bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An 80-GHz DCO utilizing improved SC ladder and promoted DCTL-based hybrid tuning banks
Authors: Tang Lu , Chen Yi , Wang Kui
Published: October 2023

An 80-GHz DCO based on modified hybrid tuning banks is introduced in this paper. To achieve sub-MHz frequency resolution with reduced circuit complexity, the improved circuit topology replaces the conventional circuit topology with two binary-weighted SC cells, enabling eight SC-cell-based improved SC ladders to achieve the same fine-tuning steps as twelve SC-cell-based conventional SC ladders. To achieve lower phase noise and smaller chip size, the promoted binary-weighted digitally controlled transmission lines (DCTLs) are used to implement the coarse and medium tuning banks of the DCO. Compared to the conventional thermometer-coded DCTLs, control bits of the proposed DCTLs are reduced from 30 to 8, and the total length is reduced by 34.3% (from 122.76 to 80.66 μm). Fabricated in 40-nm CMOS, the DCO demonstrated in this work features a small fine-tuning step (483 kHz), a high oscillation frequency (79–85 GHz), and a smaller chip size (0.017 mm2). Compared to previous work, the modified DCO exhibits an excellent figure of merit with an area (FoMA) of –198 dBc/Hz.
Forward stagewise regression with multilevel memristor for sparse coding
Authors: Wu Chenxu , Xue Yibai , Bao Han , Yang Ling , Li Jiancong , Tian Jing , Ren Shengguang , Li Yi , Miao Xiangshui
Published: October 2023

Sparse coding is a prevalent method for image inpainting and feature extraction, which can repair corrupted images or improve data processing efficiency, and has numerous applications in computer vision and signal processing. Recently, several memristor-based in-memory computing systems have been proposed to enhance the efficiency of sparse coding remarkably. However, the variations and low precision of the devices will deteriorate the dictionary, causing inevitable degradation in the accuracy and reliability of the application. In this work, a digital-analog hybrid memristive sparse coding system is proposed utilizing a multilevel Pt/Al2O3/AlOx/W memristor, which employs the forward stagewise regression algorithm: The approximate cosine distance calculation is conducted in the analog part to speed up the computation, followed by high-precision coefficient updates performed in the digital portion. We determine that four states of the aforementioned memristor are sufficient for the processing of natural images. Furthermore, through dynamic adjustment of the mapping ratio, the precision requirement for the digit-to-analog converters can be reduced to 4 bits. Compared to the previous system, our system achieves higher image reconstruction quality of the 38 dB peak-signal-to-noise ratio. Moreover, in the context of image inpainting, images containing 50% missing pixels can be restored with a reconstruction error of 0.0424 root-mean-squared error.
Linear approximation to the statistical significance autocovariance matrix in the asymptotic regime
Authors: Ananiev V. , Read A.L.
Published: October 2023

Approximating significance scans of searches for new particles in high-energy physics experiments as Gaussian fields is a well-established way to estimate the trials factors required to quantify global significances. We propose a novel, highly efficient method to estimate the covariance matrix of such a Gaussian field. The method is based on the linear approximation of statistical fluctuations of the signal amplitude. For one-dimensional searches the upper bound on the trials factor can then be calculated directly from the covariance matrix. For higher dimensions, the Gaussian process described by this covariance matrix may be sampled to calculate the trials factor directly. This method also serves as the theoretical basis for a recent study of the trials factor with an empirically constructed set of Asmiov-like background datasets. We illustrate the method with studies of a H → γγ inspired model that was used in the empirical paper.
Treating detector systematics via a likelihood free inference method
Authors: Fischer L. , Naab R. , Trettin A.
Published: October 2023

Estimating the impact of systematic uncertainties in particle physics experiments is
challenging, especially since the detector response is unknown analytically in most situations and
needs to be estimated through Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Typically, detector property
variations are parameterized in ways that implicitly assume a specific physics model, which can
introduce biases on quantities measured by an analysis. In this paper, we present a method to
recover a model-independent, event-wise estimation of the detector response variation by applying
a likelihood-free inference method to a set of MC simulations representing discrete detector
realizations. The method provides a re-weighting scheme for every event, which can be used to
apply the effects of detector property variations fully decoupled from the assumed physics model.
Using a toy MC example inspired by fixed-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments, we demonstrate
the performance of our method. We show that it fully decouples the modeling of the detector
response from the physics parameters to be measured in a MC forward-folding analysis.
Gain layer degradation study after neutron and proton irradiations in Low Gain Avalanche Diodes
Authors: Currás Rivera E. , La Rosa A. , Moll M. , Zareef F.
Published: October 2023

The high-luminosity upgrade of the ATLAS and CMS experiments includes dedicated sub-detectors to perform the time-stamping of minimum ionizing particles (MIPs). These detectors will be exposed up to fluences in the range
of 1.5-2.5 × 1015 neq/cm2 at the end of their lifetime and, Low Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) has been chosen as their baseline detection technology. To better understand the performance of LGAD detectors in these environments, a gain layer degradation study after neutron and proton irradiations up to a fluence of 1.5 × 1015 neq/cm2 was performed. LGADs manufactured at Hamamatsu Photonics (HPK) and Centro Nacional de Microelectrónica (CNM-IMB) were chosen for this study and, a comparison in the gain layer degradation after exposure to reactor neutrons at the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) in Ljubjana and 24 GeV/c protons at the CERN-PS is presented here.
Bioinspired flatfish detection using electrical impedance measurements
Authors: Nowak Lukasz J , Lankheet Martin J
Published: October 2023

Bottom trawling for flatfish by means of tickler chains has a high ecological impact due to the continuous seabed disturbance, low selectivity and high fuel costs. This issue could be significantly mitigated by using localized startle stimuli, triggered by a detection system that selectively targets flatfishes of landable size. Flatfish, however, constitute a significant challenge for remote detection, due to their low optical and acoustical signatures. Some species of predatory fish feeding on flatfish overcome this issue by using electroreception to localize they prey, even if it is buried in bottom sediments. We take this phenomenon as an inspiration in an attempt to develop a biomimetic remote fish detection technique based on electrical impedance measurements. We constructed a detection system including a set of electrodes and a low-cost analog front-end. The electrodes were mounted on a dedicated frame and dragged above a layer of sand inside a tank with sea water and several common sole (Solea solea). An underwater camera was used to acquire video recordings synchronized with impedance data for reference. We demonstrate that fish presence below the electrodes manifests itself by changes in the measured resistance and reactance values. This phenomenon occurs even if the fish is covered with a layer of sand. The results demonstrate the potential of bioinspired remote flatfish detection, which could be highly useful for monitoring or targeted stimulation.
Variability in terrestrial characteristics and erosion rates on the Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast
Authors: Piliouras Anastasia , Jones Benjamin M , Clevenger Tabatha , Gibbs Ann E , Rowland Joel C
Published: October 2023

Arctic coastal environments are eroding and rapidly changing. A lack of pan-Arctic observations limits our ability to understand controls on coastal erosion rates across the entire Arctic region. Here, we capitalize on an abundance of geospatial and remotely sensed data, in addition to model output, from the North Slope of Alaska to identify relationships between historical erosion rates and landscape characteristics to guide future modeling and observational efforts across the Arctic. Using existing datasets from the Alaska Beaufort Sea coast and a hierarchical clustering algorithm, we developed a set of 16 coastal typologies that captures the defining characteristics of environments susceptible to coastal erosion. Relationships between landscape characteristics and historical erosion rates show that no single variable alone is a good predictor of erosion rates. Variability in erosion rate decreases with increasing coastal elevation, but erosion rate magnitudes are highest for intermediate elevations. Areas along the Alaskan Beaufort Sea coast (ABSC) protected by barrier islands showed a three times lower erosion rate on average, suggesting that barrier islands are critical to maintaining mainland shore position. Finally, typologies with the highest erosion rates are not broadly representative of the ABSC and are generally associated with low elevation, north- to northeast-facing shorelines, a peaty pebbly silty lithology, and glaciomarine deposits with high ice content. All else being equal, warmer permafrost is also associated with higher erosion rates, suggesting that warming permafrost temperatures may contribute to higher future erosion rates on permafrost coasts. The suite of typologies can be used to guide future modeling and observational efforts by quantifying the distribution of coastlines with specific landscape characteristics and erosion rates.
Two–step pulsed laser ablation for preparation NiO@ZnO core-shell nanostructure and evaluation of their antibacterial activity
Authors: Imran Hadeel J , Aadim Kadhim A , Hubeatir Kadhim A
Published: October 2023

The excessive use of antibiotics led to the appearance of many strains of resistant bacteria, so it became necessary to use new antibacterial techniques. The aim of this work is the synthesis of novel core–shell NPs (NiO@ZnO) for antibacterial applications. A novel NiO@ZnO core–shell nanomaterial with a nanosize and uniform shape has been synthesised using the two-step pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) method. The first step is the laser ablation of the nickel target and the production of NiO NPs (core) colloidal, followed by the second step, the ablation of ZnO (shell) inside NiO NPs colloidal. The transmission electron microscopy results approve the formation of NiO@ZnO core–shell NPs with an average particle size of 54.4 nm for NiO particles and 60.7 nm for the NiO@ZnO core–shell. The antibacterial activity was examined against the pathogenic bacterial strains E. coli and S. aureus. We found that in the case of NiO, the inhibition rates were 62.4 and 59.2% for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. While with NiO@ZnO NPs, this result was improved to 74.8% for E. coli and 71.2% for S. aureus. So, it was found that using the core–shell NPs increased the antibacterial activity of NPs, and the use of NiO NPs and core approved their effect as antibacterial agents due to their special properties. This behaviour is primarily because of the accumulation of the NiO@ZnO NPs on the surface of the bacteria, which leads to cytotoxic bacteria and a relatively increased ZnO, causing cell death. Furthermore, the use of a NiO@ZnO core–shell material will inhibit the bacteria from nourishing themselves on the culture medium. Therefore, core shelling metal oxides with another metal oxide or other material improves their antibacterial activity compared with using them alone.
Influence of nano zirconia on the mechanical and durability properties of high-performance concrete containing nano-silica
Authors: Ashok Kumaravel V K , Elangovan G
Published: October 2023

High Performance Concrete (HPC) was prepared by reinforcing with hybrid nanoparticles such as nano-SiO2 and nano-ZrO2 and the flowability, strength and durability of the concrete was investigated. Slump study showed that the prepared HPC displayed a slump loss with the addition of hybrid nanoparticles due to the absorption of water by hybrid nanoparticles. Experimental results showed that the inclusion of 10% nano-SiO2 and 5% nano-ZrO2 hybrid nanoparticles (mix code M5) enhanced the compressive strength of concrete and exhibited a maximum of 50.12 MPa and 76.4 MPa at 7 days and 28 days of curing due to the reduction of pore volume. Split tensile strength followed the same trend of variation as compressive strength and the mix code M5 showed the maximum split tensile strength of 5.33 MPa and 7.08 MPa cured at 7 days and 28 days respectively. Flexural study resulted that the mix code M5 exhibited a maximum flexural strength of 5.73 MPa and 7.38 MPa cured at 7 days and 28 days respectively owing to the restriction of crack ignition by reinforced hybrid nanoparticles. Rheological study reported that all the prepared concretes lost the weight by less than 1% and the chloride attack displayed maximum weight loss of 4% whereas alkaline attack showed less weight of concrete.
Structural, electrical and dielectric properties of ZnFe2O4/Cu2S 3D heterostructures
Authors: Rani Sanjeeta , Kaushik Bhawna , Saya Laishram , Hooda Sunita , Verma Manisha
Published: October 2023

This work reports the fabrication of zinc ferrite-copper sulphide (ZnFe2O4/Cu2S) 3D heterostructures and subsequent investigation of the spectroscopic behaviour of various electrical parameters like conductivity, impedance and dielectric loss. The study reveals a non-monotonic behaviour of the real component of impedance (Z’), while the imaginary component of impedance (Z’) exhibits a temperature-dependent relaxation frequency, with an estimated activation energy (E

a
) of 220.13 meV. The dc conductivity (σ

dc
) measurements reveal the semiconducting nature of the sample and a transition from a ferrimagnetic to a paramagnetic behaviour is reported at the Curie temperature of 327 K. In case of ac conductivity (σ

ac
), Jonscher’s power law σ

ac

= Aω

n
is followed and the exponent n is found to lie in the range 0.679–0.735 at different temperatures, which is best fitted into a polynomial of degree six. The temperature variation of n is suggestive of the overlapping large polaron tunnelling (OLPT) model. Further, ac activation energy (E

ac
) is also calculated, which is found to be smaller than the dc activation energy (E

dc
), indicating electron hopping between Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions. The numerically computed staying time (τ) of electrons in Fe3+/Fe2+ ionic sites varies with frequency as well as with temperature, ranging from 10−6s to 10−19s. A significant decrease in dielectric loss (tanδ) to the tune of 99% (from 75 at ∼100 Hz to 0.89 at ∼1 MHz) is reported at room temperature. In the present scenario, when smart materials like spinel ferrites have garnered significant attention for their promising magnetic and electric properties, our studies of the ZnFe2O4/Cu2S 3D heterostructures may provide immense possibilities for tailored applications in various electromagnetic applications.
Recent progress in bio-inspired macrostructure array materials with special wettability—from surface engineering to functional applications
Authors: Lian Zhongxu , Zhou Jianhui , Ren Wanfei , Chen Faze , Xu Jinkai , Tian Yanling , Yu Huadong
Published: October 2023

Bio-inspired macrostructure array (MAA, size: submillimeter to millimeter scale) materials with special wettability (MAAMs-SW) have attracted significant research attention due to their outstanding performance in many applications, including oil repellency, liquid/droplet manipulation, anti-icing, heat transfer, water collection, and oil–water separation. In this review, we focus on recent developments in the theory, design, fabrication, and application of bio-inspired MAAMs-SW. We first review the history of the basic theory of special wettability and discuss representative structures and corresponding functions of some biological surfaces, thus setting the stage for the design and fabrication of bio-inspired MAAMs-SW. We then summarize the fabrication methods of special wetting MAAs in terms of three categories: additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and formative manufacturing, as well as their diverse functional applications, providing insights into the development of these MAAMs-SW. Finally, the challenges and directions of future research on bio-inspired MAAMs-SW are briefly addressed. Worldwide efforts, progress, and breakthroughs from surface engineering to functional applications elaborated herein will promote the practical application of bio-inspired MAAMs-SW.
Frequency self-compensating technique for mitigating detuning effects due to bending for wearable patch antennas
Authors: Phukan Arunav , Bhattacharyya Nidhi S
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the design analysis and measurement of a linearly polarized microstrip patch antenna resonating in the X-band regime with a self-compensating mechanism to mitigate the detuning effects due to bending. The antenna is studied for its variation in the resonant frequency for bending radii up to 20 mm and a compensation of ≈50% is achieved as compared to its counterpart. The compensation technique is realized by altering the effective dielectric constant of the substrate by injecting dielectric fluids into the grooves incorporated in the substrate, supplemented by a shape variation of the grooves due to bending. The antennas demonstrated in the current work exhibits a gain of more than 7 dBi throughout along with a consistent −10 dB impedance bandwidth.
Influence of surface polishing on the degradation behavior of biodegradable Magnesium alloy
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Jain Arihan , Kumar Kamal , Sharma Gaurav Kumar
Published: October 2023

Mechanical polishing can significantly improve the surface integrity of Mg alloys to reduce the corrosion rate (CR) by minimizing the galvanic corrosion sites. In this study, an emery-polishing attachment on a lathe machine has been used for surface polishing of as-turned cylindrical ZM21 Mg alloy. Using Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array, three process variables with three levels were investigated and optimized for minimum surface roughness (Ra and Rz values) of Mg-alloy samples. The minimum surface roughness values of Ra; 195 nm and Rz; 1481 nm were obtained corresponding to emery paper (EP) grade; 2000, rotational speed; 250 rpm, and polishing time; 2 min. An in-vitro immersion study was conducted in simulated body fluid (SBF) for up to 28 days to investigate the degradation behavior of as-turned and as-polished Mg alloy samples. In-vitro study showed that the as-turned samples (surface roughness; Ra: 640 nm, Rz: 4640 nm) had a higher degradation rate (CR: 3.9 mm year−1 after 28 days) with a higher volume of H2 evolution rate, whereas the polished sample with the minimum surface roughness (Ra: 195 nm, Rz: 1481 nm) exhibited lower weight loss, H2 release rate, degradation rate (CR: 0.95 mm year−1 after 28 days) and minimum loss of mechanical strength. Based on the present study, polishing is recommended as a secondary operation after machining of Mg alloy to reduce the corrosion rate for biodegradable implant applications.
Role of process parameters in defining the characteristics of copper surface composites fabricated via friction stir processing
Authors: Vinoj K , Raja R , Thankachan Titus , Jannet Sabitha
Published: October 2023

This research deals with investigating the effects of amount of hybrid reinforcement, rotational speed and traverse speed on the mechanical and wear characteristics of copper surface composites fabricated via friction stir processing. Aluminum oxide and boron carbide at 1:1 ratio was dispersed onto copper substrate at various volume fractions (5, 10 and 15 vol. %) at different traverse speed (40, 60 and 80 mm min−1) and rotational speed (800, 950 and 1300 rpm). Microstructural characterization of developed copper surface composites dispersed with varying volume fraction of hybrid reinforcement proved reduction in grain size and homogenous distribution of ceramic particles. Results stated that the percentage of particles dispersed, traverse speed and rotational speed have high impact in defining the property of developed copper surface composites. A positive trend in mechanical strength was observed throughout the study. Increase in hybrid reinforcement dispersion and traverse speed increase the microhardness value of developed surface composites while increase in rotational speed leads to reduction in microhardness value.
Ranicki–Weiss assembly and the Steenrod construction
Authors: Medina-Mardones Anibal
Published: October 2023

It is shown that the Ranicki–Weiss assembly functor, going from chain complex valued presheaves on a simplicial complex to comodules over its Alexander–Whitney coalgebra, factors fully faithfully through the category of comodules over its Steenrod cup-

i
i

coalgebra.
Irreducibility of some nested Hilbert schemes
Authors: Gangopadhyay Chandranandan , Rasul Parvez , Sebastian Ronnie
Published: October 2023

Let

S
S

be a smooth projective surface over

C

\mathbb {C}

. Let

S

[

n
1

,
…
,

n
k

]

S^{[n_1,\dots ,n_k]}

denote the nested Hilbert scheme which parametrizes zero-dimensional subschemes

ξ

n
1

⊂
…
⊂

ξ

n
k

\xi _{n_1} \subset \ldots \subset \xi _{n_k}

where

ξ
i

\xi _i

is a closed subscheme of

S
S

of length

i
i

. We show that

S

[
n
,
m
]

S^{[n,m]}

,

S

[
n
,
m
,
m
+
1
]

S^{[n,m,m+1]}

,

S

[
n
,
n
+
1
,
m
]

S^{[n,n+1,m]}

,

S

[
n
,
n
+
1
,
m
,
m
+
1
]

S^{[n,n+1,m,m+1]}

,

S

[
n
,
n
+
2
,
m
]

S^{[n,n+2,m]}

and

S

[
n
,
n
+
2
,
m
,
m
+
1
]

S^{[n,n+2,m,m+1]}

are irreducible.
Manipulative calculus: active learning with 3D models
Authors: Chen Janet , Delp Kelly , Paul Stepan
Published: October 2023

Manipulative Calculus is a curriculum development project focused on creating active learning\index{active learning} lessons in calculus courses centered around digitally fabricated 3D models that we put into students’ hands. In these lessons, students are asked to make geometric sense of the concepts learned in the course through problems requiring them to handle, discuss, and sketch on the models. As of this writing, the lessons and models have been in use for several semesters by dozens of instructors and thousands of students. This paper reports on the development of the 3D models and lessons for multivariable calculus, experiences and assessments of their use in the classroom, and efforts to make the curricular materials accessible to other instructors.
The Almanac of American Politics
Authors: Cohen Richard , Cook Charlie
Published: October 2023

57 long form entries

The 2024 Almanac of American Politics marks the 51st edition for this political reference icon. The Almanac of American Politics continues to be the gold standard of accessible political information, relied on by everyone involved, invested, or interested in politics in the United States of America. Highly regarded for its in-depth analysis and comprehensive profiles of every congressional district, state, governor and member of Congress, The Almanac is the tool readers need to better understand the context of the people and perspectives shaping the issues that matter to readers. The 2024 edition includes:

• Brand new profiles of every member of Congress and every governor.

• New in-depth narrative descriptions of ALL 50 states and 435 House districts and how they have been changed by redistricting.

• New profiles of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris by Lou Peck.

• New essays featuring political analyses of co-author Charlie Cook and founding author Michael Barone.

• Analysis of the 2022 elections for Senate, House, and governor races, and how those results shape the public policy debates in Congress and the nation.

• A breakdown of the votes cast for President in 2020 for all states and districts (updated to account for new congressional districts), including primaries.

• Campaign finance data for all Senators and House members—plus their challengers--in the most recent election, including all-new listings of the “outside money” spent in those contests.

• Analysis of voter turnout in each state and new congressional districts for the 2020 presidential elections.

• More than 60 brand new state and congressional district maps, the key votes cast by members of the House and Senate, interest group ratings, and more.

• “Almanac Vote Ratings” on congressional members.

• Lists of Statewide Elected Officials.

• Updated voter registration data.

• Vital statistics on Congress data tables.

• Updated demographic information for every state and district, including information from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, with new categories of economic, occupational, social, and geographic data.

• Census data featuring updated veteran status data, healthcare data including the rate of insured vs. uninsured in each congressional district, and new public assistance data.

• Essential reference and contact information.
Physiotherapist-led, exercise-based telerehabilitation for older adults improves patient and health service outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wicks Matoula , Dennett Amy M , Peiris Casey L
Published: October 2023

Background

Telerehabilitation can be an appropriate alternative to face-to-face rehabilitation for adults; however, it is uncertain whether it is safe and effective for older adults.

Objective

This review aimed to determine the effect of physiotherapist-led, exercise-based telerehabilitation for older adults on patient outcomes (health-related quality of life, activity limitation, functional impairment) and health service costs.

Methods

Randomised or non-randomised controlled trials including community-dwelling older adults (mean age ≥ 65 years) who received exercise-based telerehabilitation led by a physiotherapist were eligible. Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline, PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched from the earliest available date to August 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Data were synthesised with inverse variance, random-effects meta-analyses to determine standardised mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Certainty of evidence was determined by applying Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria.

Results

Eleven studies (10 randomised) with 1,400 participants (mean age 65–74 years) experiencing musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary conditions were included. Telerehabilitation was safe, effective and well adhered to. Telerehabilitation was non-inferior to face-to-face physiotherapy in relation to range of movement, strength, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), timed up and go test (TUGT) and quality of life and had lower health-care costs compared with face-to-face physiotherapy. Compared with no intervention, telerehabilitation participants had significantly better range of motion, strength, quality of life, 6MWD and TUGT speed.

Conclusion

Physiotherapist-led, exercise-based telerehabilitation is non-inferior to face-to-face rehabilitation and better than no intervention for older adults with musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary conditions.
Model-assisted analysis for tuning anthocyanin composition in grape berries
Authors: Wang Yongjian , Shang Boxing , Génard Michel , Hilbert-Masson Ghislaine , Delrot Serge , Gomès Eric , Poni Stefano , Keller Markus , Renaud Christel , Kong Junhua , Chen Jinliang , Liang Zhenchang , Dai Zhanwu
Published: October 2023

Anthocyanin composition is responsible for the red colour of grape berries and wines, and contributes to their organoleptic quality. However, anthocyanin biosynthesis is under genetic, developmental and environmental regulation, making its targeted fine-tuning challenging. We constructed a mechanistic model to simulate the dynamics of anthocyanin composition throughout grape ripening in Vitis vinifera, employing a consensus anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. The model was calibrated and validated using six datasets from eight cultivars and 37 growth conditions. Tuning the transformation and degradation parameters allowed us to accurately simulate the accumulation process of each individual anthocyanin under different environmental conditions. The model parameters were robust across environments for each genotype. The coefficients of determination (R2) for the simulated versus observed values for the six datasets ranged from 0.92 to 0.99, while the relative root mean square errors (RRMSEs) were between 16.8 and 42.1 %. The leave-one-out cross-validation for three datasets showed R2 values of 0.99, 0.96 and 0.91, and RRMSE values of 28.8, 32.9 and 26.4 %, respectively, suggesting a high prediction quality of the model. Model analysis showed that the anthocyanin profiles of diverse genotypes are relatively stable in response to parameter perturbations. Virtual experiments further suggested that targeted anthocyanin profiles may be reached by manipulating a minimum of three parameters, in a genotype-dependent manner. This model presents a promising methodology for characterizing the temporal progression of anthocyanin composition, while also offering a logical foundation for bioengineering endeavours focused on precisely adjusting the anthocyanin composition of grapes.
Adaptive neural network observer for proton-exchange membrane fuel cell system
Authors: El Aoumari Abdelaziz , Ouadi Hamid , El-Bakkouri Jamal , Giri Fouad
Published: October 2023

This paper develops an adaptive neural network (NN) observer for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Indeed, information on the oxygen excess ratio (OER) value is crucial to ensure optimal management of the durability and reliability of the PEMFC. The OER indicator is computed from the mass of oxygen and nitrogen inside the PEMFC cathode. Unfortunately, the measurement process of both these masses is difficult and costly. To solve this problem, the design of a PEMFC state observer is attractive. However, the behaviour of the fuel cell system is highly non-linear and its modelling is complex. Due to this constraint, a multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN)-based observer is proposed in this paper to estimate the oxygen and nitrogen masses. One notable advantage of the suggested MLPNN observer is that it does not require a database to train the NN. Indeed, the weights of the NN are updated in real time using the output error. In addition, the observer parameters, namely the learning rate and the damping factor, are online adapted using the optimization tools of extremum seeking. Moreover, the proposed observer stability analysis is performed using the Lyapunov theory. The observer performances are validated by simulation under MATLAB®/Simulink®. The supremacy of the proposed adaptive MLPNN observer is highlighted by comparison with a fixed-parameter MLPNN observer and a classical high-gain observer (HGO). The mean relative error value of the excess oxygen rate is considered the performance index, which is equal to 1.01% for an adaptive MLPNN and 3.95% and 9.95% for a fixed MLPNN and HGO, respectively. Finally, a robustness test of the proposed observer with respect to measurement noise is performed.
Genetic and clinical characterization of familial renal glucosuria
Authors: Xu Lubin , Zhao Ruohuan , Zhao Yumo , Tang Xueqing , Si Nuo , Guo Xiuzhi , Yue Cai , Nie Min , Chen Limeng
Published: October 2023

Background

Familial renal glucosuria (FRG) is a hereditary disorder caused by variants in SLC5A2 encoding sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2). In this study, we aimed to characterize proximal tubule solute transport, glucagon secretion and the genotype–phenotype relationship in FRG patients.

Methods

We sequenced SLC5A2 and PDZK1IP1 in 21 FRG patients and measured the renal threshold of glucose (RTG) in 15 patients. We built an open-source online calculator of RTG, evaluated the proximal tubule transport of amino acid, uric acid and phosphate, and explored glucagon secretion after glucose ingestion in FRG patients.

Results

We identified 12 novel SLC5A2 variants (G484D, R564W, A212S, c.574+1G>C, W649*, S592Cfs*6, Q579*, Y339*, V39F, G491E, A464E and G360D) in our cohort and yielded 111 SLC5A2 variants from literature review. RTG in our cohort ranged from 1.0 to 9.2 mmol/L. Patients with two SLC5A2 variants had lower RTG (3.9 vs 6.2 mmol/L) and higher 24-h urinary glucose excretion (24hUG) than single-variant carriers (291.0 vs 40.0 mmol/1.73 m2). Patients with homozygous missense or in-frame indels had mean 24hUG of 457.2 mmol/1.73 m2, comparable to those with homozygous truncating variants (445.0 mmol/1.73 m2) and significantly more than those with homozygous splicing variants (196.6 mmol/1.73 m2). Patients with homozygous missense variants involving conservative residues (582.0 mmol/1.73 m2) had more 24hUG than those with variants at non-conservative residues (257.6 mmol/1.73 m2). Four out of 14 tested patients had mild aminoaciduria. The RTG of FRG patients had no significant correlation to phosphate reabsorption but a potential negative correlation to the fractional excretion of uric acid. Postprandial suppression of glucagon secretion was absent in most FRG patients.

Conclusions

We built a comprehensive map showing the impact of SLC5A2 variant type and variant location on glucosuria severity. Our results highlighted the role of key residues in maintaining the transport function of SGLT2 and the functional link between glucosuria and reabsorption of amino acid and uric acid in FRG patients.
Histologic Inflammation can Predict Future Clinical Relapse in Ulcerative Colitis Patients in Endoscopic Remission
Authors: George Lauren A , Feldman Harris T , Alizadeh Madeline , Abutaleb Ameer , Zullow Samantha , Hine Ashley , Stashek Kristen , Sarkar Suparna , Sun Katherine , Hudesman David , Axelrad Jordan , Cross Raymond K
Published: October 2023

Background

In ulcerative colitis (UC), endoscopic improvement, defined as a Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES) of 0 or 1, is a target of treatment. The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk of clinical relapse between patients with an MES of 0 or 1 and determine if histologic activity using the Robarts Histopathologic Index (RHI) was predictive of clinical relapse.

Methods

UC patients with an MES score of 0 or 1, no prior colectomy, and at least 1 year of outpatient follow-up after colonoscopy were included. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and clinical relapse were retrospectively collected. Biopsy specimens were read by a gastrointestinal pathologist. Primary outcome was defined as a composite of relapse requiring change in medical therapy, new steroid use, UC-related hospitalization, and/or colectomy.

Results

Four hundred and forty-five UC patients were identified. Ninety-five percent of patients with MES 0 were in histologic remission by the RHI whereas only 35% of patients with MES 1 were in histologic remission. Twenty-six percent of patients experienced a clinical relapse; patients with MES 1 or RHI > 3 were significantly more likely to relapse (P < .01) compared to patients with MES 0 or RHI ≤ 3. When patients were stratified into 4 groups (MES 0, RHI ≤ 3; MES 0, RHI > 3; MES 1, RHI ≤ 3; MES 1, RHI > 3) and adjusted for age and sex, RHI > 3 was predictive of relapse (P = .008).

Conclusions

UC patients with endoscopic improvement have a high rate of clinical relapse over time. Histologic activity is a predictor of clinical relapse.
Pericardial infiltration and constriction due to cardiac actinomycosis—case report
Authors: Korkchi Niloufar , Ngo Linh , Fong Kwun M , Chaudhuri Alex , Godbolt David , Ranasinghe Isuru
Published: October 2023

Background

Constrictive pericarditis associated with actinomycosis infection is a rare and challenging diagnosis due to its insidious manifestation. We describe the successful treatment of pericardial infiltration and constriction due to actinomycosis.

Case summary

A 50-year-old Aboriginal man presented with insidious onset of fatigue, dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain, fever, drenching sweats, severe exercise intolerance to 50 m, and recurrent itchy skin lesions over 8 months. Prior investigations, including serial fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-Positron emission tomography scans, found a progressively enlarging, metabolically active anterior mediastinal mass with two biopsies on separate occasions showing no malignancy, granulomas, tuberculosis, or other pathology. Screening for infective, autoimmune, and connective tissue disease was negative. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed fibrinous pericarditis with extensive myocardial tethering and constrictive physiology confirmed on heart catheterization. A pericardial biopsy showed inflammatory tissue only. Biopsy of a skin lesion on the buttock showed abscess formation with Splendore Hoeppli phenomenon with Gram-positive and Grocott-positive filamentous bacteria suggestive of actinomyces, confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. He was diagnosed with cardiac actinomycosis, likely due to mediastinal infiltration from a lung infection, with haematogenous spread and treated with Penicillin G with adjunctive high-dose steroid therapy with resolution of symptoms and marked improvement in TTE features of constriction after 6 weeks.

Discussion

Actinomycosis is an extremely rare cause of pericardial infiltration and constriction yet highly sensitive to penicillin, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis. Corticosteroids are a useful adjunct to prevent chronic constrictive pericarditis and to avoid the high morbidity and mortality associated with pericardiectomy.
Patient satisfaction, safety, and efficacy of nurse-led compared to physician-led implantation of cardiac monitors
Authors: Steinhauer Barbara , Dütschler Sophie , Spicher Jasmin , Aerschmann Sarah , Ambord Nicole , Bartkowiak Joanna , Tawo Serlha , Thalmann Gregor , Servatius Helge , Noti Fabian , Seiler Jens , Baldinger Samuel , Haeberlin Andreas , Madaffari Antonio , Tanner Hildegard , Reichlin Tobias , Roten Laurent
Published: October 2023

Aims

Implantation of an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) is a simple procedure, but adds significant and increasing workload to the arrhythmia service. In 2020, we established a nurse-led ICM implantation service. We aimed to analyse patient satisfaction, adverse events during implant, and ICM re-interventions with nurse-led ICM implantation (N-Implant) compared to physician-led ICM implantation (P-Implant).

Methods and results

From January 2020 to December 2021, we included all consecutive patients implanted with an ICM in a prospective registry. We collected data on patient characteristics, implant procedure, and follow-up. Patients were interviewed by phone four weeks after ICM implantation.

Of 321 patients implanted with an ICM (median age 67 years; 33% women), 189 (59%) were N-Implants. More N-Implants were performed in the outpatient clinic compared to P-Implants (95% vs. 8%; P < 0.001). Two N-Implant patients experienced vaso-vagal reaction during implantation (1%), whereas no adverse events occurred during P-Implant (P = 0.51). A total of 297 patients (93%) completed the questionnaire. Duration of pain was shorter and wound closure after 2 weeks better following N-Implant (P = 0.019 and P = 0.018). A minor bruise or swelling at the implant site was reported more frequently after N-Implant (P = 0.003 and P = 0.041). Patient satisfaction was excellent with both N-Implant and P-Implant (99% and 97%; P = 0.16). After a median follow-up of 242 days (range 7–725 days), five ICMs (2%) were explanted prematurely, without differences among groups. Reasons for premature explants were local discomfort (n = 2), infection, MRI, and ICM malfunction.

Conclusion

Nurse-led ICM implantation has excellent patient satisfaction without compromising safety. N-Implant both expands nursing competencies and reduces physician workload.
Lifetime exercise dose and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Five Christian K , Hasselberg Nina E , Aaserud Linda T , Castrini Anna Isotta , Vlaisavljevic Katarina , Lie Øyvind , Rootwelt-Norberg Christine , Aabel Eivind W , Haugaa Kristina H
Published: October 2023

Aims

Patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have high risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Data on the impact of exercise on arrhythmic risk in these patients are lacking. We explored whether lifetime exercise dose was associated with severe VA and with established risk factors in patients with MVP. Furthermore, we explored the circumstances at the VA event.

Methods and results

In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients with MVP and assessed lifetime exercise dose as metabolic equivalents of task (MET) hours/week. Severe VA was defined as sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, aborted cardiac arrest, and appropriate shock by a primary preventive implantable cardioverter defibrillator. We included 136 MVP patients (48 years [interquartile range (IQR) 35–59], 61% female), and 17 (13%) had previous severe VA. The lifetime exercise dose did not differ in patients with and without severe VA (17 MET h/week [IQR 9–27] vs. 14 MET h/week [IQR 6–31], P = 0.34). Lifetime exercise dose > 9.6 MET h/week was a borderline significant marker for severe VA (OR 3.38, 95% CI 0.92–12.40, P = 0.07), while not when adjusted for age (OR 2.63, 95% CI 0.66–10.56, P = 0.17). Ventricular arrhythmia events occurred most frequently during wakeful rest (53%), followed by exercise (29%) and sleep (12%).

Conclusion

We found no clear association between moderate lifetime exercise dose and severe VA in patients with MVP. We cannot exclude an upper threshold for safe levels of exercise. Further studies are needed to explore exercise and risk of severe VA.
Colonization efficiency of multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a female mouse model
Authors: Kikiowo Babatomiwa , Bandara Aloka B , Abutaleb Nader S , Seleem Mohamed N
Published: October 2023

The rapid occurrence of gonococcal resistance to all classes of antibiotics could lead to untreatable gonorrhea. Thus, development of novel anti-Neisseria gonorrhoeae drugs is urgently needed. Neisseria gonorrhoeae FA1090 is the most used in gonococcal infection mouse models because of its natural resistance to streptomycin. Streptomycin inhibits the urogenital commensal flora that permits gonococcal colonization. However, this strain is drug-susceptible and cannot be used to investigate the efficacy of novel agents against multidrug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae. Hence, to test the in vivo efficacy of new therapeutics against N. gonorrhoeae resistant to the frontline antibiotics, azithromycin, or ceftriaxone, we constructed streptomycin-resistant mutants of N. gonorrhoeae CDC-181 (azithromycin-resistant) and WHO-X (ceftriaxone-resistant). We identified the inoculum size needed to successfully colonize mice. Both mutants, CDC-181-rpsLA128G and WHO-X-rpsLA128G, colonized the genital tract of mice for 14 days with 100% colonization observed for at least 7 days. CDC-181-rpsLA128G demonstrated better colonization of the murine genital tract compared to WHO-X-rpsLA128G. Lower inoculum of WHO-X-rpsLA128G (105 and 106 CFU) colonized mice better than higher inoculum. Overall, our results indicate that CDC-181-rpsLA128G and WHO-X-rpsLA128G can colonize the lower genital tract of mice and are suitable to be used in mouse models to investigate the efficacy of antigonococcal agents.
Seismic attenuation tomography of Eastern Europe from ambient seismic noise analysis
Authors: Borleanu F , Petrescu L , Placinta A O , Magrini F , Grecu B , Radulian M , De Siena L
Published: October 2023

The Eastern-Europe region (EER), is a complex geotectonic area that captures part of the Alpine-Himalayan Orogen, the subduction of multiple NeoTethys Branches and part of the East European Craton. It is one of the most exciting geological areas in Europe due to a diversity of tectonic processes acting within it: extensional basin evolution, oceanic subduction, post-collisional volcanism, as well as active crustal deformation associated with the push of the Adria plate or the pull of the actively detaching Vrancea slab. This makes EER an excellent natural laboratory to study the behaviour of the lithosphere–asthenosphere system in a heterogeneous tectonic setting. To investigate the lateral heterogeneity and physical properties of the crust in the EER, we use ambient seismic noise data recorded by the vertical components of broad-band stations that have been operational between 1999 and 2020 in Eastern Europe and surrounding regions. We used this significant amount of data and the latest processing techniques of the ambient seismic noise field based on the continuous wavelet transform to compute cross-correlations between various station pairs, turning every available seismic station into a virtual source. The coda of the interstation cross-correlograms were used to determine coda quality factors (Qc) of Rayleigh waves in four different period ranges (3.0–5.0, 5.0–10.0, 10.0–20.0 and 20.0–30.0 s) and to invert them in the 2-D space, constructing the highest resolution attenuation tomography of the region. Our results reveal high attenuation features throughout the northeast Pannonian region, the Bohemian Massif, the East Carpathians and the Moesian Platform. Nevertheless, our findings do not emphasize a close correlation between the depth of sedimentary basins and attenuation features identified at longer periods. In addition, Qc variations are larger at short periods, indicating higher heterogeneity in the uppermost crust of Eastern Europe. Our findings demonstrate the higher efficiency of noise correlation approaches relative to earthquake data analyses investigating Qc at low frequencies.
Implementing the human right to science in the regulatory governance of artificial intelligence in healthcare
Authors: Ho Calvin W L
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) enables a medical device to optimize its performance through machine learning (ML), including the ability to learn from past experiences. In healthcare, ML is currently applied within controlled settings in devices to diagnose conditions like diabetic retinopathy without clinician input, for instance. In order to allow AI-based medical devices (AIMDs) to adapt actively to its data environment through ML, the current risk-based regulatory approaches are inadequate in facilitating this technological progression. Recent and innovative regulatory changes introduced to regulate AIMDs as a software, or ‘software as a medical device’ (SaMD), and the adoption of a total device/product-specific lifecycle approach (rather than one that is point-in-time) reflect a shift away from the strictly risk-based approach to one that is more collaborative and participatory in nature, and anticipatory in character. These features are better explained by a rights-based approach and consistent with the human right to science (HRS). With reference to the recent explication of the normative content of HRS by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of the United Nations, this paper explains why a rights-based approach that is centred on HRS could be a more effective response to the regulatory challenges posed by AIMDs. The paper also considers how such a rights-based approach could be implemented in the form of a regulatory network that draws on a ‘common fund of knowledges’ to formulate anticipatory responses to adaptive AIMDs. In essence, the HRS provides both the mandate and the obligation for states to ensure that regulatory governance of high connectivity AIMDs become increasingly collaborative and participatory in approach and pluralistic in substance.