bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the joint effect of SNPs to identify independent loci and allelic heterogeneity in schizophrenia GWAS data
Authors: Polushina Tatiana , Giddaluru Sudheer , Bettella Francesco , Espeseth Thomas , Lundervold Astri J. , Djurovic Srdjan , Cichon Sven , Hoffmann Per , Nöthen Markus M. , Steen Vidar M. , Andreassen Ole A. , Le Hellard Stéphanie
Published: December 2017

We have tested published methods for capturing allelic heterogeneity and identifying loci of joint effects to uncover more of the “hidden heritability” of schizophrenia (SCZ). We used two tools, cojo-GCTA and multi-SNP, to analyze meta-statistics from the latest genome-wide association study (GWAS) on SCZ by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC). Stepwise regression on markers with p values <10−7 in cojo-GCTA identified 96 independent signals. Eighty-five passed the genome-wide significance threshold. Cross-validation of cojo-GCTA by CLUMP was 76%, i.e., 26 of the loci identified by the PGC using CLUMP were found to be dependent on another locus by cojo-GCTA. The overlap between cojo-GCTA and multi-SNP was better (up to 92%). Three markers reached genome-wide significance (5 × 10−8) in a joint effect model. In addition, two loci showed possible allelic heterogeneity within 1-Mb genomic regions, while CLUMP analysis had identified 16 such regions. Cojo-GCTA identified fewer independent loci than CLUMP and seems to be more conservative, probably because it accounts for long-range LD and interaction effects between markers. These findings also explain why fewer loci with possible allelic heterogeneity remained significant after cojo-GCTA analysis. With multi-SNP, 86 markers were selected at the threshold 10−7. Multi-SNP identifies fewer independent signals, due to splitting of the data and use of smaller samples. We recommend that cojo-GCTA and multi-SNP are used for post-GWAS analysis of all traits to call independent loci. We conclude that only a few loci in SCZ show joint effects or allelic heterogeneity, but this could be due to lack of power for that data set.
Gene expression associated with PTSD in World Trade Center responders: An RNA sequencing study
Authors: Kuan Pei-Fen , Waszczuk Monika A. , Kotov Roman , Clouston Sean , Yang Xiaohua , Singh Prashant K. , Glenn Sean T. , Cortes Gomez Eduardo , Wang Jianmin , Bromet Evelyn , Luft Benjamin J.
Published: December 2017

The gene expression approach has provided promising insights into the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few studies used hypothesis-free transcriptome-wide approach to comprehensively understand gene expression underpinning PTSD. A transcriptome-wide expression study using RNA sequencing of whole blood was conducted in 324 World Trade Center responders (201 with never, 81 current, 42 past PTSD). Samples from current and never PTSD reponders were randomly split to form discovery (N = 195) and replication (N = 87) cohorts. Differentially expressed genes were used in pathway analysis and to create a polygenic expression score. There were 448 differentially expressed genes in the discovery cohort, of which 99 remained significant in the replication cohort, including FKBP5, which was found to be up-regulated in current PTSD regardless of the genotypes. Several enriched biological pathways were found, including glucocorticoid receptor signaling and immunity-related pathways, but these pathways did not survive FDR correction. The polygenic expression score computed by aggregating 30 differentially expressed genes using the elastic net algorithm achieved sensitivity/specificity of 0.917/0.508, respectively for identifying current PTSD in the replication cohort. Polygenic scores were similar in current and past PTSD, with both groups scoring higher than trauma-exposed controls without any history of PTSD. Together with the pathway analysis results, these findings point to HPA-axis and immune dysregulation as key biological processes underpinning PTSD. A novel polygenic expression aggregate that differentiates PTSD patients from trauma-exposed controls might be a useful screening tool for research and clinical practice, if replicated in other populations.
One-step Conversion of Levulinic Acid to Succinic Acid Using I2/t-BuOK System: The Iodoform Reaction Revisited
Authors: Kawasumi Ryosuke , Narita Shodai , Miyamoto Kazunori , Tominaga Ken-ichi , Takita Ryo , Uchiyama Masanobu
Published: December 2017

The iodoform reaction has long been used as a qualitative test for acetyl and/or ethanol units in organic molecules. However, its synthetic applications are quite limited. Here, we describe a tuned iodoform reaction for oxidative demethylation reaction with I2 and t-BuOK in t-BuOH, in which in situ-generated t-BuOI serves as the chemoselective iodinating agent. This system enables one-step conversion of levulinic acid to succinic acid, a major four-carbon chemical feedstock. This oxidative demethylation is also applicable to other compounds containing an acetyl group/ethanol unit, affording the corresponding carboxylic acids in a selective manner.
The mediating role of sleep in the fish consumption – cognitive functioning relationship: a cohort study
Authors: Liu Jianghong , Cui Ying , Li Linda , Wu Lezhou , Hanlon Alexandra , Pinto-Martin Jennifer , Raine Adrian , Hibbeln Joseph R.
Published: December 2017

Greater fish consumption is associated with improved cognition among children, but the mediating pathways have not been well delineated. Improved sleep could be a candidate mediator of the fish-cognition relationship. This study assesses whether 1) more frequent fish consumption is associated with less sleep disturbances and higher IQ scores in schoolchildren, 2) such relationships are not accounted for by social and economic confounds, and 3) sleep quality mediates the fish-IQ relationship. In this cohort study of 541 Chinese schoolchildren, fish consumption and sleep quality were assessed at age 9–11 years, while IQ was assessed at age 12. Frequent fish consumption was related to both fewer sleep problems and higher IQ scores. A dose-response relationship indicated higher IQ scores in children who always (4.80 points) or sometimes (3.31 points) consumed fish, compared to those who rarely ate fish (all p < 0.05). Sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between fish consumption and verbal, but not performance, IQ. Findings were robust after controlling for multiple sociodemographic covariates. To our knowledge, this is the first study to indicate that frequent fish consumption may help reduce sleep problems (better sleep quality), which may in turn benefit long-term cognitive functioning in children.
Cell Cycle Model System for Advancing Cancer Biomarker Research
Authors: Lazar Iulia M. , Hoeschele Ina , de Morais Juliana , Tenga Milagros J.
Published: December 2017

Progress in understanding the complexity of a devastating disease such as cancer has underscored the need for developing comprehensive panels of molecular markers for early disease detection and precision medicine applications. The present study was conducted to assess whether a cohesive biological context can be assigned to protein markers derived from public data mining, and whether mass spectrometry can be utilized to screen for the co-expression of functionally related biomarkers to be recommended for further exploration in clinical context. Cell cycle arrest/release experiments of MCF7/SKBR3 breast cancer and MCF10 non-tumorigenic cells were used as a surrogate to support the production of proteins relevant to aberrant cell proliferation. Information downloaded from the scientific public domain was queried with bioinformatics tools to generate an initial list of 1038 cancer-associated proteins. Mass spectrometric analysis of cell extracts identified 352 proteins that could be matched to the public list. Differential expression, enrichment, and protein-protein interaction analysis of the proteomic data revealed several functionally-related clusters of relevance to cancer. The results demonstrate that public data derived from independent experiments can be used to inform biological research and support the development of molecular assays for probing the characteristics of a disease.
Inferring evolutionary responses of Anolis carolinensis introduced into the Ogasawara archipelago using whole genome sequence data
Authors: Tamate Satoshi , Iwasaki Watal M. , Krysko Kenneth L. , Camposano Brian J. , Mori Hideaki , Funayama Ryo , Nakayama Keiko , Makino Takashi , Kawata Masakado
Published: December 2017

Invaded species often can rapidly expand and establish in novel environments through adaptive evolution, resulting in devastating effects on native communities. However, it is unclear if genetic variation at whole-genomic levels is actually reduced in the introduced populations and which genetic changes have occurred responding to adaptation to new environments. In the 1960s,Anolis carolinensiswas introduced onto one of the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, and subsequently expanded its range rapidly throughout two of the islands. Morphological comparison showed that lower hindlimb length in the introduced populations tended to be longer than those in its native Florida populations. Using re-sequenced whole genomic data, we estimated that the effective population size at the time of introduction was actually small (less than 50). We also inferred putative genomic regions subject to natural selection after this introduction event using SweeD and a method based on Tajima’s D,πandFST. Five candidate genes that were potentially subject to selection were estimated by both methods. The results suggest that there were standing variations that could potentially contribute to adaptation to nonnative environments despite the founder population being small.
Elucidating the major hidden genomic components of the A, C, and AC genomes and their influence on Brassica evolution
Authors: Perumal Sampath , Waminal Nomar Espinosa , Lee Jonghoon , Lee Junki , Choi Beom-Soon , Kim Hyun Hee , Grandbastien Marie-Angèle , Yang Tae-Jin
Published: December 2017

Decoding complete genome sequences is prerequisite for comprehensive genomics studies. However, the currently available reference genome sequences ofBrassica rapa(A genome),B.oleracea(C) andB.napus(AC) cover 391, 540, and 850 Mbp and represent 80.6, 85.7, and 75.2% of the estimated genome size, respectively, while remained are hidden or unassembled due to highly repetitive nature of these genome components. Here, we performed the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis using low-coverage whole-genome sequences to explore the hidden genome components based on characterization of major repeat families in theB.rapaandB.oleraceagenomes. Our analysis revealed 10 major repeats (MRs) including a new family comprising about 18.8, 10.8, and 11.5% of the A, C and AC genomes, respectively. Nevertheless, these 10 MRs represented less than 0.7% of each assembled reference genome. Genomic survey and molecular cytogenetic analyses validates ourinsilicoanalysis and also pointed to diversity, differential distribution, and evolutionary dynamics in the threeBrassicaspecies. Overall, our work elucidates hidden portions of threeBrassicagenomes, thus providing a resource for understanding the complete genome structures. Furthermore, we observed that asymmetrical accumulation of the major repeats might be a cause of diversification between the A and C genomes.
Immunotoxicological impact and biodistribution assessment of bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) nanoparticles following intratracheal instillation in mice
Authors: Mishra Vani , Baranwal Vikas , Mishra Rohit K. , Sharma Shivesh , Paul Bholanath , Pandey Avinash C.
Published: December 2017

Variously synthesized and fabricated Bi2Se3 nanoparticles (NPs) have recently been explored for their theranostic properties. Herein, we investigated the long term in-vivo biodistribution of Bi2Se3 NPs and systematically screened its immune-toxic potential over lungs and other secondary organs post intratracheal instillation. X-Ray CT scan and ICP MS results revealed significant particle localization and retention in lungs monitored for 1 h and 6 months time period respectively. Subsequent particle trafficking was observed in liver, the major reticuloendothelial organ followed by gradual but incomplete renal clearance. Pulmonary cytotoxicity was also found to be associated with persistent neutrophilic and ROS generation at all time points following NP exposure. The inflammatory markers along with ROS generation further promoted oxidative stress and exaggerated additional inflammatory pathways leading to cell death. The present study, therefore, raises serious concern about the hazardous effects of Bi2Se3 NPs and calls for further toxicity assessments through different administration routes and doses as well.
Design, fabrication and characterization of Computer Generated Holograms for anti-counterfeiting applications using OAM beams as light decoders
Authors: Ruffato Gianluca , Rossi Roberto , Massari Michele , Mafakheri Erfan , Capaldo Pietro , Romanato Filippo
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we present the design, fabrication and optical characterization of computer-generated holograms (CGH) encoding information for light beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). Through the use of a numerical code, based on an iterative Fourier transform algorithm, a phase-only diffractive optical element (PO-DOE) specifically designed for OAM illumination has been computed, fabricated and tested. In order to shape the incident beam into a helicoidal phase profile and generate light carrying phase singularities, a method based on transmission through high-order spiral phase plates (SPPs) has been used. The phase pattern of the designed holographic DOEs has been fabricated using high-resolution Electron-Beam Lithography (EBL) over glass substrates coated with a positive photoresist layer (polymethylmethacrylate). To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first attempt, in a comprehensive work, to design, fabricate and characterize computer-generated holograms encoding information for structured light carrying OAM and phase singularities. These optical devices appear promising as high-security optical elements for anti-counterfeiting applications.
The expression of AURKA is androgen regulated in castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Kivinummi Kati , Urbanucci Alfonso , Leinonen Katri , Tammela Teuvo L. J. , Annala Matti , Isaacs William B. , Bova G. Steven , Nykter Matti , Visakorpi Tapio
Published: December 2017

Although second generation endocrine therapies have significantly improved survival, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells are eventually able to escape available hormonal treatments due to reactivation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Identification of novel, non-classical and druggable AR-target genes may provide new approaches to treat CRPC. Our previous analyses suggested that Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is regulated by androgens in prostate cancer cells that express high levels of AR. Here, we provide further evidence that AURKA is significantly overexpressed in AR-positive CRPC samples carrying amplification of AR gene and/or expressing AR in high levels. We also demonstrate androgen-induced AR binding in the intronic region of AURKA. The expression of AURKA is increased upon androgen stimulation in LNCaP-ARhi cells that express high levels of AR. The growth of the cells was also significantly inhibited by an AURKA specific inhibitor, alisertib (MLN8237). Together, these findings suggest that the expression of AURKA is regulated by androgen in prostate cancer cells that highly express AR, emphasizing its potential as a therapeutic target in patients with CRPC.
The Effect of Time, Roasting Temperature, and Grind Size on Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid Concentrations in Cold Brew Coffee
Authors: Fuller Megan , Rao Niny Z.
Published: December 2017

The extraction kinetics and equilibrium concentrations of caffeine and 3-chlorogenic acid (3-CGA) in cold brew coffee were investigated by brewing four coffee samples (dark roast/medium grind, dark roast/coarse grind, medium roast/medium grind, medium roast/coarse grind) using cold and hot methods. 3-CGA and caffeine were found at higher concentrations in cold brew coffee made with medium roast coffees, rather than dark roast. The grind size did not impact 3-CGA and caffeine concentrations of cold brew samples significantly, indicating that the rate determining step in extraction for these compounds did not depend on surface area. Caffeine concentrations in cold brew coarse grind samples were substantially higher than their hot brew counterparts. 3-CGA concentrations and pH were comparable between cold and hot brews. This work suggests that the difference in acidity of cold brew coffee is likely not due to 3-CGA or caffeine concentrations considering that most acids in coffee are highly soluble and extract quickly. It was determined that caffeine and 3-CGA concentrations reached equilibrium according to first order kinetics between 6 and 7 hours in all cold brew samples instead of 10 to 24 hours outlined in typical cold brew methods.
Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Posterior Pole and Optic Nerve Head in Myopes with Glaucoma
Authors: Kim Yong Chan , Jung Kyoung In , Park Hae-Young Lopilly , Park Chan Kee
Published: December 2017

The degree of myopia is represented by a global index, such as refractive error or axial length. However, the progression of myopia mainly develops in the posterior eyeball. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the evaluation of myopia should be confined to the posterior segment, where most of the growth and lengthening occurs. Swept source optical coherence tomography software can reconstruct the scans to the coronal view of the posterior pole, which provides additional anterior-posterior depth (z axis in the Cartesian coordinates) that is not provided with the common fundus photograph. We deduced that the parameter of deepest point of the eyeball (DPE) as a surrogate for posterior pole configuration. Between myopes with and without normal tension glaucoma (NTG) with similar axial length, myopes with NTG had deeper and more distant location of the DPE from the optic disc. The difference of the DPE position between the myopes with and without NTG may have implications for the larger optic disc tilt and torsion characteristic of myopes with NTG. Furthermore, these data suggest that myopes with NTG go through excessive posterior scleral remodeling, which may result in vulnerable optic nerve head.
Functional characterization of a novel non-coding mutation “Ghent +49A > G” in the iron-responsive element of L-ferritin causing hereditary hyperferritinaemia-cataract syndrome
Authors: Van de Sompele Stijn , Pécheux Lucie , Couso Jorge , Meunier Audrey , Sanchez Mayka , De Baere Elfride
Published: December 2017

Hereditary hyperferritinaemia-cataract syndrome (HHCS) is a rare disorder usually caused by heterozygous mutations in the iron-responsive element (IRE) in the 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of the L-ferritin gene (FTL), disturbing the binding of iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) and the post-transcriptional regulation of ferritin expression. Here, the proband of a consanguineous family displayed moderate bilateral cataracts and elevated serum ferritin in the absence of iron overload. The parents and siblings showed variable degrees of mild bilateral cataracts combined with elevated levels of circulating ferritin. Sequencing of FTL identified a novel 5′UTR mutation c.-151A > G, also named “Ghent +49A > G”. The zygosity of the mutation, occurring in homozygous and heterozygous state in the proband and other affected family members respectively, correlated well with severity of ophthalmological and hematological manifestations. The substitution is expected to impair the secondary structure of the upper IRE stem. Functional characterization of +49A > G by electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated a reduced binding affinity for IRP1 compared to the wild-type IRE of FTL. Overall, we have expanded the repertoire of deleterious biallelic FTL IRE mutations in HHCS with this novel +49A > G mutation, the zygosity of which correlated well with the disease expression.
Amino acids as modulators of the European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, innate immune response: an in vitro approach
Authors: Azeredo Rita , Serra Cláudia R. , Oliva-Teles Aires , Costas Benjamín
Published: December 2017

Teleost innate immune system is a most developed and powerful system in which fish highly rely throughout their lives. Conditions in aquaculture farms are particularly prone to disease, thus, health and welfare ensuring strategies are an urgent call to which nutrition is gradually becoming a most regarded achievement tool. This study intended to evaluate different amino acids’ effect on immune-related mechanisms as well as their potential as enhancers of European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, leucocyte functioning. To achieve these goals, primary cultures of head-kidney leucocytes were established and kept in amino acid (glutamine, arginine, tryptophan or methionine) supplemented culture media in two doses. The effects of amino acids treatments were then evaluated after stimulation with either Vibrio anguillarum or Vibrio anguillarum lipopolysaccharides by measuring nitric oxide production, extracellular respiratory burst, ATP and arginase activities, and expression of immune-related genes. Glutamine, arginine and tryptophan showed to be particularly relevant regarding cell energy dynamics; arginine and tryptophan supplementation also resulted in down-regulation of important immune-related genes. Immune responses in cells treated with methionine were generally enhanced but further studies, particularly those of enzymes activity, are essential to complement gene expression results and to better understand this nutrient’s immune role in fish.
Nanopore DNA Sequencing and Genome Assembly on the International Space Station
Authors: Castro-Wallace Sarah L. , Chiu Charles Y. , John Kristen K. , Stahl Sarah E. , Rubins Kathleen H. , McIntyre Alexa B. R. , Dworkin Jason P. , Lupisella Mark L. , Smith David J. , Botkin Douglas J. , Stephenson Timothy A. , Juul Sissel , Turner Daniel J. , Izquierdo Fernando , Federman Scot , Stryke Doug , Somasekar Sneha , Alexander Noah , Yu Guixia , Mason Christopher E. , Burton Aaron S.
Published: December 2017

We evaluated the performance of the MinION DNA sequencer in-flight on the International Space Station (ISS), and benchmarked its performance off-Earth against the MinION, Illumina MiSeq, and PacBio RS II sequencing platforms in terrestrial laboratories. Samples contained equimolar mixtures of genomic DNA from lambda bacteriophage, Escherichia coli (strain K12, MG1655) and Mus musculus (female BALB/c mouse). Nine sequencing runs were performed aboard the ISS over a 6-month period, yielding a total of 276,882 reads with no apparent decrease in performance over time. From sequence data collected aboard the ISS, we constructed directed assemblies of the ~4.6 Mb E. coli genome, ~48.5 kb lambda genome, and a representative M. musculus sequence (the ~16.3 kb mitochondrial genome), at 100%, 100%, and 96.7% consensus pairwise identity, respectively; de novo assembly of the E. coli genome from raw reads yielded a single contig comprising 99.9% of the genome at 98.6% consensus pairwise identity. Simulated real-time analyses of in-flight sequence data using an automated bioinformatic pipeline and laptop-based genomic assembly demonstrated the feasibility of sequencing analysis and microbial identification aboard the ISS. These findings illustrate the potential for sequencing applications including disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and elucidating the molecular basis for how organisms respond to spaceflight.
Using newborn screening analytes to identify cases of neonatal sepsis
Authors: Fell Deshayne B. , Hawken Steven , Wong Coralie A. , Wilson Lindsay A. , Murphy Malia S. Q. , Chakraborty Pranesh , Lacaze-Masmonteil Thierry , Potter Beth K. , Wilson Kumanan
Published: December 2017

Neonatal sepsis is associated with high mortality and morbidity, yet challenges with available diagnostic approaches can lead to delays in therapy. Our study assessed whether newborn screening analytes could be utilized to identify associations with neonatal sepsis. We linked a newborn screening registry with health databases to identify cases of sepsis among infants born in Ontario from 2010–2015. Correlations between sepsis and screening analytes were examined within three gestational age groups (early preterm: <34 weeks; late preterm: 34–36 weeks; term: ≥37 weeks), using multivariable logistic regression models. We started with a model containing only clinical factors, then added groups of screening analytes. Among 793,128 infants, 4,794 were diagnosed with sepsis during the neonatal period. Clinical variables alone or in combination with hemoglobin values were not strongly predictive of neonatal sepsis among infants born at term or late preterm. However, model fit improved considerably after adding markers of thyroid and adrenal function, acyl-carnitines, and amino acids. Among infants born at early preterm gestation, neither clinical variables alone nor models incorporating screening analytes adequately predicted neonatal sepsis. The combination of clinical variables and newborn screening analytes may have utility in identifying term or late preterm infants at risk for neonatal sepsis.
Electron-blocking by the potential barrier originated from the asymmetrical local density of state in the oxide semiconductor
Authors: Lee Hyeon-Jun , Abe Katsumi , Kim Jun Seo , Lee Myoung-Jae
Published: December 2017

Defect generation in oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors under high-voltage driving has not been studied in depth despite being a crucial bottleneck in the making of the integrated circuit utilized in an oxide semiconductor. Here we report on the origin of the asymmetrical transport characteristics caused by the degradation in the oxide semiconductor during integrated circuit driving. The variation of the current profiles based on test conditions is related to the generation of local defect states in the oxide material; this generation could be caused by the structural change of the material. The numerical calculations show that the flow of the electron is blocked by the “electrical pocket” formed by the electric-field distortion due to the local defect states near the edge of the electrode.
Prohibitin: a potential therapeutic target in tyrosine kinase signaling
Authors: Ande Sudharsana Rao , Xu Yang Xin Zi , Mishra Suresh
Published: December 2017

Prohibitin is a pleiotropic protein that has roles in fundamental cellular processes, such as cellular proliferation and mitochondrial housekeeping, and in cell- or tissue-specific functions, such as adipogenesis and immune cell functions. The different functions of prohibitin are mediated by its cell compartment-specific attributes, which include acting as an adaptor molecule in membrane signaling, a scaffolding protein in mitochondria, and a transcriptional co-regulator in the nucleus. However, the precise relationship between its distinct cellular localization and diverse functions remain largely unknown. Accumulating evidence suggests that the phosphorylation of prohibitin plays a role in a number of cell signaling pathways and in intracellular trafficking. Herein, we discuss the known and potential importance of the site-specific phosphorylation of prohibitin in regulating these features. We will discuss this in the context of new evidence from tissue-specific transgenic mouse models of prohibitin, including a mutant prohibitin lacking a crucial tyrosine phosphorylation site. We conclude with the opinion that prohibitin can be used as a potential target for tyrosine kinase signal transduction-targeting therapy, including in insulin, growth factors, and immune signaling pathways.
Correction: Enantioselective synthesis of sulfoxide using an SBA-15 supported vanadia catalyst: a computational elucidation using a QM/MM approach
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Gupta Shuchi , Goel Neetu
Published: December 2017

Correction for ‘Enantioselective synthesis of sulfoxide using an SBA-15 supported vanadia catalyst: a computational elucidation using a QM/MM approach’ by Navjot Kaur et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 25059–25070.
PbI2 band gap engineering by gel incorporation
Authors: Hu Chong , Ye Tao , Liu Yujing , Ren Jie , Jin Xinyi , Chen Hongzheng , Li Hanying
Published: December 2017

Band gap shifts of PbI2 were accomplished via gel incorporation, and the mechanism of these shifts was elucidated.
Preparation of small-sized tungsten carbide nanorods for loading Pt with promoted electrocatalytic activity and stable anti-poisoning performance
Authors: Lv Chao , Wu Gao , Liu Kai Xi , Zhu Yi Song , Yin Yan Hong , Hu Ying Yan , Li Ye Sheng , Liu Xian Bin , Wu Zi Ping
Published: December 2017

The WO3·H2O rod with diameter and length of 20 and 100 nm was controlled by citric acid and DWCNTs. When the samples were heated in air and carbonized in nitrogen, WC nanorods with high specific surface area of 32.2 m2 g−1 were obtained.
Highly efficient electrocatalysts with CoO/CoFe2O4 composites embedded within N-doped porous carbon materials prepared by hard-template method for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Jin Xinxin , Jiang Yu , Hu Qi , Zhang Shaohua , Jiang Qike , Chen Li , Xu Ling , Xie Yan , Huang Jiahui
Published: December 2017

Low-cost dual transition metal (Fe and Co) based non-noble metal electrocatalysts (NNMEs) with large surface area and porous structure boost oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance in alkaline solution.
The effect of doping graphene oxide on the structure and property of polyimide-based graphite fibre
Authors: Xiao Meng , Li Na , Ma Zhaokun , Song Huaihe , Lu Kang , Li Ang , Meng Yuchen , Wang Dingling , Yan Xi
Published: December 2017

Graphene oxide was added to polyimide fibers for preparing composite graphite fibers with high thermal conductivity and mechanical property.
Temporal dynamics of bacterial communities and predicted nitrogen metabolism genes in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Fan Xiao-Yan , Gao Jing-Feng , Pan Kai-Ling , Li Ding-Chang , Dai Hui-Hui
Published: December 2017

Dynamics of bacterial communities and nitrogen metabolism genes in a full-scale WWTP as revealed by Illumina sequencing and PICRUSt.
Controlling processing temperatures and self-limiting behaviour in intense pulsed sintering by tailoring nanomaterial shape distribution
Authors: Dexter M. , Bhandari R. , Chang C-H. , Malhotra R.
Published: December 2017

Intense pulsed light sintering of Ag nanoparticle–nanowire films shows reduced peak temperatures and a self-limiting behavior controlled by NW content.
Incorporated α-amylase and starch in an edible chitosan–procyanidin complex film increased the release amount of procyanidins
Authors: Zhang Dongliang , Jiang Lijun , Zong Jinhuan , Chen Shanfeng , Ma Chengye , Li Hongjun
Published: December 2017

The α-amylase was embedded in edible chitosan–procyanidins film, and the release of procyanidins was by starch hydrolysis.
Retracted Article: Vitexin mitigates myocardial ischemia reperfusion-induced damage by inhibiting excessive autophagy to suppress apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade
Authors: Tang Zhaobin , Yang Lei , Zhang Xuesong
Published: December 2017

Myocardial ischemia reperfusion (MI/R) injury is reported to induce apoptosis and autophagy of myocardial cells and contribute to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Dispersibility of different sized graphene oxide sheets and their reinforcement on polyamide 6 fibers
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Cheng Yao , Xu Weijuan , Li Juan , Sun Jun , Wang Jianjun , Qin Chuanxiang , Dai Lixing
Published: December 2017

PA6/grafted-SGO (g-SGO) nanocomposite fibers show improved mechanical-properties due to excellent dispersibility of g-SGO and strong interaction between g-SGO and PA6.
Disparities in the Identification and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations
Authors: Keller-Bell Yolanda D.
Published: December 2017

Early identification and intervention services play a critical role in determining the degree of communication development in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, researchers have reported that African-American and Hispanic populations are less likely to be diagnosed with ASD, often receive the initial diagnosis at later ages, and experience differences in access to services in comparison to other racial and ethnic groups. Studies have also documented lower participation rates of minorities in research studies of ASD. These differences have contributed to disparities in services for children with autism from culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse backgrounds. The purpose of this article is to discuss disparities in the identification and diagnosis of children with ASD from diverse backgrounds. It will discuss the clinical implications for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in addressing potential barriers and strategies to facilitate services.
Comparative analysis between integrated full‐bridge‐forward and dual active bridge DC–DC converters
Authors: Roggia L. , Costa P.F.S.
Published: December 2017

The dual active bridge (DAB) is the mostly used DC–DC converter in bidirectional power flow applications. It has several advantages such as high‐power density, galvanic isolation, robustness, among others. However, in applications in which direct and reverse power flow have great difference, the converter efficiency can be penalised. A recent proposed isolated converter known as integrated full‐bridge‐forward DC–DC converter is specifically designed to this application and has low number of active devices compared to DAB converter. In order to evaluate the features of both converters, this Letter proposes a comparative analysis between these two topologies. Besides theoretical details about the converters, this Letter focuses on the comparison of experimental results, including efficiency and zero voltage switching range.
Energy efficient power allocation for D2D communications in fading channels
Authors: Zuo Jiakuo , Yang Longxiang
Published: December 2017

In this Letter, the authors consider device‐to‐device (D2D) communications over block fading channels. Both D2D user and cellular user (CU) have an outage probability constrain. The power is optimised for maximisation of the averaged energy efficiency (EE) of D2D communications under outage probability constraints and average transmit power constraint. Based on Dinkelbach algorithm and Lagrange dual method, an efficient power allocation algorithm is proposed to solve the above problem. Simulation results demonstrate the improvements in terms of EE by using the proposed power allocation scheme.
Protection coordination scheme for distribution networks with high penetration of photovoltaic generators
Authors: Fani Bahador , Bisheh Hadi , Sadeghkhani Iman
Published: December 2017

The installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems is gaining great attention due to the matured PV technology and the lowered price of PV modules. With an increasing penetration of PV systems, the selectivity of distribution network protection may be affected which results in undesirable de‐energisation of loads, damage of network equipment, and reduction of reliability. This study presents a method to preserve the protection coordination considering future PV systems installation with any penetration level and different locations along the distribution feeder. Depending on the accessibility of protection device settings or PV control parameters, the proposed method modifies the existing characteristic curve of overcurrent devices or limits the output current of PV sources, respectively. The proposed strategy does not change the structure of existing distribution network protection system and can also be implemented in the old and non‐programmable relays. Meanwhile, it does not need the communication links. The merits of the proposed method are demonstrated through several case studies using the Isfahan distribution network.
Design and analysis of tri‐band dual‐port dielectric resonator based hybrid antenna for WLAN/WiMAX applications
Authors: Sharma Anand , Das Gourab , Gangwar Ravi Kumar
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a tri‐band dual‐port dielectric resonator based hybrid antenna for different wireless applications. The proposed antenna includes two symmetrically placed hybrid radiators. Some of the attractive characteristics of proposed radiator are as follows: (i) circular ring together with T‐shaped printed line generates dual hybrid radiating modes in cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA) (HEM11δ and HEM12δ modes); (ii) hybrid radiator module (grouping of circular ring and CDRA) is utilised to create tri‐band characteristics; (iii) metallic strip together with slitted ground surface is adopted to provide good isolation (|S12| < −25 dB) between two radiators in all three operating frequency bands. In order to authenticate the proposed radiator, the archetype has been realised and tested practically. Good settlement has been found between software generated and experimental outcomes. The proposed multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) based hybrid radiator operates over three frequency bands, i.e. 1.5–2.55, 3.21–4.0 and 4.59–5.98 GHz with the fractional bandwidth 51.21, 21.91 and 26.30%, respectively. Various diversity parameters are also investigated, which approve that the proposed hybrid radiator is an appropriate candidate for MIMO applications.
17‐level inverter with low component count for open‐end induction motor drives
Authors: Kshirsagar Abhijit , Kaarthik R. Sudharshan , Rahul Arun , Gopakumar K. , Umanand Loganathan , Biswas Sujit K. , Cecati Carlo
Published: December 2017

This study presents a 17‐level inverter‐based induction motor drive for high‐resolution multilevel voltage space‐vector (SV) generation. The proposed topology consists of a three‐level inverter and a seven‐level inverter connected to an open‐end winding induction machine. The two inverters are powered by two unequal DC supplies, resulting in a low component count, with just 12 switches and three floating capacitors per phase. The voltage SVs applied by the two inverters are chosen to eliminate circulating power flow and prevent DC bus overcharging. In addition, the switching states of both inverters are chosen in order to keep voltages of all floating capacitors well‐controlled. Since the capacitors voltages are controlled using the phase currents, additional pre‐charging circuitry is not required. A modulation scheme using level‐shifted carriers has also been developed, which can be used with both V/f control and d–q control. The high‐voltage inverter has a low effective switching frequency and the low‐voltage inverter has a high effective switching frequency, reducing the switching loss. The included results of steady‐state and transient testing of an experimental prototype demonstrate that the proposed scheme is suited for industrial drives and traction applications.
Optimisation method to find the best switch set topology for reconfiguration of photovoltaic panels
Authors: Iraji Farzad , Farjah Ebrahim , Ghanbari Teymoor
Published: December 2017

This study presents an optimisation method to find the best switch set (SWS) topology for reconfiguration of photovoltaic (PV) panels. An approach based on particle swarm optimisation is used to find the optimised topology. In the optimisation, an objective function is defined, in which a minimum number of switches and maximum capability for realising different desired configurations are taken into account. Although the result is a SWS with the capability of reconfiguring PV panels in different series–parallel configurations, the algorithm can be extended for deriving different SWSs aimed to realise other configurations. Some experiments were carried out to validate the proposed approach. The results confirm that the optimised SWS not only can implement different desirable configurations with a minimum number of switches but also able to overcome different abnormal conditions by a suitable switching.
Research on active power steady‐state security region considering TCSC
Authors: Chen Baoping , Lin Tao , Chen Rusi , Li Yong , Xu Xialing
Published: December 2017

With the large‐scale access of renewable energy sources represented by photovoltaic power and wind power, and the extensive use of FACTS, power system is characterised by the fluctuation of power outputs and the variation of network parameters, resulting in the great change of the operation state of power system. Therefore, it is urgent to obtain active power steady‐state security region (APSSR) of power system, so as to carry on state awareness of static stability to provide guidance for preventive control and generation schedule. However, when using the conventional method to study APSSR of power system with variable network parameters caused by FACTS, such as thyristor controlled series compensator (TCSC), it is necessary to determine the inversion of the n ‐order matrix with variable parameter, resulting in the great increase in the calculation time. In order to overcome the above issue, a novel method based on equivalent power injection method (EPIM) is proposed. In detail, firstly, by adopting EPIM to deal with TCSC branch in network, the power through the TCSC branch is equivalent to the power injection of two nodes of the TCSC branch associated with the equivalent reactance of TCSC, resulting that TCSC affects APSSR by affecting power injections instead of network parameter. Secondly, the explicit expression of APSSR associated with the equivalent reactance of TCSC is derived theoretically, and two factors affecting APSSR, i.e. the equivalent reactance and the location of TCSC, are investigated, respectively. Further, it can be found that when using the proposed method to construct APSSR considering TCSC, it is not necessary to carry out the inversion of the matrix with variable parameter, which will greatly raise the calculation speed. Finally, the IEEE standard systems are selected as benchmarks to demonstrate the validity and superiority of the proposed method for the purpose of online estimation of APSSR of power system.
The RoPES project with HARPS and HARPS-N
Authors: Suárez Mascareño A. , González Hernández J. I. , Rebolo R. , Velasco S. , Toledo-Padrón B. , Udry S. , Motalebi F. , Ségrasan D. , Wyttenbach A. , Mayor M. , Pepe F. , Lovis C. , Santos N. C. , Figueira P. , Esposito M.
Published: December 2017

We report the discovery of a system of two super-Earths orbiting the moderately active K-dwarf HD 176986. This work is part of the RoPES RV program of G- and K-type stars, which combines radial velocities (RVs) from the HARPS and HARPS-N spectrographs to search for short-period terrestrial planets. HD 176986 b and c are super-Earth planets with masses of 5.74 and 9.18 M⊕, orbital periods of 6.49 and 16.82 days, and distances of 0.063 and 0.119 AU in orbits that are consistent with circular. The host star is a K2.5 dwarf, and despite its modest level of chromospheric activity (log10 (RHK' = –4.90 ± 0.04), it shows a complex activity pattern. Along with the discovery of the planets, we study the magnetic cycle and rotation of the star. HD 176986 proves to be suitable for testing the available RV analysis technique and further our understanding of stellar activity.
Spannende Vielfalt
Authors: Henrich Hans-Günther
Published: December 2017

OP-Management OP-Manager gestalten und steuern einen der komplexesten Bereiche eines Krankenhauses. Um hier etwas bewirken zu können,
stehen vielfältige Instrumente zur Verfügung, deren Auswahl sich an den Bedürfnissen der verschiedenen Anspruchsgruppen orientieren sollte.
Ein Patentrezept für wirksames OP-Management kann unser Autor zwar nicht liefern. Dafür beleuchtet er einige ausgewählte Schwerpunkte und
vermittelt, was OP-Management tatsächlich ist – oder zumindest sein könnte.
Teil des Teams
Authors: Schäfer Simon
Published: December 2017

Mitarbeiter mit Behinderung im OP Können Schwerbehinderte im OP arbeiten? Welche Rechte und Pflichten hat dabei der Arbeitgeber? Unser
Autor – der von Geburt an sogenannte „Schaufelhände“ hat – beschreibt in seinem sehr persönlichen Bericht, wie er sich in das OP-Team
integriert hat und welche unkonventionellen Lösungen ihm bei der Arbeit am Tisch helfen.
Die Mineralsalze in der ärztlichen Praxis
Authors: Emmrich Peter
Published: December 2017

Weltweit finden Schüßler-Salze sowohl bei akuten als auch bei chronischen Leiden Anwendung. Seit über 145 Jahren haben sich die potenzierten
Mineralsalze, die auch in der Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit erfolgreich angewendet werden können, als zuverlässiger Partner in der
Naturheilkunde erwiesen. In Europa sind Schüßler-Salze ein fester Bestandteil in fast jeder Apotheke auch als Add-on-Therapie. Das
angezeigte Mineralsalz lässt sich anhand von Modalitäten, dem Zungenbefund und den vorhandenen Symptomen eines Patienten leicht
auswählen.
Verbesserung der Lebensqualität von Endometriosepatientinnen durch naturheilkundliche und komplementärmedizinische
Behandlungsverfahren
Authors: Grzanna Noëlle
Published: December 2017

Endometriose ist eine benigne, proliferative, chronische Erkrankung, für die das Auftreten von endometriumartigen Zellverbänden außerhalb
ihrer eutopen Lokalisation im Cavum uteri charakteristisch ist. Die Erkrankung äußert sich mit sekundärer Dysmenorrhö, zyklischen,
azyklischen oder chronischen Unterbauchschmerzen und Dyspareunie. Aufgrund der unklaren Ätiologie stehen nur kausale, endokrine und
operative Therapieansätze zur Verfügung, die häufig von starken Nebenwirkungen begleitet werden. Die vorliegende Befragungsstudie ergab,
dass die Patientinnen durch naturheilkundliche und komplementärmedizinische Behandlungsverfahren, besonders von TCM und ihr verwandten
Verfahren, Homöopathie und Osteopathie, profitieren.
Menstruationsstörungen und der Einfluss der Hormone
Authors: Krug Marianne
Published: December 2017

Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über das weibliche Zyklusgeschehen, Menstruationsgeschehen und die verschiedenen Störungen, die damit
verbunden sind. Es werden die Einwirkungen der Hormone aus den drei Ebenen Hypothalamus, Hypophyse und Ovar erläutert. Zusätzlich wird in
Tempo- und Typusanomalien unterschieden. Die Schilddrüse hat ebenfalls einen bedeutenden Einfluss auf den Menstruationsrhythmus. Ebenso
können erhöhte Ausschüttungen von Prolaktin die Menstruation in Art und Rhythmus verändern. Therapeutisch kommen Phytotherapeutika (z. B.
Vitex agnus-castus) in Frage und der Ersatz von fehlenden oder unzureichend gebildeten Hormonen. Dies geschieht durch die Gabe von
bioidentischen Hormonen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Balance zwischen den verschiedenen Hormonen.
Gene Expression Analyses in Early Breast Carcinoma — Quo Vadis?
Authors: Almstedt Katrin , Denkert Carsten , Schmidt Marcus
Published: December 2017

In order to establish whether adjuvant therapy should be administered in patients with breast carcinoma, it is decisive to have as precise as possible an assessment of the risk of recurrence. In this context, gene expression — and thus gene expression signatures as well — have become a focus of attention as prognostic factors. For practical application, it is important to be able to analyze gene expression signatures in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue. Careful analytic and clinical validations and a high level of evidence (LoE) are required in order to avoid imprecise risk classification and thus potential overtreatment or undertreatment of the patients. Among the commercially available gene expression signatures, the Working Group on Gynecological Oncology (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie, AGO) currently grades MammaPrint® and Oncotype DX® as having LoE IA, with prospective study results; and Endopredict® and Prosigna® as having LoE IB. The panel members at this year’s St. Gallen consensus conference also voted by a majority in favor of the possible usage of Oncotype DX®, MammaPrint®, Prosigna®, EndoPredict®, and Breast Cancer Index®. These multigene tests can be used in selected patients with hormone receptor–positive and HER2-negative findings if none of the other criteria allow a treatment decision to be made.