bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory profiles in Chilean Mapuche and non-Mapuche women with gallstones at risk of developing gallbladder cancer
Authors: Jackson Sarah S. , Van De Wyngard Vanessa , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Cook Paz , Hildesheim Allan , Pinto Ligia A. , Jackson Sharon H. , Choi Kelvin , Verdugo Ricardo A. , Cuevas Mara , Yáñez Cristian , Tobar-Calfucoy Eduardo , Retamales-Ortega Rocío , Araya Juan Carlos , Ferreccio Catterina , Koshiol Jill
Published: February 2021

Chile has high incidence rates of gallbladder cancer globally, particularly among Amerindian women, who also have a high prevalence of gallstones. We examined differences in inflammatory biomarkers between Mapuche and non-Mapuche women from the Chile Biliary Longitudinal Study, a cohort of women with ultrasound-detected gallstones. We randomly selected 200 Mapuche women frequency matched to non-Mapuche women on age and statin use Inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed using a multiplex assay and linear regression to assess associations of a priori markers (CCL20, CXCL10, IL-6, and IL-8) with ethnicity. Novel biomarkers were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) to identify correlated marker groups, followed by linear regression to examine their association with ethnicity. The mean values of IL-8 were higher in Mapuche than non-Mapuche women (P = 0.04), while CCL20, CXCL10, and IL-6 did not differ significantly by ethnicity. EFA revealed two marker groups associated with ethnicity (P = 0.03 and P < 0.001). SDR analysis confirmed correlation between the biomarkers and ethnicity. We found higher IL-8 levels among Mapuche than non-Mapuche women. Novel inflammatory biomarkers were correlated with ethnicity and should be studied further for their role in gallbladder disease. These findings may elucidate underlying ethnic disparities in gallstones and carcinogenesis among Amerindians.
Tunable absorber embedded with GST mediums and trilayer graphene strip microheaters
Authors: Pourmand M. , Choudhury P. K. , Mohamed Mohd Ambri
Published: February 2021

Investigation was made of the optical response of metal-dielectric stacks-based cavity structures embedded with graphene microheaters for the purpose of perfect absorption. The absorber configuration exploits the Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) phase changing medium, and the effects of different parametric and operational conditions on the absorption spectra were explored. The refractive indices of GST layers can be manipulated by the external electrical pulses applied to microheaters. The amplitude and duration of electrical pulses define the crystallinity ratio of the used GST mediums. The results revealed achieving perfect absorption (> 99%) in the visible and infrared (IR) regimes of the electromagnetic spectrum upon incorporating two thin GST layers of different thicknesses (in the stack) in the amorphous state. The proposed configuration showed the capability of introducing independent transition state (amorphous and/or crystalline) for each GST layer—the visible regime could be extended to the IR regime, and the perfect absorption peak in the IR regime could be broadened and red-shifted. It is expected that the structure would find potential applications in active photonic devices, infrared imaging, detectors and tunable absorbers.
Ultraviolet absorption of contaminants in water
Authors: Spangenberg Martin , Bryant James I. , Gibson Sam J. , Mousley Philip J. , Ramachers Yorck , Bell Gavin R.
Published: February 2021

Contaminants in water were studied using ultraviolet absorption with light emitting diode and deuterium lamp sources, and a thresholding detector. The absorption spectra of potassium hydrogen pthalate, clothianidin, tryptophan, thiamethoxam, uric acid and metaldehyde were obtained in the range 200–360 nm. Only metaldehyde was not suitable for detection in this range. For the other contaminants, and mixtures of pairs of compounds, the transmitted signal could be approximately described with a simple spectral model of the source–absorption–detector system. Combined measurements at two wavelengths could allow relative concentrations in certain mixtures to be determined, and real-time absorption measurements were demonstrated in a flume.
Dually nanocoated planar waveguides towards multi-parameter sensing
Authors: Dominguez Ismel , Del Villar Ignacio , Fuentes Omar , Corres Jesus M. , Matias Ignacio R.
Published: February 2021

The incidence of light on the edge of a glass coverslip for a microscope slide, deposited with a thin film on both faces, permits exciting two resonances in each polarisation state of the input light, TE and TM. This dually nanocoated waveguide can be used for detecting simultaneously two different parameters on the basis of a further deposition of suitable materials on each face. As an example, the possibility of detecting temperature and humidity by using polydimethylsiloxane and agarose coatings, respectively, was demonstrated, which opens the path for the development of other dual-parameter sensors, and for even more parameters in cases in which each face of the coverslip is patterned. Moreover, the device was optimised in order to position two resonances in the near infrared (NIR) and two resonances in the visible region, with sensitivities of 0.34 nm/°C and 0.23 nm/%RH in the visible region and 1.16 nm/°C and 0.34 nm/%RH in the NIR, respectively, demonstrating the possibility of using the device in both spectral ranges and opening the path for the development of sensors based on multiple resonances, each one related to a different parameter to be detected.
Author Correction: A multicentric evaluation of dipstick test for serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Ethiopia and Spain
Authors: Ejazi Sarfaraz Ahmad , Ghosh Sneha , Saha Samiran , Choudhury Somsubhra Thakur , Bhattacharyya Anirban , Chatterjee Mitali , Pandey Krishna , Das V. N. R. , Das Pradeep , Rahaman Mehebubar , Goswami Rama Prosad , Rai Keshav , Khanal Basudha , Bhattarai Narayan Raj , Deepachandi Bhagya , Siriwardana Yamuna Deepani , Karunaweera Nadira D. , deBrito Maria Edileuza Felinto , Gomes Yara de Miranda , Nakazawa Mineo , Costa Carlos Henrique Nery , Adem Emebet , Yeshanew Arega , Melkamu Roma , Fikre Helina , Hurissa Zewdu , Diro Ermias , Carrillo Eugenia , Moreno Javier , Ali Nahid
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Optogenetic stimulation of cholinergic fibers for the modulation of insulin and glycemia
Authors: Fontaine Arjun K. , Ramirez David G. , Littich Samuel F. , Piscopio Robert A. , Kravets Vira , Schleicher Wolfgang E. , Mizoguchi Naoko , Caldwell John H. , Weir Richard F. ff. , Benninger Richard K. P.
Published: February 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated stimulation of endocrine pancreas function by vagal nerve electrical stimulation. While this increases insulin secretion, expected concomitant reductions in circulating glucose do not occur. A complicating factor is the non-specific nature of electrical nerve stimulation. Optogenetic tools, however, provide the potential for cell-type specific neural stimulation using genetic targeting and/or spatially shaped excitation light. Here, we demonstrate light-activated stimulation of the endocrine pancreas by targeting parasympathetic (cholinergic) axons. In a mouse model expressing ChannelRhodopsin2 (ChR2) in cholinergic cells, serum insulin and glucose were measured in response to (1) ultrasound image-guided optical stimulation of axon terminals in the pancreas or (2) optical stimulation of axons of the cervical vagus nerve. Measurements were made in basal-glucose and glucose-stimulated conditions. Significant increases in plasma insulin occurred relative to controls under both pancreas and cervical vagal stimulation, while a rapid reduction in glycemic levels were observed under pancreatic stimulation. Additionally, ultrasound-based measurements of blood flow in the pancreas were increased under pancreatic stimulation. Together, these results demonstrate the utility of in-vivo optogenetics for studying the neural regulation of endocrine pancreas function and suggest its therapeutic potential for the control of insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis.
A Michael addition reaction-based fluorescent probe for malononitrile detection and its applications in aqueous solution, living cells and zebrafish
Authors: Tu Liangping , Liu Jian , Zhang Zichang , Qi Qingrong , Yao Shun , Huang Wencai
Published: February 2021

A fluorescent probe Hcy-DCV with a new sensing mechanism for quick and sensitive detection of malononitrile was developed.
Efficient synthesis and excellent antimicrobial activity of star-shaped cationic polypeptides with improved biocompatibility
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhang Xu , Zhao Ziyin , Yang Fangping , Xue Ruizhong , Yin Lichen , Song Ziyuan , Cheng Jianjun , Luan Shifang , Tang Haoyu
Published: February 2021

Star poly(L-lysine) homo- and copolymers with excellent antimicrobial activity and improved biocompatibility can be readily prepared by the combination of ultra-fast ring opening polymerization and efficient side-chain modification.
The defect chemistry of non-stoichiometric PuO2±x
Authors: Neilson William D. , Pegg James T. , Steele Helen , Murphy Samuel T.
Published: February 2021

An increased knowledge of the chemistry of PuO2 is imperative for the design of procedures to store, dispose, or make use of PuO2.
Investigation of the physical, optical, and chemical properties of phase segregated AlCoOx thin films from a novel hexol-type cluster
Authors: Levine Jordan D. , Sharps Meredith C. , Cochran Elizabeth A. , Marsh David A. , Casey William H. , Johnson Darren W.
Published: February 2021

We report the fabrication and thin film characterization of an aluminum and cobalt mixed metal–oxide film that has been solution deposited from a novel hexol-type inorganic cluster.
Recent progress on pristine metal/covalent-organic frameworks and their composites for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zheng Zi-Jian , Ye Huan , Guo Zai-Ping
Published: February 2021

Recent advances of MOFs/COFs in research towards Li–S batteries in terms of cathodes, electrolytes, separators, and Li anodes have been fully investigated.
Power generation for wearable systems
Authors: Gao Mingyuan , Wang Ping , Jiang Lili , Wang Bowen , Yao Ye , Liu Sheng , Chu Dewei , Cheng Wenlong , Lu Yuerui
Published: February 2021

The mechanisms, figures of merit, and systems for wearable power generation are reviewed in this article. Future perspectives lie in breakthrough technologies of fiber electronics, fully printable, flexible SoC, and IoT-enabled self-awareness systems.
Plant sterol ester of α-linolenic acid ameliorates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice: association with regulating mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress via activating AMPK signaling
Authors: Han Hao , Li Xiaoyu , Guo Yan , Zheng Mingming , Xue Tingli , Wang Linqi
Published: February 2021

Plant sterol ester of α-linolenic acid prevents nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by improving mitochondrial function, modifying lipid metabolism, and inhibiting oxidative stress via AMPK signaling.
Nanoparticles improved resveratrol brain delivery and its therapeutic efficacy against intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Mo Yousheng , Duan Lining , Yang Yuna , Liu Wei , Zhang Ying , Zhou Ligui , Su Shiyu , Lo Po-Chieh , Cai Jiaying , Gao Liqian , Liu Qiao , Chen Xiaojia , Yang Cong , Wang Qi , Chen Tongkai
Published: February 2021

Polymer nanoparticles (NPs) increase resveratrol (Res) oral bioavailability in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the anti-ferroptosis mechanism of Res-NPs.
Core@shell and lateral heterostructures composed of SnS and NbS2
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Wang Xiang , Chen Qian , Wang Xiaoshan , Huang Xiao , Huang Wei
Published: February 2021

The controllable preparation of SnS@NbS2 core@shell and SnS/NbS2 lateral heterostructures were both realized by controlling the reaction kinetics and thus the nucleation and growth sequence of p-type SnS and metallic NbS2.
Enhanced stretchability of metal/interlayer/metal hybrid electrode
Authors: Han Seungseok , Seo Ki-Won , Kim Wansun , Kim Taek-Soo , Lee Jung-Yong
Published: February 2021

Stretchable hybrid electrodes utilizing grain size engineering and hybridization with conductive interlayers are proposed. The conductive interlayers in the hybrid structure affect the crack formation and propagation significantly.
Synthesis of disulfide-bridging trehalose polymers for antibody and Fab conjugation using a bis-sulfone ATRP initiator
Authors: Forsythe Neil L. , Maynard Heather D.
Published: February 2021

Herein is reported a bis-sulfone ATRP initiator capable of inserting into the disulfide bonds of antibodies. Further, we present trehalose methacrylate polymers made with this initiator that effectively stabilize antibodies to heat as conjugates.
Dimension control on self-assembly of a crystalline core-forming polypeptoid block copolymer: 1D nanofibers versus 2D nanosheets
Authors: Wei Yuhan , Liu Fujun , Li Min , Li Zhibo , Sun Jing
Published: February 2021

The balance between the crystallization and solubility of the block copolymer dominates the nanostructures.
A regioselective C7 bromination and C7 palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling arylation of 4-substituted NH-free indazoles
Authors: Boujdi Khalid , El Brahmi Nabil , Graton Jérôme , Dubreuil Didier , Collet Sylvain , Mathé-Allainmat Monique , Akssira Mohamed , Lebreton Jacques , El Kazzouli Saïd
Published: February 2021

A regioselective C7-bromination of 4-substituted 1H-indazoles followed by a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reaction with boronic acids is described.
Catalytically active nanosized Pd9Te4(telluropalladinite) and PdTe (kotulskite) alloys: first precursor-architecture controlled synthesis using palladium complexes of organotellurium compounds as single source precursors
Authors: Arora Aayushi , Oswal Preeti , Rao Gyandshwar K. , Kumar Sushil , Singh Ajai K. , Kumar Arun
Published: February 2021

First precursor-architecture controlled synthesis of Pd9Te4and PdTe nanostructures that have potential applications in Suzuki coupling of 4-chlorobenzaldehyde and catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Gate-bias instability of few-layer WSe2 field effect transistors
Authors: Wen Shaofeng , Lan Changyong , Li Chun , Zhou Sihan , He Tianying , Zhang Rui , Zou Ruisen , Hu Hao , Yin Yi , Liu Yong
Published: February 2021

The performance of the few-layer p-type WSe2-based field effect transistor is sensitive to the environment and gate bias stress.
Metal mobility and toxicity of reclaimed copper smelting fly ash and smelting slag
Authors: Shu Jiancheng , Lei Tianya , Deng Yaling , Chen Mengjun , Zeng Xiangfei , Liu Renlong
Published: February 2021

Copper is a nonferrous metal closely connected to humans.
A Brønsted acidic ionic liquid anchored to magnetite nanoparticles as a novel recoverable heterogeneous catalyst for the Biginelli reaction
Authors: Oboudatian Hourieh Sadat , Naeimi Hossein , Moradian Mohsen
Published: February 2021

In this study, morpholine sulfate acidic ionic liquid bonded on magnetite nanoparticles (Mag@Morph-AIL) has been used as a catalyst for the preparation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones.
Pristine graphene covalent functionalization with aromatic aziridines and their application in the sensing of volatile amines – an ab initio investigation
Authors: Baachaoui Sabrine , Aldulaijan Sarah , Raouafi Fayçal , Besbes Rafaa , Sementa Luca , Fortunelli Alessandro , Raouafi Noureddine , Dhouib Adnene
Published: February 2021

Simulations show that the total volatile basic amines (TVB) from spoiled fish can be sensed by aziridine-functionalized graphene nanomaterials to induce substantial changes in the physical properties.
Sb nanosheet modified separator for Li–S batteries with excellent electrochemical performance
Authors: Zeng Linchao , Zhu Jianhui , Liu Minsu , Zhang Peixin
Published: February 2021

Antimony nanosheet modified separator is prepared for high performance Li–S batteries for the first time.
Universal endogenous antibody recruiting nanobodies capable of triggering immune effectors for targeted cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Hong Haofei , Li Chen , Gong Liang , Wang Jinfeng , Li Dan , Shi Jie , Zhou Zhifang , Huang Zhaohui , Wu Zhimeng
Published: February 2021

Universal endogenous antibody recruiting nanobodies (UEAR Nbs), composed of IgGs binding domain and nanobody, could redirect endogenous IgGs onto target cell surfaces and evoke potent immune responses to eliminate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
Intrinsic activity modulation and structural design of NiFe alloy catalysts for an efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Kang Qiaoling , Lai Dawei , Tang Wenyin , Lu Qingyi , Gao Feng
Published: February 2021

Effective strategies to increase the intrinsic activity by electronic modulation and to increase the number of active sites by structural design are discussed for improving the oxygen evolution activities of NiFe alloys.
Two-step melting of the Weeks–Chandler–Anderson system in two dimensions
Authors: Khali Shubhendu Shekhar , Chakraborty Dipanjan , Chaudhuri Debasish
Published: February 2021

We present a detailed numerical simulation study of a two-dimensional system of particles interacting via the Weeks–Chandler–Anderson potential, the repulsive part of the Lennard-Jones potential.
Selective nucleation and targeted deposition effect of lithium in a lithium-metal host anode
Authors: Zhao Yun , Chen Bingbing , Xia Shuhui , Yu Jianyong , Yan Jianhua , Ding Bin
Published: February 2021

In this work, we report an interesting selective nucleation and targeted deposition effect of lithium in F-enriched macropores of carbon nanofibers.
Polymer-based hybrid battery electrolytes: theoretical insights, recent advances and challenges
Authors: Popovic Jelena , Brandell Daniel , Ohno Sanyeuki , Hatzell Kelsey B. , Zheng Jin , Hu Yan-Yan
Published: February 2021

This review provides the guiding summary of various ion transport mechanisms and the methods to track them in polymer-based hybrid battery electrolytes.
Ultra-thin quaternized polybenzimidazole anion exchange membranes with throughout OH− conducive highway networks for high-performance fuel cells
Authors: Wang Xiaozhou , Chen Wanting , Li Tiantian , Yan Xiaoming , Zhang Yang , Zhang Fan , Wu Xuemei , Pang Bo , Li Jiannan , He Gaohong
Published: February 2021

Throughout ion conducive highway networks in AEMs is proposed to overcome the OH− conduction barrier in a hydrophobic matrix.
Observation of inflammation-induced mitophagy during stroke by a mitochondria-targeting two-photon ratiometric probe
Authors: Cheng Fei , Qiang Taotao , Ren Longfang , Liang Tianyu , Gao Xiaoyang , Wang Baoshuai , Hu Wei
Published: February 2021

The probe we developed is the first visual tool capable of accurate real-time monitoring of mitophagy during stroke.
Effect of polymeric excipients on nucleation and crystal growth kinetics of amorphous fluconazole
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Zhengyu , Wu Haomin , Cai Ting
Published: February 2021

Three chemically distinct polymeric excipients show significantly different effects on the nucleation and crystal growth kinetics of amorphous fluconazole, a classical antifungal drug.
Metal–support interaction-modulated catalytic activity of Ru nanoparticles on Sm2O3 for efficient ammonia decomposition
Authors: Zhang Xilun , Liu Lin , Feng Ji , Ju Xiaohua , Wang Jiemin , He Teng , Chen Ping
Published: February 2021

The activity of Ru/Sm2O3 catalyst for ammonia decomposition can be greatly improved by modulating the metal–support interaction of the catalyst.
The reactivity of an inorganic glass melt with ZIF-8
Authors: Longley Louis , Calahoo Courtney , Southern Thomas J. F. , Evans Rachel C. , Wondraczek Lothar , Bennett Thomas D.
Published: February 2021

We characterise mixtures of ZIF-8 and sodium fluoroaluminophosphate glass, this provides a framework for evaluating crystalline MOF inorganic glass pairings.
A DNA nanosensor for monitoring ligand-induced i-motif formation
Authors: Saha Puja , Panda Deepanjan , Paul Raj , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: February 2021

A GNP-based DNA nanosensor has been developed that identifies i-motif inducing ligands at physiological pH from a chemical library.
Ferromagnetic alloy for high-efficiency photovoltaic conversion in solar cells: first-principles insights when doping SnO2 rutile with coupled Eu–Gd
Authors: Lamrani A. Fakhim
Published: February 2021

A material design of half-metallic ferromagnetic semiconductors based on (Eu, Gd)-doped SnO2 rutile is proposed for High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Conversion in solar cells.
Self-assembly of an imidazolium surfactant in aprotic ionic liquids. 2. More than solvents
Authors: Zhuang Wenchang , Zhao Chunhua , Pan Yue , Li Qintang
Published: February 2021

Rich aggregation behaviours can be observed in the aprotic–protic ionic liquids of small Gordon parameters.
Metal-ionic-conductor potassium ferrite nanocrystals with intrinsic superhydrophilic surfaces for electrocatalytic water splitting at ultrahigh current densities
Authors: Jian Juan , Chen Wei , Zeng Decheng , Chang Limin , Zhang Ran , Jiang Mingcheng , Yu Guangtao , Huang Xuri , Yuan Hongming , Feng Shouhua
Published: February 2021

Metal-ionic-conductor K2Fe4O7 (KFO) with instinct superhydrophilic properties was hydrothermally grown on nickel foam (NF), the formed binder-free nano-KFO/NF can deliver extremely large current density for water splitting.
Atomic layer deposition of chalcogenides for next-generation phase change memory
Authors: Lee Yoon Kyeung , Yoo Chanyoung , Kim Woohyun , Jeon Jeong Woo , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: February 2021

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of chalcogenides is an essential technique for low-power and high-capacity phase-change memory. This review provides an overview on the recent progress in the ALD of chalcogenides including Ge–Sb–Te and Ge–Se alloys.
Development of a mutation hotspot detection kit for the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene by ARMS-PCR combined with fluorescent probe technology
Authors: Qiang Rong , Wang Lin , He JinHua , Xu Wei Jie , Li Wei , Cai Na , Wang Xiao Bin , Zhang RuiXue , Zhang Li Ping , Ma Xiao Ping , Wei Chen , Song ChengRong , Yu WenWen , Wang Xiang , Li Xu
Published: February 2021

To develop a screening kit for detecting mutation hotspots of the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene. Thirteen exons of the PAH gene were sequenced in 84 cases with phenylketonuria (PKU) diagnosed during neonatal genetic and metabolic disease screening in Shaanxi province, and their mutations were analyzed. We designed and developed a screening kit to detect nine mutation sites covering more than 50% of the PAH mutations found in Shaanxi province (c.728G>A, c.1197A>T, c.331C>T, c.1068C>A, c.611A>G, c.1238G>C, c.721C>T, c.442-1G>A, and c.158G>A) by using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) combined with fluorescent probe technology. Peripheral blood and dried blood samples from PKU families were used for clinical verification of the newly developed kit. PAH gene mutations were detected in 84 children diagnosed with PKU. A total of 159 mutant alleles were identified, consisting of 100 missense mutations, 28 shear mutations, 24 nonsense mutations, and 7 deletion mutations. Exon 7 had the highest mutation frequency (32.08%). Among them, the mutation frequency of p.R243Q was the highest, accounting for 20.13% of all mutations, followed by p.R111X, IVS4-1G>A, EX6-96A>G, and p.R413P; these five loci accounted for 47.17% (75/159) of all mutations. In addition, we identified three previously unreported PAH gene mutations (p.C334X, p.G46D, and p.G256D). Fifteen mutation sites were identified in the 47 PAH carriers identified by next-generation sequencing (NGS), which were verified by the newly developed kit, with an agreement rate of 100%. This newly developed kit based on ARMS-PCR combined with fluorescent probe technology can be used to detect common PAH gene mutations.
Oxytocin signalling in dendritic cells regulates immune tolerance in the intestine and alleviates DSS-induced colitis
Authors: Dou Dandan , Liang Jinghui , Zhai Xiangyu , Li Guosheng , Wang Hongjuan , Han Liying , Lin Lin , Ren Yifei , Liu Shilian , Liu Chuanyong , Guo Wei , Li Jingxin
Published: February 2021

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is associated with immune dysfunction. Recent studies have indicated that the neurosecretory hormone oxytocin (OXT) has been proven to alleviate experimental colitis.

Methods: We investigated the role of OXT/OXT receptor (OXTR) signalling in dendritic cells (DCs) using mice with specific OXTR deletion in CD11c+ cells (OXTRflox/flox×CD11c-cre mice) and a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model.

Results: The level of OXT was abnormal in the serum or colon tissue of DSS-induced colitis mice or the plasma of UC patients. Both bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) and lamina propria DCs (LPDCs) express OXTR. Knocking out OXTR in DCs exacerbated DSS-induced acute and chronic colitis in mice. In contrast, the injection of OXT-pretreated DCs significantly ameliorated colitis. Mechanistically, OXT prevented DC maturation through the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (Pi3K)/AKT pathway and promoted phagocytosis, adhesion and cytokine modulation in DCs. Furthermore, OXT pre-treated DCs prevent CD4+ T cells differentiation to T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that OXT-induced tolerogenic DCs efficiently protect against experimental colitis via Pi3K/AKT pathway. Our work provides evidence that the nervous system participates in the immune regulation of colitis by modulating DCs. Our findings suggest that generating ex vivo DCs pretreated with OXT opens new therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of UC in humans.
Operationalizing Culturally Responsive Research Practices: Documenting the Communication Skills of Children With Confirmed or Possible Exposure to the Zika Virus in Saint Lucia, West Indies
Authors: Lindsay Nurse Keisha T. , Gardner Kim , Brea Maria R.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe a culturally responsive research investigation of communication and interaction skills in Saint Lucian children impacted by the Zika virus (ZIKV).

Method

Both quantitative and qualitative data collection strategies that align with positivist and interpretivist strategies were used to gain knowledge about communication and interaction development in a cohort of children impacted by ZIKV in Saint Lucia. Thirty participants received a neurodevelopmental assessment, which included a medical assessment, caregiver interview, participant observation, and data collection using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development–Third Edition. Twenty-six participants in the cohort received a communication and interaction assessment, which included a caregiver interview, participant observation, and data collection using the Rossetti Infant–Toddler Language Scale.

Results

Approximately half of our cohort demonstrated typical neurodevelopment, including typical communication and interaction skills, and half demonstrated delays in neurodevelopmental domains, including communication and interaction. Qualitatively, parents expressed a need for resources about mental health, emotional well-being, financial assistance, and peer support.

Conclusions

There is a continued need to create knowledge about the impact of ZIKV on communication and interaction development in children worldwide. Moreover, culturally responsive research components should be included in research training programs in communication sciences and disorders.
Location for single‐phase grounding fault in distribution network based on equivalent admittance distortion rate
Authors: Chen Yougen , Yin Junbo , Li Zhiyong , Wei Renyong
Published: February 2021

To solve the problem of difficult location (especially high grounding resistances) for single‐phase grounding faults in distribution networks, a fault location method based on equivalent admittance distortion rate is proposed in this paper. The equivalent admittance distortion rates are first obtained by measuring the pre‐fault and post‐fault equivalent admittances of each phase, each feeder and each section. Then the phase with the largest equivalent admittance distortion rate in each phase is determined as the fault phase, the feeder with the largest equivalent admittance distortion rate in each feeder is determined as the fault feeder, and the section with the largest equivalent admittance distortion rate in each section is determined as the fault section. Moreover, a fault identification strategy for single‐phase grounding faults is proposed to improve the robustness of this method. By measuring bus voltages and currents before and after faults, the fault type with only one‐phase in which voltage decreased and current increased is identified as single‐phase grounding faults. Compared with the existing methods, simulation results show that the proposed method is simple to implement and has strong robustness to high grounding resistances, long grounding distances and interference harmonics.
Kullback‐Leibler divergence based differential protection scheme for shunt compensated transmission line
Authors: Biswal Sandeep , Tajdinian Mohsen , Adly Ahmed. R. , Patidar Ram Dayal , Bhoi Akash Kumar , Rathore Natwar Singh
Published: February 2021

Conventional transmission line protection algorithms may experience delay or even mal‐operation in presence of shunt compensation due to various non‐fault transient disturbances. This paper presents a time‐domain differential protection technique based on Kullback–Leibler divergence with thresholding logic for mid‐point static synchronous compensator compensated transmission system. A detection index for each phase currents are computed in order to discrimination the fault and non‐fault scenarios. Different structure of power systems modelled using EMTDC/PSCAD are simulated to generate numerous numbers of test cases in order to evaluate the applicability of the proposed differential protection logic. Proposed method is also efficient to differentiate the faults during various non‐fault events like capacitor switching, sudden load change, power swing, and current transformer saturation including external fault cases. Results and comparative assessment with recently proposed time‐frequency and commercial current differential relaying reports demonstrate the efficacy and robustness of the proposed technique. The results confirmed the accurate operation of the proposed protection technique.
Performance analysis of a data‐offloading approach based on software‐defined networking for heterogeneous networks
Authors: Romero Avendaño Sebastian , Sánchez Huertas Jann Camilo , Puerto Leguizamón Gustavo Adolfo
Published: February 2021

This study presents the performance evaluation of a data‐offloading algorithm developed and implemented in the framework of a software‐defined network (SDN). The algorithm senses the network congestion and takes into account the constraints imposed to the throughput and delay in order to command a data offloading operation from the current active interface to another one available in a given host. Both, emulation and experimental demonstration of the approach were implemented in the open network operating systems in which multimedia services were transported within the SDN environment and assessed in terms of the algorithm parameters configuration. The experimental demonstration confirms the feasibility of the proposed algorithm to offload the traffic of a given data stream to a less congested available interface or network.
Single saturated PD control for asymptotic attitude stabilisation of spacecraft
Authors: Su Yuxin , Zheng Chunhong
Published: February 2021

This study revisits the problem of attitude stabilisation for rigid spacecraft with actuator constraints in the framework of non‐linear proportional–derivative (PD) control methodology. A simple single saturated PD (SSPD) control is proposed. The most appealing features of the proposed SSPD control are that it completely embeds the control action within only a single saturation function for every actuator and omits the elaborate discrimination of the terms that shall be bounded for the commonly‐used saturated control and hence it is easy for practical implementation with an improved performance. Lyapunov's direct method is employed to show asymptotic attitude stabilisation. Two illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the improved performance of the proposed approach.
Multi‐rate sampled‐data algorithm for leader–follower flocking
Authors: Yazdani Sahar , Haeri Mohammad , Su Housheng
Published: February 2021

This work presents a new algorithm for flocking with a virtual leader by introducing a new sampling scenario, so‐called multi‐rate sampling. In the multi‐rate sampling, the period of receiving data from different sources is different, but the updating time for all individuals is the same. Here, the authors assume that the period of receiving data from neighbour agents is T, and that from the virtual leader is an integer multiple of it, that is, mT. An upper bound for period T is attained from the upper bound of the energy function that guarantees the neighbouring network to be connected and collision to be avoided between agents. Also, an upper bound on m, which ensures the velocity of informed and uninformed agents to tend the virtual leader's velocity, is derived. The convergence analysis demonstrates that whatever the acquiring period of the virtual leader's information mT is further, then the convergence rate of the group's velocity to the virtual leader's velocity will be greater. Finally, to show the validity of the results, they present a simulation.
Study of Vernier permanent magnet machine with the dual rotor, toroidal winding and ferrite magnet on both sides of stator and rotor
Authors: Yang Yubo , Wang Ying , Zhu Changqing , Wang Xiuhe , Zhang Ran
Published: February 2021

A dual‐rotor permanent magnet Vernier machine (DRPMVM) with permanent magnets (PMs) on both sides of the rotor and stator is proposed and studied here. The configuration and working principle are provided, then the expression of coil‐side voltage is obtained based on the rotating harmonics of the air gap flux density. The effects of the rotor slot number on the amplitudes and phase differences of the voltage components are explored, and suitable combinations of the stator and rotor slot numbers are selected. The impact of the rotor and stator PMs on the voltage is also compared. Different coil connection methods are adopted for the DRPMVM with 12‐stator slot and 10‐rotor slot, and the back electromotive force, d‐ and q‐axes inductances, and torque‐speed characteristics are compared. Using the finite element method, the effect of the main parameters, including slot and yoke width on the average torque and torque ripple are then studied. Finally, a prototype machine is produced and tested to verify the conclusions.
Advanced automation system for charging electric vehicles based on machine vision and finite element method
Authors: Talaat M. , Arafa I. , Metwally H.M.B.
Published: February 2021

Electric vehicle (EV) technology proposed itself as a great solution for the predictable shortage in traditional energy sources. Using wireless power transfer (WPT) technology for charging the battery can be considered as a good solution to overcome the battery charging time problem. The considered WPT technique in this research is an inductive magnetic resonance (IMR). The problem now is to design a smart controller system that enables the EVs to obtain the optimum value of WPT by using the machine vision and the technology of Internet of Things (IOT). The utilisation technique of the maximum WPT in this research based on the simulation study of the magnetic flux density between the sending and receiving coils of the WPT system. Maximum efficiency of IMR method depends directly on the ideality of coils alignment. To achieve this alignment, a smart controller has been introduced with four integrated controlling layers. Coordinating an image processing technique with smart embedded sensing elements is considered the main solution key to better positioning. National instrument packages NI LabVIEW and NI vision are considered to fully control the system. NI Data Dashboard enables creating a wireless link using the concept of IOT to a smartphone running simple graphical user interface.
Influence of design parameters on flux‐weakening performance of interior permanent magnet machines with novel semi‐overlapping windings
Authors: Gundogdu Tayfun , Komurgoz Guven
Published: February 2021

This study performs a design and parametric study of interior permanent‐magnet (IPM) machines equipped with novel semi‐overlapping windings (NSWs). The influence of the key design parameters including; number of turns per phase, stack length, distance and angle between V‐shaped magnets, rotor yoke thickness, magnetic bridge width and thickness and number of magnet segments on the flux‐weakening (FW) performance characteristics are evaluated in detail. The influence of material of segmentation (material of bridge namely, air or iron) is also considered. A combination of analytical calculation‐based program and a time‐stepping 2D finite‐element analysis based program are employed to evaluate the FW characteristics. The accuracy of the FW calculations, particularly the performance at high‐speed regions, is verified over changes in torque components; namely reluctance and permanent magnet (PM), inductance components, PM flux coefficient and inverse saliency ratio due to the change in considered design parameter. The electromagnetic torque, torque ripple, output power and FW capability are investigated by parametric analyses. Moreover, the power losses and efficiency maps together FW curves are calculated for the optimal NSW IPM machine. The experimental measurements, taken from manufactured prototype, verify that the performed analyses and methods described in this study are accurate and reliable.
New DTR line selection method in a power system comprising DTR, ESS, and RES for increasing RES integration and minimising load shedding
Authors: Shalchi Ali , Abbasi Maysam , Abbasi Ehsan , Tousi Behrouz , Gharehpetian Gevork B.
Published: February 2021

In this study, new technologies such as dynamic thermal rating (DTR) technology and energy storage system (ESS) are simultaneously used to optimise the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) and minimise the load shedding. For achieving the mentioned aims, a new method is proposed to select the candidate lines for the implementation of DTR technologies. The DTR technology is responsible for increasing lines limited capacity. Moreover, optimally placed and sized ESSs save RESs generated power in non‐peak‐hours and inject it to the network in peak hours. For validating the performance of the proposed solution, comprehensive simulations are performed in several stages on IEEE RTS‐24‐ and 30‐bus test systems networks. To meet the increased power demand, RESs (wind and solar) are optimally allocated by using the genetic algorithm (GA) in the test systems. Then, ESS devices are optimally sized and placed by using GA. Finally, candidate lines are selected based on the proposed method and DTR devices are added to the systems. Comprehensive comparisons are presented for comparing the previously presented solutions and the proposed one. It is proved that using DTR technology and ESSs along with the proposed line selection method is the superior solution for system operators.
State‐of‐the‐art review on power system resilience and assessment techniques
Authors: Afzal Suhail , Mokhlis Hazlie , Illias Hazlee Azil , Mansor Nurulafiqah Nadzirah , Shareef Hussain
Published: February 2021

Modern societies these days are more dependent on electrical energy and they expect a continuous supply as per demand. In this regard, the complex power system is designed to supply electrical energy with a certain level of quality and continuity though it is still susceptible to vandalism, natural disasters, and extreme weather. The black sky event where the power grid goes down is more of a possibility nowadays than ever due to more frequent severe weather events. This in turn has increased the need to study resilience in the context of the power system. This study presents a comprehensive review of the literature on power system resilience from various perspectives. First, well‐developed power system safety concepts are discussed and critically reviewed in view of large‐scale power outages. Then, the various definitions and confounding features of resilience in the power system domain are presented. Subsequently, several frameworks, resilience curves, and quantitative metrics proposed in recent years for power system resilience are investigated, followed by a summary of hardening strategies. Next, a case study is presented to illustrate how the resilience of a 69‐bus system is assessed against a hurricane. Finally, the study highlights challenges and proposes several future works to achieve a resilient power grid.
Vehicle safety analysis at non‐signalised intersections at different penetration rates of collision warning systems
Authors: Liu Yicong , Wang Jianqiang , Chen Chaoyi , Xu Qing , Li Lingxi
Published: February 2021

The market penetration of intelligent vehicles is a long‐term process. In recent years, significant attention has been paid to the influence of technology market penetration rate (MPR) on efficiency at signalised intersections, but little attention has been given to such an influence on safety at non‐signalised intersections. In this study, the influence of the intersection collision warning (ICW) system MPR on safety at non‐signalised intersections is investigated. The authors built a Matlab‐based simulation platform where an ICW algorithm was implemented. The simulation was firstly conducted to verify their models. Then the simulation results of different MPRs were obtained and compared statistically. Collision probability, conflict index, and collision rate were analysed for safety evaluation. The overall results showed that vehicle safety at non‐signalised intersections improves with the increase of the ICW system MPR. Without considerations of inappropriateness and otherness of driver reaction to warnings, when the MPR is 20% and all vehicles are connected by vehicle‐to‐everything, the collision probability, conflict index, and collision rate can be reduced by around 20, 20, and 35%, respectively. The simulation method can establish a mapping relation between the ICW system MPRs and vehicle safety indices at non‐signalised intersections.
Driver identification using 1D convolutional neural networks with vehicular CAN signals
Authors: Hu Hongyu , Liu Jiarui , Gao Zhenhai , Wang Pin
Published: February 2021

This study proposes a deep learning framework for driver identity identification by extracting information from the vehicular controller area network (CAN) bus signals. First, naturalistic driving data of 20 drivers were collected under a fixed testing route with different road types and different traffic conditions. Then, a one‐dimensional convolutional neural network was constructed for driver identification, which consists of two convolutional‐pooling layers, a fully connected layer, and a SoftMax layer. Model optimisation algorithms were applied to improve accuracy and speed up the training process. Also, the model parameters were optimised by evaluating their influences on the model results. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed algorithm was compared with that of the K‐nearest neighbour, support vector machine, multi‐layer perceptron, and long short‐term memory model. The authors used the score as an evaluation criterion and the identification score of the authors' proposed model reaches 99.10% under 20 testing subjects where the data time window size is one second and the sample data overlap is 80%. The results show that the model's performance is significantly better than the other algorithms, which can effectively identify driver identities with stability and robustness.
Coordinated decisions of discretionary lane change between connected and automated vehicles on freeways: a game theory‐based lane change strategy
Authors: Zheng Yuan , Ding Wanting , Ran Bin , Qu Xu , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2021

Discretionary lane change is an essential part of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) on freeway segments. Most existing studies were conducted to optimise the individual decision of discretionary lane change of CAVs. However, the effects of motion states and discretionary lane change decisions from the surrounding vehicles via vehicle to vehicle communication were ignored. To address such a problem, a game theory‐based lane change strategy is proposed to collaborate and optimise decisions of discretionary lane change between the CAVs. The payoff functions are formulated for three types of decision games and the payoff of each decision is quantitatively calculated considering the state information of surrounding vehicles. The Nash equilibrium is applied to find the optimal decision set for players. A simulation platform of a CAV environment built is used to conduct the simulation experiments. Various metrics are employed to evaluate the proposed strategy, such as total travel delay, surrogate safety measurement and wave number. The results show that the proposed lane change strategy using a game‐theoretical approach can effectively improve traffic operation, safety and oscillations compared to the baseline strategy. The proposed lane change strategy can further benefit the implementations of the CAVs.
2‐dimensional human‐like driver model for autonomous vehicles in mixed traffic
Authors: Sharath Mysore N. , Velaga Nagendra R. , Quddus Mohammed A.
Published: February 2021

Classical artificial potential approach of motion planning is extended for emulating human driving behaviour in two dimensions. Different stimulus parameters including type of ego‐vehicle, type of obstacles, relative velocity, relative acceleration, and lane offset are used. All the surrounding vehicles are considered to influence drivers' decisions. No emphasis is laid on vehicle control; instead, an ego vehicle is assumed to reach the desired state. The study is on human‐like driving behaviour modelling. The developed motion planning algorithm formulates repulsive and attractive potentials in a data‐driven way in contrast to the classical arbitrary formulation. Interaction between the stimulus parameters is explicitly considered by using multivariate cumulative distribution functions. Comparison of two‐dimensional (lateral and longitudinal) performance indicators with a baseline model and generative adversarial networks indicate the effectiveness and suitability of the developed motion planning algorithm in the mixed traffic environment.