bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome and translatome profiles of Streptomyces species in different growth phases
Authors: Kim Woori , Hwang Soonkyu , Lee Namil , Lee Yongjae , Cho Suhyung , Palsson Bernhard , Cho Byung-Kwan
Published: May 2020

Streptomyces are efficient producers of various bioactive compounds, which are mostly synthesized by their secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (smBGCs). The smBGCs are tightly controlled by complex regulatory systems at transcriptional and translational levels to effectively utilize precursors that are supplied by primary metabolism. Thus, dynamic changes in gene expression in response to cellular status at both the transcriptional and translational levels should be elucidated to directly reflect protein levels, rapid downstream responses, and cellular energy costs. In this study, RNA-Seq and ribosome profiling were performed for five industrially important Streptomyces species at different growth phases, for the deep sequencing of total mRNA, and only those mRNA fragments that are protected by translating ribosomes, respectively. Herein, 12.0 to 763.8 million raw reads were sufficiently obtained with high quality of more than 80% for the Phred score Q30 and high reproducibility. These data provide a comprehensive understanding of the transcriptional and translational landscape across the Streptomyces species and contribute to facilitating the rational engineering of secondary metabolite production.
Association Between Seasonal Influenza and Absolute Humidity: Time-Series Analysis with Daily Surveillance Data in Japan
Authors: Shimmei Keita , Nakamura Takahiro , Ng Chris Fook Sheng , Hashizume Masahiro , Murakami Yoshitaka , Maruyama Aya , Misaki Takako , Okabe Nobuhiko , Nishiwaki Yuji
Published: May 2020

Seasonal influenza epidemics are associated with various meteorological factors. Recently absolute humidity (AH) has garnered attention, and some epidemiological studies show an association between AH and human influenza infection. However, they mainly analyzed weekly surveillance data, and daily data remains largely unexplored despite its potential benefits. In this study, we analyze daily influenza surveillance data using a distributed lag non-linear model to examine the association of AH with the number of influenza cases and the magnitude of the association. Additionally, we investigate how adjustment for seasonality and autocorrelation in the model affect results. All models used in the study showed a significant increase in the number of influenza cases as AH decreased, although the magnitude of the association differed substantially by model. Furthermore, we found that relative risk reached a peak at lag 10–14 with extremely low AH. To verify these findings, further analysis should be conducted using data from other locations.
Type 2 diabetes impacts colorectal adenoma detection in screening colonoscopy
Authors: Ottaviano Lorenzo F. , Li Xueying , Murray Matthew , Frye Jesse T. , Lung Brandon E. , Zhang Ying Yi , Yang Jie , Taub Erin M. , Bucobo Juan Carlos , Buscaglia Jonathan M. , Li Ellen , Miller Joshua D.
Published: May 2020

Background: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We conducted a retrospective analysis of adenoma detection rates (ADR) in initial screening colonoscopies to further investigate the role of diabetes in adenoma detection. Methods: A chart review was performed on initial average risk screening colonoscopies (ages 45–75) during 2012–2015. Data collected included basic demographics, insurance, BMI, family history of CRC, smoking, diabetes, and aspirin use. Multivariable generalized linear mixed models for binary outcomes were used to examine the relationship between diabetes and variables associated with CRC risk and ADR. Results: Of 2865 screening colonoscopies, 282 were performed on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Multivariable analysis suggested that T2DM (OR = 1.49, 95% CI:1.13–1.97, p = 0.0047) was associated with an increased ADR, as well as smoking, older age, higher BMI and male sex (all p < 0.05). For patients with T2DM, those not taking diabetes medications were more likely to have an adenoma than those taking medication (OR = 2.38, 95% CI:1.09–5.2, p = 0.03). Conclusion: T2DM has an effect on ADR after controlling for multiple confounding variables. Early interventions for prevention of T2DM and prescribing anti-diabetes medications may reduce development of colonic adenomas and may contribute to CRC prevention.
Superhydrophobicity and size reduction enabled Halobates (Insecta: Heteroptera, Gerridae) to colonize the open ocean
Authors: Mahadik G. A. , Hernandez-Sanchez J. F. , Arunachalam S. , Gallo A. , Cheng L. , Farinha A. S. , Thoroddsen S. T. , Mishra H. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: May 2020

Despite the remarkable evolutionary success of insects at colonizing every conceivable terrestrial and aquatic habitat, only fiveHalobates(Heteroptera: Gerridae) species (~0.0001% of all known insect species) have succeeded at colonizing the open ocean – the largest biome on Earth. This remarkable evolutionary achievement likely required unique adaptations for them to survive and thrive in the challenging oceanic environment. For the first time, we explore the morphology and behavior of an open-oceanHalobates germanusand a related coastal speciesH. hayanusto understand mechanisms of these adaptations. We provide direct experimental evidence based on high-speed videos which reveal thatHalobatesexploit their specialized and self-groomed body hair to achieve extreme water repellence, which facilitates rapid skating and plastron respiration under water. Moreover, the grooming behavior and presence of cuticular wax aids in the maintenance of superhydrophobicity. Further, reductions of their body mass and size enable them to achieve impressive accelerations (~400 ms−2) and reaction times (~12 ms) to escape approaching predators or environmental threats and are crucial to their survival under harsh marine conditions. These findings might also inspire rational strategies for developing liquid-repellent surfaces for drag reduction, water desalination, and preventing bio-fouling.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Comparing ion transport in ionic liquids and polymerized ionic
liquids
Authors: Xiao Wangchuan , Yang Quan , Zhu Shenlin
Published: May 2020

Polymerized ionic liquids (polyILs) combine the unique properties of
ionic liquids (ILs) with macromolecular polymers. But anion diffusivities in polyILs
can be three orders of magnitude lower than that in ILs. Endeavors to improve ion
transport in polyILs urgently need in-depth insights of ion transport in polyILs. As
such in the work we compared ion transport in poly
(1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium-tetrafluoroborate) (poly
([BVIM]-[BF4])) polyIL and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium
tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]-[BF4]) IL. The diffusivities of
ions in the polyIL and IL were measured and computed. According to the results of
the molecular dynamics simulations performed, in the IL the coupling motion between
an anion and the ions around determines the ion diffusivities, and the ion
association lifetime gives the time scale of ion transport. But in the polyIL, the
hopping of an anion among cages composed of cationic branch chains determines the
diffusivity, and the associated anion transport time scale is the trap time, which
is the time when an anion is caught inside a cage, not the ion association lifetime,
as Mogurampelly et al. regarded. The calculation
results of average displacements (ADs) of the polyIL chains show that, besides free
volume fraction, average amplitudes of the oscillation of chains and chain
translation speed lead to various diffusivities at various temperatures.
Genome-wide 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) emerges at early stage of in vitro differentiation of a putative hepatocyte progenitor
Authors: Rodríguez-Aguilera Jesús Rafael , Ecsedi Szilvia , Goldsmith Chloe , Cros Marie-Pierre , Domínguez-López Mariana , Guerrero-Celis Nuria , Pérez-Cabeza de Vaca Rebeca , Chemin Isabelle , Recillas-Targa Félix , Chagoya de Sánchez Victoria , Hernández-Vargas Héctor
Published: May 2020

A basic question linked to differential patterns of gene expression is how cells reach different fates despite using the same DNA template. Since 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) emerged as an intermediate metabolite in active DNA demethylation, there have been increasing efforts to elucidate its function as a stable modification of the genome, including a role in establishing such tissue-specific patterns of expression. Recently we described TET1-mediated enrichment of 5hmC on the promoter region of the master regulator of hepatocyte identity, HNF4A, which precedes differentiation of liver adult progenitor cells in vitro. Here, we studied the genome-wide distribution of 5hmC at early in vitro differentiation of human hepatocyte-like cells. We found a global increase in 5hmC as well as a drop in 5-methylcytosine after one week of in vitro differentiation from bipotent progenitors, at a time when the liver transcript program is already established. 5hmC was overall higher at the bodies of overexpressed genes. Furthermore, by modifying the metabolic environment, an adenosine derivative prevents 5hmC enrichment and impairs the acquisition of hepatic identity markers. These results suggest that 5hmC could be a marker of cell identity, as well as a useful biomarker in conditions associated with cell de-differentiation such as liver malignancies.
Automatically Enhanced OCT Scans of the Retina: A proof of concept study
Authors: Apostolopoulos Stefanos , Salas Jazmín , Ordóñez José L. P. , Tan Shern Shiou , Ciller Carlos , Ebneter Andreas , Zinkernagel Martin , Sznitman Raphael , Wolf Sebastian , De Zanet Sandro , Munk Marion R.
Published: May 2020

In this work we evaluated a postprocessing, customized automatic retinal OCT B-scan enhancement software for noise reduction, contrast enhancement and improved depth quality applicable to Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis OCT devices. A trained deep neural network was used to process images from an OCT dataset with ground truth biomarker gradings. Performance was assessed by the evaluation of two expert graders who evaluated image quality for B-scan with a clear preference for enhanced over original images. Objective measures such as SNR and noise estimation showed a significant improvement in quality. Presence grading of seven biomarkers IRF, SRF, ERM, Drusen, RPD, GA and iRORA resulted in similar intergrader agreement. Intergrader agreement was also compared with improvement in IRF and RPD, and disagreement in high variance biomarkers such as GA and iRORA.
Aluminium in human brain tissue from donors without neurodegenerative disease: A comparison with Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and autism
Authors: Exley Christopher , Clarkson Elizabeth
Published: May 2020

A burgeoning number of studies are demonstrating aluminium in human brain tissue. While research has both quantified and imaged aluminium in human brain tissue in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disease there are few similar data for brain tissue from non-neurologically impaired donors. We have used microwave assisted acid digestion and transversely heated graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry to measure aluminium in twenty brains from donors without recognisable neurodegenerative disease. The aluminium content of 191 tissue samples was invariably low with over 80% of tissues having an aluminium content below 1.0 μg/g dry weight of tissue. The data for these control tissues were compared with data (measured using identical procedures) for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, familial Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis. Detailed statistical analyses showed that aluminium was significantly increased in each of these disease groups compared to control tissues. We have confirmed previous conclusions that the aluminium content of brain tissue in Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis is significantly elevated. Further research is required to understand the role played by high levels of aluminium in the aetiology of human neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disease.
Pemafibrate, a selective PPARα modulator, prevents non-alcoholic steatohepatitis development without reducing the hepatic triglyceride content
Authors: Sasaki Yusuke , Asahiyama Masato , Tanaka Toshiya , Yamamoto Shogo , Murakami Kentaro , Kamiya Wakana , Matsumura Yoshihiro , Osawa Tsuyoshi , Anai Motonobu , Fruchart Jean-Charles , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Sakai Juro , Kodama Tatsuhiko
Published: May 2020

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by macrovesicular steatosis with ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, diffused lobular inflammation, and fibrosis. PPAR ligands are promising therapeutic agents in NASH; accordingly, we evaluated the effects of the first clinically available selective PPARα modulator, pemafibrate. We found that pemafibrate improves F4/80-positive macrophage accumulation, ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, and the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score without affecting triglyceride (TG) accumulation in the liver of a mouse model of NASH (STAM). A global gene expression analysis indicated that pemafibrate enhances TG hydrolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation as well as re-esterification from dihydroxyacetone 3-phosphate and monoacylglycerol to TG. These changes are accompanied by the induction of genes involved in lipolysis and lipid droplet formation, along with an increased number and reduced size of lipid droplets in pemafibrate-treated livers. Pemafibrate reduced the expression of the cell adhesion molecule Vcam-1, myeloid cell markers, and inflammation- and fibrosis-related genes in STAM mice. Furthermore, pemafibrate significantly reduced VCAM-1 expression induced by high glucose in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These results suggest that pemafibrate prevents NASH development by reducing myeloid cell recruitment via interactions with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, without altering hepatic TG accumulation.
Estimating global mean sea-level rise and its uncertainties by 2100 and 2300 from an expert survey
Authors: Horton Benjamin P. , Khan Nicole S. , Cahill Niamh , Lee Janice S. H. , Shaw Timothy A. , Garner Andra J. , Kemp Andrew C. , Engelhart Simon E. , Rahmstorf Stefan
Published: May 2020

Sea-level rise projections and knowledge of their uncertainties are vital to make informed mitigation and adaptation decisions. To elicit projections from members of the scientific community regarding future global mean sea-level (GMSL) rise, we repeated a survey originally conducted five years ago. Under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6, 106 experts projected a likely (central 66% probability) GMSL rise of 0.30–0.65 m by 2100, and 0.54–2.15 m by 2300, relative to 1986–2005. Under RCP 8.5, the same experts projected a likely GMSL rise of 0.63–1.32 m by 2100, and 1.67–5.61 m by 2300. Expert projections for 2100 are similar to those from the original survey, although the projection for 2300 has extended tails and is higher than the original survey. Experts give a likelihood of 42% (original survey) and 45% (current survey) that under the high-emissions scenario GMSL rise will exceed the upper bound (0.98 m) of the likely range estimated by the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which is considered to have an exceedance likelihood of 17%. Responses to open-ended questions suggest that the increases in upper-end estimates and uncertainties arose from recent influential studies about the impact of marine ice cliff instability on the meltwater contribution to GMSL rise from the Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Parameter tuning differentiates granule cell subtypes enriching transmission properties at the cerebellum input stage
Authors: Masoli Stefano , Tognolina Marialuisa , Laforenza Umberto , Moccia Francesco , D’Angelo Egidio
Published: May 2020

The cerebellar granule cells (GrCs) are classically described as a homogeneous neuronal population discharging regularly without adaptation. We show that GrCs in fact generate diverse response patterns to current injection and synaptic activation, ranging from adaptation to acceleration of firing. Adaptation was predicted by parameter optimization in detailed computational models based on available knowledge on GrC ionic channels. The models also predicted that acceleration required additional mechanisms. We found that yet unrecognized TRPM4 currents specifically accounted for firing acceleration and that adapting GrCs outperformed accelerating GrCs in transmitting high-frequency mossy fiber (MF) bursts over a background discharge. This implied that GrC subtypes identified by their electroresponsiveness corresponded to specific neurotransmitter release probability values. Simulations showed that fine-tuning of pre- and post-synaptic parameters generated effective MF-GrC transmission channels, which could enrich the processing of input spike patterns and enhance spatio-temporal recoding at the cerebellar input stage.
Monocyte apoptotic bodies are vehicles for influenza A virus propagation
Authors: Atkin-Smith Georgia K. , Duan Mubing , Zanker Damien J. , Loh Liyen , Nguyen Thi H. O. , Koutsakos Marios , Nguyen Tien , Jiang Xiangrui , Carrera Julio , Phan Thanh Kha , Liu Chuanxin , Paone Stephanie , Oveissi Sara , Hodge Amy L. , Baxter Amy A. , Kedzierska Katherine , Mackenzie Jason M. , Hulett Mark D. , Bilsel Pamuk , Chen Weisan , Poon Ivan K. H.
Published: May 2020

The disassembly of apoptotic cells into small membrane-bound vesicles termed apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs) is a hallmark of apoptosis; however, the functional significance of this process is not well defined. We recently discovered a new membrane protrusion (termed beaded apoptopodia) generated by apoptotic monocytes which fragments to release an abundance of ApoBDs. To investigate the function of apoptotic monocyte disassembly, we used influenza A virus (IAV) infection as a proof-of-concept model, as IAV commonly infects monocytes in physiological settings. We show that ApoBDs generated from IAV-infected monocytes contained IAV mRNA, protein and virions and consequently, could facilitate viral propagation in vitro and in vivo, and induce a robust antiviral immune response. We also identified an antipsychotic, Haloperidol, as an unexpected inhibitor of monocyte cell disassembly which could impair ApoBD-mediated viral propagation under in vitro conditions. Together, this study reveals a previously unrecognised function of apoptotic monocyte disassembly in the pathogenesis of IAV infections.
Hyperpolarized water through dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization with UV-generated radicals
Authors: Pinon Arthur C. , Capozzi Andrea , Ardenkjær-Larsen Jan Henrik
Published: May 2020

In recent years, hyperpolarization of water protons via dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (dDNP) has attracted increasing interest in the magnetic resonance community. Hyperpolarized water may provide an alternative to Gd-based contrast agents for angiographic and perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations, and it may report on chemical and biochemical reactions and proton exchange while perfoming Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) investigations. However, hyperpolarizing water protons is challenging. The main reason is the presence of radicals, required to create the hyperpolarized nuclear spin state. Indeed, the radicals will also be the main source of relaxation during the dissolution and transfer to the NMR or MRI system. In this work, we report water magnetizations otherwise requiring a field of 10,000 T at room temperature on a sample of pure water, by employing dDNP via UV-generated, labile radicals. We demonstrate the potential of our methodology by acquiring a 15N spectrum from natural abundance urea with a single scan, after spontaneous magnetization transfer from water protons to nitrogen nuclei.
Mechanistic and microkinetic study of non-oxidative methane coupling on a single-atom iron catalyst
Authors: Kim Seok Ki , Kim Hyun Woo , Han Seung Ju , Lee Sung Woo , Shin Jungho , Kim Yong Tae
Published: May 2020

Non-oxidative methane coupling has promising economic potential, but the catalytic and radical reactions become complicated at high temperatures. Here, we investigate the mechanism of non-oxidative methane coupling on an iron single-atom catalyst using density functional theory, and evaluate the catalytic performance under various reaction conditions using microkinetic modelling and experiments. Under typical reaction conditions (1300 K and 1 bar), C–C coupling and subsequent dehydrogenation to produce ethylene shows comparable energetics between the gas-phase and catalytic pathways. However, the microkinetic analysis reveals that the iron single-atom catalyst converted methane to mainly CH3 and H2 at reaction temperatures above 1300 K, and acetylene production is dominant over ethylene production. The sensitivity analysis suggests that increasing the C2 hydrocarbon yield by optimising the reaction conditions is limited. The experimental results obtained at 1293 K are consistent with the theoretical estimation that acetylene is the main C2 product over the iron single-atom catalyst.
Functionalized biomaterials to combat biofilms
Authors: Huang Dan-ni , Wang Jing , Ren Ke-feng , Ji Jian
Published: May 2020

Pathogenic microbial biofilms that readily form on implantable medical devices or human tissues have posed a great threat to worldwide healthcare.
Single molecule magnet behaviour in a square planar S = 1/2 Co(ii) complex and spin-state assignment of multiple relaxation modes
Authors: Bhowmick Indrani , Shaffer David W. , Yang Jenny Y. , Shores Matthew P.
Published: May 2020

First reports of a square planar S = 1/2 Co(ii) single molecule magnet, and spin state assignment to the multiple relaxation modes of a structurally related spin crossover Co(ii) complex.
Bulk and surface structural changes in high nickel cathodes subjected to fast charging conditions
Authors: Liu Tianyi , Du Zhijia , Wu Xianyang , Rahman Muhammad Mominur , Nordlund Dennis , Zhao Kejie , Schulz Michael D. , Lin Feng , Wood David L. , Belharouak Ilias
Published: May 2020

A layered oxide cathode, LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2, undergoes sensible crystal expansion by losing significantly higher amounts of Li+ at the end of fast charging cycles.
Rhenium and technetium-complexed silicon rhodamines as near-infrared imaging probes for bimodal SPECT- and optical imaging
Authors: Kanagasundaram Thines , Kramer Carsten S. , Boros Eszter , Kopka Klaus
Published: May 2020

The first technetium-99m tricarbonyl core labelled fluorescent Si-rhodamine and its rhenium analogue for bimodal SPECT- and near-infrared fluorescence imaging is presented.
Highly cytotoxic gold(i)-phosphane dithiocarbamate complexes trigger an ER stress-dependent immune response in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Le Hai Van , Babak Maria V. , Ehsan Muhammad Ali , Altaf Muhammad , Reichert Lisa , Gushchin Artem L. , Ang Wee Han , Isab Anvarhusein A.
Published: May 2020

Highly cytotoxic AuI-dithiocarbamate complexes were designed to induce severe integrative stress in ovarian cancer cells, leading to the surface exposure of calreticulin, which is a first step in the activation of immune system.
The function of metal–organic frameworks in the application of MOF-based composites
Authors: Chen Luning , Zhang Xibo , Cheng Xiqing , Xie Zhaoxiong , Kuang Qin , Zheng Lansun
Published: May 2020

In this review, recent progress in MOF-based composites was summarized with an effort to clarify the structure–performance relationship of MOF-based composites, with particular emphasis on the functions of MOF components for practical applications.
Facile assembly of 2D α-zirconium phosphate supported silver nanoparticles: superior and recyclable catalysis
Authors: Xu Yonghang , Zhou Fangya , Chen Min , Hu Huawen , Lin Limiao , Wu Jingshu , Zhang Min
Published: May 2020

A novel, efficient and durable two-dimensional ZrP@PDA/Ag nanocatalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Aerobic oxidation catalyzed by polyoxometalates associated to an artificial reductase at room temperature and in water
Authors: Naim Ahmad , Chevalier Yoan , Bouzidi Younes , Gairola Priyanka , Mialane Pierre , Dolbecq Anne , Avenier Frédéric , Mahy Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2020

Four polyoxometalates (POMs) were combined with an artificial reductase based on polyethyleneimine (PEI) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) which is capable of delivering single electrons upon addition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH).
Trimetallic CoFeCr hydroxide electrocatalysts synthesized at a low temperature for accelerating water oxidationviatuning the electronic structure of active sites
Authors: Yang Yibin , Cui Xun , Gao Di , He Huichao , Ou Yingqing , Zhou Ming , Lai Qingxin , Wei Xijun , Xiao Peng , Zhang Yunhuai
Published: May 2020

Efficient methods are urgently required for developing electrocatalysts with superior activities and practical applications.
Aliovalent fluorine doping and anodization-induced amorphization enable bifunctional catalysts for efficient water splitting
Authors: Zhong Chenglin , Han Zhen , Wang Tongtong , Wang Qinchao , Shen Zihan , Zhou Qingwen , Wang Jiaao , Zhang Shuo , Jin Xin , Li Shengwen , Wang Peng , Gao Daqiang , Zhou Yongning , Zhang Huigang
Published: May 2020

The aliovalent fluorine anion substitution and anodization-induced amorphization strategy significantly improved the HER and simultaneously obtained the optimal OER performance.
Dihydrazone-based dynamic covalent epoxy networks with high creep resistance, controlled degradability, and intrinsic antibacterial properties from bioresources
Authors: Xu Xiwei , Ma Songqi , Wang Sheng , Wu Jiahui , Li Qiong , Lu Na , Liu Yanlin , Yang Jintao , Feng Jie , Zhu Jin
Published: May 2020

This work highlights the exploitation of the dihydrazone motif to build antibacterial covalent adaptable networks with no creep at ∼105 °C.
Organic solar cells based on small molecule donors and polymer acceptors operating at 150 °C
Authors: Miao Junhui , Meng Bin , Ding Zicheng , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: May 2020

An organic solar cell based on a small molecule donor and a polymer acceptor exhibits a PCE of 9.5% and can operate at high temperature. It retains 84% of its PCE after thermal treatment at 150 °C for three days.
Creating compressive stress at the NiOOH/NiO interface for water oxidation
Authors: Kuai Chunguang , Zhang Yan , Han Lili , Xin Huolin L. , Sun Cheng-Jun , Nordlund Dennis , Qiao Shizhang , Du Xi-Wen , Lin Feng
Published: May 2020

The compressive stress at the NiOOH/NiO interface, created through the battery conversion chemistry, is found to influence the OER performance.
High-performance non-enzymatic glucose detection: using a conductive Ni-MOF as an electrocatalyst
Authors: Qiao Yanxia , Liu Qian , Lu Siyu , Chen Guang , Gao Shuyan , Lu Wenbo , Sun Xuping
Published: May 2020

A glucose sensor based on a conductive Ni-MOF as an electrocatalyst exhibits a fast response time, low detection limit, and high sensitivity, and it can also be applied for the detection of glucose in blood serum samples.
Hyperchaos in a second‐order discrete memristor‐based map model
Authors: Bao Bo‐Cheng , Li Houzhen , Wu Huagan , Zhang Xi , Chen Mo
Published: May 2020

This Letter presents a new second‐order discrete map model, which is derived from a simple sampling switch‐based memristor‐capacitor circuit. The memristor‐based map model has infinite unstable and critical stable fixed points, and exhibits chaotic and hyperchaotic behaviours via a period‐doubling bifurcation scenario. These complex dynamical behaviours are confirmed by the phase portraits, iterative sequences and basins of attraction.
Influence of frequency on the surface discharge characteristics of PEEK under positive repetitive square voltage
Authors: Yang Zhuodong , Li Xuebao , Meng Xiangrui , Zhao Zhibin , Fu Pengyu , Zhai Bin , Cui Xiang
Published: May 2020

In this study, the surface discharge current pulses of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material under positive repetitive square voltage in a nitrogen atmosphere are measured. The influences of different voltage amplitudes and frequencies on the detail parameters of forward discharge and backward discharge current pulses are statistically analysed. The results show that as the square voltage amplitude increases, the current pulse amplitude, fall time and pulse width of both forward and backward discharge current increase, and the rise time does not change significantly. As the voltage frequency increases, current pulse amplitude, fall time and pulse width of both forward and backward discharge current decrease, and the rise time does not change significantly. Due to the independence of the discharge at different repetitive cycles, the specific discharge process in one cycle is analysed in detail to explain the influence mechanism of the voltage amplitude and frequency on the discharge current. By mean of the Richardson–Schottky and the Cavallini relaxation model, the relationship between discharge voltage ratio and surface charge, and the decay process of surface discharge are analysed. Furthermore, the influences of amplitude and frequency of the positive repetitive square voltage on the PEEK surface current pulses are explained qualitatively.
Two‐vector based low‐complexity model predictive flux control for current‐source inverter‐fed induction motor drive
Authors: Gao Hang , Wu Bin , Xu Dewei , Zargari Navid R.
Published: May 2020

Model predictive control is an effective approach to achieve high performance on electric motor drives. In this study, a two‐vector based low‐complexity model predictive flux control (TVLC‐MPFC) is proposed and introduced for low power current‐source inverter (CSI)‐fed induction motor (IM) drive. In contrast to conventional two‐vector based model predictive flux control (TV‐MPFC), TVLC‐MPFC is a more simplified scheme with a lower calculation burden, which eliminates the requirement on the iteration procedures to obtain the results of the optimal current vector combination with optimal dwell time. Moreover, since TVLC‐MPFC avoids the possibility of selecting the wrong vector combination in some cases, which would happen with conventional TV‐MPFC, it presents better output performance than TV‐MPFC. The robustness of TVLC‐MPFC under parameter uncertainty is discussed as well. Experimental tests are carried out on a low power CSI‐fed IM drive (5 kW/208 V/14.3 A) and verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Influence of winding topologies and encapsulation materials on FSPM machine thermal performance
Authors: Liu Mingda , Sixel William , Sarlioglu Bulent , Nellis Gregory
Published: May 2020

This study investigates the thermal impact of using different winding topologies and different winding encapsulation materials on dual‐stator 6/4 flux‐switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machine with water jacket cooling. The thermal performance of four different design cases are compared using lumped‐parameter thermal network models. The modelling of the heat transfer in the stator slot, machine air gap and water jacket channel are presented. It is shown that FSPM machines with circumferential winding and toroidal winding have different thermal limiting components and the winding encapsulation material has a different impact on the thermal performance of the two winding topologies. Prototype motors are built and tested to validate the thermal models.
PFR constrained energy storage and interruptible load scheduling under high RE penetration
Authors: Kushwaha Priyanka , Prakash Vivek , Bhakar Rohit , Yaragatti Udaykumar R.
Published: May 2020

Large‐scale renewable energy (RE) integration in the power systems is displacing conventional sources of generation, thus reducing the system's inherent inertia and primary frequency response (PFR) capabilities. This reduced response may decline the system's ability to stabilise frequency after inevitable events such as loss of generation or load and thus requires additional PFR. To meet the PFR requirements, fast‐acting resources like energy storage systems (ESS) and demand response (DR) (transferrable and interruptible loads) need to be integrated within the system. In this regard, a novel stochastic security‐constrained unit commitment framework is proposed to assess the potential of ESS and DR to ensure additional PFR requirements and handle post contingency frequency dynamics. Moreover, the proposed methodology analyses the impact of uncertain RE integration on system frequency dynamics using Bayesian inference statistics. Case studies are carried out on 39 bus New England and 118 bus IEEE test systems, incorporating post fault frequency security parameters. Simulation results analyse the PFR contribution of ESS and DR and indicate a substantial reduction in system operating cost and RE curtailment with their integration. The proposed analysis would help system operators to maintain required PFR under high RE penetration, and handle unavoidable contingencies.
Transition of the dominant charge accumulation mechanism at a Gas‐solid interface under DC voltage
Authors: Luo Yi , Tang Ju , Pan Cheng , Pan Zijun , Meng Guodong
Published: May 2020

In this study, a simulation model of surface charge accumulation on a basin‐type insulator was constructed. Three accumulation mechanisms were considered, i.e. electrical conduction within the gas, electrical conduction through the insulator and along insulator surface. For the gas electrical conduction, the generation, diffusion, drift and recombination of charge carriers in SF6 were taken into consideration. The surface conductivity is treated by directly defining parameters instead of surface thin layer, which improves the calculation range of surface conductivity in ion flow model. Additionally, surface charge accumulation characteristics with different parameters were studied. The results indicated that the polarity of surface charge would change with the ion pair generation rate, volume conductivity and surface conductivity. Based on the surface charge and electric field distributions, it was found that the dominant surface charge accumulation mechanism changes from volume conduction to gas conduction as the ion pair generation rate increases. When the volume conductivity increases from 1 × 10−19 to 1 × 10−14 S/m, the dominant mechanism changes from gas conduction to volume conduction. Furthermore, as the surface conductivity increases, the dominant mechanism is surface conduction. The proposed study is helpful for understanding the mechanism of surface charge accumulation and provides insight into charge accumulation inhibition.
Reliability evaluation of distribution transformers considering the negative and positive effects of rooftop photovoltaics
Authors: Hamzeh Mohsen , Vahidi Behrooz
Published: May 2020

Rooftop photovoltaics (RPVs) have an impact on the ageing failure rate and reliability of transformers. The advantages and disadvantages of different penetrations of rooftop photovoltaic on the reliability of the transformers are studied. For the first time, the adverse effects of high penetration of RPVs on the transformer failure and power system reliability are examined. Regarding the growing interest in the widespread use of renewable energies on account of global warming, studying the negative effects of DG units presence is so important to predict the future of power system conditions. Monte Carlo simulation is used for the probabilistic nature of clearness index and reliability evaluation. Well‐being criteria that show the different operation modes of the power system is used to identify the at‐risk, marginal and healthy mode of the power system in the presence of different penetrations of rooftop photovoltaic. The results show that the maximum penetration of rooftop photovoltaic for improving the reliability of the power system is 5 kW per house in the feeder of Isin in Bandar Abbas, in Iran.
Combination of multi‐scale and residual learning in deep CNN for image denoising
Authors: Xia Haiying , Zhu Fuyu , Li Haisheng , Song Shuxiang , Mou Xiangwei
Published: May 2020

To better restore a clean image from a noise observation under high noise levels, the authors propose an image denoising network based on the combination of multi‐scale and residual learning. Instead of using filters with different large sizes in traditional multi‐scale schemes, they arrange multi‐layer convolutions with the filters of the same size to speed up the model. Some dilated convolutions of different rates are combined with the common convolutions to enrich the extracted features in multi‐layer convolutions. Furthermore, they cascade the multi‐layer convolutions with residual blocks to improve the performance of image denoising. Their extensive evaluations on several challenging datasets demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the state‐of‐art methods under all different noise levels in terms of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, and the visual effects achieved by the proposed model are also better than the competing methods.
Survey on fault tolerance‐based clustering evolution in WSN
Authors: Mohapatra Hitesh , Rath Amiya Kumar
Published: May 2020

On‐going research on remote communication and sensing essentially made accessible the flexible technology called ‘wireless sensor network (WSN)’, which is independent, self‐organising and self‐healing in nature. The WSN comprises an extensive number of homogeneous or heterogeneous sensor nodes that may be deployed in a uniform or non‐uniform manner in a targeted zone. The organisation of WSN can be stretched out from residential to a harsh and hostile environment. The manageability of WSN is very subjective to an efficient adaptation to the failure situations. In this line of thought, clustering has been proven as an efficient strategy for prolonging the sensor network lifetime and selecting the correct topological structure for the sensor network. The authors’ first present a survey of existing survey works from 2002 to 2019 and then present a tutorial on existing fault‐tolerant protocols with a comparative analysis. The target audience of this work is novice researchers in the field of WSN to get a preliminary idea about clustering and its objective.
Stakeholder involvement through national panels and surveys to address the issues and uncertainties arising in the preparedness and management of the transition phase
Authors: Montero M. , Sala R. , Trueba C. , García-Puerta B. , Abelshausen B. , Bohunova J. , Croüail P. , Durand V. , Duranova T. , Hilliard C. , Maitre M. , Mitrakos D. , Monteiro Gil O. , Nunes P. , Paiva I. , Reis M. , Schneider T. , Skuterud L. , Smith V. , Tafili V. , Thørring H. , Turcanu C. , Twenhöfel C. , Van Asselt E.
Published: May 2020

Under the framework of the CONFIDENCE project, work package 4 was focusing on the transition to long-term recovery, involving stakeholders in decision-making processes. The essential research was performed using a participatory approach, which combined scenario-based stakeholder discussion panels and transnational stakeholder surveys following the Delphi methodology. The objective was to identify and address the issues and uncertainties arising in the preparedness and management of the transition phase and to explore ways to facilitate the incorporation of stakeholders’ expertise, points of view and interests in the decision-making processes. The final goal was to build best practices for planning optimal remediation strategies during the transition phase considering stakeholder involvement in the decision-making process. The results obtained from the work undertaken in nine European countries are presented.
Solving University Course Timetabling Problem Using Multi-Depth Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Gozali Alfian Akbar , Fujimura Shigeru
Published: May 2020

The University Course Timetabling Problem (UCTP) is a scheduling problem of assigning teaching event in certain time and room by considering the constraints of university stakeholders such as students, lecturers, and departments. The constraints could be hard (encouraged to be satisfied) or soft (better to be fulfilled). This problem becomes complicated for universities which have an immense number of students and lecturers. Moreover, several universities are implementing student sectioning which is a problem of assigning students to classes of a subject while respecting individual student requests along with additional constraints. Such implementation enables students to choose a set of preference classes first then the system will create a timetable depend on their preferences. Subsequently, student sectioning significantly increases the problem complexity. As a result, the number of search spaces grows hugely multiplied by the expansion of students, other variables, and involvement of their constraints. However, current and generic solvers failed to meet scalability requirement for student sectioning UCTP. In this paper, we introduce the Multi-Depth Genetic Algorithm (MDGA) to solve student sectioning UCTP. MDGA uses the multiple stages of GA computation including multi-level mutation and multi-depth constraint consideration. Our research shows that MDGA could produce a feasible timetable for student sectioning problem and get better results than previous works and current UCTP solver. Furthermore, our experiment also shows that MDGA could compete with other UCTP solvers albeit not the best one for the ITC-2007 benchmark dataset.
Design and Optimization of a Deep Neural Network Architecture for Traffic Light Detection
Authors: Fukuchi Tomohide , Ikechukwu Mark Ogbodo , Ben Abdallah Abderazek
Published: May 2020

Autonomous Driving has recently become a research trend and efficient autonomous driving system is difficult to achieve due to safety concerns, Applying traffic light recognition to autonomous driving system is one of the factors to prevent accidents that occur as a result of traffic light violation. To realize safe autonomous driving system, we propose in this work a design and optimization of a traffic light detection system based on deep neural network. We designed a lightweight convolution neural network with parameters less than 10000 and implemented in software. We achieved 98.3% inference accuracy with 2.5 fps response time. Also we optimized the input image pixel values with normalization and optimized convolution layer with pipeline on FPGA with 5% resource consumption.
Data transformations from CMS to CDP enriched by semantics
Authors: Salwitzek Christina , Steuer Christina
Published: May 2020

Today’s users no longer expect a classic manual, but short, clearly structured pieces of information that fit their application context, use case and role. Instead of conventional documentation, “intelligent information” is required that is modular, format-neutral and can be found via metadata and full-text search. The information is often created in a CMS and provided via CDPs. There are not always compatible interfaces between these systems, especially those of different software manufacturers. Therefore, the information created cannot be processed further. The purpose of this paper is to show that data transformations can provide accessibility for the information from a CMS for different CDPs. On this basis, data transformations were developed, enriched by semantics and implemented within the project. For the enrichment by semantics, metadata were used as well as a further approach based on metadata, called “microDocs”. This approach describes the combination and aggregation of different topic-based information that are connected by defined use cases and a logical context. Some CDP manufacturers already support microDocs and it is expected that even more extensions will be implemented in the future. Accordingly, it is highly likely that microDocs will play an important role in the field of information delivery.
Akabeko Ensemble: Cultural multimodal helical computer music installation
Authors: Tokumitsu Yoshiki , Cohen Michael
Published: May 2020

In this study, we made “Aka-beko” choral ensemble. It comprises an octave of a chromatic musical scale, arranged in a helix and populated by animated oxen, instances of a regional mascot, who lift their heads and sing when triggered by events from a realtime MIDI keyboard controller. The application installation in the University of Aizu UBIC 3D Theater features stereographic display and spatialized sound.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Journey, the Dreams and their Realization
Authors: Sheffali Gulati
Published: May 2020

Neuro Developmental Disorders (NDDs) are associated with significant morbidity. This involves early identification of the disorder, the correct management of the disorder and associated disabilities. In India, the paucity of trained personnel and lack of knowledge about these disorders has been instrumental in inadequate management and recognition of these NDDs. The Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics at All India Institute of Medical Sciences has made few noteworthy and meaningful contributions in these aspects: devising a DM curriculum for pediatric neurology, developing indigenous tools for diagnosing these NDDs and performing relevant research. These endeavors would go a long way in serving the children with NDDs.
Theoretical modeling of a thermal wave technique to determine the extent of the freezing region surrounding a cryoprobe
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wu Chengxi , Borca-Tasciuc Theodorian
Published: May 2020

Cryosurgery is a clinical technique to ablate undesirable tissues by extreme freezing, exhibiting the merits of minimal invasion, fast recovery, and low cost. A low temperature cryoprobe is used to form a freezing region around the target tissue. Monitoring the extent of the freezing region is critical since including the target tissue within the surgery scope is necessary for precise treatment and minimal damage to the surrounding normal tissue. This paper investigates a thermal wave based monitoring technique similar to the 3ω method for thermal property characterization in order to measure the extent of the freezing region. The method takes advantage of the contrast in thermal properties between the frozen and unfrozen regions and employs different locations on the circumference of the probe for the thermal wave generator and thermal wave sensor. A two-dimensional analytical model in cylindrical coordinates was developed for the thermal wave and was validated by finite element simulations. The analytical model was then employed to determine the influence of several parameters on determining the freezing extent including modulation frequency, the wave generator width, the relative locations of the thermal wave generator and sensor, and the diameter of the cryoprobe. The results obtained indicate the feasibility of the proposed technique since the amplitude and particularly the phase of the thermal wave signal are sensitive to the position of the interface between the frozen and unfrozen regions. For frozen and unfrozen layers with water, thermophysical properties of the measurement sensitive region extend to diameters in the cm range.