bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily exposure to either a high‐ or low‐energy‐dense snack food reduces its reinforcing value in adolescents
Authors: Temple Jennifer L. , Van der Kloet Erika , Atkins Amanda M. , Crandall Amanda K. , Ziegler Amanda M.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To examine the impact of daily exposure to a low‐energy‐dense (LED) or a high‐energy‐dense (HED) snack food on its reinforcing value (RRV) in adolescents with healthy weight, overweight, or obesity.

Methods

A parallel‐group, randomized trial was used to assess RRV of LED or HED snack food at baseline and again after exposure to that snack food daily for 2 weeks in 77 adolescents, aged 13 to 17 years. Information on eating‐related subject characteristics was also collected at baseline.

Results

After 2 weeks of daily exposure, the RRV of the snack foods was significantly reduced in all participants, regardless of energy density or participant weight status. Among individuals who were high in dietary restraint only, those randomized to LED food found their snack food less reinforcing at baseline than those who were randomized to HED food. Baseline eating‐related variables also differed as a function of weight status.

Conclusions

Daily exposure to snack food in adolescents reduces the RRV of that food regardless of snack food energy density or weight status of the adolescent. This finding differs from adults, suggesting that increases in RRV of HED food after repeated exposure may develop after adolescence.
Enhancing physical activity and reducing obesity through smartcare and financial incentives: A pilot randomized trial
Authors: Shin Dong Wook , Yun Jae Moon , Shin Jung‐Hyun , Kwon Hyuktae , Min Hye Yeon , Joh Hee‐Kyung , Chung Won Joo , Park Jin Ho , Jung Kee‐Taig , Cho BeLong
Published: January 2017

Objective

A pilot randomized trial assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention combining Smartcare (activity tracker with a smartphone application) and financial incentives.

Methods

A three‐arm, open‐label randomized controlled trial design involving traditional education, Smartcare, and Smartcare with financial incentives was involved in this study. The latter group received financial incentives depending on the achievement of daily physical activity goals (process incentive) and weight loss targets (outcome incentive). Male university students (N = 105) with body mass index of ≥27 were enrolled.

Results

The average weight loss in the traditional education, Smartcare, and Smartcare with financial incentives groups was −0.4, −1.1, and −3.1 kg, respectively, with significantly greater weight loss in the third group (both Ps < 0.01). The final weight loss goal was achieved by 0, 2, and 10 participants in the traditional education, Smartcare, and Smartcare with financial incentives groups (odds ratio for the Smartcare with financial incentive vs. Smartcare = 7.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.45–36.47). Levels of physical activity were significantly higher in this group.

Conclusions

The addition of financial incentives to Smartcare was effective in increasing physical activity and reducing obesity.
Characterization of degradation products of silodosin under stress conditions by liquid chromatography/Fourier transform mass spectrometry
Authors: Pandeti Sukanya , Narender Tadigoppula , Prabhakar Sripadi , Reddy Thota Jagadeswar
Published: January 2017

Rationale

Silodosin (SDN) is a novel α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The presence of degradation products in a drug affects not only the quality, but also the safety and efficacy of drug formulation. Thus, it is essential to develop an efficient analytical method which could be useful to selectively separate, identify and characterise of all possible degradation products of SDN which is mandatory in drug development processes.

Methods

SDN was subjected to forced degradation under hydrolytic (acid, base and neutral), oxidative, photolytic and thermal stress conditions. Separation of the drug and degradation products was achieved by a liquid chromatography (LC) method using an Acquity UPLC® BEH C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm; Waters) column with mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid (FA) in water (A) and 0.1% FA in acetonitrile (ACN) and methanol (MeOH) (1:1) (B) as organic modifier at a flow rate of 0.15 mL min–1 in gradient elution mode. Identification and characterization of the degradation products was performed by mass spectrometry methods using an LTQ‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer.

Results

A total of five degradation products (DP1 to DP5) were formed under various stress conditions and their structures were proposed with the help of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments and high‐resolution mass spectral data. A common degradation product (DP1) was observed under acidic and basic degradation conditions. DP2 was observed under acidic, DP4 and DP5 were observed under basic hydrolytic conditions, whereas DP3 was observed under oxidative conditions.

Conclusions

SDN was found to be labile under hydrolytic and oxidative conditions. The structures of all the degradation products were proposed. The most rational mechanisms for the formation of the degradation products under different stress conditions have been established. The proposed method can be effectively used to carry out the determination and detection of SDN and its degradation products. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstruction of travel history using coupled δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr measurements of hair
Authors: Chau Thuan H. , Tipple Brett J. , Hu Lihai , Fernandez Diego P. , Cerling Thure E. , Ehleringer James R. , Chesson Lesley A.
Published: January 2017

Rationale

Oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O values) of hair largely reflect features of regional hydrology while strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) are thought to reflect bedrock geology; combination of both isotope signatures may provide greater capacity for determining provenance and reconstructing travel history of an organism. To test this hypothesis, we compared the O‐Sr isotope profiles of hair from domestic horses with known residency histories.

Methods

Tail hairs were collected from a pair of horses pastured together for a period of 16 months, one of which lived in a different location for the 8 months prior. Hair samples were washed with solvents to remove external contaminants prior to sequential sampling for δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr analysis via TC/EA‐IRMS and MC‐ICP‐MS, respectively. Hair digests were concentrated and analyzed employing low‐flow natural aspiration to measure 87Sr/86Sr.

Results

Tail hair from the control and transported horses had mean δ18O values of 11.25 ± 1.62 ‰ and 10.96 ± 1.53 ‰, and mean 87Sr/86Sr of 0.7101 ± 0.0006 and 0.7109 ± 0.0020, respectively. The δ18O and 87Sr/86Sr profiles for the control and transported horses were indistinguishable when they were pastured together. The 87Sr/86Sr profiles were significantly different during the period that the horses were living apart, while the δ18O values were indistinguishable during that period.

Conclusions

By comparing the O‐Sr isotope profiles of a control and transported horse, we investigated isotopic signal(s) potentially useful for reconstructing travel histories via high‐resolution sequential sampling along single strands of tail hair. Improved analytical capabilities allowed for extremely low Sr abundance samples to be analyzed for 87Sr/86Sr and proved capable of resolving a horse's movement between distinct regions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BEAP profiles as rapid test system for status analysis and early detection of process incidents in biogas plants
Authors: Refai Sarah , Berger Stefanie , Wassmann Kati , Hecht Melanie , Dickhaus Thomas , Deppenmeier Uwe
Published: January 2017

A method was developed to quantify the performance of microorganisms involved in different digestion levels in biogas plants. The test system was based on the addition of butyrate (BCON), ethanol (ECON), acetate (ACON) or propionate (PCON) to biogas sludge samples and the subsequent analysis of CH4 formation in comparison to control samples. The combination of the four values was referred to as BEAP profile. Determination of BEAP profiles enabled rapid testing of a biogas plant’s metabolic state within 24 h and an accurate mapping of all degradation levels in a lab-scale experimental setup. Furthermore, it was possible to distinguish between specific BEAP profiles for standard biogas plants and for biogas reactors with process incidents (beginning of NH4+–N inhibition, start of acidification, insufficient hydrolysis and potential mycotoxin effects). Finally, BEAP profiles also functioned as a warning system for the early prediction of critical NH4+–N concentrations leading to a drop of CH4 formation.
A genome‐wide profiling of brain DNA hydroxymethylation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhao Jinying , Zhu Yun , Yang Jingyun , Li Lin , Wu Hao , De Jager Philip L. , Jin Peng , Bennett David A.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism in brain aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The newly discovered 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine mediates DNA demethylation, is highly abundant in the brain, and is dynamically regulated by life experiences. However, little is known about its genome‐wide patterns and potential role in AD.

Methods

Using a genome‐wide capture followed by high‐throughput sequencing, we studied the genome‐wide distribution of 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine at specific genomic loci in human AD brain and identified differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) associated with AD pathology.

Results

We identified 517 DhMRs significantly associated with neuritic plaques and 60 DhMRs associated with neurofibrillary tangles. DNA hydroxymethylation in gene bodies was predominantly positively correlated with cis‐acting gene expression. Moreover, genes showing differential hydroxymethylation were significantly enriched in neurobiological processes and clustered in functional gene ontology categories.

Discussion

Our results reveal a critical role of DNA hydroxymethylation in AD pathology and provide mechanistic insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying AD.
R‐E‐S‐P‐E‐C‐T Find out what my name means to me: The effects of marketplace misidentification on consumption
Authors: Rank‐Christman Tracy , Morrin Maureen , Ringler Christine
Published: January 2017

Little research has focused on understanding how the misuse of consumers' names in the marketplace impacts consumption. Building on the motivation and personal identity threat literatures, we explore the impact of being identified by someone else's given name in the marketplace. We find that consumers exhibit avoidance behaviors when misidentified (versus remaining unidentified or being correctly identified), which is mediated by feelings of respect. We also show that misidentification effects are moderated by ego fragility (i.e., as measured by implicit self‐esteem), with the effects more pronounced among those with more fragile egos. We attenuate this effect via self‐affirmation, showing that misidentified consumers who have been affirmed no longer exhibit product avoidance responses. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
Kevin Murphy Receives 2016 Charles S. Falkenberg Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: January 2017

Kevin Murphy received the 2016 Charles S. Falkenberg Award at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 14 December 2016 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors an "early- to mid-career scientist who has contributed to the quality of life, economic opportunities, and stewardship of the planet through the use of Earth science information and to the public awareness of the importance of understanding our planet."
Prediction of a novel 10-fold gold coordinated structure in AuIn2 above 10 GPa
Authors: Modak P. , Verma Ashok K.
Published: January 2017

AuIn2 undergoes a structural transition from the CaF2-type to Fe2B-type structure near 10 GPa.
Anti-inflammatory effects of Dioscorea alata L. anthocyanins in a TNBS-induced colitis model
Authors: Chen Tao , Hu Shihui , Zhang Haiwen , Guan Qingfeng , Yang Yuhui , Wang Xuemei
Published: January 2017

DACNs isolated from the purple tubers ofDioscorea alataL., showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in TNBS-induced colitis in a mice model.
The chemical profiling of loquat leaf extract by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS and its effects on hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in rats induced by a high-fat and fructose diet
Authors: Chen Bo , Long Piaopiao , Sun Yue , Meng Qilu , Liu Xingxun , Cui Huanhuan , Lv Qingya , Zhang Liang
Published: January 2017

The inhibitory effects of loquat leaf extract (LLE) on pancreatic α-amylase, α-glucosidase and hyperlipidemia were evaluated.
Effects of rosa mosqueta oil supplementation in lipogenic markers associated with prevention of liver steatosis
Authors: Dossi Camila G. , Cadagan Cynthia , San Martín Marcela , Espinosa Alejandra , González-Mañán Daniel , Silva David , Mancilla Rodrigo A. , Tapia Gladys S.
Published: January 2017

Rosa mosqueta (RM) oil is rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA) – a precursor of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and it has a high antioxidant activity due to its abundant content of tocopherols.
Visual detection of multiple genetically modified organisms in a capillary array
Authors: Shao Ning , Chen Jianwei , Hu Jiaying , Li Rong , Zhang Dabing , Guo Shujuan , Hui Junhou , Liu Peng , Yang Litao , Tao Sheng-ce
Published: January 2017

A C̲apillary A̲rray-based L̲oop-mediated isothermal amplification for M̲ultiplex visual detection of nucleic acids (CALM) platform realizes simple and rapid GMO monitoring.
Control and automation of multilayered integrated microfluidic device fabrication
Authors: Kipper Sarit , Frolov Ludmila , Guy Ortal , Pellach Michal , Glick Yair , Malichi Asaf , Knisbacher Binyamin A. , Barbiro-Michaely Efrat , Avrahami Dorit , Yavets-Chen Yehuda , Levanon Erez Y. , Gerber Doron
Published: January 2017

A computerized semiautomatic aligner aligns multilayer devices comprising intricate microfeatures several-fold more accurately than manual alignment.
Synthesis of fused indoline heterocycles via dearomatization of indoles with α-bromohydrazones: a systematic study on the substrates
Authors: Cao Wen-Bin , Xu Xiao-Ping , Ji Shun-Jun
Published: January 2017

An efficient metal-free dearomatization of indoles with α-bromohydrazones is reported. Various fused indoline heterocycles, which are potentially biologically active, were achieved in good yields (up to 94%) under mild conditions.
Transition metal-free direct trifluoromethylthiolation of indoles using trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride in the presence of triphenylphosphine
Authors: Lu Kui , Deng Zhijie , Li Ming , Li Tianjiao , Zhao Xia
Published: January 2017

A novel triphenylphosphine-mediated direct trifluoromethylthiolation of indole derivatives using trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride as the SCF3 source was developed.
Methods used to study the oligomeric structure of G-protein-coupled receptors
Authors: Guo Hui , An Su , Ward Richard , Yang Yang , Liu Ying , Guo Xiao-Xi , Hao Qian , Xu Tian-Rui
Published: January 2017

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which constitute the largest family of cell surface receptors, were originally thought to function as monomers, but are now recognized as being able to act in a wide range of oligomeric states and indeed, it is known that the oligomerization state of a GPCR can modulate its pharmacology and function. A number of experimental techniques have been devised to study GPCR oligomerization including those based upon traditional biochemistry such as blue-native PAGE (BN-PAGE), co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and protein-fragment complementation assays (PCAs), those based upon resonance energy transfer, FRET, time-resolved FRET (TR-FRET), FRET spectrometry and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Those based upon microscopy such as FRAP, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM), spatial intensity distribution analysis (SpIDA) and various single molecule imaging techniques. Finally with the solution of a growing number of crystal structures, X-ray crystallography must be acknowledged as an important source of discovery in this field. A different, but in many ways complementary approach to the use of more traditional experimental techniques, are those involving computational methods that possess obvious merit in the study of the dynamics of oligomer formation and function. Here, we summarize the latest developments that have been made in the methods used to study GPCR oligomerization and give an overview of their application.
Test circuit for MMC‐based VSC valves in HVDC power station
Authors: Jung J.‐H. , Nho E.‐C. , Chung Y.‐H. , Baek S.‐T. , Lee J.‐H.
Published: January 2017

A test circuit for modular multilevel converter (MMC)‐based voltage‐sourced converter valves in high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) system is dealt with. The proposed scheme has an ability to provide a submodule current having DC component as well as AC component to represent real operating condition of HVDC transmission system. There is no need of extra power supply to provide the DC current component because the scheme has inherent circulating DC current between rectifier and inverter valves. Therefore, only one small power rated DC power supply is necessary. Experiments are carried out to show the validity of the proposed test circuit.
Self‐compensation of DC–DC converters under peak current mode control
Authors: El Aroudi A. , Mandal K. , Giaouris D. , Banerjee S.
Published: January 2017

A new self‐compensation technique is proposed for eliminating subharmonic oscillation and chaotic regimes in dc–dc switching converters under peak current mode control. The proposed method extracts a control signal from the error between the inductor current and a suitable reference and does not require an external signal generator as in the conventional ramp compensation scheme. The analytical expressions of the control domain using Filippov method are obtained. Simulation results show that the proposed technique can be implemented using standard analogue devices and can effectively eliminate subharmonic and chaotic oscillations and can ensure a stable operation for a wide range of the duty ratio.
Combined algorithm for interference suppression and signal acquisition in GNSS receivers
Authors: Chen Feiqiang , Nie Junwei , Ni Shaojie , Li Zhengrong , Wang Feixue
Published: January 2017

Signal acquisition has become the performance bottleneck of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) receivers in harsh interference environments due to its low sensitivity. In this Letter, a novel anti‐jamming algorithm based on the minimum mean square error criterion is proposed to protecting the acquisition stage. The key idea behind the proposed method is that the grid search process of synchronisation parameters is shared by both interference suppression and signal acquisition. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method is capable of maintaining the functionality of GNSS receivers at cold start in the presence of interfering signals. In addition to this, its performance outperforms the power inversion method significantly.
Time‐pattern design for transmission energy allocation in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Li Feng , Wang Li , Meng Limin , Zhang Yu , Pan Qing
Published: January 2017

Cooperative transmission is an efficient method for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to decrease power consumption of sensor nodes and combat the fast fading inherent to wireless multipath channels. During the course, a key issue is how a sensor relay handles the balance between assisting other nodes’ communication and accomplishing its own transmission tasks. To address this problem, this study investigates the potential bargaining for resource allocation in WSNs over Rayleigh fading environments by considering energy fairness in cooperative transmission. Specifically, based on the characteristics of Rayleigh fading channel, a relevant system model is built. Then, after analysing the system capacity with a given outage probability over the fading channels, a system utility function for transmit‐time allocation is proposed to address the participants’ energy concern. An iterative algorithm is subsequently achieved by solving the Nash equilibrium. Furthermore, essential analysis and discussion on the pure equilibrium and convergence conditions of the iterative algorithm are provided. Finally, numerical results are presented to evaluate the feasibility and system performance of the proposed framework.
Single‐cell and multi‐cell performance analysis of OFDM index modulation
Authors: Wu Shangbin , Nekovee Maziar
Published: January 2017

This study addresses the achievable rate of single cell and sum rate of multi‐cell orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) index modulation (IM). The single‐cell achievable rate of OFDM‐IM with Gaussian input is calculated using a multi‐ary symmetric channel. Then, the cumulative distribution function of multi‐cell OFDM‐IM is investigated by stochastic geometry. Furthermore, it is proved in this study that the probability density function of noise plus inter‐cell interference in multi‐cell OFDM‐IM with quadrature‐amplitude modulation follows a mixture of Gaussians (MoGs) distribution. Next, parameters of the MoG distribution are estimated using a simplified expectation maximisation algorithm. Upper bound of sum rates of multi‐cell OFDM‐IM is derived. Furthermore, analytic and simulated results are compared and discussed.
Performance analysis of random beamforming for multiuser spectrum sharing networks
Authors: Ji Jianbo
Published: January 2017

This study analyses a comprehensive performance of multiuser spectrum sharing networks using random beamforming (RBF). In the considered cognitive radio (CR) system, a secondary broadcast station (SBS) coexisting with a pair of primary transceivers broadcasts the information to multiple secondary users. The authors first consider that the CR‐RBF system does not undergo interference from the primary network. In doing so, an exact expression is derived for the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). Resorting to the derived CDF, the authors obtain an exact closed‐form expression of outage probability. In addition, the closed‐form expressions of the moment of SINR and other performance are provided, respectively, which provide an efficient method to evaluate key parameters on the considered system. Next, the authors also consider that the CR‐RBF system undergoes interference from the primary network. Numerical simulations are presented to validate the correctness of the authors' analytical results. Unlike non‐CR RBF system, increasing the number of antennas improves the performance achieved by CR‐RBF systems when the maximum allowable power of SBS is less than a certain value. Otherwise, increasing the number of antennas decreases the performance achieved by CR‐RBF systems.
Efficient frequency‐domain channel equalisation methods for OFDM/OQAM‐PON with intensity modulation and direct detection
Authors: Lin Bangjiang , Tang Xuan , Fang Xi , Wu Yi , Li Hui
Published: January 2017

In this study, the authors present efficient frequency‐domain channel estimation (CE) methods based on the adjacent subcarriers frequency‐domain averaging (ASFA) and minimum mean squared error (MMSE) schemes for the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing/offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OFDM/OQAM) passive optical network (PON) system. The complete channel transmission response for OFDM/OQAM‐PON with the chromatic dispersion induced intrinsic imaginary interference effect is systemically derived. Compared with the conventional interference approximation CE method, ASFA and MMSE offer improved receiver sensitivity.
Fault‐tolerant SMC for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with time‐varying delay and actuator saturation
Authors: Selvaraj Palanisamy , Kaviarasan Boomipalagan , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: January 2017

This study examines the problem of fault‐tolerant sliding mode control (SMC) design subject to actuator saturation for a class of Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems with time‐varying delay and external disturbances. Our main attention is to propose the fault‐tolerant SMC such that for given any initial condition, the system trajectories are forced to reach the sliding surface within a finite time. On the basis of the SM surface and Lyapunov stability theorem, a new set of sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) is established to not only guarantee the passivity and asymptotically stability of the resulting closed‐loop system in the designed sliding surface, but also cover the issues of actuator saturation and performance constraints. Then, the desired gain matrix of the fault‐tolerant SMC is obtained in respect of the previously established LMIs such that the reachability of the predefined sliding surface is ensured. It is worth pointing out that the obtained sufficient conditions can preserve the trade‐off between the maximisation of admissible upper bound of time‐varying delay and enlarging the estimation about the domain of attraction for the closed‐loop system. Eventually, the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control approach are demonstrated via simulation results.
Piezoelectric positioning control with output‐based discrete‐time terminal sliding mode control
Authors: Xu Qingsong , Cao Zhenwei
Published: January 2017

Nanopositioning systems with piezoelectric actuation have found extensively applications in micro‐/nanomanipulation domain. This paper reports on the design, realisation and testing of a new output‐based discrete‐time terminal sliding mode control (DTSMC) scheme, which is applied to achieve precision motion control of a piezoelectric nanopositioning system by overcoming the unmolded non‐linearity and disturbance. The controller is easy to implement because it does not require a hysteresis model and a state observer. It is able to deliver a precise tracking without chattering phenomenon. The stability of the control system is proved and the effectiveness of the control scheme is demonstrated through experimental studies. Results show that the non‐linear DTSMC robust control is superior to the conventional linear discrete‐time sliding‐mode control in motion tracking application. The DTSMC enables the generation of a larger bandwidth than the conventional approaches. Moreover, the DTSMC endows the system a well robustness feature in the presence of model uncertainty and external disturbances.
Saturated robust adaptive control for uncertain non‐linear systems using a new approximate model
Authors: Liu Yong‐Hua
Published: January 2017

In this study, the authors consider the problem of adaptive tracking control for a class of non‐linear uncertain systems in the presence of input saturation. To tackle the effects of the non‐smooth saturation non‐linearity, a novel approximate saturation model is constructed, which can smoothly approximate the real saturation with arbitrarily prescribed precision. By utilising dynamic surface control approach with the modified linear filters, a robust adaptive control scheme is explicitly designed via the adding an integrator technique. The proposed controller can eliminate not only the ‘explosion of complexity’ issue inherent in the backstepping design but also the coupling terms with respect to the surface errors and the boundary layer errors. In addition, the stability analysis shows that all the resulting closed‐loop signals are semi‐global uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the developed method.
Gaussian process model predictive control of unknown non‐linear systems
Authors: Cao Gang , Lai Edmund M.‐K. , Alam Fakhrul
Published: January 2017

Model predictive control (MPC) of an unknown system that is modelled by Gaussian process (GP) techniques is studied. Using GP, the variances computed during the modelling and inference processes allow us to take model uncertainty into account. The main issue in using MPC to control systems modelled by GP is the propagation of such uncertainties within the control horizon. In this study, two approaches to solve this problem, called GPMPC1 and GPMPC2, are proposed. With GPMPC1, the original stochastic model predictive control (SMPC) problem is relaxed to a deterministic non‐linear MPC based on a basic linearised GP local model. The resulting optimisation problem, though non‐convex, can be solved by the sequential quadratic programming. By incorporating the model variance into the state vector, an extended local model is derived. This model allows us to relax the non‐convex MPC problem to a convex one which can be solved by an active‐set method efficiently. The performance of both approaches is demonstrated by applying them to two trajectory tracking problems. Results show that both GPMPC1 and GPMPC2 produce effective controls but GPMPC2 is much more efficient computationally.
Cooperative output regulation of linear heterogeneous systems with mismatched uncertainties via generalised extended state observer
Authors: Zhao Yadong , Zhang Weidong
Published: January 2017

Cooperative output regulation is a general framework, which considers output synchronisation, homogenisation and disturbance rejection simultaneously. To be an extension, this study divides the lumped disturbance into two parts, namely, local disturbance which is slow‐varying, mismatched and non‐linear, and global disturbance generated by an autonomous linear system. Generalised extended state observers (GESOs) are constructed to estimate the local states, the local disturbances and the global disturbance simultaneously. Observer‐based controllers are designed to realise cooperative output regulation in the presence of mismatched uncertainties. In control design, a linear matrix inequality‐based design methodology is proposed to get the exponentially convergent GESO with guaranteed decay rate. A simulation example is then shown to validate the theoretical results.
Continuous‐time model predictive control of a permanent magnet synchronous motor drive with disturbance decoupling
Authors: Errouissi Rachid , Al‐Durra Ahmed , Muyeen S.M. , Leng Siyu
Published: January 2017

The design and the experimental validation of a continuous‐time model predictive control (CTMPC) for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive with disturbance decoupling is discussed. The CTMPC approach uses Taylor series expansion to derive a closed‐form solution to the problem of model predictive control even though the system behaviour is described by a non‐linear model. This type of controller requires an exact knowledge of the system model to guarantee an accurate prediction of the system behaviour, while the PMSM is usually subjected to model uncertainties and external disturbances such as the load torque. Moreover, in the proposed approach, the predicted speed tracking error is directly used to determine the required voltage command without the need for a cascaded control scheme. As a result, the load torque is seen as unmatched disturbance which makes exact disturbance decoupling more challenging. To overcome such a problem, a non‐linear disturbance observer is designed and combined with the CTMPC method to enhance the prediction accuracy under parameter variation and unknown load torque. The feasibility of the proposed approach is experimentally investigated, and good transient and steady‐state performances are obtained.
Cascaded commutation circuit for a hybrid DC breaker with dynamic control on fault current and DC breaker voltage
Authors: Shan Yunhai , Lim Tee C. , Finney Stephen J. , Guang Weixiao , Williams Barry W. , Holliday Derrick , Ding Xiao
Published: January 2017

This study proposed a cascaded commutation circuit based on current commutation approach for low‐ to medium‐voltage DC fault current interruption, without snubber circuits, which slows the fault current di/dt prior to current‐zero and the rate of rise of the transient recovery voltage dv/dt across the mechanical breaker contacts after current‐zero. The proposed dynamic control of the fault current di/dt and circuit breaker voltage dVVCB/dt increase the fault current interruption capability at the first and second current‐zeros. Detailed mathematical equations are presented to evaluate the operational waveform profile and the validity of the cascaded commutation principle is confirmed by simulation and experimental results at 600 Vdc, 110 and 330 A.
Single‐phase solar PV system with battery and exchange of power in grid‐connected and standalone modes
Authors: Saxena Nupur , Singh Bhim , Vyas Anoop Lal.
Published: January 2017

A grid tied photovoltaic (PV) power conversion topology is presented in this study with a novel scheme of re‐synchronisation to the grid. This scheme serves the purpose of supplying continuous power to the load along with feeding power to the grid. The control approach helps in mitigation of harmonics and improving the power quality while extracting the optimum power from the PV array. Depending on the availability of grid voltage, the proposed configuration is controlled using three approaches, defined as grid current control, Point of Common Coupling (PCC) voltage control and intentional islanding with re‐synchronisation. A simple proportional integral controller manages the grid current, load voltage, battery current and DC Direct Current (DC) link voltage within these modes. Moreover, a control scheme for quick and smooth transitions among the modes is described. The robustness of the system under erratic behaviour of solar insolation, load power and disturbances in grid supply makes it a suitable choice for a residential application. The control, design and simulation results are presented to demonstrate the satisfactory operation of the proposed system.
Open‐circuit faults diagnosis in back‐to‐back converters of DF wind turbine
Authors: Zhao Hongshan , Cheng Liangliang
Published: January 2017

The open‐circuit fault in converters is one of the wind turbine faults, which degrades the power quality and can even cause potential secondary faults in other components. So, an effective fault diagnostic technique for wind turbine converters is needed. This study presents a new open‐circuit fault diagnostic approach for back‐to‐back converters of doubly fed (DF) wind turbines. The proposed fault diagnostic method has fault detection and fault localisation. The fault detection is based on the absolute normalised Park's vector approach; this method can detect multiple open‐circuit switch faults and guarantee immunity to false alarms when the DF induction generator operates around the synchronous speed. For fault localisation, this approach applies the normalised current average values, which can be used to identify single and double open‐circuit switch faults. The simulation and experimental results indicate that the diagnostic method can not only diagnose multiple open‐circuit faults, but that false alarms due to transients can be avoided.
Periosteal Sleeve Avulsion Fracture of the Quadriceps Tendon
Authors: van Sambeeck Jordy , Arendt Elizabeth , Rud Christopher , Macalena Jeffrey
Published: January 2017

Sleeve fractures at the superior pole of the patella have been previously described in the literature. We present the case of a 15-year-old girl who sustained a patellar sleeve avulsion of the quadriceps tendon 1 month following patellar dislocation without surgical treatment. Open repair of quadriceps tendon was performed with subsequent union. Arthrofibrosis of the knee was noted; two subsequent manipulations and adhesiolysis were performed. At 18-month postinjury, normal motion and strength were present. Special attention to postoperative recovery of range of motion is imperative for good clinical outcome after periosteal sleeve avulsion fractures of the patella.
CRYPTOCHROME mediates behavioral executive choice in response to UV light
Authors: Baik Lisa S. , Fogle Keri J. , Roberts Logan , Galschiodt Alexis M. , Chevez Joshua A. , Recinos Yocelyn , Nguy Vinh , Holmes Todd C.
Published: January 2017

Significance

Many animals exhibit behavioral responses to UV light, including harmful insects. Recently, the explosive spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes has increased motivation to better understand insect UV phototransduction. CRYPTOCHROME (CRY) is a highly conserved nonopsin photoreceptor expressed in a small number of brain circadian and arousal neurons in
Drosophila melanogaster
that mediates cell-autonomous electrophysiological membrane excitability in response to UV light. CRY signaling modulates multiple fly behaviors evoked by UV light, including acute nighttime arousal responses to light flashes and phototaxis toward low-intensity UV light. Loss of CRY or the redox sensor HYPERKINETIC (HK) leads to the loss of ability to avoid high-intensity UV light; thus, CRY signaling exhibits novel features of behavioral executive choice.
Alcohol Use Disorders in Argentinian Girls and Women 12 Months Before Delivery: Comparison of DSM-IV, DSM-5, and ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: López Mariana B. , Conde Karina , Cremonte Mariana
Published: January 2017

Background:

The evidence of important problems related to prenatal alcohol exposure has faced researchers with the problem of understanding and screening alcohol use in this population. Although any alcohol use should be considered risky during pregnancy, identifying alcohol-drinking problems (ADPs) could be especially important because women with ADPs could not benefit from a simple advice of abstinence and because their offsprings are subjected to a higher risk of problems related with prenatal alcohol exposure. In this context, we aim to study the prevalence and characteristics of ADPs in pregnant women, evaluating the performance of different diagnostic systems in this population.

Objectives:

The aims of the study were to describe the prevalence of ADPs obtained with the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in its fourth (DSM-IV) and fifth edition (DSM-5), and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10, in Argentinean females aged 13 to 44 years, 12 months before delivery; to evaluate the level of agreement between these classification systems; and to analyze the performance of each diagnosis criterion in this population.

Methods:

Data were collected through personal interviews of a probability sample of puerperal women (N = 641) in the city of Santa Fe (Argentina), between October 2010 and February 2011. Diagnoses compatible with DSM-IV, DSM-5, and ICD-10 were obtained through the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Agreement among diagnostic systems was measured through Cohen kappa. Diagnosis criteria performance were analyzed considering their prevalence and discriminating ability (D value).

Results:

Total ADP prevalence was 6.4% for DSM-IV (4.2% abuse and 2.2% dependence), 8.1% for DSM-5 (6.4% mild, 0.8% moderate, and 0.9% severe alcohol use disorder), and 14.1% for the ICD-10 (11.9% harmful use and 2.2% dependence). DSM-5 modifications improved agreement between DSM and ICD. The least prevalent and worst discriminating ability diagnostic criterion was “legal problems.” The most prevalent and 1 of the best discriminating ability diagnostic criterion was ‘“health issues.”

Conclusions:

DSM-IV and ICD-10 dependence prevalence was similar to that of previous studies in pregnant women, whereas abuse prevalence was surprisingly higher. Our results indicate a better performance of the DSM-5 alcohol use disorder category relative to the DSM-IV dual categorization. Nevertheless, the poor diagnostic performance of some DSM-5 criteria in this population could evidence their intercultural variability.
Metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis
Authors: Courties Alice , Sellam Jérémie , Berenbaum Francis
Published: January 2017

Purpose of review

Interest in the metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis phenotype is increasing. Here, we summarize recently published significant findings.

Recent findings

Meta-analyses confirmed an association between type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis and between cardiovascular diseases and osteoarthritis. Recent advances in the study of metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis have focused on a better understanding of the role of metabolic diseases in inducing or aggravating joint damage. In-vivo models of obesity, diabetes, or dyslipidemia have helped to better decipher this association. They give emerging evidence that, beyond the role of common pathogenic mechanisms for metabolic diseases and osteoarthritis (i.e., low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress), metabolic diseases have a direct systemic effect on joints. In addition to the impact of weight, obesity-associated inflammation is associated with osteoarthritis severity and may modulate osteoarthritis progression in mouse models. As well, osteoarthritis synovium from type 2 diabetic patients shows insulin-resistant features, which may participate in joint catabolism. Finally, exciting data are emerging on the association of gut microbiota and circadian rhythm and metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis.

The systemic role of metabolic syndrome in osteoarthritis pathophysiology is now better understood, but new avenues of research are being pursued to better decipher the metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis phenotype.
Muscle Weakness and 5-Year Survival in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Survivors*
Authors: Dinglas Victor D. , Aronson Friedman Lisa , Colantuoni Elizabeth , Mendez-Tellez Pedro A. , Shanholtz Carl B. , Ciesla Nancy D. , Pronovost Peter J. , Needham Dale M.
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

To longitudinally evaluate the association of post-ICU muscle weakness and associated trajectories of weakness over time with 5-year survival.

Design:

Longitudinal prospective cohort study over 5 years of follow-up.

Setting:

Thirteen ICUs in four hospitals in Baltimore, MD.

Patients:

One hundred fifty-six acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Strength was evaluated with standardized manual muscle testing using the Medical Research Council sum score (range, 0–60; higher is better), with post-ICU weakness defined as sum score less than 48. Muscle strength was assessed at hospital discharge and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after acute respiratory distress syndrome. At discharge, 38% of patients had muscle weakness. Every one point increase in sum score at discharge was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio [95% CI], 0.96 [0.94–0.98]), with similar findings longitudinally (0.95 [0.93–0.98]). Having weakness at discharge was associated with worse 5-year survival (1.75 [1.01–3.03]), but the association was attenuated (1.54 [0.82–2.89]) when evaluated longitudinally over follow-up. Persisting and resolving trajectories of muscle weakness, occurring in 50% of patients during follow-up, were associated with worse survival (3.01 [1.12-8.04]; and 3.14 [1.40-7.03], respectively) compared to a trajectory of maintaining no muscle weakness.

Conclusions:

At hospital discharge, greater than one third of acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors had muscle weakness. Greater strength at discharge and throughout follow-up was associated with improved 5-year survival. In patients with post-ICU weakness, both persisting and resolving trajectories were commonly experienced and associated with worse survival during follow-up.
INVERTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE FLAP TECHNIQUE VERSUS COMPLETE INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE REMOVAL IN MYOPIC MACULAR HOLE SURGERY
Authors: Mete Maurizio , Alfano Alessandro , Guerriero Massimo , Prigione Guido , Sartore Mauro , Polito Antonio , Pertile Grazia
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To compare the results of vitrectomy with complete internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal and inverted ILM flap in the treatment of myopic macular hole (MMH).

Methods:

Seventy eyes of 68 patients with MMH undergone pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) with either complete ILM removal (n = 36, Group 1) or inverted ILM flap technique (n = 34, Group 2) were included in the study. Outcomes measured were the rate of MMH closure assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual acuity (BCVA) at six months.

Results:

Closure of MMH was achieved in 22 cases of Group 1 (61%) and in 32 cases of Group 2 (94%). Surgical failure was reported in 14 cases of Group 1 (39%) and in one case of Group 2 (3%). Average best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changed from 0.60 to 0.58 in Group 1 (P = 0.329) and from 0.70 to 0.39 in Group 2 (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that inverted ILM flap technique was associated with 22 times higher probability of anatomic success, regardless of the MMH diameter.

Conclusion:

Inverted ILM flap should be preferred to complete ILM removal for the treatment of MMH. The outcomes reported with this technique were better than any other technique described until now.
SWEPT SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY EVALUATION OF CHORIORETINAL CHANGES IN HYPERTENSIVE CHOROIDOPATHY RELATED TO HELLP SYNDROME
Authors: Velazquez-Villoria Daniel , Marti Rodrigo Pablo , DeNicola Maria L. , Zapata Vitori Miguel A. , Segura García Antonio , García-Arumí Jose
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To report a case of hypertensive choroidopathy with detailed chorioretinal images obtained using swept source optical coherence tomography.

Methods:

We report the case of a 36-year-old pregnant woman who presented with extensive bilateral exudative retinal detachments (visual acuity of hands movement bilaterally), high blood pressure, and severe alteration of the laboratory test results resulting in the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome. The baby was delivered by emergency cesarean section and the patient was hospitalized in the intensive care unit.

Results:

Two weeks later, exudative retinal detachments improved substantially and bilateral Elschnig spots were present in the posterior fundus. Swept source optical coherence tomography revealed serous retinal detachment, multiple pigmentary epithelial detachments (PEDs), a thickened subfoveal choroid (437 and 466 μm), and fibrinous material between the neurosensory retina and retinal pigment epithelium in the B-scans of both eyes. En face swept source optical coherence tomography allowed a more precise evaluation of the multiple and confluent PEDs. Six weeks later, despite some focal areas of thickened retinal pigment epithelium, the serous retinal detachment, PEDs, and fibrinous material resolved bilaterally and visual acuity and choroidal thickness returned to normal range (361 and 366 μm). En face swept source optical coherence tomography revealed a dramatic improvement of PEDs in terms of extension and distribution.

Conclusion:

Swept source optical coherence tomography detected serous retinal detachment, PEDs, increased subfoveal choroidal thickness, and fibrinous material under the neurosensory retina in the acute phase of hypertensive choroidopathy. En face OCT is useful for monitoring the evolution of confluent PEDs in hypertensive choroidopathy.