bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural basis of translation inhibition by cadazolid, a novel quinoxolidinone antibiotic
Authors: Scaiola Alain , Leibundgut Marc , Boehringer Daniel , Caspers Patrick , Bur Daniel , Locher Hans H. , Rueedi Georg , Ritz Daniel
Published: April 2019

Oxazolidinones are synthetic antibiotics used for treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. They target the bacterial protein synthesis machinery by binding to the peptidyl transferase centre (PTC) of the ribosome and interfering with the peptidyl transferase reaction. Cadazolid is the first member of quinoxolidinone antibiotics, which are characterized by combining the pharmacophores of oxazolidinones and fluoroquinolones, and it is evaluated for treatment of Clostridium difficile gastrointestinal infections that frequently occur in hospitalized patients. In vitro protein synthesis inhibition by cadazolid was shown in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, including an isolate resistant against linezolid, the prototypical oxazolidinone antibiotic. To better understand the mechanism of inhibition, we determined a 3.0 Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of cadazolid bound to the E. coli ribosome in complex with mRNA and initiator tRNA. Here we show that cadazolid binds with its oxazolidinone moiety in a binding pocket in close vicinity of the PTC as observed previously for linezolid, and that it extends its unique fluoroquinolone moiety towards the A-site of the PTC. In this position, the drug inhibits protein synthesis by interfering with the binding of tRNA to the A-site, suggesting that its chemical features also can enable the inhibition of linezolid-resistant strains.
Silencing an insulin-induced lncRNA, LncASIR, impairs the transcriptional response to insulin signalling in adipocytes
Authors: Degirmenci Ufuk , Li Jia , Lim Yen Ching , Siang Diana Teh Chee , Lin Shibo , Liang Hui , Sun Lei
Published: April 2019

Long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)s are new regulators governing the metabolism in adipose tissue. In this study, we aimed to understand how lncRNAs respond to insulin signalling and explore whether lncRNAs have a functional role in insulin signalling pathway. We treated primary adipocyte cultures with insulin and collected RNA for RNA-sequencing to profile the non-coding transcriptome changes, through which we identified a top Adipose Specific Insulin Responsive LncRNA (LncASIR). To determine its biological function, we knocked down LncASIR using dcas9-KRAB, followed by RNA-seq to examine the effect on insulin-induced gene expression program. We identified a set of lncRNAs regulated by insulin signalling pathway. LncASIR is transcribed from a super enhancer region and responds robustly to insulin treatment. Silencing LncASIR resulted in an impaired global insulin-responsive gene program. LncASIR is a novel and integral component in the insulin signalling pathway in adipocytes.
Deep learning enables robust assessment and selection of human blastocysts after in vitro fertilization
Authors: Khosravi Pegah , Kazemi Ehsan , Zhan Qiansheng , Malmsten Jonas E. , Toschi Marco , Zisimopoulos Pantelis , Sigaras Alexandros , Lavery Stuart , Cooper Lee A. D. , Hickman Cristina , Meseguer Marcos , Rosenwaks Zev , Elemento Olivier , Zaninovic Nikica , Hajirasouliha Iman
Published: April 2019

Visual morphology assessment is routinely used for evaluating of embryo quality and selecting human blastocysts for transfer after in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the assessment produces different results between embryologists and as a result, the success rate of IVF remains low. To overcome uncertainties in embryo quality, multiple embryos are often implanted resulting in undesired multiple pregnancies and complications. Unlike in other imaging fields, human embryology and IVF have not yet leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) for unbiased, automated embryo assessment. We postulated that an AI approach trained on thousands of embryos can reliably predict embryo quality without human intervention. We implemented an AI approach based on deep neural networks (DNNs) to select highest quality embryos using a large collection of human embryo time-lapse images (about 50,000 images) from a high-volume fertility center in the United States. We developed a framework (STORK) based on Google’s Inception model. STORK predicts blastocyst quality with an AUC of >0.98 and generalizes well to images from other clinics outside the US and outperforms individual embryologists. Using clinical data for 2182 embryos, we created a decision tree to integrate embryo quality and patient age to identify scenarios associated with pregnancy likelihood. Our analysis shows that the chance of pregnancy based on individual embryos varies from 13.8% (age ≥41 and poor-quality) to 66.3% (age <37 and good-quality) depending on automated blastocyst quality assessment and patient age. In conclusion, our AI-driven approach provides a reproducible way to assess embryo quality and uncovers new, potentially personalized strategies to select embryos.
Mini-review on an engineering approach towards the selection of transition metal complex-based catalysts for photocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Huo Jingpei , Zhang Yu-Bang , Zou Wan-Ying , Hu Xiaohong , Deng Qianjun , Chen Dongchu
Published: April 2019

Advances in transition-metal (Ru, Co, Cu, and Fe) complex-based catalysts since 2000 are briefly summarized in terms of catalyst selection and application for photocatalytic H2 evolution.
Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) complexes with a poly-functional ligand derived from o-vanillin and thiophene. Crystal structure, physicochemical properties, theoretical studies and cytotoxicity assays against human breast cancer cells
Authors: Rodríguez María R. , Del Plá Julián , Balsa Lucía M. , León Ignacio E. , Piro Oscar E. , Echeverría Gustavo A. , García-Tojal Javier , Pis-Diez Reinaldo , Parajón-Costa Beatriz S. , González-Baró Ana C.
Published: April 2019

New ML2 complexes were extensively characterized showing stability in solution and promising anti-tumoral results, particularly for CuL2.
Berberine nanoparticles for promising sonodynamic therapy of a HeLa xenograft tumour
Authors: Liu Hanqing , Zheng Tingting , Zhou Ziqian , Hu Azhen , Li Minghua , Zhang Zhuxia , Yu Guangyin , Feng Huanhuan , An Yawen , Peng Jiao , Chen Yun
Published: April 2019

Here we show that berberine (BBR) nanoparticles (BBRNPs, ∼300 nm hydrodynamic diameter) is a promising sonosensitizer for cancer sonodynamic therapy (SDT).
Leakage-free solution-processed organic light-emitting diode using a ternary host with single-diode emission area up to 6 × 11.5 cm2
Authors: Liao Si-Yi , Su Hsiao-Tso , Hsiao Yung-Hung , Chang Yu-Fan , Chang Chiung-Wen , Niu Mu-Chun , Meng Hsin-Fei , Yen Chun , Chao Yu-Chiang , Chang Chih-Yu , Zan Hsiao-Wen , Horng Sheng-Fu
Published: April 2019

OLEDs with an emission layer consisting of ternary mixed host materials are prepared with operation of over 1600 hours.
Compact, inexpensive refractive index detection in femtoliter volumes using commercial optical pickup technology
Authors: Dunn Robert C.
Published: April 2019

Refractive index (RI) sensing in microfluidics has the advantage of universal detection, capable of sensing all species from simple monoatomic ions to complex proteins without external labels or additional contrast agents.
Photooxygenation of 2-propargylfurans: a path to structurally diverse nitrogen-containing 5-membered rings
Authors: Marin Lucile , Force Guillaume , Guillot Régis , Gandon Vincent , Schulz Emmanuelle , Lebœuf David
Published: April 2019

Using 2-propargylfurans as substrates enabled access to a new set of nitrogen-containing 5-membered rings through a photooxygenation process.
Templated synthesis of a bifunctional Janus graphene for enhanced enrichment of both organic and inorganic targets
Authors: Yuan Kang , Li Yong , Huang Xiu , Liang Yong , Liu Qian , Jiang Guibin
Published: April 2019

We report the templated-directed synthesis of a bifunctional Janus graphene capable of simultaneous enrichment of organic and inorganic targets in complex media.
Silicene-supported TiO2 nanostructures: a theoretical study of electronic and optical properties
Authors: Jagvaral Yesukhei , Guo Qing , He Haiying , Pandey Ravindra
Published: April 2019

Silicene boosts the photovoltaic and photocatalytic performance of TiO2 nanostructures.
Recovery of the polymers formed during thermal cracking ofN-substituted dicarbamates over Fe–Ni/Al2O3
Authors: Zhou Dawei , Wang Peixue , Long Yan , Fei Yuqing , Deng Youquan
Published: April 2019

Regenerated carbamate from the thermal cracking polymersviathe alcoholysis reaction in the presence of ethyl carbamate.
Tellurorhodamine photocatalyzed aerobic oxidation of organo-silanes and phosphines by visible-light
Authors: Rettig Irving D. , Van Jackson , Brauer Jacob B. , Luo Wentai , McCormick Theresa M.
Published: April 2019

Silanes and phosphines are photocatalytically oxidized with a self-sensitized tellurorhodamine under aerobic conditions.
An approach to 7-aza-1-phosphanorbornane complexes: strain promoted rearrangement of 1-iminylphosphirane complexes and cycloaddition with olefins
Authors: Xu Yang , Wang Min , Wei Donghui , Tian Rongqiang , Duan Zheng , Mathey François
Published: April 2019

1-Iminylphosphirane W(CO)5 complexes react with alkenes to form the original 7-aza-1-phosphanorbornane complexes. The mechanism including the rearrangement of phosphirane into a dipolar five-membered ring and the following cycloaddition of this dipolar intermediate with alkenes.
Ligand directed debromination of tetrabromodiphenyl ether mediated by nickel under visible irradiation
Authors: Wei Yan , Gong Yanjun , Zhao Xin , Wang Yuanyuan , Duan Ran , Chen Chuncheng , Song Wenjing , Zhao Jincai
Published: April 2019

Complete debromination of 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether catalysed by in situ formed, trimethylamine coordinated Ni. The amine coordination is essential for the high debromination degree.
Chain transfer agents utilized in epoxide and CO2 copolymerization processes
Authors: Darensbourg Donald J.
Published: April 2019

This tutorial deals initially with a comparison of the mechanistic aspects of living and immortal polymerization processes.
Smartphone-app based point-of-care testing for myocardial infarction biomarker cTnI using an autonomous capillary microfluidic chip with self-aligned on-chip focusing (SOF) lenses
Authors: Liang Chao , Liu Yuanchang , Niu Aiying , Liu Chong , Li Jingmin , Ning Dianxiu
Published: April 2019

We present a smartphone-app platform for point-of-care testing of cTnI, which features the self-aligned on-chip focusing (SOF) lenses for enhancing the fluorescence intensity.
Understanding the interplay between size, morphology and energy gap in photoactive TiO2nanoparticles
Authors: Morales-García Ángel , Macià Escatllar Antoni , Illas Francesc , Bromley Stefan T.
Published: April 2019

Faceted anhydrous anatase TiO2nanoparticles (NPs) are found to exhibit higher than bulk electronic energy gaps and be more energetically stable than their spherical counterparts for diameters >∼2 nm. Annealing the latter gives rise to core–shell NPs with significantly lower energy gaps and improved potential for photocatalysis.
Simultaneous efficient adsorption and accelerated photocatalytic degradation of chlortetracycline hydrochloride over novel Fe-based MOGs under visible light irradiation assisted by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Liu Meijun , Zou Donglei , Ma Taigang , Liu Zhi , Li Yangxue
Published: April 2019

Two novel porous MOGs were prepared for degrading CTC, and JLUE-MOG-1 exhibited an enhanced performance because of the photo-Fenton synergistic effect.
Efficient post-synthesis of hierarchical SAPO-34 zeolites via organic amine etching under hydrothermal conditions and their enhanced MTO performance
Authors: Pan Yingying , Chen Guangrui , Yang Guoju , Chen Xiaoxin , Yu Jihong
Published: April 2019

A cost-effective post-treatment strategy has been developed to prepare hierarchical SAPO-34 catalysts by triethylamine etching with a hydrothermal recrystallization process.
Aryldiazonium ion initiated C–N bond cleavage for the versatile, efficient and regioselective ring opening of aziridines
Authors: Zhang Xiulian , Qiu Xianfan , Rong Jing , Su Zhenni , Cui Xin , Tao Chuanzhou
Published: April 2019

Aryldiazonium salts have been proved to initiate the regioselective cleavage of aziridines for the installation of varied functional groups.
One-step ultra-rapid fabrication and thermoelectric properties of Cu2Se bulk thermoelectric material
Authors: Hu Tiezheng , Yan Yonggao , Wang Si , Su Xianli , Liu Wei , Tan Gangjian , Poudeu-Poudeu Pierre , Tang Xinfeng
Published: April 2019

Cu2Se is a promising material for thermoelectric energy conversion. Fully dense single-phase bulk Cu2Se was prepared by the combination of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis with in situ quick pressing for the first time.
Controllable etching-induced contact enhancement for high-performance carbon nanotube thin-film transistors
Authors: Lv Zhengxia , Liu Dan , Yu Xiaoqin , Lv Qianjin , Gao Bing , Jin Hehua , Qiu Song , Men Chuanling , Song Qijun , Li Qingwen
Published: April 2019

Controllable plasma etching induced contact enhancement for high-performance carbon nanotube thin-film transistors and analysis of the mechanism.
Efficient catalytic conversion of corn stalk and xylose into furfural over sulfonated graphene in γ-valerolactone
Authors: Ma Jianru , Li Wenzhi , Guan Shengnan , Liu Qiying , Li Qingqing , Zhu Chaofeng , Yang Tao , Ogunbiyi Ajibola Temitope , Ma Longlong
Published: April 2019

Catalytic conversion of corn stalk over sulfonated graphene.
Correction: Hydrogel microfibers with perfusable folded channels for tissue constructs with folded morphology
Authors: Liu Yupeng , Xu Peidi , Liang Zhe , Xie Ruoxiao , Ding Mingyu , Liu Hongxia , Liang Qionglin
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘Hydrogel microfibers with perfusable folded channels for tissue constructs with folded morphology’ by Yupeng Liu et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 23475–23480.
Self-assembly encapsulation of Si in N-doped reduced graphene oxide for use as a lithium ion battery anode with significantly enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Li Xing , Bai Yongshun , Wang Mingshan , Wang Guoliang , Ma Yan , Li Lei , Xiao Bensheng , Zheng Jianming
Published: April 2019

Silicon is considered as an anode for next generation lithium ion batteries owing to its low discharge potential (∼0.4 V vs. Li/Li+) and high theoretical specific capacity (3500 mA h g−1).
Cobalt (oxy)hydroxide nanosheet arrays with exceptional porosity and rich defects as a highly efficient oxygen evolution electrocatalyst under neutral conditions
Authors: Chen Minqi , Xie Yanyu , Wu Jun-Xi , Huang Huanfeng , Teng Jun , Wang Dawei , Fan Yanan , Jiang Ji-Jun , Wang Hai-Ping , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: April 2019

Highly porous and defective cobalt (oxy)hydroxide nanosheet arrays rank the best cobalt-based noble-metal-free oxygen evolution electrocatalyst under neutral conditions.
Tailored Janus silica nanosheets integrating bispecific artificial receptors for simultaneous adsorption of 2,6-dichlorophenol and Pb(ii)
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Wang Pan , Zhou Mengdie , Ma Yue , Niu Xiangheng , Pan Guoqing , Pan Jianming
Published: April 2019

Potentially toxic dichlorophenols and heavy metal ions commonly coexist in industrial sewage, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment and making the treatment more challenging.
Electron-beam irradiation-hard metal-halide perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Liu Wenna , Zheng Jinju , Shang Minghui , Fang Zhi , Chou Kuo-Chih , Yang Weiyou , Hou Xinmei , Wu Tom
Published: April 2019

Electron-beam irradiation-hard perovskite nanocrystals based on a doping strategy are reported.
A safe and fast-charging lithium-ion battery anode using MXene supported Li3VO4
Authors: Huang Yanghang , Yang Haochen , Zhang Yi , Zhang Yamin , Wu Yutong , Tian Mengkun , Chen Peng , Trout Robert , Ma Yao , Wu Tzu-Ho , Wu Yuping , Liu Nian
Published: April 2019

An innovative anode material of lithium-ion battery, Li3VO4/Ti3C2Tx, was synthesized. The overall three-dimensional electronic and ionic transport pathways were formed in anode, which promoted both electron and ion transport during the lithiation and delithiation processes.
Directly immobilizing a Ru–tannic acid linkage coordination complex on carbon cloth: an efficient and ultrastable catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Chen Jiadong , Wang Haiyan , Gong Yutong , Wang Yong
Published: April 2019

A simple and efficient coating method has been developed to prepare highly active and ultrastable Ru-based electrocatalysts for the HER.
A photochromic dye doped polymeric Mach–Zehnder interferometer for UV light detection
Authors: Jiang Lianzhong , Wu Jieyun , Li Qing , Deng Guowei , Zhang Xiaoling , Li Zhonghui , Chen Kaixin , Chiang Kin Seng
Published: April 2019

A polymeric Mach–Zehnder interferometer with photochromic dye doped sensitive films was fabricated for UV light detection at 365 nm.
GHET1 acts as a prognostic indicator and functions as an oncogenic lncRNA in cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Qunchang , Zhang Yongtao , Wang Ying
Published: April 2019

Gastric carcinoma proliferation enhancing transcript 1 (GHET1) has been suggested to serve as a promising oncogenic lncRNA in various types of human cancer. However, the role of GHET1 remained unknown in cervical cancer. In our study, we found GHET1 expression was markedly elevated in cervical cancer tissue specimens and cell lines compared with adjacent normal cervical tissue specimens and human normal cervical cell line, respectively. Then, we found high expression of GHET1 is a useful biomarker to discriminate cervical cancer tissues from non-tumorous tissues, and associated with advanced clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and poor histological grade in cervical cancer patients. The survival analysis showed high GHET1 expression was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in cervical cancer patients. Knockdown of GHET1 expression markedly inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The loss-of-function study indicated knockdown of GHET1 expression markedly inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, GHET1 acts as an oncogenic lncRNA in cervical cancer.
Redox equilibrium of serum apolipoprotein E3: a buffering effect of disulfide-linked complexes against oxidative stress on apolipoprotein E3–containing lipoproteins
Authors: Yamauchi Kazuyoshi , Iwasaki Shio , Kawakami Yasushi
Published: April 2019

Reversible redox modification of cysteine thiols is crucial for protecting proteins from irreversible detrimental change. However, the physiological significance of the redox modification of apolipoprotein (apo) E is unclear. Here, we hypothesized that the disulfide-linked complexes of apoE3 corresponding to the representative reversible-modified apoE3 play a protective role against oxidative stress. The effects of disulfide bond formation on oxidative stress on apoE3 were evaluated with a band-shift assay. Maleimide-labeled apoE3 and unlabeled apoE3 were defined as the reduced (r)-apoE3 and non-reduced (nr)-apoE3 forms, respectively. Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidation decreased for reduced-form apoE (r-apoE3) but increased for nr-apoE3. Induction of apoE3-AII complex formation with excess of apoAII markedly suppressed the oxidative stress-induced increase in nr-apoE3 (P<0.001) and enhanced homodimer formation. The apoE3-AII complex was more dominant in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) than in very low-density lipoprotein. Under oxidative stress, HDL showed a significant decrease, rather than an increase, in nr-apoE3 levels with a concomitant significant increase in apoE3-AII levels (P<0.005). This finding suggests that the majority of nr-apoE3 in HDL exists in a reversible oxidized form. The apoE3-AII complex, formed from the reversible oxidized apoE3, is beneficial for maintaining the redox equilibrium of apoE3 by preventing the modification of apoE3 to its irreversible oxidized form. The apoE3-AII complex may be possibly implicated in the pathophysiology of various apoE-related diseases.
Identification of the Spectrotemporal Modulations That Support Speech Intelligibility in Hearing-Impaired and Normal-Hearing Listeners
Authors: Venezia Jonathan H. , Martin Allison-Graham , Hickok Gregory , Richards Virginia M.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Age-related sensorineural hearing loss can dramatically affect speech recognition performance due to reduced audibility and suprathreshold distortion of spectrotemporal information. Normal aging produces changes within the central auditory system that impose further distortions. The goal of this study was to characterize the effects of aging and hearing loss on perceptual representations of speech.

Method

We asked whether speech intelligibility is supported by different patterns of spectrotemporal modulations (STMs) in older listeners compared to young normal-hearing listeners. We recruited 3 groups of participants: 20 older hearing-impaired (OHI) listeners, 19 age-matched normal-hearing listeners, and 10 young normal-hearing (YNH) listeners. Listeners performed a speech recognition task in which randomly selected regions of the speech STM spectrum were revealed from trial to trial. The overall amount of STM information was varied using an up–down staircase to hold performance at 50% correct. Ordinal regression was used to estimate weights showing which regions of the STM spectrum were associated with good performance (a “classification image” or CImg).

Results

The results indicated that (a) large-scale CImg patterns did not differ between the 3 groups; (b) weights in a small region of the CImg decreased systematically as hearing loss increased; (c) CImgs were also nonsystematically distorted in OHI listeners, and the magnitude of this distortion predicted speech recognition performance even after accounting for audibility; and (d) YNH listeners performed better overall than the older groups.

Conclusion

We conclude that OHI/older normal-hearing listeners rely on the same speech STMs as YNH listeners but encode this information less efficiently.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7859981
Retrieval-Based Word Learning in Young Typically Developing Children and Children With Developmental Language Disorder I: The Benefits of Repeated Retrieval
Authors: Leonard Laurence B. , Karpicke Jeffrey , Deevy Patricia , Weber Christine , Christ Sharon , Haebig Eileen , Souto Sofía , Kueser Justin B. , Krok Windi
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Scholars have long noted that retention improves significantly when learners frequently test themselves on the new material rather than engage in continuous study with no intermittent testing. In this study, we apply the notion of repeated testing or retrieval to the process of word learning in preschool-age children with and without developmental language disorder (DLD).

Method

Novel words and their meanings were taught to 10 children with DLD and 10 typically developing (TD) children matched on age (DLD,
M
= 63.4 months; TD,
M
= 63.2 months). Recall was assessed immediately after the 2nd learning session and then again 1 week later.

Results

Both groups showed better retention when they had attempted to retrieve the words during the learning period than when they had simply listened to and studied the words paired with their referents. Relative to their TD peers, the children with DLD seemed to be weaker in their encoding, but these children's retention over a 1-week period was indistinguishable from that of their age mates.

Conclusion

Word learning activities that include opportunities for repeated retrieval appear to significantly benefit retention relative to more traditional word learning activities.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7927046
Series LC DC circuit breaker
Authors: Jovcic Dragan
Published: April 2019

The article proposes a mechanical DC circuit breaker (CB) based on a series LC circuit. It requires two switches (a fast disconnector and an AC circuit breaker), an inductor and a capacitor, and therefore the cost is expected to be low. A series LC circuit is analysed and it is concluded that fault current will always have natural zero‐current crossings which enable use of simple AC CBs. The current commutation into a capacitor is investigated since this is important for successful operation. A number of analytical conditions are derived for the voltage stress across disconnector contacts which enable arc‐less contact opening. Experimental results on a 900 V laboratory prototype LC DC CB illustrate successful DC fault clearing, with commutation of 130 A and peak DC current of 190 A. A detailed PSCAD model for 320 kV LC DC CB is developed and DC fault clearing is evaluated in order to understand the possible benefit for high‐voltage direct current applications. Further comparisons with the commercialised hybrid DC CB and mechanical DC CB on 320 kV system illustrate some benefits in terms of performance and simplicity. The mechanical LC DC CB operates very fast because of early capacitor insertion, and this results in low peak current and energy dissipation.
Modified SLM scheme of FBMC signal in satellite communications
Authors: Yang Chaosan , Liu Rongke , Zhao Ling , Wei Yuhang
Published: April 2019

In this study, a segment‐selected mapping (SSLM) scheme is proposed to reduce the peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) of the filter bank multi‐carrier (FBMC) signal in satellite communications. The standard selected mapping (SLM) scheme is suggested to reduce the PAPR of the traditional multi‐carrier signals. However, it cannot be directly applied to the FBMC signal due to the overlapping nature of the FBMC signal. In the proposed method, each symbol in the FBMC signal is divided into several segments to solve the overlapping problem. Each segment is regarded as an independent unit, and rotates a suitable phase to minimise the PAPR in the frequency domain. The authors simulated the FBMC signal in the satellite communications by introducing the influence of the high power amplifiers and the Doppler frequency shift. The simulation results from complementary cumulative distribution function of the PAPR show that the proposed scheme can achieve about 0.3 dB PAPR performance compared to the existing dispersive SLM scheme, with lower complexity.
Integrated fault detection algorithm for transmission, distribution, and microgrid networks
Authors: Ebrahim Mohamed A. , Wadie Fady , Abd‐Allah Mousa A.
Published: April 2019

As a part of the vision of the future's smart grids, this article intends to provide an integrated protective algorithm that employs a specially driven index for the detection of faults in different layers of the grid (transmission, distribution, and/or microgrids). The proposed algorithm evaluates the difference between the positive sequence powers measured by phasor measurement units (PMUs) located at the terminals of the line/feeder/zone required to be protected. An index named as a periodic change of positive sequence power index (PC‐PSPI) is evaluated as the periodic change of the previous power difference per one cycle. The PC‐PSPI is always zero during no‐fault conditions as the power difference per one cycle is relatively constant during normal daily operations. However, the previous condition is disrupted during the presence of faults leading to fault detection. To ensure the proper functionality of PC‐PSPI for different layers of the grid, various testing systems were used including the WSCC 9‐bus transmission system, IEEE 34‐bus distribution system, and a modified microgrid version of the IEEE 34‐bus equipped with distributed generation (DG) units. All systems were simulated using MATLAB/Simulink software packages. The proposed algorithm proved its reliability in operation even for severe fault and islanding cases.
PBC for direct voltage regulation for the boost DC–DC converter
Authors: Arora Sameer , Balsara Poras T. , Bhatia Dinesh K.
Published: April 2019

Passivity‐based control (PBC) for a power converter is an interesting alternative to the conventional linear control technique. In general, the objective of PBC is to reshape the energy of a system, additionally damping the system to modify the dissipation structure. PBC forces the closed‐loop dynamics to behave in a manner such that the virtual damping resistances injected in the system are in series or parallel of the actual physical circuit elements. The boost converter is intrinsically non‐linear, non‐minimum phase system at the output with respect to the control input. Control techniques such as the PBC that requires some form of system inversion cannot be implemented. By using the one‐to‐one correspondence between the inductor current and the output voltage at the equilibrium point, conventional non‐linear control techniques exploit regulation of the inductor current to regulate the output voltage (indirect regulation). This study proposes passivity‐based direct output voltage regulation for a boost converter, which has multiple advantages over other non‐linear control techniques and the conventional linear controller.
Enhanced direct torque control and predictive torque control strategies of an open‐End winding induction motor drive to eliminate common‐mode voltage and weighting factors
Authors: V Praveen Kumar Kunisetti , Kumar Thippiripati Vinay
Published: April 2019

Direct torque control (DTC) and predictive torque control (PTC) strategies emerged as powerful tools for speed control of variable frequency drives (VFD). The limitations in classical DTC and PTC are: higher ripple in torque, flux, variable switching frequency, and higher common‐mode voltage (CMV). High dv/dt and CMV results in shaft voltages, bearing currents, malfunction of power electronic devices and electromagnetic interference (EMI). To eliminate the CMVs and also to reduce the switching frequency, voltage vector selection‐based DTC and PTC strategies are introduced to an open‐end winding induction motor (OEWIM) drive. Another limitation of classical PTC is cumbersome tuning of weighting factors. To address this limitation, modified cost function‐based PTC strategy has been developed to eliminate weighting factors. OEWIM drive operates with dual inverter configuration and the two inverters are operated with equal DC‐link voltages; therefore, it delivers three‐level output voltage. This article introduces various DTC and PTC strategies to an OEWIM drive to reduce torque, flux ripples, switching frequency, elimination of CMV, and weighting factors. The effectiveness of proposed DTC and PTC strategies is tested by dspace‐1104 real‐time interface controller and comparing the obtained results with classical DTC and PTC.
Selective harmonics elimination using whale optimisation algorithm for a single‐phase‐modified source switched multilevel inverter
Authors: Kumar Kar Pratik , Priyadarshi Anurag , Bhaskar Karanki Srinivas
Published: April 2019

This study presents a new single‐phase multilevel inverter topology along with whale optimisation algorithm‐based switching technique. The proposed multilevel inverter requires a significantly reduced number of power semiconductor devices as compared with some of the prominent multilevel inverters. The proposed work is able to outperform the existing techniques involving popular optimisation techniques in terms of inverter performance, the rate of convergence and computational overhead. Detailed simulation analysis has been carried out for the proposed multilevel inverter on MATLAB/Simulink environment. An 11‐level proposed inverter prototype has been developed and experimental results have been provided to verify the performance of the proposed multilevel inverter.
Modelling of Mg II lines in solar prominences
Authors: Levens P. J. , Labrosse N.
Published: April 2019

Context. Observations of the Mg II h and k lines in solar prominences with IRIS reveal a wide range of line shapes from simple non-reversed profiles to typical double-peaked reversed profiles, and with many other possible complex line shapes. The physical conditions responsible for this variety are not well understood.

Aims. Our aim is to understand how physical conditions inside a prominence slab influence shapes and properties of emergent Mg II line profiles.

Methods. We compute the spectrum of Mg II lines using a one-dimensional non-LTE radiative transfer code for two large grids of model atmospheres (isothermal isobaric, and with a transition region).

Results. The influence of the plasma parameters on the emergent spectrum is discussed in detail. Our results agree with previous studies. We present several dependencies between observables and prominence parameters which will help with the interpretation of observations. A comparison with known limits of observed line parameters suggests that most observed prominences emitting in Mg II h and k lines are cold, low-pressure, and optically thick structures. Our results indicate that there are good correlations between the Mg II k line intensities and the intensities of hydrogen lines, and the emission measure.

Conclusions. One-dimensional non-LTE radiative transfer codes allow us to understand the main characteristics of the Mg II h and k line profiles in solar prominences, but more advanced codes will be necessary for detailed comparisons.
New wavelength calibration of the HARPS spectrograph
Authors: Coffinet A. , Lovis C. , Dumusque X. , Pepe F.
Published: April 2019

Context. Doppler spectroscopy has been used in astronomy for more than 150 yr. In particular, it has permitted us to detect hundreds of exoplanets over the past 20 yr, and the goal today of detecting Earth-like planets requires a precision around 0.1 m s−1 or better. Doppler spectroscopy has also been and will be of major importance for other studies such as the variability of fundamental constants and cosmological studies. For all these applications, it is crucial to have the best possible wavelength calibration. Despite the fact that the HARPS spectrograph has been operational at the 3.6-m ESO telescope for more than 15 yr, and that it provides among the most precise Doppler measurements, improvements are still possible. One known problem, for instance, is the non-fully regular block-stitching of the charge-coupled devices (CCDs), which in some cases introduces one-year period parasitic signals in the measured radial velocity.

Aims. The aim of the presented work is to improve the wavelength calibration of the HARPS spectrograph to push further its planet-detection capabilities.

Methods. The properties of the CCD stitching-induced pixel-size anomalies were determined with light-emitting-diode (LED) flat-field frames, and then a physical, gap-corrected map of the CCDs is used for the fitting model of the spectral orders. We also used a new thorium line list, based on much higher-accuracy measurements than the one used up to now. We derive new wavelength solutions for the 15 yr of HARPS data, both before and after the fibre upgrade that took place in 2015.

Results. We demonstrate that we do indeed correct the gap anomalies by computing the wavelength solutions of laser frequency comb exposures, known to have a very low dispersion, both with and without taking the gap correction into account. By comparing the rms of the most stable stars of the HARPS sample, we show that we globally decrease the radial velocity (RV) dispersion of the data, especially for the data acquired after the change of fibres of 2015. Finally, the comparative analysis of several individual systems shows that we manage to attenuate the periodogram power at one year in most cases. The analysis of the RVs derived from individual stellar lines also shows that we indeed correct the stitching-induced RV variation.

Conclusions. This improved calibration of the HARPS spectrograph allows to go deeper in the search for low-amplitude radial-velocity signals. This new calibration process will be further improved by combining the thorium calibration spectra with laser frequency comb and Fabry–Perot calibration spectra, and this will not only be used for HARPS but notably also for HARPS-N and the new ESPRESSO spectrograph.
The Gaia-ESO Survey: The inner disc, intermediate-age open cluster Pismis 18
Authors: Hatzidimitriou D. , Held E. V. , Tognelli E. , Bragaglia A. , Magrini L. , Bravi L. , Gazeas K. , Dapergolas A. , Drazdauskas A. , Delgado-Mena E. , Friel E. D. , Minkevičiūtė R. , Sordo R. , Tautvaišienė G. , Gilmore G. , Randich S. , Feltzing S. , Vallenari A. , Alfaro E. J. , Flaccomio E. , Lanzafame A. C. , Pancino E. , Smiljanic R. , Bayo A. , Bergemann M. , Carraro G. , Casey A. R. , Costado M. T. , Damiani F. , Franciosini E. , Gonneau A. , Jofré P. , Lewis J. , Monaco L. , Morbidelli L. , Worley C. C. , Zaggia S.
Published: April 2019

Context. Pismis 18 is a moderately populated, intermediate-age open cluster located within the solar circle at a Galactocentric distance of about seven kpc. Few open clusters have been studied in detail in the inner disc region before the Gaia-ESO Survey.

Aims. New data from the Gaia-ESO Survey allowed us to conduct an extended radial velocity membership study as well as spectroscopic metallicity and detailed chemical abundance measurements for this cluster.

Methods. Gaia-ESO Survey data for 142 potential members, lying on the upper main sequence and on the red clump, yielded radial velocity measurements, which, together with proper motion measurements from the Gaia Second Data Release (Gaia DR2), were used to determine the systemic velocity of the cluster and membership of individual stars. Photometry from Gaia DR2 was used to re-determine cluster parameters based on high confidence member stars only. Cluster abundance measurements of six radial-velocity member stars with UVES high-resolution spectroscopy are presented for 23 elements.

Results. The average radial velocity of 26 high confidence members is −27.5 ± 2.5 (std) km s−1 with an average proper motion of pmra = −5.65 ± 0.08 (std) mas yr−1 and pmdec = −2.29 ± 0.11 (std) mas yr−1. According to the new estimates, based on high confidence members, Pismis 18 has an age of τ = 700+40−50 Myr, interstellar reddening of E(B − V) = 0.562+0.012−0.026 mag and a de-reddened distance modulus of DM0 = 11.96+0.10−0.24 mag. The median metallicity of the cluster (using the six UVES stars) is [Fe/H] = +0.23 ± 0.05 dex, with [α/Fe] = 0.07 ± 0.13 and a slight enhancement of s- and r-neutron-capture elements.

Conclusions. With the present work, we fully characterized the open cluster Pismis 18. We confirmed its present location in the inner disc. We estimated a younger age than the previous literature values and we gave, for the first time, its metallicity and its detailed abundances. Its [α/Fe] and [s-process/Fe], both slightly super-solar, are in agreement with other inner-disc open clusters observed by the Gaia-ESO survey.
Broad-band high-resolution rotational spectroscopy for laboratory astrophysics
Authors: Cernicharo J. , Gallego J. D. , López-Pérez J. A. , Tercero F. , Tanarro I. , Beltrán F. , de Vicente P. , Lauwaet K. , Alemán B. , Moreno E. , Herrero V. J. , Doménech J. L. , Ramírez S. I. , Bermúdez C. , Peláez R. J. , Patino-Esteban M. , López-Fernández I. , García-Álvaro S. , García-Carreño P. , Cabezas C. , Malo I. , Amils R. , Sobrado J. , Diez-González C. , Hernandéz J. M. , Tercero B. , Santoro G. , Martínez L. , Castellanos M. , Vaquero Jiménez B. , Pardo J. R. , Barbas L. , López-Fernández J. A. , Aja B. , Leuther A. , Martín-Gago J. A.
Published: April 2019

We present a new experimental set-up devoted to the study of gas phase molecules and processes using broad-band high spectral resolution rotational spectroscopy. A reactor chamber is equipped with radio receivers similar to those used by radio astronomers to search for molecular emission in space. The whole range of the Q (31.5–50 GHz) and W bands (72–116.5 GHz) is available for rotational spectroscopy observations. The receivers are equipped with 16 × 2.5 GHz fast Fourier transform spectrometers with a spectral resolution of 38.14 kHz allowing the simultaneous observation of the complete Q band and one-third of the W band. The whole W band can be observed in three settings in which the Q band is always observed. Species such as CH3CN, OCS, and SO2 are detected, together with many of their isotopologues and vibrationally excited states, in very short observing times. The system permits automatic overnight observations, and integration times as long as 2.4 × 105 s have been reached. The chamber is equipped with a radiofrequency source to produce cold plasmas, and with four ultraviolet lamps to study photochemical processes. Plasmas of CH4, N2, CH3CN, NH3, O2, and H2, among other species, have been generated and the molecular products easily identified by the rotational spectrum, and via mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy. Finally, the rotational spectrum of the lowest energy conformer of CH3CH2NHCHO (N-ethylformamide), a molecule previously characterized in microwave rotational spectroscopy, has been measured up to 116.5 GHz, allowing the accurate determination of its rotational and distortion constants and its search in space.
Palatal torus: etiology, clinical aspect, and therapeutic strategy
Authors: Bouchet Jordan , Hervé Geneviève , Lescaille Géraldine , Descroix Vianney , Guyon Alice
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Maxillary palatal tori are benign bone tumors that elevate the median of the palate. Although there are clinical variations, palatal tori are characterized by pathognomonic clinical and radiographic criteria. Observations: Here, we present the cases of two patients with a voluminous palatal torus that caused functional problems in one and formed an anatomical obstacle to the fitting of a removable prosthetic in the other. Given their size, these tori were surgically removed under general anesthesia. The postoperative course was simple. Discussion: The etiology of palatal torus is usually multifactorial: genetic factors, masticatory forces, and para-functions could all be factors in their development and growth. Considered as anatomical variations, palatal tori are asymptomatic in most cases and require no intervention. Conclusion: Surgical management is sometimes necessary to restore physiological orofacial functions or to allow the fitting of a prosthetic without harmful compromise.
E-Sport
Authors: Spitzer Manfred
Published: April 2019

Das organisierte Spielen von Video- und Computerspielen wird als E-Sport bezeichnet. Es gibt Bemühungen, den E-Sport dem Sport gleichzustellen und damit dessen Gemeinnützigkeit anzuerkennen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird oft die Frage diskutiert, ob E-Sport als Sport gelten könne. Da Sport selbst jedoch nicht definiert ist, führt diese Diskussion in die Irre. E-Sport kann nicht gemeinnützig sein, weil er bei jungen Menschen zu Gesundheitsschäden und zu einer Beeinträchtigung der Bildungskarriere führt sowie die falschen gesellschaftlichen Werte (Gewalt, Anarchie, Sexismus) transportiert. Die Verlockungen eines Milliardenmarktes dürfen nicht dazu führen, dass wir die monetäre Ausbeutung vor allem junger Menschen zu deren Schaden mit Steuermitteln fördern.
Ultrasonography of the Lung
Authors: Radzina Maija , Biederer Jürgen
Published: April 2019

Background High diagnostic accuracy, increasing clinical experience and technical improvements are good reasons to consider lung ultrasound (US) for the assessment of pleural and pulmonary diseases. In the emergency room and in intensive care, it is well acknowledged, but application in other settings is rare. The aim of this review is to update potential users in general radiology about the diagnostic scope of lung US and to encourage more frequent use of this generally underestimated lung imaging modality.

Method Literature review was done independently by the two authors in MEDLINE (via PubMed) covering a time span from 2002 until 2017 using free text and Medical Subject Headings/MeSH. Article selection for the bibliography was based on consensus according to relevance and evidence.

Results and Conclusion The technical prerequisites include a standard ultrasound unit with a suitable transducer. Pleural effusion and pneumothorax, atelectasis, interstitial edema, pneumonia, exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma and pulmonary embolism can be distinguished by particular ultrasound signs, artifacts and their combinations. A highly standardized selection of access points and terminology for the description of imaging findings contributes to high diagnostic accuracy even in challenging patients and settings. Besides the assessment of acute respiratory failure in the emergency room, lung US may be used for monitoring interstitial fluid accumulation in volume therapy and for the diagnosis of pneumonia or the assessment of pleural effusion and pleurisy in a routine outpatient setting. Last but not least, the increasing concerns about medical radiation exposure warrant a more extensive use of this sometimes underestimated modality as a cost-, time- and radiation-saving alternative or valuable adjunct to the standard imaging modalities.

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Reproductive Tissue Storage: Quality Control and Management/Inventory Software
Authors: Pomeroy Kimball , Marcon Mark
Published: April 2019

The recent failure of two liquid nitrogen storage tanks at two separate facilities in the United States has highlighted the need to reexamine our approach to how reproductive laboratories handle the storage of tissue. If we wish to truly understand how we can increase the security and safety of stored reproductive tissue, we really need to understand how often these events (tank failure) occur and what are the ultimate causes of these failures. Are there design flaws in the storage tanks or are these really failures in protocols and following protocols? Unfortunately, because these cases often involve serious litigation, most do not want to or are forbidden to talk about these failures and so we have little data to base recommendations on. Despite the paucity of data, we must come up with protocols and methods to safeguard tissue stored in these tanks. At the same time, we must be careful that we do not introduce potential solutions to these problems that instead of increasing the safety of stored tissue, we exacerbate the problem. Attention should be paid to where tanks are located so that they can be observed throughout the day. Decisions regarding whether tissue will be stored on-site or off-site, whether small- or large-capacity tanks should be used, or whether a patient's specimens should be split among several tanks should not be based on convenience or cost, but on the ability to reduce risks to these precious specimens. Ongoing quality control (QC) must include checking tanks for both visual clues and analyzing evaporation rates of each tank. Finally, each laboratory must have protocols in place that address all the issues involved in maintaining a safe storage system. These protocols must be understood by all those involved in the safeguard of patients' tissue. We may never eliminate all accidents with stored reproductive tissue, but we can reduce the probability of future accidents. In this article, we will discuss how to manage the risks inherent with the storage of reproductive tissue, where to store tissue, how to store them, how to reduce risks through quality control methods, and finally, options available for inventory management.