An efficient electric charged particles optimization algorithm for numerical optimization and optimal estimation of photovoltaic models

The electric charged particles optimization (ECPO) technique is inspired by the interaction (exerted forces) between electrically charged particles. A developed version of ECPO called MECPO is suggested in this article to enhance the capability of searching and balancing the exploitation and exploration phases of the conventional ECPO. To let the search agent jumps out from the local optimum and avoid stagnation in the local optimum in the proposed MECPO, three different strategies in the interaction between ECPs are modified in conjunction with the conventional ECPO. Therefore, the convergence rate is enhanced and reaches rapidly to the optimal solution. To evaluate the effectiveness of the MECPO, it is executed on the test functions of the CEC’17. Furthermore, the MECPO technique is suggested to estimate the parameters of different photovoltaic models, such as the single-diode model (SDM), the double-diode model (DDM), and the triple-diode model (TDM). The simulation results illustrate the validation and effectiveness of MECPO in extracting parameters from photovoltaic models

Enhanced setup for wired continuous long-term EEG monitoring in juvenile and adult rats: application for epilepsy and other disorders

Abstract Background The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a widely used laboratory technique in rodent models of epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other neurological diseases accompanied by seizures. Obtaining prolonged continuous EEG tracings over weeks to months is essential to adequately answer research questions related to the chronobiology of seizure emergence, and to the effect of potential novel treatment strategies. Current EEG recording methods include wired and the more recent but very costly wireless technologies. Wired continuous long-term EEG in rodents remains the mainstay approach but is often technically challenging due to the notorious frequent EEG cable disconnections from the rodent’s head, and to poor signal-to-noise ratio especially when simultaneously monitoring multiple animals. Premature EEG cable disconnections and cable movement-related artifacts result from the animal’s natural mobility, and subsequent tension on the EEG wires, as well as from potential vigorous and frequent seizures. These challenges are often accompanied by injuries to the scalp, and result in early terminations of costly experiments. Results Here we describe an enhanced customized swivel-balance EEG-cage system that allows tension-free rat mobility. The cage setup markedly improves the safety and longevity of current existing wired continuous long-term EEG. Prevention of EEG cable detachments is further enhanced by a special attention to surgical electrode anchoring to the skull. In addition to mechanically preventing premature disconnections, the detailed stepwise approach to the electrical shielding, wiring and grounding required for artifact-free high signal-to-noise ratio recordings is also included. The successful application of our EEG cage system in various rat models of brain insults and epilepsy is described with illustrative high quality tracings of seizures and electrographic patterns obtained during continuous and simultaneous monitoring of multiple rats early and up to 3 months post-brain insult. Conclusion Our simple-to-implement key modifications to the EEG cage setup allow the safe acquisition of substantial high quality wired EEG data without resorting to the still costly wireless technologies

Lestaurtinib (CEP-701) reduces the duration of limbic status epilepticus in periadolescent rats

Background: The timely abortion of status epilepticus (SE) is essential to avoid brain damage and long-term neurodevelopmental sequalae. However, available anti-seizure treatments fail to abort SE in 30% of children. Given the role of the tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptor in hyperexcitability, we investigated if TrkB blockade with lestaurtinib (CEP-701) enhances the response of SE to a standard treatment protocol and reduces SE-related brain injury. Methods: SE was induced with intra-amygdalar kainic acid in postnatal day 45 rats under continuous electroencephalogram (EEG). Fifteen min post-SE onset, rats received intraperitoneal (i.p.) CEP-701 (KCEP group) or its vehicle (KV group). Controls received CEP-701 or its vehicle following intra-amygdalar saline. All groups received two i.p. doses of diazepam, followed by i.p. levetiracetam at 15 min intervals post-SE onset. Hippocampal TrkB dimer to monomer ratios were assessed by immunoblot 24 hr post-SE, along with neuronal densities and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) levels. Results: SE duration was 50% shorter in the KCEP group compared to KV (p 0.05). The KCEP group had lower GFAP levels than KV (p 0.05), and both were lower than controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Given its established human safety, CEP-701 is a promising adjuvant drug for the timely abortion of SE and the attenuation of SE-related brain injury.This research project was funded by the Medical Practice Plan Fund ( 320150 ) to MO at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, and by Indiana University to MO, Indianapolis, IN, US.Scopu