No abstract

This paper reviews signal processing research for applications in the future electric power grid, commonly referred to as smart grid. Generally, it is expected that the grid of the future differs from the current system by the increased integration of distributed generation, distributed storage, demand response, power electronics, and communications and sensing technologies. The consequence is that the physical structure of the system becomes significantly more distributed. The existing centralized control structure is not suitable any more to operate such a highly distributed system. Hence, in this paper, we overview distributed approaches, all based on consensus+innovations, for three common energy management functions: state estimation, economic dispatch, and optimal power flow. We survey the pertinent literature and summarize our work. Simulation results illustrate tradeoffs and the performance of consensus+innovations for these three applications.Index Terms-Distributed energy management, state estimation, economic dispatch, optimal power flow, distributed algorithms, consensus, consensus+innovations. The consequence of this transition from the operational perspective is that overall the flexibility in the grid increases; but this also means that more control decisions need to be made. This flexibility is vital not just for balancing the increased variability but also to be able to handle the uncertainty inherent to the non-dispatchable generation resources. A key question that needs to be answered is how the sensing and communication network can be used efficiently to ensure a reliable and safe operation of the electric power grid despite the increased challenges imposed on the supply side.

Selective IgA deficiency (IgAD) is the most common primary immunodeficiency in Caucasians. Although it is often asymptomatic, selected patients show an increased frequency of infections, allergies and autoimmune manifestations. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary antibody deficiency disease that shares many clinical features with IgAD. A common genetic basis for IgAD and CVID has been suggested based on their occurrence in members of the same family and the similarity of the underlying B cell defects. Progression from IgAD to CVID has also been reported in several cases. Here we present 4 patients with IgAD and autoimmune features who subsequently developed CVID. All symptomatic IgAD patients, especially those with associated IgG subclass deficiency or autoimmune features, should be monitored for evolution to CVID. Early diagnosis of this conversion and institution of immunoglobulin therapy is effective in preventing severe bacterial infections and pulmonary insufficiency.

This study provides proof of principle for the application of targeted next-generation sequencing panels in countries with limited diagnostic resources. The effect of genetic diagnosis on clinical care requires continued improvements in therapeutic resources for these patients.