bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein kinase Cι mediates immunosuppression in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yin Ning , Liu Yi , Weems Capella , Shreeder Barath , Lou Yanyan , Knutson Keith L. , Murray Nicole R. , Fields Alan P.
Published: November 2022

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most prevalent form of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a leading cause of cancer death. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) of programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) signaling induce tumor regressions in a subset of LUAD, but many LUAD tumors exhibit resistance to ICI therapy. Here, we identified
Prkci
as a major determinant of response to ICI in a syngeneic mouse model of oncogenic mutant
Kras
/
Trp53
loss (KP)–driven LUAD. Protein kinase Cι (PKCι)–dependent KP tumors exhibited resistance to anti–PD-1 antibody therapy (α-PD-1), whereas KP tumors in which
Prkci
was genetically deleted (KPI tumors) were highly responsive.
Prkci-
dependent resistance to α-PD-1 was characterized by enhanced infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and decreased infiltration of CD8
+
T cells in response to α-PD-1. Mechanistically,
Prkci
regulated YAP1-dependent expression of
Cxcl5
, which served to attract MDSCs to KP tumors. The PKCι inhibitor auranofin inhibited KP tumor growth and sensitized these tumors to α-PD-1, whereas expression of either
Prkci
or its downstream effector
Cxcl5
in KPI tumors induced intratumoral infiltration of MDSCs and resistance to α-PD-1.
PRKCI
expression in tumors of patients with LUAD correlated with genomic signatures indicative of high YAP1-mediated transcription, elevated MDSC infiltration and low CD8
+
T cell infiltration, and with elevated
CXCL5
/
6
expression. Last, PKCι-YAP1 signaling was a biomarker associated with poor response to ICI in patients with LUAD. Our data indicate that immunosuppressive PKCι-YAP1-CXCL5 signaling is a key determinant of response to ICI, and pharmacologic inhibition of PKCι may improve therapeutic response to ICI in patients with LUAD.
Complete Genome Sequences of Streptomyces albus Strain INA 01303
Authors: Poshvina D. V. , Efimenko T. A. , Demiankova M. V. , Glukhova A. A. , Ivankova T. D. , Efremenkova O. V. , Sadykova V. S. , Balkin A. S. , Vasilchenko A. S.
Published: November 2022

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Streptomyces albus
strain INA 01303, which was isolated from the Salt Lake Tambukan (Russia). The genome consists of a linear 6,840,896-nucleotide chromosome. This strain is predicted to produce a range of novel secondary metabolites with antibiotic activity.
‘We are the bridge’: an implementation research study of SEWA Shakti Kendras to improve community engagement in publicly funded health insurance in Gujarat, India
Authors: Thomas Susan , Sivaram Sharmada , Shroff Zubin , Mahal Ajay , Desai Sapna
Published: November 2022

Introduction

India’s efforts towards universal health coverage include a national health insurance scheme that aims to protect the most vulnerable from catastrophic health expenditure. However, emerging evidence on publicly funded health insurance, as well as experience from community-based schemes, indicates that women face specific barriers to access and utilisation. Community engagement interventions have been shown to improve equitable utilisation of public health services, but there is limited research specific to health insurance. We examined how existing community-based resource centres implemented by a women’s organisation could improve women’s access to, and utilisation of, health insurance.

Methods

We conducted an implementation research study in Gujarat, India to examine how SEWA Shakti Kendras, established by the Self-Employed Women’s Association, worked to improve community engagement in health insurance. SEWA organises women in the informal sector and provides social protection through health, insurance and childcare services. We examined administrative data, programme reports and conducted 30 in-depth qualitative interviews with users and staff. Data were analysed thematically to examine intervention content, context, and implementation processes and to identify enablers and barriers to improving women’s access to health insurance through SEWA’s community engagement approach.

Results

The centres worked through multiple channels—doorstep services, centre-based support and health system navigation—to strengthen women’s capability to access health insurance. Each centre’s approach varied by contextual factors, such as women’s digital literacy levels and rural–urban settings. Effective community engagement required local leadership, strong government partnerships and the flexibility to address a range of public services, with implementation by trusted local health workers.

Conclusion

SEWA Shakti Kendras demonstrate how a local, flexible and community-based model can serve as a bridge to improve utilisation of health insurance, by engaging women and their households through multiple channels. Scaling up this approach will require investing in partnerships with community-based organisations as part of strategies towards universal health coverage.
Longitudinal visual field archetypal analysis of optic neuritis treated in a clinical setting
Authors: Branco Joseph , Elze Tobias , Wang Jui-Kai , Pasquale Louis R , Garvin Mona K , Kardon Randy , Kupersmith Mark J
Published: November 2022

Background/aims

We previously used archetypal analysis (AA) to create a model that quantified patterns (archetypes (ATs)) of visual field (VF) loss that can predict recovery and reveal residual VF deficits from eyes in the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT). We hypothesised that AA could produce similar results for ON VFs collected in clinical practice.

Methods

We applied AA to a retrospective data set of 486 VFs collected in 1 neuro-ophthalmology service from 141 eyes with acute ON and typical VF defects, to create a clinic-derived AT model. We also used the ONTT-derived AT model to analyse this new dataset. We compared the findings of both models by decomposing VFs into component ATs of varying per cent weight (PW), correlating presentation AT PW with mean deviation (MD) at final visits for each eye and identifying residual deficits in VFs considered normal.

Results

Both models, each with 16 ATs, decomposed each presentation VF into 0–6 abnormal ATs representative of known patterns of ON-related VF loss. AT1, the normal pattern in both models, correlated strongly with MD for VFs collected at presentation (r=0.82; p<0.001) and the final visit (r=0.81, p<0.001). The presentation AT1 PW was associated with improvement in MD over time. 67% of VFs considered ‘normal’ at final visit had 1.2±0.4 abnormal ATs, and both models revealed similar patterns of regional VF loss.

Conclusions

AA is a quantitative method to measure change and outcome of ON VFs. Presentation AT features are associated with MD at final visit. AA identifies residual VF deficits not otherwise indicated by MD.
Lower birth weight is linked to poorer cardiovascular health in middle-aged population-based adults
Authors: Raisi-Estabragh Zahra , Cooper Jackie , Bethell Mae S , McCracken Celeste , Lewandowski Adam J , Leeson Paul , Neubauer Stefan , Harvey Nicholas C , Petersen Steffen E
Published: November 2022

Objective

To examine associations of birth weight with clinical and imaging indicators of cardiovascular health and evaluate mechanistic pathways in the UK Biobank.

Methods

Competing risk regression was used to estimate associations of birth weight with incident myocardial infarction (MI) and mortality (all-cause, cardiovascular disease, ischaemic heart disease, MI), over 7–12 years of longitudinal follow-up, adjusting for age, sex, deprivation, maternal smoking/hypertension and maternal/paternal diabetes. Mediation analysis was used to evaluate the role of childhood growth, adulthood obesity, cardiometabolic diseases and blood biomarkers in mediating the birth weight–MI relationship. Linear regression was used to estimate associations of birth weight with left ventricular (LV) mass-to-volume ratio, LV stroke volume, global longitudinal strain, LV global function index and left atrial ejection fraction.

Results

258 787 participants from white ethnicities (61% women, median age 56 (49, 62) years) were studied. Birth weight had a non-linear relationship with incident MI, with a significant inverse association below an optimal threshold of 3.2 kg (subdistribution HR: 1.15 (1.08 to 1.22), p=6.0×10–5) and attenuation to the null above this threshold. The birth weight–MI effect was mediated through hypertension (8.4%), glycated haemoglobin (7.0%), C reactive protein (6.4%), high-density lipoprotein (5.2%) and high cholesterol (4.1%). Birth weight–mortality associations were statistically non-significant after Bonferroni correction. In participants with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (n=19 314), lower birth weight was associated with adverse LV remodelling (greater concentricity, poorer function).

Conclusions

Lower birth weight was associated with greater risk of incident MI and unhealthy LV phenotypes; effects were partially mediated through cardiometabolic disease and systemic inflammation. These findings support consideration of birth weight in risk prediction and highlight actionable areas for disease prevention.
Separating Inhibitory and Excitatory Responses of Epileptic Brain to Single-Pulse Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Shirani Sepehr , Valentin Antonio , Alarcon Gonzalo , Kazi Farhana , Sanei Saeid
Published: November 2022

To enable an accurate recognition of neuronal excitability in an epileptic brain for modeling or localization of epileptic zone, here the brain response to single-pulse electrical stimulation (SPES) has been decomposed into its constituent components using adaptive singular spectrum analysis (SSA). Given the response at neuronal level, these components are expected to be the inhibitory and excitatory components. The prime objective is to thoroughly investigate the nature of delayed responses (elicited between 100[Formula: see text]ms–1 s after SPES) for localization of the epileptic zone. SSA is a powerful subspace signal analysis method for separation of single channel signals into their constituent uncorrelated components. The consistency in the results for both early and delayed brain responses verifies the usability of the approach.
FPGA-Based Implementation of an Error-Controllable and Resource-Efficient Approximation Method for Transcendental Functions
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Guangsen , Liu Qing , Wang Zhiwei , Wang Kang
Published: November 2022

Transcendental functions cannot be expressed algebraically, which brings a big challenge to efficient and accurate approximation. Lookup table (LUT) and piecewise fitting are common traditional methods. However, they either trade approximate accuracy for computation and storage or require unaffordable resources when the expected accuracy is high. In this paper, we have developed a high-precision approximation method, which is error-controllable and resource-efficient. The method originally divides a transcendental function into two parts based on their slope. The steep slope part is approximated by the method of LUT with the interpolation, while the gentle slope part is approximated by the range-addressable lookup table (RALUT) algorithm. The boundary of two parts can be adjusted adaptively according to the expected accuracy. Moreover, we analyzed the error source of our method in detail, and proposed an optimal selection method for table resolution and data bit-width. The proposed algorithm is verified on an actual FPGA board and the results show that the proposed method’s error can achieve arbitrarily low. Compared to other methods, the proposed algorithm has a more stable increase in resource consumption as the required accuracy grows, which consumes fewer hardware resources especially at the middle accuracy, with at least 30% LUT slices saved.
KEMA++: A Full Representative Knowledge-Graph Embedding Model (036)
Authors: Baalbaki Hussein , Hazimeh Hussein , Harb Hassan , Angarita Rafael
Published: November 2022

Nowadays, representing entities and relations in a machine understandable way through Knowledge graph embedding (KGE) has been proven as an effective approach for predicting missing links in knowledge graphs (KGs). Mainly, the success of such approach depends on the model ability to infer the patterns of the relations. Indeed, most of the existing KG models highly focus on modeling simple relation patterns such as symmetry, anti-symmetry, inversion, and composition. However, there are few models in the literature that take into consideration the modeling of complex relation patterns like 1-[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]-1 and [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text], which are common in real-world applications. To overcome this challenge, this paper presents a new KGE model called KEMA[Formula: see text], i.e. KGE using Modular Arithmetic, that relies on the combination of projection and modular arithmetic. The main idea behind KEMA[Formula: see text] is to project the entities of a relation to represent the relations of a KG, before applying a modular arithmetic over it. Thus, KEMA[Formula: see text] will be able to infer all simple and complex relation patterns for any KGE applications. Through extensive experiments on several datasets, we demonstrated the relevance of KEMA[Formula: see text] in terms of effectively representing all model relations in a KG. Simulations on several tested datasets show that KEMA[Formula: see text] obtains the good scores for Mean Rank (MR) and Hits@1 tests. Moreover, KEMA[Formula: see text] obtains the good Hits@1 score compared to the existing models.
Families of curly knots
Authors: Ernst C. , Gover S.
Published: November 2022

A spiral knot or link diagram (introduced in [C. Adams, R. Hudson, R. Morrison, W. George, L. Starkston, S. Taylor and O. Turanova, The spiral index of knots, Math. Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc. 149(2) (2010) 297–315]) is an oriented knot or link diagram where, when traversing through the planar diagram, the curvature does not change sign. An oriented knot or link type is called curly if it admits a spiral diagram with fewer maxima than the braid index of that knot or link type. In this paper, we exhibit families of curly knots and links.
Process Capability Cp Assessment for Auto-Correlated Data in the Presence of Measurement Errors
Authors: Anis M. Z. , Bera Kuntal
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we shall discuss some statistical properties of the estimator of [Formula: see text] when sample observations are autocorrelated and affected by measurement errors. The presence of autocorrelation in production units is very common in many industries like chemical, food processing, pharmaceutical, paper, and mineral. At the same time some amount of measurement error is invariably present in the sample observations due to inaccurate measurement process. In this paper, we discuss the case of a first-order stationary autoregressive process where measurement error follows a Gaussian distribution. The comparison of the statistical properties of the estimator in this case with the error-free case is the subject matter of this paper.
A Comparative Study of Stochastic Resonance Phenomenon under Diffusive and Direct Coupling
Authors: Singh Aman Kumar
Published: November 2022

In this study, our concern is to compare and analyze stochastic resonance phenomenon in a pair of overdamped systems under two types of coupling: direct and diffusive. Under both types of coupling, we obtain the amplitude of average response of coupled systems, and SR is confirmed from non-monotonic behavior of amplitude with respect to noise level in command of linear stability. In direct interaction, coupling strength and noise level in stochastic resonance vary nearly over a straight line with negative slope whereas in diffusive coupling the behavior is contrasting. In addition, we analyze the asymptotic behavior of second moment and average response of mean field and it is found that the mean field variable exhibits SR only in direct coupling.
Jellyfish Search Algorithm for MPPT in Photovoltaic Systems Under Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Karthikeyan M. , Manimegalai D.
Published: November 2022

In photovoltaic systems, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods are used to get the maximum power out of them. The presence of several peaks in a PV array’s power-voltage characteristics is due to partial shadowing conditions that increase the complexity of the tracking operation. In this paper, the Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP) is calculated using latest meta-heuristic optimization algorithm known as Jellyfish Search (JS). This unique MPPT approach is used to reduce PV module tracking time and improve the tracking efficiency. Using MATLAB/SIMULINK, the effectiveness of the suggested JS algorithm is assessed by contrasting it with the traditional P&O approach in terms of tracking speed and precision. The simulation findings indicate that the JS algorithm’s tracking ability is better than that of the conventional P&O method. In the experimental results, the JS algorithm reduces convergence time by 56.6% when compared to the PSO algorithm. Also, the proposed JS algorithm generates output power higher than the PSO MPPT algorithm using the duty cycle ratio value at the expected peaks.
Quasi-adequate semigroups with medial idempotents
Authors: El-Qallali Abdulsalam
Published: November 2022

The objective consists of two parts; one part is to investigate the structure of a right quasi-adequate semigroup [Formula: see text] containing a normal medial idempotent which is a left identity. Similarly, a left quasi-adequate semigroup case can be investigated. The other part is to combine the structure of both cases to establish a structure theorem for a quasi-adequate semigroup containing a normal medial idempotent.
Laser-Ablated SiO2:TiO2 Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Algaffar Alaa Nazar Abd , Abdalameer Nisreen Kh. , Tariq Shahed Zeyad
Published: November 2022

Laser ablation of sintered SiO2:TiO2 targets using Nd:YAG lasers at fundamental (1064[Formula: see text]nm) harmonic generation in the air has been studied using optical emission spectroscopy. Exploring the spatial fluctuations in electron temperature ([Formula: see text]) and electron density ([Formula: see text]), there is a discussion of how laser energy affects electron temperature ([Formula: see text]) and electron density ([Formula: see text]). Laser energy has also been shown to affect the intensity and velocity of neutral and ion species. Using existing data and theory, the findings were confirmed following the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) hypothesis. Plasma properties such as Debye length ([Formula: see text]), ([Formula: see text]) and plasma frequency ([Formula: see text]) were also studied in this study. Using a laser, we found that all plasma parameters were affected. In addition, the calculated inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption coefficients ([Formula: see text]) were altered.
On Model for Prognosis of Mass Transport During Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Pankratov E. L.
Published: November 2022

In this paper we analyze mass transfer during growth of epitaxial layers in magnetrons. Due to analysis of influence of physical and technological parameters on the growth we formulate several recommendations to improve properties of epitaxial layers: increase of homogeneity of films; minimization of defects of films; dependence of properties of heterostucture on geometric dimensions of magnetron (in fact this is correlation between the above geometric dimensions and growth time). We introduce an analytical approach for analyzing mass transfer. The approach gives a possibility to take into account the nonlinearity of processes, as well as changes in parameters in space and time.
On the Influence of Social Robots in Cognitive Multitasking
Authors: Aoki Motonobu , Rea Francesco , Jirak Doreen , Sandini Giulio , Yanagi Takura , Takamatsu Atsushi , Bouet Stephane , Yamamura Tomohiro
Published: November 2022

Designing a humanoid robot to assist in performing cognitive multitasking is not straightforward, as the robot’s communication itself could interfere with humans’ concentration on the tasks. Therefore, we focused on the social facilitation effect caused by the presence of social robots. According to our study, a social robot that expressed its willingness to collaborate in a positive manner and provided advice with social signals only in some tasks, improved the human performance even in another task where no direct advice was given. Moreover, the social robot reduced the mental workload measured by the integrated skin conductance response during the multitasking scenario. Our results showed a new approach to improve multitasking performance in a mixed team with humans and social humanoid robots.
Using Hebbian Learning for Training Spiking Neural Networks to Control Fingers of Robotic Hands
Authors: Uleru George-Iulian , Hulea Mircea , Manta Vasile-Ion
Published: November 2022

Adaptability is one of the main characteristics of the bio-inspired control units for the anthropomorphic robotic hands. This characteristic provides the artificial hands with the ability to learn new motions and to improve the accuracy of the known ones. This paper presents a method to train spiking neural networks (SNNs) to control anthropomorphic fingers using proprioceptive sensors and Hebbian learning. Being inspired from physical guidance (PG), the proposed method eliminates the need for complex processing of the natural hand motions. To validate the proposed concept we implemented an electronic SNN that learns to control using the output of neuromorphic flexion and force sensors, two opposing actuated fingers actuated by shape memory alloys. Learning occurs when the untrained neural paths triggered by a command signal activate concurrently with the sensor specific neural paths that drive the motion detected by the flexion sensors. The results show that a SNN with a few neurons connects by synaptic potentiation the input neurons activated by the command signal to the output neurons which are activated during the passive finger motions. This mechanism is validated for grasping when the SNN is trained to flex simultaneously the index and thumb fingers if a push button is pressed. The proposed concept is suitable for implementing the neural control units of anthropomorphic robots which are able to learn motions by PG with proper sensors configuration.
The Clifford-Yang algebra, noncommutative Clifford phase spaces and the deformed quantum oscillator
Authors: Perelman Carlos Castro
Published: November 2022

We construct the novel Clifford-Yang algebra which is an extension of the Yang algebra in noncommutative phase spaces. The Clifford-Yang algebra allows us to write down the commutators of the [Formula: see text] polyvector-valued coordinates and momenta which are compatible with the Jacobi identities, the Weyl–Heisenberg algebra, and paves the way for a formulation of quantum mechanics (QM) in noncommutative Clifford spaces. We continue with a detailed study of the isotropic 3D quantum oscillator in noncommutative spaces and find the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. These findings differ considerably from the ordinary quantum oscillator in commutative spaces. We find that QM in noncommutative spaces leads to very different solutions, eigenvalues, and uncertainty relations than ordinary QM in commutative spaces. The generalization of QM to noncommutative Clifford (phase) spaces is attained via the Clifford-Yang algebra. The operators are now given by the generalized angular momentum operators involving polyvector coordinates and momenta. The eigenfunctions (wave functions) are now more complicated functions of the polyvector coordinates. We conclude with some important remarks.
Recent progress in porphycenes synthesis
Authors: Sánchez-García David
Published: November 2022

The aim of this review is to offer an update on the preparation and functionalization of porphycenes and expanded porphycenes covering the period of 2017 to 2022.
Metalloporphyrins: Ideal catalysts for olefin epoxidations
Authors: Estrada-Montaño Aldo S. , Gómez-Benítez Valente , Camacho-Dávila Alejandro , Rivera Ernesto , Morales-Morales David , Zaragoza-Galán Gerardo
Published: November 2022

Porphyrins are molecules that have found a wide range of applications such as dyes in solar cells, for medicinal purposes in photodynamic therapy, and as efficient catalysts in different organic transformations. In addition, the ability of porphyrins to coordinate with most metals of the periodic table provides a unique opportunity to tune the electronic properties of the macroheterocycle and thus their potential activity as catalysts. That is why, this paper reviews the recent literature and relevant advances in the oxidation of olefins catalyzed or mediated by metalloporphyrins, covering mainly those of iron and manganese because they are the most used derivatives for this process, even though other selected metal derivatives will be discussed alongside. Hence, relevant aspects of the porphyrin-mediated epoxidation reactions, such as the porphyrin activity, relevant oxidants, solvent systems, and mechanistic studies to better understand the role of porphyrins in the oxidation of olefins will be presented.
Uncertain Threshold Autoregressive Model via LASSO Procedure
Authors: Zeng Shangfeng , Li Haoxuan , Yang Xiangfeng
Published: November 2022

Uncertain time series models have been proposed to forecast future data based on imprecise known data. As an uncertain time series model, the uncertain threshold autoregressive model was proposed to deal with nonlinear data. The previous study estimated the unknown parameters in the uncertain threshold autoregressive model with the least-squares estimation. However, for nonlinear time series models, the least-squares estimation may cause overfitting of the model. To deal with this problem, this paper adds the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalty to the uncertain threshold autoregressive model to alleviate the level of overfitting. In addition, this paper uses the sum of square errors criterion to select the optimum order of the model. Finally, a real stock price example is provided to compare two different parameter estimation methods.
Analysis and prediction of temperature of an assembly frame for aircraft based on BP neural network
Authors: Liu Ruoxuan , Song Juzheng , Luo Peijun , Tian Fangfang , Li Weiping
Published: November 2022

Temperature is one important factor which decides the assembly accuracy and reliability of the aircraft. Especially with the development of large-sized aircraft, the small temperature change in the aircraft assembly will result in a large displacement deviation and non-negligible internal stress. Therefore, it’s crucial to characterize and predict the temperature during the assembly process of aircraft. Selecting one type of assembly frame for aircraft wing as the study object, temperature in this structure was measured and recorded for one year. Based on the measured data, a model of an optimized BP neural network is proposed to analyze and predict the temperature distribution. The trained temperature model shows a good result with a relative error of 1% and an absolute error of [Formula: see text]C. Finally, the displacement of assembly frame is obtained from the temperature distribution.
Backstepping Control Merged with Disturbances Observer for Quadrotor with Rotating Arms
Authors: Belmouhoub Amina , Bouzid Yasser , Medjmadj Slimane , Hocine Derrouaoui Saddam , Guiatni Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Controlling nonlinear systems is an important and serious task, especially in the presence of external disturbances and uncertain parameters. The main aim of this paper is to design a robust controller that ensures good trajectory tracking of a new quadrotor with rotating arms subjected to external disturbances. Before proceeding to the quadrotor control, it is necessary to first develop a dynamic model of the studied system that takes into account the variation of: the Center of Gravity (CoG), the inertia, and the allocation matrix. Then, based on the finite time Lyapunov stability theory, the theoretical basis of backstepping control integrated with disturbance observer is explained. The observer estimates online the external disturbances and compensates them in the internal loop that contains the attitude and the position backstepping controllers. Numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed control technique, where the controller’s parameters are tuned using a Genetic Algorithm (GA). Finally, qualitative and quantitative comparison of the suggested controller with the conventional backstepping controller is carried out. Overall, the findings show that the proposed control technique outperforms in terms of accuracy and robustness.
Development and Testing of a Durable and Novel Breast Phantom for Robotic Autonomous Ultrasound Systems
Authors: Rigby Oca Siobhan , Strong Amy , Havas Jiselle , Buckland Daniel M. , Bridgeman Leila J.
Published: November 2022

For the safe and effective development of evolving autonomous medical robotic systems that traverse the surface of the body, like in breast ultrasound scans, developing phantoms that are durable and mechanically mimic human tissue is critical. In this work, a long lasting, inexpensive, and geometrically customizable phantom is described with mechanical and ultrasound acoustic properties that simulate human breast tissue. In comparison to prior work, a priority was designing a highly elastic phantom outer layer modulus  20 kPa and inner semi-liquid layer to mimic the difficulties of traversing human breast tissue with autonomous medical robotic systems. In addition, ultrasound images of the novel phantom with enclosed tumor are similar to in vivo image of human breast tissue with invasive ductal carcinoma, representing 80% of breast cancer cases. The performance of a force feedback controller on an autonomous ultrasound scanning system was compared for the novel phantom and a commercial phantom. Overall, the controller performed worse on the novel phantom — highlighting the importance of testing autonomous systems on realistic phantoms.
Stablecoins’ Quest for Money: Who is Afraid of Credit?
Authors: Chanson Mathieu , Senner Richard
Published: November 2022

Classifying stablecoins into three different categories, we will see that fiat-backed stablecoins can complement today’s monetary architecture by building a novel technological layer on top of the old. Non-backed stablecoins, also known as algorithmic stablecoins, in contrast, use outdated monetarist ideas to achieve price stability and are unlikely to have meaningful impact from an economic perspective. Third, debt-backed stablecoins, typically collateralized with other crypto assets, come closest to the properties of actual money. Coins in this category will have to increase debt universality and linkages to (digital) economic activity to gain wider acceptance — a path that is necessarily accompanied with increasing need for regulatory compliance. This paper concludes by providing an outlook with respect to debt-backed stablecoins collateralized with tokenized real-world-assets.
Basin circulation affecting sediment partitioning in a fine-grained carbonate–siliciclastic, subaqueous clinoform: the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Vaca Muerta Formation, Neuquén Basin, Argentina
Authors: Paz Maximiliano , Buatois Luis A. , Mángano M. Gabriela , Desjardins Patricio Rafael , Rodríguez Maximiliano Nicolás , Ponce Juan José , Minisini Daniel , Tomassini Federico González , Pereira Egberto , Carmona Noelia Beatriz , Fantín Manuel , Vallejo María Dolores
Published: November 2022

Fine-grained sediments deposited under oxygen-deficient conditions are enriched in organic matter and hold considerable economic interest as unconventional reservoirs. The present analysis integrates sedimentological, ichnological and geochemical datasets to understand depositional processes in the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Vaca Muerta Formation (Argentina), the most important economic unconventional play outside North America. For this purpose, cores from eight wells and one outcrop were examined. The succession comprises 13 facies associations corresponding to marginal-marine, basin, drift and slope environments, deposited in a mixed carbonate–siliciclastic, shelf-margin, subaqueous clinoform system. Estuarine circulation during warm and humid climates produced a stable stratification. Sediment delivery was dominated by pelagic processes in the bottomset, and hemipelagic processes and fluid mud flows in the foreset. However, the typical estuarine circulation changed to weakened estuarine or anti-estuarine during cool and arid climates, triggering wind- and thermohaline-driven contour (bottom) currents that reworked and oxygenated the complete clinoform system. The analysis suggests that distal–proximal trends are of lesser importance for the delineation of sedimentary environments in settings with contrasting basin circulation regimes and provides several insights to understand sediment partitioning in fine-grained clinoform systems.

Supplementary material
: The stratigraphic context of the Vaca Muerta Formation, an example of facies distribution in a well, trace-fossil descriptions, and X-ray diffraction and total organic carbon geochemical data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6294914
Some geomorphological implications of recent archaeological investigations on river terraces of the River Dee, Aberdeenshire
Authors: Tipping Richard , Kinnaird Tim C. , Dingwall Kirsty , Ross Irvine
Published: November 2022

Excavation and survey of archaeological sites have in recent years generated new data on the chronology of river terraces on the River Dee between Banchory and Peterculter in Aberdeenshire. Terrace fragments have been mapped and correlated on altitudinal grounds, for the first time. Five terrace surfaces are identified and named, refining the terminology of the British Geological Survey. Three are distinct surfaces within the Lochton Sand and Gravel Formation. The relation between them, regional deglaciation and the formation of the Late Devensian Loch of Park, north of Crathes, suggests some time separated their development. Below these, a fourth terrace, the Camphill Terrace, is dated to before the Windermere Interstadial by finds of Late Upper Palaeolithic flints. The Camphill Terrace is argued to have been the active valley floor within the Younger Dryas also. Timing of incision from the Camphill Terrace is not understood: interpretations are different at three archaeological sites. The youngest terrace fill and surface, the Maryculter Terrace, began to form
c
. 5000 years ago.
Evaluating “Meaningful Differences” in Learning and Communication Across SES Backgrounds
Authors: Huang Yi Ting , Byrd Arynn S. , Asmah Rhosean , Domanski Sophie
Published: November 2022

Socioeconomic status (SES) differences in language development are ubiquitous, but existing research has yet to wrestle with how language gaps reflect ( a) differences in relevant concepts for communication, ( b) comprehension strategies to access meanings, and ( c) production practices that express social identity. In child-directed input, parents use verbs to describe similar concepts across SES, and the largest gaps emerge when frequent meanings are being conveyed. During comprehension, children acquire infrequent aspects of grammar across SES but differ in context-specific strategies for interpreting likely meanings. In production, children are sensitive to sociolinguistic implications and adopt context-specific strategies to signal social identity. This suggests that language is a flexible medium for communicating thoughts and that SES effects signal latent differences in meanings and identities across social classes. Whether language gaps contribute to achievement gaps may depend on the extent to which learning and communication draw on these meanings and value these identities.
Are Fe-Li Antisite Defects Necessarily Detrimental to the Diffusion of Li + in LiFePO4/C?
Authors: Ren Xin , Guo Jianling , Liu Ruoxuan , Guo Hongyuan , Liang Guangchuan
Published: November 2022

The one-dimensional Li+ diffusion channel is the key factor restricting the rate performance and low-temperature performance of the LFP/C composites. By artificially creating a certain content of antisite defects, the Li+ in the LFP material can be diffused two-dimensionally. The LFP/C composites synthesized by the carbothermic reduction method at 700 °C have 3.77% Fe-Li antisite defects, showing higher rate performance, cycle performance, and discharge-specific capacity. The CV, EIS, and GITT tests show that the Li+ diffusion coefficient of LFP is the highest when the content of Fe-Li antisite defects is 3.77%. DFT calculation shows that the single pair of Fe-Li antisite defects is conducive to the two-dimensional diffusion of Li+, while the continuous two pairs of antisite defects greatly inhibit the diffusion of Li+ along the original [010] crystal direction.
The Potential of Hydroponic Kit-Based Growing on a Self-Fertigation System for Pagoda Mustard (Brassica narinosa L) Production
Authors: Dwiratna Sophia , Amaru Kharistya , Nanda Muhammad Achirul
Published: November 2022

Agricultural land has been converted into settlements following the population growth in various parts of the country. The productivity of horticulture, particularly pagoda mustard (Brassica narinosa L), decreases with the narrowing of fields. The main milestone as a promising solution to overcoming this issue is applying the hydroponic technique. This study aims to analyze the potential of hydroponic kit-based growing on a self-fertigation system for pagoda mustard production. In contrast to general hydroponic, the proposed hydroponic kit is supported by a smart valve component as a unique novelty used for the automatic distribution of nutrients without electrical power (zero energy). The mustard seeds were sown on rockwool for two to three days in a dark room and placed in the sun for seventeen days. A total of 50 pagoda mustard seeds were arranged evenly on a self-fertigation system tray following a zig-zag planting pattern for forty days. The seed has the following morphological characteristics: average height of 22.88 cm, biomass width of 26.42 cm, root length of 23.4 cm, and weight of 241.5 g. Furthermore, the production requires a total fertigation consumption of 186 L (equal to 0.0935 L/plant day−1) with an actual crop coefficient between 0.01 and 0.54. The proposed system shows good performance for mustard growth with a uniformity value between 80 and 89%. Finally, hydroponic kit-based growing on a self-fertigation system can be applied in various areas to produce and maintain a sustainable food supply.
Terminal Waveform Similarity Measurement Method Based on the Improved Dynamic Time Warping Algorithm
Authors: Yang Xiong , Guo Jiahao , Zhang Xuhui , Zhu Chenyang
Published: November 2022

The dynamic time warping algorithm (DTW) has problems such as high computational complexity and “ill-conditioned matching.” Aiming at the above two main problems, this paper proposes an improved DTW algorithm for the final wave recording of the primary and secondary deep fusion equipment detection platform. The terminal recorded waveform and the waveform with non-Gaussian noise added as the research object, the two sets of waveforms are divided into frames and windowed, and the short-term energy entropy ratio of the two sets of waveforms is input into the DTW as the test vector. Using the optimal matching paths and distances of the two input vectors, the common substring lengths of the two sets of short-term energy entropy ratio sequences are calculated. Then, we define the optimal matching coefficient and correct the waveform similarity. The experimental data show that the improved DTW algorithm can accurately quantify the similarity between terminal waveforms, which can provide effective data support for the health status assessment of power distribution terminals.
New Approach to Fast and Hyperstable State Observers for Stochastic and Complex Systems
Authors: Kitmo  , Pierre Ngoussandou Bello , Bajaj Mohit , AboRas Kareem M. , Hossain Ismail
Published: November 2022

This paper is concerned with the fast state observer for a class of continuous-time linear systems with unknown bounded parameters and sufficiently slowly time varying which satisfy the usual assumptions of conventional state observer for time-invariant plants. A less conservative approach based on hyperstability analysis is proposed to deal with the tracking error involved in Popov’s inequality. Sufficient conditions that ensure the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system are established and formulated in term of a nonlinear part which is designed with appropriate proportional and derivative gains. This observer included the derivative of the estimation error. The results obtained are satisfactory and less conservative than the Lyapunov stability analysis for the estimation error dynamic system. Also, it is showed that with a good choice of Proportional-Derivative (PD) gains, it is possible to reduce in this case to zero, the estimation error on the one hand, and on the other hand to reduce it to small residues in an asymptotic way. Finally, a numerical example of a lateral motion of CESSNA 182 aircraft system is presented to reconstruct the sideslip angle and the roll angle, respectively, and to highlight the efficiency of the approach that has been developed.
Seroprevalence Estimates of Q Fever and the Predictors for the Infection in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Nandi County, Kenya
Authors: Kiptanui J. , Gathura P. B. , Kitala P. M. , Bett B.
Published: November 2022

Q fever is an important worldwide zoonotic disease that affects almost all domestic animals, wildlife, and humans. The infection has both socio-economic and public health significance. A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the estimates of seroprevalence of Q fever and to determine the predictors of the infection in cattle, sheep, and goats in six wards of Nandi County. A total of 1,140 blood samples were collected from 366 households. Samples were drawn from 725 cattle (64%), 283 sheep (25%), and 132 goats (11%). Multistage sampling method was adopted. Serum samples were analyzed for antibodies to Coxiella burnetii using the indirect ELISA test. Results showed an overall animal seroprevalence of 5.614% (64/1140) for Q fever. In cattle, the seroprevalence was 8.138% (59/725) with CI 95% (2.8–18.23), 1.413% (4/283) for sheep CI 95% (1.0–7.78), and 0.758% (1/132) goats CI 95% (0.14–7.27). From the findings, Q fever was more prevalent in cattle (OR 7.26) than in sheep and goats. Animal species (

p

value 0.015, CI 95% OR 7.26) was the only potential predictors in the three considered species for the presence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies. Sex, age, breed, and production system had no statistical significant association for Q fever infection since

p

value was >0.005. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that cattle, sheep, and goats are widely exposed to Q fever organisms, and hence, it is an important zoonosis in Nandi County. Therefore, to address this “silent” disease, there is an urgent call for both veterinarians and medical personnel to jointly address prevention and control strategy through enhanced surveillance, public sensitization, and awareness creation under the one health concept. There is also a need for enhanced capacity for the diagnosis of Q fever in both animals and humans in Nandi County.
Survival Contradiction in Stage II, IIIA, And IIIB Colon Cancer: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result-Based Analysis
Authors: Li Yijun , Hua Rui , He Jianjun , Zhang Huimin
Published: November 2022

There exists an inconsistency between stage and survival in the current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for colon cancer. In this study, we compared the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of colon cancer patients with stage II, IIIA, and IIIB disease based on the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to generate overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) curves. The Cox regression was employed to identify risk factors. The competing risk model was completed by the cumulative incidence function and Gray’s test. In the final population of 31,361 colon cancer patients, Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that stage IIIA had the highest OS and CSS, followed by stage IIA and IIIB, and IIB and IIC showed the worst OS and CSS. In the Cox model, the stage was proven to be an independent prognostic factor. In the competing risk model, stage IIIA colon cancer patients had the lowest 5-year cancer-specific death rate in stages II, IIIA, and IIIB. In conclusion, the prognosis of colon cancer patients in stage IIA was worse than that of patients in stage IIIA, while the survival rate of stage IIB and IIC was lower than that of stage IIIB.
Identification of the Optimal Model for the Prediction of Diabetic Retinopathy in Chinese Rural Population: Handan Eye Study
Authors: Jin Shanshan , Zhang Xu , Liu Hanruo , Hao Jie , Cao Kai , Lin Caixia , Yusufu Mayinuer , Hu Na , Hu Ailian , Wang Ningli
Published: November 2022

Background. To identify an optimal model for diabetic retinopathy (DR) prediction in Chinese rural population by establishing and comparing different algorithms based on the data from Handan Eye Study (HES). Methods. Five algorithms, including multivariable logistic regression (MLR), classification and regression trees (C&RT), support vector machine (SVM), random forests (RF), and gradient boosting machine (GBM), were used to establish DR prediction models with HES data. The performance of the models was assessed based on the adjusted area under the ROC curve (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Results. The data on 4752 subjects were used to build the DR prediction model, and among them, 198 patients were diagnosed with DR. The age of the included subjects ranged from 30 to 85 years old, with an average age of 50.9 years (

SD
=
3.04

). The kappa coefficient of the diagnosis between the two ophthalmologists was 0.857. The MLR model revealed that blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index were independently associated with the development of DR. The AUROC obtained by GBM (0.952), RF (0.949), and MLR (0.936) was similar and statistically larger than that of CART (0.682) and SVM (0.765). Conclusions. The MLR model exhibited excellent prediction performance and visible equation and thus was the optimal model for DR prediction. Therefore, the MLR model may have the potential to serve as a complementary screening tool for the early detection of DR, especially in remote and underserved areas.