bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biaxial film bulk acoustic resonator magnetic sensor based on the Fe80Ga20 anisotropic ΔE effect
Authors: Yun Xiaofan , Lin Wenkui , Hu Rui , Wang Xiaoyi , Zeng Zhongming , Zhang Xinping , Zhang Baoshun
Published: December 2021

With the increasing application of personal navigation systems in consumer electronics, the demand for multi-axis magnetic sensors based on MEMS is growing. We report a biaxial MEMS DC magnetic sensor consisting of an Mo/AlN/Fe80Ga20 film bulk acoustic resonator, with anisotropy ΔE effect-based sensing principle. Different from the previously reported 1D magnetic sensor based on the ΔE effect, the anisotropic ΔE effect was used to realize in-plane and out-of-plane 2D magnetic field responses on a discrete sensor, and the sensor had two readout methods: resonant frequency f and return loss S11. The magnetic sensor realized the resonant frequency f shifted by 1.03 MHz and 0.2 MHz in the 567 Oe in-plane magnetic field and 720 Oe out-of-plane magnetic field, respectively, and the S11 changes by −30.2 dB and −0.92 dB. As the applied magnetic field increases, the −3 dB bandwidth quality factor Q
3dB of the S11 curve gradually increases, and its maximum values in the in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic fields are 77 143 and 1828, respectively, which reduces the detection limit of the magnetic sensor. The resonant magnetic sensor has stable high linear temperature and frequency drift characteristics, and its temperature frequency coefficient is −48.7 ppm °C−1.
Qualitative analysis and new soliton solutions for the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger type equations
Authors: Elbrolosy M E
Published: December 2021

This work is interested in constructing new traveling wave solutions for the coupled nonlinear Schrödinger type equations. It is shown that the equations can be converted to a conservative Hamiltonian traveling wave system. By using the bifurcation theory and Qualitative analysis, we assign the permitted intervals of real propagation. The conserved quantity is utilized to construct sixteen traveling wave solutions; four periodic, two kink, and ten singular solutions. The periodic and kink solutions are analyzed numerically considering the effect of varying each parameter keeping the others fixed. The degeneracy of the solutions discussed through the transmission of the orbits illustrates the consistency of the solutions. The 3D and 2D graphical representations for solutions are presented. Finally, we investigate numerically the quasi-periodic behaviour for the perturbed system after inserting a periodic term.
Anti-fungal therapy via incorporation of nanostructures: A systematic review for new dimensions
Authors: Younus Ishrat , Khan Sarah Jameel , Maqbool Sidra , Begum Zubia
Published: December 2021

Background.Fungal infections are one of the most prevailing worldwide public health issues. Despite the commercially available antifungal drugs, side effects associated with these agents and resistance may lead to the development of antifungal drugs by using advanced technology. The mainbody of the abstract.In the current era, nanotechnology is one of the most predominant techniques with massive advantages in the field of medicines and medical sciences. In the last two decades, various nanostructures were developed based on metals, plants, and microorganisms. The aim of the review is to discuss all original researches and to review articles of the last two decades, including earlier and recent development in different types of nanostructures as an antifungal therapy. Published papers in the English language were searched and reviewed from the online databases from January 2007 till May 2021. The search engines included were PubMed, Google, Google scholar, and Sciencedirect. In all the databases, the keywords ‘fungi’, ‘antifungal’, ‘nanomaterials’, ‘nanostructures’, and ‘nanotechnology’ were used for literature search.Short conclusion. The innovative nanostructures are vital for the treatment of different strains of fungal infections i.e. from minor nail infections to major systemic fungal infections. Additionally, nanostructures also enhance the efficacy, solubility, penetration, and drug release to the targeted site of conventional antifungal agents.
Removing fiber orientation uncertainty from the finite element model of a composite lamina with direct updating algorithm
Authors: Chhipa Sajid Mohammad , Kumar Pramod , Bagha Ashok Kumar , Bahl Shashi
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a direct updating algorithm is proposed to remove the uncertainties present in the simulated/analytical finite element (FE) model of a composite material lamina. There are number of possible uncertainties present in the composite materials such as its constituent properties and its orientations, boundary conditions and its assumed dimensions etc It is observed from this analytical study that the uncertainty present in the fiber orientation in the matrix put its direct effect on the modal-model (natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes) of the composite material lamina. The direct updating algorithm has been already used for many isotropic structures. However, for anisotropic structures like composite materials, the application to accurate the simulated-finite element model by using finite element model updating techniques is a new area of research. In this regard, to remove these uncertainties from the simulated-finite element model of a composite lamina, the application of direct updating algorithm is proposed. It is observed from the present study that by updating the mass and the stiffness matrices through direct updating algorithm, the vibration pattern of the mode shapes are updated. It is found that the maximum percentage error in the constituent properties and in the fiber orientation is 22.58% and 100% respectively that are reduced to 0% in the modal-model of the lamina by the application of direct updating algorithm. This represents the novelty of the application of direct updating method for composite lamina structures. The overlay of frequency response function (FRF) curves are plotted to authenticate the results. Also, it is found that the application of the direct updating algorithm increases the tracking performance of the simulated FE model response when excited at different resonant frequencies.
Constraining dark matter annihilation with cosmic ray antiprotons using neural networks
Authors: Kahlhoefer Felix , Korsmeier Michael , Krämer Michael , Manconi Silvia , Nippel Kathrin
Published: December 2021

The interpretation of data from indirect detection experiments searching for dark matter annihilations requires computationally expensive simulations of cosmic-ray propagation. In this work we present a new method based on Recurrent Neural Networks that significantly accelerates simulations of secondary and dark matter Galactic cosmic ray antiprotons while achieving excellent accuracy. This approach allows for an efficient profiling or marginalisation over the nuisance parameters of a cosmic ray propagation model in order to perform parameter scans for a wide range of dark matter models. We identify importance sampling as particularly suitable for ensuring that the network is only evaluated in well-trained parameter regions. We present resulting constraints using the most recent AMS-02 antiproton data on several models of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles. The fully trained networks are released as DarkRayNet together with this work and achieve a speed-up of the runtime by at least two orders of magnitude compared to conventional approaches.
Analysis on non-stationary gyroscopes and their application in measurement technology
Authors: Andreev A I , Perekrestov A P
Published: December 2021

In this work, the main subjects of research are: 1) analysis of the process of rotation of a Chinese top on a flat surface, 2) analysis of the main dependencies and an explanation of the rise of the center of gravity of the top during rotation due to nonlinear friction and the resulting force of the overturning top on the upper axis. Also, an analytical study of the motion of the top along the plane and the laws of rotation was carried out, the rotation of the top was analyzed from the point of view of asymmetry during rotation. The top-top spinning top is an interesting case of raising the center of gravity during rotation. The simplest model of a Chinese top can be a dynamic symmetric inhomogeneous ball, the center of mass of which lies on the axis of dynamic symmetry, but does not coincide with its geometric center. The precession of the Chinese top is based on dry friction. The occurrence of a gyroscopic deflection moment is based on the frictional force. Considering the simplest top-type top, one can distinguish the main forces acting on this body, as well as its characteristics that determine the precession. Based on this fact, it is possible to propose the use of this body of revolution as a working medium for instruments such as tribometers and gravimeters. In the first case, this makes it possible to increase the accuracy of the device, in the second, to create a new scheme for measuring gravitational fields. The relevance of this work is the analysis of the rotation of the Chinese top and the possibility of its use in measuring instruments.
Diffuse reflectance photometric system for noninvasive blood glucose control
Authors: Pozhar K V , Mikhailov M O , Polyakova E A , Litinskaia E L
Published: December 2021

The paper considers the method of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for noninvasive glucose level measuring in biological tissues. It is proposed a portable implementation of the system, based on a laser diode with a wavelength of 1600 nm and a power of 30 mW, operating in a pulsed mode, as well as a set of NIR-photodiodes located around the laser. The measuring system has been tested on model solutions with diffuse reflectance from polystyrene and pigskin. In the course of measurements on fixed system, an error of ~17 mg/dl is observed, which can be reduced by improving miniature laser sources.
Analysis and regulation of the cardiovascular system of univentricular heart with different configurations of the total cavopulmonary connection
Authors: Galiastov A A , Telyshev D V
Published: December 2021

The cardiovascular system (CVS) is a complex mechanism capable of reacting and regulating various changes in external and internal parameters. A particular problem is the study of CVS with univentricular heart. We studied the hemodynamic response of the CVS to the use of various configurations of bypassing the right side of the heart. During our research, we selected three different configurations of the total cavopulmonary connection. All configurations were made from Clear Flex 50 and tested in an experimental workbench. According to the research results, the TCPC-3 configuration is the most optimal. It has symmetrical output values of flows and pressures and there is no significant increase in inlet pressure. The results of this study can be used to optimize the control of the parameters of the ventricular assist device and the total artificial heart.
Using atomic force microscopy to work with the cell surface of Candida albicans
Authors: Filippova E M , Nesvizhski U V , Titov S A , Glukhov A I
Published: December 2021

Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that lives on human mucous membranes and skin and does not cause infections. However, it plays a role in the development of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised people. In this work, we would like to evaluate the possibility of studying the cell wall of C. albicans by atomic force microscopy, as well as compare the operating modes of the microscope and choose optimal one for working with the fungus. Atomic force microscopy is a powerful tool for evaluating surfaces, including the cell walls of biological objects. The microscope is capable of operating in different modes, but in this study we compared two of them: contact and semi-contact. These methods are the most popular for evaluating the surfaces of biological objects. Comparison of the modes was carried out on the C. albicans strain. The surface of the strain was scanned by atomic force microscopy, and the curves of the dependence of the sensor deviation from the distance to the object were recorded. Scanning and recording of curves were carried out in two modes of operation of the microscope: contact and semi-contact, as well as three sensors: soft, medium and hard.
Spatio-temporal analysis the results of solving the inverse problem of electrocardiography
Authors: Shcherbakova A I , Kupriyanova Y A , Zhikhareva G V
Published: December 2021

The results of the development and testing an algorithm for the physiological interpretation the results of solving the inverse problem of electrocardiography are presented. The solution to the inverse problem of electrocardiography is the distributions of equivalent current sources on the quasi-epicardium, restored from the electric potentials created by the heart on the surface of the chest. The developed algorithms are based on the space-time analysis of the distributions of equivalent current sources on the quasi-epicardium. The development and testing of the algorithm was carried out using a simulation model of the electrical activity of the heart based on cellular automata. The efficiency of the algorithm has been demonstrated when simulating the electrical activity of the heart in normal conditions, as well as in the presence of pathological changes in the myocardium in the form of areas with delayed conduction of excitation.
The effect of queue size on the throughput, in group failure mode, for the loaded transport channel
Authors: Karim P H , Ghafoor J K , Suschenko S P
Published: December 2021

The external data flow decreases the throughput of the transport connection. The indicator of this external load is the queue size in front of the protocol data. In this article, using a mathematical model in analytical and numerical forms, the relation between the throughput of the channel and the protocol parameters are presented including the queue size parameter. In this work the effect of the queue size on time-out duration has been shown, which is one of the important parameters and it’s studied weakly in researches. Also, the relation between round-trip delay, the reliability of the transmission of the information segments with queue size are also shown.
Groups of mobile cellular service stations for operational radio communication tasks in remote areas
Authors: Pishchin O N , Puzankov D S , Perova K V , Chulkov I O
Published: December 2021

The authors of the article consider solutions needed to organize mobile cellular communication systems in remote areas. Modern mobile stations do not have the capability to overcome marshy areas, steppe, heavily rugged reliefs of the desert, water barriers and forests. Moreover, the coverage area from one base station is not highly localized (radio coverage area is not significant). Furthermore, modern mobile communication facilities have poor autonomy. The article proposes measures for an operational organization of cellular communications in large remote areas with a coverage radius of a medium-sized city. Article also considers the issues posed by a temporary organization of communication service in large sections near important locations (pipelines, riverbeds, transport and railway lines). The need for such an operational usage of mobile communication systems is most associated with geological exploration and scientific research in large remote areas and large areas with a damaged communication system due to natural emergencies or military operations.
The method for constructing fault-tolerant photonic switches for high-performance computing systems
Authors: Barabanova E A , Vytovtov K A , Vishnevsky V M , Podlazov V S
Published: December 2021

In this paper the new type of fault-tolerant non-blocking photonic switch is presented for the first time. The proposed switch architecture is based on quasi-complete graph topology which use provides non-blocking and fault-tolerant switching process. The new two-stage switch architecture uses the stage of dual photonic switches and pairs of photonic demultiplexers and multiplexers which have been described in detail by authors in their previous works. Depending on the number of different backup connections, the two types of fault-tolerant pho-tonic switches are considered in this paper: single-channel fault-tolerant photonic switch and dual-channel fault-tolerant photonic switch. The mathematical expressions for calculating the switching and fiber complexities of these two types of fault-tolerant photonic switches are also presented here for the first time. The numerical calculations shown that the increasing the reliability of the fault-tolerant photonic switches twice leads to an increasing their switching complexity in 1.4 times and fiber complexity in 1.8 times.
Calculation of the power required to operate a tethered unmanned airborne platform in gust conditions
Authors: Vishnevsky V M , Shirvanyan A M
Published: December 2021

This work aims to assess the necessary power for a tethered high-altitude unmanned airborne platform, in which the propulsion system and payload are powered from a ground-based cable power source. A summary and solution to a system of differential equations are given to describe the spatial position of the cable and its action on the high-altitude unmanned platform in gust conditions. The mass of the airborne platform including payload, the effect of the cable on the airborne platform, and its wind resistance are taken into account when calculating the power. The paper describes the system architecture, consisting of a ground station, a cable, and an airborne platform, and presents the results of field tests, which showed good agreement with the results of theoretical studies.
Design of local heterogeneous system control networks of a new generation with the preservation of the optimality of the main topological functionals of the network
Authors: Karavay M F , Mikhailov A M
Published: December 2021

The paper discusses On-Board Computing Control Systems (OBCS) in astronautics, avionics, autonomous mobile devices, robotics, weapons control and multi-core microprocessors. This is sort of a “backbone”, which unites many sensors, calculators, control and executive devices. The architecture of these networks was developed some 30-40 years ago. At that time, these systems met the technical conditions in terms of dynamics and reliability. Nowadays, these systems must perform their functions for 10 to 15 years without maintenance. The performance of system networks must be high enough to solve such tasks as monitoring “swarms” that comprise hundreds of objects or work as a “garbage collectors” in space orbits. Nevertheless modern system networks continue to be based on bus or multi-bus architectures. Since these systems are serial for active nodes, a multi-bus solution is a main way to increase the performance of networks by using very high frequencies that amount to 2 ÷ 4 GHz. It’s an extensive path of development, which is problematic. More acceptable would be an intensive path of development, which, in electronics and computer engineering, is associated with the parallelism of task execution. It means that the operating frequencies may not be ultra-high, not exceeding that of modern devices for frequencies of 10 – 600 MHz. However, such devices should work in a parallel mode. The paper proposes a new approach to designing of heterogeneous parallel control system networks, solving parallel tasks, and a conflict-free management of “passive” nodes. To the best of our knowledge, such control system networks are not available as yet.
Decision Support System for Evaluating Elements of Data Transmission Systems
Authors: Oleinikov A. A. , Sorokin A.A. , Beresnev I. A.
Published: December 2021

The expansion of the coverage areas of telecommunications networks poses the task of improving the quality of service for telecom operators. Currently, in the conditions of transferring employees to a remote mode of operation, the access equipment of individuals is beginning to require much more attention to failures, as well as the communication equipment of legal entities. In both cases, the unavailability of the data transmission network associated with the failure can lead to various kinds of financial and administrative liability. In this paper, we propose algorithms that underlie the developed decision support system for evaluating the operational states of data transmission system elements. The system is designed for the analysis and formation of recommendations on conducting scheduled preventive maintenance or responding to pre-emergency and emergency incidents.
Methodology for improving the decision support system in order to reduce the probability of environmental accidents at gas production industry
Authors: Amshinov N M , Likhter A M , Azhmukhamedov I M
Published: December 2021

The aim of this work is to establish the key correlations between the technological, economic and environmental characteristics of gas production industry. To solve this problem, methods of mathematical modeling, fuzzy logic, and management theory were used. A generalized criterion was constructed that serves to assess the cost characteristics of measures for the implementation of management decisions developed by the decision support system and aimed at reducing the probability of environmental accidents.
Control System of Assembly Production Organizational and Technological System of Automotive Cluster Factories
Authors: Shabanov A A , Averchenkova E E
Published: December 2021

New term “Assembly Production Organizational and Technological System” is proposed. The model of Assembly Production Organizational and Technological System developed by the authors is described. In the model, this system is considered as a set of subsystems included in it: Assembly Tools Subsystem, Calibration Equipment Subsystem, Spare Tools and Parts Subsystem. Control system of the Assembly Production Organizational and Technological System is described. Developed by the authors model of Assembly Tools Set Element, which is a part of the Assembly Tools Subsystem is described. Developed by the authors classification of elements of assembly tools set is provided. The authors divide the assembly tools set into the following groups of equipment: torque wrenches, non-programmable screwdrivers and nutrunners, multispeed programmable screwdrivers and nutrunners, tooling and adaptors. Assembly tools for tightening threaded joints are divided into 3 groups according to the level of automation of the tightening process. These groups are divided into subgroups according to the principles developed by the authors. Developed classification of elements of assembly tools set is expedient to be used in automotive cluster assembly factories and other factories which have a similar assembly tools set structure.
Development of a fuzzy expert system for power transformer diagnostics
Authors: Khlebtsov A P , Shilin A N , Rybakov A V , Yu Klyucharev A
Published: December 2021

In this paper, an expert information system for assessing the technical condition of a power transformer is developed. The system will work on the basis of the fuzzy logic device, and provide operational information about the state of the power transformer. The paper uses fuzzy inference algorithms. The R programming language is used to write a program that uses fuzzy logic. We analyzed the data of chromatographic analysis of gases dissolved in oil, as well as the data of thermal imaging images, identifying the most heated points in power transformers. A database of fuzzy logic rules has been formed. Several examples of defuzzification of the results obtained by the center of gravity method are given. As a result of the program, a three-dimensional graph was obtained that characterizes the surface of the fuzzy output. The developed software package allows you to detect defects in working electrical equipment at an early stage of their development, which not only prevents a sudden shutdown of production as a result of an accident, but also significantly reduces the cost of repairing equipment and increases its service life
Algorithm for optical characterization of dielectric gradient index nanofilm by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Anisimov A V , Sh Khasanov I
Published: December 2021

A numerical algorithm for determining the refractive index profiles of gradient nanofilms is proposed. A physical justification for the necessity of using spectroscopic measurements in surface plasmon resonance sensing in addition to angular measurements for the unambiguous reconstruction of the shape of the gradient refractive index profile is given. The proposed approach can be effective for nanofilms made of dielectric materials transparent in the IR and THz range.
Application of Brillouin scattering in optic-fiber sensors
Authors: Bogachkov I V , Gorlov N I , Kitova E T , Monastyrskaya T I
Published: December 2021

The article analyses possible applications for Brillouin scattering in optic-fiber sensors. They make it possible to do temperature and physical strain measurements with high accuracy for long line sections. The functional dependences of the output signals characteristics on parameters measured by the sensors are studied. Of particular interest are the results of the analysis of the spectral component shifts in the Brillouin light scattering depending on the fiber elongation and temperature. After a brief review of the basic theoretical principles the results of some researches aimed to expand the dynamic range and to increase spatial resolution. The results of simulation in professional design software environment OptiSystem 17.1. are described. The results are obtained by experimental research based on Brillouin reflectometer AQ8603 manufactured by “ANDO” (Japan). They show that it is possible to implement optic-fiber sensors based on Brillouin scattering in telecommunication systems, oil and gas industry, in electric-power industry, construction, aviation and space industry. The objectives for further research are to perform metrological analysis at all stages of the method implementation, to complete the base of Brillouin spectrograms for optical fiber of various types and to improve algorithms for automated processing spectra in order to expand functionality of the systems.
Mining wastes of the Russian North-West: microbiological prerequisites of reclamation
Authors: Abakumov E , Kimeklis A , Gladkov G , Andronov E , Zverev A
Published: December 2021

Russian North-West is the region with extremely high diversity of superficial mining wastes, deposited in form heaps and hills. These substrata are potentially dangerous for environments and. therefore, should be reclaimed. One of the most effective way of utilization of mineral wastes is to incorporate them to natural processes of revegetation and to initialize the priming of initial soil formation process. Thus, we have investigated microbial processes in very initial superficial ecosystems of numerous heaps of pre quaternary materials of former abandoned and recently explored quarries. The research question of this study: what groups of microorganisms we do have on the surface of mining mineral wastes and are we able to qualify their role in further recycling of mineral waste to natural processes, including pedogenesis and ecogenesis of terrestrial ecosystems. The great variation of taxonomy composition of microbiome composition was revealed. At the same time, some phylums of microorganisms were dominant in all revegetated heaps investigated - Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexia, Verrucomicrobia. They could be considered as a core components of very initial soil microbiome. Primary data have showed the increasing of microbial biodiversity with timing rate of waste exposure on surface.
Improved cellular automata model shows that indirect apoptotic cell death due to vascular damage enhances the local control of tumors by single fraction high-dose irradiation
Authors: Kawahara Daisuke , Nagata Yasushi , Watanabe Yoichi
Published: December 2021

We investigated the effects of indirect apoptotic cell death due to vascular damage on tumor response to a single large dose with an improved two-dimensional cellular automata model. The tumor growth was simulated by considering the oxygen and nutrients supplied to the tumor through the blood vessels. The cell damage processes were modeled by taking account of the direct cell death and the indirect death due to the radiation-induced vascular damages. The radiation increased the permeation of oxygen and nutrients through the blood vessel or caused the breakdown of the vasculature. The amount of oxygen in cancer cells affected the response of cancer cells to radiation and the tumor growth rate after irradiation. The lack of oxygen led to the apoptotic death of cancer cells. We calculated the tumor control probability (TCP) at different radiation doses, the probability of apoptotic death, the threshold of the oxygen level for indirect apoptotic death, the average oxygen level in cancer cells and the vessel survival probability after radiation damage. Due to the vessel damage, indirect cell death led to a 4% increase in TCP for the dose ranging from 15 Gy to 20 Gy. TCP increased with increasing the probability of apoptotic death and the threshold of the oxygen level for indirect apoptotic death due to increased apoptotic death. The variation of TCP as a function of the average oxygen level exhibited the minimum at the average oxygen level of 2.7%. The apoptosis increased as the average oxygen level decreased, leading to an increasing TCP. On the other hand, the direct radiation damage increased, and the apoptosis decreased for higher average oxygen level, resulting in a higher TCP. We showed by modeling the radiation damage of blood vessels in a 2D CA simulation that the indirect apoptotic death of cancer cells, caused by the reduction of the oxygen level due to vascular damage after high dose irradiation, increased TCP.
Transistors based on solution-processed 2D materials for chemical and biological sensing
Authors: Xu Wanzhen , Han Wei , Shen Junliang , Zhu Wenjie , Yang Wenming , Li Mengmeng , Yang Sheng
Published: December 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted signifcant attention due to their unique chemical and physical characteristics. The specific structures and large surface area of 2D materials lead to great potentials in sensing applications with the advantages of high sensitivity, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. As a result, a great variety of devices have been developed based on 2D materials and utilized as electronic, chemical, biological, and even multifunctional sensors. Importantly, the high performance of these sensors is largely attributed to the synthetic strategies of high-quality 2D materials, where the exfoliation in the liquid phase is one of the most efficient methods. In this review, we firstly summarize the recent progress on the solution methods for the synthesis of high-quality graphene as well as non-carbon 2D materials. Then the main focus of this review article is shifted to the transistor-type sensors, especially the biosensors and chemical sensors, on the basis of these solution-processed 2D materials. In addition, the remaining challenges in this research field are discussed, and possible future directions of development are also proposed from the aspects of materials, processing, and devices.
Towards in-situ quality control of conductive printable electronics: a review of possible pathways
Authors: Zhuldybina Mariia , Ropagnol Xavier , Blanchard François
Published: December 2021

Over the past decade, printed electronics (PE) has shown great potential for a wide range of industries, from consumer goods, electronics, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, biomedical, to textiles and fashion. The rapid development of printing technology has been strongly driven by the growth of the PE market and its many applications. Here, we review the latest trends in PE production quality control, focusing on emerging technologies such as terahertz spectroscopy, which may play a key role in the development of smart manufacturing of PE devices in the near future. We also provide a comparison with conventional quality control technologies or off-line measurements, such as four-point probe measurements, atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy, etc.
Studies of the weak interaction in atomic systems: towards measurements of atomic parity non-conservation in francium
Authors: Gwinner G , Orozco L A
Published: December 2021

Tests of the standard model of particle physics should be carried out over the widest possible range of energies. Here we present our plans and progress for an atomic parity non-conservation experiment using the heaviest alkali, francium (Z = 87), which has no stable isotope. Low-energy tests of this kind have sensitivity complementary to higher energy searches, e.g. at the large hadron collider.
Complete solvability of the inertial spin model with an averaged spin
Authors: Huh Hyungjin , Kim Dohyun
Published: December 2021

We study the inertial spin model which consists of two variables: velocity as a mechanical observable and spin as an internal variable. In this paper, we slightly modified the original inertial spin model where the spin in the dynamics of the velocity is replaced by the average of spins. Moreover, by introducing two external control functions (rotation control and alignment control), we show the emergence of velocity and spin alignments mainly depends on these control functions. Finally, we perform numerical simulations that support and complement our theoretical results.
The conjugate gradient algorithm on a general class of spiked covariance matrices
Authors: Ding Xiucai , Trogdon Thomas
Published: December 2021

We consider the conjugate gradient algorithm applied to a general class of spiked sample covariance matrices. The main result of the paper is that the norms of the error and residual vectors at any finite step concentrate on deterministic values determined by orthogonal polynomials with respect to a deformed Marchenko–Pastur law. The first-order limits and fluctuations are shown to be universal. Additionally, for the case where the bulk eigenvalues lie in a single interval we show a stronger universality result in that the asymptotic rate of convergence of the conjugate gradient algorithm only depends on the support of the bulk, provided the spikes are well-separated from the bulk. In particular, this shows that the classical condition number bound for the conjugate gradient algorithm is pessimistic for spiked matrices.
Structural arrangement of the VH and VL domains in the COBRA™ T-cell engaging single-chain diabody
Authors: Krakow Jessica , Hammel Michal , Zhu Ying , Hillier Brian J , Paolella Bryce , Desmarais Austin , Wall Rusty , Chen Tseng-Hui T , Pei Rex , Karunatilake Chulani , DuBridge Robert , Vinogradova Maia
Published: December 2021

Background

COBRA™ (COnditional Bispecific Redirected Activation) T-cell engagers are designed to target solid tumors as a single polypeptide chain prodrug that becomes activated by proteolysis in the tumor microenvironment. One COBRA molecule comprises seven Ig domains: three single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) recognizing a tumor target or human serum albumin (HSA), and CD3ε-binding variable fragment heavy chain (VH) and variable fragment light chain (VL) and their inactivated counterparts, VHi and VLi. Pairing of VH and VL, and VLi and VHi into single-chain variable fragments (Fv) is prevented by shortened inter-domain linkers. Instead, VH and VL are expected to interact with VLi and VHi, respectively, thus making a diabody whose binding to CD3ε on the T-cells is impaired.

Methods

We analyzed the structure of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) COBRA in solution using negative stain electron microscopy (EM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).

Results

We found that this EGFR COBRA forms stable monomers with a very dynamic interdomain arrangement. At most, only five domains at a time appeared ordered, and only one VH-VL pair was found in the Fv orientation. Nonenzymatic posttranslational modifications suggest that the CDR3 loops in the VL-VHi pair are exposed but are buried in the VH-VLi pair. The MMP9 cleavage rate of the prodrug when bound to recombinant EGFR or HSA is not affected, indicating positioning of the MMP9-cleavable linker away from the EGFR and HSA binding sites.

Conclusion

Here, we propose a model for EGFR COBRA where VH and VLi form an Fv, and VL and VHi do not, possibly interacting with other Ig domains. SAXS and MMP9 cleavage analyses suggest that all COBRA molecules tested have a similar structural architecture.
Geriatric emergency medicine—a model for frailty friendly healthcare
Authors: Mooijaart Simon P , Carpenter Christopher R , Conroy Simon P
Published: December 2021

As the world’s population continues to age over the decades ahead, medical educators and researchers in every adult medical and surgical specialty will need to ‘geriatricise’ their clinical science. Many have already engaged with geriatrics. Here we describe the progress that has been made and the opportunities ahead in the field of Geriatric Emergency Medicine (GEM), a field that has taken large steps in integrating holistic care. Future opportunities exist in the three domains of evidence-based medicine: including patient preferences and needs, generating scientific evidence, and improving physician knowledge and expertise. Implementation requires new innovations also in the organisation of care. Similar strategies may be useful in other fields of medicine, in making holistic care the standard for older people.
“Have Sure Tried”: Hemingway’s Unfaltering Career
Authors: Wyatt David
Published: December 2021

Because Ernest Hemingway published only one novel, a novella, and a handful of short stories after his return from the battlefields of France in 1945, he has often been viewed as a writer suffering a late-life decline. As the posthumously published books attest, however, during the last fifteen years of his life, Hemingway was very productive. In giving a shape to the many pages Hemingway left behind, the editors who have brought books like A Moveable Feast (1964) and The Garden of Eden (1986) into print have at times created works of great power and beauty. Moreover, the writing done during “the Final Years,” as Michael Reynolds calls them, forms a series of linked projects in which Hemingway explored how he had tried, and often failed, to be what he called “a good man.”Hemingway’s late-life work—and this is especially true of the posthumously published books—accomplishes something impressive indeed: a prolonged act of confession and Last Judgment.
High Participant Satisfaction Achieved Using Cryolipolysis for Fat Reduction of the Abdomen and Flanks
Authors: Tan Terence , Snell Broughton , Braun Martin , Mohan Sach , Jo Esther , Patel Vaishali , Zheng Suzanne , Manson Brown Stephanie , Hickling Matthew
Published: December 2021

Background

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) data evaluating the physical and psychosocial impact of cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) treatment are limited.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess, by means of PRO instruments, multidimensional aspects of satisfaction following cryolipolysis treatment of the flanks and abdomen.

Methods

This was a multinational, prospective, single-cohort, interventional study. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants stating they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with treatment at 12 weeks post final treatment. Secondary endpoints included satisfaction categorized by treatment area, total number of treatment cycles, baseline BMI, and fat volume reduction measured by 3-dimensional photography at 12 weeks post final treatment. Exploratory endpoints assessed the physical and psychosocial impacts of treatment. Safety was monitored throughout the study.

Results

Of 112 participants who were treated, 74.1% were female. The mean age and BMI were 42.5 years and 24.9 kg/mg2, respectively. Of the 106 evaluable participants, 89.6% were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with treatment results. Satisfaction was high regardless of body area(s), total number of treatment cycles, or baseline BMI. Mean [standard deviation] fat volume reduction was 264.8 [411.4] mL. Overall, 90.6% reported "noticeable" or "very noticeable" fat reduction, 89.6% were "likely" or "very likely" to treat additional areas, and 93.4% would recommend cryolipolysis to a friend. Twenty-four (21.4%) participants reported treatment-emergent adverse events; 23 (20.5%) reported these as adverse device effects. No serious device-related or unanticipated adverse effects occurred.

Conclusions

Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) for fat reduction of the flanks and/or abdomen was well-tolerated and associated with high levels of satisfaction across multidimensional PROs.

Level of Evidence: 4
MACA: marker-based automatic cell-type annotation for single-cell expression data
Authors: Xu Yang , Baumgart Simon J , Stegmann Christian M , Hayat Sikander
Published: December 2021

Accurately identifying cell types is a critical step in single-cell sequencing analyses. Here, we present marker-based automatic cell-type annotation (MACA), a new tool for annotating single-cell transcriptomics datasets. We developed MACA by testing four cell-type scoring methods with two public cell-marker databases as reference in six single-cell studies. MACA compares favorably to four existing marker-based cell-type annotation methods in terms of accuracy and speed. We show that MACA can annotate a large single-nuclei RNA-seq study in minutes on human hearts with ∼290K cells. MACA scales easily to large datasets and can broadly help experts to annotate cell types in single-cell transcriptomics datasets, and we envision MACA provides a new opportunity for integration and standardization of cell-type annotation across multiple datasets.

Availability and implementation

MACA is written in python and released under GNU General Public License v3.0. The source code is available at https://github.com/ImXman/MACA.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
KIF3B gene silent variant leading to sperm morphology and motility defects and male infertility
Authors: Heydari Raheleh , Seresht-Ahmadi Mehrshad , Mirshahvaladi Shahab , Sabbaghian Marjan , Mohseni-Meybodi Anahita
Published: December 2021

Sperm structural and functi onal defects are leading causes of male infertility. Patients with immotile sperm disorders suffer from axoneme failure and show a significant reduction in sperm count. The kinesin family member 3B (KIF3B) is one of the genes involved in the proper formation of sperm with a critical role in intraflagellar and intramanchette transport. A part of exon 2 and exons 3–5 of the KIF3B encodes a protein coiled-coil domain that interacts with intraflagellar transport 20 (IFT20) from the intraflagellar transport protein complex. In the present study, the coding region of KIF3B coiled-coil domain was assessed in 88 oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) patients, and the protein expression was evaluated in the mature spermatozoa of the case and control groups using immunocytochemistry and western blotting. According to the results, there was no genetic variation in the exons 3–5 of the KIF3B, but a new A>T variant was identified within the exon 2 in 30 patients, where nothing was detected in the control group. In contrast to healthy individuals, significantly reduced protein expression was observable in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients carrying variation where protein organization was disarranged, especially in the principal piece and midpiece of the sperm tail. Besides, the protein expression level was lower in the patients’ samples compared to that of the control group. According to the results of the present study the KIF3B gene variation as well as lower protein expression leads to defects in sperm morphology and motility and consequently to male infertility.
A Clinical Predictive Model for One-year Colectomy in Adults Hospitalized for Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Zafer Maryam , Zhang Hui , Dwadasi Sujaata , Goens Donald , Paknikar Raghavendra , Dalal Sushila , Cohen Russell D , Pekow Joel , Rubin David T , Sakuraba Atsushi , Micic Dejan
Published: December 2021

Background

Models to predict colectomy in ulcerative colitis (UC) are valuable for identification, clinical management, and follow-up of high-risk patients. Our aim was to develop a clinical predictive model based on admission data for one-year colectomy in adults hospitalized for severe UC.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized at a tertiary academic center for management of severe UC from 1/2013 to 4/2018. Multivariate regression was performed to identify individual predictors of one-year colectomy. Outcome probabilities of colectomy based on the prognostic score were estimated using a bootstrapping technique.

Results

Two hundred twenty-nine individuals were included in the final analytic cohort. Four independent variables were associated with one-year colectomy which were incorporated into a point scoring system: (+) 1 for single class biologic exposure prior to admission; (+) 2 for multiple classes of biologic exposure; (+) 1 for inpatient salvage therapy with cyclosporine or a TNF-alpha inhibitor; (+) 1 for age <40. The risk probabilities of colectomy within one year in patients assigned scores 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 9.4% (95% CI, 1.7–17.2), 33.7% (95% CI, 23.9–43.5), 58.5% (95% CI, 42.9–74.1), 75.0% (95% CI, 50.5–99.5). An assigned score of zero was a perfect predictor of no colectomy.

Conclusion

Risk factors most associated with one-year colectomy for severe UC included: prior biologic exposure, need for inpatient salvage therapy, and younger age. We developed a simple scoring system using these variables to identify and stratify patients during their index hospitalization.
Loss of myeloid cell-specific SIRPα, but not CD47, attenuates inflammation and suppresses atherosclerosis
Authors: Singla Bhupesh , Lin Hui-Ping , Ahn WonMo , Xu Jiean , Ma Qian , Sghayyer Moses , Dong Kunzhe , Cherian-Shaw Mary , Zhou Jiliang , Huo Yuqing , White Joseph , Csányi Gábor
Published: December 2021

Aims

Inhibitors of the anti-phagocytic CD47-SIRPα immune checkpoint are currently in clinical development for a variety of haematological and solid tumours. Application of immune checkpoint inhibitors to the cardiovascular field is limited by the lack of preclinical studies using genetic models of CD47 and SIRPα inhibition. In this study, we comprehensively analysed the effects of global and cell-specific SIRPα and CD47 deletion on atherosclerosis development.

Methods and results

Here, we show that both SIRPα and CD47 expression are increased in human atherosclerotic arteries and primarily co-localize to CD68+ areas in the plaque region. Hypercholesterolaemic mice homozygous for a Sirpa mutant lacking the signalling cytoplasmic region (Sirpamut/mut) and myeloid cell-specific Sirpa-knockout mice are protected from atherosclerosis. Further, global Cd47−/− mice are protected from atherosclerosis but myeloid cell-specific deletion of Cd47 increased atherosclerosis development. Using a combination of techniques, we show that loss of SIRPα signalling in macrophages stimulates efferocytosis, reduces cholesterol accumulation, promotes lipid efflux, and attenuates oxidized LDL-induced inflammation in vitro and induces M2 macrophage phenotype and inhibits necrotic core formation in the arterial wall in vivo. Conversely, loss of myeloid cell CD47 inhibited efferocytosis, impaired cholesterol efflux, augmented cellular inflammation, stimulated M1 polarization, and failed to decrease necrotic core area in atherosclerotic vessels. Finally, comprehensive blood cell analysis demonstrated lower haemoglobin and erythrocyte levels in Cd47−/− mice compared with wild-type and Sirpamut/mut mice.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings identify SIRPα as a potential target in atherosclerosis and suggest the importance of cell-specific CD47 inhibition as a future therapeutic strategy.