bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meteorological parameters and air pollen count in association with self-reported peripartum depressive symptoms
Authors: Henriksson Hanna E. , White Richard A. , Sylvén Sara M. , Papadopoulos Fotios C. , Skalkidou Alkistis
Published: July 2018

Background:

Meteorological parameters and air pollen count have been associated with affective disorders and suicide. Regarding peripartum depression, the literature is restricted and inconclusive.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included women (pregnant, n = 3843; postpartum, n = 3757) who participated in the BASIC (Biology, Affect, Stress, Imaging, and Cognition) study 2010–2015 and the UPPSAT (Uppsala-Athens) study (postpartum, n = 1565) in 2006–2007. Cases were defined according to presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy (gestational week 32) and 6 weeks postpartum, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Exposure of sunshine, temperature, precipitation, snow coverage, and air pollen counts of durations of 1, 7, and 42 days prior to the outcome were studied for associations with depressive symptoms, using negative binomial regression.

Results:

Prior to Bonferroni correction, the concentration of mugwort pollen, both one week and six weeks before the EPDS assessment at gestational week 32, was inversely associated with depressive symptoms in pregnancy, both before and after adjustment for season. No associations were found between the exposure to meteorological parameters and pollen and depressive symptoms, at the same day of depressive symptoms’ assessment, the previous week, or the six weeks prior to assessment, either during pregnancy or postpartum after Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions:

There was no evidence that neither short-term nor long-term exposure to meteorological parameters or air pollen counts were associated with self-reported peripartum depressive symptoms in Uppsala, Sweden.
Serotonin transporter gene polymorphism as a predictor of short-term risk of suicide reattempts
Authors: Daray Federico M. , Arena Ángeles R. , Armesto Arnaldo R. , Rodante Demián E. , Puppo Soledad , Vidjen Patricia , Portela Alicia , Grendas Leandro N. , Errasti Andrea E.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

The serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms are associated with suicidal behavior; however, prospective studies are scarce. Herein we aim to determine if 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms predict risk of short-term suicide reattempt in a high-risk suicidal sample. We also explore possible mediators or moderators of this relationship.

Methods:

A multicenter prospective cohort study was designed to compare data obtained form 136 patients admitted to the emergency department for current suicidal ideation or a recent suicide attempt. Subjects were clinically evaluated, genotyped, and monitored for a new suicide attempt for 6 months.

Results:

At 6 months of follow up, 21% of the subjects had a new suicide attempt. The frequency of L-allele and L-carrier was higher in reattempters when compared with non-reattempters (55.8% vs. 35.4%,p= 0.01 and 76.9% vs. 54.2%,p= 0.04, respectively). Reattempters also differ from non-reattempters patients with respect to age, history of previous suicide attempts, and age of onset of suicidal behavior. The logistic regression model showed that L-carriers had an odds ratio of 2.8 (95% CI: 1.0–7.6) for reattempts when compared to SS genotype. The adjusted model indicates that this association is not mediated or moderated by impulsivity.

Conclusion:

The 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms predicted short-term risk of suicidal reattempt independently of age and sex. L-carriers have almost three times more risk of relapse when compared with SS carriers.
Sexual Function Before and After Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair
Authors: Pope Rachel , Ganesh Prakash , Chalamanda Chisomo , Nundwe William , Wilkinson Jeffrey
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Women with vesicovaginal fistulas often experience a disruption in their normal lives, including sexual relationships, because of urinary incontinence.

Aim

Although surgery repairs the urinary leakage, it is not known how surgery might affect sexual function positively or negatively.

Methods

119 women were enrolled before surgery and interviewed including a revised Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS-R) score and examined for vaginal length, caliber, and pelvic floor strength.

Main Outcome Measures

Approximately one third of women return to normal sexual function after repair, although a minority experience de novo dysfunction.

Results

115 women completed follow-up 6 to 12 months after surgery. Approximately one third (35.6%, n = 41) stated that intercourse had returned to the way it was before a fistula. Forty-four women (40%) report sexual problems after the fistula developed; 15% due to incontinence and 23.5% due to pain. Fourteen women (12.2%) stated that they experienced problems with intercourse since surgery; 50% due to incontinence during intercourse and 50% due to pain. Nineteen of the participants (16.5%) scored in the range of dysfunction as assessed by the FSDS-R tool after surgery. Fibrosis did not significantly change and was not found to be associated with sexual function. Vaginal length was found to decrease on average by 5 mm. Of the variables examined, the factors statistically significantly associated with dysfunction included a larger-size fistula as determined by the Goh classification (> 3 cm diameter) and decreased vaginal caliber. FSDS-R scores drastically decreased from before to after surgery and the reason for problems with intercourse changed from leaking urine before surgery to lack of partner and concern for HIV infection.

Clinical Implications

Women with large fistulas and decreased vaginal calibers are at high risk for sexual dysfunction and should be counseled appropriately preoperatively and offered surgical and medical interventions.

Strengths & Limitations

Physical parameters were combined with qualitative interviews and FSDS-R scores to contextualize sexual health before and after surgery. Limitation is the brief follow-up of 6-12 months after surgery as many women were still abstaining from sexual activity.

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction is a complex issue for women with obstetric fistulas; although many women do not continue to experience problems, several need ongoing counseling and treatment.
Dipole and generalized oscillator strength derived electronic properties of an endohedral hydrogen atom embedded in a Debye-Hückel plasma
Authors: Martínez-Flores C. , Cabrera-Trujillo R.
Published: July 2018

We report electronic properties of a hydrogen atom encaged by an endohedral cavity under the influence of a weak plasma interaction. We implement a finite-difference approach to solve the Schrödinger equation for a hydrogen atom embedded in an endohedral cavity modeled by the Woods-Saxon potential with well depth V0, inner radius R0, thickness Δ, and smooth parameter γ. The plasma interaction is described by a Debye-Hückel screening potential that characterizes the plasma in terms of a Debye screening length λD. The electronic properties of the endohedral hydrogen atom are reported for selected endohedral cavity well depths, V0, and screening lengths, λD, that emulate different confinement and plasma conditions. We find that for low screening lengths, the endohedral cavity potential dominates over the plasma interaction by confining the electron within the cavity. For large screening lengths, a competition between both interactions is observed. We assess and report the photo-ionization cross section, dipole polarizability, mean excitation energy, and electronic stopping cross section as function of λD and V0. We find a decrease of the Generalized Oscillator Strength (GOS) when the final excitation is to an s state as the plasma screening length decreases. For a final excitation into a p state, we find an increase in the GOS as the endohedral cavity well-depth increases. For the case of the electronic stopping cross section, we find that the plasma screening and endohedral cavity effects are larger in the low-to-intermediate projectile energies for all potential well depths considered. Our results agree well to available theoretical and experimental data and are a first step towards the understanding of dipole and generalized oscillator strength dependent properties of an atom in extreme conditions encaged by an endohedral cavity immersed in a plasma medium.
Why is patch management necessary?
Authors: Dennis Colin
Published: July 2018

If you're a UK business that relies on any form of technology, then patch management should be at the top of your ‘to do’ list. More and more companies rely on a form of software and/or IT infrastructure to streamline their processes, maximise return on investment and store valuable data.

If you're a UK business that relies on any form of technology, then patch management should be at the top of your ‘to do’ list.

As technology evolves, so does cybercrime. The more detailed and comprehensive the approach you take to patch management, the more you are reducing the risk of a vulnerability being exploited and data breaches being made, explains Colin Dennis of OGL.
Development of a novel prevention bundle for pediatric healthcare-associated viral infections
Authors: Hei Hillary , Bezpalko Orysia , Smathers Sarah A. , Coffin Susan E. , Sammons Julia S.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To reduce the healthcare-associated viral infection (HAVI) rate to 0.70 infections or fewer per 1,000 patient days by developing and sustaining a comprehensive prevention bundle.

Setting

A 546-bed quaternary-care children’s hospital situated in a large urban area.

Patients

Inpatients with a confirmed HAVI were included. These HAVIs were identified through routine surveillance by infection preventionists and were confirmed using National Healthcare Safety Network definitions for upper respiratory infections (URIs), pneumonia, and gastroenteritis.

Methods

Quality improvement (QI) methods and statistical process control (SPC) analyses were used in a retrospective observational analysis of HAVI data from July 2012 through June 2016.

Results

In total, 436 HAVIs were identified during the QI initiative: 63% were URIs, 34% were gastrointestinal infections, and 2.5% were viral pneumonias. The most frequent pathogens were rhinovirus (n=171) and norovirus (n=83). Our SPC analysis of HAVI rate revealed a statistically significant reduction in March 2014 from a monthly average of 0.81 to 0.60 infections per 1,000 patient days. Among HAVIs with event reviews completed, 15% observed contact with a sick primary caregiver and 15% reported contact with a sick visitor. Patient outcomes identified included care escalation (37%), transfer to ICU (11%), and delayed discharge (19%).

Conclusions

The iterative development, implementation, and refinement of targeted prevention practices was associated with a significant reduction in pediatric HAVI. These practices were ultimately formalized into a comprehensive prevention bundle and provide an important framework for both patient and systems-level interventions that can be applied year-round and across inpatient areas.
Effect of trap colour and stirring of contents of pheromone-baited traps on the capture of the adult red palm weevil in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al-Saoud Ahmad Hussen
Published: July 2018

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), is one of the most destructive pests of date palm in United Arab Emirates. We conducted field trials in Abu Dhabi from May 2010 to April 2011, to evaluate the effect of weekly stirring of water and dates in the RPW pheromone trap on adults captured in brown and white traps, using a randomized complete block design with four treatments and five replications. Each trap contained: (1) a dispenser of the RPW male aggregation pheromone (Ferrolure™) containing 700 mg of the active ingredient (4-methyl-5-nonanol (90%) + 4-methyl-5-nonanone (10%)) at 95% purity; (2) an ethyl acetate (EA) dispenser (Weevil Magnet™) containing 40 ml of the active ingredient of EA at 98% purity; (3) 350 g of fodder date fruits; and (4) 4 L of water. Mean adults captured in white traps was 22.5 ± 0.50 and 16.8 ± 0.41 adults/trap/month with and without stirring, respectively, while in brown traps the mean was 39.9 ± 1.31 and 28.3 ± 0.51, respectively. The overall mean of adults captured was 31.2 ± 6.21 and 22.6 ± 4.81 adults/trap/month with and without stirring, respectively. The highest number of weevils caught was in the brown traps with stirring, while the lowest was in the white traps without stirring. The results of these trials suggest the use of brown traps containing aggregation pheromone, 350 g of date fruits, EA and water. It is necessary to stir the water with dates in the traps to increase their efficacy.
Irving I. Gottesman's Collaboration in Psychiatric Genetics Research in Denmark
Authors: Christensen Kaare , Bertelsen Aksel
Published: July 2018

Irving I. Gottesman played an important role for psychiatric genetic research in Denmark through more than 40 years of collaboration with Danish scientists, resulting in important twin and family studies based upon the unique national registers available in Denmark.
Human Dizygotic Twinning: Evolutionary-Based Explanations/Twin Research Reviews: Conjoined Twins in a Triplet Pregnancy; Double Embryo Transfer; Health Anxiety; Delayed Delivery of the Second Twin/In the Media: Digital Marketing Twins; Bereaved Twin at March for Our Lives; Exchange of Places; Football Players Reunite as Patriots
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: July 2018

Human twinning poses a conundrum for researchers, given that the female uterus is optimally designed to carry a single fetus. Evolutionary explanations of dizygotic (DZ or fraternal) twinning provide insight and understanding of this reproductive event. This review is followed by summaries of recent twin research and reports concerning twins in a triplet pregnancy, double embryo transfer; a twin study of health anxiety, and delayed delivery of the second twin. Twin events reported in the media include a pair of digital marketing twins, a speech by a bereaved twin at the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., twins who exchanged places, and a same-team reunion of twin football players.
From Genes to Behavior Through Sex Hormones and Socialization: The Example of Gender Development
Authors: Berenbaum Sheri A. , Beltz Adriene M.
Published: July 2018

Irving Gottesman is known primarily for his work in psychopathology, but he also had a long-standing interest in understanding psychological development generally (typical and atypical). Through his mentorship, he also influenced work in gender development. Characteristics related to sex and gender are ideally suited to study the interplay of genes and environment across development. We discuss how gender development is influenced by gonadal hormones present during early life, but not in a simple way. We describe some of the challenges and opportunities to extend our understanding of the complexity of gender development. Throughout, we consider the kinds of questions Gottesman would likely have asked and emphasize his influence on our work.
Konvergente Konstruktvalidität der Düsseldorfer Orthorexie Skala
Authors: Barthels Friederike , Meyer Frank , Amrhein Johanna , Scharmach Katrin , Pietrowsky Reinhard
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Orthorektisches Ernährungsverhalten bezeichnet die Fixierung auf eine gesundheitsbewusste Ernährungsweise, welche möglicherweise in extremer Ausprägung als weitere Variante der Essstörungen von klinischer Relevanz ist. Zur Erfassung orthorektischen Ernährungsverhaltens kann im deutschsprachigen Raum die Düsseldorfer Orthorexie Skala (DOS) verwendet werden. Die zufriedenstellende Reliabilität und die ausreichende faktorielle Validität der Skala konnten bereits festgestellt werden. Fragestellung: Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Überprüfung der konvergenten Konstruktvalidität der DOS. Methode: Dazu wurde im ersten Schritt zu Validierungszwecken ein Gesundheitsindex entwickelt, der die gesundheitliche Qualität des Essverhaltens anhand von 21 Kriterien ermittelt, welche von den Empfehlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Ernährung abgeleitet wurden. Neben dem Eating Disorder Inventory-2 und dem Fragebogen zum Essverhalten wurden zudem 10 Fragen von Steven Bratman, dem Erstbeschreiber der Orthorexie, zur Erfassung orthorektischen Ernährungsverhaltens eingesetzt. Die untersuchte Stichprobe besteht aus jeweils 15 gesunden Frauen und Männern (N = 30), die über sieben Tage hinweg ihr Essverhalten protokollierten, welches dann anhand der Kriterien ausgewertet wurde. Ergebnisse: Die gute Interrater-Reliabilität spricht für die Eignung des Gesundheitsindex zu Validierungszwecken. Die DOS korreliert zu r = .63 (p < .001) mit dem Gesundheitsindex, darüber hinaus korreliert sie zu r = .86 (p < .001) mit den Fragen von Bratman und zu r = .49 (p < .05) mit der Subskala „Kognitive Kontrolle“ des Fragebogens zum Essverhalten. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse sprechen für eine gute Konstruktvalidität der DOS, sodass der Einsatz in Forschung und Praxis empfohlen werden kann.
MicroRNAs and immunity in periodontal health and disease
Authors: Luan Xianghong , Zhou Xiaofeng , Naqvi Afsar , Francis Marybeth , Foyle Deborah , Nares Salvador , Diekwisch Thomas G. H.
Published: July 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of the host immune and inflammatory response against bacterial pathogens. In the present review, we discuss target genes, target gene functions, the potential regulatory role of miRNAs in periodontal tissues, and the potential role of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutics. In periodontal disease, miRNAs exert control over all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity, including the functions of neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells and T and B cells. Previous human studies have highlighted some key miRNAs that are dysregulated in periodontitis patients. In the present study, we mapped the major miRNAs that were altered in our reproducible periodontitis mouse model relative to control animals. The miRNAs that were upregulated as a result of periodontal disease in both human and mouse studies included miR-15a, miR-29b, miR-125a, miR-146a, miR-148/148a and miR-223, whereas miR-92 was downregulated. The association of individual miRNAs with unique aspects of periodontal disease and their stability in gingival crevicular fluid underscores their potential as markers for periodontal disease progression or healthy restitution. Moreover, miRNA therapeutics hold great promise for the future of periodontal therapy because of their ability to modulate the immune response to infection when applied in conjunction with synthetic antagomirs and/or relatively straightforward delivery strategies.
A novel LMNA mutation identified in a Japanese patient with LMNA-associated congenital muscular dystrophy
Authors: Ishiyama Akihiko , Iida Aritoshi , Hayashi Shinichiro , Komaki Hirofumi , Sasaki Masayuki , Nonaka Ikuya , Noguchi Satoru , Nishino Ichizo
Published: July 2018

LMNA-associated congenital muscular dystrophy (L-CMD) is a severe form of muscle laminopathy. LMNA encodes lamin A, which an intermediate filament protein that attaches to the inner membrane of the nuclear envelope. We performed sequence analysis based on our original targeted gene panel system for muscle diseases to obtain a molecular diagnosis in a Japanese girl with L-CMD. A novel heterozygous missense mutation, c.115A>C (p.Asn39His), in LMNA is reported.
The influence of retardation and dielectric environments on interatomic Coulombic decay
Authors: Hemmerich Joshua Leo , Bennett Robert , Buhmann Stefan Yoshi
Published: July 2018

Interatomic Coulombic decay (ICD) is a very efficient process by which high-energy radiation is redistributed between molecular systems, often producing a slow electron, which can be damaging to biological tissue. During ICD, an initially-ionised and highly-excited donor species undergoes a transition where an outer-valence electron moves to a lower-lying vacancy, transmitting a photon with sufficient energy to ionise an acceptor species placed close by. Traditionally the ICD process has been described via ab initio quantum chemistry based on electrostatics in free space, which cannot include the effects of retardation stemming from the finite speed of light, nor the influence of a dispersive, absorbing, discontinuous environment. Here we develop a theoretical description of ICD based on macroscopic quantum electrodynamics in dielectrics, which fully incorporates all these effects, enabling the established power and broad applicability of macroscopic quantum electrodynamics to be unleashed across the fast-developing field of ICD.
Bottom-up growth of n-type monolayer molecular crystals on polymeric substrate for optoelectronic device applications
Authors: Shi Yanjun , Jiang Lang , Liu Jie , Tu Zeyi , Hu Yuanyuan , Wu Qinghe , Yi Yuanping , Gann Eliot , McNeill Christopher R. , Li Hongxiang , Hu Wenping , Zhu Daoben , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: July 2018

Self-assembly of monolayers of functional molecules on dielectric surfaces is a promising approach for the development of molecular devices proposed in the 1970s. Substrate chemically bonded self-assembled monolayers of semiconducting conjugated molecules exhibit low mobility. And self-assembled monolayer molecular crystals are difficult to scale up and limited to growth on substrates terminated by hydroxyl groups, which makes it difficult to realize sophisticated device functions, particularly for those relying on n-type electron transport, as electrons suffer severe charge trapping on hydroxyl terminated surfaces. Here we report a gravity-assisted, two-dimensional spatial confinement method for bottom-up growth of high-quality n-type single-crystalline monolayers over large, centimeter-sized areas. We demonstrate that by this method, n-type monolayer molecular crystals with high field-effect mobility of 1.24 cm2 V−1 s−1 and band-like transport characteristics can be grown on hydroxyl-free polymer surface. Furthermore, we used these monolayer molecular crystals to realize high-performance crystalline, gate-/light-tunable lateral organic p–n diodes.
Exposure to an extreme environment comes at a sensorimotor cost
Authors: Kim Kyoung Jae , Gimmon Yoav , Sorathia Sharmeen , Beaton Kara H. , Schubert Michael C.
Published: July 2018

Long duration space flight is known to induce severe modifications in the sensorimotor and musculoskeletal systems. While in-flight strategies including physical fitness have been used to prevent the loss of bone and muscle mass using appropriate rehabilitative countermeasures, less attention has been put forth in the design of technologies that can quickly and effectively assess sensorimotor function during missions in space. The aims of the present study were therefore (1) to develop a Portable Sensorimotor Assessment Platform (PSAP) to enable a crewmember to independently and quickly assess his/her sensorimotor function during the NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) and (2) to investigate changes in performance of static posture, tandem gait, and lower limb ataxia due to exposure in an extreme environment. Our data reveal that measuring the degree of upper body balance and gait regularity during tandem walking using PSAP provided a sensitive and objective quantification of body movement abnormalities due to changes in sensorimotor performance over the duration of mission exposure.
An efficient method for discriminating four important edible oils based on stimulated Brillouin scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Jiulin , Yuan Dapeng , Hao Shiguo , Liu Zhe , Luo NingNing , Zhang Yubao , Xie Chengfeng , Zhang Weiwei , He Xingdao , Chen Zhongping
Published: July 2018

The potential of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) as a method for discriminating edible vegetable oils was investigated.
Comparison between two derivatization methods of nitrite ion labeled with 15N applied to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Haiyan Yu , Romain Schmitt , Anne Sapin , Patrick Chaimbault , Pierre Leroy
Published: July 2018

15N assisted-derivatization strategies to improve the limit of quantification of nitric oxide species.
Gold nanocatalysts supported on carbon for electrocatalytic oxidation of organic molecules including guanines in DNA
Authors: Chang Zheng , Yang Yue , He Jie , Rusling James F.
Published: July 2018

Recent accomplishments in the syntheses of Au nanoparticles and nanocluster supported on carbon materials and applications to electroxidation are reviewed.
Energy transfer between Eu3+ and Nd3+ in near-infrared emitting β-triketonate coordination polymers
Authors: Abad Galán Laura , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Skelton Brian W. , Zysman-Colman Eli , Ogden Mark I. , Massi Massimiliano
Published: July 2018

Mixed coordination polymers containing Eu3+ and Nd3+ cations display energy forward and back migration between Eu3+ and Nd3+, resulting in dual red and near-infrared emission.
In silicoestimation of chemical aquatic toxicity on crustaceans using chemical category methods
Authors: Cao Qianqian , Liu Lin , Yang Hongbin , Cai Yingchun , Li Weihua , Liu Guixia , Lee Philip W. , Tang Yun
Published: July 2018

A series ofin silicomodels were developed to estimate chemical acute aquatic toxicity on crustaceans using machine learning methods combined with molecular fingerprints.
Synthesis, docking studies andin vitroevaluation of novel chalcones as potent inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 5 from human platelets and 5A from bovine recombinant
Authors: Sherikar Amol S. , Dhavale Rakesh P. , Bhatia Manish S.
Published: July 2018

Chalcones with a nitric oxide (NO) donating scaffold and a variety of substituents were synthesized. A docking study was performed and molecules were evaluated forin vitrophosphodiesterase 5 and 5A inhibitory potency.
Template-assisted in situ confinement synthesis of nitrogen and oxygen co-doped 3D porous carbon network for high-performance sodium-ion battery anode
Authors: Wang Dan , Wang Zhiyuan , Li Yuan , Luo Shaohua , Dong Kangze , Liu Yanguo , Qi Xiwei
Published: July 2018

Nitrogen and oxygen co-doped porous carbon network is synthesized by NaCl template-assisted in situ confinement method and used for a high-performance sodium-ion battery anode.
Effect of counterions on anionic fluorocarbon surfactant micelles by dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang CanCan , Yang LiKun , Zhao KongShuang , Chen Zhen , Xiao Jin-Xin
Published: July 2018

The effect of counterions on dielectric behaviors of anionic fluorocarbon surfactants solutions was insighted in the frequency of 40–110 MHz. The dielectric increments Δεof all the surfactants can be divided into different groups, the reason was analyzed and the average radiusR̄was calculated according to Grosse's model, which confirmed the reliability of dielectric analysis, and the structure of micelles was proposed as the figure.
Constructing film composites of silicon nanowires@CdS quantum dot arrays with ameliorated photocatalytic performance
Authors: Lin Xin , Li Shao-Hai , Lu Kang-Qiang , Tang Zi-Rong , Xu Yi-Jun
Published: July 2018

The film composites of n-type CdS QD decorated p-type silicon nanowire arrays are assembled toward H2 evolution with improved photoactivity and photostability.
Computational modelling of singlet excitation energy transfer: a DFT/TD-DFT study of the ground and excited state properties of a syn bimane dimer system using non-empirically tuned range-separated functionals
Authors: Wong Z. C. , Fan W. Y. , Chwee T. S.
Published: July 2018

Range-tuned DFT/TD-DFT improves predicted properties for the sequence of events leading to excitation energy transfer (EET) in bimanes.
Noncovalent phosphorylation of graphene oxide with improved hole transport in high-efficiency polymer solar cells
Authors: Chen Xiang , Liu Qing , Zhang Mengmeng , Ju Huanxin , Zhu Junfa , Qiao Qiquan , Wang Mingtai , Yang Shangfeng
Published: July 2018

By using phosphorus pentoxide dissolved in methanol as a precursor, we modified graphene oxide (GO) via noncovalent phosphorylation for the first time, affording improved hole transport in BHJ-PSC devices.
C2N-graphene supported single-atom catalysts for CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction: mechanistic insight and catalyst screening
Authors: Cui Xudong , An Wei , Liu Xiaoyang , Wang Hao , Men Yong , Wang Jinguo
Published: July 2018

Mechanistic insight and catalyst screening of C2N-graphene supported single-atom catalysts for CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction are provided from a theoretical perspective.
Performing DNA nanotechnology operations on a zebrafish
Authors: Yang Jian , Meng Zhuojun , Liu Qing , Shimada Yasuhito , Olsthoorn René C. L. , Spaink Herman P. , Herrmann Andreas , Kros Alexander
Published: July 2018

Nanoscale engineering of biological surfaces is becoming an indispensable technique to modify membranes and, thus cellular behaviour.
Unraveling reaction networks behind the catalytic oxidation of methane with H2O2 over a mixed-metal MIL-53(Al,Fe) MOF catalyst
Authors: Szécsényi Ágnes , Li Guanna , Gascon Jorge , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: July 2018

Reaction paths underlying the catalytic oxidation of methane with H2O2 over an Fe containing MIL-53(Al) metal–organic framework were studied by periodic DFT calculations.
Microwave-assisted CVD-like synthesis of dispersed monolayer/few-layer N-doped graphene encapsulated metal nanocrystals for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Bu Fanxing , Chen Wenshu , Gu Jiajun , Agboola Phillips O. , Al-Khalli Najeeb Fuad , Shakir Imran , Xu Yuxi
Published: July 2018

A novel CVD-like synthetic strategy was developed to realize ultrafast synthesis of a series of monolayer/few-layer N-doped graphene encapsulated metal nanocrystals with excellent electrocatalytic oxygen evolution performance.
Mixing ratio dependent complex coacervation versus bicontinuous gelation of pectin with in situ formed zein nanoparticles
Authors: Kaushik Priyanka , Rawat Kamla , Aswal V. K. , Kohlbrecher J. , Bohidar H. B.
Published: July 2018

Schematic model of the intermolecular binding protocol in a binding pectin–zein interacting solution in the presence of calcium ions.
Improving the exciton dissociation of polymer/fullerene interfaces with a minimal loading amount of energy cascading molecular dopant
Authors: Wang Yang , Xu Weidong , Yi Jianpeng , Zuo Chao , Gong Yanting , Liu Yuanyuan , Lai Wen-Yong , Huang Wei
Published: July 2018

Blending with a minimal loading amount of an energy cascading dopant has been explored to enhance the binary device performance effectively.
Facet-dependent nonlinear optical properties of bismuth oxychloride single-crystal nanosheets
Authors: Li Hui , Xu Shichen , Huang Zhipeng , Huang Jiawei , Wang Jun , Zhang Long , Zhang Chi
Published: July 2018

Single-crystal nanosheets of BiOCl with preferentially exposed {001} and {010} facets were synthesized, and their third-order nonlinear optical performances were evaluated by Z-scan measurements.
Towards the application of Al2O3/ZnO nanolaminates in immunosensors: total internal reflection spectroscopic ellipsometry based evaluation of BSA immobilization
Authors: Balevicius Zigmas , Paulauskas Andrius , Plikusiene Ieva , Mikoliunaite Lina , Bechelany Mikhael , Popov Anton , Ramanavicius Arunas , Ramanaviciene Almira
Published: July 2018

Signal enhancement due to multiple reflections in a total internal reflection configuration.
Human diseases associated with defects in assembly of OXPHOS complexes
Authors: Ghezzi Daniele , Zeviani Massimo
Published: July 2018

The structural biogenesis and functional proficiency of the multiheteromeric complexes forming the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) require the concerted action of a number of chaperones and other assembly factors, most of which are specific for each complex. Mutations in a large number of these assembly factors are responsible for mitochondrial disorders, in most cases of infantile onset, typically characterized by biochemical defects of single specific complexes. In fact, pathogenic mutations in complex-specific assembly factors outnumber, in many cases, the repertoire of mutations found in structural subunits of specific complexes. The identification of patients with specific defects in assembly factors has provided an important contribution to the nosological characterization of mitochondrial disorders, and has also been a crucial means to identify a huge number of these proteins in humans, which play an essential role in mitochondrial bioenergetics. The wide use of next generation sequencing (NGS) has led to and will allow the identifcation of additional components of the assembly machinery of individual complexes, mutations of which are responsible for human disorders. The functional studies on patients’ specimens, together with the creation and characterization of in vivo models, are fundamental to better understand the mechanisms of each of them. A new chapter in this field will be, in the near future, the discovery of mechanisms and actions underlying the formation of supercomplexes, molecular structures formed by the physical, and possibly functional, interaction of some of the individual respiratory complexes, particularly complex I (CI), III (CIII), and IV (CIV).
Modelling and evaluation of the security of cyber‐physical systems using stochastic Petri nets
Authors: Orojloo Hamed , Abdollahi Azgomi Mohammad
Published: July 2018

This study proposes a stochastic Petri net model for evaluating the security and resilience of cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) in the face of malicious attacks. The basic idea behind the proposed model is to evaluate the security of control loops equipped with intrusion detection systems (IDSs) faced with security attacks. The quantitative analysis is performed in terms of system‐focused quantitative security measures, such as mean time‐to‐failure and availability. By using this model, one can investigate the effects of some attacks and defensive parameters, including the detection interval, the time to physical disruption, and the false‐positive probability of IDSs. This evaluation results can help to improve the security countermeasures of CPSs.
Cybersecurity for shared infrastructure substation networks with IEC 61850 GOOSE and Sampled Values
Authors: Diago Carlos , Forshaw Andrew
Published: July 2018

This study explains an example where select digital technologies are included to face the challenges related to cybersecurity in a windfarm solution. The network is planned, designed and commissioned by one operator, and will be maintained by two operators – one for generation assets for the windfarm, the other for the grid connection power transmission assets. The topology deployed is shown at a high level, describing how the windfarm offshore and onshore networks will be divided between the operators and the specific requirements of the solution. A more detailed view of the network is shown depicting Ethernet switches, routers and Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs); with the services and protocols used are explained and aligned with the challenges that each one represents in terms of cybersecurity, for example interconnections that use Parallel Redundancy Protocol for redundancy exchanging GOOSE interlocking. Each challenge is addressed one at the time and the topology will evolve as the solutions are added, going from a unified network under the control of one operator into two that can be easily split between operators.
Service restoration to critical loads using microgrids considering dynamic performance of DGs
Authors: Tao Lingyun , He Jinghan , Wang Ying , Xu Yin , Wang Xiaojun
Published: July 2018

When an extreme weather event strikes a distribution system, it is helpful to use microgrids to restore the interrupted critical loads. Due to the relatively small capacity and low inertia of distributed generators (DGs), the switching operations during the restoration process may cause severe fluctuations in voltage, current, and frequency, leading to prime‐mover stalling or triggering protection relays. It is essential to investigate the dynamic characteristics of DGs during the restoration procedure. The dynamic models of different types of DGs are developed to analyse the dynamic characteristics. Analytical constraints on the dynamic performance of DGs are obtained from the simulation results, which can be incorporated into the optimisation models of critical load restoration problems. The modified IEEE 32‐bus test feeder is simulated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Testing of IEC 61850 sampled values based digital substation automation systems
Authors: Gurusinghe Dinesh Rangana , Kariyawasam Sachintha , Ouellette Dean S.
Published: July 2018

With digital communication technologies continuing to grow in performance and reliability, a fully digital substation automation system (SAS) with a sampled values based process bus has become a realisable prospect in the foreseeable future. This, however, demands additional work in engineering configurations and tightens the existing constraints on multi‐vendor interoperability, network performance and time synchronisation. As a result, detailed testing and validation of SASs prior to installation is paramount. Integrated testing is the most comprehensive approach to test a SAS, as it evaluates the performance of multiple aspects of the system simultaneously. Real‐time power system simulators can interface with multiple intelligent electronic devices in real‐time via IEC 61850 station and process buses, while accurately simulating the electrical substation. Hence, they possess the unique capability to carry out closed‐loop, integrated testing of SASs. This study presents a methodology to test a fully digital SAS using a real‐time power system simulator. Particular emphasis is given on carrying out integrated system testing of a SAS in a laboratory environment. Example test scenarios are provided to highlight the effectiveness of the proposed testing approach.
Coordinated protection and control strategy with wind power integration for distribution network
Authors: Liu Zhou , Høidalen Hans Kristian , Saha Murari Mohan , Popov Marjan
Published: July 2018

In this study, an optimal protection and control coordination strategy is proposed, which pursues to prevent unwanted protection and control operations caused by wind power integration, as well as adjust the emergency states of the power system to stable operation conditions. Moreover, in order to implement the proposed strategies, a hardware in‐the‐loop real‐time simulation and testing platform is built up to demonstrate those unexpected protective control operations and testify the related solutions in a test distribution network. The related case studies and simulation results can demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Parametric analysis of the travelling wave‐based differential protection TW87
Authors: Lopes Felipe V. , Ribeiro João Paulo G. , Leite Eduardo J.S. , Silva Kleber. M.
Published: July 2018

Time‐domain protection relays have increasingly attracted the attention of electrical power utilities. These relays speed up the tripping process of traditional protection schemes, increasing the stability margins of high‐loaded power grids. Among the existing time‐domain protection functions, the travelling wave (TW)‐based differential protection TW87 has shown to be promising. However, as such a function is relatively new in the relay market, studies on the TW87 performance have been of interest to protection engineers. Thus, this study presents a parametric analysis of the TW87 performance. To do so, massive fault simulations are carried out, considering different fault scenarios and protection settings. From the obtained results, important issues related to the TW87 performance are addressed.
Differential protection in power transformers using the statistical second central moment
Authors: Esponda Hernandez Hector , Vázquez Martínez Ernesto , Andrade Soto Manuel Antonio
Published: July 2018

This study describes a new differential protection algorithm for power transformers, which is not affected by transient conditions. The proposed algorithm uses the statistical second central moment, statistical variance, to characterise the signal waveform. The goal is to obtain the variance from each differential current after a pre‐processing filter stage and to compare it with a threshold. The event will be identified as an internal fault, or otherwise as an inrush current. The algorithm was implemented in MATLAB, and a broad array of cases was carried out using the electromagnetic transient software PSCAD. All results show the algorithm successfully differentiated inrush from the internal fault conditions in over 2000 cases.
New smart multi‐ended differential solution for power networks
Authors: Teoh Chee Pinp , Jesus Joao , Richards Simon , Ha Hengxu
Published: July 2018

Line current differential protection is based on Kirchhoff's current law calculating the vector sum of the currents from each line end to detect faults in the protected zone. For synchronisation of the current vectors, time compensation with a ping‐pong measurement of the propagation time delay is used. A new smart multi‐ended differential protection is presented in this study, which includes a new capacitive current compensation technique. The protection relay is scalable for any transmission system topology including hybrid lines. The protection is based on RMS values calculated from samples making it immune to frequency variations and the protection operating time is sub‐cycle. The protection uses an accurate algorithm for capacitance current compensation with a distributed line parameter model, where only the impedance and admittance per unit are required. This technique has an error <1% even considering transients in the algorithm. The need to provide connections to new renewable generation has increased the need for a multi‐ended line differential protection. This new smart protection concept is a step forward in providing reliable, cost effective and integrated protection for these new network topologies.
Fast DC fault location and isolation strategy for the flexible multi‐terminal DC system
Authors: Luo Yiping , He Jinghan , Luo Guomin , Zhang Yongjie
Published: July 2018

Voltage source converters (VSCs) are highly vulnerable to DC fault current. Protection methods which can quickly locate and isolate DC faults are necessities in VSC‐based multi‐terminal DC (VSC‐MTDC) systems for its safe and reliable operation. In this paper, a fast and collaborative DC fault location and isolation strategy are proposed. In this strategy, hybrid DC circuit breakers (HDCCBs) are used as the main protection device. The operation control of HDCCB is redesigned and cooperates with fault location results to achieve fast fault isolation. For the fault location method, a fast di /dt criterion is used for fault pretreatment, the transient‐voltage energy difference criterion is used to make sure its selectivity. The overall protection strategy is demonstrated in a four‐terminal VSC‐MTDC system using PSCAD/EMTDC platform. The performances of the typical DC circuit breaker‐based strategy and the proposed strategy were compared. Numerous simulation results under various conditions proved its flexibility and validity.
Two‐layer coordination architecture HIF detection with µPMU data
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Yongjie , Luo Yiping , He Jinghan , Ling Ping , Fang Chen
Published: July 2018

The detection of high‐impedance fault (HIF) on distribution network has been one of the most difficult problems. This study presents a data‐driven method for HIF detection by using single‐ended micro‐phasor measurement unit (µPMU). This approach is based on the two‐layer coordination architecture, local side with μPMUs and master station for further analysis. At the local side, the μPMUs gather the synchronous data and achieve feature extraction with k ‐means clustering algorithm and principal component analysis. For determining the amounts of data categories, the authors adopt a method based on silhouette coefficient. Meanwhile, send the characteristics to the master station, then detect the HIF fault through the support vector machine. Finally, the method was tested on a 34 nodes distribution network in PSCAD/EMTDC. The results justify the effectiveness and the proposed detection scheme has >85% accuracy.
Evaluation of the limitations of a permissive overreach protection scheme in a distribution loop in case of cross country faults and proposal of alternative solutions
Authors: Borgnino Alberto , Castillo Manuel
Published: July 2018

This study evaluates the performance of a permissive overreach protection scheme proposed to ensure rapid fault clearance, in a real example of a medium‐voltage (MV) distribution loop by one of the largest European Distribution System Operators. The MV loop and the protection devices including the proposed signal comparison schemes have been modelled in detail in the power system analysis software DIgSILENT PowerFactory. The evaluation has been performed using steady‐state short‐circuit calculations and electromagnetic transient simulations. This analysis reveals limitations in the permissive overreach scheme based on the zero sequence phase comparison directional logic in the case of cross country faults. Alternative solutions, such as phase, zero sequence and negative sequence magnitude differential protection schemes, have been assessed. A permissive overreach protection scheme based on the negative sequence phase comparison directional algorithm has also been considered.
Aktivierende Therapie bei Parkinson mit neuen Technologien – Von Lasergehstock bis Exergames
Authors: Hotz Verena
Published: July 2018

Digitale Entwicklungen machen auch vor der Physiotherapie nicht halt. Das Angebot an Gesundheits-Apps und neuen Technologien steigt rasant, doch für manche Therapeuten erscheint deren Verbindung mit der eigenen Therapie abstrakt. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Fülle an Angeboten und zeigt auf, wie diese modernen Apps und Technologien die Therapie bei Parkinson vorteilhaft ergänzen und unterstützen können.
Chronische Leiden – Handlungsbedarf
Authors: Sandner Daniel
Published: July 2018

Die Erfahrung der Endlichkeit des Lebens ist die universellste Erfahrung des Menschen überhaupt. In einem Kulturkreis, in dem Krankheit als die Abweichung vom Normalen gesehen wird und Altern, Sterben und Tod weitgehend tabuisiert sind, führt das Auftreten einer chronischen Erkrankung oft zu einer tiefgreifenden Erschütterung der psychischen Integrität des Betroffenen. Die Prävalenz psychogener Störungen zeigt, dass etwa 25% der Bevölkerung an psychosomatischen Störungen erkrankt sind. Ein Drittel gilt als nicht mehr therapierbar, während 2/3 durch ambulante oder stationäre Behandlung Maßnahmen gebessert oder geheilt werden könnten. Wesentlich größer ist der in verschiedenen Studien ermittelte Anteil psychogener Störungen in Patientenpopulationen aller klinischen Disziplinen. Danach soll bei 30–60% aller Patienten eine erhebliche Beteiligung psychosozialer Faktoren am Krankheitsbild bestehen. Die Behandlung chronisch Erkrankter schließt die Krankheitsbewältigung als wesentliches Therapieziel mit ein.
IgG Binding to Endothelial Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Roux Geneviève Le , Wautier Marie-Paule , Guillevin L , Wautier J L
Published: July 2018

Endothelial-asSociated IgG were determined in 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) - 8 of whom had a lupus anticoagulant (LA) and 6 a history of thrombosis. The binding of IgG present in patient plasma to cultured human endothelial cells was detected using radiolabeled staphylococcal protein A. Thirteen samples gave positive results and a significant association between endothelial-associated IgG and lupus anticoagulant was found (p <0.05). No statistically significant relationship with a previous history of thrombosis was found. These results suggest that the lupus anticoagulant may be directly involved in immune vascular injury induced by either antibodies or immune complexes in SLE.