bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SnO2-Based Optoelectronic Synapses for Artificial Visual Applications
Authors: Wang Jinyong , Leng Yangming , Zhao Tiancheng , Li Chunmei , Gu Deen , Li Wei
Published: June 2023

Optoelectronic synapse units have been drawing a strong interest lately due to their obvious crucial role in the evolution of optoelectronic integration-based neuromorphic computing. Here, optoelectronic synaptic devices are fabricated based on stannic oxide (SnO2) film and with the structure of ITO/SnO2/P++-Si. Using optical stimulation, we found that the synaptic sandwich devices are highly responsive and exhibit fast switching behavior. These optically stimulated synaptic devices accurately could imitate synaptic functions, including paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC), learning experience behavior, and the conversion from short-term memory (STM) to long-term memory (LTM). The EPSC of such devices could be tuned via light, contributing to an LTM-based analog of optical memory and enhancing learning across affective situations. The work presented here advances the research and manufacture of optoelectronic synapses based on the SnO2 thin films for neuromorphic computing applications.
A thermal resistance detection of heteromorphic devices using SiC diode’s temperature-sensitive parameters
Authors: Qin Junhua , Feng Shiwei , Feng Zhihong , Li Xuan , Bai Kun , Zhang Tiemin
Published: June 2023

Certain special-shaped devices, such as traveling wave tubes, can be called hollow cylindrical structures in aerospace engineering and other applications. However, the structural complexity of such devices means that their heat dissipation characteristics cannot be measured directly using conventional techniques. The present work describes a method to directly measure such devices’ thermal resistance by semiconductors’ temperature-sensitive parameters. We prepared a special probe to collect transient temperature response, and the differential structure-function curves were obtained by processing the data using the structure-function method. We demonstrate that this method can effectively characterize cylindrical devices’ thermal resistance and detect differences caused by different processes and structures.
Design and implementation of microcirculation cooling device for microelectronic devices based on electrostatic force
Authors: Zhang Bohan , Zhang Yamin , Zhang Meng , Cheng Haoxuan
Published: June 2023

This paper presents the design of a cooling device for microelectronic device applications. The proposed device uses parallel plate capacitor electrical bias to generate an electrostatic force that acts on the coolant to enable control of the coolant flow in the radiator. Through a combination of the structural design of the device and the application of an electrical bias on both sides of multiple parallel plate capacitor electrodes, the generation of a radiator coolant eddy current is realized, and the functions of cooling and heat transfer are realized for microelectronic devices placed on the surface of the base platform. Based on this principle, a finite element multi-physical field simulation was used to simulate the flow heat transfer function of the coolant in the device under the action of the electrostatic force and the effects of the channel diameter, channel spacing, voltage, and liquid storage tank depth on the peak coolant velocity were studied. In addition, 3D printing technology was used to fabricate the heat dissipation device. The heat dissipation device was tested by charging, with a basic realization of the function of controlling the cooling liquid flow in the heat dissipation device demonstrated. The device realizes radiator coolant flow rate control through voltage control and has characteristics that include low energy consumption and a convenient and compact structure.
Frequency Band Broadening of Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Transducer Using Multifrequency Impedance Network Coupling Method
Authors: Xin Shouchun , Sun Changhe
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses the bandwidth problem of ultrasonic transducers, and a frequency band broadening technique based on multi-frequency impedance network coupling is proposed. Based on the extended BVD circuit model, three coupled circuits including one first-order and two second-order are designed. The inductor-capacitor value and series-parallel connection method are reasonably chosen for tuning to achieve multi-peak resonance to improve the operating bandwidth of the transducer. The results show that for each order increase of the LC circuit, the resonance peak will increase by one, and the bandwidth will be broadened accordingly. Finally, the bandwidth of the first-order coupling circuit is increased by 50.45% and the bandwidth of the second-order coupling circuit is increased by 88.29%.
FPGA-Based Implementation of Reverse Electrical Pulse Stress and Measurement system for Gallium Nitride High-Electron-Mobility Transistors
Authors: Lu Xiaozhuang , Zhou Lixing , Yao Zhanwu , Qin Junhua
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a pulse electrical stress and measurement system of GaN high-electron-mobility transistors based on FPGA to apply the electrical stress accurately in the form of square wave pulses and switch to the measuring state in time. The design processes for the FPGA program, software system, and hardware circuit are discussed. The system uses a bipolar isolated gate driver to apply pulses of electrical stress to the gate of GaN HEMTs. The mode switch circuit is used to switch from “stress mode” to “measuring mode” to realize the measuring of electrical parameters of the device under test after stress. The system can achieve electrical pulse stress and assist in analyzing the degradation mechanism of GaN HEMTs.
A Transfer Function Analytical Method Suitable for Manual Calculation Based on the TTC
Authors: Zheng Libo , Xie Haowei , Ji Hualong , Guo Yufeng , Liu Yi
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a new method for analyzing transfer functions based on Generalized Time- and Transfer-Constants (TTC). First, we briefly review and outline the history of manual calculation methods for transfer functions. Second, we focus on the general properties of TTC. Then, a new analytical method based on the TTC that is more applicable to manual calculations is presented in this article. Finally, the application of this method is illustrated with some typical examples, followed by a conclusion.
Efficient Allocation of Resource for Energy Optimization in Heterogeneous V2X with Imperfect CSI
Authors: Chen Can , Huang Jinhang , Zhang Nan , Cui Haixia
Published: June 2023

In heterogeneous V2X networks, the channel state information (CSI) undergoes rapid fluctuations owing to the dynamic mobility of vehicles. Therefore, it is important to redevelop a more suitable channel description for resource allocation in vehicular communications. In this paper, we concentrate on the effect of imperfect CSI with practical channel description to achieve maximum energy efficiency (EE) of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) links by jointly performing power-control and channel-allocation. A fractional nonlinear programming model is constructed to address power-control while satisfying link reliability and interference threshold requirements. Since the target function and restrictions are quasi-concave, the problem can be tackled via Dinkelbach and Lagrangian duality. In addition, to further improve the spectrum utilization for channel-allocation, we propose an improved Gale-Shapley strategy so that multiple V2V pairs can reuse the spectrum resource of a single cellular vehicular user (C-VUE). Finally, the numerical experiments simulations validate the performance of our offered strategy and the employed strategy effectively boosts energy-efficiency in dynamic communication environments.
A Single-Ended 9T SRAM Cell With Improved Noise Margin for Low-Power Applications Used in LEDoS
Authors: Wang Yue , Guo Aiying , Qin Shiwei , Zhang Jianghua , Wang Fei , Ran Feng
Published: June 2023

As a silicon-based microdisplay for Augment reality (AR), the high power dissipation of digital CMOS driver is a significant barrier to approaching the higher performance of microdisplay. In this paper, a new low-power SRAM cell with a single bitline is proposed to reduce the power dissipation of digital CMOS drivers. Compared with conventional differential 6T SRAM cell, the proposed 9T uses the single-ended read/write and read/write separation technology by reducing bitline and adding word lines, and write/read static noise margin (WSNM/RSNM) has been improved while the power dissipation is reduced effectively by stacking effect. When VDD is 0.8 V, the proposed cell achieves 1.4× and 2.2× improvement in WSNM and RSNM compared to D6T. Besides, the proposed cell consumes 1.4× less power during hold mode compared to D6T at VDD=0.8 V.
A Pseudo-LDO-Assist Charge-Control SIMO Buck DC-DC with 0.02 mV/mA Cross Regulation
Authors: Liu Yuyang , Wu Zhaohui , Li Bin , Zheng Yanqi
Published: June 2023

Cross-regulation (CR) suppression is a challenge in single-inductor-multiple-output (SIMO) DC-DC. The pseudo-LDO-assist technology is presented to decrease CR of charge-control SIMO Buck DC-DC in this paper. With the fast current compensation of the proposed pseudo-LDO, the CR of the last DC-output, which used to be the largest CR in traditional charge-control SIMO, could be suppressed to the same level as that of the other DC-outputs regulated by charge control. Experimental results show that the largest CR of the proposed SIMO Buck DC-DC is 0.02 mV/mA in 488 mA load transient, which shows a 42.86% improvement compared to the existing charge-control SIMO.
Suppression of Crosstalk in Quantum Computers Based on Instruction Exchange Rules and Duration
Authors: Liu Renjie , Guan Zhijin , Cheng Xueyun , Zhu Pengcheng , Feng Shiguang
Published: June 2023

Crosstalk is the main noise source in quantum computing devices. In quantum computation, the parallel execution of multiple instructions will cause crosstalk, destroy the quantum state, and cause the program to fail to execute correctly. Overcoming the influence of crosstalk is a key requirement for quantum error correction and large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computing. This paper presents a method to suppress crosstalk in quantum computers based on multiple instruction exchange rules and duration. Several Benchmarks experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with the prior techniques, the fidelity of the proposed method is improved by 15.97% on average.
Design of the vector floating-point unit with high area efficiency
Authors: Lai Shuhao , He Xiaoyong
Published: June 2023

With the development of the information age, there is an increasing trend towards mixed precision and vector operations in floating point arithmetic. Traditional floating-point arithmetic is usually implemented using multiple modules to ensure the required speed. Still, this approach significantly increases area and reduces area efficiency, resulting in the wastage of hardware resources. This paper focuses on optimizing speed and area to improve the area’s efficiency. The proposed floating-point unit designed can perform half-precision, single-precision, and double-precision floating-point operations. Under the TSMC 7 nm process, its maximum operating frequency is increased by 5%–37%, the area is reduced by 33%–58%, and area efficiency is increased by 63%–144%.
A Novel Super-junction MOSFET with Enhanced Switching Performance and Ruggedness
Authors: Wu Jiale , Zhou Houyong , Chen Yi
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a novel super-junction (SJ) MOSFET with enhanced switching performance and ruggedness is proposed and investigated by the method of TCAD simulations. An N+/P- polysilicon junction gate electrode and separation layer between P-base and P-pillar are introduced to the trench SJ-MOSFET. For the N+/P- junction trench gate, the P- polysilicon located in the bottom of the trench plays the role of insulating layer, which efficiently reduces the gate charge (QG), thus increasing the switching speed and reducing the switching loss. The P-pillar does not contact with P-base so a depletion region is formed and the gate to drain charge (QGD) is reduced. Besides, the specific separation layer also inhibits the activation of the parasitic bipolar transistor (BJT) to improve the unclamped inductive switching (UIS) capability. The results of the simulation reveal that the proposed SJ-MOSFET is better in switching performance and ruggedness.
Design of OTN Time-division Conversion Method Based on Time-to-space Transposition Matrix
Authors: He Qinyun , Zhang Rui
Published: June 2023

With the increasing informatization and digitalization of modern society, the commercialization of Optical Transport Network is more and more extensive. In order to meet the requirements of 5G bearers with low delay and improve the OTN transmission efficiency, it is necessary to design an efficient slot to time processing method. This paper designs the multiplexing mapping structure and timeslot processing method of ODUk, takes OPU25 demultiplexing as the research and explanation object, loads 4-channel OPU25 timeslot data into the first-level RAM, reorganizes the timeslot data based on the T2S transpose matrix, writes it into the second-level RAM, and uses barrel shift to avoid RAM address conflicts. Then the timeslot data are read as an address index, and finally, the time division data are output to complete the conversion of the timeslot data to the time-division data of the lower-order channel. The experimental results show that the conversion of timeslot data to low order channel time-division data can reduce the difficulty of RTL design and implementation, and has high conversion efficiency.
SiC MOSFET Trap Characterization Based on the Self-built Test Platform
Authors: Duan Kun , Jiang Shan , Hao Yiming , Zhang Yamin
Published: June 2023

The interface state of SiC/SiO2 is one of the key factors limiting the reliability and performance of SiC MOSFETs. In this paper, we built a dedicated detrap measurement platform to improve the accuracy of trap measurement. Based on the excellent voltage switching time of this platform, the entire voltage switching process can be controlled within 1 µs, and the time resolution is also improved. The original millisecond-level acquisition accuracy is improved to a microsecond level, and the identification range of traps is expanded. The traps were extracted by using the transient current method based on the Bayesian deconvolution algorithm. With this approach, we investigated the trapping mechanism of SiC MOSFETs and mainly characterized the trap locations, energy levels, and trapping time constants. The findings revealed the existence of three different types of traps/defects, Dp1, Dp2, and Dp3, with activation energies of 0.28 eV, 0.035 eV, and 0.084 eV, respectively. The non-destructive characterization of SiC MOSFET defects can be realized through the test platform and Bayesian deconvolution algorithm in this paper, which brings great convenience for trap characterization.
DominoCIM: A 28nm 138.04TOPS/W Spike-Domain Computing-in-Memory 6T-SRAM Macro for AI and Embedded Applications
Authors: Pu XingYu , Zhang YiRan , Guo An , Zhang ZhaoYang , He ShengNan , Si Xin
Published: June 2023

The realization of computing in memory based on SRAM(SRAM-CIM) can be divided into three domains: analog domain (AD-CIM), time domain (TD-CIM), and digital domain (DD-CIM). However, there exist corresponding disadvantages to the above methods. For AD-CIM, the calculation accuracy is poor. Moreover, the output stability of TD-CIM is limited. With a large overhead area, the layout and wiring of DD-CIM are complicated. Aiming to solve the shortcomings, this paper proposes a spike-domain circuit based on a pulse edge counting scheme. The circuit uses digital logic to realize the MAC operation, which is less affected by power, voltage, and temperature (PVT) and performs higher calculation accuracy. The circuit is transmitted serially through the delay chain to achieve a smaller area overhead. At 28 nm, the circuit accomplishes energy efficiency (EF) with 138.04TOPS/W for 4-bit multiplication and addition (MAC) operations, enabling full precision output and 3.42 times less energy consumption per operation than the previous SRAM-CIM.
Heat dissipation performance of graphene anti-corrosive coatings for high-heat flow equipment
Authors: Guo Ximeng , Feng Shiwei , Yi Pan , Xu Jin , Yin Zhongdong , Li Xuan
Published: June 2023

Graphene materials have broad development prospects in the field of anticorrosion and heat dissipation of high-heat equipment such as transformers in the State Grid. In this paper, the graphene anti-corrosion coating is used as a thermal interface material, and the thermal resistance and emissivity of the graphene anti-corrosion coating samples are studied by combining the thermal resistance detection of electronic devices and systems with the emissivity measurement technology. The thermal resistance test was carried out on the samples containing 1%–10% graphene anti-corrosion coatings, and the emissivity of the samples at 30 °C, 50 °C, 70 °C, and 90 °C was measured respectively. The experimental results show that the method has important theoretical and application significance for the optimization and application of heat dissipation of graphene materials.
The Research on the Fabrication of the Novel Basic Unit for 3D Structure Integrated Circuit
Authors: Liao Yongbo , Li Ping , Xu Fenghe , Peng Chenxi , Feng Ke , Nie Ruihong , Li Yaosen , Xiong Xuanlin , He Tao , Xu Lu , Liu Yuting
Published: June 2023

The IC industry in the Chinese mainland has encountered the difficulty caused by the embargo on lithography machines in developing state-of-the-art semiconductor IC processes. For the first time, this work fabricates out the HVTFET which we have independent intellectual property rights. A 50 nm channel length N HVTFET device is fabricated successfully using a 0.35 µm process, and its characteristics are close to those of TSMC’s 55 nm planar N MOSFET. The experimental results of this paper have two important significances. First, it shows that the fabrication of the advanced ICs in the Chinese mainland can get rid of the limitation of the lithography machine by using the HVTFET. Second, it shows that it is possible to decrease the chip area by about 3/4 by using the HVTFET structure for the ICs with 28 nm and above planar MOS processes, which are quite common in China.
NOMA-Based Radio Resource Allocation in Vehicular Networks
Authors: Huang Jinhang , Chen Can , Liu Shengfeng , Cui Haixia
Published: June 2023

The increasing prevalence of intelligent transportation systems necessitates more frequent communication between vehicles and the external environment. Due to the large number of user connections and frequent information exchange in this scenario, higher requirements for both delay and reliability are also imposed and they are crucial to improving spectrum efficiency. In an effort to find a solution to this problem, we advocate a proposal where multiple V2V share the spectrum with each V2I, and we introduce NOMA to enhance spectrum efficiency, mitigate resource collision issues among users, and eliminate the delay overhead resulting from retransmission. In this paper, we propose a three-stage scheme. In addition, we compare the effectiveness of two different OFDM strategies in V2X systems. Simulation results demonstrate that using NOMA can effectively improve the system capacity.
Single-line multi-voltage threshold method for scintillation detectors
Authors: Chu Hyeyeun , Yi Minseok , Shim Hyeong Seok , Lee Jae Sung
Published: June 2023

The multiple thresholds used in multi-voltage threshold (MVT) method provide more detailed information about the pulse amplitude of the input analog pulses than the simple time-over-threshold (TOT) method, thus allowing for better energy estimation and pulse reconstruction capabilities. However, as the number of thresholds increases, the number of comparators and digital signal readout channels required for MVT also increases. This requirement owing to the increased number of thresholds is the main disadvantage of MVT implementation using field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based time-to-digital converters (TDCs) because the FPGA resources required for TDC implementation are substantial and FPGAs have a limited number of input/output ports. Therefore, we propose a new single-line MVT method to improve the integrity of the FPGA-only data acquisition system without analog-to-digital converters by reducing the FPGA input channels required for the MVT method. The proposed method, which applies three different levels of thresholding, reduces the digital output signal line in the MVT by employing a 3-input XOR logic gate. The XOR gate integrates the output signals from the comparators and generates 1-bit line digital pulse train. We evaluated the energy performance of the proposed single-line MVT method using three different energy estimators. The energy estimates were compared with the ground truth energy calculated using domino-ring-sampler 4 (DRS4)-sampled analog pulses. The proposed method showed virtually equivalent energy resolution to that of DRS4-based pulse digitization method and better energy linearity than the conventional TOT method. Among the energy estimation methods used in single-line MVT, the crossing-point triangular sum method showed the best energy linearity. The proposed single-line MVT method will be useful when data acquisition systems without ADCs are implemented using FPGA-based TDCs. This is because the proposed method alleviates the problem of limited input ports and the numerous resources required for TDCs in FPGAs.
Design and development of laser temperature control system of LHAASO
Authors: Sun Qinning , Xie Lei , Yuan Guotao , Chen Long , Wang Yang , Zhu Fengrong , Zhang Yong , Zhang Shoushan
Published: June 2023

The Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) is located in Haizi Mountain,
Daocheng County, Sichuan Province, with an average altitude of 4410 m. The Wide Field of view
Cherenkov Telescope Array (WFCTA) is one of its three observation arrays. Laser calibration system
for WFCTA consists of 2 nitrogen lasers and 1 Nd:YAG laser system. During the operation of WFCTA,
the outdoor temperature may dropped from 17 °C to about -30 °C, which will bring
serious challenges to the operation of laser calibration system operating in the field. In order
to ensure the stable working environment and remote operation of the laser, we have developed the
LHAASO-WFCTA laser temperature control, remote control and data monitoring system. The fluctuation
of temperature in the box is within 1 °C around the target. The laser temperature control
system was officially put into operation in Sept. 2020. In this paper, the design scheme,
fabrication scheme, comparison of heat dissipation coefficient and test of temperature control
system are introduced. The working data shows that both nitrogen molecule lasers and Nd:YAG laser
temperature control system can achieve stable and long-term operation in high-altitude extreme
field.
Perlite concrete: a review
Authors: Cojocaru A , Isopescu D N , Maxineasa S G
Published: June 2023

The thermal resistance of concrete significantly influences the energy consumption of the building. Consequently, concrete with high thermal resistance can contribute to the envelope’s energy efficiency. In order to obtain the thermal conductivity performance required for the passive house standard using the principles of sustainable development, it is essential to analyze the thermal improvement solutions of the concrete with a low impact on the environment. For this reason, it is necessary to analyze methods of improving concrete’s thermal performance by replacing aggregates with ecological materials like perlite. Perlite is a common term used for a glassy natural volcanic rock used in construction in various mixtures for its fire resistance, low density, and thermal and acoustic improvement properties. While processing raw perlite (cutting, grinding, and fractionation to various sizes), large amounts of powder are collected and stored as waste. Currently, only limited amounts of waste perlite powder are recycled in the construction industry, which urges the efficient use of this waste to limit the impact on the environment. There are various studies about concrete mixtures with perlite from the point of view of structural strength. However, the results are contradictory, influenced by the size of used particles and the replacement levels in the mixture. This article aims to present the current state of knowledge regarding the characteristics of the mixture between concrete and perlite.
Heavy and light masonry walls impact on medium height reinforced concrete frames buildings
Authors: Constantinescu S
Published: June 2023

The paper studies the influence of light weight aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC) partitioning walls to a medium height reinforced concrete structure, in Bucharest (Romania). The building is designed as a framed structure with non-bearing AAC walls placed in certain bays. There is a bearing full bricks masonry wall in one of the bays. Full bricks are used because of its high strength compared to AAC. The aim is to determine the importance of the masonry walls placement, both full bricks and AAC, for the building’s behavior. The analysis points out the structure’s elastic and plastic behavior and also the efforts developed in the non-bearing walls. The bearing masonry wall’s behavior is very important, because the structure is built in a high seismic area. To extend the study, the full bricks wall is replaced with a reinforced concrete one. This is done to see how it impacts the building’s behavior, for both the elastic and plastic stage. The paper concludes that AAC, full bricks and concrete walls placements have a significant influence on the structure.
Flood hazard assessment in Montenegro through the application of two-dimensional hydraulic modelling
Authors: Ostojić M , Ćipranić I , Jevrić M , Sekulić G , Medojević A
Published: June 2023

Floods, induced partly by climate change and partly by the negative impact of human actions, may be regarded as the most common type of natural catastrophe in Montenegro, causing significant economic, ecological, social, and health damage yearly. Therefore, the focal point of flood risk assessment is reflected in properly determining flood hazards. However, within the Montenegrin National flood risk assessment, which is entirely scenario-based, the hazard is treated only by estimating the occurrence probability of a specific scenario. The paper provides an overview of recent efforts to overcome the potential weaknesses of scenario-based risk assessment by constructing hazard maps for all areas of potential significant flood risk in Montenegro. Hazard maps are intended to visualise different flood intensities (e.g., flood depth, velocity, etc.) for selected return periods. Such outputs are generated by two-dimensional hydraulic modelling, which requires extensive work on gathering the available field data, calculating hydrological inputs, building and calibrating the model, and defining uncertainties that may affect the results. The final production of the hazard maps is conveyed by post-processing the computation results in GIS-based software.
On a refinement of the non-orientable 4-genus of Torus knots
Authors: Sabloff Joshua
Published: June 2023

In formulating a non-orientable analogue of the Milnor Conjecture on the

4
4

-genus of torus knots, Batson [Math. Res. Lett. 21 (2014), pp. 423–436] developed an elegant construction that produces a smooth non-orientable spanning surface in

B
4

B^4

for a given torus knot in

S
3

S^3

. While Lobb [Math. Res. Lett. 26 (2019), pp. 1789] showed that Batson’s surfaces do not always minimize the non-orientable

4
4

-genus, we prove that they do minimize among surfaces that share their normal Euler number. We also determine the possible pairs of normal Euler number and first Betti number for non-orientable surfaces whose boundary lies in a class of torus knots for which Batson’s surfaces are non-orientable

4
4

-genus minimizers.
On Reich’s fixed point problem
Authors: Dũng Nguyêñ
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we give the affirmative answer to a long-standing open problem of Reich in fixed point theory following the restatement of Jachymski.
A stronger form of Banach-Stone theorem to 𝐶₀(𝐾,𝑋) spaces including the cases 𝑋=𝑙_{𝑝}², 1<𝑝<∞
Authors: Galego Elói
Published: June 2023

It is proven that if

X
X

is a real strictly convex 2-dimensional space, then there exists

δ
>
0

\delta >0

such that if

K
K

and

S
S

are locally compact Hausdorff spaces and

T
T

is an isomorphism from

C

0

(
K
,
X
)

C_{0}(K, X)

onto

C

0

(
S
,
X
)

C_{0}(S, X)

satisfying

‖
T
‖
 
‖

T

−
1

‖
≤
λ
(
X
)
+
δ
,

\begin{equation*} \|T\| \ \|T^{-1}\| \leq \lambda (X)+ \delta , \end{equation*}

then

K
K

and

S
S

are homeomorphic. Here

λ
(
X
)

\lambda (X)

is the Schäffer constant of

X
X

given by
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="lamda left-parenthesis upper X right-parenthesis equals inf left-brace right-brace colon of maxmax left-brace right-brace comma double-vertical-bar double-vertical-bar minus minus xy comma double-vertical-bar double-vertical-bar plus plus xy colon separator separator equals equals double-vertical-bar double-vertical-bar x 1 and equals equals double-vertical-bar double-vertical-bar y 1 period">

λ
(
X
)
=
inf
{
max
{
‖
x
−
y
‖
,
‖
x
+
y
‖
}

:

‖
x
‖
=
1
 and 
‖
y
‖
=
1
}
.

\begin{equation*} \lambda (X)=\inf \{\max \{\|x-y\|,\|x+y\|\}\,:\,\|x\|= 1 \text { and } \|y\|= 1\}. \end{equation*}

Even for the classical cases

X
=

ℓ
p
2

X=\ell _p^2

,

1
>
p
>
∞

1>p> \infty

, this result is the form of Banach-Stone theorem to

C

0

(
K
,
X
)

C_{0}(K, X)

spaces with the largest known distortion

‖
T
‖
 
‖

T

−
1

‖

\|T\| \ \|T^{-1}\|

. In particular, it shows that the Banach-Stone constant of

ℓ
p
2

\ell _p^2

is strictly greater than

2

1
−
1

/

p

2^{1-1/p}

if

1
>
p
≤
2

1>p \leq 2

and strictly greater than

2

1

/

p

2^{1/p}

if

2
≤
p
>
∞

2 \leq p >\infty

. Until then this theorem had only been proved for

p
=
2

p=2

.
Coarea inequality for monotone functions on metric surfaces
Authors: Esmayli Behnam , Ikonen Toni , Rajala Kai
Published: June 2023

We study coarea inequalities for metric surfaces — metric spaces that are topological surfaces, without boundary, and which have locally finite Hausdorff 2-measure

H

2

\mathcal {H}^2

. For monotone Sobolev functions

u
:
X
→

R

u\colon X \to \mathbb {R}

, we prove the inequality
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="integral Subscript double-struck upper R Superscript asterisk Baseline integral Underscript u Superscript negative 1 Baseline left-parenthesis t right-parenthesis Endscripts g d script upper H Superscript 1 Baseline d t less-than-or-equal-to kappa integral Underscript upper X Endscripts g rho d script upper H squared for every Borel g colon upper X right-arrow left-bracket 0 comma normal infinity right-bracket comma">

∫

R

∗

∫

u

−
1

(
t
)

g

d

H

1

d
t
≤
κ

∫

X

g
ρ

d

H

2

for every Borel 

g
:
X
→

[
0
,
∞
]

,

\begin{equation*} \int _{ \mathbb {R} }^{*} \int _{ u^{-1}(t) } g \,d\mathcal {H}^{1} \,dt \leq \kappa \int _{ X } g \rho \,d\mathcal {H}^{2} \quad \text {for every Borel $g \colon X \rightarrow \left [0,\infty \right ]$,} \end{equation*}

where

ρ
\rho

is any integrable upper gradient of

u
u

. If

ρ
\rho

is locally

L
2

L^2

-integrable, we obtain the sharp constant

κ
=
4

/

π

\kappa =4/\pi

. The monotonicity condition cannot be removed as we give an example of a metric surface

X
X

and a Lipschitz function

u
:
X
→

R

u \colon X \to \mathbb {R}

for which the coarea inequality above fails.
0-Hecke modules for row-strict dual immaculate functions
Authors: Niese Elizabeth , Sundaram Sheila , van Willigenburg Stephanie , Vega Julianne , Wang Shiyun
Published: June 2023

We introduce a new basis of quasisymmetric functions, the row-strict dual immaculate functions. We construct a cyclic, indecomposable 0-Hecke algebra module for these functions. Our row-strict immaculate functions are related to the dual immaculate functions of Berg-Bergeron-Saliola-Serrano-Zabrocki (2014-15) by the involution

ψ
\psi

on the ring

QSym
\operatorname {QSym}

of quasisymmetric functions. We give an explicit description of the effect of

ψ
\psi

on the associated 0-Hecke modules, via the poset induced by the 0-Hecke action on standard immaculate tableaux. This remarkable poset reveals other 0-Hecke submodules and quotient modules, often cyclic and indecomposable, notably for a row-strict analogue of the extended Schur functions studied in Assaf-Searles (2019).

Like the dual immaculate function, the row-strict dual immaculate function is the generating function of a suitable set of tableaux, corresponding to a specific descent set. We give a complete combinatorial and representation-theoretic picture by constructing 0-Hecke modules for the remaining variations on descent sets, and showing that all the possible variations for generating functions of tableaux occur as characteristics of the 0-Hecke modules determined by these descent sets.
A fine balance among key biophysical factors is required for recovery of bipolar mitotic spindle from monopolar and multipolar abnormalities
Authors: Li Xiaochu , Bloomfield Mathew , Bridgeland Alexandra , Cimini Daniela , Chen Jing
Published: June 2023

A biophysical model was developed for centrosome movement during mitotic–spindle assembly to investigate how a cell manages to separate and cluster its centrosomes depending on needs to achieve bipolar spindle formation. The model provides explanation for related experimental phenomena and mechanistic insights into robust spindle bipolarization.
Cellulite: Current Understanding and Treatment
Authors: Gabriel Allen , Chan Vivian , Caldarella Marissa , Wayne Tanya , O’Rorke Erin
Published: June 2023

Cellulite is an aesthetically distressing skin condition that manifests as dimples and depressions, producing an uneven surface to the skin. Occurring in 80% to 90% of females, mostly on the thighs, buttocks, and hips, it is associated with profound negative psychosocial and quality of life issues. Its ethiopathogenesis and pathophysiology are likely to be multifactorial and complex and not fully understood. There is no effective treatment for cellulite, although a number of different treatment modalities are available, from noninvasive to minimally invasive. The efficacy of most treatments is unpredictable and improvements in cellulite appearance are short lived, although significant progress has been made with newer treatments. This review provides an update on the current state of knowledge about cellulite, with an emphasis on patient assessment and an individualized treatment approach for optimal results.

Level of Evidence: 5
Prognostic implications of the extent of downstaging after neoadjuvant therapy for oesophageal adenocarcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kamarajah Sivesh K , Markar Sheraz R , Low Donald , Phillips Alexander W
Published: June 2023

Background

There are few data evaluating the extent of downstaging in patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and the difference in outcomes for a similar pathological stage in neoadjuvant-naive patients. The aim of this study was to characterize the prognostic value of downstaging extent in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy for oesophageal cancer.

Methods

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients receiving either neoadjuvant chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy between 2004 and 2017 were identified from the National Cancer Database. The extent of downstaging was defined as the extent of migration between groups (for example stage IVa to IIIb = one stage). Cox multivariable regression was used to produce adjusted models for downstaging extent.

Results

Of 13 594 patients, 11 355 with oesophageal adenocarcinoma and 2239 with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma were included. In oesophageal adenocarcinoma, patients with downstaged disease by three or more stages (hazards ratio (HR) 0.40, 95 per cent c.i. 0.36 to 0.44, P < 0.001), two stages (HR 0.43, 95 per cent c.i. 0.39 to 0.48, P < 0.001), or one stage (HR 0.57, 95 per cent c.i. 0.52 to 0.62, P < 0.001) had significantly longer survival than those with upstaged disease in adjusted analyses. In oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, patients with downstaged disease by three or more stages had significantly longer survival than those with less downstaged disease, no change, or upstaged disease. Patients with downstaged disease by three or more stages (HR 0.55, 95 per cent c.i. 0.43 to 0.71, P < 0.001), two stages (HR 0.58, 95 per cent c.i. 0.46 to 0.73, P < 0.001), or one stage (HR 0.69, 95 per cent c.i. 0.55 to 0.86, P = 0.001) had significantly longer survival than those with upstaged disease in adjusted analyses.

Conclusion

The extent of downstaging is an important prognosticator, whereas the optimal neoadjuvant therapy remains controversial. Identifying biomarkers associated with response to neoadjuvant regimens may permit individualized treatment.
Is breastfeeding duration related to the health of migrant mother–child dyads experiencing homelessness? The ENFAMS cross-sectional survey
Authors: Descarpentrie Alexandra , Poquet Delphine , Brugailleres Pauline , Sauvegrain Priscille , Frenoy Pauline , Richard Elodie , Bernard Jonathan Y , de Lauzon-Guillain Blandine , Vandentorren Stéphanie , Lioret Sandrine
Published: June 2023

Background

Literature from the general population shows a consensus about the health benefits associated with breastfeeding for both mothers and children. However, studies investigating these issues in the context of homelessness and migration are rare. This research aimed to examine the relations of any breastfeeding duration with health outcomes among migrant mother–child dyads experiencing homelessness.

Methods

Data were collected among sheltered and mainly foreign-born mothers experiencing homelessness, and their children aged 6 months to 5 years, from the ENFAMS cross-sectional survey (n = 481, 2013—Great Paris area). Any breastfeeding duration, along with various health outcomes of both the mother and her child, was ascertained by face-to-face questionnaires administered by trained interviewers to mothers (perceived physical and emotional health and maternal depression) or by trained psychologists to children (adaptive behaviours). Nurses measured weight and height [thus allowing them to calculate body mass index (BMI)] and haemoglobin concentration (mother–child dyad) and maternal blood pressure. Multivariable linear and modified Poisson regression analyses were performed to examine outcome-wide associations between any breastfeeding duration ≥6 months and the various mother–child outcomes.

Results

Any breastfeeding ≥6 months was associated with lower systolic blood pressure in mothers (B = −0.40, 95% confidence interval = −0.68 to −0.12). No association was observed with the other outcomes.

Conclusions

The relevance of supporting breastfeeding to improve mothers’ physical health holds true in the context of migration and homelessness. It is therefore important to support breastfeeding in these settings. Moreover, given the documented social complexity of breastfeeding practices, interventions should take mothers’ socio-cultural heritage and the structural barriers they face into account.
The Swedish intersectoral national public health policy: effects on child and adolescent health
Authors: Bremberg Sven G
Published: June 2023

Background

To improve health, intersectoral cooperation is often advocated. However, only few studies have reported health effects of this approach. Sweden has adopted a national public health policy (NPHP), which focuses on intersectoral primary prevention of disorders and injuries.

Aim

To investigate the effects of the NPHP, on child and adolescent health in Sweden during the period 2000–19.

Methods

In the first step, the most important improvements in disorders and injuries, assessed as DALYs and incidences, were identified using the GBD Compare database. In the second step, primary prevention methods for these disorders and injuries were identified. In the third step, the relative importance of various government agents for these preventive measures was assessed using Google searches.

Results

Out of 24 groups of causes of disease or injury, only two groups demonstrated an incidence decrease: neoplasms and transport injuries. Leukaemia neoplasms might be prevented by reducing parental smoking, reducing outdoor air pollution and having the mother take folate supplements before getting pregnant. Transport injuries might be prevented by speed restrictions, and physically separating pedestrians from vehicle transport. Most of the primary prevention work was done by government agencies, like the Swedish Transport Agency, which worked independently of the National Institute of Public Health.

Conclusion

Governmental agencies outside the health carried out most of the effective primary preventive efforts, almost independently of the NPHP.
Eucalyptus scab and shoot malformation: a new disease in South Africa caused by a novel species, Elsinoe masingae
Authors: Roux Jolanda , Wingfield Michael J , Marincowitz Seonju , Solís Myriam , Phungula Siphephelo , Pham Nam Q
Published: June 2023

A serious new disease of Eucalyptus was detected in South African plantations of these trees during the summer of 2021/2022. The first symptoms are minute dark spots on young leaves, petioles and shoots, becoming scab-like as the spots age. On highly susceptible Eucalyptus genotypes, leaves and shoots can become malformed leading to a ‘feathering’ appearance in the tree canopies and in the case of heavy infections, leaf and shoot death occur. Isolations made directly from developing scabs resulted in slow-growing cultures. These were identified, based on phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data for the ITS, LSU, TEF1 and RPB2 regions, as a novel species of Elsinoe (Elsinoaceae, Myriangiales), described here as E. masingae. Inoculations of an Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus nitens hybrid variety produced the same symptoms as those observed under natural conditions and the pathogen could be re-isolated from the emerging lesions. Elsinoe masingae is closely related to, but clearly distinct from, the recently described Elsinoe necatrix that causes a serious scab and shoot malformation disease on Eucalyptus in Indonesia. Field surveys revealed significant variation in the susceptibility of different Eucalyptus genotypes, with the most severely affected genotypes including an E. grandis × nitens and an E. grandis × urophylla hybrid variety and E. grandis. The disease has also been observed on Eucalyptus amplifolia and on Eucalyptus dunnii, which had mild infections. The observed variation in susceptibility of Eucalyptus planting stock should provide opportunities to avoid serious damage because of scab caused by E. masingae in the future.
Ontological (in)Security and the Iran Nuclear Deal—Explaining Instability in US Foreign Policy Interests
Authors: Rees Morgan Thomas
Published: June 2023

On July 14, 2015, under the leadership of the Obama administration, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action—referred to as the Iran Nuclear Deal—was signed. After 35 years of diplomatic isolation, the agreement marked a watershed moment in the United States–Iran relations and achieved a key US national security objective regarding nuclear non-proliferation. However, the agreement faced significant domestic opposition grounded in concerns that Iran was untrustworthy. Yet, the prospect of withdrawal generated a sense of insecurity that the United States’s status as a “responsible world leader” would be undermined, despite ongoing anxieties around Iran’s compliance. What explains such a paradox in foreign policy preferences? By incorporating discursive institutionalist approaches with ontological security perspectives, I work to show how President Obama’s entry into the agreement generated ontological insecurities as he struggled to displace existing narratives around Iran as a hostile, untrustworthy actor. Yet, Iran’s compliance with the agreement made it equally difficult for Trump to justify withdrawal; instead, his efforts raised additional concerns that America’s international standing would be undermined. Theoretically, this paper incorporates discursive institutionalist insights with ontological security to disaggregate how different conceptions of the “Self” are contested and activated in policy debates in ways that lead to instability and variation in US foreign policy.
Mechano-Chemical Coupling in Hydra Regeneration and Patterning
Authors: Wang Rui , Bialas April L , Goel Tapan , Collins Eva-Maria S
Published: June 2023

Synopsis

The freshwater cnidarian Hydra can regenerate from wounds, small tissue fragments and even from aggregated cells. This process requires the de novo development of a body axis and oral–aboral polarity, a fundamental developmental process that involves chemical patterning and mechanical shape changes. Gierer and Meinhardt recognized that Hydra’s simple body plan and amenability to in vivo experiments make it an experimentally and mathematically tractable model to study developmental patterning and symmetry breaking. They developed a reaction-diffusion model, involving a short-range activator and a long-range inhibitor, which successfully explained patterning in the adult animal. In 2011, HyWnt3 was identified as a candidate for the activator. However, despite the continued efforts of both physicists and biologists, the predicted inhibitor remains elusive. Furthermore, the Gierer-Meinhardt model cannot explain de novo axis formation in cellular aggregates that lack inherited tissue polarity. The aim of this review is to synthesize the current knowledge on Hydra symmetry breaking and patterning. We summarize the history of patterning studies and insights from recent biomechanical and molecular studies, and highlight the need for continued validation of theoretical assumptions and collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. We conclude by proposing new experiments to test current mechano-chemical coupling models and suggest ideas for expanding the Gierer-Meinhardt model to explain de novo patterning, as observed in Hydra aggregates. The availability of a fully sequenced genome, transgenic fluorescent reporter strains, and modern imaging techniques, that enable unprecedented observation of cellular events in vivo, promise to allow the community to crack Hydra’s secret to patterning.
Article 3 of Regulation 1/2003: a historical and empirical account of an unworkable compromise
Authors: Brook Or , Eben Magali
Published: June 2023

Combining historical, conceptual, and empirical approaches, this article studies one of the most fundamental, yet underexplored, questions surrounding Regulation 1/2003: What limits European Union (EU) competition law places on the adoption and application of national competition and other laws? The relationship between EU competition and national laws was supposedly settled with the adoption of Regulation 1/2003. There are two exceptions to the rule in Article 3(1), under which national competition authorities and courts must apply EU competition law when applying their national competition laws, with primacy for EU provisions: Article 3(2) leaves room for ‘stricter’ national competition rules on unilateral conduct, and Article 3(3) for national rules pursuing a ‘predominantly different objective’. The solution offered by Article 3 is not workable. Through a historical study of the political discussions preceding Article 3’s adoption, a conceptual analysis of potential interpretations, and a systematic content analysis of French and German practice, this article reveals the lack of a dividing line between the notions of national competition laws and other laws. It calls for reform of Article 3 to ensure that conduct that should be governed by EU law is not assessed under national rules and standards that differ from one Member State to another.