bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abiotic and biotic factors responsible for antimonite oxidation in Agrobacterium tumefaciens GW4
Authors: Li Jingxin , Yang Birong , Shi Manman , Yuan Kai , Guo Wei , Wang Qian , Wang Gejiao
Published: March 2017

Antimonite [Sb(III)]-oxidizing bacteria can transform the toxic Sb(III) into the less toxic antimonate [Sb(V)]. Recently, the cytoplasmic Sb(III)-oxidase AnoA and the periplasmic arsenite [As(III)] oxidase AioAB were shown to responsible for bacterial Sb(III) oxidation, however, disruption of each gene only partially decreased Sb(III) oxidation efficiency. This study showed that in Agrobacterium tumefaciens GW4, Sb(III) induced cellular H2O2 content and H2O2 degradation gene katA. Gene knock-out/complementation of katA, anoA, aioA and anoA/aioA and Sb(III) oxidation and growth experiments showed that katA, anoA and aioA were essential for Sb(III) oxidation and resistance and katA was also essential for H2O2 resistance. Furthermore, linear correlations were observed between cellular H2O2 and Sb(V) content in vivo and chemical H2O2 and Sb(V) content in vitro (R2 = 0.93 and 0.94, respectively). These results indicate that besides the biotic factors, the cellular H2O2 induced by Sb(III) also catalyzes bacterial Sb(III) oxidation as an abiotic oxidant. The data reveal a novel mechanism that bacterial Sb(III) oxidation is associated with abiotic (cellular H2O2) and biotic (AnoA and AioAB) factors and Sb(III) oxidation process consumes cellular H2O2 which contributes to microbial detoxification of both Sb(III) and cellular H2O2.
Moderate dietary protein restriction alters the composition of gut microbiota and improves ileal barrier function in adult pig model
Authors: Fan Peixin , Liu Ping , Song Peixia , Chen Xiyue , Ma Xi
Published: March 2017

This study was conducted to investigate impacts of dietary protein levels on gut bacterial community and gut barrier. The intestinal microbiota of finishing pigs, fed with 16%, 13% and 10% crude protein (CP) in diets, respectively, were investigated using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The ileal bacterial richness tended to decrease when the dietary protein concentration reduced from 16% to 10%. The proportion of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 in ileum significantly decreased, whereas Escherichia-Shigella increased with reduction of protein concentration. In colon, the proportion of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Turicibacter increased, while the proportion of RC9_gut_group significantly decreased with the dietary protein reduction. Notably, the proportion of Peptostreptococcaceae was higher in both ileum and colon of 13% CP group. As for metabolites, the intestinal concentrations of SCFAs and biogenic amines decreased with the dietary protein reduction. The 10% CP dietary treatment damaged ileal mucosal morphology, and decreased the expression of biomarks of intestinal cells (Lgr5 and Bmi1), whereas the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin) in 13% CP group were higher than the other two groups. In conclusion, moderate dietary protein restriction (13% CP) could alter the bacterial community and metabolites, promote colonization of beneficial bacteria in both ileum and colon, and improve gut barrier function.
Solid cryogen: a cooling system for future MgB2 MRI magnet
Authors: Patel Dipak , Hossain Md Shahriar Al , Qiu Wenbin , Jie Hyunseock , Yamauchi Yusuke , Maeda Minoru , Tomsic Mike , Choi Seyong , Kim Jung Ho
Published: March 2017

An efficient cooling system and the superconducting magnet are essential components of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. Herein, we report a solid nitrogen (SN2) cooling system as a valuable cryogenic feature, which is targeted for easy usability and stable operation under unreliable power source conditions, in conjunction with a magnesium diboride (MgB2) superconducting magnet. The rationally designed MgB2/SN2 cooling system was first considered by conducting a finite element analysis simulation, and then a demonstrator coil was empirically tested under the same conditions. In the SN2 cooling system design, a wide temperature distribution on the SN2 chamber was observed due to the low thermal conductivity of the stainless steel components. To overcome this temperature distribution, a copper flange was introduced to enhance the temperature uniformity of the SN2 chamber. In the coil testing, an operating current as high as 200 A was applied at 28 K (below the critical current) without any operating or thermal issues. This work was performed to further the development of SN2 cooled MgB2 superconducting coils for MRI applications.
Understanding the emergence of modern humans and the disappearance of Neanderthals: Insights from Kaldar Cave (Khorramabad Valley, Western Iran)
Authors: Bazgir Behrouz , Ollé Andreu , Tumung Laxmi , Becerra-Valdivia Lorena , Douka Katerina , Higham Thomas , van der Made Jan , Picin Andrea , Saladié Palmira , López-García Juan Manuel , Blain Hugues-Alexandre , Allué Ethel , Fernández-García Mónica , Rey-Rodríguez Iván , Arceredillo Diego , Bahrololoumi Faranak , Azimi Moloudsadat , Otte Marcel , Carbonell Eudald
Published: March 2017

Kaldar Cave is a key archaeological site that provides evidence of the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Iran. Excavations at the site in 2014–2015 led to the discovery of cultural remains generally associated with anatomically modern humans (AMHs) and evidence of a probable Neanderthal-made industry in the basal layers. Attempts have been made to establish a chronology for the site. These include four thermoluminescence (TL) dates for Layer 4, ranging from 23,100 ± 3300 to 29,400 ± 2300 BP, and three AMS radiocarbon dates from charcoal samples belonging to the lower part of the same layer, yielding ages of 38,650–36,750 cal BP, 44,200–42,350 cal BP, and 54,400–46,050 cal BP (all at the 95.4% confidence level). Kaldar Cave is the first well-stratified Late Palaeolithic locality to be excavated in the Zagros which is one of the earliest sites with cultural materials attributed to early AMHs in western Asia. It also offers an opportunity to study the technological differences between the Mousterian and the first Upper Palaeolithic lithic technologies as well as the human behaviour in the region. In this study, we present a detailed description of the newly excavated stratigraphy, quantified results from the lithic assemblages, preliminary faunal remains analyses, geochronologic data, taphonomic aspects, and an interpretation of the regional paleoenvironment.
Association of blood heavy metals with developmental delays and health status in children
Authors: Hsueh Yu-Mei , Lee Chih-Ying , Chien Ssu-Ning , Chen Wei-Jen , Shiue Horng-Sheng , Huang Shiau-Rung , Lin Ming-I , Mu Shu-Chi , Hsieh Ru-Lan
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations with developmental delays and to explore the association of these concentrations with the health status of children. This study recruited 89 children with developmental delays and 89 age- and sex-matched children with typical development. Their health status was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Inventory for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument for function. Family function was also evaluated. Blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations were measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry. The children with developmental delays had a considerably poorer HRQOL, lower functional performance and family function, and a higher blood lead concentration than those with typical development. The blood lead concentration had a significantly positive association with developmental delays [odds ratio (OR) = 1.54, p < 0.01] in a dose-response manner, and it negatively correlated with PedsQL scores (regression coefficient: −0. 47 to −0.53, p < 0.05) in all the children studied. The higher blood cadmium concentration showed a significantly positive association with developmental delays (OR = 2.24, for >1.0 μg/L vs. <0.6 μg/L, p < 0.05). The blood mercury concentration was not associated with developmental delays and health status.
NEDDylation of PB2 Reduces Its Stability and Blocks the Replication of Influenza A Virus
Authors: Zhang Tinghong , Ye Zhen , Yang Xiaohai , Qin Yujie , Hu Yi , Tong Xiaomei , Lai Wenbin , Ye Xin
Published: March 2017

Post-translational modifications of viral proteins play important roles in regulating viral replication. Here we demonstrated that the PB2 of influenza A virus (IAV) can be modified by NEDD8. We revealed that E3 ligase HDM2 can promote PB2 NEDDylation. Overexpression of either NEDD8 or HDM2 can inhibit IAV replication, while knockdown of HDM2 has the opposite effect. Then we identified residue K699 in PB2 as the major NEDDylation site. We found that NEDDylation deficient PB2 mutant (PB2 K699R) has a longer half-life than wild-type PB2, indicating that NEDDylation of PB2 reduces its stability. We generated an IAV mutant in which PB2 was mutated to PB2 K699R (WSN-PB2 K699R) and examined the replication of WSN and WSN-PB2 K699R viruses in both MDCK and A549 cells and found that the replication of WSN-PB2 K699R was more efficient than wild-type WSN. In addition, we observed that overexpression of NEDD8 significantly inhibited the replication of WSN, but not WSN-PB2 K699R. The infection assay in mice showed that WSN-PB2 K699R exhibited enhanced virulence in mice compared to WSN, suggesting that NEDDylation of PB2 reduced IAV replication in vivo. In conclusion, we demonstrated that NEDDylation of PB2 by HDM2 negatively regulates IAV infection.
Enhancement of porcine intramuscular fat content by overexpression of the cytosolic form of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in skeletal muscle
Authors: Ren Zijian , Wang Ying , Ren Yuanyuan , Zhang Zhengwei , Gu Weiwang , Wu Zhaoting , Chen Lingyi , Mou Lisha , Li Rongfeng , Yang Haiyuan , Dai Yifan
Published: March 2017

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content has been generally recognized as a desirable trait in pork meat because of its positive effect on eating quality. An effective approach to enhance IMF content in pork is the generation of transgenic pigs. In this study, we used somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to generate cloned pigs exhibiting ectopic expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK-C) driven by an α-skeletal-actin gene promoter, which was specifically expressed in skeletal muscle. Using qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, we demonstrated that PEPCK-C was functionally expressed and had a significant effect on total fatty acid content in the skeletal muscle of the transgenic pigs, while the n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio showed no difference between transgenic and control pigs. Thus, genetically engineered PEPCK-Cmus pigs may be an effective solution for the production of IMF-enriched pork.
Long-term ground deformation patterns of Bucharest using multi-temporal InSAR and multivariate dynamic analyses: a possible transpressional system?
Authors: Armaş Iuliana , Mendes Diana A. , Popa Răzvan-Gabriel , Gheorghe Mihaela , Popovici Diana
Published: March 2017

The aim of this exploratory research is to capture spatial evolution patterns in the Bucharest metropolitan area using sets of single polarised synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite data and multi-temporal radar interferometry. Three sets of SAR data acquired during the years 1992–2010 from ERS-1/-2 and ENVISAT, and 2011–2014 from TerraSAR-X satellites were used in conjunction with the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) and persistent scatterers (PS) high-resolution multi-temporal interferometry (InSAR) techniques to provide maps of line-of-sight displacements. The satellite-based remote sensing results were combined with results derived from classical methodologies (i.e., diachronic cartography) and field research to study possible trends in developments over former clay pits, landfill excavation sites, and industrial parks. The ground displacement trend patterns were analysed using several linear and nonlinear models, and techniques. Trends based on the estimated ground displacement are characterised by long-term memory, indicated by low noise Hurst exponents, which in the long-term form interesting attractors. We hypothesize these attractors to be tectonic stress fields generated by transpressional movements.
Parallel changes in serum proteins and diffusion tensor imaging in methamphetamine-associated psychosis
Authors: Breen Michael S. , Uhlmann Anne , Ozcan Sureyya , Chan Man , Pinto Dalila , Bahn Sabine , Stein Dan J.
Published: March 2017

Methamphetamine-associated psychosis (MAP) involves widespread neurocognitive and molecular deficits, however accurate diagnosis remains challenging. Integrating relationships between biological markers, brain imaging and clinical parameters may provide an improved mechanistic understanding of MAP, that could in turn drive the development of better diagnostics and treatment approaches. We applied selected reaction monitoring (SRM)-based proteomics, profiling 43 proteins in serum previously implicated in the etiology of major psychiatric disorders, and integrated these data with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and psychometric measurements from patients diagnosed with MAP (N = 12), methamphetamine dependence without psychosis (MA; N = 14) and healthy controls (N = 16). Protein analysis identified changes in APOC2 and APOH, which differed significantly in MAP compared to MA and controls. DTI analysis indicated widespread increases in mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity delineating extensive loss of white matter integrity and axon demyelination in MAP. Upon integration, several co-linear relationships between serum proteins and DTI measures reported in healthy controls were disrupted in MA and MAP groups; these involved areas of the brain critical for memory and social emotional processing. These findings suggest that serum proteomics and DTI are sensitive measures for detecting pathophysiological changes in MAP and describe a potential diagnostic fingerprint of the disorder.
Sclereids are strong enough to support the delicate corollas: experimental and computational data evidence from Camellia sinensis (L.)
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xue Yuanyuan , Yang Shuo , Wang Yangang , Zhao Hong
Published: March 2017

Sclereids are a fundamental cell type that widely exist in higher plants and are generally thought to have a mechanical function. However, the occurrence of sclereids in the ephemeral corolla has rarely been documented and their biological significance is poorly understood. In this study, flower buds from Camellia sinensis at various ontogenetic stages were sampled, cleared, sectioned, stained, and examined using light microscopy to ascertain the morphology and distribution of sclereids and their variation. In addition, Camellia japonica plants with distinctive floral structures were investigated and compared to explore whether sclereid occurrence is associated with floral form. In particular, a computational simulation using finite element analysis was undertaken to investigate how corollas, with and without sclereids, responded to wind and rain. The results showed that sclereids have some mechanical properties that are based on their shape and distribution, which make the soft corolla strong enough to protect the inner ovary. Thus, corolla sclereids may explain how the seemingly delicate corolla performs its protective function in response to environmental stresses. These findings provide further evidence for the hypothesis that flower traits exhibit adaptive responses to abiotic factors in addition to their traditionally recognized pollinator-mediated selection.
Local structures around the substituted elements in mixed layered oxides
Authors: Akama Shota , Kobayashi Wataru , Amaha Kaoru , Niwa Hideharu , Nitani Hiroaki , Moritomo Yutaka
Published: March 2017

The chemical substitution of a transition metal (M) is an effective method to improve the functionality of a material, such as its electrochemical, magnetic, and dielectric properties. The substitution, however, causes local lattice distortion because the difference in the ionic radius (r) modifies the local interatomic distances. Here, we systematically investigated the local structures in the pure (x = 0.0) and mixed (x = 0.05 or 0.1) layered oxides, Na(M1−xM′x)O2 (M and M′ are the majority and minority transition metals, respectively), by means of extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis. We found that the local interatomic distance (dM-O) around the minority element approaches that around the majority element to reduces the local lattice distortion. We further found that the valence of the minority Mn changes so that its ionic radius approaches that of the majority M.
Prevention of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation by antibiotics in 96-Microtiter Well Plates and Drip Flow Reactors: critical factors influencing outcomes
Authors: Manner Suvi , Goeres Darla M. , Skogman Malena , Vuorela Pia , Fallarero Adyary
Published: March 2017

Biofilm formation leads to the failure of antimicrobial therapy. Thus, biofilm prevention is a desirable goal of antimicrobial research. In this study, the efficacy of antibiotics (doxycycline, oxacillin and rifampicin) in preventing Staphylococcus aureus biofilms was investigated using Microtiter Well Plates (MWP) and Drip Flow Reactors (DFR), two models characterized by the absence and the presence of a continuous flow of nutrients, respectively. Planktonic culture of S. aureus was exposed to antibiotics for one hour followed by 24 hours incubation with fresh nutrients in MWP or continuous flow of nutrients in DFR. The DFR grown biofilms were significantly more tolerant to the antibiotics than those grown in MWP without the continuous flow. The differences in log reductions (LR) between the two models could not be attributed to differences in the cell density, the planktonic inoculum concentration or the surface-area-to-volume ratios. However, eliminating the flow in the DFR significantly restored the antibiotic susceptibility. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering differences between experimental conditions in different model systems, particularly the flow of nutrients, when performing anti-biofilm efficacy evaluations. Biofilm antibiotic efficacy studies should be assessed using various models and more importantly, in a model mimicking conditions of its clinical application.
Improving sensitivity and linear dynamic range of intact protein analysis using a robust and easy to use microfluidic device
Authors: Roman Gregory T. , Murphy James P.
Published: March 2017

We demonstrate an integrated microfluidic LC device coupled to a QTOF capable of improving sensitivity and linearity for intact protein analysis while also tuning the charge state distributions (CSD) of whole antibodies.
A general strategy for the synthesis of homogeneous hyaluronan conjugates and their biological applications
Authors: Fu Xuan , Shang Wenjing , Wang Shuaishuai , Liu Yunpeng , Qu Jingyao , Chen Xi , Wang Peng George , Fang Junqiang
Published: March 2017

Here, we developed a general strategy for synthesizing homogeneous HA conjugates, and generated homogeneous HA–pNP, HA–biotin, and HA–oroxylin conjugates to investigate the relationships between HA chain length and its diverse biological functions.
Coordination chemistry of phosphinocarbynes: phosphorus vs. carbyne site selectivity
Authors: Colebatch Annie L. , Hill Anthony F.
Published: March 2017

The phosphinocarbyne complex [W(CPPh2)(CO)2(Tp*)] (1: Tp* = hydrotris(dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) coordinates transition metal fragmentsviathe phosphine to form bimetallic species [W{CPPh2RhCl2(Cp*)}(CO)2(Tp*)] (2) and [W(CPPh2AuCl)(CO)2(Tp*)] (3).
Palladium-catalyzed intermolecular tandem cyclization reaction: a highly regioselective synthesis of functionalized 3H-spiro[isobenzofuran-1,3′-isochroman] scaffolds
Authors: Wang Liang , Li Xuehu , Tao Hua , Zhou Xiang , Lu Xihong , Du Wenyue , Jiang Tingting , Xin Zhijun , Liang Jianping
Published: March 2017

A highly regioselective synthesis of functionalized 3H-spiro[isobenzofuran-1,3′-isochroman] scaffolds via palladium-catalyzed tandem cyclization.
Acid-induced chemoselective arylthiolations of electron-rich arenes in ionic liquids from sodium arylsulfinates: the reducibility of halide anions in [Hmim]Br
Authors: Xu Zhu-bing , Lu Guo-ping , Cai Chun
Published: March 2017

An odorless approach for arylthiolations of arenes is introduced, in which [Hmim]Br is used as both a solvent and a reducer.
Inhibitory effect of hydrophobic fullerenes on the β-sheet-rich oligomers of a hydrophilic GNNQQNY peptide revealed by atomistic simulations
Authors: Lei Jiangtao , Qi Ruxi , Xie Luogang , Xi Wenhui , Wei Guanghong
Published: March 2017

Fullerenes suppress fibril-like β-sheet oligomers by interacting strongly with the nonpolar aliphatic groups of polar residues of GNNQQNY peptide, thus inhibit peptide aggregation.
Rapid synthesis for monodispersed gold nanoparticles in kaempferol and anti-leishmanial efficacy against wild and drug resistant strains
Authors: Halder Asim , Das Suvadra , Bera Tanmoy , Mukherjee Arup
Published: March 2017

Synthesis of monodispersed gold nanoparticles using kaempferol and antileishmanial activity with high macrophage uptake capacity.
Quantitative detection of codeine in human plasma using surface-enhanced Raman scattering via adaptation of the isotopic labelling principle
Authors: Subaihi Abdu , Muhamadali Howbeer , Mutter Shaun T. , Blanch Ewan , Ellis David I. , Goodacre Royston
Published: March 2017

In this study surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) combined with the isotopic labelling (IL) principle has been used for the quantification of codeine spiked into both water and human plasma.
Gold-catalyzed intermolecular cyclocarboamination of ynamides with 1,3,5-triazinanes: en route to tetrahydropyrimidines
Authors: Zeng Zhongyi , Jin Hongming , Song Xinlong , Wang Qian , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: March 2017

1,3,5-Triazinanes serve as surrogates for 1,4-dipoles in gold-catalyzed formal 4+2 cycloadditions.
Iridacycles for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions
Authors: Wang Chao , Xiao Jianliang
Published: March 2017

Iridacycles are a group of cyclometalated metal complexes, which have recently been shown to be versatile catalysts for a range of reactions.
Novel intramolecular π–π-interaction in a BODIPY system by oxidation of a single selenium center: geometrical stamping and spectroscopic and spectrometric distinctions
Authors: Kim Youngsam , Jun Taehong , Mulay Sandip V. , Manjare Sudesh T. , Kwak Jinseong , Lee Yunho , Churchill David G.
Published: March 2017

A reversible fluorescent OFF–ON system displaying a novelintramolecularπ–π interaction has been discovered and exploited for hypochlorite chemosensing.
Base-catalysed, one-step mechanochemical conversion of chitin and shrimp shells into low molecular weight chitosan
Authors: Chen Xi , Yang Huiying , Zhong Ziyi , Yan Ning
Published: March 2017

A facile, solid-state mechanochemical method was developed for the synthesis of low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) in one step from chitin and crude shrimp shell powders, in which chitin undergoes simultaneous deacetylation and depolymerisation in the presence of a base catalyst under mechanical milling.
1,3-Bis(cyanomethoxy)calix[4]arene capped CdSe quantum dots for the fluorogenic sensing of fluorene
Authors: Kumar Rabindra , Arora Meenu , Jain Anil K. , Babu J. Nagendra
Published: March 2017

1,3-Bis(cyanomethoxy)-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (CAD) capped onto CdSe quantum dots (QDs) shows selective and sensitive fluorescence enhancement in the presence of fluorene among fifteen PAHs.
Experimental and computational modeling studies on silica-embedded NiO/MgO nanoparticles for adsorptive removal of organic pollutants from wastewater
Authors: El-Qanni Amjad , Nassar Nashaat N. , Vitale Gerardo
Published: March 2017

This study presents newly-prepared silica-embedded NiO/MgO nanoparticles with a new experimental and computational adsorption approach for wastewater treatment.
Synthesis of SO42−/TiO2–ZnAl2O4composite solid acids as the esterification catalysts
Authors: Wang An-Qi , Wang Jun-Xia , Wang Hui , Huang Ya-Nan , Xu Ming-Liang , Wu Xiu-Ling
Published: March 2017

A SO42−/TiO2–ZnAl2O4composite catalyst with superior stability and acidic properties was synthesized and applied in esterification.
Circulating mircoRNA-21 as a predictor for vascular restenosis after interventional therapy in patients with lower extremity arterial occlusive disease
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yao Ye , Sun Qing-Feng , Liu Si-qi , Jing Bao , Yuan Chao , Liu Xin-Yu , Jiao Tong , Li Hao-cheng , Wang Hai-Yang
Published: March 2017

The present study was designed to investigate the role of circulating miRNA-21 (miR-21) in vascular restenosis of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease (LEAOD) patients after interventional therapy. A total of 412 LEAOD patients were enrolled randomly in the present study. According to computed tomography angiography (CTA) and ankle-brachial index (ABI), patients were assigned into the restenosis group and the non-restenosis group. miR-21 expression was detected with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) before and after patients underwent interventional therapy. A follow-up period of 6 months was achieved. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the predictive value of miR-21 in vascular restenosis. Patients were older in the restenosis group than in the non-restenosis group. The percentages of patients with diabetes and hypertension were higher in the restenosis group than in the non-restenosis group, and the Fontaine stage exhibited a significant difference between the two groups. miR-21 expression was higher in the restenosis group than in the non-restenosis group. miR-21 expression level was related to age, diabetes and hypertension in the restenosis group. Using miR-21 to predict vascular restenosis yielded an AUC of 0.938 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.898–0.977), with Youden index of 0.817, sensitivity of 83.5% and specificity of 98.2%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes and miR-21 expression were the major risk factors for vascular restenosis of LEAOD. miR-21 can be used as a predictive indicator for vascular restenosis of LEAOD after interventional therapy.
Research to Establish the Validity, Reliability, and Clinical Utility of a Comprehensive Language Assessment of Mandarin
Authors: Liu Xueman Lucy , de Villiers Jill , Ning Chunyan , Rolfhus Eric , Hutchings Teresa , Lee Wendy , Jiang Fan , Zhang Yi Wen
Published: March 2017

Purpose

With no existing gold standard for comparison, challenges arise for establishing the validity of a new standardized Mandarin language assessment normed in mainland China.

Method

A new assessment, Diagnostic Receptive and Expressive Assessment of Mandarin (DREAM), was normed with a stratified sample of 969 children ages 2;6 (years;months) to 7;11 in multiple urban and nonurban regions in northern and southern China. In this study of 230 children, the sensitivity and specificity of DREAM were examined against an a priori judgment of disorders. External validity was assessed using 2 indices of language production for different age groups.

Results

External validity was assessed against spontaneous language indices (correlation range:
r
= .6–.7; all
p
s < .01) and narrative indices (overall:
r
= .45,
p
< .01). Sensitivity (.73) and specificity (.82) of DREAM are moderate to good using a priori judgment as the standard. The values improved to .95 and .82 when spontaneous language and narratives were added to a priori judgment to define typicality. Divergent validity was moderate with nonlinguistic indices.

Conclusion

DREAM holds promise as a diagnostic test of Mandarin language impairment for children aged 2;6 to 7;11.
Sixteenth‐mode substrate integrated waveguide bandpass filter loaded with complementary split‐ring resonator
Authors: Azad A.R. , Mohan A.
Published: March 2017

A novel sixteenth‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (SMSIW) bandpass filter loaded with complementary split‐ring resonator (CSRR) is proposed. The filter size is reduced by introducing the SMSIW circular cavity loaded with CSRR. The SMSIW occupies only 6.25% of the conventional substrate integrated waveguide with same resonant frequency. Further miniaturisation is achieved by loading the SMSIW circular cavities with CSRRs. The designed filter is centred at 2.45 GHz with a bandwidth of 8.2%. The measured minimum insertion loss is 0.9 dB and passband return loss is below 10 dB. Good agreement is achieved between simulated and measured results.
Knowledge‐aided mono‐pulse forward‐looking imaging for airborne radar by exploiting the antenna pattern information
Authors: Chen Hongmeng , Lu Yaobing , Mu Heqiang , Yi Xiaoli , Liu Jing , Wang Zeyu , Li Ming
Published: March 2017

A knowledge‐aided mono‐pulse forward‐looking imaging algorithm to enhance the performance of airborne radar is proposed. Firstly, the ideal mono‐pulse imaging model based on the dual‐channel radar system is analysed and the mismatch model of the receiving channel is constructed. Then the mismatch phase error and a modified mono‐pulse curve (MPC) are derived based on the least square (LS) method by taking advantage of a prior antenna pattern information. Finally, the modified MPC is utilised to perform the direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation of each scattering centres in mono‐pulse imaging. Real airborne radar data experiments are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Online weight design for distributed filtering with limited power
Authors: Yang Wen , Yang Chao , Shi Hongbo
Published: March 2017

In this study, the authors consider distributed estimation over a sensor network with limited power. Based on PageRank algorithm, they propose a distributed estimator, where the link weight is designed using online information. They compared the network performance of the proposed estimator with time‐varying weight and constant weight under identical initial conditions. To extend the lifetime of sensors, they introduce an online power scheduling method to distributed estimation problem, where each sensor allocates the power for the communication link based on real‐time estimation error. They also provide a sufficient condition to guarantee the stability of the networked system with power scheduling.
Received signal strength indicator‐based decentralised control for robust long‐range aerial networking using directional antennas
Authors: Yan Jing , Wan Yan , Fu Shengli , Xie Junfei , Li Songwei , Lu Kejie
Published: March 2017

Aerial networking using directional antennas (ANDA) is referred as a promising solution for the networking of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and for the fast provision of on‐demand communication infrastructure to the ground. The cyber constraints on communication channel characteristics and physical constraints on the payload, power, and mobility of UAVs make it challenging to achieve a robust ANDA. In this study, the authors develop a decentralised control algorithm for directional antennas mounted on two moving UAVs to achieve a robust broad‐band long‐distance communication channel. In particular, the self‐alignment of UAV‐mounted directional antennas over a long distance is achieved through fusing the Global Positioning System (GPS) and communication channel characteristic measured by received signal strength indicator, using unscented Kalman filter and fuzzy logic. The solution significantly enhances the performance of wireless communication channel in imperfect environment subject to the unavailability of GPS signals and unstable strength of wireless signals. Finally, simulations are performed to validate the decentralised directional antenna control approach.
Modelling probabilistic transmission expansion planning in the presence of plug‐in electric vehicles uncertainty by multi‐state Markov model
Authors: Naghdizadegan Jahromi Saeed , Askarzadeh Alireza , Abdollahi Amir
Published: March 2017

Increasing penetration of plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) in the power system makes a need to consider the impact of PEVs on the transmission expansion planning (TEP) studies especially for large‐scale PEV parking lots. Modelling of PEVs (as vehicle to grid (V2G)) is highly dependent on the owner's behaviour. In this study, a systematic method based on multi‐state Markov model is utilised to represent the uncertainty of V2G's presence. To investigate the impact of PEVs, a probabilistic TEP in the presence of V2Gs (P_TEPV2G) is proposed. In the proposed TEP model, the objective function consists of the total line and risk costs (RCs). Moreover, the optimal place and capacity of PEV parking lots are considered as the decision variables. It is assumed that there is an electric vehicle fleet operator for the management of electric vehicles. Because P_TEPV2G is a complex and non‐linear optimisation problem, an improved cuckoo search algorithm (ICS) is utilised to effectively solve the problem. On the IEEE 24‐bus system, simulation results show that the availability of the PEVs at the proper bus leads to decreasing RC and deferring construction of new transmission lines.
Combined control and power hardware in‐the‐loop simulation for testing smart grid control algorithms
Authors: Maniatopoulos Marios , Lagos Dimitris , Kotsampopoulos Panos , Hatziargyriou Nikos
Published: March 2017

Distribution networks are becoming increasingly ‘smarter’, as well as more complex, with the addition of power electronic devices, information and communication technologies, smart meters, and more. As a result, advanced control strategies to manage such networks are becoming necessary. These strategies need to be thoroughly tested and validated, before they can be implemented in a real network. For this reason, a smart grid control algorithm testing chain is proposed, that aims to gradually test control algorithms, in all their development stages, using increasingly advanced laboratory setups. In addition, the interfacing options and challenges of each stage of the chain are highlighted. The proposed testing chain is substantiated in an optimal centralised coordinated voltage control (CVC) algorithm and the final stage of the chain, namely the combination of control and power hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation, is presented in this study. As a specific example, the management technique for a storage system is implemented as part of the CVC algorithm. The laboratory results demonstrate that the proposed setup, despite its high complexity, enables the algorithm to be effectively and realistically tested as part of the overall system.
Testing and validation of wide‐area control of STATCOM using real‐time digital simulator with hybrid HIL–SIL configuration
Authors: Musleh Ahmed S. , Muyeen S.M. , Al‐Durra Ahmed , Kamwa Innocent
Published: March 2017

This study presents a novel interfacing setup for testing and validating wide‐area monitoring and control (WAMC) techniques used in smart grids. The main purpose of this study is to provide a realistic approach for conducting WAMC studies. In here, a wide‐area controller (WAC) for a flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) device is implemented. The measurements for the WAC are collected using phasor measurements units (PMUs). Three main segments are being interfaced in this study. First, the real‐power grid, the local area controller of the actual FACTS device, and the PMUs are simulated using real‐time digital simulator. This simulation represents the central simulation and is interfaced with the WAC, which is realised using a MATLAB‐based program. This interface represents a novel software‐in‐the‐loop (SIL) scheme. On the other hand, an actual FACTS device is designed and interfaced to the central simulation via hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) scheme. This SIL and HIL combination makes the experimental testbed more realistic and closer to the industrial standard. Various tests are conducted to examine the performance of the developed testbed.
Interfacing solutions for power hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulations of distribution feeders for testing monitoring and control applications
Authors: Blaauwbroek Niels , Nguyen Phuong , Slootweg Han , Nordström Lars
Published: March 2017

The need for advanced monitoring and control applications (MCAs) in future distribution networks calls for highly accurate and fully integrated simulation solutions for the purpose of performance assessment of these MCAs. Offline simulation using models of the power system, measurement equipment, local controllers and the information and communication infrastructure do not always resemble reality accurate enough. Therefore, power hardware‐in‐the‐loop (PHIL) simulations are considered a cost‐effective approach to overcome these challenges. This study presents the design of a PHIL‐interface that allows to integrate a physical low‐voltage feeder within a larger real‐time simulated distribution network. Using the combination of the physical network and the larger simulated network, MCAs can be tested for scalability as well as accuracy. A data acquisition and processing system is presented that acquires all the true system states of both the physical feeder and the real‐time simulated network, such that the MCAs can be verified in real‐time. The functioning of the PHIL‐interface is validated using practical results and illustrated using a test case for the performance assessment of a branch current state estimation algorithm.
Co‐optimisation for distribution networks with multi‐microgrids based on a two‐stage optimisation model with dynamic electricity pricing
Authors: Hu Xiaotong , Liu Tianqi
Published: March 2017

Microgrids (MG) with renewable sources and storage devices play an important role in distribution networks (DNs). MG economic load dispatch normally does not support DN, especially when they belong to different companies and share different interests. To achieve optimal operation of DN with multi‐MGs, a two‐stage optimisation model is established based on the dynamic electricity pricing strategy. The dynamic electricity pricing strategy gives incentive for MG to participate in the operation of DN, and it is determined by the matching degree between exchange power expected by DN and the real exchange power. Moreover, the life time characteristic of a storage device system is taken into consideration in the second stage via the rain‐flow‐counting method. The multi‐objective particle swarm optimisation is applied to solve the two‐stage optimisation problem. Besides, initial particles generated based on Latin hypercube sampling, global best position obtained based on adaptive selection, and non‐uniform mutation operator are applied to improve search efficiency as well as maintain the population diversity of the algorithm. Simulation results show that the power sharing between MGs’ and DNs’ can smooth the load curve of DN as well as reduce the total operation cost of MGs.
Dynamic synchrophasor estimation by Taylor–Prony method in harmonic and non‐harmonic conditions
Authors: Khodaparast Jalal , Khederzadeh Mojtaba
Published: March 2017

Dynamic phasor is suitable for analysis of non‐stationary signals (such as power swings) in phasor measurement unit. In this study, dynamic phasor of the generated signals during power swing is analysed by a classical signal processing technique known as Prony. The Prony analysis is a useful technique to model a linear sum of damped complex exponential signals. In this study, a combination of the least square‐based Prony analysis and Taylor expansion called as Taylor–Prony is proposed to estimate the dynamic phasor. Zeroth‐order Taylor–Prony, i.e. static phasor is compared with the second‐order Taylor–Prony, i.e. dynamic phasor for illustrating the dynamic phasor capability. Sinusoidal and step changes of amplitude and phase, harmonic condition, frequency tracking tests, noise infiltration and computation time are different tests which are used to validate the proposed method. First, the method is explained theoretically, and then its potential is demonstrated by simulating various numerical signals in MATLAB and measured signals during power swing from three‐machine power system simulated in PSCAD. Simulation results show that the proposed method can estimate the dynamic phasor during power swing accurately. Ultimately, the proposed method is compared with six methods which have already presented to verify the capability of the proposed method.
Structural, optical, and electrical properties of ZnO nanofilms deposited over PS substrate
Authors: Shabannia Reza , Selman Abbas Mohammed
Published: March 2017

The research successfully revealed the fabrication of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofilms with hexagonal (002) structure grown on porous silicon (PS) substrate using chemical bath deposition method. Their structural, optical, and electric characteristics were investigated through X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and photoluminescence spectroscopy. FESEM showed that ZnO nanofilms were formed on top and inside the pores of PS substrate with hexagonal shape. The strong ultraviolet emission of ZnO nanofilms is also presented at ∼383 nm near the band edge energy levels which can be applied in semiconductor device both photoelectron devices and chemical sensors. In addition, current–voltage (I–V) characteristics revealed that the current level for ZnO nanofilms was about three times larger than for PS layer.
Fibrin Glue–Minocycline Combination as a Sustained Release for the Prevention of Postoperative Alveolar Air Leak in Thoracoscopic Lung Resections
Authors: Kawai Hideki
Published: March 2017

Although the ultrasonic scalpel is known to avoid inadvertent thermal injury to pulmonary parenchyma owing to its lower tip temperature, there are reports suggesting late onset postoperative alveolar air leakage by using it. Herein, a novel method of preventing postoperative air leakage was developed by using a sustained release system of fibrin glue–minocycline combination. This method ensures that the effect of fibrin glue is followed by the effect of minocycline, which functions as a sustained release formulation. This study demonstrates a simple and effective method of preventing postoperative air leakage, without any increase in the rate of adverse events.
Intracranial Hemangiopericytomas: Recurrence, Metastasis, and Radiotherapy
Authors: Patel Ankur , Flores Bruno , Ban Vin , Hatanpaa Kimmo , Mickey Bruce , Barnett Samuel
Published: March 2017

Background Intracranial hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are characterized by high recurrence rates and extracranial metastases. Radiotherapy provides an adjunct to surgery, but the timing of therapy and the patients most likely to benefit remain unclear.

Methods A retrospective review of 20 patients with HPC treated at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center between 1985 and 2014 was conducted. Recurrence and metastasis rates along with overall survival (OS) were characterized based on therapeutic approach and tumor pathology using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses.

Results The mean age was 45.6 years (range: 19–77). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 13 patients, whereas 5 patients underwent subtotal resection. Median follow-up was 91.5 months (range: 8–357). The 5-, 10-, and 15-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 61, 41, and 20%, respectively. Six patients developed metastases at an average of 113 months (range: 42–231). OS at last follow-up was 80%. Importantly, immediate postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (IRT) did not influence RFS compared with surgery alone or OS compared with delayed radiotherapy at the time of recurrence.

Conclusion HPCs have high recurrence rates necessitating close follow-up. Surgery remains an important first step, but the timing of radiotherapy for optimal control and OS remains uncertain.
Parameters of electrical signals and photosynthetic responses induced by them in pea seedlings depend on the nature of stimulus
Authors: Vodeneev Vladimir , Mudrilov Maxim , Akinchits Elena , Balalaeva Irina , Sukhov Vladimir
Published: March 2017

Local damage induces generation and propagation of variation potentials (VPs) that affect physiological processes in plants. The aims of the work presented here were to investigate parameters of VP induced by burning, heating and mechanical injury in pea seedlings, and to undertake a theoretical analysis of the mechanisms underlying the differences in VP parameters and a study of the photosynthetic responses caused by VPs induced by the damaging factors. The velocity of propagation of burn-induced VP decreased with distance from the damaged area whereas the velocities of heating- and injury-induced VPs were constant. The amplitudes of burn- and heating-induced VPs did not depend on distance whereas the amplitude of VP induced by mechanical injury decreased. VP propagation has been simulated on the basis of wound substance spread. The simulation revealed two possible ways of wound substance propagation: turbulent diffusion from the damaged area and secondary active production in intact cells. The photosynthetic response (decrease in the quantum yield of PSII and raising the level of non-photochemical fluorescence quenching (NPQ)) developed in case of VP entering the intact leaf under heating and burn but was not registered after mechanical injury. An increase in NPQ level was biphasic under burn in comparison with a single-phase one under heating, and the NPQ amplitude was slightly higher under burn. We suggest that differences in photosynthetic responses may be determined by the parameters of VPs induced by stimuli of different nature.
Assessment of animal welfare for helicopter shooting of feral horses
Authors: Hampton Jordan O. , Edwards Glenn P. , Cowled Brendan D. , Forsyth David M. , Hyndman Timothy H. , Perry Andrew L. , Miller Corissa J. , Adams Peter J. , Collins Teresa
Published: March 2017

Context
Helicopter shooting is an effective tool for reducing feral horse (Equus caballus) populations that are considered overabundant. However, this tool has been less commonly used in recent years because of concerns about animal-welfare outcomes, which have not previously been quantified.

Aims
The aims of the present study were to assess the helicopter shooting of feral horses to determine (1) the duration of stress, (2) the frequency of adverse animal-welfare events and (3) the influence of explanatory variables in determining welfare outcomes.

Methods
We quantified the welfare outcomes of three helicopter shooting programs in central Australia during 2013 and 2015. We conducted ante-mortem observations of 937 horses and post-mortem observations of 630 horses. We measured the following three parameters to estimate the duration of stress from pursuit and the mode of death: chase time (CT), time to death (TTD) and total time (TT; CT+TTD). We quantified the frequency of adverse animal-welfare events, namely instantaneous death rate (IDR; percentage of animals for which TTD was zero), the apparent frequency of non-fatal wounding, and the frequency of bullet-wound tracts in different anatomical locations. We investigated the role of explanatory variables in determining whether or not a horse had an inferred instantaneous death.

Key results
For all horses, the median CT was 42s, the median TTD was 0s (median TTD for horses not killed instantaneously was 15s), and median TT was 52s. At least 1% of horses were non-fatally wounded, IDR was 63% (60–66%), and 3% (2–5%) of horses were not shot in the cranium, neck or thorax. Shooter skill was the most important determinant of whether or not a horse had an instantaneous death.

Conclusions
The animal-welfare outcomes of helicopter shooting appear to be similar for feral horses and feral camels (Camelus dromedarius), the only other species that has been studied using these methods, and could be refined by improving shooter skill.

Implications
Quantifying animal-welfare outcomes is particularly important for contentious wildlife management techniques. Wildlife managers should integrate the results of welfare studies into decision-making processes rather than excluding contentious techniques from consideration on the basis of perception.