bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent events offer no clarity on accessibility standards for free public service websites
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: January 2017

Web accessibility standards for free public service websites operated by postsecondary schools continue to be uncertain. In my column in the August 2016 issue, I wrote that the potential development of “caption or censor” rules for web servers on which faculty and students post video and audio content as a public service were proceeding in both Department of Justice rulemaking proceedings and in lawsuits brought by the National Association of the Deaf against Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Events since publication have, if anything, created even more uncertainty on both the rulemaking and lawsuit fronts.
Modeling Analysis of Electric Vehicle Penetration Scenario using Dynamic Optimal Power Generation Mix Model with High Temporal Resolution
Authors: KOMIYAMA RYOICHI , FUJII YASUMASA
Published: January 2017

After the Fukushima nuclear accident, Japanese power generation planning needs to be reassessed to reflect technical developments on both the power supply and demand sides. The Fukushima nuclear accident has complicated the position of nuclear energy in Japan's long‐term power generation mix due to public acceptance and other associated issues such as nuclear waste management. There is a need for more studies concerning the peak grid integration of variable renewables such as PV and wind power, which are expected to potentially replace nuclear energy. On the power demand side, the anticipated future introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug‐in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) will have an impact on grid management in the electric power system. In this context, it is important to develop a computational tool to comprehensively analyze the optimal power generation mix and organize it in a consistent way. This paper develops a dynamic high time‐resolution optimal power generation mix model as large‐scale linear programming model with 18 million constraints and 8 million endogenous variables. It then analyzes the optimal deployment of variable renewables (VR) and EVs with the future possible nuclear scenario and CO2 regulation policy in Japan taken into consideration. In the calculated optimal solutions, EVs play an important role in integrating variable renewables and treating the imbalance in VR surplus output.
Prediction Model on Room Temperature Side Effect due to FastADR Aggregation for a Cluster of Building Air‐Conditioning Facilities
Authors: NARAMURA TAKU , MORIKAWA JUNJI , NINAGAWA CHUZO
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we have constructed an auto regressive and neural network combined type prediction model for responsive change in the room temperature trend due to the fast automated demand response (FastADR) power limitation of office building air‐conditioning facilities. We defined the average of differences between room temperature and set point of each indoor unit for the entire building as a FastADR side effect index for the building. Prediction experiments using an actual office building showed that the root mean square prediction error of our model was 0.23 °C for 5 min after the FastADR. This prediction ability is considered sufficient to estimate the side effect of FastADR power limitation.
Equivalent Circuit of Distribution Line for Lightning‐Induced Voltage Analysis Using Analytical Formulas
Authors: SEKIOKA SHOZO
Published: January 2017

This paper proposes an equivalent circuit at a transition point of distribution line for lightning‐induced voltage analysis. The lightning‐induced voltages caused by a piecewise linearly varying lightning current are expressed by analytical formulas. The equivalent circuit is represented by resistors and current sources, which are known from past history and given by the lightning‐induced voltage on an infinite‐length line. Transient voltages and currents at the transition point are accurately obtained in small computation time using the equivalent circuit. Thus, the proposed equivalent circuit is very convenient for analyzing the lightning‐induced effect in complicated electric power networks. This paper presents an example of EMTP data cards to use the proposed equivalent circuit in the EMTP.
Selective Displacement of a Scorpionand Triazole Ligand from Metallocyclam Complexes Visualised with NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Wong Joseph K.‐H. , Proschogo Nicholas , Todd Matthew H. , Rutledge Peter J.
Published: January 2017

Target‐activated metal complexes (TAMCs) – complexes that remain benign until reaching a specific biomolecular target, binding to which then effects structural change that turns on cytotoxicity or other activity – hold considerable allure. The successful development of TAMCs requires analytical methods that allow clear and unequivocal visualisation of changes in the coordination geometry of these systems in solution. Towards this goal, we report an NMR‐based method to monitor coordination/de‐coordination of a pendant triazole ligand to/from metallocyclam complexes of zinc(II) and mercury(II). This scorpionand ligand can be displaced from the metal, which remains bound to the macrocyclic ligand, using an appropriate competing ligand: chloride for the mercury(II) complexes, piperidine or citrate for zinc(II). Triazole displacement may be visualised by monitoring the 1H NMR resonance of the single triazole C–H proton environment. Using 2H NMR spectroscopy with a specifically deuterated complex enables the same change to be monitored in a noisy 1H landscape, as would be encountered at a protein binding site or other biological context. MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry experiments provide confirmation that the changes observed by NMR spectroscopy are due to changes in triazole coordination, rather than the stripping of the metal ion from the complex.
First‐Principles Calculations and Optical Absorption Spectrum of a Light‐Colored Aluminum‐Substituted ε‐Iron Oxide Magnet
Authors: Nasu Tomomichi , Yoshikiyo Marie , Tokoro Hiroko , Namai Asuka , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi
Published: January 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Shin‐ichi Ohkoshi at The University of Tokyo, Japan. The cover image shows the crystal structure, density of states, UV/Vis spectrum, and a picture of Al‐substituted ε‐iron oxide.
Extraction and preconcentration of triazine pesticides using rapid, simple, and disperser solventless microextraction technique followed by gas chromatography–nitrogen phosphorous detection
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Feriduni Behruz , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2017

In this study, a simple, rapid, and efficient microextraction method followed by gas chromatography–nitrogen‐phosphorous detection has been applied for the extraction, preconcentration and determination of some triazine pesticides in edible oil samples. In this method, initially the oil sample is dissolved in hexane and then a few microliter of a less soluble organic solvent in hexane (extraction solvent) is added. The mixture is rapidly aspirated into a glass syringe and then is injected into a conical centrifuge tube for predetermined cycles to form a cloudy solution. Some experimental parameters that influence the extraction efficiency, such as type and volume of the extraction solvent, extraction numbers, and centrifuging rate and time are examined and optimized. Under optimum extraction conditions, the method showed low limits of detection and quantification between 0.02 to 0.09 and 0.07 to 0.30 μg/L, respectively. Extraction recoveries were in the range of 74–96%.

Practical applications:This paper describes an analytical method that can be used by oil manufacturers for quality control purposes. A disperser solventless microextraction method and GC‐NPD were used to monitor triazine pesticides in different edible oils and propazine was found in corn oil.

Triazine pesticides often contaminate the seeds and hence will be transferred into the oils during the extraction process. For trace determination of triazines in edible oil, 1 mL edible oil was diluted with 4 mL n‐hexane in conical tube and 40 µL DMSO was added. The mixture was rapidly aspirated into a 10‐mL glass syringe and then injected into the tube (4 times) to form a cloudy solution. The method showed low limits of detection and quantification between 0.02 to 0.09 and 0.07 to 0.30 µg/L, respectively. Extraction recoveries were in the range of 74–96%.
Stabilization of conjugated linoleic acid via complexation with arabinogalactan and β‐glucan
Authors: Veverka Miroslav , Dubaj Tibor , Jorík Vladimír , Veverková Eva , Šimon Peter
Published: January 2017

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was stabilized via its complexation with arabinogalactan or beta‐glucan by freeze‐drying. The complexes were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The results have shown that only a fraction of CLA is present in the form of inclusion complex while the rest is adsorbed on the surface of the polysaccharide matrix. Even though the materials prepared contain relatively high amount of uncomplexed CLA, the complexation yields products with significantly increased stability toward thermal and oxidative stress compared to pristine CLA.

Practical applications: The results demonstrate that it is possible to integrate dietary fibre and dietary fat into a single solid functional food material with increased shelf life. Moreover, the combination of CLA with polysaccharide matrix allows preparation of stable O/W emulsions of CLA.

Interaction between polysaccharides (beta‐glucan and arabinogalactan) and CLA allows preparation of materials with high CLA loading of up to 30% while maintaining improved oxidative stability compared to free CLA or physical mixture.
Glycosyl Fluorides as Intermediates in BF3·OEt2‐Promoted Glycosylation with Trichloroacetimidates
Authors: Nielsen Michael M. , Stougaard Bolette A. , Bols Mikael , Glibstrup Emil , Pedersen Christian M.
Published: January 2017

Glycosyl fluorides have been found to be important intermediates in glycosylations with trichloroacetimidate donors and BF3·OEt2 activation (0.2–1 equiv.). Low‐temperature NMR spectroscopy experiments revealed that the α‐trichloroacetimidate was transformed into the glycosyl fluoride with inversion of stereochemistry, whereas the β anomer was not. A concerted mechanism was suggested for the stereospecific formation of glycosyl fluorides, which is not accounted for in the classic mechanism.
Thio‐ and Seleno‐Dioxaphosphorinane‐Constrained Dinucleotides (D‐CNA): Synthesis and Conformational Study
Authors: Gerland Béatrice , Addamiano Claudia , Renard Brice‐Loïc , Payrastre Corinne , Gopaul Deshmukh , Escudier Jean‐Marc
Published: January 2017

Thio‐ and seleno‐α,β‐ and α,β,γ‐D‐CNA (constrained nucleic acid) dinucleotides in which two or three torsion angles of the sugar/phosphate backbone are controlled within a dioxaphosphorinane structure have been prepared. Their structural determination was carried out by means of NMR spectroscopy to show only slight variation on the torsion‐angle control in comparison with their oxo analogues. Unexpected selenium migration has been pointed out from selenophosphotriester moiety to phosphoramidite group, but this drawback can be overcome using H‐phosphonate chemistry.
Sequential Silver‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cyclization Reactions of Unprotected 2‐Alkynylanilines to Anthranils
Authors: Arcadi Antonio , Chiarini Marco , Del Vecchio Luana , Marinelli Fabio , Michelet Véronique
Published: January 2017

The full details of the original Ag‐catalyzed domino oxidative cyclization reactions of unprotected 2‐alkynylanilines with Oxone are described. The influences of several parameters including the substrate features, oxidant, reaction conditions, and catalyst on the reaction outcome were explored. A plausible mechanism is provided for the unusual silver‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization reactions of 2‐alkynylanilines to anthranils.
Air Regulation in 2017: The Trump Administration Begins
Authors: McGuffey Mack , Trimble Melissa
Published: January 2017

In the world of air regulations, the year 2016 will be remembered not for any major action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in developing, revising, or defending its rules, but for the result of the November 8 presidential election that took most of the United States, if not the world, by surprise. Donald Trump's election and the transition to a Republican administration will undoubtedly be the primary influence (and major question mark) in the air quality regulation landscape in 2017. As Trump prepares to take office, speculation is rampant about whether the promises he made on the campaign trail will translate into action. Chief among those promises was a vow to eliminate or roll back efforts aimed at regulating climate change, including the repeal of the EPA's Clean Power Plan (CPP) and withdrawal from the Paris climate change accord.
8‐Hydroxy Quinoline Derivatives as Auxiliary Ligands for Red‐Emitting Cyclic‐Platinum Phosphorescent Complexes: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Li Zhimei , Yu Liming , Yuan Junshuo , Ye Yiteng , He Yanbo , Huang Bin , Gao Xicun
Published: January 2017

Heavy metal complexes exhibit high phosphorescent efficiency and have been used extensively for electrophosphorescent emitters in the past 16 years. In 2006, we initially reported the use of the popular ligand, 8‐hydroxyquinoline (Q) to coordinate with the heavy metal ions and obtained the red‐infrared phosphorescent emission. In this paper, 8‐hydroxyquinoline has been modified at the 5‐position by electron‐donating and attracting groups and platinum complexes based on 2‐phenylpyridine and 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives were synthesized. The electron‐withdrawing group CF3 and NO2 lowers the HOMO level of the Q ligand and results in a N^O centered enhanced red‐infrared phosphorescence emission. The complex with CF3 modification exhibits the highest phosphorescence quantum yield in solid state with a life time of 1.17 μs.
Obesity‐related genetic polymorphisms and adiposity indices in a young Italian population
Authors: Bordoni Laura , Marchegiani Francesca , Piangerelli Marco , Napolioni Valerio , Gabbianelli Rosita
Published: January 2017

Pediatric obesity develops when a complex biological predisposition collides with an obesogenic environment. To further elucidate the role of genetics in obesity onset, we performed a candidate‐gene association study in a young and sportive Italian population by testing the association of functional polymorphisms in ACE (rs4646994), FTO (rs9939609), MC4R (rs17782313) and PPARG (rs1801282) genes with body mass index (BMI) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). We also tested the combinations of identified risk genotypes and epistatic interactions among them to determine the existence of cumulative effects in predicting the predisposition to gain weight. Our results confirm a significant direct influence of MC4R rs17782313 and PPARG rs1801282 on body composition, that is, minor allele homozygotes showed significantly higher BMI (rs17782313, β = 1.258, P = 0.031; rs1801282, β = 6.689, P = 1.2 × 10−4) and WHtR (rs17782313, β = 0.021, P = 0.005; rs1801282, β = 0.069, P = 0.003) values. Moreover, by leveraging multifactor dimensionality reduction and general linear model (GLM) approaches we identified an epistatic interaction between ACE and MC4R, where heterozygosity at ACE rs4646994 seems to protect from the unfavorable predisposition to gain weight given by C/C genotype at MC4R rs17782313 (GLM, P = 0.004). In conclusion, to clarify the role of genetics in multifactorial diseases remains a difficult goal, even for the most investigated polymorphisms and in controlled populations. Further studies on epistasis and gene–gene interaction will help to elucidate this complex scenario. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(2):98–105, 2017
The cross‐regulation between SOX15 and Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Moradi Ali , Ghasemi Faezeh , Anvari Kazem , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Simab Saeideh Ahmadi , Ebrahimi Safieh , Hesari Amirreza , Forghanifard Mohammad Mahdi , Boroushaki Mohammad Taher , ShahidSales Soodabeh , Avan Amir
Published: January 2017

WNT/B‐CATENIN signaling pathway is one of the key dysregulated pathways in different tumor types, which regulate the expression of several genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. This pathway is being modulated by sex‐determining region Y‐box (SOX) family genes. The functions of these genes are suggested as tumor suppressor or oncogene. SOX genes transcribe a group of transcription factors that play important roles in embryonic development and carcinogenesis. Among them, SOX15 is recently been identified as a novel tumor suppressor in pancreatic and esophagus cancers with a potential role in modulating Wnt/b‐catenin signaling. This report summarizes the current knowledge about Wnt/b‐catenin signaling pathway and its cross talk with SOX15 with particular emphasis on the value of SOX gene expression as prognostic or predictive biomarker in cancer.
Evaluation the ethno‐pharmacological studies in Iran during 2004–2016: A systematic review
Authors: Sadeghi Zahra , Akaberi Maryam , Sobhkhizi Alireza , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Emami Seyed Ahmad
Published: January 2017

Although Iran has a deep history in herbal medicine and great heritage of ancient medical scholars, few efforts have been made to evaluate ethnopharmacological aspects of medicinal plants in this country. In the present study, the authors have reviewed all important literature about the ethnopharmacological investigations on medicinal plants used in the last decade in Iran. All provinces of Iran were categorized according to a phytogeographical division. Information was collected through bibliographic investigations from scientific journals and books. Afterward, the data were analyzed through the construction of specific ecological regions of the country. Fifty‐five references reporting medicinal plants in five ecological zones were retrieved. The Irano‐Turanian subregion has produced the greatest number of publications in this field among others (47%). Results illustrate that the most reported botanical families were Lamiaceae and Asteraceae (28.57% and 27.73%, respectively). Among various illnesses reported for these plants, gastrointestinal (30.15%), respiratory problems (14.28%), diabetes (11.11%), and cold/flu (11.11%) were the most cited. The most frequently cited medicinal uses were attributed to decoction and infusion preparations. Iran has a rich history of knowledge about phytotherapy and has also a diverse geographical regions, and a plant flora that is a good candidate for drug discovery. Documentation of indigenous knowledge about herbal medicine used by Iranian tribes is vital for the future development of herbal drugs. Ethnopharmacological studies of Iranian folk medicine with quantitative analytical techniques are warranted to find drug candidates, and also to preserve the precious knowledge of the Iranian folk medicine.
DCE‐MRI of the prostate using shutter‐speed vs. Tofts model for tumor characterization and assessment of aggressiveness
Authors: Hectors Stefanie J. , Besa Cecilia , Wagner Mathilde , Jajamovich Guido H. , Haines George K. , Lewis Sara , Tewari Ashutosh , Rastinehad Ardeshir , Huang Wei , Taouli Bachir
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To quantify Tofts model (TM) and shutter‐speed model (SSM) perfusion parameters in prostate cancer (PCa) and noncancerous peripheral zone (PZ) and to compare the diagnostic performance of dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) to Prostate Imaging and Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) classification for the assessment of PCa aggressiveness.

Materials and Methods

Fifty PCa patients (mean age 60 years old) who underwent MRI at 3.0T followed by prostatectomy were included in this Institutional Review Board‐approved retrospective study. DCE‐MRI parameters (Ktrans, ve, kep [TM&SSM] and intracellular water molecule lifetime τi [SSM]) were determined in PCa and PZ. Differences in DCE‐MRI parameters between PCa and PZ, and between models were assessed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for differentiation between PCa and PZ was performed for individual and combined DCE‐MRI parameters. Diagnostic performance of DCE‐MRI parameters for identification of aggressive PCa (Gleason ≥8, grade group [GG] ≥3 or pathology stage pT3) was assessed using ROC analysis and compared with PI‐RADSv2 scores.

Results

DCE‐MRI parameters were significantly different between TM and SSM and between PZ and PCa (P < 0.037). Diagnostic performances of TM and SSM for differentiation of PCa from PZ were similar (highest AUC TM: Ktrans+kep 0.76, SSM: τi+kep 0.80). PI‐RADS outperformed TM and SSM DCE‐MRI for identification of Gleason ≥8 lesions (AUC PI‐RADS: 0.91, highest AUC DCE‐MRI: Ktrans+τi SSM 0.61, P = 0.002). The diagnostic performance of PI‐RADS and DCE‐MRI for identification of GG ≥3 and pT3 PCa was not significantly different (P > 0.213).

Conclusion

SSM DCE‐MRI did not increase the diagnostic performance of DCE‐MRI for PCa characterization. PI‐RADS outperformed both TM and SSM DCE‐MRI for identification of aggressive cancer.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:837–849
Incorporation of CT‐based measurements of trunk anatomy into subject‐specific musculoskeletal models of the spine influences vertebral loading predictions
Authors: Bruno Alexander G. , Mokhtarzadeh Hossein , Allaire Brett T. , Velie Kelsey R. , De Paolis Kaluza M. Clara. , Anderson Dennis E. , Bouxsein Mary L.
Published: January 2017

We created subject‐specific musculoskeletal models of the thoracolumbar spine by incorporating spine curvature and muscle morphology measurements from computed tomography (CT) scans to determine the degree to which vertebral compressive and shear loading estimates are sensitive to variations in trunk anatomy. We measured spine curvature and trunk muscle morphology using spine CT scans of 125 men, and then created four different thoracolumbar spine models for each person: (i) height and weight adjusted (Ht/Wt models); (ii) height, weight, and spine curvature adjusted (+C models); (iii) height, weight, and muscle morphology adjusted (+M models); and (iv) height, weight, spine curvature, and muscle morphology adjusted (+CM models). We determined vertebral compressive and shear loading at three regions of the spine (T8, T12, and L3) for four different activities. Vertebral compressive loads predicted by the subject‐specific CT‐based musculoskeletal models were between 54% lower to 45% higher from those estimated using musculoskeletal models adjusted only for subject height and weight. The impact of subject‐specific information on vertebral loading estimates varied with the activity and spinal region. Vertebral loading estimates were more sensitive to incorporation of subject‐specific spinal curvature than subject‐specific muscle morphology. Our results indicate that individual variations in spine curvature and trunk muscle morphology can have a major impact on estimated vertebral compressive and shear loads, and thus should be accounted for when estimating subject‐specific vertebral loading. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2164–2173, 2017.
Directed balloon cytology of the esophagus: A novel device for obtaining circumferential cytologic sampling
Authors: Patel Amit A. , Strome Marshall , Blitzer Andrew
Published: January 2017

Objective

Current methods of obtaining esophageal cytology include brush biopsy and blind balloon sampling, among others. These methods can be time‐consuming if performed in accordance with acknowledged standards. Further, exact site localization can prove to be difficult. We describe a novel device for esophageal sampling using an esophageal balloon with debriding strips contained within the pleats of the balloon. Inflation brings the latter in contact with the surface to be sampled. Cell capture was compared with the commonly used brush technique in a pig model.

Methods

Separate balloon and standard brush cytology samples were collected from a pig model. Smear and cell pellet preparations were compared regarding cell density and total volume.

Results

Adequate samples were obtained with both the brush and balloon. On the cell smear preparations, the cell density was greater when obtained with balloon sampling. Further, the cell pellet volume was significantly greater with the latter as well. The intact morphology of individual rafts of squamous epithelial cells also was comparable between the two methods. In addition, the balloon provided precise mapping of the cytology sites in contrast to the standard brush technique.

Conclusion

We present an innovative new balloon technology for esophageal sampling, which demonstrated a decreased sampling time interval, precise mapping, and increased cellular volume when compared to a commonly used brush technique.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1032–1035, 2017
Changes in thyroid cancer incidence, post‐2009 American Thyroid Association guidelines
Authors: Shi Lucy L. , DeSantis Carol , Jemal Ahmedin , Chen Amy Y.
Published: January 2017

Background

The thyroid cancer incidence rate has tripled in the United States since the 1980s, especially among women and small‐sized tumors. This trend has been attributed to increased detection due to the availability of ultrasound and fine‐needle aspiration technology. In 2009, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) released revisions to their guidelines for well‐differentiated thyroid cancers.

Objective

To examine trends in thyroid cancer incidence rates by tumor size and gender following the 2009 ATA guideline revisions.

Methods

Cases of differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosed from 2000 to 2012 were analyzed from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program, 18 registries. Trends in incidence rates based on gender (males, females) and tumor size (< 1.0 cm, 1.0–2.9 cm, 3.0–3.9 cm, ≥ 4.0 cm) were analyzed using Joinpoint Regression and reported as the annual percentage change (APC).

Results

From 2000 to 2009, overall thyroid cancer incidence rates increased rapidly by about 8% per year in both sexes. Incidence rates increased across all tumor sizes, but especially in tumors 1.0 to 2.9 cm (men, APC = 7.7; women, APC = 7.8) and < 1.0 cm (men, APC = 7.8; women = 10.9) for both genders. Since 2009, the trend slowed in men (APC = 3.0) and women (APC = 2.8). The deceleration among females was confined to tumors less than 2.9 cm. Trends for all size groups in males remained constant from 2000 to 2012.

Conclusion

The rapid increase in thyroid cancer incidence rates over the past three decades has recently slowed, especially among small‐sized cancers and women, which coincides with the 2009 ATA guideline revisions.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 127:2437–2441, 2017
The epileptic and nonepileptic spectrum of paroxysmal dyskinesias: Channelopathies, synaptopathies, and transportopathies
Authors: Erro Roberto , Bhatia Kailash P. , Espay Alberto J. , Striano Pasquale
Published: January 2017

Historically, the syndrome of primary paroxysmal dyskinesias was considered a group of disorders as a result of ion channel dysfunction. This proposition was primarily based on the discovery of mutations in ion channels, which caused other episodic neurological disorders such as epilepsy and migraine and also supported by the frequent association between paroxysmal dyskinesias and epilepsy. However, the discovery of the genes responsible for the 3 classic forms of paroxysmal dyskinesias disproved this ion channel theory. On the other hand, novel gene mutations implicating ion channels have been recently reported to produce episodic movement disorders clinically similar to the classic paroxysmal dyskinesias. Here, we review the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of the paroxysmal dyskinesias, further proposing a pathophysiological framework according to which they can be classified as synaptopathies (proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 and myofibrillogenesis regulator gene), channelopathies (calcium‐activated potassium channel subunit alpha‐1 and voltage‐gated sodium channel type 8), or transportopathies (solute carrier family 2 member 1). This proposal might serve to explain similarities and differences among the various paroxysmal dyskinesias in terms of clinical features, treatment response, and natural history. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Inverse estimation of terminal connections in the cardiac conduction system
Authors: Barber Fernando , Lozano Miguel , García‐Fernández Ignacio , Sebastián Rafael
Published: January 2017

Modeling the cardiac conduction system is a challenging problem in the context of computational cardiac electrophysiology. Its ventricular section, the Purkinje system, is responsible for triggering tissue electrical activation at discrete terminal locations, which subsequently spreads throughout the ventricles. In this paper, we present an algorithm that is capable of estimating the location of the Purkinje system triggering points from a set of random measurements on tissue. We present the properties and the performance of the algorithm under controlled synthetic scenarios. Results show that the method is capable of locating most of the triggering points in scenarios with a fair ratio between terminals and measurements. When the ratio is low, the method can locate the terminals with major impact in the overall activation map. Mean absolute errors obtained indicate that solutions provided by the algorithm are useful to accurately simulate a complete patient ventricular activation map. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conformal group approach to the Dirac–Kähler system on the lattice
Authors: Rodrigues Faustino Nelson José
Published: January 2017

Starting from the representation of the (n − 1) + n − dimensional Lorentz pseudo‐sphere on the projective space
, we propose a method to derive a class of solutions underlying to a Dirac–Kähler type equation on the lattice. We make use of the Cayley transform
to show that the resulting group representation arises from the same mathematical framework as the conformal group representation in terms of the general linear group
. That allows us to describe such class of solutions as a commutative n − ary product, involving the quasi‐monomials
) with membership in the paravector space
. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonexistence results for the Cauchy problem of time fractional nonlinear systems of thermo‐elasticity
Authors: Ahmad B. , Alsaedi A. , Kirane M.
Published: January 2017

We study the nonexistence of global solutions to the Cauchy problem for systems of time fractional parabolic‐hyperbolic and time fractional hyperbolic thermo‐elasticity equations in
. For certain nonlinearities, we present ‘threshold’ exponents depending on the space dimension d. Our proof rests on the test function method. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An interface thick level set model for simulating delamination in composites
Authors: Latifi M. , van der Meer F. P. , Sluys L. J.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a discontinuous thick level set model for modeling delamination initiation and propagation in composites. Interface elements are widely applied in delamination models to define a discontinuity between layers of a laminate. In this paper, the common damage definition in the constitutive relation of interface elements is replaced with a new definition developed using the thick level set approach. Following this approach, a band of damage with predefined length is considered where the damage is defined as a function of distance to the damage front. The specifications of suitable damage functions for the developed method are investigated, and an efficient damage function is introduced. A sensitivity analysis of numerical input parameters is performed, which proves that the model is not sensitive to the length of the damage band. Because the required element size is linked to the length of the damage band, the insensitivity to this length provides freedom to use coarser meshes. Furthermore, the model provides a direct link between fracture mechanics and damage mechanics, which enables further development of the model for fatigue analysis. Validation of this model is presented by conducting three‐dimensional mode I, mode II, and mixed‐mode simulations and comparing the results with analytical solutions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LATIN: A new view and an extension to wave propagation in nonlinear media
Authors: Givoli Dan , Bharali Ritukesh , Sluys Lambertus J.
Published: January 2017

The LATIN (acronym of LArge Time INcrement) method was originally devised as a non‐incremental procedure for the solution of quasi‐static problems in continuum mechanics with material nonlinearity. In contrast to standard incremental methods like Newton and modified Newton, LATIN is an iterative procedure applied to the entire loading path. In each LATIN iteration, two problems are solved: a local problem, which is nonlinear but algebraic and miniature, and a global problem, which involves the entire loading process but is linear. The convergence of these iterations, which has been shown to occur for a large class of nonlinear problems, provides an approximate solution to the original problem. In this paper, the LATIN method is presented from a different viewpoint, taking advantage of the causality principle. In this new view, LATIN is an incremental method, and the LATIN iterations are performed within each load step, similarly to the way that Newton iterations are performed. The advantages of the new approach are discussed. In addition, LATIN is extended for the solution of time‐dependent wave problems. As a relatively simple model for illustrating the new formulation, lateral wave propagation in a flat membrane made of a nonlinear material is considered. Numerical examples demonstrate the performance of the scheme, in conjunction with finite element discretization in space and the Newmark trapezoidal algorithm in time. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybridized gravitational search algorithm tuned sliding mode controller design for load frequency control system with doubly fed induction generator wind turbine
Authors: Dahiya Preeti , Sharma Veena , Naresh R.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the load frequency regulation problem of 2‐area interconnected power system is resolved using the sliding mode control (SMC) methodology. Interconnected 2‐area power systems with and without doubly fed induction generator wind turbines are considered for implementing the proposed optimal control methodology. Here, a heuristic gravitational search algorithm (GSA) and its variants such as opposition learning–based GSA (OGSA), disruption‐based GSA (DGSA), and disruption based oppositional GSA (DOGSA) are employed to optimize the switching vector and feedback gains of SMC. In order to overcome the inherent chattering problem in SMC, the control signals are considered in the objective function. The robustness of optimized SMC is analyzed by the inclusion of nonlinearities such as generation rate constraint (GRC), governor deadband, and time delay during the signal processing between the control areas, which are present in the real‐time power system. The insensitiveness of the optimal controller is shown by variation in system parameters like loading condition, speed governor constant, turbine constant, and tie‐line power coefficient. Further, the optimal SMC has been studied with significant load variations and wind power penetration levels in the control areas. The potential of proposed SMC design with chattering reduction feature is shown and validated by comparing the results obtained with the other reported methods in the literature.
The Transferability of Terrestrial Water Balance Components under Uncertainty and Nonstationarity: A Case Study of the Coastal Plain Watershed in the Southeastern USA
Authors: Samadi S. Z. , Meadows M. E.
Published: January 2017

Abstracts

The challenges posed by nonstationarity in predicting catchment water balance components motivated this study to test the stationary versus nonstationarity hypothesis and detect changes in the watershed response to land use land cover (LULC) alterations, and climate variability and change. The focus is on a two‐step procedure that includes model calibration of Soil and Water Assessment Tool using a sequential Bayesian uncertainty algorithm (i.e. sequential uncertainty fitting), followed by nonstationary assessment of water balance component using extreme value analysis over an Atlantic coastal plain watershed in the southeastern USA. Analysis suggests that the uncertainty of Soil and Water Assessment Tool model is statistically aligned with LULC alterations that increased the sensitivity of Manning's roughness coefficient, transmission loss and the resistance of the soil matrix to water flow. Changes in LULC along with variability in the magnitude, timing and frequency of precipitation diminished surface runoff and groundwater contribution to the river system whereas it increased evapotranspiration with a substantial decline in water storage capacity. Nonstationary assessment of water balance using extreme value analysis model further revealed a functional form of stationary behaviour (no trends) prior to LULC alteration while large amplification was detected during post‐changes. The results and findings presented in this paper confirm our hypothesis about a combined effect of climate and LULC changes on hydrological functions and that variation of these fingerprints elucidates the presence of nonstationarity in the watershed system. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Layer Dependence and Light Tuning Surface Potential of 2D MoS2 on Various Substrates
Authors: Li Feng , Qi Junjie , Xu Minxuan , Xiao Jiankun , Xu Yuliang , Zhang Xiankun , Liu Shuo , Zhang Yue
Published: January 2017

Here surface potential of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown 2D MoS2 with various layers is reported, and the effect of adherent substrate and light illumination on surface potential of monolayer MoS2 are investigated. The surface potential of MoS2 on Si/SiO2 substrate decreases from 4.93 to 4.84 eV with the increase in the number of layer from 1 to 4 or more. Especially, the surface potentials of monolayer MoS2 are strongly dependent on its adherent substrate, which are determined to be 4.55, 4.88, 4.93, 5.10, and 5.50 eV on Ag, graphene, Si/SiO2, Au, and Pt substrates, respectively. Light irradiation is introduced to tuning the surface potential of monolayer MoS2, with the increase in light intensity, the surface potential of MoS2 on Si/SiO2 substrate decreases from 4.93 to 4.74 eV, while increases from 5.50 to 5.56 eV on Pt substrate. The I–V curves on vertical of monolayer MoS2/Pt heterojunction show the decrease in current with the increase of light intensity, and Schottky barrier height at MoS2/Pt junctions increases from 0.302 to 0.342 eV. The changed surface potential can be explained by trapped charges on surface, photoinduced carriers, charge transfer, and local electric field.
Single Upconversion Nanoparticle–Bacterium Cotrapping for Single‐Bacterium Labeling and Analysis
Authors: Xin Hongbao , Li Yuchao , Xu Dekang , Zhang Yueli , Chen Chia‐Hung , Li Baojun
Published: January 2017

Detecting and analyzing pathogenic bacteria in an effective and reliable manner is crucial for the diagnosis of acute bacterial infection and initial antibiotic therapy. However, the precise labeling and analysis of bacteria at the single‐bacterium level are a technical challenge but very important to reveal important details about the heterogeneity of cells and responds to environment. This study demonstrates an optical strategy for single‐bacterium labeling and analysis by the cotrapping of single upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and bacteria together. A single UCNP with an average size of ≈120 nm is first optically trapped. Both ends of a single bacterium are then trapped and labeled with single UCNPs emitting green light. The labeled bacterium can be flexibly moved to designated locations for further analysis. Signals from bacteria of different sizes are detected in real time for single‐bacterium analysis. This cotrapping method provides a new approach for single‐pathogenic‐bacterium labeling, detection, and real‐time analysis at the single‐particle and single‐bacterium level.
Modelling IRF8 Deficient Human Hematopoiesis and Dendritic Cell Development with Engineered iPS Cells
Authors: Sontag Stephanie , Förster Malrun , Qin Jie , Wanek Paul , Mitzka Saskia , Schüler Herdit M. , Koschmieder Steffen , Rose-John Stefan , Seré Kristin , Zenke Martin
Published: January 2017

Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can differentiate into cells of all three germ layers, including hematopoietic stem cells and their progeny. Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is a transcription factor, which acts in hematopoiesis as lineage determining factor for myeloid cells, including dendritic cells (DC). Autosomal recessive or dominant IRF8 mutations occurring in patients cause severe monocytic and DC immunodeficiency. To study IRF8 in human hematopoiesis we generated human IRF8−/− iPS cells and IRF8−/− embryonic stem (ES) cells using RNA guided CRISPR/Cas9n genome editing. Upon induction of hematopoietic differentiation, we demonstrate that IRF8 is dispensable for iPS cell and ES cell differentiation into hemogenic endothelium and for endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition, and thus development of hematopoietic progenitors. We differentiated iPS cell and ES cell derived progenitors into CD141+ cross-presenting cDC1 and CD1c+ classical cDC2 and CD303+ plasmacytoid DC (pDC). We found that IRF8 deficiency compromised cDC1 and pDC development, while cDC2 development was largely unaffected. Additionally, in an unrestricted differentiation regimen, IRF8−/− iPS cells and ES cells exhibited a clear bias toward granulocytes at the expense of monocytes. IRF8−/− DC showed reduced MHC class II expression and were impaired in cytokine responses, migration, and antigen presentation. Taken together, we engineered a human IRF8 knockout model that allows studying molecular mechanisms of human immunodeficiencies in vitro, including the pathophysiology of IRF8 deficient DC.
Differentiation of Islet Progenitors Regulated by Nicotinamide into Transcriptome-Verified β Cells That Ameliorate Diabetes
Authors: Jiang Fang-Xu , Li Kevin , Archer Michael , Mehta Munish , Jamieson Emma , Charles Adrian , Dickinson Jan E. , Matsumoto Masahito , Morahan Grant
Published: January 2017

Developmental stage-specific differentiation of stem or progenitor cells into safe and functional cells is of fundamental importance in regenerative medicine, including β-cell replacement. However, the differentiation of islet progenitor cells (IPCs) into insulin-secreting β cells remains elusive. Here, we report that the multifunctional molecule nicotinamide (NIC) is a specific differentiation regulator of mouse IPCs. The differentiated cells regulated by NIC exhibited many characteristics of adult β cells, including ameliorating preclinical diabetes and a highly comparable transcriptome profile. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that during differentiation, numerous IPC transcription factor genes, including Ngn3, Pax4, Fev, and Mycl1, were all down regulated. Pharmacological, biochemical, and gene knockdown analyses collectively demonstrated that NIC regulated the differentiation via inhibiting Sirt1 (silent information regulator transcript 1). Finally, NIC also regulates human IPC differentiation. Thus, our study advances islet developmental biology and impacts on translational research and regenerative therapies to diabetes and other diseases.
A Safety Checkpoint to Eliminate Cancer Risk of the Immune Evasive Cells Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: He Jingjin , Rong Zhili , Fu Xuemei , Xu Yang
Published: January 2017

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great promise in the regenerative therapy of many currently untreatable human diseases. One of the key bottlenecks is the immune rejection of hESC-derived allografts by the recipient. To overcome this challenge, we have established new approaches to induce immune protection of hESC-derived allografts through the coexpression of immune suppressive molecules CTLA4-Ig and PD-L1. However, this in turn raises a safety concern of cancer risk because these hESC-derived cells can evade immune surveillance. To address this safety concern, we developed a safety checkpoint so that the immune evasive hESC-derived cells in the graft can be effectively eliminated if any cellular transformation is detected. In this context, we knock-in the suicidal gene herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVTK) into the constitutive HPRT locus of CP hESCs (knock-in hESCs expressing CTLA4-Ig and PD-L1), denoted CPTK hESCs. Employing humanized mice (Hu-mice) reconstituted with human immune system, we demonstrated that the CPTK hESC-derived cells are protected from immune rejection. In addition, CPTK hESC-derived cells can be efficiently eliminated in vitro and in vivo with FDA approved TK-targeting drug ganciclovir. Therefore, this new safety checkpoint improves the feasibility to use the immune evasive hESC-derived cells for regenerative medicine.
Transplantation of CD51+ Stem Leydig Cells: A New Strategy for the Treatment of Testosterone Deficiency
Authors: Zang Zhi Jun , Wang Jiancheng , Chen Zhihong , Zhang Yan , Gao Yong , Su Zhijian , Tuo Ying , Liao Yan , Zhang Min , Yuan Qunfang , Deng Chunhua , Jiang Mei Hua , Xiang Andy Peng
Published: January 2017

Stem Leydig cell (SLC) transplantation could provide a new strategy for treating the testosterone deficiency. Our previous study demonstrated that CD51 (also called integrin αv) might be a putative cell surface marker for SLCs, but the physiological function and efficacy of CD51+ SLCs treatment remain unclear. Here, we explore the potential therapeutic benefits of CD51+ SLCs transplantation and whether these transplanted cells can be regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. CD51+ cells were isolated from the testes of 12-weeks-old C57BL/6 mice, and we showed that such cells expressed SLC markers and that they were capable of self-renewal, extensive proliferation, and differentiation into multiple mesenchymal cell lineages and LCs in vitro. As a specific cytotoxin that eliminates Leydig cells (LCs) in adult rats, ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS) was used to ablate LCs before the SLC transplantation. After being transplanted into the testes of EDS-treated rats, the CD51+ cells differentiated into mature LCs, and the recipient rats showed a partial recovery of testosterone production and spermatogenesis. Notably, a testosterone analysis revealed a circadian rhythm of testosterone secretion in cell-transplanted rats, and these testosterone secretions could be suppressed by decapeptyl (a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist), suggesting that the transplanted cells might be regulated by the HPG axis. This study is the first to demonstrate that CD51+ SLCs can restore the neuroendocrine regulation of testicular function by physiologically recovering the expected episodic changes in diurnal testosterone serum levels and that SLC transplantation may provide a new tool for the studies of testosterone deficiency treatment.