bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extract from Aphloia theiformis, an edible indigenous plant from Reunion Island, impairs Zika virus attachment to the host cell surface
Authors: Clain Elodie , Sinigaglia Laura , Koishi Andrea Cristine , Gorgette Olivier , Gadea Gilles , Viranaicken Wildriss , Krejbich-Trotot Pascale , Mavingui Patrick , Desprès Philippe , Nunes Duarte dos Santos Claudia , Guiraud Pascale , Jouvenet Nolwenn , El Kalamouni Chaker
Published: July 2018

The mosquito-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. Contemporary epidemic strains of ZIKV are associated with congenital malformations in infants, including microcephaly, as well as Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. A risk of human-to-human transmission of ZIKV is also well documented. A worldwide research effort has been undertaken to identify safe and effective strategies to prevent or treat ZIKV infection. We show here that extract from Aphloia theiformis, an edible endemic plant from Indian Ocean islands, exerts a potent antiviral effect against ZIKV strains of African and Asian lineages, including epidemic strains. The antiviral effect of A. theiformis extract was extended to clinical isolates of dengue virus (DENV) of the four serotypes in human hepatocytes. A. theiformis inhibited virus entry in host cells by acting directly on viral particles, thus impairing their attachment to the cell surface. Electron microscopic observations revealed that organization of ZIKV particles was severely affected by A. theiformis. We propose a model of antiviral action for A. theiformis against flaviviruses that highlights the potential of medicinal plants as promising sources of naturally-derived antiviral compounds to prevent ZIKV and DENV infections.
Triptolide attenuates proteinuria and podocyte apoptosis via inhibition of NF-κB/GADD45B
Authors: Wang Ling , Zhang Liwen , Hou Qing , Zhu Xiaodong , Chen Zhaohong , Liu Zhihong
Published: July 2018

Podocyte injury is a primary contributor to proteinuria. Triptolide is a major active component of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F that exhibits potent antiproteinuric effects. We used our previously developed in vivo zebrafish model of inducible podocyte-target injury and found that triptolide treatment effectively alleviated oedema, proteinuria and foot process effacement. Triptolide also inhibited podocyte apoptosis in our zebrafish model and in vitro. We also examined the mechanism of triptolide protection of podocyte. Whole-genome expression profiles of cultured podocytes demonstrated that triptolide treatment downregulated apoptosis pathway-related GADD45B expression. Specific overexpression of gadd45b in zebrafish podocytes abolished the protective effects of triptolide. GADD45B is a mediator of podocyte apoptosis that contains typical NF-κB binding sites in the promoter region, and NF-κB p65 primarily transactivates this gene. Triptolide inhibited NF-κB signalling activation and binding of NF-κB to the GADD45B promoter. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that triptolide attenuated proteinuria and podocyte apoptosis via inhibition of NF-κB/GADD45B signalling, which provides a new understanding of the antiproteinuric effects of triptolide in glomerular diseases.
Control energy of complex networks towards distinct mixture states
Authors: Nie Sen , Stanley H. Eugene , Chen Shi-Ming , Wang Bing-Hong , Wang Xu-Wen
Published: July 2018

Controlling complex networked systems is a real-world puzzle that remains largely unsolved. Despite recent progress in understanding the structural characteristics of network control energy, target state and system dynamics have not been explored. We examine how varying the final state mixture affects the control energy of canonical and conformity-incorporated dynamical systems. We find that the control energy required to drive a network to an identical final state is lower than that required to arrive a non-identical final state. We also demonstrate that it is easier to achieve full control in a conformity-based dynamical network. Finally we determine the optimal control strategy in terms of the network hierarchical structure. Our work offers a realistic understanding of the control energy within the final state mixture and sheds light on controlling complex systems.
Nano@lignocellulose intercalated montmorillonite as adsorbent for effective Mn(II) removal from aqueous solution
Authors: An Yuhong , Zhang Xiaotao , Wang Ximing , Chen Zhangjing , Wu Xiangwen
Published: July 2018

This paper describes the preparation of nano@lignocellulose (nano@LC) and a nano@lignocellulose/montmorillonite (nano@LC/MT) nanocomposite, as well as the capacity of the nano@LC/MT for adsorbing manganese ions from aqueous solution. The structure of nano@LC and nano@LC/MT was characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and Transmission electron microscopy, which revealed that the diffraction peak of montmorillonite almost disappeared, infrared bands of the functional groups shifted, and morphology of the material changed after the formation of the composite. The optimum conditions for the adsorption of Mn(II) on the nano@LC/MT nanocomposite were investigated in detail by changing the initial Mn(II) concentration, pH, adsorption temperature, and time. The results revealed that the adsorption capacity of the nano@LC/MT nanocomposite for Mn(II) reached 628.0503 mg/g at a Mn(II) initial concentration of 900 mg/L, solution pH 5.8, adsorption temperature 55 °C, and adsorption time 160 min. Adsorption kinetics experiments revealed good agreement between the experimental data and the pseudo-second order kinetic model. The experimental data was satisfactorily fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. Adsorption-desorption results showed that nano@LC/MT exhibited excellent reusability. The adsorption mechanism was investigated through FT-IR and EDX spectroscopic analyses. The results suggested that nano@LC/MT have great potential in removing Mn(II) from water.
How different sterols contribute to saponin tolerant plasma membranes in sea cucumbers
Authors: Claereboudt Emily J. S. , Eeckhaut Igor , Lins Laurence , Deleu Magali
Published: July 2018

Sea cucumbers produce saponins as a chemical defense mechanism, however their cells can tolerate the cytotoxic nature of these chemicals. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind this tolerance a suite of complementary biophysical tools was used, firstly using liposomes for in vitro techniques then using in silico approaches for a molecular-level insight. The holothuroid saponin Frondoside A, caused significantly less permeabilization in liposomes containing a Δ7 holothuroid sterol than those containing cholesterol and resulted in endothermic interactions versus exothermic interactions with cholesterol containing liposomes. Lipid phases simulations revealed that Frondoside A has an agglomerating effect on cholesterol domains, however, induced small irregular Δ7 sterol clusters. Our results suggest that the structural peculiarities of holothuroid sterols provide sea cucumbers with a mechanism to mitigate the sterol-agglomerating effect of saponins, and therefore to protect their cells from the cytotoxicity of the saponins they produce.
A dual-fMRI investigation of the iterated Ultimatum Game reveals that reciprocal behaviour is associated with neural alignment
Authors: Shaw Daniel J. , Czekóová Kristína , Staněk Rostislav , Mareček Radek , Urbánek Tomáš , Špalek Jiří , Kopečková Lenka , Řezáč Jan , Brázdil Milan
Published: July 2018

Dyadic interactions often involve a dynamic process of mutual reciprocity; to steer a series of exchanges towards a desired outcome, both interactants must adapt their own behaviour according to that of their interaction partner. Understanding the brain processes behind such bidirectional reciprocity is therefore central to social neuroscience, but this requires measurement of both individuals’ brains during real-world exchanges. We achieved this by performing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on pairs of male individuals simultaneously while they interacted in a modified iterated Ultimatum Game (iUG). In this modification, both players could express their intent and maximise their own monetary gain by reciprocating their partner’s behaviour – they could promote generosity through cooperation and/or discourage unfair play with retaliation. By developing a novel model of reciprocity adapted from behavioural economics, we then show that each player’s choices can be predicted accurately by estimating expected utility (EU) not only in terms of immediate payoff, but also as a reaction to their opponent’s prior behaviour. Finally, for the first time we reveal that brain signals implicated in social decision making are modulated by these estimates of EU, and become correlated more strongly between interacting players who reciprocate one another.
U6 can be used as a housekeeping gene for urinary sediment miRNA studies of IgA nephropathy
Authors: Duan Zhi-Yu , Cai Guang-Yan , Li Ji-Jun , Bu Ru , Wang NanNan , Yin Pei , Chen Xiang-Mei
Published: July 2018

Recent studies have indicated that urinary sediment miRNAs not only are able to serve as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) but may also be closely related to several clinical and pathological indicators. However, the lack of a suitable internal reference miRNA has hampered research into urinary sediment miRNAs. To date, U6 has been used as a reference gene in urinary sediment miRNA studies mostly based on the results from studies using tissue samples and cell lines. In a total of 330 IgAN patients, 164 disease control patients and 130 normal control patients, there was no significant difference in U6 levels. We also compared the U6 levels in different types of primary glomerular disease groups (IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, minimal change nephrosis and focal segmental glomerular sclerosis). The results confirmed that there was no significant difference in the expression of U6 in different primary glomerular disease groups. Moreover, treatment had no significant effect on the expression levels of U6 in IgA nephropathy. Therefore, U6 is an excellent housekeeping gene for urinary sediment miRNA studies of IgA nephropathy.
Potential of CE-MS for Chiral Metabolic Profiling
Authors: Sánchez-López Elena , Marina María Luisa , Crego Antonio L.
Published: July 2018

Despite the not-so-straightforward coupling of chiral capillary electrophoresis (CE) to mass spectrometry (MS), this approach has been shown to offer numerous possibilities in the past few years. The applicability of chiral CE-MS to the emerging metabolomics field has not been exploited in full detail yet. In this context, the application of CE-MS for chiral metabolomics has only been focused on targeted studies, mainly for the investigation of the enantioselective metabolism of drugs and/or other molecules. This indicates that non-targeted studies have not yet been implemented using this technique. This work discusses those targeted contributions using CE-MS for chiral metabolic profiling studies. In addition, potential strategies to carry out studies of metabolic profiles are included. Future trends should involve improvement in robustness and sensitivity, and development of new chiral selectors compatible with MS detection. These improvements are expected to open up new possibilities for a more solid implementation of CE-MS in chiral metabolomics.
Capillary Electrophoresis–Mass Spectrometry for Lipid Analysis
Authors: Lindenburg Peter , Vulla Kaspar , Kohler Isabelle , Shimmo Ruth
Published: July 2018

Capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE-MS) is a powerful technique that enables the selective and sensitive analysis of a wide variety of compounds in a large number of biological matrices. CE-MS also offers excellent possibilities for the analysis of minute samples, leading to very limited waste production. All these advantages render CE-MS an attractive technique for the analysis of lipids, a class of hydrophobic metabolites showing a wide physico-chemical diversity and having gained significant attention over the last few years in clinical research due to their key roles in multiple pathophysiological conditions. This chapter discusses the potential of CE-MS for lipid analysis, providing an overview of developments and applications reported over the past 20 years (i.e., since 1997). It is structured according to distinct lipid classes, i.e. phospholipids, glycolipids, acylcarnitines, surfactants, and fatty acids. Experimental conditions, including CE mode and MS type and details about the hyphenation of CE to MS are reported. Extra attention is paid to the use of capillary coatings to improve lipid separation. We introduce the use of M7C4I (ω-iodoalkylammonium salt) as a capillary coating agent for the analysis of apolar compounds and demonstrate its potential for the analysis of lipids in a complex biological sample.
Multisegment Injection–Capillary Electrophoresis–Mass Spectrometry: A Robust Platform for High Throughput Metabolite Profiling with Quality Assurance
Authors: Britz-McKibbin Philip
Published: July 2018

Capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (CE-MS) is a high efficiency separation platform for metabolomic studies that is ideal for the analysis of volume-restricted biological specimens. However, major technical hurdles prevent more widespread use of CE-MS technology, including poor method robustness that is supported by long-term validation studies. We outline efforts towards developing a more robust CE-MS method that offers significant improvements in sample throughput and data fidelity as required for large-scale clinical and epidemiological studies. In this chapter, multisegment injection (MSI)-CE-MS is demonstrated as a multiplexed separation platform for high throughput metabolite profiling in various biological samples with quality assurance. Careful attention to capillary preparation while using standardized operating protocols is critical for successful operations, including rigorous inter-method comparisons and batch-correction algorithms to adjust for system drift. MSI-CE-MS offers a versatile platform using serial injection formats for temporal encoding of mass spectral data, which allows for unambiguous identification and reliable quantification of both polar and non-polar ionic metabolites of clinical significance. Recent data workflows for accelerating biomarker discovery will be discussed, including new advances in population-based screening for early detection of in-born errors of metabolism, validation of lifestyle intervention studies that promote human health and comprehensive drug surveillance given the worldwide opioid crisis.
As good as gold and better: conducting metal oxide materials for mid-infrared plasmonic applications
Authors: Khamh Hniang , Sachet Edward , Kelly Kyle , Maria Jon-Paul , Franzen Stefan
Published: July 2018

Review of material properties of conducting metal oxides that make them suitable for mid-infrared surface plasmon resonance applications.
Cyclodextrin functionalized reduced graphene oxide for electrochemical chiral differentiation of tartaric acid
Authors: Si Ke , Sun Chenfang , Cheng Shanshan , Wang Yong , Hu Wenping
Published: July 2018

Tartaric acid (2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid, TA) is one of the major organic acids with a wide range of applications in industry and life.
A fast spectrofluorimetric method for determination of carbinoxamine maleate in the nano-molar range. Application to pharmaceutical preparations, biological fluids and stability studies
Authors: Aly Fatma Ahmed , EL-Enany Nahed , Elmansi Heba , Nabil Amany
Published: July 2018

Carbinoxamine maleate (CBX), which is a common ingredient of cold and cough treatment preparations, is determined by a sensitive, simple and convenient spectrofluorimetric method in its pure form, pharmaceutical preparations and spiked human plasma.
Charge-reversal-functionalized PLGA nanobubbles as theranostic agents for ultrasonic-imaging-guided combination therapy
Authors: Yang Hong , Shen Xue , Yan Jie , Xie Xiaoxue , Chen Zhongyuan , Li Tingting , Li Shun , Qin Xiang , Wu Chunhui , Liu Yiyao
Published: July 2018

The application of the PLGA-based charge-reversal nanobubbles (denoted as Dox-NBs/PPP/P-gp shRNA) in co-delivery of Dox and P-gp shRNA for reversal of drug resistance and ultrasonic imaging-guided combination therapy of chemotherapy and P-gp knockdown in breast cancer.
Facile synthesis of 3D N-doped porous carbon nanosheets as highly active electrocatalysts toward the reduction of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Lu Nannan , Zhang Tingting , Yan Xiaoyi , Gu Yue , Liu He , Xu Zhiqian , Xu Haixin , Li Xuwen , Zhang Zhiquan , Yang Ming
Published: July 2018

3D N-doped porous carbon nanosheets prepared by one-pot pyrolysis exhibit high performance for the detection of H2O2.
Optical bio-chemical sensors based on whispering gallery mode resonators
Authors: Zhang Ya-nan , Zhou Tianmin , Han Bo , Zhang Aozhuo , Zhao Yong
Published: July 2018

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators have attracted extensive attention and their unique characteristics have led to some remarkable achievements.
Nα-Amino acid containing privileged structures: design, synthesis and use in solid-phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Schütznerová Eva , Přibylka Adam , Krchňák Viktor
Published: July 2018

Fmoc-protected Nα-amino acid containing heterocyclic privileged structures, O-(1-methyl-5-oxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)-l-serine and O-((S)-5-oxo-2,3,5,7a-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolizin-7-yl)-l-serine, were synthesized on the solid phase from simple commercially available building blocks under mild conditions.
Unsymmetrical CNN-palladacycles with geometry-constrained iminopyridyl ligands: an efficient precatalyst in Suzuki coupling for accessing 1,1-diarylalkanes from secondary benzylic bromides
Authors: Jin Liqun , Wei Wei , Sun Nan , Hu Baoxiang , Shen Zhenlu , Hu Xinquan
Published: July 2018

We developed a series of unsymmetrical CNN palladacycles with geometry-constrained iminopyridyl ligands, which were used as efficient precatalysts for preparing diarylalkanes through Suzuki coupling.
Gold-catalyzed cascade cyclization of N-propargyl ynamides: rapid access to functionalized indeno[1,2-c]pyrroles
Authors: Shen Wen-Bo , Zhou Bo , Zhang Zhi-Xin , Yuan Han , Fang Wei , Ye Long-Wu
Published: July 2018

A new gold-catalyzed cascade cyclization of N-propargyl ynamides involving a presumable vinyl cation intermediate has been developed, allowing the efficient and practical synthesis of various functionalized indeno[1,2-c]pyrroles.
E-Selective N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed reaction of aldehydes and butadienoates: effect of water and chloroform as the proton shuttle
Authors: Ma Dengke , Song Yulong , Fu Chunling , Zhang Fang , Guo Yinlong , Huang Xin , Ma Shengming
Published: July 2018

An N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed reaction of aldehydes and butadienoates affording (E)-4-oxo-2-butenoates highly stereoselectively has been developed. Some key intermediates have been detected by an MS study.
Numerical simulation analyses of β ↔ δ phase transition for a finite-sized HMX single crystal subjected to thermal loading
Authors: Hu WeiJia , Wu YanQing , Huang FengLei , Wang XinJie
Published: July 2018

Path-dependence of β ↔ δ phase transition is reflected by the residual strain and stress that comes into being in the absence of mechanical constrains for 1 mm size HMX single crystal during a temperature cycle.
Ruthenium-catalyzed decarboxylative C–S cross-coupling of carbonothioate: synthesis of allyl(aryl)sulfide
Authors: Zheng Ren-Hua , Guo Hai-Chang , Chen Ting-Ting , Huang Qing , Huang Guo-Bo , Jiang Hua-Jiang
Published: July 2018

A method for the construction of a C–S bond via the ruthenium-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling of carbonothioate under mild conditions is described.
Correction: The enhancement and suppression of immersion mode heterogeneous ice-nucleation by solutes
Authors: Whale Thomas F. , Holden Mark A. , Wilson Theodore W. , O’Sullivan Daniel , Murray Benjamin J.
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘The enhancement and suppression of immersion mode heterogeneous ice-nucleation by solutes’ by Thomas F. Whale et al., Chem. Sci., 2018, 9, 4142–4151.
Isomeric cationic ionenes as n-dopant agents of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) for in situ gelation
Authors: Saborío Maricruz G. , Bertran Oscar , Lanzalaco Sonia , Häring Marleen , Franco Lourdes , Puiggalí Jordi , Díaz David Díaz , Estrany Francesc , Alemán Carlos
Published: July 2018

Three isomeric ionene polymers containing 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and N,N′-(x-phenylene)dibenzamide (x = ortho-/meta-/para-) linkages have been used as dopant agents to produce n-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) electrodes.
Na-ion battery cathode materials prepared by electrochemical ion exchange from alumina-coated Li1+xMn0.54Co0.13Ni0.1+yO2
Authors: Bublil Shaul , Fayena-Greenstein Miryam , Talyanker Michael , Solomatin Nickolay , Tsubery Merav Nadav , Bendikov Tatyana , Penki Tirupathi Rao , Grinblat Judith , Durán Ignacio Borge , Grinberg Ilya , Ein-Eli Yair , Elias Yuval , Hartmann Pascal , Aurbach Doron
Published: July 2018

Electrochemical ion exchange in a sodium cell.
A simple strategy for robust preparation and characterisation of hydrogels derived from chitosan and amino functional monomers for biomedical applications
Authors: Khan Ferdous , Aratsu Fumihiro , Kobayashi Shingo , Tanaka Masaru
Published: July 2018

Molecular interactions of amino functional (AF) monomers with chitosan (CS) lead to the formation of external stimuli responsive hydrogels (HGs).
A label-free aptamer-based cytosensor for specific cervical cancer HeLa cell recognition through a g-C3N4–AgI/ITO photoelectrode
Authors: Motaghed Mazhabi Robabeh , Ge Liqin , Jiang Hui , Wang Xuemei
Published: July 2018

Illustration of the PEC cytosensor fabrication process and its corresponding photocurrents.
Polysaccharide-protein complex-decorated selenium nanosystem as an efficient bone-formation therapeutic
Authors: Yu Siming , Luk Kar-Him , Cheung Siu-To , Kwok Kevin Wing-Hin , Wong Ka-Hing , Chen Tianfeng
Published: July 2018

PTR-SeNPs with high stability were fabricated, which demonstrated excellent in vitro and in vivo osteogenic effects via BMP-2/Smad-mediated signaling pathways.
Robust two-dimensional bipolar magnetic semiconductors by defect engineering
Authors: Cheng Haixia , Zhou Jun , Yang Ming , Shen Lei , Linghu Jiajun , Wu Qingyun , Qian Ping , Feng Yuan Ping
Published: July 2018

100% spin polarized currents can be obtained in bipolar magnetic semiconductor materials by electrical control.
Compositionally tunable ternary Bi2(Se1−xTex)3 and (Bi1−ySby)2Te3 thin films via low pressure chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Benjamin Sophie L. , de Groot C. H. (Kees) , Gurnani Chitra , Hawken Samantha L. , Hector Andrew L. , Huang Ruomeng , Jura Marek , Levason William , Reid Eleanor , Reid Gillian , Richards Stephen P. , Stenning Gavin B. G.
Published: July 2018

[MCl3(EnBu2)3] (M = Sb, Bi; E = Se, Te) enable CVD growth of ternary Bi2(Se1−xTex)3 and (Bi1−ySby)2Te3 thin films with good compositional, structural and morphological control.
Magnetic ordering in an (Fe0.2Cr0.8)1.5[Cr(CN)6] Prussian blue analogue studied with synchrotron radiation based spectroscopies
Authors: Luque Francisco Jesús , Kowalik Iwona Agnieszka , Prieto-Ruiz Juan Pablo , Niño Miguel Ángel , Prima-García Helena , Romero Francisco Manuel , Arvanitis Dimitri , Coronado Eugenio , Miranda Rodolfo , de Miguel Juan José
Published: July 2018

CrII HS–CrIII pairs and misfit between the Fe and Cr sublattices control ferromagnetic order in the FeCrCr Prussian blue analogue.
Effects of paternal electromagnetic pulse exposure on the reproductive endocrine function of male offspring: a pilot study
Authors: Yang Ming-juan , Lang Hai-yang , Miao Xia , Liu Hai-qiang , Zhang Yan-jun , Wang Ya-feng , Chen Yong-bin , Liu Jun-ye , Zeng Li-hua , Guo Guo-zhen
Published: July 2018

The hypothalamic GABAAreceptor may be involved in the reproductive toxicity in male offspring due to paternal electromagnetic pulse exposure.
Sparsifying transform learning for face image classification
Authors: Qudaimat A. , Demirel H.
Published: July 2018

Sparse signal representation showed promising results in the field of face recognition in the past few years. An algorithm based on a sparsifying transform is considered. It mainly learns a dictionary that can transform the image into sparse vectors. In the transformation domain, the images of the same class should have similar non‐zero coefficients pattern that can be used for identification. The classification process of this method only requires to transform the image and make norm comparisons to determine the class of the image. The proposed method shows a comparable performance with the other known methods in the literature by means of accuracy. A novel method in sparsity‐based image identification that uses analysis dictionaries is proposed, unlike the conventional sparsity‐based methods. One advantage of the proposed algorithm is the low computational cost of the classification process.
Genetic algorithm‐based non‐linear auto‐regressive with exogenous inputs neural network short‐term and medium‐term uncertainty modelling and prediction for electrical load and wind speed
Authors: Jawad Muhammad , Ali Sahibzada M. , Khan Bilal , Mehmood Chaudry A. , Farid Umar , Ullah Zahid , Usman Saeeda , Fayyaz Ahmad , Jadoon Jabran , Tareen Nauman , Basit Abdul , Rustam Muhammad A. , Sami Irfan
Published: July 2018

Electrical load and wind power forecasting are a demanding task for modern electrical power systems because both are closely linked with the weather parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure. The conventional methods of electrical load and wind power forecasting are useful to handle dynamic and uncertainties in un‐regulated energy markets. However, there is still need of relative improvement by incorporating weather parameter dependencies. Considering above, a genetic algorithm‐based non‐linear auto‐regressive neural network (GA‐NARX‐NN) model for short‐ and medium‐term electrical load forecasting is presented with relative degree of accuracy. Causality, a new modelling technique, is employed for monthly and yearly wind speed patterns predictions and long‐term wind speed forecasting. Real‐time historical electrical load and weather parametric data are used to critically observe the performance of the proposed models compared to various state‐of‐the‐art forecasting schemes. Numerical simulations are conducted that validates the proposed models based on various error calculation methods, such as mean absolute percentage error, root mean‐square error, and variance (). The quantitative comparison with five traditional techniques for electrical load and wind speed forecasting reveals that the GA‐NARX‐NN method is more accurate and reliable.
Adaptive hysteresis based multifunctional electric vehicle charger with a single feedback loop controller
Authors: E.M. Suhara , M. Nandakumar , K. Mathew
Published: July 2018

The electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity over recent years due to the stringent environmental standards on greenhouse emission and the scarcity of fossil fuels. The increased demand for plug in EVs has necessitated grid integrated bidirectional EV battery charging systems. These charging stations deployed near the parking lots, shopping malls or industries can make the EVs suitable for long‐distance runs. Moreover, the off‐board charging methods with grid integration and proper communication interfaces can utilise the EV to enhance demand side management. This study proposes a multifunctional, grid integrated, bidirectional charger with a single feedback loop controller. Along with the battery charge or discharge control at unity power factor operation, the system can act as an active power filter for the non‐linear and reactive loads connected to the point of common coupling. Also, the bidirectional AC/DC converter is operated with reduced switching adaptive hysteresis current controller to assure high efficiency. Analysis of various modes of operation of the system is done using MATLAB/Simulink and the prototype of the low power setup is done with FPGA to validate the concepts.
Optical polarisation variability of radio-loud narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies
Authors: Angelakis E. , Kiehlmann S. , Myserlis I. , Blinov D. , Eggen J. , Itoh R. , Marchili N. , Zensus J. A.
Published: July 2018

Context. Narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies (NLSy1s) constitute the active galactic nuclei subclass associated with systematically lower black hole masses. A few radio-loud NLSy1s have been detected in MeV-GeV energy bands by Fermi, and evidence that blazar-like jets are operating also in radio-loud NLSy1s, has been accumulated.

Aims. We wish to quantify the temporal behaviour of the optical polarisation, fraction, and angle for a selected sample of radio-loud NLSy1s. We also search for rotations of the polarisation plane similar to those commonly observed in blazars.

Methods. We have conducted R-band optical linear polarisation monitoring of a sample of ten radio-loud NLSy1 galaxies; five of them have previously been detected by Fermi. The dataset obtained with our pivoting instrument, the RoboPol polarimeter of the Skinakas observatory, has been complemented with observations from the KANATA, Perkins, and Steward observatories. When evidence for long rotations of the polarisation plane was found (at least three consecutive measurements covering at least 90°), we carried out numerical simulations to assess the probability that they are caused by intrinsically evolving electric vector position angles (EVPAs) instead of observational noise.

Results. Even our moderately sampled sources show clear indications of variability in both polarisation fraction and angle. For the four best-sampled objects in our sample we find multiple periods of significant polarisation angle variability. Several of these events qualify as long rotations. In the two best-sampled cases, namely J1505+0326 and J0324+3410, we find indications for three long rotations of the polarisation angle. We show that although noise can induce the observed behaviour, it is much more likely that the apparent rotation is indeed caused by intrinsic evolution of the EVPA. To our knowledge, this is the very first detection of such events in this class of sources. In the largest dataset (J0324+3410), we find that the EVPA concentrates around a direction that is at 49.3° to the 15 GHz radio jet, implying a projected magnetic field at an angle of 40.7° to that axis.

Conclusions. We assess the probability that pure measurement uncertainties are the reason behind the observed long rotations of the polarisation plane. We conclude that although this is not improbable, it is much more likely that intrinsic rotations are responsible for the observed phenomenology. We conclude, however, that much better sampled and larger datasets of larger source samples are necessary to constrain the physical mechanism(s) that generate long EVPA rotations in NLSy1s.
Spectroscopic EUV observations of impulsive solar energetic particle event sources
Authors: Bučík R. , Fludra A. , Gómez-Herrero R. , Innes D. E. , Kellett B. , Kumar R. , Mackovjak Š.
Published: July 2018

Context. Remote observations of solar flare ion acceleration are rather limited. Theoretical predictions for signatures of ion acceleration in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) line profiles have been made. Previous tests involve observations of flares with no evidence for energetic ions.

Aims. We aim to examine a source flare of impulsive (or 3He-rich) solar energetic particle events with EUV line spectroscopy.

Methods. We inspected all (more than 90) reported 3He-rich flares of the previous solar cycle 23 and found only 4 (recurrent) jets in the field of view of the Coronal Diagnostic Spectrometer (CDS) on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The jet with the most suitable spatial and temporal coverage was analyzed in detail.

Results. Two enhanced (nonthermal) line broadenings are observed in the cooler chromospheric and transition-region lines, and they are localized near the site where the closed magnetic loops reconnect with the open magnetic field lines. The enhanced broadenings are both found at the sites with redshifts in the lines, surrounded by the region with blueshifts. One enhanced line broadening is associated with a small flare without energetic particle signatures, while another occurs just after the particle acceleration signatures of the main flare terminated.

Conclusions. The observed excess broadening does not appear to be directly related to the energetic ion production and motions. Further investigations are required that cover the critical impulsive phase of the flare, ideally with high-resolution spectrometers that are specifically pointed to the 3He-rich solar energetic particle source.
The 55 Cancri system reassessed
Authors: Bourrier V. , Dumusque X. , Dorn C. , Henry G. W. , Astudillo-Defru N. , Rey J. , Benneke B. , Hébrard G. , Lovis C. , Demory B. O. , Moutou C. , Ehrenreich D.
Published: July 2018

Orbiting a bright, nearby star the 55 Cnc system offers a rare opportunity to study a multiplanet system that has a wide range of planetary masses and orbital distances. Using two decades of photometry and spectroscopy data, we have measured the rotation of the host star and its solar-like magnetic cycle. Accounting for this cycle in our velocimetric analysis of the system allows us to revise the properties of the outermost giant planet and its four planetary companions. The innermost planet 55 Cnc e is an unusually close-in super-Earth, whose transits have allowed for detailed follow-up studies. Recent observations favor the presence of a substantial atmosphere yet its composition, and the nature of the planet, remain unknown. We combined our derived planet mass (Mp = 8.0 ± 0.3 MEarth) with refined measurement of its optical radius derived from HST/STIS observations (Rp = 1.88 ± 0.03 REarth over 530–750 nm) to revise the density of 55 Cnc e (ρ = 6.7 ± 0.4 g cm−3). Based on these revised properties we have characterized possible interiors of 55 Cnc e using a generalized Bayesian model. We confirm that the planet is likely surrounded by a heavyweight atmosphere, contributing a few percents of the planet radius. While we cannot exclude the presence of a water layer underneath the atmosphere, this scenario is unlikely given the observations of the planet across the entire spectrum and its strong irradiation. Follow-up observations of the system in photometry and in spectroscopy over different time-scales are needed to further investigate the nature and origin of this iconic super-Earth.
Neurophysiologie de l’occlusion : rôle des mécanorécepteurs parodontaux
Authors: CAZALS Gauthier
Published: July 2018

Cet article s'intéresse à la neurophysiologie
de la manducation. Il fait un point sur les
connaissances physiologiques actuelles autour
des mécanorécepteurs de la bouche et du
visage dont les spécifiques mécanorécepteurs
parodontaux afin de comprendre leurs
différentes fonctions sensori-motrices.
Intégration neurophysiologique d’un implant dentaire
Authors: BERT Marc
Published: July 2018

La majorité des publications actuelles traitant
de l’occlusion des prothèses sur implants
propose des « recettes » (mise en sous-occlusion,
fonction de groupe systématique) issues d’une
méconnaissance totale des bases fondamentales
de l’occlusion et de l’implantologie. Le rôle
du récepteur desmodontal en tant que
mécanorécepteur permettant la modulation
de la contraction musculaire est maintenant
bien connu. L’implant, ankylosé dans l’os, ne
dispose pas de ce récepteur sensitif, branche
du nerf trijumeau. Les fibres de petit calibre,
peu ou pas myélinisées et retrouvées autour
des implants, sont des éléments du système
nerveux autonome permettant la régulation
du remaniement osseux à partir des pressions
ressenties par les ostéocytes, véritables
« mécanosenseurs » de l’os, mais incapables
de transmettre une information proprioceptive.
Lorsque des dents persistent dans la bouche,
la modulation musculaire est assurée. Par
contre, lorsqu’il n’y a plus que des implants,
les informations sensitives ne seront perçues et
transmises que par les récepteurs sensitifs de
l’articulation temporo-mandibulaire, les fuseaux
neuromusculaires et les organes tendineux
de Golgi, apportant des informations nettement
plus frustres, mais suffisantes pour permettre
la mastication et l’inhibition musculaire en cas
de surcharge.
Blue Light Hazard: are exposure limit values protective enough for newborn infants?
Authors: Point S.
Published: July 2018

Blue Light Hazard is an emerging concern for health of population. Nevertheless, acute exposure to blue rays from artificial light is well taken into account by normative requirements applicable to lamps engineering and risk for general population is low. There is also no evidence for a chronic effect of artificial lighting on retina for general population at radiance below exposure limit values. That said, children in the very first years of life constitute a specific population to consider. On one side, eye anatomy of very young infants is different from elder young people or adults. On the other side, infants can be in close contact with some luminous toys or night lights. This paper presents a first approach for taking into account the specific anatomy of newborn infants’ eyes in blue light hazard evaluation. Results show that differences of crystalline lens transparency, focal length and pupil diameter could induce a significantly higher retinal exposure than for adult.
The Value of an Automated Ultrasound System in the Detection of Synovitis
Authors: Mueller Ruediger , Grunke Mathias , Wendler Jörg , Schuch Florian , Hofmann-Preiss Karina , Boettger Ina , Jakobs Rüdiger , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , von Kempis Johannes
Published: July 2018

Background The detection of joint swelling caused by synovitis is important for the diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. Ultrasound (US) and MRI have proven to be more sensitive and reliable than physical examination, but they are time-consuming and expensive. The automated breast volume scanner was developed to acquire serial B-mode pictures of the female breast and these can be analyzed in all three dimensions.

Objectives To analyze the value of automated B-mode ultrasound employing the ABVS system in detecting synovitis of the finger joints compared to manual ultrasound (mUS) and physical examination, using MRI as the gold standard.

Methods 19 consecutive patients suffering from active rheumatoid (n=15) or psoriatic (n=4) arthritis were included. Automated and mUS were conducted with a linear array (ACUSON S2000™, 11 MHz). Multiplanar reconstruction enabled examination of the images for the presence of synovitis.

Results 90% of the hand joints were assessable by automated ultrasound. Automated US detected 12.0, mUS 14.2, MRI 13.4, and clinical examination 4.1 positive joints – i. e. joints with synovitis - on average per patient. The inter-observer reliability of both assessors for automated and mUS, MRI, and physical examination, was 66.9%, 72.7%, 95.1%, and 88.9%, respectively. 84.3% of the joints classified as positive on MRI were confirmed by automated ultrasound, 85.5% on mUS, and 36.0 on physical examination. This translated into a sensitivity of 83.5%, 85.5%, and 36.0% for the three methods, respectively. Conclusion: Automated ultrasound is a promising ultrasound method for assessing small joints in patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Altered Glucose Uptake in Muscle, Visceral Adipose Tissue, and Brain Predict Whole-Body Insulin Resistance and may Contribute to the Development of Type 2 Diabetes: A Combined PET/MR Study
Authors: Boersma Gretha , Johansson Emil , Pereira Maria , Heurling Kerstin , Skrtic Stanko , Lau Joey , Katsogiannos Petros , Panagiotou Grigorios , Lubberink Mark , Kullberg Joel , Ahlström Håkan , Eriksson Jan
Published: July 2018

We assessed glucose uptake in different tissues in type 2 diabetes (T2D), prediabetes, and control subjects to elucidate its impact in the development of whole-body insulin resistance and T2D. Thirteen T2D, 12 prediabetes, and 10 control subjects, matched for age and BMI, underwent OGTT and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) biopsies. Integrated whole-body 18F-FDG PET and MRI were performed during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp to asses glucose uptake rate (MRglu) in several tissues. MRglu in skeletal muscle, SAT, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and liver was significantly reduced in T2D subjects and correlated positively with M-values (r=0.884, r=0.574, r=0.707 and r=0.403, respectively). Brain MRglu was significantly higher in T2D and prediabetes subjects and had a significant inverse correlation with M-values (r=–0.616). Myocardial MRglu did not differ between groups and did not correlate with the M-values. A multivariate model including skeletal muscle, brain and VAT MRglu best predicted the M-values (adjusted r2=0.85). In addition, SAT MRglu correlated with SAT glucose uptake ex vivo (r=0.491). In different stages of the development of T2D, glucose uptake during hyperinsulinemia is elevated in the brain in parallel with an impairment in peripheral organs. Impaired glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and VAT together with elevated glucose uptake in brain were independently associated with whole-body insulin resistance, and these tissue-specific alterations may contribute to T2D development.
An Expeditious Synthesis of 1-Thiotrehalose
Authors: Compain Philippe , Tardieu Damien , Céspedes Dávila Maria , Hazelard Damien
Published: July 2018

A two-step synthesis of 1-thiotrehalose is reported. In the key TMSOTf-mediated double thioglycosylation step, the tri-O-benzyl 1,6-anhydro-D-glucose reactant behaves both as a glycosyl donor and a glycosyl acceptor precursor. In this highly convergent process, two carbon-sulfur bonds are created at the anomeric positions with a high level of stereocontrol.
Selective Synthesis of Carbonates from Glycerol, CO2, and Alkyl Halides Using tert-Butyltetramethylguanidine
Authors: Mihara Masatoshi , Moroga Kaname , Iwasawa Tetsuo , Nakai Takeo , Ito Takatoshi , Ohno Toshinobu , Mizuno Takumi
Published: July 2018

Herein, we describe the guanidine-promoted synthesis of carbonates from glycerol, CO2, and alkyl halides. Specifically, a linear tricarbonate (1,2,3-tri-O-butoxycarbonylglycerol), a dicarbonate [butyl (2-oxo-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl carbonate] containing a linear and a cyclic moiety, and a cyclic monocarbonate (4-hydroxymethyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolan) were selectively obtained in good yields, which were strongly affected by the steric bulkiness of the guanidine group substituents. The developed method exhibits the advantages of high efficiency and mild conditions, thus being a powerful tool for the synthesis of value-added products from industrial by-products.
Three Missense Mutations in the Protein C Heavy Chain Causing Type I and Type II Protein C Deficiency
Authors: Miyata Toshiyuki , Zheng Yan-Zhen , Sakata Toshiyuki , Tsushima Nobuko , Kato Hisao
Published: July 2018

We have studied the molecular basis of protein C deficiency in three families with a history of thromboembolic disease. An approximately 50% reduction in both functional and immunologic levels of protein C was detected in the plasma from two unrelated patients, designated protein C Osaka 1 and protein C Osaka 2. An approximately 50% reduction in functional level but normal immunologic level of protein C was detected in plasma from a third patient, designated protein C Osaka 3. DNA sequencing of the amplified DNA revealed one missense mutation in each case. Additional mutations in the coding sequence were excluded by DNA sequencing of all protein C exons. We identified a C-to-T change at nucleotide number 6,218 of the protein C gene in protein C Osaka 1. This results in the amino acid substitution of Arg-169 by Trp at the a-thrombin cleavage site. In protein C Osaka 2, a G-to-A change at nucleotide number 8,807 was identified leading to the amino acid substitution of Met-364 by lie in the protease domain. This substitution may impair the synthesis or stability of protein C Osaka 2. In protein C Osaka 3, a G-to-C change at nucleotide number 8,868 was identified. This results in substitution of Gly-385 by Arg in the protease domain. Based on these, it was concluded that Arg-169-to-Trp mutation and Met-364-to-Ile mutation cause type I protein C deficiency and Gly-385-to-Arg mutation causes type II deficiency.
The Prevalence of Moderate and Severe FXII (Hageman Factor) Deficiency among the Normal Population: Evaluation of the Incidence of FXII Deficiency among 300 Healthy Blood Donors
Authors: Halbmayer Walter-Michael , Haushofer Alexander , Schön Renate , Mannhalter Christine , Strohmer Ernst , Baumgarten Kurt , Fischer Michael
Published: July 2018

Factor XII (FXII) deficiency has been reported to be a risk factor for the development of arterial and venous thromboembolism. However, no data are available on the prevalence of FXII deficiency within the normal population. Measuring APTT and FXII activity, seven FXII deficiencies could be detected among 300 healthy blood donors. This corresponds to an incidence of FXII deficiency of 2.3%. On the basis of these data the prevalence of severe and mild FXTT deficiency in the normal population can be estimated to be 1.5-3.0%. Assessment of FXII antigen levels revealed, that all seven FXII deficient individuals had FXII antigen levels matching the activity. One presented a severe FXII deficiency (1/300, 0.3%) without detectable FXII activity and an APTT prolongation of more than 120 s. The remaining six FXII deficiencies (6/300, 2.0%) were moderate variations with FXII activities ranging from 20-45% and less prolonged APTTs. Among the 300 healthy donors 16 (5.3%) subjects with prolonged APTTs were identified. Causes for APTT-prolongation were FXII deficiency (7/16), lupus anticoagulant (6/16), mild FVIII deficiency (1/16) and hepatic disorder (1/16). In the remaining sample (1/16) the cause for the prolongation of the APTT remained unexplained. Although 8.7% (26/300) of the donors had a positive family-history of thromboembolism (TE-FHX), none of the FXII deficient subjects were among those with positive TE-FHX.