bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic characterization at the species and symbiovar level of indigenous rhizobial isolates nodulating Phaseolus vulgaris in Greece
Authors: Efstathiadou Evdoxia , Ntatsi Georgia , Savvas Dimitrios , Tampakaki Anastasia P.
Published: April 2021

Phaseolus vulgaris (L.), commonly known as bean or common bean, is considered a promiscuous legume host since it forms nodules with diverse rhizobial species and symbiovars. Most of the common bean nodulating rhizobia are mainly affiliated to the genus Rhizobium, though strains belonging to Ensifer, Pararhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Burkholderia have also been reported. This is the first report on the characterization of bean-nodulating rhizobia at the species and symbiovar level in Greece. The goals of this research were to isolate and characterize rhizobia nodulating local common bean genotypes grown in five different edaphoclimatic regions of Greece with no rhizobial inoculation history. The genetic diversity of the rhizobial isolates was assessed by BOX-PCR and the phylogenetic affiliation was assessed by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of housekeeping and symbiosis-related genes. A total of fifty fast-growing rhizobial strains were isolated and representative isolates with distinct BOX-PCR fingerpriniting patterns were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The strains were closely related to R. anhuiense, R. azibense, R. hidalgonense, R. sophoriradicis, and to a putative new genospecies which is provisionally named as Rhizobium sp. I. Most strains belonged to symbiovar phaseoli carrying the α-, γ-a and γ-b alleles of nodC gene, while some of them belonged to symbiovar gallicum. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that strains assigned to R. sophoriradicis and harbored the γ-b allele were found in European soils. All strains were able to re-nodulate their original host, indicating that they are true microsymbionts of common bean.
Optical density based quantification of total haemoglobin concentrations with spectroscopic optical coherence tomography
Authors: Cuartas-Vélez Carlos , Veenstra Colin , Kruitwagen Saskia , Petersen Wilma , Bosschaart Nienke
Published: April 2021

Spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (sOCT) has emerged as a new possibility for non-invasive quantification of total haemoglobin concentrations [tHb]. Recently, we demonstrated that [tHb] measured in ex-vivo human whole-blood with a conventional sOCT system achieves a precision of 9.10 g/dL with a bias of 1.50 g/dL. This precision improved by acquiring data with a combination of focus tracking and zero-delay acquisition (FZA) that compensated for experimental limitations, increasing to 3.80 g/dL with a bias of 1.50 g/dL. Nevertheless, sOCT precision should improve at least to $$\sim 2$$

∼
2

 g/dL to be clinically relevant. Therefore, sOCT-based [tHb] determinations require the development of new analysis methods that reduce the variability of [tHb] estimations. In this work, we aim to increase sOCT precision by retrieving the [tHb] content from a numerical optimisation of the optical density (OD), while considering the blood absorption flattening effect. The OD-based approach simplifies previous two-step Lambert–Beer fitting approaches to a single step, thereby reducing errors during the fitting procedure. We validated our model with ex-vivo [tHb] measurements on flowing whole-blood samples in the clinical range (7–23 g/dL). Our results show that, with the new model, conventional sOCT can determine [tHb] with a precision of 3.09 g/dL and a bias of 0.86 g/dL compared to a commercial blood analyser. We present further precision improvement by combining the OD methodology with FZA, leading to a precision of 2.08 g/dL with a bias of 0.46 g/dL.
Effect of four different forms of high intensity training on BDNF response to Wingate and Graded Exercise Test
Authors: Murawska-Ciałowicz Eugenia , de Assis Gilmara Gomes , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Feito Yuri , Stastny Petr , Zuwała-Jagiełło Jolanta , Bibrowicz Bartosz , Wolański Paweł
Published: April 2021

This study examined the effects of a nine-week intervention of four different high-intensity training modalities [high-intensity functional training (HIFT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), high-intensity power training (HIPT), and high-intensity endurance training (HIET)] on the resting concentration of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). In addition, we evaluated the BDNF responses to Graded Exercise Test (GXT) and Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) in men. Thirty-five healthy individuals with body mass index 25.55 ± 2.35 kg/m2voluntarily participated in this study and were randomly assigned into four training groups. During nine-weeks they completed three exercise sessions per week for one-hour. BDNF was analyzed before and after a GXT and WAnT in two stages: (stage 0—before training and stage 9—after nine weeks of training). At stage 0, an increase in BDNF concentration was observed in HIFT (33%; p < 0.05), HIPT (36%; p < 0.05) and HIIT (38%; p < 0.05) after GXT. Even though HIET showed an increase in BDNF (10%) this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). At stage 9, higher BDNF levels after GXT were seen only for the HIFT (30%; p < 0.05) and HIIT (18%; p < 0.05) groups. Reduction in BDNF levels were noted after the WAnT in stage 0 for HIFT (− 47%; p < 0.01), HIPT (− 49%; p < 0.001), HIET (− 18%; p < 0.05)], with no changes in the HIIT group (− 2%). At stage 9, BDNF was also reduced after WAnT, although these changes were lower compared to stage 0. The reduced level of BDNF was noted in the HIFT (− 28%; p < 0.05), and HIPT (− 19%;p < 0.05) groups. Additionally, all groups saw an improvement in VO2max(8%; p < 0.001), while BDNF was also correlated with lactate and minute ventilation and selected WAnT parameters. Our research has shown that resting values of BDNF after nine weeks of different forms of high-intensity training (HIT) have not changed or were reduced. Resting BDNF measured at 3th (before GXT at stage 9) and 6th day after long lasting HITs (before WAnT at stage 9) did not differed (before GXT), but in comparison to the resting value before WAnT at the baseline state, was lower in three groups. It appears that BDNF levels after one bout of exercise is depended on duration time, intensity and type of test/exercise.
Behavioral characteristics as potential biomarkers of the development and phenotype of epilepsy in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Nizinska Karolina , Szydlowska Kinga , Vouros Avgoustinos , Kiryk Anna , Stepniak Aleksandra , Vasilaki Eleni , Lukasiuk Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

The present study performed a detailed analysis of behavior in a rat model of epilepsy using both established and novel methodologies to identify behavioral impairments that may differentiate between animals with a short versus long latency to spontaneous seizures and animals with a low versus high number of seizures. Temporal lobe epilepsy was induced by electrical stimulation of the amygdala. Rats were stimulated for 25 min with 100-ms trains of 1-ms biphasic square-wave pluses that were delivered every 0.5 s. Electroencephalographic recordings were performed to classify rats into groups with a short latency (< 20 days,n = 7) and long latency (> 20 days,n = 8) to the first spontaneous seizure and into groups with a low number of seizures (62 ± 64.5,n = 8) and high number of seizures (456 ± 185,n = 7). To examine behavioral impairments, we applied the following behavioral tests during early and late stages of epilepsy: behavioral hyperexcitability, open field, novel object exploration, elevated plus maze, and Morris water maze. No differences in stress levels (e.g., touch response in the behavioral hyperexcitability test), activity (e.g., number of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze), or learning (e.g., latency to find the platform in the Morris water maze test during training days) were observed between animals with a short versus long latency to develop spontaneous seizures or between animals with a low versus high number of seizures. However, we found a higher motor activity measured by higher number of entries into the closed arms of the elevated plus maze at week 26 post-stimulation in animals with a high number of seizures compared with animals with a low number of seizures. The analysis of the Morris water maze data categorized the strategies that the animals used to locate the platform showing that the intensity of epilepsy and duration of epileptogenesis influenced swimming strategies. These findings indicate that behavioral impairments were relatively mild in the present model, but some learning strategies may be useful biomarkers in preclinical studies.
Novel approach for quantification of multiple immunofluorescent signals using histograms and 2D plot profiling of whole-section panoramic images
Authors: Duplancic Roko , Kero Darko
Published: April 2021

We describe a novel approach for quantification and colocalization of immunofluorescence (IF) signals of multiple markers on high-resolution panoramic images of serial histological sections utilizing standard staining techniques and readily available software for image processing and analysis. Human gingiva samples stained with primary antibodies against the common leukocyte antigen CD45 and factors related to heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (HS GAG) were used. Expression domains and spatial gradients of IF signals were quantified by histograms and 2D plot profiles, respectively. The importance of histomorphometric profiling of tissue samples and IF signal thresholding is elaborated. This approach to quantification of IF staining utilizes pixel (px) counts and comparison of px grey value (GV) or luminance. No cell counting is applied either to determine the cellular content of a given histological section nor the number of cells positive to the primary antibody of interest. There is no selection of multiple Regions-Of-Interest (ROIs) since the entire histological section is quantified. Although the standard IF staining protocol is applied, the data output enables colocalization of multiple markers (up to 30) from a given histological sample. This can serve as an alternative for colocalization of IF staining of multiple primary antibodies based on repeating cycles of staining of the same histological section since those techniques require non standard staining protocols and sophisticated equipment that can be out of reach for small laboratories in academic settings. Combined with the data from ontological bases, this approach to quantification of IF enables creation of in silico virtual disease models.
Phylogenetic molecular evolution and recombination analysis of complete genome of human parechovirus in Thailand
Authors: Chieochansin Thaweesak , Puenpa Jiratchaya , Poovorawan Yong
Published: April 2021

Human parechovirus (HPeV), which is a member of the Picornavirus group of viruses, is a pathogen that is reported to be associated with manifestations that include respiratory tract involvement, gastroenteritis, sepsis-like symptom, and central nervous system complication. Until now, nineteen genotypes have been identified. The lack of proofreading property of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) together with recombination among the intra- and inter-genotypes of the virus results in high diversity. However, data specific to the molecular evolutionary perspective of the complete genome of HPeV remains limited. This study aimed to analyze the phylogenetic, molecular evolution, and recombination characteristics of the complete genome of HPeV strains isolated in Thailand during 2009–2012. Fifty-eight samples that were previously confirmed to be HPeV positive and then evaluated for genotyping were subjected to complete genome amplification to generate ten overlapping PCR fragments using a set of in-house designed primers. The same position of the viral genome was read in triplicate using direct Sanger sequencing. All samples were classified into the same previously defined genotypes in both whole-genome and VP1 phylogenic tree. However, sample B1091/HPeV14/2011 exhibited discordant grouping between whole-genome and VP1 on the phylogenetic tree. Bootscan analysis revealed that B1091/HPeV14/2011 inherited from two genotypic viruses, including VP1 from HPeV14, and the rest of the genome from HPeV1B. The results of this study provide important insights into the molecular evolution of and recombination in the viral genome of HPeV that will improve and accelerate our ability to develop treatment and prophylactic strategies in the future.
Tiliroside as a CAXII inhibitor suppresses liver cancer development and modulates E2Fs/Caspase-3 axis
Authors: Han Rui , Yang Hongxing , Lu Lingeng , Lin Lizhu
Published: April 2021

Liver cancer is the fatal cause of cancer deaths worldwide due to its aggressiveness and lack of effective therapies. Tiliroside (C30H26O13) is an active compound extracted from herb plant Tribulus terrestris L., which has been used as alternative therapy in clinic practice. However, its therapeutic use against liver cancer has not been previously reported. Here, we showed that Tiliroside exerted significantly higher anti-proliferation effect on liver cancer cell lines Hep3B and SNU-449 than on liver normal cell THLE-3 cells or NC group, respectively, by using MTS assay. Results from colony formation, immigration and invasion assays support the anticancer efficacy of Tiliroside and its low-toxic property while treating liver normal cell THLE-3. 3D spheroid formation and CD133 expression level also displays its anti-stemness effect. It has been showed that Tiliroside may function as Carbonic anhydrases XII (CAXII) inhibitor and affects apoptotic E2F1/E2F3/Caspase-3 axis by using CAXII esterase activity assay, Human carbonic anhydrase 12 (CA-12) ELISA Kit, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) as well as CaspACE Assay System, respectively. In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that Tiliroside suppresses liver cancer development possibly by acting as a novel CAXII inhibitor, which warrant further investigation on its therapeutic implications.
Analysis of the variation in potential evapotranspiration and surface wet conditions in the Hancang River Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Han , Wang Lin
Published: April 2021

Evapotranspiration is an important component of the water cycle, and possible trends in evapotranspiration can, among others, influence water management and agricultural production. Potential evapotranspiration (ETp) is a measure of the ability of the atmosphere to remove water from the surface through the processes of evaporation and transpiration. It plays an important role in assessing regional dry–wet conditions and variations in meteorological conditions. This study analyzed the change trends of monthly ETp and surface dryness and wetness in the Hancang River Basin and, through principal component analysis and correlation analysis, explored the main meteorological factors that affected ETp and the interactions between meteorological factors; ETp values were estimated using the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith method. The results showed that there was a large gap in ETp between different months in the Hancang River Basin, with a trend of first increasing and then decreasing within a year. The highest monthly evapotranspiration was 114.119 mm (July), and the lowest was 42.761 mm (January). The maximum relative humidity index was 0.822 (August), and the minimum was -0.979 (January). The average temperature, precipitation, average relative humidity, and solar radiation are positive factors that affect ETp, while average air pressure is a negative factor that affects ETp. This study provides a reference for the wet conditions of small watersheds and for countermeasures to address climate change.
The slope of cerebral oxyhemoglobin oscillation is associated with vascular reserve capacity in large artery steno-occlusion
Authors: Kim Tae Jung , Kim Jae-Myoung , Park Soo-Hyun , Choi Jong-Kwan , Bae Hyeon-Min , Ko Sang-Bae
Published: April 2021

Inadequate cerebral perfusion is a risk factor for cerebral ischemia in patients with large artery steno-occlusion. We investigated whether prefrontal oxyhemoglobin oscillation (ΔHbO2, 0.6–2 Hz) was associated with decreased vascular reserve in patients with steno-occlusion in the large anterior circulation arteries. Thirty-six patients with steno-occlusion in the anterior circulation arteries (anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery, and internal carotid artery) were included and compared to thirty-six control subjects. Patients were categorized into two groups (deteriorated vascular reserve vs. preserved vascular reserve) based on the results of Diamox single- photon emission computed tomography imaging. HbO2 data were collected using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The slope of ΔHbO2 and the ipsilateral/contralateral slope ratio of ΔHbO2 were analyzed. Among the included patients (n = 36), 25 (69.4%) had deteriorated vascular reserve. Patients with deteriorated vascular reserve had a significantly higher average slope of ΔHbO2 on the ipsilateral side (5.01 ± 2.14) and a higher ipsilateral/contralateral ratio (1.44 ± 0.62) compared to those with preserved vascular reserve (3.17 ± 1.36, P = 0.014; 0.93 ± 0.33, P = 0.016, respectively) or the controls (3.82 ± 1.69, P = 0.019; 0.94 ± 0.29, P = 0.001). The ipsilateral/contralateral ΔHbO2 ratio could be used as a surrogate for vascular reserve in patients with severe steno-occlusion in the anterior circulation arteries.
Long-term stress in dogs is related to the human–dog relationship and personality traits
Authors: Höglin Amanda , Van Poucke Enya , Katajamaa Rebecca , Jensen Per , Theodorsson Elvar , Roth Lina S. V.
Published: April 2021

Previously, we found that dogs belonging to the herding breed group, selected for human cooperation, synchronise their long-term stress levels with their owners. The aim of the current study was to investigate features that could influence long-term stress levels in ancient dog breeds, genetically closer to wolves, and dogs specifically selected to work independently of their owner. Twenty-four ancient breed dogs and 18 solitary hunting dogs were recruited and hair samples were obtained from both dogs and owners from which hair cortisol concentration (HCC) was analysed. Additionally, the owners completed lifestyle surveys, the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS) on human–dog relationship, and both dog and owner personality questionnaires (Dog Personality questionnaire and Big Five Inventory survey). The results from the MDORS indicate that the subscale Perceived cost correlated to the dog HCC of tested breed groups: solitary hunting breeds (χ2 = 4.95, P = 0.026, β = 0.055), ancient breeds (χ2 = 2.74, P = 0.098, β = 0.027), and herding dogs included from a previous study (χ2 = 6.82, P = 0.009, β = − 0.061). The HCC of the solitary hunting dogs was also related to the owner personality traits Agreeableness (χ2 = 12.30, P < 0.001, β = − 0.060) and Openness (χ2 = 9.56, P = 0.002, β = 0.048) suggesting a more substantial influence of the owner on the solitary hunting dog’s HCC compared to the ancient breeds. No effect of owner HCC on dog HCC was found in either ancient or in solitary hunting breeds. Hence, the long-term stress synchronisation is likely to be a trait in breeds selected for human cooperation. In conclusion, dog HCC is often related to the owners’ personality, but is primarily influenced by the owner-dog relationship.
Lactobacillus rhamnosusfrom human breast milk ameliorates ulcerative colitis in miceviagut microbiota modulation
Authors: Pang Bing , Jin Han , Liao Ning , Li Junjun , Jiang Chunmei , Shao Dongyan , Shi Junling
Published: April 2021

L. rhamnosus SHA113 (LRS) relieves ulcerative colitis (UC) via the regulation of gut microbiota.
Optical chemosensors for the detection of proximally phosphorylated peptides and proteins
Authors: Cabral Aaron D. , Radu Tudor B. , de Araujo Elvin D. , Gunning Patrick T.
Published: April 2021

This review details optical detection methods for proximal multi-site phosphorylation, a critical post-translational modification in protein biology.
Rational construction of covalent organic frameworks with multi-site functional groups for highly efficient removal of low-concentration U(vi) from water
Authors: Yang Tingting , Tian Chen , Yan Xu , Xiao Ruiyang , Lin Zhang
Published: April 2021

The multi-site chelation effect has successfully improved the affinity of COF-TpDd-AO2towards low-concentration uranium.
Gut microbiota modulation and anti-inflammatory properties of mixed lactobacilli in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Shi Jialu , Xie Qinggang , Yue Yingxue , Chen Qingxue , Zhao Lina , Evivie Smith Etareric , Li Bailiang , Huo Guicheng
Published: April 2021

Correlations between gut microbiota activities and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment are gaining research interest.
Nonclassical oxygen atom transfer reactions of an eight-coordinate dioxomolybdenum(vi) complex
Authors: Ranis Leila G. , Gianino Jacqueline , Hoffman Justin M. , Brown Seth N.
Published: April 2021

Eight-coordinate MoO2(DOPOQ)2 can donate two oxygen atoms to substrates such as phosphines in a four-electron nonclassical oxygen atom transfer reaction.
Metal halide perovskite-based flexible tandem solar cells: next-generation flexible photovoltaic technology
Authors: Jiang Yan , Qi Yabing
Published: April 2021

Flexible perovskite-based tandem solar cells could be the game-changer for next-generation flexible photovoltaics.
Study on the enhancing water collection efficiency of cactus- and beetle-like biomimetic structure using UV-induced controllable diffusion method and 3D printing technology
Authors: Peng Linhui , Chen Keqiu , Chen Deyi , Chen Jingzhi , Tang Jie , Xiang Shijie , Chen Weijiang , Liu Pengyi , Zheng Feipeng , Shi Jifu
Published: April 2021

A simple UV-induced controllable diffusion method and 3D printing technology are utilized to create high-efficiency biomimetic water collectors with different beetle-like superhydrophobic–superhydrophilic characters and a cactus-like cone array.
A selective and sensitive near-infrared fluorescent probe for real-time detection of Cu(i)
Authors: Liu Yiqing , Kang Ting , He Qian , Hu Yuefu , Zuo Zeping , Cao Zhihua , Ke Bowen , Zhang Weiyi , Qi Qingrong
Published: April 2021

The disruption of copper homeostasis (Cu+/Cu2+) may cause neurodegenerative disorders.
Preparation of Ni-microsphere and Cu-MOF using aspartic acid as coordinating ligand and study of their catalytic properties in Stille and sulfoxidation reactions
Authors: Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Bastan Hosna , Kakakhani Zahra , Taherinia Zahra
Published: April 2021

In this study, the thermal and catalytic behavior of Ni-microsphere and Cu-MOF were investigated with aspartic acid as the coordinating ligand with different morphologies.
Promoted adsorptive removal of chromium(vi) ions from water by a green-synthesized hybrid magnetic nanocomposite (NFe3O4Starch-Glu-NFe3O4ED)
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed E. , El-Sharkawy Rehab M. , Ibrahim Ghada A. A.
Published: April 2021

A novel magnetic starch-crosslinked-magnetic ethylenediamine nanocomposite, NFe3O4Starch-Glu-NFe3O4ED, was synthesized via microwave irradiation for the removal of Cr(vi) ions from aquous solution using the batch adsorption technique.
Hard carbon spheres prepared by a modified Stöber method as anode material for high-performance potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Fan Chenyang , Ou Mingyang , Wei Peng , Xu Jia , Sun Shixiong , Liu Yi , Xu Yue , Fang Chun , Li Qing , Han Jiantao
Published: April 2021

A modified Stöber method synthesizes resorcinol-formaldehyde resin-based secondary particle hard carbon spheres as anode material for high-performance potassium-ion batteries.
In vitro studies of maleidride-forming enzymes
Authors: Yin Sen , Friedrich Steffen , Hrupins Vjaceslavs , Cox Russell J.
Published: April 2021

In vitro synthesis of byssochkamic acid 12 was achieved from hexenoyl CoA 14dvia anhydride 1.
Tuning the sensitivity towards mercury via cooperative binding to d-fructose: dual fluorescent chemosensor based on 1,8-naphthyridine-boronic acid derivative
Authors: Rajadurai Marina , Reddy E. Ramanjaneya
Published: April 2021

This new dual d-fructose–mercury chemosensor is the first example of utilizing boronic acid–diol complexation for enhancement of the sensor's sensitivity towards toxic metal ions.
A novel approach for kinetic measurements in exothermic fixed bed reactors: advancements in non-isothermal bed conditions demonstrated for methanol synthesis
Authors: Nestler F. , Müller V. P. , Ouda M. , Hadrich M. J. , Schaadt A. , Bajohr S. , Kolb T.
Published: April 2021

A novel approach for the investigation of reaction kinetics using a polytropic miniplant reactor featuring a highly resolved fibre optic temperature measurement and FTIR gas phase analysis is presented for methanol synthesis.
Nickel pyrophosphate combined with graphene nanoribbon used as efficient catalyst for OER
Authors: Souza Alan S. , Bezerra Leticia S. , Cardoso Eduardo S. F. , Fortunato Guilherme V. , Maia Gilberto
Published: April 2021

Nowadays there is a huge search for alternative materials that are relatively cheaper and highly abundant in nature and which can be used for the development of electrolyzers that are suitable for hydrogen production.
Enabling stable and high-rate cycling of a Ni-rich layered oxide cathode for lithium-ion batteries by modification with an artificial Li+-conducting cathode-electrolyte interphase
Authors: Wang Shixuan , Dai Alvin , Cao Yuliang , Yang Hanxi , Khalil Amine , Lu Jun , Li Hui , Ai Xinping
Published: April 2021

An artificial Li+-conducting cathode-electrolyte interphase is successfully built on a NCM811 cathode surface through a nucleophilic reaction between polysulfides and vinylene carbonate.
Recent advances in cell membrane coated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for tumor therapy
Authors: Liu Weicong , Yan Qianwen , Xia Chen , Wang Xiaoxiong , Kumar Abhinav , Wang Yan , Liu Yiwei , Pan Ying , Liu Jianqiang
Published: April 2021

In the presented perspective, the synthetic method, characterization, and research progress in tumor therapy based on CMMs have been summarized. Also the prospects and challenges of utilizing CMMs for tumor therapy have been discussed.
Facile fabrication of nanoporous gold films for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing and SPR-based SERS
Authors: Chen Chen , Liu Ziwei , Cai Chen , Qi Zhi-mei
Published: April 2021

NPG films with controllable thickness and smaller pores are prepared by the sputtering-low-temperature dealloying process, and the spatial overlap of the SPP and the adsorbed analyte molecules offers the NPG film significant SERS enhancement.
Combining 3D printing and screen-printing in miniaturized, disposable sensors with carbon paste electrodes
Authors: Materon Elsa Maria , Wong Ademar , Gomes Leonardo Mariano , Ibáñez-Redín Gisela , Joshi Nirav , Oliveira Osvaldo N. , Faria Ronaldo C.
Published: April 2021

In this paper we report on a modular design that allows one to fabricate electrochemical sensors upon combining 3D printing and screen printing.
Distributed event‐triggered output feedback H∞ control for multi‐agent systems with transmission delays
Authors: Li Yanjin , Yu Hui , Xia Xiaohua
Published: April 2021

The output feedback consensus control problem of multi‐agent systems is studied using an event‐triggered control strategy. Two types of transmission delays, one from the system output to the output feedback controller (OFC) and the other from the OFC to the zero‐order holder, are considered. This causes the OFC and the system not to be updated in the same time intervals. An interval dividing approach is applied to such that the whole system can be updated in the same time intervals. An event‐triggered OFC with performance is proposed for multi‐agent systems to achieve consensus. By constructing an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, sufficient conditions based on linear matrix inequality are derived to guarantee the consensus achievement. Finally, the theoretical results are validated using computer simulation.
SLRP: Improved heatmap generation via selective layer‐wise relevance propagation
Authors: Jung Yeon‐Jee , Han Seung‐Ho , Choi Ho‐Jin
Published: April 2021

Deep learning has been recently applied to various areas of artificial intelligence, where it has displayed excellent performance. However, many deep‐learning models are a black box, which makes it difficult to interpret the models and understand the predictions. Explainability is crucial for critical real‐world systems (in the fields such as defense, aerospace, and security). To solve this problem, the concept of explainable artificial intelligence has emerged. For image classification, various approaches have been proposed to visually explain the model's prediction. A typical approach is layer‐wise relevance propagation, which generates a heatmap, where each pixel value represents the contributions to the model's predictions. However, even advanced versions of layer‐wise relevance propagation (such as contrastive layer‐wise relevance propagation and softmax‐gradient layer‐wise relevance propagation) have some limitations. Here, selective layer‐wise relevance propagation, which generates a clearer heatmap than the existing methods by combining relevance‐based methods and gradient‐based methods is proposed. To evaluate the proposed method and verify its effectiveness, we conduct comparative experiments. Qualitative and quantitative results show that selective layer‐wise relevance propagation produces less noisy, class‐discriminative, and object‐preserving results. The proposed method can be used to improve the explainability of deep‐learning models in image classification.
Normalized stochastic gradient descent learning of general complex‐valued models
Authors: Paireder T. , Motz C. , Huemer M.
Published: April 2021

The stochastic gradient descent (SGD) method is one of the most prominent first‐order iterative optimisation algorithms, enabling linear adaptive filters as well as general nonlinear learning schemes. It is applicable to a wide range of objective functions, while featuring low computational costs for online operation. However, without a suitable step‐size normalisation, the convergence and tracking behaviour of the stochastic gradient descent method might be degraded in practical applications. In this letter, a novel general normalisation approach is provided for the learning of (non‐)holomorphic models with multiple independent parameter sets. The advantages of the proposed method are demonstrated by means of a specific widely‐linear estimation example.
Covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy based optical phase control
Authors: Kim Hansol , Jeong Yoonchan
Published: April 2021

In this letter, an investigation of the use of a covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA‐ES) algorithm is conducted as the phase‐locking method for multi‐channel coherent beam combining (CBC) for the first time. A comprehensive numerical analysis is carried out on the operational performances of the CMA‐ES based phase‐locking algorithm implemented into 7‐ and 19‐channel CBC systems in a filled‐aperture format. Through numerical simulations it can be verified that the CMA‐ES algorithm can readily lead to over 0.90 of normalised beam combining efficiency with appropriate algorithm parameter sets, which can also be optimised by a combinatorial study. The proposed CMA‐ES based phase‐locking algorithm is a feasible option for novel phase‐locking technique for a CBC system particularly when the local extremum issue becomes severe such as in CBC under turbulent atmospheric conditions.
Confidence estimation method for regression neural networks
Authors: Shin Dong Won , Koo Hyung Il
Published: April 2021

Numerous confidence estimation methods have been proposed for classification neural networks; however, this problem has not been well addressed for regression neural networks. That is, softmax layers are not available in regression networks and the interpretation of confidence becomes less clear. To alleviate these problems, a simple but effective method is proposed that computes the confidences of regression results. First, the confidence is considered as a scalar value representing relative error‐levels. Then, a mini‐batch based training method based on this interpretation is developed. Precisely, in each mini‐batch, desired outputs for confidence values are assigned by sorting current errors. Experimental results on the loose wheel nut detection problem as well as a simulated example have shown that the proposed method can be successfully applied to regression problems.
Triple‐mode bandpass filter based on short‐circuited patch resonator
Authors: Yang Qian , Liu Shuangyang , Dai Xinyue , Du Hao , Guo Cheng , Zhang Anxue , Xu Kai‐Da
Published: April 2021

The letter presents a triple‐mode short‐circuited circular patch resonator for bandpass filter (BPF) design. The resonator employs the TM010 mode as its dominant mode, the resonant frequency of which is lower than that of the TM110 mode. In addition, four radial slots are etched on the patch to extend the current paths of the TM110 and TM210 modes, shifting down the resonant frequencies of the two modes. The adjacent triple modes can be used to design wideband BPF. Meanwhile, the centre frequency (CF) and bandwidth (BW) can be tuned by the length of the slots. Furthermore, the short‐circuited vias are arranged in a circle providing a tuneable parameter to control the CF and BW as well. According to the symmetry of the geometry, the resonator can be bisected to realise half‐mode resonance. Two cascaded half‐mode semi‐circular patch resonators are applied to design BPF with high selectivity. BPFs using the circular patch resonator and the semi‐circular patch resonator are designed and measured for demonstration.
Advanced replacement strategies for low voltage distribution grids
Authors: Klerx Maikel , Morren Johan , Slootweg Han
Published: April 2021

Low voltage distribution grids play an important role in the energy transition—both in generation and demand. In the coming decades the reliability of these grids may deteriorate due to asset ageing. Various maintenance (replacement) strategies are compared in order to mitigate this. For multiple scenarios, it is analysed under which circumstances and when alternative strategies are more profitable than current practice towards managing low voltage assets. Under all scenarios utilities are advised to actively seek collaboration with other utilities and institutions in order to increase efficiency, reduce nuisance, achieve future‐proofness and minimise risks. Also, opportunities for condition‐based approaches exist with the increasing application of distribution automation.
Single‐channel EEG classification of sleep stages based on REM microstructure
Authors: Rechichi Irene , Zibetti Maurizio , Borzì Luigi , Olmo Gabriella , Lopiano Leonardo
Published: April 2021

Rapid‐eye movement (REM) sleep, or paradoxical sleep, accounts for 20–25% of total night‐time sleep in healthy adults and may be related, in pathological cases, to parasomnias. A large percentage of Parkinson's disease patients suffer from sleep disorders, including REM sleep behaviour disorder and hypokinesia; monitoring their sleep cycle and related activities would help to improve their quality of life. There is a need to accurately classify REM and the other stages of sleep in order to properly identify and monitor parasomnias. This study proposes a method for the identification of REM sleep from raw single‐channel electroencephalogram data, employing novel features based on REM microstructures. Sleep stage classification was performed by means of random forest (RF) classifier, K‐nearest neighbour (K‐NN) classifier and random Under sampling boosted trees (RUSBoost); the classifiers were trained using a set of published and novel features. REM detection accuracy ranges from 89% to 92.7%, and the classifiers achieved a F‐1 score (REM class) of about 0.83 (RF), 0.80 (K‐NN), and 0.70 (RUSBoost). These methods provide encouraging outcomes in automatic sleep scoring and REM detection based on raw single‐channel electroencephalogram, assessing the feasibility of a home sleep monitoring device with fewer channels.
Controllable microemulsion method for the synthesis of Mg(OH)2/PS core–shell structures
Authors: Wu Haihong , Gao Chunjuan , Ma Laibo , Zhong Yunlong , Chai Shujing , Lu Shaoyan , Liu Jing , Wang Licong
Published: April 2021

A core–shell structured Mg(OH)2/PS with enhanced surface lipophilicity was successfully synthesized by a microemulsion template. The core magnesium hydroxide was prepared in a cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)/isopropanol/cyclohexane/water microemulsion, and the shell polystyrene (PS) was formed in situ by adding styrene monomer into oil phase of the microemulsion. The Mg(OH)2/PS core–shell nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The results indicated that the obtained nanoparticles is a core–shell structure and well‐dispersed; the polystyrene shell thicknesses could be controlled in the range of 9.11 to 13.36 nm by simply changing the dosage of styrene monomer. Due to its polymer coating modification and integrated core–shell structure, the Mg(OH)2/PS is with excellent surface lipophilicity and easy to mix with the organic phase. The results provide a facile method to produce the surface‐modified inorganic material for functionality.
Game theoretic approach for public multi‐mode transportation in smart cities
Authors: Bin Hariz Mohammed , Said Dhaou , Mouftah Hussein T.
Published: April 2021

Here, a dynamic multi‐mode transportation model is developed in which the passenger, for his trip, can use one or a combination of the transportation forms such as a car, a bus or a bicycle. This model is based on the game theory concept‐based trip cost‐optimization and it is called game theory multi‐mode transportation. The proposed system is implemented through a realistic scenario in a specific city using the OMNET++ and the OpenStreetMap software tools. The results show that the average trip price and the average trip time are improved when using the proposed model.
Single‐source multilevel inverter based on flyback DC‐DC converter
Authors: Ghavipanjeh Marangalu Milad , Vosoughi Kurdkandi Naser , Babaei Ebrahim
Published: April 2021

A new multilevel inverter based on flyback converter is presented in this paper. By employing the DC‐DC flyback converter the voltage of DC‐link capacitors is adjusted. In the proposed structure, the required input DC voltages are provided with a single‐input multi‐output flyback DC‐DC converter. The proposed topology can decrease total harmonics distortion (THD) of the injected grid current. Also, the proposed topology is suitable for photovoltaic (PV) applications. In addition, the proposed inverter can be connected to grid for injecting a sinusoidal current under desired power factors (leading, lagging and unity). In this case, the suggested inverter is able to control the active and reactive powers. This leads to generate a tightly controlled current with a high quality that can be injected to the grid utilizing a single renewable energy resource. It should be noted that the experimental results of the proposed inverter will be obtained when the topology is connected to the local grid. In addition, in the proposed topology by using flyback converter the local grid is isolated from PV panel, so the generated leakage current can be eliminated completely. The operation modes, design consideration, comparison results and finally 620 watt built prototype results are presented.
A new transformer‐less step‐up DC–DC converter with high voltage gain and reduced voltage stress on switched‐capacitors and power switches for renewable energy source applications
Authors: Abbasi Maysam , Nazari Yousef , Abbasi Ehsan , Li Li
Published: April 2021

In many modern applications such as renewable energy sources (RESs), DC–DC step‐up converters can be used to regulate the input variable and/or low voltage to achieve the desired characteristics such as amplitude and ripples at the output voltage. This article proposes a new transformer‐less step‐up DC–DC converter which, compared to previously presented converter topologies in the same class, can provide a higher variable voltage conversion ratio besides benefits such as decreased voltage stress on the switched‐capacitors and power switches. Since the proposed topology is expandable, it can generate much higher voltage conversion ratios with lower, non‐extreme duty‐cycles which can be provided by a simple and cheap control circuit. The aforementioned advantages make the converter a suitable candidate for numerous industrial applications such as RES applications. Besides the voltage regulation applications, the proposed converter can be employed to extract the maximum power from RESs such as photovoltaic panels. To prove the converter performance, comprehensive comparisons and experiments are performed.
Disturbance observer‐based sliding mode control for dynamic performance enhancement and current‐sensorless of buck/boost converter
Authors: Su Mei , Feng Weiquan , Jiang Taowen , Guo Bin , Wang Hui , Zheng Chengyan
Published: April 2021

Bidirectional DC‐DC converters are widely used in electric vehicle charger, where excellent steady‐state and dynamic performances are crucial. However, those two performances are easily affected by external disturbances and parameter uncertainties. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a disturbance observer‐based second‐order sliding mode control (SOSMC) for the buck/boost converter. With the super‐twisting algorithm (STA) second‐order sliding mode control method, satisfactory steady‐state and dynamic performance is achieved. In addition, to further improve the dynamic performance and reduce the control burden, a high‐order sliding mode disturbance observer (HOSMDO) is employed to estimate the lumped disturbances. Thus, the mismatched disturbances caused by input voltage fluctuation, load variation, output voltage regulation, power flow change, and model uncertainties can be effectively suppressed. Moreover, the state variable containing inductor current is also observed, which removes one current sensor, reducing system cost. The design methods of the second‐order sliding mode control and the high‐order sliding mode disturbance observer are presented as well as the stability analysed through the Lyapunov theory. Simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Adaptive power sharing scheme for parallel‐connected hybrid inverters in microgrid
Authors: Zhang Fenggang , Kang Jinsong
Published: April 2021

This paper presents an adaptive power sharing control method of parallel‐connected hybrid inverters in microgrid. Normally the AC microgrid is composed of hybrid inverters, other power generation equipment and some loads in parallel. Droop control or virtual synchronous generator is usually adopted to control parallel inverters, so the output power ratio between each inverter is fixed by droop parameters. The input of hybrid inverter is PV panel and battery, so the power output ability of each hybrid inverter is different because of the different PV panel capacity, illumination condition, battery capacity and battery state of charge. Hence, the output power of some hybrid inverters is short or redundant sometimes, which makes microgrid unstable or causes power generation restraints. It is necessary to recognize the actual power capacity of each inverter and control the output power reasonably. This paper analyzes the characteristics of parallel‐connected hybrid inverters with droop control in microgrid. An adaptive power sharing method is developed to identify the unbalanced between the each inverter on DC bus. By adjusting the droop parameters, the output power of each inverter is regulated where the controlled parameters are defined in system transfer function with an optimal target. Experimental tests are executed following the numerical simulation. The results show that the output power of each inverter can be adjusted adaptively according to the practical needs. The excessive power from one inverter can be absorbed by the others. Therefore, the stability and the power capability in the system are both ensured by adopting the proposed methods. The outcomes of the study provide a reference to the development of the adaptive inverter in microgrid.
A novel tri‐capacity battery charger topology for low‐voltage DC residential nanogrid
Authors: Selvanathan Keerthana , Govindarajan Uma
Published: April 2021

This study communicates a single‐stage, 3‐ɸ, rooftop solar photo voltaic (PV) and grid compatible tri‐capacity battery charger (TBC) topology for a home‐based low voltage direct current nanogrid (LVDC NG). The proposed architecture performs power factor correction drawing sinusoidal grid currents at unity power factor, single‐stage rectification of 3‐ɸ grid voltages and constant current mode battery charging simultaneously. The employed control scheme is experimentally validated on a 120 W scaled‐down hardware prototype energising three lead‐acid‐based battery energy storage system (BESS) of nominal voltages 48/36/24 V and capacities 28/21/14 Ah, respectively. The obtained results affirm the effective operation of the LVDC NG under islanded/grid‐to‐battery and battery‐to‐grid modes. Further, an extension to the proposed work where the TBC functions charging a single BESS is put forward and validated adding merit to the proposed work.
A new extension of hesitant fuzzy set: An application to an offshore wind turbine technology selection process
Authors: Narayanamoorthy Samayan , Ramya Lakshmanaraj , Kang Daekook , Baleanu Dumitru , Kureethara Joseph Varghese , Annapoorani Veerappan
Published: April 2021

Wind energy is an energy source that is naturally clean, safe and cheap. It comes from a variety of sources. The electric energy generated by a wind turbine manifests as kinetic energy throughout the earth. The energy received from the wind is clean and is permanently available and can be generated forever. Turbine characteristics also have an impact on wind energy production. The turbine properties within a wind farm are important in estimating the load on power generation and wind turbine energy. The amount of energy released is calculated according to the type of the turbine model applied. In many situations, the choices of turbine model can incur various vague and complicated hesitation situations. To manage this situation, a hesitant fuzzy set with the Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) is used. In the present research, the newly proposed Normal Wiggly Hesitant Fuzzy‐Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (NWHF‐CRITIC) and Normal Wiggly Hesitant Fuzzy‐Multi Attribute Utility Theory (NWHF‐MAUT) methods were employed to rank turbine models based on quality, power level, voltage, and capacity. As part of this process, the NWHF method was utilized to extract and gather deeper information from the decision‐makers.