bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative trait loci influencing pentacyclic triterpene composition in apple fruit peel
Authors: Christeller John T. , McGhie Tony K. , Johnston Jason W. , Carr Bridie , Chagné David
Published: December 2019

The chemical composition of pentacyclic triterpenes was analysed using a ‘Royal Gala’ x ‘Granny Smith’ segregating population in 2013 and 2015, using apple peels extracted from mature fruit at harvest and after 12 weeks of cold storage. In 2013, 20 compound isoforms from nine unique compound classes were measured for both treatments. In 2015, 20 and 17 compound isoforms from eight unique compound classes were measured at harvest and after cold storage, respectively. In total, 68 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected on 13 linkage groups (LG). Thirty two and 36 QTLs were detected for compounds measured at harvest and after cold storage, respectively. The apple chromosomes with the most QTLs were LG3, LG5, LG9 and LG17. The largest effect QTL was for trihydroxy-urs-12-ene-28-oic acid, located on LG5; this was measured in 2015 after storage, and was inherited from the ‘Royal Gala’ parent (24.9% of the phenotypic variation explained).
Placental malaria vaccine candidate antigen VAR2CSA displays atypical domain architecture in some Plasmodium falciparum strains
Authors: Doritchamou Justin Y. A. , Morrison Robert , Renn Jonathan P. , Ribeiro Jose , Duan Junhui , Fried Michal , Duffy Patrick E.
Published: December 2019

Two vaccines based on Plasmodium falciparum protein VAR2CSA are currently in clinical evaluation to prevent placental malaria (PM), but a deeper understanding of var2csa variability could impact vaccine design. Here we identified atypical extended or truncated VAR2CSA extracellular structures and confirmed one extended structure in a Malian maternal isolate, using a novel protein fragment assembly method for RNA-seq and DNA-seq data. Extended structures included one or two additional DBL domains downstream of the conventional NTS-DBL1X-6ɛ domain structure, with closest similarity to DBLɛ in var2csa and non-var2csa genes. Overall, 4/82 isolates displayed atypical VAR2CSA structures. The maternal isolate expressing an extended VAR2CSA bound to CSA, but its recombinant VAR2CSA bound less well to CSA than VAR2CSANF54 and showed lower reactivity to naturally acquired parity-dependent antibody. Our protein fragment sequence assembly approach has revealed atypical VAR2CSA domain architectures that impact antigen reactivity and function, and should inform the design of VAR2CSA-based vaccines.
Laser induced molybdenum sulphide loading on doped graphene cathode for highly stable lithium sulphur battery
Authors: Huang Yihe , Field Richard , Chen Qian , Peng Yudong , Walczak Monika S. , Zhao Hu , Zhu Guangyu , Liu Zhu , Li Lin
Published: December 2019

Lithium sulphur (Li-S) batteries are known to have much higher charge capacity than the currently widely used lithium-ion batteries with graphite anodes. However, maintaining high charge cycle stability is a key challenge for Li-S batteries due to the shuttle effect. Here we show highly stable characteristics with 100% charge capacity of Li-S batteries with 500 charge/discharge cycles at 0.5 C, 1 C, 2 C and 3 C charge rates. This was made possible by the combination of laser synthesised sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) doped graphene electrodes (without a binder) with molybdenum sulphide (MoS2) nanoparticle loading. The N/S doped porous graphene structure presented enhanced interface adsorption by the production of –SO2, which suppressed diffusion of polysulfide into the electrolyte through promoting oxygen-containing functional groups chemically bonding with sulfur. A low electrolyte resistance, interphase contact resistance and charge-transfer resistance accelerate electrons and Li+ transport by laser induced N/S doped graphene.
Ultrasonic nodal chains in topological granular metamaterials
Authors: Merkel Aurélien , Christensen Johan
Published: December 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) Weyl and Dirac semimetals garner considerable attention in condensed matter physics due to the exploration of entirely new topological phases and related unconventional surface states. Nodal line and ring semimetals, on the other hand, can facilitate 3D band crossings characterized by nontrivial links such as coupled chains and knots that are protected by the underlying crystal symmetry. Experimental complexities and detrimental effects of the spin-orbit interaction, among others, pose great challenges for the advancement that can be overcome with other systems such as bosonic lattices. Here we demonstrate that a 3D mechanical metamaterial made of granular beads hosts multiple intersecting nodal rings in the ultrasonic regime. By unveiling these yet unseen classical topological phases, we discuss the resilience of the associated novel surface states that appear entirely unaffected to the type of crystal termination, making them a promising platform in ultrasonic devices for non-destructive testing and material characterization.
Structurally different mixed linkage β-glucan supplements differentially increase secondary bile acid excretion in hypercholesterolaemic rat faeces
Authors: Iaccarino Nunzia , Khakimov Bekzod , Mikkelsen Mette Skau , Nielsen Tina Skau , Jensen Morten Georg , Randazzo Antonio , Engelsen Søren Balling
Published: December 2019

This study demonstrates that structurally different barley β-glucans promote the primary and secondary bile acids’ excretion in a selective manner depending on β-glucans molecular structure.
Enzymatically crosslinked gelatin–laminin hydrogels for applications in neuromuscular tissue engineering
Authors: Besser Rachel R. , Bowles Annie C. , Alassaf Ahmad , Carbonero Daniel , Claure Isabella , Jones Ellery , Reda Joseph , Wubker Laura , Batchelor Wyndham , Ziebarth Noël , Silvera Risset , Khan Aisha , Maciel Renata , Saporta Mario , Agarwal Ashutosh
Published: December 2019

We report a water-soluble and non-toxic method to incorporate additional extracellular matrix proteins into gelatin hydrogels, while obviating the use of chemical crosslinkers such as glutaraldehyde.
Steering polyoxometalate transformation from octahedral to tetrahedral coordination by counter-cations
Authors: Guo Yun , Li Hong-Yi , Zhang Xie , Huang Jie , Feng Jun-Kai , Diao Jiang , Xie Bing
Published: December 2019

A previously unknown polyoxometalate transformation from an octahedrally coordinated to a tetrahedrally coordinated structure, with performance enhancement, is induced by flexible counter-cations.
In-plane anisotropic electronics based on low-symmetry 2D materials: progress and prospects
Authors: Zhao Siwen , Dong Baojuan , Wang Huide , Wang Hanwen , Zhang Yupeng , Han Zheng Vitto , Zhang Han
Published: December 2019

Low-symmetry layered materials such as black phosphorus (BP) have been revived recently due to their high intrinsic mobility and in-plane anisotropic properties, which can be used in anisotropic electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Lead-free, stable, high-efficiency (52%) blue luminescent FA3Bi2Br9 perovskite quantum dots
Authors: Shen Yalong , Yin Jun , Cai Bo , Wang Ziming , Dong Yuhang , Xu Xiaobao , Zeng Haibo
Published: December 2019

Lead-free Bi-based perovskite FA3Bi2X9 (X = Cl, Br, and I) quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized for the first time at room temperature. The ligand-passivated FA3Bi2Br9 QDs exhibit blue emission at 437 nm with photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) up to 52%.
An extraordinary chiral exchange-bias phenomenon: engineering the sign of the bias field in orthogonal bilayers by a magnetically switchable response mechanism
Authors: Bollero Alberto , Neu Volker , Baltz Vincent , Serantes David , Cuñado José Luis F. , Pedrosa Javier , Palmero Ester M. , Seifert Marietta , Dieny Bernard , del Real Rafael P. , Vázquez Manuel , Chubykalo-Fesenko Oksana , Camarero Julio
Published: December 2019

The competition between magnetic anisotropies in an exchange bias-like bilayer leads to a pinning mechanism, reported for the first time, going from negative to positive bias field through zero (no bias). The chirality of the effect is also proven.
The visible nonlinear optical properties and passively Q-switched laser application of a layered PtSe2 material
Authors: Cui Na , Zhang Feng , Zhao Yuqing , Yao Yongping , Wang Qiangguo , Dong Lulu , Zhang Huiyun , Liu Shande , Xu Jinlong , Zhang Han
Published: December 2019

Platinum diselenide (PtSe2), a type-II Dirac semi-metal material, is a potential saturable absorber (SA) to generate visible pulsed lasers due to its prominent optoelectronic properties.
Supramolecular metallacyclic hydrogels with tunable strength switched by host–guest interactions
Authors: Zhang Chang-Wei , Jiang Shu-Ting , Zheng Wei , Ji Tan , Huo Gui-Fei , Yin Guang-Qiang , Li Xiaopeng , Liao Xiaojuan
Published: December 2019

A new family of supramolecular hydrogels with tunable strength was successfully constructed through a combination of coordination-driven self-assembly, post-assembly polymerization and host–guest interactions.
Subtle substitution controls the rainbow chromatic behaviour of multi-stimuli responsive core-expanded pyrenes
Authors: Hogan David T. , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Spasyuk Denis M. , Sutherland Todd C.
Published: December 2019

Core-expanded pyrenes exhibit rainbow solvatochromism, reversible acidochromism in both solution and solid-state, and reversible crystal-to-crystal mechanochromism all governed by substitution pattern.
Nickel(ii)-catalyzed C–C, N–C cascade coupling of ketonitriles into substituted pyrroles and pyridines
Authors: Zhen Qianqian , Li Renhao , Qi Linjun , Hu Kun , Yao Xinrong , Shao Yinlin , Chen Jiuxi
Published: December 2019

The first example of nickel complexes as effectively catalyst to C–C, N–C cascade coupling of ketonitriles with arylboronic acids, affording 2,5-diarylpyrroles and 2,6-diarylpyridines.
Mild polyaddition and polyalkylation based on the carbon–carbon bond formation reaction of active methylene
Authors: Jiao Caicai , Gao Lilong , Yu Bing , Cong Hailin , Shen Youqing
Published: December 2019

Active methylene-based polyaddition and polyalkylation catalyzed via an organic superbase were studied in a high-throughput parallel synthesizing instrument.
A facile fabrication of porous fluoro-polymer with excellent mechanical properties based on high internal phase emulsion templating using PLA as co-stabilizer
Authors: Wang Yongkang , Azhar Umair , He Jinxuan , Chen Huiying , Zhao Jianzhi , Pang Ai-Min , Geng Bing
Published: December 2019

Effect of PLA on the stability of fluorinated-HIPE and size tuning of the resultant fluoro-polyHIPE with enhanced mechanical properties.
Performance of electrode-supported silica membrane separators in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Rafiz Kishen , Jin Y. , Lin Y. S.
Published: December 2019

A fully inorganic electrode-supported silica separator for Li-ion batteries.
Recent advances in sustainable syngas production by catalytic CO2 reforming of ethanol and glycerol
Authors: Bac Selin , Keskin Seda , Avci Ahmet K.
Published: December 2019

Thermodynamics and activity/stability features of the catalysts of ethanol and glycerol dry reforming are critically reviewed.
Controlled/“living” radical polymerization-based signal amplification strategies for biosensing
Authors: Hu Qiong , Gan Shiyu , Bao Yu , Zhang Yuwei , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: December 2019

Controlled/“living” radical polymerization-based signal amplification strategies and their applications in highly sensitive biosensing of clinically relevant biomolecules are reviewed.
Design principle for a p-type oxide gate layer on AlGaN/GaN toward normally-off HEMTs: Li-doped NiO as a model
Authors: Li Guanjie , Li Xiaomin , Zhao Junliang , Yan Fawang , Zhu Qiuxiang , Gao Xiangdong
Published: December 2019

The band alignment matching between p-type oxide and AlGaN/GaN is revealed to be key factor for p-type oxide gated normally-off HEMTs.
Transforming growth factor-β1-regulated Fas/FasL pathway activation suppresses nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis in an inflammatory environment
Authors: Xie Jingjing , Li Bo , Yao Bing , Zhang Pingchao , Wang Lixin , Lu Hua , Song Xuan
Published: December 2019

Background: During disc degeneration, inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is correlated with nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has the potential to regenerate degenerative disc.

Objective: To investigate the protective role of TGF-β1 against TNF-α-mediated NP cell apoptosis and the underlying mechanism.

Methods: Rat NP cells were treated with TNF-α (100 ng/ml) for 48 h. TGF-β1 was added into the culture medium to investigate its protective effects against TNF-α-induced NP cell apoptosis. Exogenous FasL was used to investigate the potential role of the Fas/FasL pathway in this process. Flow cytometry assay was used to analyze NP cell apoptosis. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to analyze gene and protein expression of apoptosis-related molecules.

Results: In TNF-α-treated NP cells, TGF-β1 significantly decreased NP cell apoptosis, declined caspase-3 and -8 activity, and decreased expression of Bax and caspase-3 (cleaved-caspase-3) but increased expression of Bcl-2. However, exogenous FasL partly reversed these effects of TGF-β1 in NP cells treated with TNF-α. Additionally, expression of Fas and FasL in TNF-α-treated NP cells partly decreased by TGF-β1, whereas exogenous FasL increased expression of Fas and FasL in NP cells treated with TGF-β1 and TNF-α.

Conclusion: TGF-β1 helps to inhibit TNF-α-induced NP cell apoptosis and the Fas/FasL pathway may be involved in this process. The present study suggests that TGF-β1 may be effective to retard inflammation-mediated disc degeneration.
m6A RNA methylation regulators can contribute to malignant progression and impact the prognosis of bladder cancer
Authors: Chen Mei , Nie Zhen-yu , Wen Xiao-hong , Gao Yuan-hui , Cao Hui , Zhang Shu-fang
Published: December 2019

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common form of messenger RNA (mRNA) modification. An increasing number of studies have proven that m6A RNA methylation regulators are overexpressed in many cancers and participate in the development of cancer through the dynamic regulation of m6A RNA methylation regulators. However, the prognostic role of m6A RNA methylation regulators in bladder cancer (BC) is poorly understood. In the present study, we downloaded the mRNA expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the corresponding clinical and prognostic information. The relationship between m6A RNA methylation regulators and clinicopathological variables of BC patients was assessed by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The expression of the m6A RNA methylation regulators was differentially associated with different clinicopathological variables of BC patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model was then applied to identify three m6A RNA methylation regulators. The risk signature was constructed as follows: 0.164FTO − (0.081YTHDC1+0.032WTAP). Based on the risk signature, the risk score of each patient was calculated, and the patients were divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group. The overall survival (OS) rate of the high-risk group was significantly lower than that of the low-risk group. The risk signature was not only an independent prognostic marker for BC patients but also a predictor of clinicopathological variables. In conclusion, m6A RNA methylation regulators can participate in the malignant progression of BC, and a risk signature with three selected m6A RNA methylation regulators may be a promising prognostic biomarker to guide personalized treatment for BC patients.
Fast model predictive control based on sensitivity analysis strategy
Authors: Kalantari Hamid , Mojiri Mohsen , Dubljevic Stevan , Zamani Najmeh
Published: December 2019

This study proposes a new method based on sensitivity analysis to solve a series of sequential parametric linear programmings (LPs) such as that those arise in model predictive control (MPC). The main idea is to find a relationship between each of the two successive parametric LPs by using sensitivity analysis strategy. Tolerance analysis‐based MPC (TA‐ MPC) and sensitivity analysis‐based MPC (SA‐ MPC) are introduced for reducing computational complexity and runtime. TA‐ MPC takes operations per step time, where N and n are the prediction horizon and the number of states, respectively. This approach is very faster than generic optimisation methods but it can be applied only for initial conditions that are near to steady‐state values. SA‐ MPC has not any limitation in usage and it reduces the runtime significantly compared with common solvers. Finally, numerical results indicate the potential of the proposed algorithms.
Fault‐tolerant predictive trajectory tracking of an air vehicle based on acceleration control
Authors: Ali Emami Seyyed , Banazadeh Afshin
Published: December 2019

A novel fault‐tolerant model predictive control (MPC)‐based trajectory tracking approach for an aerial vehicle is presented in this study. A generalised online sequential extreme learning machine is introduced first to identify the corresponding coefficients of actuator faults. Subsequently, a robust trajectory tracking control is developed based on MPC, where the system constraints can be effectively considered in the designed control scheme. Trajectory tracking control is achieved by controlling only the acceleration of the aerial robot in the MPC structure. This leads to less computational burden and faster closed‐loop dynamics. In addition, an effective disturbance observer is employed, which can satisfactorily capture the effects of unmodelled dynamics and external disturbances on the system dynamics. The stability of the proposed control algorithm is proved based on the Lyapunov theory under realistic assumptions. Finally, the proposed control strategy is applied to a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle. Both simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the introduced fault‐tolerant control scheme. The obtained results suggest that the designed control approach is capable of stabilising the attitude and providing acceptable performance in tracking a predefined trajectory in a three‐dimensional environment in the simultaneous presence of actuator faults and external disturbances.
Observer‐based control of 2D Roesser systems with random packet dropout
Authors: Van Hien Le , Lan‐Huong Nguyen Thi
Published: December 2019

This study is concerned with the problem of observer‐based – control of two‐dimensional (2D) discrete‐time Roesser systems with exogenous disturbances. The control channel is subject to random packet dropouts and the closed‐loop dynamics is presented as a 2D system with stochastic multiplicative noises in the system state and output vectors. Based on a Lyapunov‐like scheme, tractable conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are derived to ensure that the closed‐loop system is – stable with a prescribed attenuation level. On the basis of the derived stability conditions, the design parameters of an observer‐based controller are obtained through an LMI setting. A numerical example with simulations is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the design method.
Robust formation tracking for uncertain multi‐agent systems with unknown leader input
Authors: Chen Jintao , Shi Zongying , Zhong Yisheng
Published: December 2019

This study investigates the robust formation tracking problems for uncertain multi‐agent systems(MASs). The leader is assumed to be linear case and the dynamics of the followers can be modelled as a high‐order linear system with heterogeneous uncertainties and external disturbances. Only part of the followers can get the states of the leader and the control input of the leader cannot be obtained by any followers. Based on the relative information among agents, robust formation tracking protocols are proposed to achieve the desired formation tracking. It can be proven that the formation tracking error can be made arbitrarily small if the formation tracking feasibility condition holds. Finally, a simulation example is provided to illustrate the obtained theoretical results.
Decentralised finite‐time consensus for second‐order multi‐agent system under event‐triggered strategy
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhang Zexu , Lawrance Nicholas , Nieto Juan , Siegwart Roland
Published: December 2019

In this technical note, the authors address the finite‐time consensus problem of a second‐order multi‐agent system (SOMAS) under an event‐triggered control strategy. This problem arises from the case where actuators in a SOMAS fail to follow the ideal controller behaviour exactly, due to either the failure of an embedded processor to maintain the desired update rate or a large time constant in the actuators, while still trying to maintain some performance merits from the finite‐time control theory. A decentralised event‐triggered non‐linear protocol is proposed based on only local information for the undirected and connected communication graph. The rigorous proof is then presented and shows that the consensus can be achieved in finite time even under event‐triggered schemes. Owing to the event‐triggered strategy, they proposed a technique that bounds the steady errors of agent states into a small region around zero in finite time and reduces the update frequency of actuators while excluding the Zeno behaviour. Finally, simulation results are provided to validate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method and demonstrate that it can adjust a composed performance metrics with respect to the convergent rate, consensus accuracy, and update frequency of actuators by tuning the parameters in the control protocol.
Design and analysation of DC voltage synchronisation control for a VSC‐MTDC based on virtual synchronous generator
Authors: Cao Xin , Han Minxiao , Khan Zmarrak Wali , Zhang Lidong
Published: December 2019

Voltage source converter (VSC)‐based high‐voltage dc (HVDC) transmission is widely utilised nowadays. However, a VSC‐HVDC connected to a weak ac system still faces the problem of phase‐locked loop (PLL) synchronisation. To tackle this problem, this study proposes a dc voltage synchronisation control (DCSC) based on the power synchronisation control and the power balance equation of the virtual synchronous generator. To analyse the dynamic stability of DCSC, voltage sensitivity indicator (VSI) is used to reflect the voltage fluctuations. Considering the deviations of dc voltage and converter losses, a closed‐loop transfer function of dc voltage is designed. Three important parameters including VSI, virtual damping coefficient and inertia time constant are investigated. The dynamic stability analysis shows DCSC has strong controllability. Then, a three terminals VSC‐MTDC model is simulated in PSCAD/EMTDC. Herein, DCSC is used in one inverter and PLL is used in another inverter. The waveforms obtained by using DCSC are compared with that by using PLL. Simulation results clearly depict that the inverter with DCSC has a normal steady state and a better transient response than using PLL when connected to a strong ac system, also provides better power transfer capability when connected to a weak ac system.
Efficient NFC coil antennas for fully enclosed metallic‐framed wearable devices
Authors: Choi Jaehyun , Lim Sangho , Hong Wonbin
Published: December 2019

This study reports methods of alleviating the effect on inductive near‐field communication (NFC) coils caused by fully enclosed metallic‐frames for wearable devices such as smartwatches. Two techniques that, respectively, involve creating two short‐circuit passages to modify the distribution of the out‐of‐phase current on the metallic‐frame and reducing the out‐of‐phase current amplitude by devising an asymmetric coil topology is presented and studied in detail. Extensive simulation, prototyping and measurement are carried out for 13.56 MHz NFC applications. The presented techniques can, respectively, improve the induced magnetic coupling by 43 and 30% under identical conditions in the presence of the metallic frame. Furthermore, both methods comply with the NFC forum certification and do not require the need to increase the drive current and power consumption of the NFC circuitry.
Isolated H‐bridge DC–DC converter integrated transformerless DVR for power quality improvement
Authors: Savrun Murat Mustafa , Köroğlu Tahsin , Tan Adnan , Cuma Mehmet Uğraş , Bayindir Kamil Çağatay , Tümay Mehmet
Published: December 2019

This study presents a new H‐bridge DC‐DC converter‐based transformerless dynamic voltage restorer topology (DVR). The proposed system can compensate balanced and unbalanced voltage sag/swell that are the most common electrical power quality problems and offers advantages over conventional DVR topologies by providing the isolation with high‐frequency transformer (HFT) rather than bulky injection transformers and by employing shunt converter to eliminate the requirement of an energy storage unit. The system is composed of H‐bridge DC–DC converter equipped with a HFT with one primary and three secondary windings and transformerless DVR. The single‐phase shift modulation method is used for each series converter independently to provide the bidirectional power flow control of DC–DC converter, whereas in‐phase compensation method with a hybrid detection algorithm is used to mitigate voltage sag/swell. An LC filter is employed to attenuate the switching ripple harmonics on the output of the DVR. The performance of the proposed system is verified experimentally on a three‐phase, three‐wire, 380 V, 10 kVA prototype.
Study on conducted EMI noise source modelling applied in electromagnetic compatibility analysis based on GA in cooperation with LM
Authors: Mengxia Zhou , Yang Zhao , Jingrui Yan , Wei Yan , Minghui Sun , Xianqiang Wu , Baoming Xiao
Published: December 2019

In this study, a new method employing scattering parameters (SPs) method, genetic algorithm (GA) and Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm (LM) is proposed for modelling conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise source impedance. On the basis of the impedance information extracted by traditional SP method, GA is adopted to optimise the impedance information by taking advantage of the fast convergence speed. The obtained values of the RCL parameter are used as a set of initial values. Then, by using the advantage of the high precision of the LM, the initial values obtained by the GA are iteratively calculated. Better results can be obtained by using this combination method. This method improves the processing accuracy while ensuring the processing speed and contributes to the design of conduction EMI filter.
Modelling and control of a triple‐active‐bridge converter
Authors: Zou Shenli , Lu Jiangheng , Khaligh Alireza
Published: December 2019

This study proposes a systematic approach to model and control a triple‐active‐bridge (TAB) converter for electric vehicle on‐board charger applications. An innovative generalised‐harmonic‐approximation (GHA) modelling method is proposed to accurately predict the instantaneous current and voltage waveforms. Based on the GHA modelling, a control strategy for a TAB converter is proposed, which enables the power flow from grid to two batteries with high conversion efficiency while achieving zero‐voltage switching operation. Compared to the conventional phase‐shift modulation, the proposed control method achieves an extended operating range of simultaneous charging operation mode, especially under the unbalanced load conditions. As a proof‐of‐concept, a 600 W prototype is built and tested. The experimental results are presented including waveforms of different operation modes and efficiency measurements. The peak efficiency of the TAB converter under the G2B mode is measured as 97.6%. The experimental waveforms exhibit good agreement with the waveforms obtained through GHA modelling.
Decision fusion using virtual dictionary‐based sparse representation for robust SAR automatic target recognition
Authors: Mojarad Shafie Behrouz , Moallem Payman , Farzan Sabahi Mohamad
Published: December 2019

Sparse representation displays remarkable characteristics when applied to image processing and classification. The critical point in the success of sparse representation‐based classification is to learn an authentic dictionary. The present study proposes a virtual dictionary‐based sparse representation for automatic target recognition. Based on the properties of the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, some low complexity modules including adding speckle noise, histogram equalisation mapping, and bicubic interpolation are applied to construct some virtual compact dictionaries using Fisher discriminative dictionary learning. These dictionaries have different discriminative information on targets, which are used independently in several sparse representation‐based classifiers. The reconstruction error vectors of the latter classifiers are then combined to recognise the target using decision fusion. Based on experimental results obtained drawing upon moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition data set, the proposed method presents the highest accuracy in classification reported yet in the literature. Furthermore, the procedure improves the recognition robustness against most commonly extended operating conditions, e.g. speckle noise corruption, depression angle variation and reduced training set. Accordingly, the current study claims a robust parallel method of high real‐time ability in the target recognition of SAR images applicable to practical situations.
Node deployment in wireless sensor networks using the new multi‐objective Levy flight bee algorithm
Authors: Hajizadeh Nahid , Javidan Reza , Shamsinejad Pirooz , Akbari Reza
Published: December 2019

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) play a prominent role in the world of computer networks. WSNs rely on deployment as a basic requirement and an effective factor on the basic network services. In deployment, creating a balance between conflicting optimisation factors, e.g. connectivity and coverage, is a challenging and sophisticated issue, so that deployment turns into an NP‐complete problem. The majority of existing researches has attempted to tackle this problem by applying classic single‐objective metaheuristic algorithms in 2D small‐scale uniform environments. In this study, a new hybrid multi‐objective optimisation algorithm, which is constructed by the combination of multi‐objective bee algorithms and Levy flight (LF) random walk is proposed to deal with the deployment problem in WSNs. For this purpose, two of the most important criteria, connectivity and coverage, have been considered as objectives. A series of experiments are carried out in large‐scale non‐uniform 3D environments, despite the fact that most of the present methods are applicable in small‐scale uniform 2D environments. This study completely takes into account the stochastic behaviour of swarms, something that other papers do not consider. The evaluation results show that the multi‐objective LF bee algorithm, in most cases, surpasses NSGAII, IBEA and SPEA2 algorithms.
Elderly monitoring system in a smart city environment using LoRa and MQTT
Authors: Lachtar Abdelfatteh , Val Thierry , Kachouri Abdennaceur
Published: December 2019

With the rapid surge of M‐Health and smart city systems, the need to accommodate sensors and actuators to achieve effective automation turns out to be imposed, for an efficient machine‐to‐machine communication to be maintained. In this regard, the key elements necessary for a successful M‐Health system to take place are discovered to be the power consumption and interoperability maintaining factors. In this context, the present study is conducted to devise a special elderly tracking and monitoring system, closely connected to a walking stick device. The proposed design involves a cane cased transmitter node, enabling to send data related to the position and the state of the elderly to a base station, through implementation of the LoRa technology. The latter would then apply the message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) protocol to interact with the environment once a fall proves to take place. For the purpose of evaluating the advanced design associated coverage range and power consumption rate, as enhanced via LoRa network, several experimental tests have been administered. The achieved results appear to reveal that the suggested architecture recorded average covered area turns out to be of the rate of 6 km2.
Explaining the low luminosity of Uranus: a self-consistent thermal and structural evolution
Authors: Vazan Allona , Helled Ravit
Published: December 2019

The low luminosity of Uranus is a long-standing challenge in planetary science. Simple adiabatic models are inconsistent with the measured luminosity, which indicates that Uranus is non-adiabatic because it has thermal boundary layers and/or conductive regions. A gradual composition distribution acts as a thermal boundary to suppress convection and slow down the internal cooling. Here we investigate whether composition gradients in the deep interior of Uranus can explain its low luminosity, the required composition gradient, and whether it is stable for convective mixing on a timescale of some billion years. We varied the primordial composition distribution and the initial energy budget of the planet, and chose the models that fit the currently measured properties (radius, luminosity, and moment of inertia) of Uranus. We present several alternative non-adiabatic internal structures that fit the Uranus measurements. We found that convective mixing is limited to the interior of Uranus, and a composition gradient is stable and sufficient to explain its current luminosity. As a result, the interior of Uranus might still be very hot, in spite of its low luminosity. The stable composition gradient also indicates that the current internal structure of Uranus is similar to its primordial structure. Moreover, we suggest that the initial energy content of Uranus cannot be greater than 20% of its formation (accretion) energy. We also find that an interior with a mixture of ice and rock, rather than separated ice and rock shells, is consistent with measurements, suggesting that Uranus might not be “differentiated”. Our models can explain the luminosity of Uranus, and they are also consistent with its metal-rich atmosphere and with the predictions for the location where its magnetic field is generated.
Die equine adenomatöse Allantoishyperplasie – ein Warnsignal?
Authors: Hülskötter Kirsten , Aurich Christine , Köhne Martin , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Wohlsein Peter
Published: December 2019

Die equine adenomatöse Allantoishyperplasie (EAAH) ist eine selten beobachtete noduläre oder flächige Veränderung der
Plazenta des Pferdes, die anhand eines Falls vorgestellt wird. Die EAAH wird gehäuft bei abortierten Feten
diagnostiziert und ist mit entzündlichen Veränderungen der Plazenta assoziiert. Entsprechend ihrer Ausbildung werden
histologisch verschiedene Grade der EAAH unterschieden, doch sind diese weder mit einer bestimmten klinischen
Symptomatik, dem Entzündungsgrad, einem spezifischen Erreger oder der Häufigkeit von Aborten assoziiert. Es wird davon
ausgegangen, dass die EAAH eine sekundäre, reaktive Veränderung darstellt und selbst keinen Einfluss auf die Vitalität
des equinen Fetus hat. Die Läsion sollte jedoch auch bei klinisch unauffälligen Fohlen als Warnsignal für mögliche
vorausgegangene subklinische Infektionen ernst genommen werden und Anlass für eine genauere klinische Untersuchung und
Überwachung von Stute und Fohlen geben.
Toxoplasma gondii-associated cholecystitis in a cat receiving immunosuppressive
treatment
Authors: Lo Piccolo Francesco , Busch Kathrin , Palić Jelena , Geisen Vera , Hartmann Katrin , Unterer Stefan
Published: December 2019

A 9-year-old female neutered domestic shorthair cat diagnosed with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia that was treated with
prednisolone and cyclosporine, was presented for anorexia, vomiting, increased liver enzymes, and hyperbilirubinemia.
Abdominal ultrasound revealed a markedly thickened gallbladder and common bile duct wall. Bile cytology detected severe
neutrophilic inflammation and protozoal zoites. Suspected Toxoplasma gondii infection was confirmed by real-time
PCR of bile. The cat was treated with clindamycin and ursodeoxycholic acid for 6 weeks, recovered and remained stable
for 2 years despite ongoing immunosuppressive treatment. Thereafter, the cat was presented with suspicion of intestinal
lymphoma, and recurrence of toxoplasmosis was diagnosed. Following treatment with clindamycin and prednisolone over 4
weeks the cat was euthanized. This is the first report of Toxoplasma gondii zoites detected in bile fluid from a
cat with cholecystitis. Pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis in cats is still not fully understood. Although immunosuppression
can represent a relevant predisposing factor, other factors, such as virulence of the parasite and genetic polymorphism
of the host, can also play an important role. Toxoplasmosis should be included as a differential diagnosis in cats
developing clinical signs of an inflammatory disease while receiving immunosuppressive treatment.
Untersuchung der perioperativen Hypothermie bei kombinierter Gabe von Acepromazin und Metamizol
beim Hund
Authors: Schidelko-Prandl Judith , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea , Schwarz Günter , Pieper Korbinian
Published: December 2019

Gegenstand und Ziel Untersuchung des perioperativen Temperaturverlaufs bei gleichzeitiger Anwendung von
Acepromazin und Metamizol (AM) im Vergleich zur Anwendung von Acepromazin alleine (A).

Material und Methoden In dieser prospektiven, quasi-randomisierten, kontrollierten Studie wurden 20 Hunde, bei
denen eine standardisierte Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy erfolgte, hinsichtlich der Prämedikation alternierend 2
Gruppen (A und AM) zugeordnet (je n = 10). Der Verlauf der Rektaltemperaturen wurde ab der Prämedikation bis zum
Wiedererreichen einer physiologischen Körpertemperatur nach der Narkose überwacht.

Ergebnisse Der Abfall der Temperatur während der Narkose war bei beiden Gruppen vergleichbar (p = 0,12).
Postoperativ differierten die Temperaturverläufe der beiden Gruppen signifikant (p = 0,0455). Bei 6 Hunden, die
Metamizol erhalten hatten, fiel die Temperatur nach Extubation weiter ab, bevor sie wieder auf physiologische Werte
anstieg.

Schlussfolgerung Unabhängig von der Studiengruppe entwickelten alle Probanden intraoperativ eine Hypothermie.
Postoperativ stabilisierte sich die Körpertemperatur in Gruppe A schneller als in Gruppe AM.
Vergleichsmessung mit dem GlucoMen®LX PLUS und einer Referenzmethode zur Bestimmung von
β-Hydroxybutyrat bei Hunden und Katzen
Authors: Weiß Mirjam , Schramm Fabian , Dahlem Dorothee
Published: December 2019

Gegenstand und Ziel Der Nachweis von Ketonkörpern erfolgt in der Regel über einen Urinschnelltest, der aufgrund
der fehlenden Testung auf β-Hydroxybutyrat zu falsch negativen Ergebnissen führen kann. In der Humanmedizin wird eine
direkte Bestimmung von β-Hydroxybutyrat aus dem Blut mithilfe von portablen Messgeräten bevorzugt, die mit einer höheren
Sensitivität verbunden ist. In der Veterinärmedizin stehen nur wenige evaluierte Geräte zur Verfügung, die bei höheren
β-Hydroxybutyrat-Konzentrationen deutliche Limitationen zeigten. Ziel der Studie war eine Vergleichsmessung mit dem
portablen Ketonmessgerät GlucoMen®LX PLUS und der Referenzmethode zur quantitativen Bestimmung der
β-Hydroxybutyrat-Konzentration in venösem Blut von Hunden und Katzen.

Material und Methoden Aufnahme in die prospektive Studie fanden insgesamt 47 Hunde und 55 Katzen mit diabetischer
Ketoazidose, Diabetes mellitus, einer katabolen Stoffwechsellage sowie gesunde Tiere. Es erfolgte eine vergleichende
Untersuchung der Proben mit dem zu evaluierenden Ketonmessgerät GlucoMen®LX PLUS und einem automatischen
Analysegerät als Referenzmethode. Die Messresultate der Proben von Hunden und Katzen wurden getrennt ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Es zeigte sich eine hohe Korrelation zwischen den Messungen des GlucoMen®LX PLUS und der
Referenzmethode bei Hunden (R = 0,986, p < 0,001) und Katzen (R = 0,98, p < 0,001). Die gemessenen Werte
variierten bei Hunden (Mittelwert 0,01 mmol/l, SD ± 0,20) und Katzen (Mittelwert 0,05 mmol/l, SD ± 0,29) nur
geringfügig. Bei 44 % aller Hunde und Katzen ergaben sich mit dem GlucoMen®LX PLUS niedrigere Werte als bei
der Referenzmethode, wobei eine stärkere Differenz der Messwerte insbesondere bei niedrigen und höheren
β-Hydroxybutyrat-Konzentrationen bestand (Hunde: R = –0,762; Katzen: R = –0,86).

Schlussfolgerung Das Gerät GlucoMen®LX PLUS weist eine sehr gute Korrelation zur Referenzmethode auf
und ist zur Messung von β-Hydroxybutyrat in venösem Blut von Hunden und Katzen geeignet. Seine Limitationen liegen
insbesondere in höheren Messbereichen, in denen das Gerät im Vergleich zur Referenzmethode geringfügig niedrige
β-Hydroxybutyrat-Konzentrationen misst.

Klinische Relevanz Das GlucoMen®LX PLUS stellt eine kostengünstige Alternative zur
Ketonkörperbestimmung im Urin dar.
Antirefluxoperation im ersten Lebensjahr, wenn ja, wann und wie? − Pro OP
Authors: Oswald Josef
Published: December 2019

Eine offene chirurgische Intervention im ersten Lebensjahr bei Kindern mit VUR ist nur in Ausnahmefällen indiziert. V. a. männliche Säuglinge mit hochgradigem Reflux, Einschränkung der Nierenfunktion im Sinne einer Refluxnephropathie, eindeutiger infravesikaler Obstruktion, fieberhaften Durchbruchsinfekten im Sinne von Pyelonephritiden oder septischen Zustandsbildern bedürfen einer frühzeitigen chirurgischen Intervention. Diese beschränkt sich neben der zu empfehlenden Zirkumzision meist auf die endoskopische infravesikale Desobstruktion von Urethralklappen, prolabierenden Ureterozelen sowie sekundären Blasenhalsobstruktionen. Eine endoskopische Refluxtherapie mit Hyaluronsäure/Dextranomer ist lediglich als „down-staging“ des VUR aufzufassen, sie muss individuell indiziert werden, eine offene, suprapubische Entlastung des Harntraktes im Sinne einer Vesikostomie oder Ureterocutaneostomie ist nur mehr in Einzelfällen bei septischen Zuständen oder nicht durchführbarer endoskopischer Therapie berechtigt.
Restorative Therapies after Stroke: Drugs, Devices, and Robotics
Authors: Srivastava M. V. Padma , Kuthiala Neha
Published: December 2019

Restorative therapies aim to improve outcome by salvaging threatened brain, as with reperfusion or neuroprotective drugs and also by promoting plasticity within surviving neural tissue. Restorative therapies typically have a therapeutic time window measured in days and weeks and so have the potential to be assessed by a large fraction of patients with a new stroke. Examples of such brain repair therapies include growth factors, cell-based therapies, and devices. Positive clinical trials have been reported in human studies for several classes of restorative therapy after stroke. These include robotics, constrain-induced movement therapy (CIMT), and pharmacological therapy, such as levodopa and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In addition, several forms of noninvasive cortical stimulation, such as rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and theta-burst stimulation, have shown promise in early phase studies. The current review gives a glimpse of the existing strategies, those on the anvil of implementation and those with a hope of launch in near future.
Successful Perioperative Combination of High-Dose FVIII Therapy Followed by Emicizumab in a Patient with Hemophilia A with Inhibitors
Authors: Okamoto Shuichi , Suzuki Nobuaki , Suzuki Atsuo , Suzuki Sachiko , Tamura Shogo , Suzuki Mochihito , Takahashi Nobunori , Kojima Toshihisa , Kanematsu Takeshi , Kojima Tetsuhito , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Ishiguro Naoki , Matsushita Tadashi
Published: December 2019

We managed perioperative hemostasis for a 72-year-old man with hemophilia A and low inhibitor titers (3 BU/mL), who underwent osteosynthesis for supracondylar fracture of the left humerus. He was treated perioperatively using the combination of high doses of factor VIII (FVIII) with recombinant human Factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc), followed by emicizumab. On the day of surgery (day 0), he was administered bolus infusion of 150 IU/kg rFVIIIFc, followed by continuous infusion at a dose of 4 IU/kg/h. Emicizumab, 3 mg/kg, was injected subcutaneously once a week, on days 5, 12, 19, and 26. Inhibitors were detected on day 6 at a titer of 4 BU/mL and FVIII:C decreased to below assay sensitivity limits on day 10. The rate of increase in inhibitor titers was high, with inhibitors increasing to 343.4 BU/mL on day 14. The transition of thrombin production by thrombin generation assay (TGA) showed temporary decrease in thrombin production on day 7, although it was restored by day 10, i.e., five days after commencement of emicizumab therapy. Rotational thromboelastometry displayed consistent results with TGA, showing that clotting time was prolonged and the alpha angle decreased to less than measurable levels on day 6, although they were improved by day 10. There were no bleeding-related events or other adverse events throughout the perioperative period. In conclusion, emicizumab was effective for the management of perioperative hemostasis after development of an anamnestic response in a patient with hemophilia A with inhibitors. Combination therapy with high doses of FVIII followed by emicizumab could be a workable alternative for patients with hemophilia A with inhibitors.
All in Your Mind? New-Onset Dysphagia in a Previously Healthy Adolescent Child
Authors: Sequeira Jake , Willson Douglas , Marinello Mark
Published: December 2019

A healthy 11-year-old male develops fear of choking secondary to progressive dysphagia that began in early childhood. No organic cause is found, and the patient is diagnosed with psychiatric oral aversion. The child is eventually transferred to a psychiatric facility, where a month later he has a possible aspiration event and is transferred to the local emergency room for respiratory distress before being admitted to the intensive care unit. Workup is notable for abnormal findings on brain imaging, and the diagnosis of Alexander's disease is made. This case highlights the importance of complete history-taking and examinations in pediatric patients.
38.11 Acyclic Geminal Bisperoxides
Authors: Vil’ V. A. , Bityukov O. V. , Terent'ev A. O.
Published: December 2019

This chapter describes synthetic approaches to geminal noncyclic bisperoxides such as geminal bishydroperoxides, geminal bisperoxides, bis(1-hydroperoxyalkyl) peroxides, and 1-hydroperoxyalkyl 1-hydroxyalkyl peroxides. Classical approaches to the preparation of geminal bisperoxides are based on Lewis or Brønsted acid catalyzed peroxidation of carbonyl compounds and alkenes by hydrogen peroxide or hydroperoxides. The chapter also describes other, more specific approaches to the synthesis of compounds with geminal bisperoxide moieties.