bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconfiguration for loadability limit enhancement of distribution systems
Authors: Tyagi Arjun , Verma Ashu , Bijwe P.R.
Published: August 2017

Feeder reconfiguration is commonly used in the distribution system for real loss minimisation. However, in the stressed system condition, loadability limit enhancement is an important issue. This aspect has not been paid much attention in the literature. Metaheuristic methods can solve this problem at a high computational cost. In this view, an efficient two‐stage algorithm is proposed for the same. In the first stage, an efficient reactive power loss minimisation‐based reconfiguration plan is obtained. Using heuristics from this solution, the second‐stage employees improved harmony search algorithm for reconfiguration with loadability enhancement. It is important to note that this algorithm is used only when system load is near the critical load; otherwise, the conventional real power loss minimisation reconfiguration plans can be used. Results for a 33‐bus balanced test system and a 25‐bus unbalanced distribution system confirm the potential of the proposed method.
Releasing more capacity for EV integration by DC medium voltage distribution lines
Authors: Zhang Lu , Chen Ying , Shen Chen , Tang Wei , Liang Jun
Published: August 2017

With the integration of large‐scale electric vehicles (EVs), more capacities of medium voltage distribution networks need to be released. However, there are limited spaces to build new lines, and voltage violation may happen due to the power fluctuation when EVs charge/discharge in a random way. This study proposes to convert some existing AC medium voltage distribution lines to DC and forms a hybrid AC/DC medium voltage distribution network through connecting existing AC lines with a voltage source converter (VSC). Transfer capacity of lines can be increased through DC distribution and flexible power shift between the AC and DC lines can be achieved, based on which more EVs can be accommodated. Configurations of hybrid AC/DC distribution networks are developed, and the capacities released are quantified. A control scheme, which includes a loss minimisation mode and a voltage regulation mode, is proposed in order to optimise real and reactive power outputs of the VSC. Simulation studies are performed to verify the proposed method.
Computational approach to enhance performance of photovoltaic system inverters interfaced to utility grids
Authors: Arzani Ali , Venayagamoorthy Ganesh K.
Published: August 2017

Switch‐model power electronic inverters are heavily deployed as the main technology in enabling flow of variable DC power into the AC grid. Various distributed energy system (DES) architectures have been designed depending on many attributes including size and application of the installed system. The reliability of the power electronic interfaces (PEI), i.e. inverters is critical in all these architectures. Recent studies demonstrate enhanced operation of a PEI can be reached by optimum adjustment of its controller parameters. While conventional tuning methods are mostly based on trial and error, their optimum performance can be achieved for primarily first‐order systems. For systems with increasing number of PEIs or more complexity, application of these tuning methods becomes challenging and expensive. Thus, considering the operational performance of DES, a controller self‐tuning methodology has been presented for PEIs with particle swarm optimisation capability. The optimal parameters for both kW‐scale and multi‐megawatt PV systems’ inverters are determined via a time‐domain performance objective function. Typical PV system performances are presented for step changes and dynamic weather conditions. Effectiveness of the controller self‐tuning methodology has been demonstrated via the reduction of transient energy, when the system is subjected to dynamic changes and disturbances.
Galaxy clusters in the context of superfluid dark matter
Authors: Hodson Alistair O. , Zhao Hongsheng , Khoury Justin , Famaey Benoit
Published: August 2017

Context.The mass discrepancy in the Universe has not been solved by the cold dark matter (CDM) or the modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) paradigms so far. The problems and solutions of either scenario are mutually exclusive on large and small scales. It has recently been proposed, by assuming that dark matter is a superfluid, that MOND-like effects can be achieved on small scales whilst preserving the success of ΛCDM on large scales. Detailed models within this “superfluid dark matter” (SfDM) paradigm are yet to be constructed.

Aims.Here, we aim to provide the first set of spherical models of galaxy clusters in the context of SfDM. We aim to determine whether the superfluid formulation is indeed sufficient to explain the mass discrepancy in galaxy clusters.

Methods.The SfDM model is defined by two parameters. Λ can be thought of as a mass scale in the Lagrangian of the scalar field that effectively describes the phonons, and it acts as a coupling constant between the phonons and baryons.mis the mass of the DM particles. Based on these parameters, we outline the theoretical structure of the superfluid core and the surrounding “normal-phase” dark halo of quasi-particles. The latter are thought to encompass the largest part of galaxy clusters. Here, we set the SfDM transition at the radius where the density and pressure of the superfluid and normal phase coincide, neglecting the effect of phonons in the superfluid core. We then apply the formalism to a sample of galaxy clusters, and directly compare the SfDM predicted mass profiles to data.

Results.We find that the superfluid formulation can reproduce the X-ray dynamical mass profile of clusters reasonably well, but with a slight under-prediction of the gravity in the central regions. This might be partly related to our neglecting of the effect of phonons in these regions. Two normal-phase halo profiles are tested, and it is found that clusters are better defined by a normal-phase halo resembling an Navarro-Frenk-White-like structure than an isothermal profile.

Conclusions.In this first exploratory work on the topic, we conclude that depending on the amount of baryons present in the central galaxy and on the actual effect of phonons in the inner regions, this superfluid formulation could be successful in describing galaxy clusters. In the future, our model could be made more realistic by exploring non-sphericity and a more realistic SfDM to normal phase transition. The main result of this study is an estimate of the order of magnitude of the theory parameters for the superfluid formalism to be reasonably consistent with clusters. These values will have to be compared to the true values needed in galaxies.
Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (+)-Minfiensine by an Asymmetric Cascade Cyclization Strategy
Authors: Jiao Lei , Zhang Ze-Xin , Chen Si-Cong
Published: August 2017

The Strychnos alkaloid minfiensine and a series of akuammiline alkaloids, such as vincorine, aspidophylline A, and picrinine, possess a common core skeleton, a 4a,9a-heterocycle-fused tetrahydrocarbazole. Efficient construction of this core structure in a highly enantioselective manner would facilitate the total synthesis of these alkaloids. In this article, we briefly summarize the established strategies for obtaining this core structure, together with the corresponding total-synthesis routes, and we describe our own effort on the development of a new strategy, the asymmetric cascade dearomative cyclization, for the efficient total synthesis of (+)-minfiensine.
Is Knee Arthroscopy Beneficial in Treating Traumatic Meniscal Tears on Patients Older Than 60 Years?
Authors: Li Ke , Cavaignac Etienne , Chen Hong , Xu Wei , Chen Cheng , Huang Wei
Published: August 2017

Knee arthroscopic surgery is usually performed on young or middle-aged patients with meniscal tears. However, we have noted an amount of active elderly patients who suffered from traumatic meniscal tear without significant degenerative changes. Outcome data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed in patients older than 60 years who underwent partial arthroscopic meniscectomy between April 2008 and July 2013. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) grade, Knee Society Score (KSS), and pain scores were collected, and conversion to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was recorded. Subgroups comparing the clinical outcome of different level of K–L grade and Outerbridge's score were conducted. At an average of 31 months of follow-up (standard deviation [SD]: 8.9; range, 24–63 months) for 96 patients with a mean age of 65.8 years (SD: 5.7; range, 60–83 years), 12 patients underwent conversion to TKA at an average of 2.1 years. Patients with a clear traumatic history of the knee have better improvement in visual analog scale (p < 0.001), KSS functional score (p = 0.005), and WOMAC score (p < 0.001), patients with K–L grade greater than III were 3.1 times more likely to undergo conversion to TKA than patients with K–L grade less than III. The findings indicate that patients older than 60 years with mild osteoarthritis and clear traumatic history of the meniscus are a good indication for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. The level of evidence is level IV (a retrospective case series).
Maxillomandibular Syngnathia: 3D Planning and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rubio-Palau Josep , Prieto-Gundin Alejandra , de Abreu Graterol Leydi Mar , Vercruysse Herman
Published: August 2017

Congenital maxillomandibular fusion or syngnathia is a rare craniofacial disorder with only 26 cases reported in the literature. We present a case of a congenital complex zygomatico-mandibular syngnathia associated with a palatal cleft, posterior maxilla and turbinate agenesia, mild hemifacial microsomia, and a disordered dental eruption. The patient has the highest age (15 years) at diagnosis described in the literature. 3D planning of the surgery was performed to study the patient's anatomy and design the necessary osteotomies to separate the jaws. En bloc removal of the fused fragment with bilateral coronoidectomy and aggressive long-term physiotherapy for 3 months led to a stable increase in mouth opening from 0 to 21 mm inter-incisor distance. The patient reported an improvement in speech, was able to eat without restriction regarding food consistency, and could maintain a good oral hygiene.
Agreement between Perometry and Sequential Arm Circumference Measurements in Objective Determination of Arm Volume
Authors: Baiocchi Jaqueline , Campanholi Larissa , Bergmann Anke , Duprat João , Batista Bernardo
Published: August 2017

Background Limb circumference measurements (CM) and perometry are the preferred methods for objectively measuring arm volume in lymphedema surgery research. Understanding the measurement bias involved in these measuring systems is important to properly interpret and compare studies and their results.

Methods Arm volumes from 91 patients were measured using sequential girths and the truncated cone formula (CM) and with the use of an automated perometer (perometry). The absolute volume of the largest arm (V), the volume difference between the arms (VD), and the relative difference between them (percentage of excess volume [PEV]) were calculated with both methods. The agreement between methods was assessed by the Pearson's correlation test and the Bland–Altman's method.

Results Correlations were strong for V (r = 0.99), VD (r = 88), and PEV (r = 0.86). Volumes measured by perometry were, on average, 10.6 mL smaller than volumes calculated from CM, while their limits of agreement (LOA) ranged from −202 to 181 mL. The LOA represents the range we could expect the arm volumes measured with the two methods to differ by chance alone, 95% of the times. For VD, LOA was −101 to 141 mL, with a mean difference of 19.9 mL, while PEV had a mean difference of 0.9%, with LOA ranging from −5 to 6.8%.

Conclusion There is considerable measurement error between arm volume estimated by perometry and by CM. Volumes calculated with these methods should be compared with caution. Furthermore, we observed an increasingly relevant measurement bias in outcomes that are mathematically derived from arm volumes.
Von der Blutprobe bis zum Laborergebnis – Wie bekomme ich patientenorientiert das optimale
Ergebnis?
Authors: Klein Ruth
Published: August 2017

Laboruntersuchungen sind integraler Teil vieler tierärztlicher Untersuchungen. Der Anspruch an eine
Laboruntersuchung ist es, die zugrunde liegende Fragestellung möglichst konkret zu beantworten. Dies ist
unabhängig davon, ob die Probe im praxis- bzw. klinikeigenen oder aber in einem Versandlabor untersucht
wird. Die Messergebnisse sollten die physiologische bzw. pathologische Situation des Tieres zum Zeitpunkt
der Probennahme möglichst genau widerspiegeln. Der Beitrag informiert darüber, was es zu beachten
gibt.
Willkommen zum Kongress der DGN
Authors: Reichmann Heinz
Published: August 2017

Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,
ich möchte dieses Editorial nutzen, um Sie ganz herzlich, auch im Namen
der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurologie, zum Jahreskongress unserer
Gesellschaft vom 20. – 23.09.17 nach Leipzig einzuladen. Der
Wissenschaftsstandort Leipzig darf auf herausragende Fachkollegen zurückblicken.
So hat Wilhelm Erb 1880 als Professor der Medizinischen Poliklinik die
Neurologie als eigenständiges Lehrfach entwickelt und hatte das Privileg, mit
den Neurowissenschaftlern Paul Flechsig und Paul Julius Möbius zusammen zu
arbeiten. Das Team um Herrn Prof. Claßen, Kongresspräsident, und Frau Prof.
Saur, Kongresssekretärin, hat zusammen mit dem Programm-Komitee der Deutschen
Gesellschaft für Neurologie ein außerordentlich spannendes und vielfältiges
Programm zusammen gestellt.
Endemisch auftretendes Ösophaguskarzinom in Malawi
Authors: Grade Matthias , Felber Jörg , Gessner Anja , Bach Olaf , Bader Oliver , Mothes Henning
Published: August 2017

Das Ösophaguskarzinom tritt im südöstlichen Afrika endemisch auf. In Malawi, welches zu den ärmsten Ländern der Welt zählt, rangiert es noch vor der AIDS-Epidemie in allen Altersgruppen gleich verteilt mit einer Prävalenz von 12 % an erster Stelle. Laut Studien von Ferlay, Soerjomataram et al. (2014) erreicht die Inzidenz sogar 22,7/100 000, gefolgt von China mit 20,1/100 000 und fungiert damit weltweit an erster Stelle. Die Ätiologie dieses Plattenepithelkarzinoms ist unklar. Neben Toxinen werden auch spezielle Viren oder spezielle Ernährungsgewohnheiten für die Genese diskutiert. Aufgrund nicht vorhandener medizinischer Ressourcen haben die betroffenen Menschen in dieser Region kaum eine Perspektive. Chirurgische Optionen und chemotherapeutische Protokolle existieren de facto nicht. Im Oktober 2014 startete ein spezielles Förderprogramm ausgehend von Jenaer Chirurgen mit dem Ziel, ein Stentprojekt im Zomba Central Hospital zu implementieren. Das sogenannte „Ein-Stent-Ein-Leben-Projekt“. Das Zomba Central Hospital ist eines von 4 Krankenhäusern der Maximalversorgung in Malawi und hat ein Einzugsgebiet von etwa 2 Mio. Einwohnern.
Erfolgreicher Übergang in die Erwachsenenmedizin
Authors: Ernst Gundula
Published: August 2017

Der Übergang in das Erwachsenenleben ist für chronisch kranke Jugendliche mit zahlreichen Risiken behaftet: Nicht selten fallen sie in dieser Übergangsphase aus der medizinischen Versorgung, womit eine Verschlechterung des Gesundheitszustands einhergeht. Der Transfer von der pädiatrischen Versorgung in Behandlungseinrichtungen für Erwachsene sollte daher nicht plötzlich und ungeplant, sondern als strukturierter, vorbereiteter Prozess erfolgen. In den letzten 2 Dekaden wurden unterschiedliche Ansätze verfolgt, um chronisch kranke Jugendliche gezielt von der familienorientierten hin zu einer erwachsenenzentrierten Gesundheitsversorgung zu überführen. Die Maßnahmen reichen von einem individuellen Fallmanagement über den gesamten Transitionszeitraum hinweg – Ziel dabei ist es, die strukturellen Barrieren zu überwinden – bis hin zu Gruppenschulungen zur Stärkung der Gesundheitskompetenz und des Selbstmanagements der Jugendlichen.
Herausforderungen des Diabetes an Jugendliche: Chancen und Grenzen neuer Technologien
Authors: Ziegler Ralph
Published: August 2017

Der Typ-1-Diabetes ist die häufigste Stoffwechselerkrankung im Kindes- und Jugendalter – die Zahl an Betroffenen steigt stetig an. Dabei sind die Belastungen der täglichen, ja sogar stündlichen Behandlung ohne Pause und ohne Ferien real und nicht zu unterschätzen. Moderne Technologien können helfen, diese Belastungen zu reduzieren. Sie umfassen schnelle Insuline zur besseren Abdeckung von Kohlenhydraten, Verzögerungsinsuline, deren Wirkprofil eine Variation des Injektionszeitpunkts bei wechselnden Tagesabläufen erlaubt, Insulinpumpen, verschiedene Methoden der kontinuierlichen Glukosemessung und schließlich die Möglichkeiten der systematischen digitalen Datenauswertung. All diese Technologien können jedoch nur dazu beitragen, die immer noch notwendige Therapie konsequent umzusetzen. Der Patient selbst bleibt immer gefordert, täglich mehrfach die richtige Menge Insulin zum richtigen Zeitpunkt unter die Haut zu injizieren.
Manifestation of higher-order inter-granular exchange in magnetic recording media
Authors: Ellis Matthew O. A. , Ababei Razvan-V. , Wood Roger , Evans Richard F. L. , Chantrell Roy W.
Published: August 2017

Exchange coupling between magnetic grains is essential for maintaining the stability of stored information in magnetic recording media. Using an atomistic spin model, we have investigated the coupling between neighbouring magnetic grains where magnetic impurity atoms have migrated into the non-magnetic grain boundary. We find that when the impurity density is low, a biquadratic term in addition to the bilinear term is found to better describe the inter-granular exchange coupling. The temperature dependence of both terms is found to follow a power law behaviour with the biquadratic exchange constant decaying faster than the bilinear. For the increasing grain boundary thickness, the inter-granular exchange reduces and also decays more quickly with temperature. Further simulations of a grain at a bit boundary show an unexpected energy minimum for in-plane magnetisation. This feature is reproduced if the biquadratic exchange term is included.
Electrical performance and low frequency noise in hexagonal boron nitride encapsulated MoSe2 dual-gated field effect transistors
Authors: Liao Wugang , Wei Wei , Tong Yu , Chim Wai Kin , Zhu Chunxiang
Published: August 2017

We demonstrate few-layer molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) dual-gated field effect transistors (FETs) with few-layer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) flakes as encapsulation and multilayer graphene as electrical contacts. A high current on/off ratio of up to ∼108, a two-terminal electron mobility of 38.5 cm2/V·s at room temperature, and negligible hysteresis are achieved in hBN encapsulated MoSe2 FETs. Our results also indicate that the flicker (1/f) current noise in hBN encapsulated MoSe2 transistors is governed by Hooge's carrier mobility fluctuation and the normalized current noise in the dual-gated configuration can be dramatically reduced by applying a positive bias on the bottom gate. All these suggest that dual-gated MoSe2 FETs are very promising candidates for sensing applications.
Extra-low thermal conductivity in unfilled CoSb3-δ skutterudite synthesized under high-pressure conditions
Authors: Prado-Gonjal J. , Serrano-Sánchez F. , Nemes N. M. , Dura O. J. , Martínez J. L. , Fernández-Díaz M. T. , Fauth F. , Alonso J. A.
Published: August 2017

Thermoelectric CoSb3-δ skutterudite was synthesized and sintered in one step under high-pressure conditions at 3.5 GPa in a piston-cylinder hydrostatic press. Structural analysis carried out from synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction data reveals a significant Sb deficiency in this material. The introduction of point defects in the form of Sb vacancies distributed at random in the structure leads to an impressive reduction (>50%) of the total thermal conductivity, κ, which is one of the main ingredients of good thermoelectric materials. This suggests phonon scattering effects originated in the Sb defects, which drives to a better improvement in κ than that achieved by the conventional strategy of filling the cages of the skutterudite structure with rare earths or other heavy cations. In parallel, changes in the electronic band structure caused by point variation of the stoichiometry produce an undesired increment in the electrical resistivity. Nevertheless, the low thermal conductivity combined with a high Seebeck coefficient (−434 μV K−1 at 500 K) originates a relatively large figure of merit (ZT = 0.12 at 550 K) for CoSb2.90(2).
In situ flow cell for combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and mass spectrometry at high photon energies under solar thermochemical looping conditions
Authors: Rothensteiner Matthäus , Jenni Joel , Emerich Hermann , Bonk Alexander , Vogt Ulrich F. , van Bokhoven Jeroen A.
Published: August 2017

An in situ/operando flow cell for transmission mode X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and combined XAS/XRD measurements in a single experiment under the extreme conditions of two-step solar thermochemical looping for the dissociation of water and/or carbon dioxide was developed. The apparatus exposes materials to relevant conditions of both the auto-reduction and the oxidation sub-steps of the thermochemical cycle at ambient temperature up to 1773 K and enables determination of the composition of the effluent gases by online quadrupole mass spectrometry. The cell is based on a tube-in-tube design and is heated by means of a focusing infrared furnace. It was tested successfully for carbon dioxide splitting. In combined XAS/XRD experiments with an unfocused beam, XAS measurements were performed at the Ce K edge (40.4 keV) and XRD measurements at 64.8 keV and 55.9 keV. Furthermore, XRD measurements with a focused beam at 41.5 keV were carried out. Equimolar ceria-hafnia was auto-reduced in a flow of argon and chemically reduced in a flow of hydrogen/helium. Under reducing conditions, all cerium(iv) was converted to cerium(iii) and a cation-ordered pyrochlore-type structure was formed, which was not stable upon oxidation in a flow of carbon dioxide.
Low-profile self-sealing sample transfer flexure box
Authors: Simon Kevin , Porz Lukas , Swamy Tushar , Chiang Yet-Ming , Slocum Alexander
Published: August 2017

A flexural bearing mechanism has enabled the development of a self-sealing box for protecting air sensitive samples during transfer between glove boxes, micro-machining equipment, and microscopy equipment. The simplicity and self-actuating feature of this design makes it applicable to many devices that operate under vacuum conditions. The models used to design the flexural mechanism are presented in detail. The device has been tested in a Zeiss Merlin GEMINI II scanning electron microscope with Li3PS4 samples, showing effective isolation from air and corrosion prevention.
High-speed 100 MHz strain monitor using fiber Bragg grating and optical filter for magnetostriction measurements under ultrahigh magnetic fields
Authors: Ikeda Akihiko , Nomura Toshihiro , Matsuda Yasuhiro H. , Tani Shuntaro , Kobayashi Yohei , Watanabe Hiroshi , Sato Keisuke
Published: August 2017

A high-speed 100 MHz strain monitor using a fiber Bragg grating, an optical filter, and a mode-locked optical fiber laser has been devised, whose resolution is ΔL/L∼10−4. The strain monitor is sufficiently fast and robust for the magnetostriction measurements of materials under ultrahigh magnetic fields generated with destructive pulse magnets, where the sweep rate of the magnetic field is in the range of 10–100 T/μs. As a working example, the magnetostriction of LaCoO3 was measured at room temperature, 115 K, and 7 ∼ 4.2 K up to a maximum magnetic field of 150 T. The smooth dependence on the squared magnetic field and the first-order transition were observed at 115 K and 7 ∼ 4.2 K, respectively, reflecting the field-induced spin state evolution.
Obtainment of the density of states in the band tails of hydrogenated amorphous silicon
Authors: Kopprio Leonardo , Longeaud Christophe , Schmidt Javier
Published: August 2017

In this work, we present two new pairs of formulas to obtain a spectroscopy of the density of states (DOS) in each band tail of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) from photoconductivity-based measurements. The formulas are based on the knowledge of the small-signal recombination lifetime τ′, the characteristic decay time of the concentration of trapped carriers generated in excess by the illumination, and that can be measured by methods like the Oscillating Photocarrier Grating (OPG) or Moving Grating Technique (MGT). First, we deduce the formulas and test their accuracy by numerical simulations using typical a-Si:H parameters. Next, we characterize an a-Si:H sample using well-known methods, like Fourier transform photocurrent spectroscopy to evaluate the valence band tail and modulated photoconductivity to measure the conduction band tail. We also performed measurements of steady-state photoconductivity, steady-state photocurrent grating and MGT, for a range of generation rates. From these measurements—and taking typical values for the capture coefficients, the extended states mobilities and the DOS at the band edges—we apply the new formulas to get the band tails. We find that the results obtained from the application of our formulas are in good agreement with those found with the traditional methods for both band tails. Moreover, we show that MGT/OPG measurement to get τ′ can be avoided if one of the band tails is measured by one of the traditional methods, since the known band tail can be used to evaluate τ′ with one pair of equations, and then the other pair can be applied to get the other band tail.
Hamilton-Jacobi formalism for Podolsky’s electromagnetic theory on the null-plane
Authors: Bertin M. C. , Pimentel B. M. , Valcárcel C. E. , Zambrano G. E. R.
Published: August 2017

We develop the Hamilton-Jacobi formalism for Podolsky’s electromagnetic theory on the null-plane. The main goal is to build the complete set of Hamiltonian generators of the system as well as to study the canonical and gauge transformations of the theory.
Revealing kinetics and state-dependent binding properties of IKur-targeting drugs that maximize atrial fibrillation selectivity
Authors: Ellinwood Nicholas , Dobrev Dobromir , Morotti Stefano , Grandi Eleonora
Published: August 2017

The KV1.5 potassium channel, which underlies the ultra-rapid delayed-rectifier current (IKur) and is predominantly expressed in atria vs. ventricles, has emerged as a promising target to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). However, while numerous KV1.5-selective compounds have been screened, characterized, and tested in various animal models of AF, evidence of antiarrhythmic efficacy in humans is still lacking. Moreover, current guidelines for pre-clinical assessment of candidate drugs heavily rely on steady-state concentration-response curves or IC50 values, which can overlook adverse cardiotoxic effects. We sought to investigate the effects of kinetics and state-dependent binding of IKur-targeting drugs on atrial electrophysiology in silico and reveal the ideal properties of IKur blockers that maximize anti-AF efficacy and minimize pro-arrhythmic risk. To this aim, we developed a new Markov model of IKur that describes KV1.5 gating based on experimental voltage-clamp data in atrial myocytes from patient right-atrial samples in normal sinus rhythm. We extended the IKur formulation to account for state-specificity and kinetics of KV1.5-drug interactions and incorporated it into our human atrial cell model. We simulated 1- and 3-Hz pacing protocols in drug-free conditions and with a [drug] equal to the IC50 value. The effects of binding and unbinding kinetics were determined by examining permutations of the forward (kon) and reverse (koff) binding rates to the closed, open, and inactivated states of the KV1.5 channel. We identified a subset of ideal drugs exhibiting anti-AF electrophysiological parameter changes at fast pacing rates (effective refractory period prolongation), while having little effect on normal sinus rhythm (limited action potential prolongation). Our results highlight that accurately accounting for channel interactions with drugs, including kinetics and state-dependent binding, is critical for developing safer and more effective pharmacological anti-AF options.
Enhanced electron-phonon coupling and critical current density in rapid thermally quenched MgB2 bulk samples
Authors: Suraj T. S. , Muralidhar M. , Sethupathi K. , Rao M. S. Ramachandra , Murakami M.
Published: August 2017

We report Rapid Thermal Quenching (RTQ) studies on MgB2 samples from optimized sintering temperature of 800 °C down to liquid nitrogen temperature with different sintering duration. Superior electron-phonon coupling strength (λe−E2g), critical current density (Jc) and irreversibility fields (Hirr) compared to doped MgB2 were observed without compromising transition temperature Tc. Structural studies showed a contraction of the unit cell due to thermal stress induced by RTQ. Enhanced λe−E2g evaluated from line width, and phonon frequency of Raman spectra using Allen equation was consistent with structural and magnetic studies. Microstructural analysis showed a decrease in grain size resulting in increased Jc and Hirr.
The medical care of the neovagina of transgender women: a review
Authors: Cornelisse Vincent J. , Jones Rosemary A. , Fairley Christopher K. , Grover Sonia R.
Published: August 2017

For transgender women, genital adjustment surgery involves removal of the natal reproductive organs and creation of a neovagina, vulva and clitoris. We conducted a review of the medical literature in order to summarise the issues that can affect the health of the neovagina in the long term, and to make recommendations on how to manage these issues.
Optimal Groundwater Extraction under Uncertainty and a Spatial Stock Externality
Authors: Merrill Nathaniel H. , Guilfoos Todd
Published: August 2017

We introduce a model that incorporates two important elements to estimating welfare gains from groundwater management: stochasticity and a spatial stock externality. We estimate welfare gains resulting from optimal management under uncertainty as well as a gradual stock externality that produces the dynamics of a large aquifer being slowly exhausted. This groundwater model imposes an important aspect of a depletable natural resource without the extreme assumption of complete exhaustion that is necessary in a traditional single cell (bathtub) model of groundwater extraction. Using dynamic programming, we incorporate and compare stochasticity for both an independent and identically distributed as well as a Markov chain process for annual rainfall. We find that the spatial depletion of the aquifer is significant to welfare gains for a parameterization of a section of the Ogallala Aquifer in Kansas, ranging from 2.9% to 3.01%, which is larger than those found previously over the region. Surprisingly, the inclusion of stochasticity in rainfall increases welfare gains only slightly.
An improved compound Poisson model for the number of motif hits in DNA sequences
Authors: Kopp Wolfgang , Vingron Martin
Published: August 2017

Motivation

Transcription factors play a crucial role in gene regulation by binding to specific regulatory sequences. The sequence motifs recognized by a transcription factor can be described in terms of position frequency matrices. When scanning a sequence for matches to a position frequency matrix, one needs to determine a cut-off, which then in turn results in a certain number of hits. In this paper we describe how to compute the distribution of match scores and of the number of motif hits, which are the prerequisites to perform motif hit enrichment analysis.

Results

We put forward an improved compound Poisson model that supports general order-d Markov background models and which computes the number of motif-hits more accurately than earlier models. We compared the accuracy of the improved compound Poisson model with previously proposed models across a range of parameters and motifs, demonstrating the improvement. The importance of the order-d model is supported in a case study using CpG-island sequences.

Availability and implementation

The method is available as a Bioconductor package named ’motifcounter’ https://bioconductor.org/packages/motifcounter.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Novel transcriptome resources for three scleractinian coral species from the Indo-Pacific
Authors: Kenkel Carly D. , Bay Line K
Published: August 2017

Transcriptomic resources for coral species can provide insight into coral evolutionary history and stress-response physiology. Goniopora columna, Galaxea astreata, and Galaxea acrhelia are scleractinian corals of the Indo-Pacific, representing a diversity of morphologies and life-history traits. G. columna and G. astreata are common and cosmopolitan, while G. acrhelia is largely restricted to the coral triangle and Great Barrier Reef. Reference transcriptomes for these species were assembled from replicate colony fragments exposed to elevated (31°C) and ambient (27°C) temperatures. Trinity was used to create de novo assemblies for each species from 92–102 million raw Illumina Hiseq 2 × 150 bp reads. Host-specific assemblies contained 65 460–72 405 contigs, representing 26 693–37 894 isogroups (~genes) with an average N50 of 2254. Gene name and/or gene ontology annotations were possible for 58% of isogroups on average. Transcriptomes contained 93.1–94.3% of EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups comprising the core eukaryotic gene set, and 89.98–91.92% of the single-copy metazoan core gene set orthologs were complete, indicating fairly comprehensive assemblies. This work expands the complement of transcriptomic resources available for scleractinian coral species, including the first reference for a representative of Goniopora spp. as well as species with novel morphology.
Transcriptional mapping of the primary somatosensory cortex upon sensory deprivation
Authors: Kole Koen , Komuro Yutaro , Provaznik Jan , Pistolic Jelena , Benes Vladimir , Tiesinga Paul , Celikel Tansu
Published: August 2017

Experience-dependent plasticity (EDP) is essential for anatomical and functional maturation of sensory circuits during development. Although the principal synaptic and circuit mechanisms of EDP are increasingly well studied experimentally and computationally, its molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. EDP can be readily studied in the rodent barrel cortex, where each “barrel column” preferentially represents deflections of its own principal whisker. Depriving select whiskers while sparing their neighbours introduces competition between barrel columns, ultimately leading to weakening of intracortical, translaminar (i.e., cortical layer (L)4-to-L2/3) feed-forward excitatory projections in the deprived columns. The same synapses are potentiated in the neighbouring spared columns. These experience-dependent alterations of synaptic strength are thought to underlie somatosensory map plasticity. We used RNA sequencing in this model system to uncover cortical-column and -layer specific changes on the transcriptome level that are induced by altered sensory experience. Column- and layer-specific barrel cortical tissues were collected from juvenile mice with all whiskers intact and mice that received 11–12 days of long whisker (C-row) deprivation before high-quality RNA was purified and sequenced. The current dataset entails an average of 50 million paired-end reads per sample, 75 base pairs in length. On average, 90.15% of reads could be uniquely mapped to the mm10 reference mouse genome. The current data reveal the transcriptional changes in gene expression in the barrel cortex upon altered sensory experience in juvenile mice and will help to molecularly map the mechanisms of cortical plasticity.
Combining semi-automated image analysis techniques with machine learning algorithms to accelerate large-scale genetic studies
Authors: Atkinson Jonathan A. , Lobet Guillaume , Noll Manuel , Meyer Patrick E. , Griffiths Marcus , Wells Darren M.
Published: August 2017

Genetic analyses of plant root systems require large datasets of extracted architectural traits. To quantify such traits from images of root systems, researchers often have to choose between automated tools (that are prone to error and extract only a limited number of architectural traits) or semi-automated ones (that are highly time consuming). We trained a Random Forest algorithm to infer architectural traits from automatically extracted image descriptors. The training was performed on a subset of the dataset, then applied to its entirety. This strategy allowed us to (i) decrease the image analysis time by 73% and (ii) extract meaningful architectural traits based on image descriptors. We also show that these traits are sufficient to identify the quantitative trait loci that had previously been discovered using a semi-automated method. We have shown that combining semi-automated image analysis with machine learning algorithms has the power to increase the throughput of large-scale root studies. We expect that such an approach will enable the quantification of more complex root systems for genetic studies. We also believe that our approach could be extended to other areas of plant phenotyping.
10 Best resources for community engagement in implementation research
Authors: Glandon Douglas , Paina Ligia , Alonge Olakunle , Peters David H , Bennett Sara
Published: August 2017

Implementation research (IR) focuses on understanding how and why interventions produce their effects in a given context. This often requires engaging a broad array of stakeholders at multiple levels of the health system. Whereas a variety of tools and approaches exist to facilitate stakeholder engagement at the national or institutional level, there is a substantial gap in the IR literature about how best to do this at the local or community level. Similarly, although there is extensive guidance on community engagement within the context of clinical trials—for HIV/AIDS in particular—the same cannot be said for IR. We identified a total of 59 resources by using a combination of online searches of the peer-reviewed and grey literature, as well as crowd-sourcing through the Health Systems Global platform. The authors then completed two rounds of rating the resources to identify the ‘10 best’. The resources were rated based on considerations of their relevance to IR, existence of an underlying conceptual framework, comprehensiveness of guidance, ease of application, and evidence of successful application in low- or middle-income countries or relevant contexts. These 10 resources can help implementation researchers think strategically and practically about how best to engage community stakeholders to improve the quality, meaningfulness, and application of their results in order to improve health and health systems outcomes. Building on the substantial work that has already been done in the context of clinical trials, there is a need for clearer and more specific guidance on how to incorporate relevant and effective community engagement approaches into IR project planning and implementation.
Using angular pair upweighting to improve 3D clustering measurements
Authors: Percival Will J. , Bianchi Davide
Published: August 2017

Three-dimensional galaxy clustering measurements provide a wealth of cosmological information. However, obtaining spectra of galaxies is expensive, and surveys often only measure redshifts for a subsample of a target galaxy population. Provided that the spectroscopic data is representative, we argue that angular pair upweighting should be used in these situations to improve the 3D clustering measurements. We present a toy model showing mathematically how such a weighting can improve measurements, and provide a practical example of its application using mocks created for the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS). Our analysis of mocks suggests that if an angular clustering measurement is available over twice the area covered spectroscopically, weighting gives an∼10–20 per cent reduction of the variance of the monopole correlation function on the baryon acoustic oscillation scale.
Evidence of High Mortality and Increasing Burden of Sepsis in a Regional Sample of the New Zealand Population
Authors: Huggan Paul J , Bell Anita , Waetford James , Obertova Zuzanna , Lawrenson Ross
Published: August 2017

Background

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of infection. The incidence of sepsis is thought to be on the increase, but estimates making use of administrative data in the United States may be affected by administrative bias.

Methods

We studied the population-based incidence of sepsis in the Waikato region of New Zealand from 2007 to 2012 using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification, which lacks a specific code for sepsis.

Results

Between 2007 and 2012, 1643 patients met coding criteria for sepsis in our hospitals. Sixty-three percent of patients were 65 or over, 17% of cases were admitted to an intensive care unit, and the in-hospital and 1-year mortality with sepsis was 19% and 38%, respectively. Age-standardized rate ratios (ASRRs) demonstrated that sepsis was associated with male sex (ASRR 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–1.59), Maori ethnicity (ASRR 3.22 compared with non-Maori; 95% CI, 2.85–3.65), study year (ASRR 1.62 comparing 2012 with 2008; 95% CI, 1.18–2.24), and socioeconomic deprivation (ASRR 1.72 comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of socioeconomic deprivation; 95% CI, 1.5–1.97). Multiorgan failure was present in approximately 20% of cases in all age groups. Intensive care unit admission rate fell from 30% amongst 25- to 34-year-olds to less than 10% amongst those aged 75 and over.

Conclusions

In a 9% sample of the New Zealand population, the incidence of sepsis increased by 62% over a 5-year period. Maori, elderly, and disadvantaged populations were most affected.
AIDS-Related Endemic Mycoses in Western Cape, South Africa, and Clinical Mimics: A Cross-Sectional Study of Adults With Advanced HIV and Recent-Onset, Widespread Skin Lesions
Authors: Schwartz Ilan S , Kenyon Chris , Lehloenya Rannakoe , Claasens Saskya , Spengane Zandile , Prozesky Hans , Burton Rosie , Parker Arifa , Wasserman Sean , Meintjes Graeme , Mendelson Marc , Taljaard Jantjie , Schneider Johann W , Beylis Natalie , Maloba Bonnie , Govender Nelesh P , Colebunders Robert , Dlamini Sipho
Published: August 2017

Background

Skin lesions are common in advanced HIV infection and are sometimes caused by serious diseases like systemic mycoses (SM). AIDS-related SM endemic to Western Cape, South Africa, include emergomycosis (formerly disseminated emmonsiosis), histoplasmosis, and sporotrichosis. We previously reported that 95% of patients with AIDS-related emergomycosis had skin lesions, although these were frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed clinically. Prospective studies are needed to characterize skin lesions of SM in South Africa and to help distinguish these from common HIV-related dermatoses.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled HIV-infected adult patients living in Western Cape, South Africa, with CD4 counts ≤100 cells/μL and widespread skin lesions present ≤6 months that were deemed clinically compatible with SM. We obtained skin biopsies for histopathology and fungal culture and collected epidemiological and clinical data.

Results

Of 34 patients enrolled and in whom a diagnosis could be made, 25 had proven SM: 14 had emergomycosis, and 3 each had histoplasmosis and sporotrichosis; for 5 additional patients, the fungal species could not be identified. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) had been initiated in the preceding 4 weeks for 11/25 (44%) patients with SM (vs no patients without SM). Plaques and scale crust occurred more frequently in patients with SM (96% vs 25%, P = .0002; and 67% vs 13%, P = .01, respectively).

Conclusions

Recent ART initiation and presence of plaques or scale crust should make clinicians consider SM in patients with advanced HIV infection in this geographic area. Clinical overlap between SM and other dermatoses makes early skin biopsy critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.
First results on the cluster galaxy population from the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam survey. I. The role of group or cluster environment in star formation quenching from z = 0.2 to 1.1
Authors: Jian Hung-Yu , Lin Lihwai , Oguri Masamune , Nishizawa Atsushi J , Takada Masahiro , More Surhud , Koyama Yusei , Tanaka Masayuki , Komiyama Yutaka
Published: August 2017

We utilize the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) CAMIRA cluster catalog (Oguri et al. 2018 PASJ, 70, S20) and the photo-z galaxy catalog constructed in the HSC Wide field (S16A), covering ∼174 deg2, to study the star formation activity of galaxies in different environments over 0.2 < z < 1.1. We probe galaxies down to i ∼ 26, corresponding to a stellar mass limit of log10(M*/M⊙) ∼ 8.2 and ∼8.6 for star-forming and quiescent populations, respectively, at z ∼ 0.2. The existence of the red sequence for low stellar mass galaxies in clusters suggests that the environmental quenching persists to halt the star formation in the low-mass regime. In addition, star-forming galaxies in groups or clusters are systematically biased toward lower values of specific star formation rate by 0.1–0.3 dex with respect to those in the field, and the offsets show no strong redshift evolution over our redshift range, implying a universal slow quenching mechanism acting in the dense environments since z ∼ 1.1. Moreover, the environmental quenching dominates the mass quenching in low-mass galaxies, and the quenching dominance reverses in high-mass ones. The transition mass is greater in clusters than in groups, indicating that the environmental quenching is more effective for massive galaxies in clusters compared to groups.
Altering Plant Defenses: Herbivore-Associated Molecular Patterns and Effector Arsenal of Chewing Herbivores
Authors: Basu Saumik , Varsani Suresh , Louis Joe
Published: August 2017

Chewing herbivores, such as caterpillars and beetles, while feeding on the host plant, cause extensive tissue damage and release a wide array of cues to alter plant defenses. Consequently, the cues can have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on the chewing herbivores. Herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs) are molecules produced by herbivorous insects that aid them to elicit plant defenses leading to impairment of insect growth, while effectors suppress plant defenses and contribute to increased susceptibility to subsequent feeding by chewing herbivores. Besides secretions that originate from glands (e.g., saliva) and fore- and midgut regions (e.g., oral secretions) of chewing herbivores, recent studies have shown that insect frass and herbivore-associated endosymbionts also play a critical role in modulating plant defenses. In this review, we provide an update on a growing body of literature that discusses the chewing insect HAMPs and effectors and the mechanisms by which they modulate host defenses. Novel “omic” approaches and availability of new tools will help researchers to move forward this discipline by identifying and characterizing novel insect HAMPs and effectors and how these herbivore-associated cues are perceived by host plant receptors.