bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient increase of activated regulatory T cells early after kidney transplantation
Authors: Mederacke Young-Seon , Vondran Florian W. , Kollrich Sonja , Schulde Elvira , Schmitt Roland , Manns Michael P. , Klempnauer Jürgen , Schwinzer Reinhard , Noyan Fatih , Jaeckel Elmar
Published: January 2019

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are crucial in controlling allospecific immune responses. However, studies in human kidney recipients regarding the contribution of polyspecific Tregs have provided differing results and studies on alloreactive Tregs are missing completely. In this retrospective study, we specifically analyzed activated CD4+CD25highFOXP3+GARP+Tregs in 17 patients of a living donor kidney transplantation cohort longitudinally over 24 months by flow cytometry (FOXP3: forkhead box protein 3, GARP: glycoprotein A repetitions predominant). We could demonstrate that Tregs of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are already pre-activated when compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, even though total CD4+CD25highFOXP3+Treg numbers decreased in the first three months after transplantation, frequency of activated Tregs increased significantly representing up to 40% of all peripheral Tregs. In a cohort of living donor kidney transplantation recipients with stable graft function, frequencies of activated Tregs did not correlate with the occurrence of acute cellular rejection or chronic graft dysfunction. Our results will be important for clinical trials using adoptive Treg therapy after kidney transplantation. Adoptively transferred Tregs could be important to compensate the Treg loss at month 3, while they have to compete within the Treg niche with a large number of activated Tregs.
Finding new grain forms in three dimensions
Authors: Wang Hao , Xue Weihua , Feng Minnan , Liu Guoquan
Published: January 2019

Topological grain forms in three dimensions are studied experimentally and by large-scale Potts model Monte Carlo simulation. Some new band-faced grain forms are firstly observed among 16,254 pure iron grains, yet none of them is found among 28,049 Monte Carlo simulation grains, which indicate that there is shorter residence times for band-faced grain forms in three dimensions. The combined curvature/topology analysis suggests a possible efficient way of topological transitions of grain forms which is different from the known transition paths.
Proteinaceous Nano container Encapsulate Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: McDougall Matthew , Francisco Olga , Harder-Viddal Candice , Roshko Roy , Heide Fabian , Sidhu Shubleen , Khajehpour Mazdak , Leslie Jennifer , Palace Vince , Tomy Gregg T. , Stetefeld Jörg
Published: January 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic, mutagenic and among the most damaging chemical compounds with regard to living organisms. Because of their persistence and wide distribution removal from the environment is an important challenge. Here we report a new Nano container matrix based on the deep sea archaea-derived RHCC-Nanotube (RHCC-NT), which rapidly and preferentially binds low molecular weight PAHs. Under controlled-laboratory conditions and using fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with X-ray crystallography and MD simulations, we quantified the real-time binding of low molecular weight PAHs (2–4 rings) to our substrate. Binding coefficients ranged from 5.4 ± 1.6 (fluorene) to 32 ± 7.0 μM (acenaphthylene) and a binding capacity of 85 pmoles PAH per mg RHCC-NT, or 2.12 μmoles in a standard 25 mg sampler. The uptake rate of pyrene was calculated to be 1.59 nmol/hr∙mol RHCC-NT (at 10  C). Our results clearly show that RHCC-NT is uniquely suited as a monitoring matrix for low molecular weight PAHs.
Multi-Channel 3D Deep Feature Learning for Survival Time Prediction of Brain Tumor Patients Using Multi-Modal Neuroimages
Authors: Nie Dong , Lu Junfeng , Zhang Han , Adeli Ehsan , Wang Jun , Yu Zhengda , Liu LuYan , Wang Qian , Wu Jinsong , Shen Dinggang
Published: January 2019

High-grade gliomas are the most aggressive malignant brain tumors. Accurate pre-operative prognosis for this cohort can lead to better treatment planning. Conventional survival prediction based on clinical information is subjective and could be inaccurate. Recent radiomics studies have shown better prognosis by using carefully-engineered image features from magnetic resonance images (MRI). However, feature engineering is usually time consuming, laborious and subjective. Most importantly, the engineered features cannot effectively encode other predictive but implicit information provided by multi-modal neuroimages. We propose a two-stage learning-based method to predict the overall survival (OS) time of high-grade gliomas patient. At the first stage, we adopt deep learning, a recently dominant technique of artificial intelligence, to automatically extract implicit and high-level features from multi-modal, multi-channel preoperative MRI such that the features are competent of predicting survival time. Specifically, we utilize not only contrast-enhanced T1 MRI, but also diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), for computing multiple metric maps (including various diffusivity metric maps derived from DTI, and also the frequency-specific brain fluctuation amplitude maps and local functional connectivity anisotropy-related metric maps derived from rs-fMRI) from 68 high-grade glioma patients with different survival time. We propose a multi-channel architecture of 3D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for deep learning upon those metric maps, from which high-level predictive features are extracted for each individual patch of these maps. At the second stage, those deeply learned features along with the pivotal limited demographic and tumor-related features (such as age, tumor size and histological type) are fed into a support vector machine (SVM) to generate the final prediction result (i.e., long or short overall survival time). The experimental results demonstrate that this multi-model, multi-channel deep survival prediction framework achieves an accuracy of 90.66%, outperforming all the competing methods. This study indicates highly demanded effectiveness on prognosis of deep learning technique in neuro-oncological applications for better individualized treatment planning towards precision medicine.
Evolution of sex determination and heterogamety changes in section Otites of the genus Silene
Authors: Balounova Veronika , Gogela Roman , Cegan Radim , Cangren Patrik , Zluvova Jitka , Safar Jan , Kovacova Viera , Bergero Roberta , Hobza Roman , Vyskot Boris , Oxelman Bengt , Charlesworth Deborah , Janousek Bohuslav
Published: January 2019

Switches in heterogamety are known to occur in both animals and plants. Although plant sex determination systems probably often evolved more recently than those in several well-studied animals, including mammals, and have had less time for switches to occur, we previously detected a switch in heterogamety in the plant genus Silene: section Otites has both female and male heterogamety, whereas S. latifolia and its close relatives, in a different section of the genus, Melandrium (subgenus Behenantha), all have male heterogamety. Here we analyse the evolution of sex chromosomes in section Otites, which is estimated to have evolved only about 0.55 MYA. Our study confirms female heterogamety in S. otites and newly reveals female heterogamety in S. borysthenica. Sequence analyses and genetic mapping show that the sex-linked regions of these two species are the same, but the region in S. colpophylla, a close relative with male heterogamety, is different. The sex chromosome pairs of S. colpophylla and S. otites each correspond to an autosome of the other species, and both differ from the XY pair in S. latifolia. Silene section Otites species are suitable for detailed studies of the events involved in such changes, and our phylogenetic analysis suggests a possible change from female to male heterogamety within this section. Our analyses suggest a possibility that has so far not been considered, change in heterogamety through hybridization, in which a male-determining chromosome from one species is introgressed into another one, and over-rides its previous sex-determining system.
Protecting quantum correlations of the XXZ model by topological boundary conditions
Authors: Zeng Shi-Ping , Shi Hai-Long , Zhou Xu , Wang Xiao-Hui , Liu Si-Yuan , Hu Ming-Liang
Published: January 2019

The differences between the XXZ model with topological and periodical boundary conditions were compared by studying their entanglement, quantum discord, and critical temperature above which the entanglement vanishes. It shows that the different boundary conditions mainly affect bipartite quantum correlations of the boundary spins rather than that of other spin pairs. The topological boundary spins can protect entanglement and discord against strong magnetic fields while the periodical boundary spins can protect them against nonuniform magnetic fields. Compared with the periodical XXZ model, the critical temperature is significantly improved for the topological XXZ model. The topological XXZ model also allows us to improve significantly its critical temperature by increasing the strength of magnetic field, which is not feasible for the periodical XXZ model. It is therefore more promising for preparing entangled states at high temperature in the topological XXZ model.
The psychometric properties and temporal dynamics of subjective stress, retrospectively assessed by different informants and questionnaires, and hair cortisol concentrations
Authors: Weckesser Lisa J. , Dietz Friedericke , Schmidt Kornelius , Grass Juliane , Kirschbaum Clemens , Miller Robert
Published: January 2019

To date, there is only scarce evidence for a considerable association of subjective and objective stress measures, which might be attributable to method bias (e.g., confounding) and/or asynchrony of their temporal changes. To validate different subjective stress measures by a physiological measure of long-term stress (hair cortisol concentrations; HCC), 37 heterosexual couples (N = 74) completed a 12-week internet-based assessment protocol comprised of a weekly hassle scale (WHS; once per week), a perceived stress scale (PSS; once per month), and a chronic stress scale (TICS; once after three months). Partners provided vicarious stress ratings. When averaged across time, self-reported WHS significantly predicted HCC (r = 0.27), whereas the PSS and TICS did not (r < 0.22). Dynamic factor analysis (i.e., state-space modelling) confirmed that WHS was the most valid indicator of subjective stress, explaining up to 16% of the variance in HCC (r = 0.37) with a time lag of ~4 weeks. This temporally delayed effect of subjective stress is consistent with the presumed retrospective character of HCC, but also suggests that the majority of variance in hair cortisol is attributable to other causes than subjective stress such as individual disposition to display increased adrenocortical activity.
In Vivo Response of Acellular Porcine Pericardial for Tissue Engineered Transcatheter Aortic Valves
Authors: Khorramirouz Reza , Go Jason L. , Noble Christopher , Morse David , Lerman Amir , Young Melissa D.
Published: January 2019

Current heart valve prostheses have limitations that include durability, inability to grow in pediatric patients, and lifelong anticoagulation. Transcatheter aortic valve replacements are minimally invasive procedures, and therefore have emerged as an alternative to traditional valve prostheses. In this experiment, the regenerative capacity of potential tissue engineered transcatheter valve scaffolds (1) acellular porcine pericardium and (2) mesenchymal stem cell-seeded acellular porcine pericardium were compared to native porcine aortic valve cusps in a rat subcutaneous model for up to 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry, extracellular matrix evaluation, and tissue biomechanics were evaluated on the explanted tissue. Acellular valve scaffolds expressed CD163, CD31, alpha smooth muscle actin, and vimentin at each time point indicating host cell recellularization; however, MSC-seeded tissue showed greater recellularization. Inflammatory cells were observed with CD3 biomarker in native porcine pericardial tissue throughout the study. No inflammation was observed in either acellular or MSC-seeded scaffolds. There was no mechanical advantage observed in MSC-seeded tissue; however after the first week post-explant, there was a decrease in mechanical properties in all groups (p < 0.05). MSC-seeded and acellular porcine pericardium expressed decreased inflammatory response and better host-cell recellularization compared to the native porcine aortic valve cusps.
Genetic regulatory mechanisms in human osteoclasts suggest a role for the STMP1 and DCSTAMP genes in Paget’s disease of bone
Authors: Mullin Benjamin H. , Zhu Kun , Brown Suzanne J. , Mullin Shelby , Tickner Jennifer , Pavlos Nathan J. , Dudbridge Frank , Xu Jiake , Walsh John P. , Wilson Scott G.
Published: January 2019

Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) is characterised by focal abnormalities of bone remodelling, with increased osteoclastic resorption the primary feature of the disease. Genetic factors have been shown to play an important role in PDB, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 7 genetic loci as associated with PDB at the genome-wide level. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies using cell types that are directly relevant to the disease of interest are increasingly being used to identify putative effector genes for GWAS loci. We have recently constructed a unique osteoclast-specific eQTL resource using cells differentiated in vitro from 158 subjects for study of the genetics of bone disease. Considering the major role osteoclasts have in PDB, we used this resource to investigate potential genetic regulatory effects for the 7 PDB genome-wide significant loci on genes located within 500 kb of each locus. After correction for multiple testing, we observed statistically significant associations for rs4294134 with expression of the gene STMP1, and rs2458413 with expression of the genes DPYS and DCSTAMP. The eQTL associations observed for rs4294134 with STMP1, and rs2458413 with DCSTAMP were further supported by eQTL data from other tissue types. The product of the STMP1 gene has not been extensively studied, however the DCSTAMP gene has an established role in osteoclast differentiation and the associations seen between rs2458413 and PDB are likely mediated through regulatory effects on this gene. This study highlights the value of eQTL data in determining which genes are relevant to GWAS loci.
PES1 promotes the occurrence and development of papillary thyroid cancer by upregulating the ERα/ERβ protein ratio
Authors: Qiu Yi-Bo , Liao Ling-Yao , Jiang Rong , Xu Man , Xu Lin-Wan , Chen George G. , Liu Zhi-Min
Published: January 2019

PES1, a BRCT domain-containing protein, has been shown to play a role in modulating the balance and ratio between ERα and ERβ protein, which is involved in the occurrence and development of breast and ovarian cancer. However, its role in connection with the balance and ratio between ERα and ERβ protein in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains unclear. Here, we found that ERα and ERβ were co-expressed in human PTC tissues and cells. ERα promoted and ERβ inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of PTC cells. PES1 modulated the balance between ERα and ERβ by elevating the ERα protein level and simultaneously reducing the ERβ protein level, then upregulating the ERα/ERβ protein ratio and promoting the proliferation, invasion and migration of PTC cells. In PTC tissues, PES1 protein level was positively correlated with the ERα protein level and negatively correlated with the ERβ protein level. The PES1 and ERα protein levels were gradually increased and the ERβ protein level was decreased by degree in the occurrence and development of PTC. Increased PES1 and ERα protein levels and decreased ERβ protein level were correlated with the aggressive behaviors of PTC patients such as large tumor size, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), lymph node metastasis (LNM), high BRAFV600E expression and high TNM stage. It is suggested that PES1 promotes the occurrence and development of PTC by elevating the ERα protein level and reducing the ERβ protein level, and then upregulating the ERα/ERβ protein ratio.
Positive interactions may decrease cooperation in social dilemma experiments
Authors: Wardil Lucas , Silva Ivair R. , da Silva Jafferson K. L.
Published: January 2019

A social dilemma appears in the public goods problem, where the individual has to decide whether to contribute to a common resource. The total contributions to the common pool are increased by a synergy factor and evenly split among the members. The ideal outcome occurs if everyone contributes the maximum amount. However, regardless of what the others do, each individual is better off by contributing nothing. Yet, cooperation is largely observed in human society. Many mechanisms have been shown to promote cooperation in humans, alleviating, or even resolving, the social dilemma. One class of mechanisms that is under-explored is the spillover of experiences obtained from different environments. There is some evidence that positive experiences promote cooperative behaviour. Here, we address the question of how experiencing positive cooperative interactions – obtained in an environment where cooperation yields high returns – affects the level of cooperation in social dilemma interactions. In a laboratory experiment, participants played repeated public goods games (PGGs) with rounds alternating between positive interactions and social dilemma interactions. We show that, instead of promoting pro-social behaviour, the presence of positive interactions lowered the level of cooperation in the social dilemma interactions. Our analysis suggests that the high return obtained in the positive interactions sets a reference point that accentuates participants’ perceptions that contributing in social dilemma interactions is a bad investment.
A feasibility study for predicting optimal radiation therapy dose distributions of prostate cancer patients from patient anatomy using deep learning
Authors: Nguyen Dan , Long Troy , Jia Xun , Lu Weiguo , Gu Xuejun , Iqbal Zohaib , Jiang Steve
Published: January 2019

With the advancement of treatment modalities in radiation therapy for cancer patients, outcomes have improved, but at the cost of increased treatment plan complexity and planning time. The accurate prediction of dose distributions would alleviate this issue by guiding clinical plan optimization to save time and maintain high quality plans. We have modified a convolutional deep network model, U-net (originally designed for segmentation purposes), for predicting dose from patient image contours of the planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OAR). We show that, as an example, we are able to accurately predict the dose of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer patients, where the average Dice similarity coefficient is 0.91 when comparing the predicted vs. true isodose volumes between 0% and 100% of the prescription dose. The average value of the absolute differences in [max, mean] dose is found to be under 5% of the prescription dose, specifically for each structure is [1.80%, 1.03%](PTV), [1.94%, 4.22%](Bladder), [1.80%, 0.48%](Body), [3.87%, 1.79%](L Femoral Head), [5.07%, 2.55%](R Femoral Head), and [1.26%, 1.62%](Rectum) of the prescription dose. We thus managed to map a desired radiation dose distribution from a patient’s PTV and OAR contours. As an additional advantage, relatively little data was used in the techniques and models described in this paper.
Mapping the Surface Microbiome and Metabolome of Brown Seaweed Fucus vesiculosus by Amplicon Sequencing, Integrated Metabolomics and Imaging Techniques
Authors: Parrot Delphine , Blümel Martina , Utermann Caroline , Chianese Giuseppina , Krause Stefan , Kovalev Alexander , Gorb Stanislav N. , Tasdemir Deniz
Published: January 2019

The brown algaFucus vesiculosusis a keystone marine species, which is subject to heavy surface colonisation. This study was designed to analyse the surface epibiome ofF.vesiculosusin conjunction with the composition and spatial distribution of its surface metabolome. The amplicon sequencing, SEM and CARD-FISH imaging studies showed Alphaproteobacteria to predominate the epibiotic bacteria. Fungi of the class Eurotiomycetes were visualised for the first time on an algal surface. An untargeted metabolomics approach using molecular networks,in silicoprediction and manual dereplication showed the differential metabolome of the surface and the whole tissue extracts. In total, 50 compounds were putatively dereplicated by UPLC-MS/MS, 37 of which were previously reported from both seaweeds and microorganisms. Untargeted spatial metabolomics by DESI-Imaging MS identified the specific localisation and distribution of various primary and secondary metabolites on surface imprints and in algal cross sections. The UPLC-MS, DESI-IMS and NMR analyses failed to confirm the presence of any surface-associated metabolite, except for mannitol, which were previously reported fromF.vesiculosus. This is the first study analysing the seaweed surface microbiome in conjunction with untargeted surface metabolomics and spatial metabolomics approaches.
Clostridium perfringens α-toxin impairs granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor-mediated granulocyte production while triggering septic shock
Authors: Takehara Masaya , Seike Soshi , Sonobe Yuuta , Bandou Hiroto , Yokoyama Saki , Takagishi Teruhisa , Miyamoto Kazuaki , Kobayashi Keiko , Nagahama Masahiro
Published: January 2019

During bacterial infection, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is produced and accelerates neutrophil production from their progenitors. This process, termed granulopoiesis, strengthens host defense, butClostridium perfringensα-toxin impairs granulopoiesis via an unknown mechanism. Here, we tested whether G-CSF accounts for the α-toxin-mediated impairment of granulopoiesis. We find that α-toxin dramatically accelerates G-CSF production from endothelial cells in response to Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) agonists through activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. Meanwhile, α-toxin inhibits G-CSF-mediated cell proliferation of Ly-6G+neutrophils by inducing degradation of G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR). During sepsis, administration of α-toxin promotes lethality and tissue injury accompanied by accelerated production of inflammatory cytokines in a TLR4-dependent manner. Together, our results illustrate that α-toxin disturbs G-CSF-mediated granulopoiesis by reducing the expression of G-CSFR on neutrophils while augmenting septic shock due to excess inflammatory cytokine release, which provides a new mechanism to explain how pathogenic bacteria modulate the host immune system.
Hydrogenase biomimics containing redox-active ligands: Fe2(CO)4(μ-edt)(κ2-bpcd) with electron-acceptor 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd) as a potential [Fe4–S4]H surrogate
Authors: Ghosh Shishir , Hollingsworth Nathan , Warren Mark , Hrovat David A. , Richmond Michael G. , Hogarth Graeme
Published: January 2019

The diiron centre and redox-active diphosphine are reduced in separate steps but there is little evidence of intramolecular electron transfer between the two.
A unique method to disperse Au nanoparticles at ultra-high loading via LDH intercalation chemistry
Authors: Du Yi , Wooler Bradley , Weiss Brian , Kliewer Chris , Miseo Sabato , Soled Stuart
Published: January 2019

A facile synthesis of small well dispersed gold clusters (1.7 nm) is successfully performed at ultra-high loading (62.8 wt%) using a layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a support.
Degradation of the extracellular matrix is part of the pathology of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kirov Stefan , Sasson Ariella , Zhang Clarence , Chasalow Scott , Dongre Ashok , Steen Hanno , Stensballe Allan , Andersen Vibeke , Birkelund Svend , Bennike Tue Bjerg
Published: January 2019

ECM protein degradation contributes to the pathology of ulcerative colitis and fibrotic complications.
Kinetics of competitive Cd2+ binding pathways: the realistic structure of intrinsically disordered, partially metallated metallothioneins
Authors: Wong Daisy L , Korkola Natalie C , Stillman Martin J
Published: January 2019

The 20-cysteine mammalian metallothioneins are considered to be central to the homeostatic control of the essential metals Zn(ii) and Cu(i) and, as part of their metal-loaded status, play a role in reversing oxidative stress. Native apo-MT does not adopt a well-known structural motif, being described as a random-coil or intrinsically-disordered. Conclusions reached from a combination of ESI-mass spectral charge states, As(iii) metallation of apo-MT at low pH, from molecular dynamic calculations and from metallation of the α-domain fragment, suggest that in fact the native apo-MT adopts a structure that is highly efficient towards metallation at physiological pH. The results in this paper show that the initial (M < 5) Cd(ii) metallation at physiological pH takes place to form structures based on isolated Cd(SCYS)4 units, beads. At pH 5, cysteine bridged Cd4(SCYS)11 clusters form. ESI-mass spectral profile of cysteine modification of apo-MT at physiological pH shows that it is folded, whereas in the presence of 3 M guandinium hydrochloride the apo-MT is unfolded. Stopped flow kinetic studies of the Cd(ii) metallation shows that the reaction is much slower for the unfolded vs. the folded apo-MT for formation of either beads or clusters. Metallation is also much slower for the formation of clusters than the formation of beads. These results are first to quantify the presence of structure in native apo-MT in terms of the critical metallation properties. The implications of this study suggest that oxidation of apo-MT due to ageing or other agent will negatively impact the metallation process for essential metals.
Transition metal transporters in rhizobia: tuning the inorganic micronutrient requirements to different living styles
Authors: Abreu Isidro , Mihelj Paula , Raimunda Daniel
Published: January 2019

A group of bacteria known as rhizobia are key players in symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) in partnership with legumes. After a molecular exchange, the bacteria end surrounded by a plant membrane forming symbiosomes, organelle-like structures, where they differentiate to bacteroids and fix nitrogen. This symbiotic process is highly dependent on dynamic nutrient exchanges between the partners. Among these are transition metals (TM) participating as inorganic and organic cofactors of fundamental enzymes. While the understanding of how plant transporters facilitate TMs to the very near environment of the bacteroid is expanding, our knowledge on how bacteroid transporters integrate to TM homeostasis mechanisms in the plant host is still limited. This is significantly relevant considering the low solubility and scarcity of TMs in soils, and the in crescendo gradient of TM bioavailability rhizobia faces during the infection and bacteroid differentiation processes. In the present work, we review the main metal transporter families found in rhizobia, their role in free-living conditions and, when known, in symbiosis. We focus on discussing those transporters which could play a significant role in TM-dependent biochemical and physiological processes in the bacteroid, thus paving the way towards an optimized SNF.
Sulfur-doped graphene/transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructured hybrids with electrocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Kagkoura Antonia , Pelaez-Fernandez Mario , Arenal Raul , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: January 2019

The preparation of SG/MoS2 and SG/WS2 heterostructured hybrids with high electrocatalytic activity towards the HER is accomplished.
Reductive surfactant-assisted one-step fabrication of a BiOI/BiOIO3 heterojunction biophotocatalyst for enhanced photodynamic theranostics overcoming tumor hypoxia
Authors: Zhen Wenyao , Liu Yang , Jia Xiaodan , Wu Lie , Wang Chao , Jiang Xiue
Published: January 2019

Biocompatible BiOI/BiOIO3 heterostructure nanocomposites were fabricated through a one-step hydrothermal method assisted by a reductive surfactant: trithiol-terminated poly-(methacrylic acid).
FRET-based nanosensors for monitoring and quantification of alcohols in living cells
Authors: Soleja Neha , Manzoor Ovais , Nandal Preeti , Mohsin Mohd.
Published: January 2019

Upon binding of alcohols, ObpIIa undergoes conformational changes resulting in transfer of energy in the form of FRET from donor to the acceptor fluorophore.
Unstoichiometric Suzuki–Miyaura cyclic polymerization of extensively conjugated monomers
Authors: Sugita Hajime , Nojima Masataka , Ohta Yoshihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu
Published: January 2019

Suzuki–Miyaura polycondensation of an excess of extensively conjugated aromatic dibromide with 1.0 equivalent of phenylenediboronate in the presence of tBu3PPd(0) precatalyst afforded cyclic polymers.
Mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets synthesized from carbonated beverage-reformed commercial melamine for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Sun Shaodong , Gou Xufeng , Tao Shasha , Cui Jie , Li Jia , Yang Qing , Liang Shuhua , Yang Zhimao
Published: January 2019

We demonstrated a novel carbonated beverage-assisted hydrothermally-reformed melamine strategy to synthesize mesoporous g-C3N4 nanosheets with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity.
Secondary metabolites from the endolichenic fungusOphiosphaerella korrae
Authors: Li Yue-Lan , Zhu Rong-Xiu , Li Gang , Wang Ning-Ning , Liu Chun-Yu , Zhao Zun-Tian , Lou Hong-Xiang
Published: January 2019

Six new metabolites were isolated from the endolichenic fungusOphiosphaerella korrae.Ophiokorrin inhibited root elongation in the germination ofArabidopsis thaliana.
Inhibition of autophagic flux by cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes through anion transportation
Authors: Chen Mu-He , Zheng Yue , Cai Xiong-Jie , Zhang Hang , Wang Fang-Xin , Tan Cai-Ping , Chen Wen-Hua , Ji Liang-Nian , Mao Zong-Wan
Published: January 2019

We report two phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes that can inhibit autophagic flux through anion transportation.
Creating ultrathin amorphous metal hydroxide and oxide nanosheet libraries
Authors: Jia Binbin , Hao Rui , Huang Zhongning , Hu Pengfei , Li Lidong , Zhang Yan , Guo Lin
Published: January 2019

We create ultrathin amorphous metal hydroxide and oxide nanosheet libraries by a sacrificial template strategy.
g-C3N4 promoted MOF derived hollow carbon nanopolyhedra doped with high density/fraction of single Fe atoms as an ultra-high performance non-precious catalyst towards acidic ORR and PEM fuel cells
Authors: Deng Yijie , Chi Bin , Tian Xinlong , Cui Zhiming , Liu Ershuai , Jia Qingying , Fan Wenjun , Wang Guanghua , Dang Dai , Li Minsi , Zang Ketao , Luo Jun , Hu Yongfeng , Liao Shijun , Sun Xueliang , Mukerjee Sanjeev
Published: January 2019

Atomic Fe-doped hollow carbon nanopolyhedra as efficient ORR catalysts.
Hollow polymer dots: nature-mimicking architecture for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Aijie , Tai Cheuk-Wai , Holá Kateřina , Tian Haining
Published: January 2019

Mimicking nature is always beneficial for improving the performance of artificial systems.
Tailored fluorescent solvatochromic test strips for quantitative on-site detection of gasoline fuel adulteration
Authors: Gotor Raúl , Bell Jérémy , Rurack Knut
Published: January 2019

Tailored fluorescent solvatochromic test strips and smartphone read-out enable reliable quantitative detection of gasoline adulteration and on-site quality monitoring.
A facile approach to prepare a flexible sandwich-structured supercapacitor with rGO-coated cotton fabric as electrodes
Authors: Li Yuzhou , Zhang Yufan , Zhang Haoran , Xing Tie-ling , Chen Guo-qiang
Published: January 2019

In recent years, the energy supply problem of wearable electronic equipment has become a topic of increasing concern. In this work, a solid, flexible and symmetrical supercapacitor based on graphene coated cotton fabric was fabricated.
Specific and rapid identification of the Pheretima aspergillum by loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Huang Qing , Li Zhiwu , Ma Zhiguo , Li He , Mao Runqian
Published: January 2019

Guang-dilong (Pheretima aspergillum) is a traditional Chinese animal medicine that has been used for thousands of years in China. In the present study, we purposed to establish a new rapid identification method for Guang-dilong. We provided a useful technique, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to differentiate Guang-dilong from other species. Four specific LAMP primers were designed based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene sequences of Guang-dilong. LAMP reaction, containing DNA template, four primers, 10× Bst DNA polymerase reaction buffer, dNTPs, MgSO4, and Bst DNA polymerase, was completed within 60 min at 63°C. The LAMP product can be visualized by adding SYBR Green I or detected by 2% gel electrophoresis. LAMP technology was successfully established for rapid identification of Guang-dilong. In addition, DNA template concentration of 675 fg/μl was the detection limit of LAMP in Guang-dilong, which was 1000-times higher than conventional PCR. The simple, sensitive, and convenient LAMP technique is really suited for on-site identification of Guang-dilong in herbal markets.
Congruence in Research Question, Design, and Analysis: A Tutorial on the Measurement of Change in Clinical Speech and Language Research
Authors: Skoczylas Melissa J.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Measuring change is a common goal in clinical research, and comparing nonequivalent groups is sometimes a necessity in this context. Yet, evaluating change in this way can be problematic, and little consensus is reported on the best way to conduct such an evaluation. This tutorial presents the process of planning a clinical study designed to measure change in the context of a therapeutic intervention.

Method

This article presents a hypothetical clinical research scenario and follows the process of study design from question formulation to interpretation of results. The presentation focuses on the use of gain score analysis in the context of nonequivalent participant groups, methods that may be particularly relevant to the clinical context. Conditions that are favorable to gain score use, as well as situations that are problematic for gain score use, are presented.

Conclusions

In this article, the clinical research process is presented, following a logical process from formulation of a clear research question to selection of an appropriate research design to implementation of an effective analysis method. Gain score analysis is presented as an effective tool to measure change in clinical research, even with nonequivalent groups, given the correct conditions.
Low DC voltage PV generation system with power factor correction and harmonic suppression capability in a distribution network
Authors: Ye Tao , Dai NingYi , Lao Keng Weng , Lam Chi‐Seng , Wong Man‐Chung
Published: January 2019

Building‐integrated photovoltaics (PVs) is one of the most promising and elegant ways of producing on‐site electricity. The compact and cost‐effective PV integration system needs to be developed to convert dc voltage into ac compatible with the grid. A single‐stage PV inverter is proposed, and its design and control system implementation are focused on. The proposed system is able to transfer active power to the grid with maximum power point tracking. At the same time, the PV inverter can control reactive power and suppress harmonics due to non‐linear loads. By coupling to grid via a series LC branch, the proposed system operates on a dc bus voltage much lower than that of the conventional PV inverter, so that less PV panels need to be connected in series. Therefore, the proposed system is a low‐cost and multi‐functional alternative to PV inverters in building‐integrated applications. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate its effectiveness.
Dynamic transactive energy scheme for smart distribution networks in a Latin American context
Authors: Palacios Juan P. , Samper Mauricio E. , Vargas Alberto
Published: January 2019

Current feed‐in‐tariff (FIT) schemes for photovoltaic (PV) generators are set in the long term, thus they do not provide optimal dynamic price signals on the operational state of the distribution system. This work presents a transactive energy scheme to jointly optimise the operation of smart distribution networks, residential flexible loads and distributed PV‐battery systems. With this aim, a day‐ahead dynamic pricing (DADP) is proposed, which results in the economic social welfare maximisation of both distribution system operator (DSO) and prosumers in a 24 h time window, considering AC network constraints. DADP consists of distribution locational marginal prices that quantify DSO power delivery costs over time and across distribution network buses. To enable the participation of PV batteries in the DADP settlement scheme, and to consider the value of stored energy, a preference model is proposed on the willingness of prosumers to charge or discharge active power from batteries. The social welfare maximisation problem is proposed within the context of Latin American distribution networks and solved using the alternating direction method of multipliers, which is tested via simulations on a radial test feeder. Results indicate that DADP outperforms FIT scheme in terms of social welfare, and volume of exchanges among prosumers, DSO and wholesale market.
Identification of multiple harmonic sources in power system containing inverter‐based distribution generations using empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Moradifar Amir , Akbari Foroud Asghar , Fouladi Milad
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes an identification method of multiple harmonic sources in the presence of different inverter‐based distributed generations (DG) such as photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine with doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), and microturbine (MT) at the point of common coupling (PCC). To classify the linear loads, non‐linear loads (NL) and inverter‐based DGs, K‐nearest neighbours (KNN) classifier was employed. The features were extracted using empirical mode decomposition (EMD), just from voltage waveforms. To reduce the redundant data, dimension of features vector, and time, the Relief‐F method was implemented on the extracted features. Utilising only the voltage waveform for extraction of features increases the speed of the process and decreases the number of measurement equipment. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a number of scenarios such as different harmonic sources with various harmonic orders, load and DG levels were simulated. The results on two test systems showed that the proposed method has a high accuracy even in the presence of different inverter‐based DGs. It can be used as an added tool for power‐quality engineers and can be integrated into monitor instruments. Also, the speed and precision of this method make it suitable for real‐time applications in the power‐quality issues.
Framework for trajectory‐based probabilistic security assessment of power systems
Authors: Perkin Samuel , Hamon Camille , Kristjansson Ragnar , Stefansson Hlynur , Jensson Pall
Published: January 2019

Transmission system operators prepare against threats to system security through preventive actions and the planning of corrective actions. Required actions are determined by performing security analyses according to some reliability management approach and criterion. Probabilistic approaches have been proposed as an alternative to the deterministic N − 1 approach, by using a probabilistically filtered contingency list. This study begins by formally defining system trajectories, as a means of connecting the initiating contingency to the system response, corrective control, and restoration activities. A system trajectory considers the realisation of exogenous variables, as well as a sequence of contingencies and the subsequent system response and control behaviours. Using this definition, it is argued that the system trajectory should be modelled until service and component outages are resolved, rather than only modelling its reaction to the initiating contingency. The authors then propose some simplifying assumptions to achieve a scalable approach to probabilistic real‐time security assessment. To support this argument, contingency‐based and trajectory‐based probabilistic security assessments are compared in terms of their residual risk (the risk associated with future system trajectories that are not modelled). This comparison shows that security assessments based on trajectories allow for previously implicit assumptions on modelling accuracy to be made explicit.
Frequency mode identification using modified masking signal‐based empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Ray Papia , Lenka Rajesh Kumar , Biswal Monalisa
Published: January 2019

A modified masking empirical mode decomposition (EMD) for effectively improving the mode separation capability of standard EMD while analysing power system signals with closely spaced modes of frequency is proposed here. A multi‐frequency test signal resembling the dynamic power system signal and the actual data recorded by wide area measurement systems (WAMS) from Northern Grid, India, on 1 June 2010 due to generation loss are analysed by both the existing method and the proposed method. Various components of modal frequency extracted by masking signal base EMD are compared with extracted components by the proposed modified masking EMD. Further, the time–frequency representation of extracted modes by Hilbert spectral analysis is implemented to know mode behaviour with time reference. Simulation results prove that the EMD with proposed modification is capable of separating various modes of frequencies present in the WAMS signal.
Backstepping fractional sliding mode voltage control of an islanded microgrid
Authors: Delavari Hadi , Naderian Sina
Published: January 2019

Distribution networks include thousands of sensors and a large number of controllable devices such as flexible loads, batteries and distributed generators with an arbitrary configuration that can be parametrically uncertain or topologically unknown. In this study, a new robust non‐linear voltage‐control strategy based on backstepping and fractional‐order (FO) sliding mode control (SMC) is presented for an islanded microgrid (MG). Then for the problem of determining the controller parameters, particle swarm optimisation algorithm is used. The primary objective in this study is to improve robust performance and disturbance rejection of the closed‐loop control system. A FO backstepping SMC is proposed in this study. The proposed controller robustly regulates the MG voltages in the presence of parametric uncertainties, unmodelled dynamics, imbalanced and non‐linear loads with harmonic. Finally, the performance of the proposed technique is investigated under disturbance in an islanded MG. An in‐depth comparative study is done to highlight the merits of the proposed controller. Simulation results revealed that the total harmonic distortion and the steady‐state error of the output voltage are successfully decreased and the dynamic performance and the capability of perturbation rejection are efficiently improved.‏
Rolling horizon based multi‐objective robust voltage/VAR regulation with conservation voltage reduction in high PV‐penetrated distribution networks
Authors: Xu Rui Peng , Zhang Cuo , Xu Yan , Dong Zhao Yang
Published: January 2019

Voltage/VAR regulation (VVR) implemented by capacitor banks (CBs), on‐load tap changers (OLTCs), and photovoltaic (PV)‐associated inverters is effective to enhance voltage stability and reduce power loss. On the other hand, conservation voltage reduction (CVR) has been widely adopted in distribution networks to reduce load demand. Existing works mainly focus on each of them. This paper proposes a VVR method with CVR, forming a multi‐objective optimisation problem which minimises (i) voltage collapse proximity indicator (VCPI), (ii) load demand, and (iii) power loss. Besides, PV power generation as uncertainty significantly impairs the VVR results. To deal with the uncertainty issue, this paper proposes a rolling‐horizon framework to determine VVR and applies Taguchi's orthogonal array testing (TOAT) to model the uncertain PV power generation, achieving rolling‐horizon‐based multi‐objective robust VVR. The proposed model is tested and demonstrated on the IEEE 33‐bus and 69‐bus systems, and simulation results verify that the proposed method can support robust solutions of the multi‐objective VVR problem for decision‐making.
Recover feasible solutions for SOCP relaxation of optimal power flow problems in mesh networks
Authors: Tian Zhuang , Wu Wenchuan
Published: January 2019

The AC optimal power flow (OPF) problem is essential for the schedule and operation of power systems. Convex relaxation methods have been studied and used extensively to obtain an optimal solution to the OPF problem. When the exactness of convex relaxations is not guaranteed, it is important to recover a feasible solution for the convex relaxation methods. This paper presents an alternative convex optimisation (ACP) approach that can efficiently recover a feasible solution from the result of second‐order cone programming (SOCP) relaxed OPF in mesh networks. The OPF problem is first formulated as a difference‐of‐convex programming (DCP) problem, then efficiently solved by a penalty convex concave procedure (CCP). By using the solution of a tightened SOCP OPF as an initial point, the proposed algorithm is able to find a global or near‐global optimal solution to the AC OPF problem. Numerical tests show that the proposed method outperforms those semi‐definite programming (SDP) and quadratically constrained quadratic programming (QCQP)–based algorithms.
Toward grid‐scale microgrids; evaluating the capacity of financial structures
Authors: Bahmani Mohammad Hassan , Haghifam Mahmoud Reza , Miri Larimi Sayyed Majid
Published: January 2019

To achieve an adequate level of integration, microgrids are facing challenges in three fronts; technical, financial and regulatory. In this study, a comprehensive study was carried out to investigate the main financial deficiencies and shortcomings faced by microgrids in their way to reach a grid‐scale penetration. Accordingly, a systematic approach is proposed to explore the financial and policy factors affecting microgrid integration in distribution networks and evaluate possible conceptual microgrid business models. Economic analysis was performed to assess the proposed business models as investment options using the net present value method. Using the proposed approach, a platform to investigate the capacity of amending financial structure in helping achieve grid‐scale microgrids is discussed. The proposed structure is implemented on the sample network and the results are evaluated.