients using an electronic health record (EHR) database from Northern California. Our cohort included patients aged 18 years or older with no prior CVD and not on statins at baseline (n = 262,923), stratified by PCE-eligible (n = 131,721) or PCE-ineligible patients based on missing or out-of-range variables. We trained ML models [logistic regression with L2 penalty and L1 lasso penalty, random forest, gradient boosting machine (GBM), extreme gradient boosting] and determined 5-year ASCVD risk prediction, including with and without incorporation of additional EHR variables, and in Asian and Hispanic subgroups. A total of 4309 patients had ASCVD events, with 2077 in PCE-ineligible patients. GBM performance in the full cohort, including PCE-ineligible patients (area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.835, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.825–0.846), was significantly better than that of the PCE in the PCE-eligible cohort (AUC 0.775, 95% CI: 0.755–0.794). Among patients aged 40–79, GBM performed similarly before (AUC 0.784, 95% CI: 0.759–0.808) and after (AUC 0.790, 95% CI: 0.765–0.814) incorporating additional EHR data. Overall, ML models achieved comparable or improved performance compared to the PCE while allowing risk discrimination in a larger group of patients including PCE-ineligible patients. EHR-trained ML models may help bridge important gaps in ASCVD risk prediction.
From single cells to complex tissues in applications of surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Wallace Gregory Q. , Masson Jean-François
Published: September 2020

This tutorial review explores how three of the most common methods for introducing nanoparticles to single cells for surface-enhanced Raman scattering measurements can be adapted for experiments with complex tissues.
Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in potassium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Huwei , Zhai Dengyun , Kang Feiyu
Published: September 2020

A review on the current understanding of the K-ion SEI with detailed analysis and insights on the unexplored areas of research.
A hole-transport material that also passivates perovskite surface defects for solar cells with improved efficiency and stability
Authors: Zhao By Xiaoming , Yao Chao , Gu Kaichen , Liu Tianran , Xia Yu , Loo Yueh-Lin
Published: September 2020

Incorporation of a hole-transport material that also passivates surface defects results in perovskite solar cells with superior efficiency and stability.
Solvent-free synthesis of morphology-controllable nickel sulfides via one-pot plasma reactions for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Yinghui , Wang Junzhang , Wang Chao , Guan Rongzhang , Lu Dujiang , Zhao Shuchun , Liu Shuai , Bian Xiufang
Published: September 2020

Morphology-controllable nickel sulfides are synthesized via a solvent-free one-pot plasma reaction as Li-ion battery cathodes.
One-pot biosynthesis of 1,6-hexanediol from cyclohexane byde novodesigned cascade biocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Zhongwei , Li Qian , Wang Fei , Li Renjie , Yu Xiaojuan , Kang Lixin , Zhao Jing , Li Aitao
Published: September 2020

A green, safe and effective biocatalytic process was developed for 1,6-hexanediol production which is superior to the traditional chemical approach.
Methane conversion on cobalt-added liquid-metal indium catalysts
Authors: Tajima Hiroki , Ogihara Hitoshi , Yoshida-Hirahara Miru , Kurokawa Hideki
Published: September 2020

In–Co converts CH4 molecules by catalyzing CH4 coupling over indium liquid metal and aromatization over Co in liquid metal.
Analysis of sequence-defined oligomers through Advanced Polymer Chromatography™ – mass spectrometry hyphenation
Authors: Berg Marie-Theres , Mertens Chiel , Du Prez Filip , Kühne Thomas D. , Herberg Artjom , Kuckling Dirk
Published: September 2020

The hyphenation of SEC and MS coupled with IMS allows for a quick and easy separation and identification of oligomers with different length and/or sequence.
Charge-balanced terpolymer poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylate-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid) hydrogels and cryogels: scaling parameters and correlation with composition
Authors: Okten Besli Nur Sena , Orakdogen Nermin
Published: September 2020

Scaling parameters relating the preparation conditions to the swelling degree, reduced modulus and effective crosslinking density of poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid) gels.
Interrater Reliability for a Two-Interval, Observer-Based Procedure for Measuring Hearing in Young Children
Authors: Bonino Angela Yarnell , Wiens Ashton , Nightengale Emily C. , Vance Eric A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To overcome methodology limitations for studying auditory development in young children, we have recently developed an observer-based procedure that uses a conditioned, play-based, motor response (see Bonino & Leibold, 2017). The purpose of this article was to examine interrater reliability for the method.

Method

Video recordings of test sessions of 2- to 4-year-old children (
n
= 17) were examined. Detection of a 1000-Hz warble tone was measured with the Play Observer-Based, Two-Interval (PlayO2I) method in each of two conditions: for a fixed intensity level (30 dB SPL) or for a variable intensity level signal (0–30 dB SPL). All test sessions were scored independently by three observers (one real-time, two offline). Observer consensus was evaluated with Fleiss' kappa statistic. To determine if summary data were similar across the observers of each test session, the proportion of correct trials (fixed-level condition) or threshold (variable-level condition) were computed.

Results

The strength of observer consensus was classified as “almost perfect” and “substantial” for the fixed-level and variable-level conditions, respectively. Follow-up analysis of the variable-level data indicated that differences in observer consensus were seen based on the signal level, the type of response behavior provided by the child, and the confidence level of the real-time observer. Resulting summary data were similar across the three observers of each test session: no significant differences for estimates of the proportion of correct trials or threshold.

Conclusions

Results from this study confirm strong interrater reliability for the method. The PlayO2I method is a powerful tool for measuring detection and discrimination abilities in young children.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12978197
Determining the Underlying Relationship Between Swallowing and Maximum Vocal Pitch Elevation: A Preliminary Study of Their Hyoid Biomechanics in Healthy Adults
Authors: Venkatraman Anumitha , Fujiki Robert Brinton , Craig Bruce A. , Sivasankar M. Preeti , Malandraki Georgia A.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Deficiencies in swallowing (aspiration) and in maximum vocal pitch elevation have been shown to correlate in dysphagia. However, the underlying mechanisms that may explain this relationship are not known. In this study, we compare hyoid kinematics between swallowing and maximum vocal pitch elevation in healthy adults.

Method

Ten young (
M
= 21 ± 1.33 years) and eight older (
M
= 72.85 ± 5.59 years) healthy adults completed trials of maximum vocal pitch elevation (vowels /a/ and /i/) and swallowing (thin liquid and pudding) under videofluoroscopy. Superior and anterior hyoid excursions were obtained using kinematic analysis. Two-way analyses of variance and Spearman rho correlations were used to examine differences and relationships between swallowing and maximum pitch elevation biomechanics.

Results

Superior hyoid excursion was significantly greater for liquid swallows compared to pitch elevation tasks (/a/ and /i/;
p
= .002; Cohen's
d
= 1.28;
p
= .0179, Cohen's
d
= 1.03, respectively) and for pudding swallows compared to pitch tasks (
p
= .000, Cohen's
d
= 1.64;
p
= .001, Cohen's
d
= 1.38, respectively). Anterior hyoid excursion was not significantly different between the two functions, but was overall reduced in the older group (
p
= .0231, Cohen's
d
= .90). Furthermore, there was a moderate positive correlation between the degree of superior excursion during liquid swallows and maximum pitch elevation for both vowels (
r
s
= .601,
p
= .001;
r
s
= .524,
p
= .003) in young adults, and between the degree of anterior excursion during liquid swallows and pitch elevation for both vowels (
r
s
= .688,
p
= .001;
r
s
= .530,
p
= .008) in older adults.

Conclusions

Swallowing and maximum pitch elevation require similar anterior, but not superior, hyoid excursion in healthy adults. Differential correlations between the two tasks for each age group may be associated with age-related muscle changes. We provide evidence of partially shared biomechanics between swallowing and maximum pitch elevation.
Real‐time temperature estimation method for electromagnetic performance improvement of a large axisymmetric radio telescope under solar radiation
Authors: Lian Peiyuan , Wang Congsi , Xu Qian , Xiang Binbin , Shi Yu , Jia Yu , Wang Wei , Xu Wanye
Published: September 2020

The temperature field caused by solar radiation can seriously affect the electromagnetic (EM) performances of large‐aperture and high‐frequency radio telescopes, and achieving the EM performance improvements under solar radiation is of great importance. In this study, combining temperature simulation and measurement, a fast estimation method of the temperature field is presented. First, a temperature database based on transient temperature field simulation is constructed in advance, and by utilising the telescope's axisymmetric structure, the dimension of the database can be greatly reduced. Then, a small number of temperature sensors are installed and the real‐time measured data are applied to correct the simulation temperature field extracted from the above temperature database by the table look‐up method, which can ensure the temperature field estimation speed. Thus, based on the real‐time estimated temperature field and the telescope's finite element model, thermal deformations can be calculated in real‐time and used for deformation compensation. A 7.3 m reflector antenna with 21 temperature sensors is adopted to verify the proposed strategy, and the results show the effectiveness and feasibility of the strategy. This study can provide helpful guidance for the real‐time compensation of thermal deformations derived from large axisymmetric telescopes.
Look‐up table method for optimising coupling ratio in broadband sequential power amplifiers
Authors: Chen Peng , Quaglia Roberto , Lees Jonathan , Merrick Brian M. , Alt Alexander , Tasker Paul J.
Published: September 2020

This study reappraises the optimum design parameters for the sequential power amplifier (SPA) when taking relative phase difference into account. By including the phase relationship between the main and peaking amplifiers, a modified efficiency formulation is derived that reveals the impacts of the key design parameters on the SPA efficiency at output power back‐off. To optimise a wideband high‐efficiency SPA design, a look‐up table method is used to predict the required coupling ratio for a wideband directional coupler. To validate the design approach, a 1.5–2.4GHz SPA is designed and measured, showing drain efficiency higher than 40% at 6dB back‐off across the band. When characterised using a 20MHz long term evolution (LTE) signal and digital predistortion, the SPA shows good linearity with error vector magnitude <1.3%, and adjacent channel leakage ratio levels better than −45 dBc across the band.
Exploiting heterogeneity for cost efficient 5G base station deployment using meta‐heuristics
Authors: Aondoakaa David , Comas John , Swift Stephen
Published: September 2020

A key concern in the design of 5G is the radio access network, which is expected to be significantly denser and more advanced, with considerably higher infrastructure and power consumption cost than that of conventional mobile network standards. Novel algorithms/approaches for optimal planning of the radio access network are required for tackling the additional complexity of the problem of cost‐efficient radio access planning in 5G, which cannot be properly handled by conventional approaches. This study proposes a novel optimisation framework for the cost‐efficient deployment and configuration of 5G base stations. The main idea of the proposed optimisation framework is to exploit heterogeneity in three key 5G technologies, heterogeneous base station architecture, cell range extension and multiple‐input–multiple‐output spatial multiplexing, by jointly optimising their configurations during network design. In addition, the proposed optimisation framework includes generic steps for applying meta‐heuristic algorithms to the problem, which are necessary to overcome the problem's complexity, especially for large problem instances. The authors’ results show that their novel optimisation framework improves the cost efficiency of the network planning both in terms of power and infrastructural cost to operators.
QoE‐aware Q‐learning resource allocation for NOMA wireless multimedia communications
Authors: He Shuan , Wang Wei
Published: September 2020

Hybrid control traffic and multimedia flow over emerging non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) could provide both very low latency and very high bandwidth. In this study, a Q‐learning‐based resource allocation scheme is proposed to improve the quality of experience (QoE) for NOMA user equipment (UE) in downlink wireless multimedia communications. In the proposed framework, the utility is modelled as the QoE with regard to communication resource cost, where UE acts as the agent in the reinforcement Q‐learning. UE observes the wireless channel states and takes resource allocation actions based on the immediate reward of QoE gain and communication cost. In addition, benefiting from the NOMA communications, the authors propose to solve the multiple agent reinforcement learning problems with the simplified sequential single agent reinforcement learning (SARL) approach. The numerical simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed Q‐QoE resource allocation framework and prove that the UE would obtain desirable QoE performance with the SARL scheme.
Smooth LMS‐based adaptive control of SPV system tied to grid for enhanced power quality
Authors: Verma Pallavi , Garg Rachana , Mahajan Priya
Published: September 2020

In this study, a novel smooth least mean square (LMS) algorithm for controlling PV inverter has been proposed to estimate the reference current for synchronisation of solar photovoltaic (SPV) to the grid. The proposed control extracts both active and reactive fundamental components of the load current with improved convergence rate. These currents are compared with sensed grid currents to generate gating pulses for a voltage source converter. It also compensates the load harmonics, reduces voltage fluctuation at point of common coupling and supplies the reactive power demand of the local load. The algorithm has been tested under steady state and transient conditions for input variation as well as load variation under the power factor correction mode of operation. The algorithm has been developed in MATLAB/Simulink. Further, the efficacy of the proposed control algorithm has been tested on prototype hardware setup developed in the laboratory using dSPACE1104. The total harmonic distortion at the grid side, obtained from simulated and hardware results are well within the IEEE standards.
Metal‐rim‐connected inductive coupler for smartwatch applications
Authors: Zhu Jia‐Qi , Ban Yong‐Ling , Zhang Yiming , Yan Zhengchao , Xu Rui‐Min , Mi Chunting Chris
Published: September 2020

A metal‐rim‐connected inductive coupler with series‐none compensation topology is proposed for smartwatch applications. By cross‐connecting the receiving coil to the metal rim with a 1 mm slot, the direction of the induced current on the metal rim is transformed to be the same as the current flowing on the receiving coil, leading to a strong magnetic coupling between the transmitting coil and receiving coil. Considering the space limitation in the smartwatch, non‐compensation components are needed inside the smartwatch and only a series capacitance is integrated on the transmitter side. A prototype of the proposed inductive coupler has been built and the wireless power transfer through metal rim has been validated via experiment. The experimental results show that the prototype achieves 5 W output power with 87.4% coil‐to‐coil efficiency.
Dynamic economic emission dispatch with wind power based on improved multi‐objective brain storm optimisation algorithm
Authors: Gang Liu , Yongli Zhu , Wei Jiang
Published: September 2020

Based on the non‐parametric kernel density estimation technique, the probability distribution of wind power output and its forecast error are accurately modelled. The confidence interval and forecast error upper and lower bounds of wind power output are estimated to build a dynamic economic emission dispatch (DEED) model with wind power penetration. To effectively solve the DEED problem with multi‐objective, high‐dimensional, non‐linear and strong constraints, based on the basic brainstorm optimisation (BSO) algorithm, three improvement mechanisms, namely random clustering centre, differential mutation operation and individual crossover operation are introduced to enhance the converging and diverging operation of BSO. Based on these improvements and external archive mechanism, an improved multi‐objective BSO (IMOBSO) algorithm is proposed. Simulations on a classical test system with ten thermal units are performed, where two case studies are investigated carefully. The simulation results demonstrate that: (i) the proposed IMOBSO can optimise the cost and emission objectives simultaneously and have achieved better performance than other algorithms; (ii) the proposed DEED incorporating wind power model is reasonable and effective because it can achieve the optimal wind power output scheduling by adjusting the system's spinning reserve capacity and the confidence level of wind power prediction interval.
Load pattern‐based voltage stability analysis in unbalanced distribution networks considering maximum penetration level of distributed generation
Authors: Kazeminejad Mohammad , Banejad Mahdi , Annakkage Udaya Deepa , Hosseinzadeh Nasser
Published: September 2020

Stability analysis in the power system is becoming more important than ever as more distributed energy resources penetrate in the system. This study presents a novel load pattern voltage stability index (LPVSI) applicable to transmission and distribution systems. By considering the nominal value of voltages, the power network is converted into a two‐bus equivalent system. Then, LPVSI is derived by only the real‐time measurement of the voltage and deviation of active and reactive power loads. Also, the assessment of distributed generation's penetration level on unbalanced systems, with maximum loadability and power loss reduction constraints, is performed with regard to daily load variations. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed indicator are tested on an unbalanced 34‐node radial distribution system. Obtained results in comparison with some other papers in the literature demonstrate that the proposed voltage stability index is fast and effective in identifying non‐trivial instabilities in the power system networks.
The Villafranca catalog of Galactic OB groups
Authors: Maíz Apellániz J. , Crespo Bellido P. , Barbá R. H. , Fernández Aranda R. , Sota A.
Published: September 2020

Context.The spectral classifications of the Galactic O-Star Spectroscopic Survey (GOSSS) and the astrometric and photometric data fromGaiahave significantly improved our ability to measure distances and determine memberships of stellar groups (clusters, associations, or parts thereof) with OB stars. In the near future, the situation will be further improved thanks to subsequentGaiadata releases and new photometric and spectroscopic surveys.

Aims.We initiated a program to identify and determine the membership of Galactic stellar groups with OB stars and measure distances to them. Given the data currently available, we started with the identification and distance determinations of groups with O stars. In this paper, we concentrate on groups that contain stars with the earliest spectral subtypes.

Methods.We used GOSSS to select Galactic stellar groups with O2–O3.5 stars and the method described in paper 0 of this series, which combinesGaiaDR2G+GBP+GRPphotometry, positions, proper motions, and parallaxes to assign robust memberships and measure distances. We also included Collinder 419 and NGC 2264, the clusters cited in that paper, to generate our first list of 16 O-type Galactic stellar groups.

Results.We derived distances, determined the membership, and analyzed the structure of sixteen Galactic stellar groups with O stars, Villafranca O-001 to Villafranca O-016, including the fourteen groups with the earliest-O-type optically accessible stars known in the Milky Way. We compared our distance with previous results from the literature and establish that the best consistency is with (the small number of) VLBI parallaxes and the worst is with kinematic distances. Our results indicate that very massive stars can form in relatively low-mass clusters or even in near-isolation, as is the case for the Bajamar star in the North America nebula. This lends support to the hierarchical scenario of star formation, where some stars are born in well-defined bound clusters but others are born in associations that are unbound from the beginning: groups of newborn stars come in many shapes and sizes. We propose that HD 64 568 and HD 64 315 AB could have been ejected simultaneously from Haffner 18 (Villafranca O-012 S). Our results are consistent with a difference of ≈20μas in theGaiaDR2 parallax zero point between bright and faint stars.
Interstellar oxygen along the line of sight of Cygnus X-2
Authors: Psaradaki I. , Costantini E. , Mehdipour M. , Rogantini D. , de Vries C. P. , de Groot F. , Mutschke H. , Trasobares S. , Waters L. B. F. M. , Zeegers S. T.
Published: September 2020

Interstellar dust permeates our Galaxy and plays an important role in many physical processes in the diffuse and dense regions of the interstellar medium (ISM). High-resolution X-ray spectroscopy, coupled with modelling based on laboratory dust measurements, provides a unique probe for investigating the interstellar dust properties along our line of sight towards Galactic X-ray sources. Here, we focus on the oxygen content of the ISM through its absorption features in the X-ray spectra. To model the dust features, we perform a laboratory experiment using the electron microscope facility located at the University of Cadiz in Spain, where we acquire new laboratory data in the oxygen K-edge. We study 18 dust samples of silicates and oxides with different chemical compositions. The laboratory measurements are adopted for our astronomical data analysis. We carry out a case study on the X-ray spectrum of the bright low-mass X-ray binary Cygnus X-2, observed byXMM−Newton. We determine different temperature phases of the ISM and parameterise oxygen in both gas (neutral and ionised) and dust form. We find Solar abundances of oxygen along the line of sight towards the source. Due to both the relatively low depletion of oxygen into dust form and the shape of the oxygen cross section profiles, it is challenging to determine the precise chemistry of interstellar dust. However, silicates provide an acceptable fit. Finally, we discuss the systematic discrepancies in the atomic (gaseous phase) data of the oxygen edge spectral region using different X-ray atomic databases as well as consider future prospects for studying the ISM with the Arcus concept mission.