bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and deployment of a high-density linkage map identified quantitative trait loci for plant height in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Huang Li , Ren Xiaoping , Wu Bei , Li Xinping , Chen Weigang , Zhou Xiaojing , Chen Yuning , Pandey Manish K. , Jiao Yongqing , Luo Huaiyong , Lei Yong , Varshney Rajeev K. , Liao Boshou , Jiang Huifang
Published: December 2016

Plant height is one of the most important architecture traits in crop plants. In peanut, the genetic basis of plant height remains ambiguous. In this context, we genotyped a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population with 140 individuals developed from a cross between two peanut varieties varying in plant height, Zhonghua 10 and ICG 12625. Genotyping data was generated for 1,175 SSR and 42 transposon polymorphic markers and a high-density genetic linkage map was constructed with 1,219 mapped loci covering total map length of 2,038.75 cM i.e., accounted for nearly 80% of the peanut genome. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using genotyping and phenotyping data for three environments identified 8 negative-effect QTLs and 10 positive-effect QTLs for plant height. Among these QTLs, 8 QTLs had a large contribution to plant height that explained ≥10% phenotypic variation. Two major-effect consensus QTLs namely cqPHA4a and cqPHA4b were identified with stable performance across three environments. Further, the allelic recombination of detected QTLs proved the existence of the phenomenon of transgressive segregation for plant height in the RIL population. Therefore, this study not only successfully reported a high-density genetic linkage map of peanut and identified genomic region controlling plant height but also opens opportunities for further gene discovery and molecular breeding for plant height in peanut.
Intrinsic Photosensitivity Enhances Motility of T Lymphocytes
Authors: Phan Thieu X. , Jaruga Barbara , Pingle Sandeep C. , Bandyopadhyay Bidhan C. , Ahern Gerard P.
Published: December 2016

Sunlight has important biological effects in human skin. Ultraviolet (UV) light striking the epidermis catalyzes the synthesis of Vitamin D and triggers melanin production. Although a causative element in skin cancers, sunlight is also associated with positive health outcomes including reduced incidences of autoimmune diseases and cancers. The mechanisms, however, by which light affects immune function remain unclear. Here we describe direct photon sensing in human and mouse T lymphocytes, a cell-type highly abundant in skin. Blue light irradiation at low doses (<300 mJ cm−2) triggers synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in T cells revealed by the genetically encoded reporter HyPerRed. In turn, H2O2 activates a Src kinase/phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) signaling pathway and Ca2+ mobilization. Pharmacologic inhibition or genetic disruption of Lck kinase, PLC-γ1 or the T cell receptor complex inhibits light-evoked Ca2+ transients. Notably, both light and H2O2 enhance T-cell motility in a Lck-dependent manner. Thus, T lymphocytes possess intrinsic photosensitivity and this property may enhance their motility in skin.
Persistent p55TNFR expression impairs T cell responses during chronic tuberculosis and promotes reactivation
Authors: Dambuza Ivy M. , Keeton Roanne , Hsu Nai-Jen , Allie Nasiema , Quesniaux Valérie F. J. , Ryffel Bernhard , Jacobs Muazzam
Published: December 2016

The pleiotropic activities of TNF are mediated by two structurally related but functionally distinct type I transmembrane receptors, p55TNFR and p75TNFR expressed in most cell types, that can be cleaved and act as TNF scavengers. Here, we investigated the effect of persistent p55TNFR cell surface expression during aerosol inhalation challenge with virulent M. tuberculosis H37Rv. We demonstrated that persistency of p55TNFR in macrophage cultures increased the synthesis of soluble TNF, p75TNFR and NO, however, had no effects on bacteria killing ability. Furthermore, it did not facilitate enhanced protection to primary acute M. tuberculosis infection in p55∆NS mice. Without exacerbated lung inflammation, we found a compensatory increase in p75TNFR shedding and decrease in bioactive TNF in BAL of p55∆NS mice after M. tuberculosis challenge. Defective expressions of CD44 and INFγ attributed to an impaired T cell response during persistent p55TNFR expression that caused marginal transient susceptibility during chronic infection. Moreover, persistent p55TNFR expression induced early reactivation during latent tuberculosis infection. These data indicate a prominent role of p55TNFR shedding in Th1 mediated protection against chronic and latent tuberculosis infection.
The hydrogen-bond collective dynamics in liquid methanol
Authors: Bellissima Stefano , De Panfilis Simone , Bafile Ubaldo , Cunsolo Alessandro , González Miguel Angel , Guarini Eleonora , Formisano Ferdinando
Published: December 2016

The relatively simple molecular structure of hydrogen-bonded (HB) systems is often belied by their exceptionally complex thermodynamic and microscopic behaviour. For this reason, after a thorough experimental, computational and theoretical scrutiny, the dynamics of molecules in HB systems still eludes a comprehensive understanding. Aiming at shedding some insight into this topic, we jointly used neutron Brillouin scattering and molecular dynamics simulations to probe the dynamics of a prototypical hydrogen-bonded alcohol, liquid methanol. The comparison with the most thoroughly investigated HB system, liquid water, pinpoints common behaviours of their THz microscopic dynamics, thereby providing additional information on the role of HB dynamics in these two systems. This study demonstrates that the dynamic behaviour of methanol is much richer than what so far known, and prompts us to establish striking analogies with the features of liquid and supercooled water. In particular, based on the strong differences between the structural properties of the two systems, our results suggest that the assignment of some dynamical properties to the tetrahedral character of water structure should be questioned. We finally highlight the similarities between the characteristic decay times of the time correlation function, as obtained from our data and the mean lifetime of hydrogen bond known in literature.
Induction of cancer-associated fibroblast-like cells by carbon nanotubes dictates its tumorigenicity
Authors: Luanpitpong Sudjit , Wang Liying , Castranova Vincent , Dinu Cerasela Zoica , Issaragrisil Surapol , Chen Yi Charlie , Rojanasakul Yon
Published: December 2016

Tumor microenvironment has been recognized as a key determinant of tumor formation and metastasis, but how tumor microenvironment is affected by nanomaterials is essentially unknown. Here, we investigated whether carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a widely used nanomaterial with known carcinogenic potential, can affect cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are a key component of tumor microenvironment that provides necessary support for tumor growth. We show for the first time that single-walled CNT and to a lesser extent multi-walled and its COOH-functionalized form induced CAF-like cells, which are non-tumorigenic in animals, but promote tumor growth of human lung carcinoma and CNT-transformed lung epithelial cells. The mechanism by which CNT-induced CAF-like cells promote tumor growth involved the acquisition of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in cancer population. Gene knockdown experiments showed that an expression of podoplanin on CAF-like cells is essential for their effects, indicating the functional role of CAF-like cells and podoplanin in CNT tumorigenic process. Our findings unveil a novel mechanism of CNT-induced carcinogenesis through the induction of CAF-like cells that support CSCs and drive tumor formation. Our results also suggest the potential utility of podoplanin as a mechanism-based biomarker for rapid screening of carcinogenicity of CNTs and related nanomaterials for their safer design.
Photochemical solution processing of films of metastable phases for flexible devices: the β-Bi2O3 polymorph
Authors: Pérez-Mezcua Dulce , Bretos Iñigo , Jiménez Ricardo , Ricote Jesús , Jiménez-Rioboó Rafael J. , da Silva Cosmelina Gonçalves , Chateigner Daniel , Fuentes-Cobas Luis , Sirera Rafael , Calzada M. Lourdes
Published: December 2016

The potential of UV-light for the photochemical synthesis and stabilization of non-equilibrium crystalline phases in thin films is demonstrated for the β-Bi2O3 polymorph. The pure β-Bi2O3 phase is thermodynamically stable at high temperature (450–667 °C), which limits its applications in devices. Here, a tailored UV-absorbing bismuth(III)-N-methyldiethanolamine complex is selected as an ideal precursor for this phase, in order to induce under UV-light the formation of a –Bi–O–Bi– continuous network in the deposited layers and the further conversion into the β-Bi2O3 polymorph at a temperature as low as 250 °C. The stabilization of the β-Bi2O3 films is confirmed by their conductivity behavior and a thorough characterization of their crystal structure. This is also supported by their remarkable photocatalytic activity. Besides, this processing method has allowed us for the first time the preparation of β-Bi2O3 films on flexible plastic substrates, which opens new opportunities for using these materials in potential applications not available until now (e.g., flexible photocatalytic reactors, self-cleaning surfaces or wearable antimicrobial fabrics). Therefore, photochemical solution deposition (PCSD) demonstrates to be not only an efficient approach for the low temperature processing of oxide films, but also an excellent alternative for the stabilization of metastable phases.
De novo transcriptome assembly, development of EST-SSR markers and population genetic analyses for the desert biomass willow, Salix psammophila
Authors: Jia Huixia , Yang Haifeng , Sun Pei , Li Jianbo , Zhang Jin , Guo Yinghua , Han Xiaojiao , Zhang Guosheng , Lu Mengzhu , Hu Jianjun
Published: December 2016

Salix psammophila, a sandy shrub known as desert willow, is regarded as a potential biomass feedstock and plays an important role in maintaining local ecosystems. However, a lack of genomic data and efficient molecular markers limit the study of its population evolution and genetic breeding. In this study, chromosome counts, flow cytometry and SSR analyses indicated that S. psammophila is tetraploid. A total of 6,346 EST-SSRs were detected based on 71,458 de novo assembled unigenes from transcriptome data. Twenty-seven EST-SSR markers were developed to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of S. psammophila from eight natural populations in Northern China. High levels of genetic diversity (mean 10.63 alleles per locus; mean HE 0.689) were dectected in S. psammophila. The weak population structure and little genetic differentiation (pairwise FST = 0.006–0.016) were found among Population 1-Population 7 (Pop1-Pop7; Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi), but Pop8 (Ningxia) was clearly separated from Pop1-Pop7 and moderate differentiation (pairwise FST = 0.045–0.055) was detected between them, which may be influenced by local habitat conditions. Molecular variance analyses indicated that most of the genetic variation (94.27%) existed within populations. These results provide valuable genetic informations for natural resource conservation and breeding programme optimisation of S. psammophila.
PRKAR1A is a functional tumor suppressor inhibiting ERK/Snail/E-cadherin pathway in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Shaoqiang , Cheng Yuanda , Zheng Yingying , He Zhiwei , Chen Wei , Zhou Wolong , Duan Chaojun , Zhang Chunfang
Published: December 2016

Protein Kinase cAMP-Dependent Regulatory Type I Alpha (PRKAR1A) is a tissue-specific extinguisher that transduces a signal through phosphorylation of different target proteins. Loss of PRKAR1A was frequently observed in endocrine neoplasia and stromal cell tumors. However, a few cases were seen in epithelial tumors. Previously, we first found that PRKAR1A was downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Thus, the present study aimed to clarify its clinical implication and biological function as a tumor suppressor in lung adenocarcinoma. The low levels of PRKAR1A transcript were correlated with tumor progression and poor overall survival. The re-expression of PRKAR1A in H1299 cells suppressed the tumor cell proliferation and migration; stable knockdown (KD) of PRKAR1A in A549 cells enhanced this function both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, KD of PRKAR1A in A549 cells promoted the statistical colonization of circulating tumor cells to the lungs in nude mice. These effects by PRKAR1A were attributed to inhibiting E-cadherin expression. Elevated E-cadherin significantly suppressed the PRKAR1A-KD induced cell proliferation and migration. Most notably, deletion of PRKAR1A inhibited E-cadherin by activating ERK/Snail signaling. In conclusion, PRKAR1A was a potent suppressor, and through the inhibition of PRKAR1A-ERK-Snail-E-cadherin axis could serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Recent advancements and future directions of superficially porous chiral stationary phases for ultrafast high-performance enantioseparations
Authors: Catani Martina , Ismail Omar H. , Gasparrini Francesco , Antonelli Michela , Pasti Luisa , Marchetti Nicola , Felletti Simona , Cavazzini Alberto
Published: December 2016

This review focuses on the use of superficially porous particles (SPPs) as chiral stationary phases for ultra-high performance liquid enantioseparations.
Correction: Continuous and simultaneous measurement of the biophysical properties of blood in a microfluidic environment
Authors: Kang Yang Jun
Published: December 2016

Correction for ‘Continuous and simultaneous measurement of the biophysical properties of blood in a microfluidic environment’ by Yang Jun Kang, Analyst, 2016, 141, 6583–6597.
Thallium in spruce needles: a comparison of the analytical capabilities of spectrochemical methods
Authors: Patočka Jan , Bendakovská Lenka , Krejčová Anna , Černohorský Tomáš , Resano Martín , Bělina Petr
Published: December 2016

Four spectrochemical methods are employed for the determination of Tl in spruce needles: ICP-MS, ETV-ICP-MS analysis of decomposed and slurry samples and solid sampling HR-CS-GFAAS. They are compared considering practical laboratory aspects and analytical performance.
A sheath-less electric impedance micro-flow cytometry device for rapid label-free cell classification and viability testing
Authors: Xie Xinwu , Cheng Zhen , Xu Youchun , Liu Ran , Li Qi , Cheng Jing
Published: December 2016

A sheath-less PDMS microfluidic IFC device with a simple structure was constructed, with a good performance in single-cell detection. The electrical conductance and susceptance were used to differentiate the beads/cells.
Gold-catalyzed sequential annulations towards 3,4-fused bi/tri-cyclic furans involving a [3+2+2]-cycloaddition
Authors: Liu Suna , Yang Pu , Peng Shiyong , Zhu Chenghao , Cao Shengyu , Li Jian , Sun Jiangtao
Published: December 2016

A gold-catalyzed [3+2+2]-cycloaddition towards polysubstituted furan compounds has been realized.
Observation of a metal-centered B2-Ta@B18−tubular molecular rotor and a perfect Ta@B20−boron drum with the record coordination number of twenty
Authors: Li Wan-Lu , Jian Tian , Chen Xin , Li Hai-Ru , Chen Teng-Teng , Luo Xue-Mei , Li Si-Dian , Li Jun , Wang Lai-Sheng
Published: December 2016

A B2-Ta@B18−tubular molecular rotor and a Ta@B20−boron drum with the record coordination number of twenty were observedviaa joint experimental and theoretical investigation.
Sub-micron spheres of an imine-based covalent organic framework: supramolecular functionalization and water-dispersibility
Authors: Rodríguez-San-Miguel David , Corral-Pérez Juan J. , Gil-González Eva , Cuellas David , Arauzo Jesús , Monsalvo Victor M. , Carcelén Verónica , Zamora Félix
Published: December 2016

Sub-micron spheres of an imine-based COF are formed in a fast and simple reaction and functionalized to increase its water dispersibility framework (sRT-COF-1).
Complexation of short ds RNA/DNA oligonucleotides with Gemini micelles: a time resolved SAXS and computational study
Authors: Falsini Sara , Di Cola Emanuela , In Martin , Giordani Maria , Borocci Stefano , Ristori Sandra
Published: December 2016

Gene therapy is based on nucleic acid delivery to pathogenic cells in order to modulate their gene expression.
The correlations of the electronic structure and film growth of 2,7-diocty[1]benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT) on SiO2
Authors: Lyu Lu , Niu Dongmei , Xie Haipeng , Zhao Yuan , Cao Ningtong , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yuhe , Liu Peng , Gao Yongli
Published: December 2016

We performed a systematic investigation on the correlations of the electronic structure, film growth and molecular orientation of C8-BTBT on silicon oxide using UPS, XPS, AFM and SAXD measurements.
Oleylamine as a reducing agent in syntheses of magic-size clusters and monodisperse quantum dots: optical and photoconductivity studies
Authors: Ningthoujam R. S. , Gautam Anurag , Padma N.
Published: December 2016

PbSe QDs produce light in the NIR range (800–2500 nm), which can be a source of lasers through wave-guiding and candidate for solar cells, which absorb sunlight (UV-Visible-NIR) so that solar energy can be harvested.
Exciton valley dynamics in monolayer WSe2 probed by the two-color ultrafast Kerr rotation
Authors: Yan Tengfei , Ye Jialiang , Qiao Xiaofen , Tan Pingheng , Zhang Xinhui
Published: December 2016

The exciton valley dynamics in monolayer WSe2 is investigated by the two-color pump–probe magneto-optical Kerr technique.
Molecular electron acceptors for efficient fullerene-free organic solar cells
Authors: Li Shuixing , Zhang Zhongqiang , Shi Minmin , Li Chang-Zhi , Chen Hongzheng
Published: December 2016

Small molecule electron acceptors pairing with wide bandgap or narrow bandgap electron donors are reviewed and discussed for fullerene-free organic solar cells.
Sensitized ZnO nanorod assemblies to detect heavy metal contaminated phytomedicines: spectroscopic and simulation studies
Authors: Bagchi Damayanti , Maji Tuhin Kumar , Sardar Samim , Lemmens Peter , Bhattacharya Chinmoy , Karmakar Debjani , Pal Samir Kumar
Published: December 2016

Interfacial carrier dynamics of ZnO nanoprobe assemblies for detection of heavy metal contaminated herbal medicines.
Selective-releasing-affected lubricant mechanism of a self-assembled MoS2/Mo–S–C nanoperiod multilayer film sliding in diverse atmospheres
Authors: Xu J. , He T. F. , Chai L. Q. , Qiao L. , Zhang X. Q. , Wang P. , Liu W. M.
Published: December 2016

A self-assembled MoS2/Mo–S–C multilayer film prepared by r.f. co-sputtering of MoS2 and graphite targets was tribotested in diverse sliding atmospheres, and the lubricant mechanism and its correlations to the selective releasing behavior of non-lubricant component were analyzed in detail.
Second-order nonlinear polarizability of ferrocene–BODIPY donor–acceptor adducts. Quantifying charge redistribution in the excited state
Authors: Kaur Navdeep , Van Steerteghem Nick , Singla Priya , Kaur Paramjit , Clays Koen , Singh Kamaljit
Published: December 2016

Ferrocene–BODIPY based donor–acceptor systems linked either directly or through an N-phenylmethanimine or ethynylbenzene linker with improved second-order nonlinear polarizability.
Plasma source mass spectrometry for radioactive waste characterisation in support of nuclear decommissioning: a review
Authors: Croudace Ian W. , Russell Ben C. , Warwick Phil W.
Published: December 2016

The efficient characterization of nuclear waste materials represents a significant challenge during nuclear site decommissioning, with a range of radionuclides requiring measurement in varied and often complex sample matrices. ICP-MS is increasingly a practicable alternative to radiometric methods for medium to long-lived radionuclides.
Hypervalent iodine-triggered transformation of homopropargyl sulfonamides into dihalo-2,3-dihydropyrroles
Authors: Wang Ruijia , OuYang Yuejun , Xu Chonghui , Yi Niannian , Jiang Jun , Deng Wei , Zeng Zebing , Xiang Jiannan
Published: December 2016

A novel hypervalent iodine-triggered hydroamination of homopropargyl sulfonamides with copper halides to obtain dihalo-2,3-dihydropyrroles was efficiently developed.
MercuryII-mediated base pairs in DNA: unexpected behavior in metal ion binding and duplex stability induced by 2′-deoxyuridine 5-substituents
Authors: Guo Xiurong , Ingale Sachin A. , Yang Haozhe , He Yang , Seela Frank
Published: December 2016

DNA accepts small substituents at the 5-position of 2′-deoxyuridine residues within mercury ion mediated dU–HgII–dU base pairs, while triple bonds interact with mercury ions and those with space demanding aromatic side chains block metal ion mediated base pair formation.
The evaluation of 5-amino- and 5-hydroxyuracil derivatives as potential quadruplex-forming agents
Authors: Paragi Gábor , Kupihár Zoltán , Endre Gábor , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Kovács Lajos
Published: December 2016

5-Hydroxyuracil has been identified as a building block for supramolecular quadruplex assemblies.
Modulating the oxidation of cucurbit[n]urils
Authors: McCune Jade A. , Rosta Edina , Scherman Oren A.
Published: December 2016

The functionalisation of cucurbit[n]uril macrocycles carried out through an oxidative approach in water using ammonium persulfate was studied.
Multi-stimuli responsive block copolymers as a smart release platform for a polypyridyl ruthenium complex
Authors: Appold Michael , Mari Cristina , Lederle Christina , Elbert Johannes , Schmidt Claudia , Ott Ingo , Stühn Bernd , Gasser Gilles , Gallei Markus
Published: December 2016

An efficient protocol for the preparation of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)(PDMAEMA)-based multi-stimuli responsive block copolymers (BCPs) with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)viaanionic polymerization protocols is presented.
(−)-Riboflavin (vitamin B2) and flavin mononucleotide as visible light photo initiators in the thiol–ene polymerisation of PEG-based hydrogels
Authors: Batchelor R. R. , Kwandou G. , Spicer P. T. , Stenzel M. H.
Published: December 2016

The photoinitiators used in light mediated hydrogelation have been limited due to cytotoxicity and solubility issues.
Phase-selectively soluble polynorbornene as a catalyst support
Authors: Fredlund A. , Kothapalli V. A. , Hobbs C. E.
Published: December 2016

A phase-selective polynorbornene catalyst-support has been developed that can be recycled using liquid/liquid separations, generating less waste than typical precipitations.
Convergent synthesis and optical properties of near-infrared emitting bioluminescent infra-luciferins
Authors: Anderson James C. , Grounds Helen , Jathoul Amit P. , Murray James A. H. , Pacman Steven J. , Tisi Laurence
Published: December 2016

A high yielding, scalable and convergent synthesis of infra-luciferins and investigation of their potential for near-infrared bioluminescence imaging.
Enhanced intersystem crossing in core-twisted aromatics
Authors: Nagarajan Kalaivanan , Mallia Ajith R. , Muraleedharan Keerthi , Hariharan Mahesh
Published: December 2016

Core-twisted aromatics exhibit enhanced intersystem crossing upon photoexcitation when compared to their planar analogs.
Rational design and fabrication of sulfur-doped porous graphene with enhanced performance as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Meng Xiangtong , Yu Chang , Song Xuedan , Liu Zhiqiang , Lu Bing , Hao Ce , Qiu Jieshan
Published: December 2016

Sulfur-doped porous graphene materials were engineered, which experimentally and theoretically exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity toward I3− reduction and great potential toward Pt replacement for DSSCs.
Spaced TiO2 nanotube arrays allow for a high performance hierarchical supercapacitor structure
Authors: Nguyen Nhat Truong , Ozkan Selda , Hwang Imgon , Zhou Xuemei , Schmuki Patrik
Published: December 2016

Establishing self-organized spacing between TiO2 nanotubes allows for highly conformal wall decoration – allowing for spatially defined hierarchical structures that can be adjusted to an optimized electrochemical performance.
Single-molecule magnetism arising from cobalt(ii) nodes of a crystalline sponge
Authors: Brunet Gabriel , Safin Damir A. , Jover Jesús , Ruiz Eliseo , Murugesu Muralee
Published: December 2016

Single-ion magnet-like behaviour arises from CoII nodes of a crystalline sponge providing an avenue for the development of lightweight porous magnets.
Dynamic nature of excited states of donor–acceptor TADF materials for OLEDs: how theory can reveal structure–property relationships
Authors: Olivier Yoann , Moral Mónica , Muccioli Luca , Sancho-García Juan-Carlos
Published: December 2016

In a theoretical study, we characterized the nature of the key excited states involved in the TADF process of donor–acceptor compounds and showed that light emission is enhanced by dynamic fluctuations of the donor–acceptor torsion resulting from flat torsional potentials.
Evaluation of the DNA damaging potential of indigenous health hazardous quartz nanoparticles on the cultured lung cells
Authors: Sushma Sushma , Kumar Hridyesh , Ahmad Iqbal , Dutta Pradip Kumar
Published: December 2016

Quartz nanoparticles (QNPs) cause various diseases in the biological systems and are thus considered as hazardous materials; however, their properties are important in a wide range of biological and pharmaceutical entities.
The CD9, CD81, and CD151 EC2 domains bind to the classical RGD-binding site of integrin αvβ3
Authors: Yu Jessica , Lee Chia-Ying , Changou Chun Austin , Cedano-Prieto Dora M. , Takada Yoko K. , Takada Yoshikazu
Published: December 2016

Tetraspanins play important roles in normal (e.g. cell adhesion, motility, activation, and proliferation) and pathological conditions (e.g. metastasis and viral infection). Tetraspanins interact with integrins and regulate integrin functions, but the specifics of tetraspanin–integrin interactions are unclear. Using co-immunoprecipitation with integrins as a sole method to detect interaction between integrins and full-length tetraspanins, it has been proposed that the variable region (helices D and E) of the extracellular-2 (EC2) domain of tetraspanins laterally associates with a non-ligand-binding site of integrins. We describe that, using adhesion assays, the EC2 domain of CD81, CD9, and CD151 bound to integrin αvβ3, and this binding was suppressed by cRGDfV, a specific inhibitor of αvβ3, and antibody 7E3, which is mapped to the ligand-binding site of β3. We also present evidence that the specificity loop of β3 directly bound to the EC2 domains. This suggests that the EC2 domains specifically bind to the classical ligand-binding site of αvβ3. αvβ3 was a more effective receptor for the EC2 domains than the previously known tetraspanin receptors α3β1, α4β1, and α6β1. Docking simulation predicted that the helices A and B of CD81 EC2 bind to the RGD-binding site of αvβ3. Substituting Lys residues at positions 116 and 144/148 of CD81 EC2 in the predicted integrin-binding interface reduced the binding of CD81 EC2 to αvβ3, consistent with the docking model. These findings suggest that, in contrast with previous models, the ligand-binding site of integrin αvβ3, a new tetraspanin receptor, binds to the constant region (helices A and B) of the EC2 domain.
Evaluating Treatment and Generalization Patterns of Two Theoretically Motivated Sentence Comprehension Therapies
Authors: Des Roches Carrie A. , Vallila-Rohter Sofia , Villard Sarah , Tripodis Yorghos , Caplan David , Kiran Swathi
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The current study examined treatment outcomes and generalization patterns following 2 sentence comprehension therapies: object manipulation (OM) and sentence-to-picture matching (SPM). Findings were interpreted within the framework of specific deficit and resource reduction accounts, which were extended in order to examine the nature of generalization following treatment of sentence comprehension deficits in aphasia.

Method

Forty-eight individuals with aphasia were enrolled in 1 of 8 potential treatment assignments that varied by task (OM, SPM), complexity of trained sentences (complex, simple), and syntactic movement (noun phrase,
wh
-movement). Comprehension of trained and untrained sentences was probed before and after treatment using stimuli that differed from the treatment stimuli.

Results

Linear mixed-model analyses demonstrated that, although both OM and SPM treatments were effective, OM resulted in greater improvement than SPM. Analyses of covariance revealed main effects of complexity in generalization; generalization from complex to simple linguistically related sentences was observed both across task and across movement.

Conclusions

Results are consistent with the complexity account of treatment efficacy, as generalization effects were consistently observed from complex to simpler structures. Furthermore, results provide support for resource reduction accounts that suggest that generalization can extend across linguistic boundaries, such as across movement type.
The Use of Electropalatography in the Treatment of Acquired Apraxia of Speech
Authors: Mauszycki Shannon C. , Wright Sandra , Dingus Nicole , Wambaugh Julie L.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This investigation was designed to examine the effects of an articulatory-kinematic treatment in conjunction with visual biofeedback (VBFB) via electropalatography (EPG) on the accuracy of articulation for acquired apraxia of speech (AOS).

Method

A multiple-baseline design across participants and behaviors was used with 4 individuals with chronic AOS and aphasia. Accuracy of target speech sounds in treated and untreated phrases in probe sessions served as the dependent variable. Participants received an articulatory-kinematic treatment in combination with VBFB, which was sequentially applied to 3 stimulus sets composed of 2-word phrases with a target speech sound for each set.

Results

Positive changes in articulatory accuracy were observed for participants for the majority of treated speech sounds. Also, there was generalization to untreated phrases for most trained speech sounds. Two participants had better long-term maintenance of treated speech sounds in both trained and untrained stimuli.

Conclusions

Findings indicate EPG may be a potential treatment tool for AOS. It appears that individuals with AOS can benefit from VBFB via EPG in improving articulatory accuracy. However, further research is needed to determine if VBFB is more advantageous than behavioral treatments that have been proven effective in improving speech production for speakers with AOS.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963547
The Effects of Sentence Repetition–Based Working Memory Treatment on Sentence Comprehension Abilities in Individuals With Aphasia
Authors: Eom Bora , Sung Jee Eun
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This study investigated whether sentence repetition–based working-memory (SR-WM) treatment increased sentence-repetition abilities and the treatment effects generalized to sentence-comprehension abilities, WM-span tasks, and general language-assessment tasks.

Method

Six individuals with aphasia participated in the study. The treatment consisted of 12 sessions of approximately 1 hr per day, 3 times per week. The SR-WM treatment protocol followed components including maintenance and computation of linguistic units by facilitating a chunking strategy. We manipulated the length and syntactic structures of the sentence-repetition stimuli using a limited set of vocabulary.

Results

Participants demonstrated significant increased repetition ability in treated and untreated sentences after treatment. Furthermore, they showed generalization effects on the sentence-comprehension task, WM measures, and general language tasks, but with some differential patterns, depending on task demands.

Conclusions

The SR-WM treatment approach, by manipulating syntactic structures and minimizing top-down semantic processing, elicited increased performance on sentence repetition as well as other linguistic domains. Results indicated that it is clinically and theoretically important to examine whether WM treatment serves as a potentially underlying treatment approach that facilitates the distributed network associated with language processing.
Computationally efficient CIC‐based filter with embedded Chebyshev sharpening for the improvement of aliasing rejection
Authors: Jimenez M.G.C. , Meyer‐Baese U. , Dolecek G.J.
Published: December 2016

A cascaded integrator–comb (CIC)‐based decimator is proposed, which consists of an area‐efficient structure aided with an embedded simplified Chebyshev‐sharpened section. Taking traditional CIC filters as a reference, the proposed scheme fulfils two important goals: (i) it improves the worst‐case aliasing rejection and (ii) it preserves a low‐complexity design that requires fewer hardware resources and consumes less power. The proposed system exhibits regularity, a desirable characteristic not present in other CIC‐based recent methods from literature that have pursued the same goals.
Fast compressive bilateral filter
Authors: Deng G.
Published: December 2016

A fast algorithm is derived for the compressive bilateral filter (CBF) by representing the bilateral filter in a new way. This representation allows us to use the property of the Gaussian function to reduce the number of Gaussian filters required by the CBF by a factor of 2. Producing the same results as that of the CBF, the fast algorithm runs about two times faster than the CBF.
Performance of free‐space optical communications over a mixture composite irradiance channel
Authors: Sandalidis H.G. , Chatzidiamantis N.D. , Ntouni G.D. , Karagiannidis G.K.
Published: December 2016

The performance of a typical free‐space optical link using a recently proposed composite model for turbulence and pointing error effects is studied. This model offers analytical tractability in the statistical description of the above phenomena and was derived using the mixture Gamma distribution for turbulence. New analytical derivations of the outage probability and bit‐error rate for some binary modulation schemes are presented in closed form.
Automated obstructive sleep apnoea detection using symmetrically weighted local binary patterns
Authors: Sunil Kumar T. , Kanhangad Vivek
Published: December 2016

This Letter presents a computer‐aided methodology for automated obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) detection using the proposed symmetrically weighted local binary pattern (SLBP)‐based features. The SLBP, which is a variant of one‐dimensional local binary pattern (LBP), generates a binary pattern by making comparisons in the left and right neighbourhood of a sample. However, as opposed to LBP, the generated binary information is encoded into decimal value by using a symmetric weighting scheme. The proposed encoding scheme helps to reduce the length of the feature vector significantly. Experimental evaluations on the Physionet sleep apnoea single‐lead electrocardiography signals suggest that the proposed SLBP features are effective in detecting OSA with an accuracy of 89.80%. Our results also show that the proposed SLBP achieves a good trade‐off between the classification and computational performance among different variants of LBP. Further, the proposed approach outperforms recently proposed methodologies for OSA detection.
60 GHz low‐power LNA with high gm × Rout transconductor stages in 65 nm CMOS
Authors: Li Zhiqun , Wang Chong , Li Qin , Wang Zhigong
Published: December 2016

This Letter presents a 60 GHz low power low noise amplifier (LNA) with high gm × Rout transconductor stages in a 65‐nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Different from the cascode and current‐reused common source–common source (CS–CS) structure, the new transconductor proposed in this Letter comprises a CS transistor whose DC current is shared by other two transistors. With this configuration, the equivalent transconductance, gm and output resistance, Rout of the transconductor are both high while its noise figure is deteriorated slightly comparing with CS structure, making it suitable for low‐power LNA circuits. From the measurement results, the LNA gets a gain of 13.4 ± 1.5 dB and 3‐dB bandwidth of 16.7 GHz (48–64.7 GHz). The average noise figure of the LNA is 6.1 dB with a power dissipation of 9.6 mW under 1 V power supply.
Cost effective utility‐solar photovoltaic based hybrid scheme for institutional buildings: a case study
Authors: Parida Adikanda , Chatterjee Debashis
Published: December 2016

Energy crisis and energy cost are always embedded with the educational institutions which significantly influences the scope for the sustainable growth of the organisation. Moreover, the increasing gap between energy demand and energy supply has become a global issue. The electrical power generation from the solar photovoltaic (PV) is the area of interest of many researchers in the recent past. However, the cost of energy is always a constraint for distributed renewable generation from solar PV. Based on the addressed issues, this study proposes a hybrid scheme consists of utility and solar PV for institutional buildings in a cost‐effective manner. This study identifies the scope for appropriate augmentation of solar PV with the existing power utility for minimum overall energy cost. Moreover, the proposed scheme is environmental friendly and can be extended to other utility based load centres with similar type of power demand characteristics.
High‐performance hybrid genetic algorithm to solve transmission network expansion planning
Authors: Gallego Luis A. , Garcés Lina P. , Rahmani Mohsen , Romero Ruben A.
Published: December 2016

In this study, a high‐performance hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) is proposed to solve static and multistage transmission network expansion planning (TNEP) problem. The main features of the HGA are: (i) it avoids homogenised solutions by using a special genetic algorithm as the backbone of the procedure, (ii) uses a powerful path‐relinking algorithm for the deep exploration of local solutions, (iii) employs an efficient constructive heuristic algorithm for finding high‐quality initial solutions and for improving solution qualities and (iv) uses a fast relaxation strategy for solving the linear programming problems required for calculating the fitness functions. This procedure will result in an intelligent exploration of a large search space in less amount of time. The proposed methodology is tested with three electrical systems: South Brazilian 46‐bus, Colombian 93‐bus and the North‐Northeast Brazilian 87‐bus.
Spectral clustering‐based partitioning of volt/VAR control areas in bulk power systems
Authors: Jiang Tao , Bai Linquan , Jia Hongjie , Li Fangxing
Published: December 2016

This study proposes a novel method to partition volt/VAR control areas in bulk power systems using spectral clustering. By revealing the internal connectivity structure of the network considering the power‐flow‐based volt/VAR model, an undirected edge‐weighed graph is formed according to the defined electrical distance. On the basis of the graph theory, a novel approach is proposed through appropriate volt/VAR control area number selection, quality factor design, subspace projection, and spectral clustering. The approach is to partition the system into multiple volt/VAR control areas that have strong internal connections but weak external connections. Meanwhile, the proposed approach maintains the reactive power balances in each individual area and the minimum reactive power flow between those areas to facilitate area voltage regulations. Simulation results based on the New England 39 and IEEE‐118 test systems demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. In addition, the Union for the Coordination of the Transmission of Electricity system is further employed to evaluate the performance in practical bulk systems. These results show that the proposed approach can partition volt/VAR control areas appropriately in the power system.
Dynamic multi‐stage under frequency load shedding considering uncertainty of generation loss
Authors: Ghaderi Darebaghi Mohammad , Amraee Turaj
Published: December 2016

Under frequency load shedding (UFLS) as a special protection scheme is executed to arrest declining frequency. The setting parameters of a multi‐stage load shedding plan are determined using a discretised model of dynamic system frequency response considering uncertainty of generation loss. The proposed probabilistic UFLS plan is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming optimisation problem to minimise the expected amount of load curtailment. The uncertainty of the proposed discretised dynamic load shedding plan is modelled using the point estimate method, and the obtained results are compared with those of the Monte‐Carlo simulation method (MCSM). The utilised point estimate technique converts the continuous probability distribution functions of the uncertain parameter (i.e. the generation loss) to discrete statistical moments. The proposed probabilistic UFLS is solved using the BONMIN solver. The performance of the proposed dynamic UFLS plan is investigated for the IEEE 39‐bus test system.
Optimal power flow in distribution network considering spatial electro‐thermal coupling effect
Authors: Shu Jun , Guan Rui , Wu Lei
Published: December 2016

The conductor resistance changes in accordance with the conductor temperature, in turn the line thermal capacity limit and power flow are influenced by its spatial characteristics of line routes and surrounding weather conditions. In light of the significant difference of spatial characteristics of line routes and weather conditions in different regions covered by distribution network, a novel optimal power flow (OPF) model in distribution network considering spatial electro‐thermal coupling effect is proposed to integrate heat transfer constraints and electro‐thermal coupling constraints into normal distribution network operation constraints. To address the computational complexity of the proposed model, the line thermal capacity limit is calculated firstly using the spatial steady‐state heat balance equation. Then, a genetic algorithm combined with an extended back/forward sweep method is presented to solve the distribution system OPF problem, in which the heat balance equation is embedded in the forward sweep stage of the power flow calculation. Consequently, line temperatures, resistances, and power flows are dynamically updated during the iterative procedure. A 14‐bus system with nine regions shows that the spatial electro‐thermal coupling effect has a significant impact on the result of power flow and the optimal dispatch of the distributed generation in the distribution network.
Internal electric field modification method based on region segmentation for vacuum interrupters
Authors: Li Hongyang , Wang Zhongyu , Jiang Wensong
Published: December 2016

Enhancement of insulation performance has been a long‐lasting problem for vacuum interrupter (VI) design. Traditional design focuses on reducing the maximal electric field strength (EFS); however, the distribution pattern of electric field also plays an important role in insulating efficiency. A method based on region segmentation is proposed to modify the electric field distribution. By dividing the electric field area, the regression function derived from orthogonal experimental design is established for each unit to reveal the relationship between the structure parameters of VI and EFS. Then the target EFS distribution is designed, and the optimal solution set is obtained by practical swarm optimisation. Fuzzy cluster selection is introduced to choose the design scheme from the solution set. Comparison of the simulation and experimental results shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Applicability of dimensional analysis for the prediction of pollution performance of insulators: an experimental study
Authors: Sudalai Shunmugam S. , Vasudev N. , Ravi K.N. , Venkatesh K.A.
Published: December 2016

In this research work, dimensional analysis is used to determine the maximum withstand pollution severity level (represented as volume conductivity) of an insulator as a function of its profile parameters and applied voltage. To validate the derived dimensional equation, the maximum withstand severity (MWS) tests have been carried out on 15 different profiles of cap and pin insulators for 220 and 400 systems by salt fog test method. The developed dimensional equation is used as a predictive model to determine MWS of insulator by assuming corrective constants. By analysing the mean square error and root mean square error, the proposed model is found to be in agreement with experimental results.
Hybrid adaptive ‘gbest’‐guided gravitational search and pattern search algorithm for automatic generation control of multi‐area power system
Authors: Khadanga Rajendra Kumar , Kumar Amit
Published: December 2016

In this research article, a maiden approach of hybrid adaptive ‘gbest’ guided gravitational search and pattern search (hGGSA‐PS) optimization method are proposed for load frequency control (LFC) of multi‐area interconnected power system considering the nonlinear effect of generation rate constraint (GRC). At first, the two area single stage thermal–thermal power system with conventional proportional integral derivative (PID) controller is analyzed and the parameters of the PID controller are optimized by the proposed technique. Initially, the ‘gbest’ guided gravitational search algorithm (GGSA) using integral time absolute error (ITAE) fitness function is used and then pattern search (PS) technique is employed to fine‐tune the obtained best solution from the GGSA. The supremacy of the hGGSA‐PS optimized PID controller is presented by comparing its results with other modern soft computing techniques. Later in order to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed controller, the sensitive analysis is performed. Finally, the proposed technique is extended to a two area multi‐source power system. The parameters of the controller for each area are optimized using the novel hGGSA‐PS technique. From the simulation results, it can be seen that the proposed technique has superior performance than the prior results with lesser settling time and different performance index values.
CRLH structure‐based high‐impedance surface for performance enhancement of planar antennas
Authors: Chandrasekaran Karthik T. , Karim Muhammad Faeyz , Nasimuddin  , Alphones Arokiaswami
Published: December 2016

A composite right/left‐handed (CRLH) structure‐based high‐impedance surface (HIS) is investigated to improve gain and front‐to‐back ratio of planar microstrip antennas. An unbalanced CRLH unit cell with a wide band‐stop region from 2.0 to 6.44 GHz is modelled and designed for HIS to enhance the antenna performance. A novel via‐less structure composed of an interdigital capacitor and four spiral arms is used for the microstrip implementation of the CRLH unit cell. The HIS is formed by the repetition of the unbalanced CRLH unit cells in two‐dimensional form. The microstrip patch antennas operating at three different frequencies: 2.34, 3.77 and 5.64 GHz in the band‐stop region of the HIS are designed with and without HIS to compare the antenna performances. An increase in gain of 1.91, 2.03 and 0.7 dB and an improvement in the front‐to‐back ratio of 4.9, 6.0 and 4.2 dB are achieved for the patch antennas operating at 2.34, 3.77 and 5.64 GHz, respectively. To demonstrate the effectiveness of HIS, a patch antenna over HIS is fabricated and measured results show good correlation with the simulated results. An overall antenna size at 2.26 GHz is 0.378λo × 0.303λo × 0.012λo.