bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategy to smooth tie‐line power of microgrid by considering group control of heat pumps
Authors: Shi Jinxiao , Huang Wentao , Tai Nengling , Zhu Qin , Liu Dawei
Published: December 2017

In order to smooth the tie‐line power fluctuation effectively, this study presents a coordination control strategy for the combined heat and power microgrid based on heat pumps and energy storage system (ESS). The strategy establishes an electricity–heat conversion model of heat pumps. Heat pump priority sequence for state switching is calculated depending on the group control algorithm. By switching the heat pumps’ on–off states, partial tie‐line fluctuation power is suppressed firstly. Weight functions are built considering the operating states of ESS and heat pumps. The remaining tie‐line fluctuation power is allocated among them. Simulation indicates the proposed strategy implements the energy coordination control of the tie‐line fluctuation suppression. Meanwhile, it improves the complementary economy and energy utilisation efficiency for the combined heat and power microgrid.
New spectro-photometric characterization of the substellar object HR 2562 B using SPHERE
Authors: Mesa D. , Baudino J.-L. , Charnay B. , D’Orazi V. , Desidera S. , Boccaletti A. , Gratton R. , Bonnefoy M. , Delorme P. , Langlois M. , Vigan A. , Zurlo A. , Maire A.-L. , Janson M. , Antichi J. , Baruffolo A. , Bruno P. , Cascone E. , Chauvin G. , Claudi R.U. , De Caprio V. , Fantinel D. , Farisato G. , Feldt M. , Giro E. , Hagelberg J. , Incorvaia S. , Lagadec E. , Lagrange A.-M. , Lazzoni C. , Lessio L. , Salasnich B. , Scuderi S. , Sissa E. , Turatto M.
Published: December 2017

Aims.HR 2562 is an F5V star located at ~33 pc from the Sun hosting a substellar companion that was discovered using the Gemini planet imager (GPI) instrument. The main objective of the present paper is to provide an extensive characterization of the substellar companion, by deriving its fundamental properties.

Methods.We observed HR 2562 with the near-infrared branch composed by the integral field spectrograph (IFS) and the infrared dual band spectrograph (IRDIS) of the spectro-polarimetric high-contrast exoplanet research (SPHERE) instrument at the very large telescope (VLT). During our observations IFS was operating in theY Jband, while IRDIS was observing with theHbroadband filter. The data were reduced with the dedicated SPHERE GTO pipeline, which is custom designed for this instrument. On the reduced images, we then applied the post-processing procedures that are specifically prepared to subtract the speckle noise.

Results.The companion is clearly detected in both IRDIS and IFS datasets. We obtained photometry in three different spectral bands. The comparison with template spectra allowed us to derive a spectral type of T2–T3 for the companion. Using both evolutionary and atmospheric models we inferred the main physical parameters of the companion obtaining a mass of 32 ± 14MJup,Teff= 1100 ± 200 K, and logg= 4.75 ± 0.41.
A generalized model and a heuristic algorithm for the large-scale covering tour problem
Authors: Murakami Keisuke
Published: December 2017

The covering tour problem (CTP) is defined on a graph, where there exist two types of vertices. One is called visited vertex, which can be visited. The other is called covered vertex, which must be covered but cannot be visited. Each visited vertex covers a subset of covered vertices, and the costs of edges between visited vertices are given. The objective of the CTP is to obtain a minimum cost tour on a subset of visited vertices while covering all covered vertices. In this paper, we deal with the large-scale CTPs, which are composed of tens of thousands of vertices; in the previous studies, the scales of the instances in the experiments are at most a few hundred vertices. We propose a heuristic algorithm using local search techniques for the large-scale CTP. With computational experiments, we show that our algorithm outperforms the existing methods.
Sensitivity analysis of an M/G/1 retrial queueing system with disaster under working vacations and working breakdowns
Authors: Rajadurai P.
Published: December 2017

This paper deals with the new type of retrial queueing system with working vacations and working breakdowns. The system may become defective by disasters at any point of time when the regular busy server is in operation. The occurrence of disasters forces all customers to leave the system and causes the main server to fail. At a failure instant, the main server is sent to the repair and the repair period immediately begins. As soon as the orbit becomes empty at regular service completion instant or disaster occurs in the regular busy server, the server goes for a working vacation and working breakdown (called lower speed service period). During this period, the server works at a lower service rate to arriving customers. Using the supplementary variable technique, we analyze the steady state probability generating function of system size. Some important system performance measures are obtained. Finally, some numerical examples and cost optimization analysis are presented.
Direct Synthesis of 6H-Chromeno[3,4-b]quinolin-6-ol Derivatives from Substituted 3-Nitro-2H-chromenes and 2-Nitrobenzaldehydes Mediated by Fe/AcOH System
Authors: Wang Cunde , Qing Xushun , Wang Ting , Dai Chenlu , Su Zhenjie
Published: December 2017

An efficient iron/acetic acid system-mediated reductive cyclization reaction of substituted 2-aryl-3-nitro-2H-chromenes with substituted 2-nitrobenzaldehydes for the synthesis of 6-aryl-6H-chromeno[3,4-b]quinolines was developed. This reaction involves the sequential reduction, hydrolysis, aldol condensation, intramolecular addition, and the nucleophilic addition of substituted 2-aryl-3-nitro-2H-chromenes with substituted 2-nitrobenzaldehydes to give the corresponding 6H-chromeno[3,4-b]quinolines. This transformation provides a straightforward synthetic protocol for constructing substituted 6H-chromeno[3,4-b]quinoline derivatives. The structures of three typical products were confirmed by X-ray crystallography.
Bioinspired Catalysis: Self-Assembly of a Protein and DNA as a Catalyst for the Aldol Reaction in Aqueous Media
Authors: Li Guangxun , Tang Zhuo , Liu Hongxin , Wang Ying-wei , Zhang Shiqi
Published: December 2017

An interesting bioinspired catalyst formed from readily available DNA and a protein through electrostatic interaction in situ proved to be efficient in catalyzing aldol reactions under mild conditions in water. By using a self-assembling catalytic system formed from protamine and DNA, aldol adducts were obtained with high yields and moderate enantioselectivities. Preliminary experiments demonstrated that the chirality of the DNA could be effectively transferred to the reaction product through the bound molecules or proteins.
Bringing Emergency Neurology to Ambulances: Mobile Stroke Unit
Authors: Bowry Ritvij , Grotta James
Published: December 2017

Ischemic stroke results from blocked arteries in the brain, with earlier thrombolysis with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and/or mechanical thrombectomy resulting in improved clinical outcomes. Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) can speed up the treatment with tPA and facilitate faster triage for patients to hospitals for mechanical thrombectomy. The first registry-based MSU study in Germany demonstrated faster treatment times with tPA using a MSU, a higher proportion of patients being treated within the first “golden hour,” and a suggestion of improved 3-month clinical outcomes. The first multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial comparing MSU versus standard care was started in 2014 after the launch of the MSU in Houston, TX, demonstrating the feasibility and safety of MSU operation in the United States, and reliability of telemedicine to evaluate stroke patients for tPA eligibility. Although conclusive evidence from clinical trials to support MSUs as being cost effective and improving clinical outcomes is still needed, there are a myriad of other clinical and research applications of MSUs that could have profound implications for managing patients with neurological emergencies.
Imaging in Neurocritical Care Practice
Authors: Williamson Craig , Morgan Larry , Klein Joshua
Published: December 2017

The use of neuroimaging in conjunction with serial neurological examinations is a core component of modern neurocritical care practice. Although there is a growing role for other neuromonitoring techniques, the ability to quickly and accurately interpret images in the context of a patient's clinical status arguably remains the indispensable skill for neurocritical care practitioners. Due to its rapid acquisition time and excellent ability to detect intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), cerebral edema, and signs of elevated intracranial pressure, computed tomography (CT) remains the most useful neuroimaging technique for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. An emergent head CT is obtained to inform most time-sensitive decisions that arise in the neurological ICU (NICU). CT features also figure prominently in prognostic scores for common NICU conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), ICH, and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Among patients who are sufficiently stable to leave the ICU and lie flat for an extended period, magnetic resonance imaging provides much more detailed, high-contrast images which can aid in the detection of ischemia, diffuse axonal injury, and neuroprognostication. Though primarily used in neurocritical care research, nuclear medicine imaging techniques have some clinical applications, particularly in ancillary testing for brain death. Finally, as in the field of critical care as a whole, formal and point-of-care ultrasound studies are increasingly utilized in the NICU, and are an important tool in the neurointensivist's armamentarium. We review here the common applications of imaging in the neurocritical care setting. As ICU patients are frequently unstable and their risk of clinical decompensation increases substantially during transport away from the ICU, guidelines and recommendations for maximizing patient safety during transport to radiology studies are also explored.
Multimodality Monitoring: Toward Improved Outcomes
Authors: Gandee Richard , Miller Chad
Published: December 2017

Multimodality monitoring provides insights into the critically ill brain-injured patient through the assessment of biochemical, physiological, and electrical data that provides insight into a patient's condition and what strategies may be available to limit further damage and improve the odds for recovery. Modalities utilized include evaluation of intracranial pressure along with cerebral perfusion pressure to determine adequate blood flow; continuous electroencephalography to protect the patient from seizures and to identify early functional manifestations of ischemia and toxicity; transcranial Doppler evaluation for bedside review of circulatory adequacy; tissue oxygen monitoring to establish that brain tissue is receiving adequate oxygen from blood flow; and microdialysis to evaluate the metabolic function of the tissue in areas of concern. These monitors provide insights regarding specific aspects of brain tissue and overall brain function in the critically ill patient. Although recommendations continue to evolve for therapeutic targets for each of these modalities, an effective clinician may use each of these modalities to evaluate patients on an individual basis to improve the outcome of each patient, tailoring management to provide the care needed for any unique clinical presentation.
Blood Pressure Management for Acute Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke: The Evidence
Authors: Ko Sang-Bae , Yoon Byung-Woo
Published: December 2017

Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for stroke (both ischemic and hemorrhagic types). In the hyperacute phase, a majority of patients shows an elevated blood pressure (BP) at the time of presentation because of sympathetic hyperactivity or a physiological response to tissue ischemia. Therefore, BP may decrease spontaneously in a few hours and may drop further when complete recanalization is achieved. In stroke guidelines, an elevated BP is usually left untreated up to a systolic BP (SBP) of 220 mm Hg and a diastolic BP of 120 mm Hg. This recommendation is based on the BP level that corresponds to the upper limit of the pressure autoregulation zone above which cerebral blood flow is directly dependent on BP. However, in patients in whom administration of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator is indicated, BP should be controlled to a level < 185/110 mm Hg before infusion and should be maintained at levels < 180/105 mm Hg to limit the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In cases where endovascular thrombectomy is considered, the optimal intra- and postprocedural BP target have not yet been clearly identified. Expert opinion recommends that intraprocedural BP reduction could be associated with a risk of poor outcomes, and therefore, SBP may be reduced only to 120 to 140 mm Hg after successful reperfusion therapy. However, this recommendation is primarily based on observational studies and requires validation in prospective trials. It has been observed that in patients presenting with an ICH, there is no perihematomal penumbra noted and rapid BP reduction is generally well tolerated without a risk of neurological worsening. Multiple trials describing acute reduction of BP recommend SBP reduction only to 140 mm Hg because while there is no benefit of better functional outcomes below that level, there exists a definite risk of increased renal complications.
Rheuma und Ochronose (Alkaptonurie)
Authors: Dischereit Gabriel , Lange Uwe
Published: December 2017

Die Ochronose ist eine Folge der seltenen, autosomal-rezessiv vererbten Stoffwechselerkrankung Alkaptonurie (hereditäre Form) oder wird durch chronische Intoxikation mit Phenol, Hydrochinon, karbolsäurehaltigen Externa oder Antimalariamittel ausgelöst (exogene Form). Durch einen enzymatischen Defekt im Phenylalanin- und Thyrosinabbau reichert sich, bei der hereditären Form, Homogentisinsäure im Organismus an. Diese akkumuliert nach Oxidation als polymerer, chinoider Farbstoff in kollagenreichem Bindegewebe und führt dort zu Verfärbung und Degeneration. Insbesondere Sehnen, Knorpel, Knochen, Bandscheiben, Skleren und Gehörknöchelchen, aber auch Herzklappen und Koronargefäße sind betroffen. Eine Bestimmung der Homogentisinsäure im Urin sichert die Diagnose, die zugrundeliegende Störung kann molekular-genetisch nachgewiesen werden. Eine kausale Therapie der hereditären Form ist derzeit nicht bekannt, rein symptomatisch orientierte Therapiemaßnahmen stehen daher im Vordergrund.
Borderline-Behandlung bei Patienten mit transversalem Defizit
Authors: Wendl Brigitte , Winsauer Heinz , Walter Andre , Muchitsch Alfred , Jakse Norbert
Published: December 2017

Eine Behandlung transversaler Oberkieferdefizite im Erwachsenenalter mit herkömmlichen Expansionsgeräten ist aufgrund der möglichen parodontalen Schädigung oft schwer durchführbar. Chirurgische Verfahren (SARME=surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion oder Segment-LeFort-I-Operationen) werden bei abgeschlossenem Wachstum erfolgreich eingesetzt. Einige Patienten lehnen aber eine Operation in Allgemeinnarkose ab. Alternativ gibt es Möglichkeiten auch im Erwachsenenalter mit weniger invasivem Vorgehen eine transversale Oberkieferkorrektur durchzuführen. Dies wird anhand zweier Patientenbeispiele demonstriert.
Erfolgskriterien für die Verankerung mit Minischrauben
Authors: Köstenberger Herwig , Jakse Norbert , Wendl Brigitte , Pichelmayer Magit
Published: December 2017

Minischrauben sind Mittel der Wahl, wenn maximale temporäre Verankerung gefordert wird. Compliance-Unabhängigkeit, niedrige Kosten und eine hohe Erfolgsrate machen diese Systeme klinisch so relevant. Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Nachuntersuchung von 246 gesetzten Minischrauben. Diese waren monokortikal ohne Vorbohrung gesetzt und kieferorthopädisch sowohl direkt als auch indirekt belastet worden. Die statistische Auswertung ergab eine Erfolgsrate von 87,8%. Hauptgrund für einen vorzeitigen Minischraubenverlust waren mangelnde Hygiene und Inflammationen der umgebenden Gewebe. Im klinischen Alltag sind Minischrauben eine gute Alternative zu klassischen Verankerungskonzepten.
Psychologische Therapie in der Geriatrie
Authors: Mix Stefan , Lämmler Gernot
Published: December 2017

Im multiprofessionellen rehabilitativen Behandlungskonzept in der Geriatrie sind Psychologen fest integriert. Die Gefährdung der
Selbstständigkeit durch Multimorbidität und vielfältige Funktionsverluste bringt einen Bedarf an psychotherapeutischer Unterstützung der
Krankheitsbewältigung mit sich. Die Diagnostik und Behandlung älterer Menschen mit zerebralen Schädigungen, neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen
oder affektiven Störungen stellt vielfältige Anforderungen an Psychologen. Auf der Basis einer fundierten Qualifikation mit Kenntnissen über
die Auswirkungen neurologischer Erkrankungen im Alter leisten Psychologen – insbesondere Klinische Neuropsychologen – bei verschiedenen
Indikationen einen wichtigen therapeutischen Beitrag zur Wiedererlangung von Selbstständigkeit oder zur Akzeptanz eines Lebens mit
Funktionseinschränkungen.
Medikationsmanagement bei Polypharmazie im Alter
Authors: Arnold Tim
Published: December 2017

Der ältere Mensch stellt für den behandelnden Arzt eine große Herausforderung dar. Er unterscheidet sich nicht nur im Hinblick auf zahlreiche
altersphysiologische Unterschiede von übrigen Patienten sondern auch aufgrund der möglicherweise bestehenden Komorbiditäten. Durch
physiologische Altersveränderungen kommt beim älteren Patienten insbesondere den Verteilungsvolumina eine besondere Bedeutung zu. Werden
ältere, multimorbide Patienten leitliniengerecht behandelt, geht dies meist mit einer Polypharmazie einher, die letztlich zu einer
unüberschaubaren Anzahl an einzunehmenden Medikamenten führt. Damit steigen die Risiken unerwünschter Arzneimittelwirkungen, welche bei über
der Hälfte der 75-Jährigen als vermeidbar eingeschätzt werden. Im Rahmen der kritischen Prüfung eines medikamentösen Behandlungsplans sollte
daher an erster Stelle die Frage nach der Fähigkeit des Patienten stehen, die verordnete Medikation auch korrekt einnehmen zu können. Bei
der Dosisfindung kommt der Bestimmung der Nierenfunktion eine große Bedeutung zu. Zur Verbesserung der Verträglichkeit sollte bei älteren
Patienten eine niedrige Anfangsdosis gewählt und eine langsame Dosissteigerung vorgenommen werden. Zur Optimierung der Arzneimitteltherapie
bei älteren Menschen empfehlen sich Checklisten, die beim älteren Menschen zu vermeidende und mit Vorsicht anzuwendende Arzneimittel
aufzeigen. Auch Fachgesellschaften haben im Rahmen der Choosing-wisely-Kampagne Negativempfehlungen entwickelt. Momentan existiert kein
Goldstandard, eine Kombination verschiedener individueller Ansätze bilden jedoch die Grundlage zum Management von Polypharmazie.
Die Prävalenz von Zahnfehlanlagen bei Lippen-Kiefer-Gaumenspaltpatienten
Authors: Schenz Natalie , Castegnaro Mattia , Schmid Johanna , Popovscaia Marina , Crismani Adriano
Published: December 2017

Zahnfehlanlagen treten bei Patienten mit Lippen-Kiefer-Gaumenspalten (LKG-Spalten) vermehrt und speziell im Bereich der lateralen Schneidezähne auf. Ziel der vorliegenden retrospektiven Studie war es, die Patienten mit LKG-Spalten, die an der Universitätsklinik Innsbruck in Behandlung sind, auf Zahn-Anomalien zu untersuchen. Nach Anwendung der Ausschlusskriterien wurden 86 Patienten in die Studie einbezogen und in 4 Gruppen eingeteilt: unilaterale LKG-Spalten links (ULCLP), unilaterale LKG-Spalten rechts (URCLP), bilaterale LKG-Spalten (BCLP) und reine Gaumenspalten (CP). Alle Panoramaröntgenaufnahmen bzw. wenn vorhanden DVT oder CT sowie intraorale Fotos wurden auf Nichtanlagen sowie überzählige und dysmorphe Zähne untersucht. In den Gruppen ULCLP und BCLP war bei 50% bzw. 56,5% der Patienten zumindest ein Zahn im Spaltbereich nicht angelegt, während in der Gruppe URCLP durch die geringe Patientenzahl keine bedeutsame Aussage getroffen werden konnte. Außerhalb des Spaltbereichs war bei durchschnittlich 33,7% der Patienten zumindest ein Zahn nicht angelegt, wobei vor allem die zweiten Prämolaren betroffen waren.
Variable high gradient permanent magnet quadrupole (QUAPEVA)
Authors: Marteau F. , Ghaith A. , N'Gotta P. , Benabderrahmane C. , Valléau M. , Kitegi C. , Loulergue A. , Vétéran J. , Sebdaoui M. , André T. , Le Bec G. , Chavanne J. , Vallerand C. , Oumbarek D. , Cosson O. , Forest F. , Jivkov P. , Lancelot J. L. , Couprie M. E.
Published: December 2017

Different applications such as laser plasma acceleration, colliders, and diffraction limited light sources require high gradient quadrupoles, with strength that can reach up to 200 T/m for a typical 10 mm bore diameter. We present here a permanent magnet based quadrupole (so-called QUAPEVA) composed of a Halbach ring and surrounded by four permanent magnet cylinders. Its design including magnetic simulation modeling enabling us to reach 201 T/m with a gradient variability of 45% and mechanical issues are reported. Magnetic measurements of seven systems of different lengths are presented and confirmed the theoretical expectations. The variation of the magnetic center while changing the gradient strength is ±10 μm. A triplet of QUAPEVA magnets is used to efficiently focus a beam with large energy spread and high divergence that is generated by a Laser Plasma Acceleration source for a free electron laser demonstration and has enabled us to perform beam based alignment and control the dispersion of the beam.
Detection of coherent electron dynamics in benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by two antiphase pulses: An ab initio study
Authors: Zhang Hong , Miyamoto Yoshiyuki , Cheng Xinlu
Published: December 2017

The coherence of electron dynamics in medium-sized molecules was examined by real-time time-dependent density functional theory calculations coupled with molecular dynamics. We observed laser-pulse-induced oscillation of the dipole and an increase in the potential energy of the molecules studied (benzene, naphthalene, and anthracene). Moreover, the second laser pulse with an antiphase optical field oscillation suppressed the dipole oscillation by interference and reduced the potential energy of the molecules. This interference was not observed in a simulation that freezes ion motion. Thus, the photoinduced coherent beat was maintained for a finite time in large molecules, and here, we discuss the effects of the molecular size and the influence of temperature on the coherence preservation.
A reproducible method for μm precision alignment of PDMS microchannels with on-chip electrodes using a mask aligner
Authors: Cottet Jonathan , Vaillier Clarisse , Buret François , Frénéa-Robin Marie , Renaud Philippe
Published: December 2017

This paper describes a reproducible method for μm precision alignment of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannels with coplanar electrodes using a conventional mask aligner for lab-on-a-chip applications. It is based on the use of a silicon mold in combination with a PMMA sarcophagus for precise control of the parallelism between the top and bottom surfaces of molded PDMS. The alignment of the fabricated PDMS slab with electrodes patterned on a glass chip is then performed using a conventional mask aligner with a custom-made steel chuck and magnets. This technique allows to bond and align chips with a resolution of less than 2 μm.
Spin-waves in thin films with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction
Authors: Diep H. T. , El Hog Sahbi , Puszkarski Henryk
Published: December 2017

Using the Green’s function method, we calculate the spin-wave (SW) spectrum in a thin film with quantum Heisenberg spins interacting with each other via an exchange interaction J and a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction of magnitude D. Due to the competition between J and D, the ground state is non collinear. We show that for large D, the first mode in the SW spectrum is proportional to the in plane wave-vector k at the limit k tending to zero. For small D, it is proportional to k2. We show that the surface modes may occur depending on the surface exchange interaction. We calculate the layer magnetizations at temperature T and the transition temperature as a function of the film thickness.
Magnetocaloric effect in textured rare earth intermetallic compound ErNi
Authors: Sankar Aparna , Chelvane J. Arout , Morozkin A. V. , Nigam A. K. , Quezado S. , Malik S. K. , Nirmala R.
Published: December 2017

Melt-spun ErNi crystallizes in orthorhombic FeB-type structure (Space group Pnma, no. 62) similar to the arc-melted ErNi compound. Room temperature X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments reveal the presence of texture and preferred crystal orientation in the melt-spun ErNi. The XRD data obtained from the free surface of the melt-spun ErNi show large intensity enhancement for (1 0 2) Bragg reflection. The scanning electron microscopy image of the free surface depicts a granular microstructure with grains of ∼1 μm size. The arc-melted and the melt-spun ErNi compounds order ferromagnetically at 11 K and 10 K (TC) respectively. Field dependent magnetization (M-H) at 2 K shows saturation behaviour and the saturation magnetization value is 7.2 μB/f.u. for the arc-melted ErNi and 7.4 μB/f.u. for the melt-spun ErNi. The isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔSm) close to TC has been calculated from the M-H data. The maximum isothermal magnetic entropy change, -ΔSmmax, is ∼27 Jkg-1K-1 and ∼24 Jkg-1K-1 for the arc-melted and melt-spun ErNi for 50 kOe field change, near TC. The corresponding relative cooling power values are ∼440 J/kg and ∼432 J/kg respectively. Although a part of ΔSm is lost to crystalline electric field (CEF) effects, the magnetocaloric effect is substantially large at 10 K, thus rendering melt-spun ErNi to be useful in low temperature magnetic refrigeration applications such as helium gas liquefaction.
Multiple magnetic resonance and microwave absorption of metamaterial absorbers composed of double split ring resonators on grounded carbonyl iron composites
Authors: Lim Jun-Hee , Kim Sung-Soo
Published: December 2017

This study investigates the triple-band absorption properties of metamaterial absorbers composed of a double split ring resonator (DSRR) on a grounded magnetic substrate of carbonyl iron powders. Computational tools are used to model the interaction between electromagnetic waves and the metamaterial structure. For perpendicular polarization with the electric field perpendicular to the SRR gap, triple-band absorption peaks are predicted in the simulation result of reflection loss. Magnetic resonance resulting from antiparallel currents between the upper DSRR and the lower ground plane is identified at the frequencies of the absorption peaks. The orientation of the two resonators influences the absorption characteristics, especially in the second and third peaks where the coupling between the inner SRR and outer SRR is strong. The current density distribution indicates that the two resonators oriented in the same direction achieve reduced coupling between them, which results in two absorption frequencies close to each other. For parallel polarization with the electric field parallel to the SRR gap, this study predicts dual-band absorption peaks corresponding to the magnetic resonance at the SRR wire.
Physiological and molecular characterisation for high temperature stress in Lens culinaris
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Basu Partha Sarathi , Gupta Sunanda , Dubey Sonali , Sen Gupta Debjyoti , Singh Narendra Pratap
Published: December 2017

In the present study, 11 lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) genotypes including heat tolerant and heat sensitive genotypes identified after a screening of 334 accessions of lentil for traits imparting heat tolerance, were characterised based on physiological traits and molecular markers. Results showed a higher reduction in pollen viability among sensitive genotypes (up to 52.3%) compared with tolerant genotypes (up to 32.4%) at 43°C. Higher photosynthetic electron transport rate was observed among heat tolerant genotypes and two heat tolerant lentil genotypes, IG 4258 (0.43) and IG 3330 (0.38) were having highest Fv/Fm values. However, membrane stability was significantly higher in only one heat tolerant genotype, ILL 10712, indicating that different mechanisms are involved to control heat tolerance in lentil. The molecular characterisation of lentil genotypes with 70 polymorphic SSR and genic markers resulted into distinct clusters in accordance with their heat stress tolerance. A functional marker ISM11257 (intron spanning marker) amplifying an allele of 205 bp in size was present only among heat tolerant genotypes, and could be further used in a breeding program to identify heat tolerant lentil genotypes. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of heat tolerant lentil cultivars.
Death cap mushrooms from southern Australia: additions to Amanita (Amanitaceae, Agaricales) section Phalloideae Clade IX
Authors: Davison E. M. , Giustiniano D. , Busetti F. , Gates G. M. , Syme K.
Published: December 2017

The following three similar Amanita spp. are described: Amanita djarilmari E.M.Davison, A. gardneri E.M.Davison from the south-west of Western Australia and A. millsii E.M.Davison & G.M.Gates (=A. sp. 10 ZLY-2014 HKAS 77322 in KUN) from Tasmania. All have a white- or pale-coloured pileus and white universal veil, but differ in the shape of the bulb, spore shape, and structure of the universal veil. All are from subgenus Lepidella section Phalloideae. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these species cannot be separated on the basis of data derived from nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed-spacer sequences. They can be separated in a multi-locus phylogeny of the 28S nuclear ribosomal large-subunit rRNA region, RNA polymerase-II region, β-tubulin region and translation elongation-factor 1-α region. Amanita djarilmari, A. gardneri, A. millsii and two other previously described species in section Phalloideae from southern Australia (A. eucalypti and A. marmorata) cluster in Clade IX. These, together with other species in this clade, segregate into two lineages, namely, Clade IX A, with a white or pale pileus, and Clade IX B, with a brown pileus. Solvent extraction, followed by liquid-chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry of A. djarilmari, A. eucalypti, A. gardneri and A. marmorata basidiomes did not detect the highly toxic amatoxins α-amanitin and β-amanitin, but did detect the phallotoxins phallacidin and phalloidin.
Rentierism and security privatisation in the Nigerian petroleum industry: assessment of oil pipeline surveillance and protection contracts
Authors: Adibe Raymond , Nwagwu Ejikeme , Albert Okorie
Published: December 2017

This briefing examines rentierism and security privatisation in the Nigerian petroleum industry. It demonstrates how the awarding of oil pipeline surveillance and protection contracts, with little attention to organisational capacity of applicant companies, resulted in widespread discontent among militias and groups not recognised or rewarded by a contract. These groups then intensified attacks on oil infrastructures in the post-amnesty era. The authors' findings endorse the government's 2015 decision to terminate the contracts, while they recommend transparent and democratic management of oil wealth as a long-term solution to human insecurity in the Niger Delta.
Mindfulness and resonance in an era of acceleration: a critical inquiry
Authors: Kristensen Mette Lund
Published: December 2017

The paper emerges from the trend toward a commodification of mindfulness practices, known as McMindfulness. Drawing on a critique of late-modern temporality, the paper examines the use of mindfulness practices as a remedy for the consequences of societal acceleration. However, the paper suggests that mindfulness practices risk reinforcing the problems they were expected to solve. Against the backdrop of the notion of resonance, the paper suggests a non-instrumental path for mindfulness practices, which have the potential to counterbalance the acceleration in social and working life and to provide the basis for the good life by assisting experiences of resonant relationships. However, the institutionalized capitalistic logic that permeates societal acceleration challenges legitimation of such mindfulness-based experiences of resonance. Therefore, the paper advocates more humanistic logic that embraces deeply rooted universal human capacities and needs for attention, awareness, relationality, and caring.
On the Hamiltonian–Krein index for a non-self-adjoint spectral problem
Authors: Kostenko Aleksey , Nicolussi Noema
Published: December 2017

We investigate the instability index of the spectral problem
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are constants. This problem arises in the study of stability of solitons for certain nonlinear equations (e.g., the short pulse equation and the generalized Bullough–Dodd equation). We show how to apply the standard approach in the situation under consideration, and as a result we provide a formula for the instability index in terms of certain spectral characteristics of the 1-D Schrödinger operator

H
V

=
−

c
2

d
2

d

x
2

+

b
2

+
V
(
x
)

H_V=-c^2\frac {d^2}{dx^2}+b^2 +V(x)

.
DeepSig: deep learning improves signal peptide detection in proteins
Authors: Savojardo Castrense , Martelli Pier Luigi , Fariselli Piero , Casadio Rita
Published: December 2017

Motivation

The identification of signal peptides in protein sequences is an important step toward protein localization and function characterization.

Results

Here, we present DeepSig, an improved approach for signal peptide detection and cleavage-site prediction based on deep learning methods. Comparative benchmarks performed on an updated independent dataset of proteins show that DeepSig is the current best performing method, scoring better than other available state-of-the-art approaches on both signal peptide detection and precise cleavage-site identification.

Availability and implementation

DeepSig is available as both standalone program and web server at https://deepsig.biocomp.unibo.it. All datasets used in this study can be obtained from the same website.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Multiple hot-deck imputation for network inference from RNA sequencing data
Authors: Imbert Alyssa , Valsesia Armand , Le Gall Caroline , Armenise Claudia , Lefebvre Gregory , Gourraud Pierre-Antoine , Viguerie Nathalie , Villa-Vialaneix Nathalie
Published: December 2017

Motivation

Network inference provides a global view of the relations existing between gene expression in a given transcriptomic experiment (often only for a restricted list of chosen genes). However, it is still a challenging problem: even if the cost of sequencing techniques has decreased over the last years, the number of samples in a given experiment is still (very) small compared to the number of genes.

Results

We propose a method to increase the reliability of the inference when RNA-seq expression data have been measured together with an auxiliary dataset that can provide external information on gene expression similarity between samples. Our statistical approach, hd-MI, is based on imputation for samples without available RNA-seq data that are considered as missing data but are observed on the secondary dataset. hd-MI can improve the reliability of the inference for missing rates up to 30% and provides more stable networks with a smaller number of false positive edges. On a biological point of view, hd-MI was also found relevant to infer networks from RNA-seq data acquired in adipose tissue during a nutritional intervention in obese individuals. In these networks, novel links between genes were highlighted, as well as an improved comparability between the two steps of the nutritional intervention.

Availability and implementation

Software and sample data are available as an R package, RNAseqNet, that can be downloaded from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
An automated benchmarking platform for MHC class II binding prediction methods
Authors: Andreatta Massimo , Trolle Thomas , Yan Zhen , Greenbaum Jason A , Peters Bjoern , Nielsen Morten
Published: December 2017

Motivation

Computational methods for the prediction of peptide-MHC binding have become an integral and essential component for candidate selection in experimental T cell epitope discovery studies. The sheer amount of published prediction methods—and often discordant reports on their performance—poses a considerable quandary to the experimentalist who needs to choose the best tool for their research.

Results

With the goal to provide an unbiased, transparent evaluation of the state-of-the-art in the field, we created an automated platform to benchmark peptide-MHC class II binding prediction tools. The platform evaluates the absolute and relative predictive performance of all participating tools on data newly entered into the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) before they are made public, thereby providing a frequent, unbiased assessment of available prediction tools. The benchmark runs on a weekly basis, is fully automated, and displays up-to-date results on a publicly accessible website. The initial benchmark described here included six commonly used prediction servers, but other tools are encouraged to join with a simple sign-up procedure. Performance evaluation on 59 data sets composed of over 10 000 binding affinity measurements suggested that NetMHCIIpan is currently the most accurate tool, followed by NN-align and the IEDB consensus method.

Availability and implementation

Weekly reports on the participating methods can be found online at: http://tools.iedb.org/auto_bench/mhcii/weekly/.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Genome U-Plot: a whole genome visualization
Authors: Gaitatzes Athanasios , Johnson Sarah H , Smadbeck James B , Vasmatzis George
Published: December 2017

Motivation

The ability to produce and analyze whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from samples with structural variations (SV) generated the need to visualize such abnormalities in simplified plots. Conventional two-dimensional representations of WGS data frequently use either circular or linear layouts. There are several diverse advantages regarding both these representations, but their major disadvantage is that they do not use the two-dimensional space very efficiently. We propose a layout, termed the Genome U-Plot, which spreads the chromosomes on a two-dimensional surface and essentially quadruples the spatial resolution. We present the Genome U-Plot for producing clear and intuitive graphs that allows researchers to generate novel insights and hypotheses by visualizing SVs such as deletions, amplifications, and chromoanagenesis events. The main features of the Genome U-Plot are its layered layout, its high spatial resolution and its improved aesthetic qualities. We compare conventional visualization schemas with the Genome U-Plot using visualization metrics such as number of line crossings and crossing angle resolution measures. Based on our metrics, we improve the readability of the resulting graph by at least 2-fold, making apparent important features and making it easy to identify important genomic changes.

Results

A whole genome visualization tool with high spatial resolution and improved aesthetic qualities.

Availability and implementation

An implementation and documentation of the Genome U-Plot is publicly available at https://github.com/gaitat/GenomeUPlot.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Artemisinin Therapy for Malaria in Hemoglobinopathies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sugiarto Sri Riyati , Moore Brioni R , Makani Julie , Davis Timothy M E
Published: December 2017

Artemisinin derivatives are widely used antimalarial drugs. There is some evidence from in vitro, animal and clinical studies that hemoglobinopathies may alter their disposition and antimalarial activity. This review assesses relevant data in α-thalassemia, sickle cell disease (SCD), β-thalassemia and hemoglobin E. There is no convincing evidence that the disposition of artemisinin drugs is affected by hemoglobinopathies. Although in vitro studies indicate that Plasmodium falciparum cultured in thalassemic erythrocytes is relatively resistant to the artemisinin derivatives, mean 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) are much lower than in vivo plasma concentrations after recommended treatment doses. Since IC50s are not increased in P. falciparum cultures using SCD erythrocytes, delayed post-treatment parasite clearance in SCD may reflect hyposplenism. As there have been no clinical studies suggesting that hemoglobinopathies significantly attenuate the efficacy of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) in uncomplicated malaria, recommended artemisinin doses as part of ACT remain appropriate in this patient group.
Deprescribing in Older Nursing Home Patients: Focus on Innovative Composite Measures for Dosage Deintensification
Authors: Aspinall Sherrie L , Hanlon Joseph T , Niznik Joshua D , Springer Sydney P , Thorpe Carolyn T
Published: December 2017

Deprescribing, which includes stopping or reducing the dosage of medications, is designed to improve safety and prevent adverse drug reactions in older patients. To date, there has been limited work on measuring decreases in dosage intensity, or deintensification, across therapeutic classes of medications. Given the ongoing focus on central nervous system (CNS) medications and the frequency with which providers encounter hypertension and diabetes in older nursing home patients, the objective of this expert review is to describe and critique innovative composite dosage intensity measures that have been, or could be, applied to quantify deintensification within three therapeutic medication targets commonly encountered in nursing home patients: CNS agents, antihypertensive therapy, and antidiabetic therapy and the extent to which they are associated with health outcomes. Composite measures for CNS medication intensity considered dividing a patient’s daily dose by defined daily dosage (DDD), or the minimum effective adult or geriatric daily dosage. In contrast, composite measures for antihypertensives used either DDD or maximum recommended daily dosage in the denominator. We were not able to identify any composite measure of intensity for antidiabetic classes. There was a paucity of interventional studies that showed reducing the dosage intensity resulted in improved health outcomes. In conclusion, we identified several innovative composite measures of dosage intensity for CNS and antihypertensive medications, and discussed possible approaches for developing an antidiabetic regimen composite measure. It is critical for future research to compare and contrast various measures and to determine their impact on important clinical outcomes.
Systematic genetic interaction studies identify histone demethylase Utx as potential target for ameliorating Huntington’s disease
Authors: Song Wan , Zsindely Nóra , Faragó Anikó , Marsh J Lawrence , Bodai László
Published: December 2017

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by alterations in the huntingtin gene (htt). Transcriptional dysregulation is an early event in HD progression. Protein acetylation and methylation particularly on histones regulates chromatin structure thereby preventing or facilitating transcription. Although protein acetylation has been found to affect HD symptoms, little is known about the potential role of protein methylation in HD pathology. In recent years, a series of proteins have been described that are responsible for methylating and demethylating histones as well as other proteins. We carried out systematic genetic interaction studies testing lysine and arginine methylases and demethylases in a Drosophila melanogaster HD model. We found that modulating methylation enzymes that typically affect histone positions H3K4, H3K36 or H3K79 had varying effects on HD pathology while modulating ones that typically affect constitutive heterochromatin marks at H3K9 and H4K20 generally had limited impact on HD pathology. In contrast, modulating enzymes acting on the facultative heterochromatin mark at H3K27 had specific effects on HD pathology, with reduction of the demethylase Utx rescuing HTT-induced pathology while reducing Polycomb Repressive Complex2 core methylase components led to more aggressive pathology. Further exploration of the mechanism underlying the methylation-specific interactions suggest that these lysine and arginine methylases and demethylases are likely exerting their influence through non-histone targets. These results highlight a novel therapeutic approach for HD in the form of Utx inhibition.
The Problem of Democratic Dirty Hands: Citizen Complicity, Responsibility, and Guilt
Authors: de Wijze Stephen
Published: December 2017

This paper outlines and explores the problem of democratic dirty hands (DDH), the sui generis moral situation where democratic politicians justifiably violate both a cherished moral principle and the fundamental processes of democratic governance. Some recent contributions to the dirty-hands (DH) debate have argued that the principles of democratic governance render DDH impossible. The paper rejects this view as based on a misunderstanding of the minimal and necessary conditions for both DH and democratic overnance. However, DDH does raise interesting issues concerning the complicity of citizens with their politicians’ DH. Citizens are accessories to such acts and have a duty to contribute to the reparations for the victims of DDH. Furthermore, as citizens bear some responsibility for the moral violations that were done in their name, they properly ought to feel some of the moral pollution that these actions generated.
Prunus geminivirus A: A Novel Grablovirus Infecting Prunus spp.
Authors: Al Rwahnih Maher , Alabi Olufemi J. , Westrick Nathaniel M. , Golino Deborah
Published: December 2017

Increased use of metagenomics for routine virus diagnosis has led to the characterization of several genus level geminiviruses from tree fruit long thought to exclusively host RNA viruses. In this study, the identification and molecular characterization of a novel geminivirus is reported for the first time in Prunus spp. The virus, provisionally named Prunus geminivirus A (PrGVA), was identified by Illumina sequencing from an asymptomatic plum tree. PrGVA was subsequently confirmed by rolling cycle amplification, cloning, and Sanger sequencing of its complete genome (3,174 to 3,176 nucleotides) from an additional 18 (9 apricot and 9 plum) field isolates. Apart from the nonanucleotide motif TAATATT↓AC present in its virion strand origin of replication, other conserved motifs of PrGVA support its geminiviral origin. PrGVA shared highest complete genome (73 to 74%), coat protein amino acid (83 to 85%) and rep-associated amino acid (74%) identities with Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV). PrGVA was graft but not mechanically transmissible. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction screening of Prunus spp. in the National Clonal Germplasm Repository collection using newly designed primers and probes revealed 69.4% (apricot), 55.8% (plum), and 8.3% (cherry) incidences of PrGVA. PrGVA is proposed as a novel member of the genus Grablovirus based on its close genome and phylogenetic relationship with GRBV.