bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boundary-aware semantic clustering network for segmentation of prostate zones from T2-weighted MRI
Authors: Kou Weixuan , Marshall Harry , Chiu Bernard
Published: August 2024

Objective. Automatic segmentation of prostatic zones from MRI can improve clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer as lesions in the peripheral zone (PZ) and central gland (CG) exhibit different characteristics. Existing approaches are limited in their accuracy in localizing the edges of PZ and CG. The proposed boundary-aware semantic clustering network (BASC-Net) improves segmentation performance by learning features in the vicinity of the prostate zonal boundaries, instead of only focusing on manually segmented boundaries. Approach. BASC-Net consists of two major components: the semantic clustering attention (SCA) module and the boundary-aware contrastive (BAC) loss. The SCA module implements a self-attention mechanism that extracts feature bases representing essential features of the inner body and boundary subregions and constructs attention maps highlighting each subregion. SCA is the first self-attention algorithm that utilizes ground truth masks to supervise the feature basis construction process. The features extracted from the inner body and boundary subregions of the same zone were integrated by BAC loss, which promotes the similarity of features extracted in the two subregions of the same zone. The BAC loss further promotes the difference between features extracted from different zones. Main results. BASC-Net was evaluated on the NCI-ISBI 2013 Challenge and Prostate158 datasets. An inter-dataset evaluation was conducted to evaluate the generalizability of the proposed method. BASC-Net outperformed nine state-of-the-art methods in all three experimental settings, attaining Dice similarity coefficients of 79.9% and 88.6% for PZ and CG, respectively, in the NCI-ISBI dataset, 80.5% and 89.2% for PZ and CG, respectively, in Prostate158 dataset, and 73.2% and 87.4% for PZ and CG, respectively, in the inter-dataset evaluation. Significance. As prostate lesions in PZ and CG have different characteristics, the zonal boundaries segmented by BASC-Net will facilitate prostate lesion detection.
Characterization of the ELM-free negative triangularity edge on DIII-D
Authors: Nelson A O , Schmitz L , Cote T , Parisi J F , Stewart S , Paz-Soldan C , Thome K E , Austin M E , Scotti F , Barr J L , Hyatt A , Leuthold N , Marinoni A , Neiser T , Osborne T , Richner N , Welander A S , Wehner W P , Wilcox R , Wilks T M , Yang J ,   the DIII-D Team
Published: August 2024

Tokamak plasmas with strong negative triangularity (NT) shaping typically exhibit fundamentally different edge behavior than conventional L-mode or H-mode plasmas. On DIII-D, every plasma with sufficiently negative triangularity (δ<δcrit≃−0.12) is found to be inherently free of edge localized modes (ELMs), even at injected powers well above the predicted L-H power threshold. It is also possible to access an ELM-free state at weaker average triangularities, provided that at least one of the twox-points is still sufficiently negative. Access to the ELM-free NT scenario is found to coincide with the closure of the second stability region for infinite-nballooning modes, suggesting that ballooning stability may play a role in limiting the accessible pressure gradient in NT plasmas. Despite this, NT plasmas are able to support small pedestals and are typically characterized by an enhancement of edge pressure gradients beyond those found in traditional L-mode plasmas. Furthermore, the pressure gradient inside of this small pedestal is unusually steep, allowing access to high core performance that is competitive with other ELM-free regimes previously achieved on DIII-D. Since ELM-free operation in NT is linked directly to the magnetic geometry, NT fusion pilot plants are predicted to maintain advantageous edge conditions even in burning plasma regimes, potentially eliminating reactor core-integration issues caused by ELMs.
A tungsten-wall sputtering model for the plasma start-up simulation in tokamaks
Authors: Lee Sangil , Lee Jeongwon , Kwon Jaemin
Published: August 2024

Tungsten (W) is the most probable material for the plasma-facing components of fusion reactors due to its excellent thermal and physical properties. A W-wall sputtering model has been established to simulate the start-up of a tokamak plasma using the 0D simulation code DYON. This model incorporates the revised Bohdansky formula to calculate the sputtering yield and a modified formula for calculating the energy impacting the walls. This formula integrates the temporal behavior of electron and ion temperatures at the plasma edge, which has been partially verified by the Thomson scattering diagnostic data. With the new model in place, predictive simulations were conducted for KSTAR’s Ohmic plasma under two W-wall scenarios: one with the entire wall surface covered by W and the other with 95% coverage of W and 5% coverage of carbon (C). The results indicate that the full-W wall may perform better from the perspective of start-up performance. The disparity can primarily be attributed to impurities generated through sputtering and recycling on the C wall. The validity of this model will be finally confirmed when the Thomson diagnostic system is able to precisely measure the edge electron temperature during plasma start-up.
Rigid flocks, undulatory gaits, and chiral foldamers in a chemically active polymer
Authors: Gopal Subramaniam Arvin , Kumar Manoj , Thutupalli Shashi , Singh Rajesh
Published: August 2024

Active matter systems—such as a collection of active colloidal particles—operate far from equilibrium with complex inter-particle interactions that govern their collective dynamics. Predicting the collective dynamics of such systems may aid the design of self-shaping structures comprised of active colloidal units with a prescribed dynamical function. Here, using simulations and theory, we study the collective dynamics of a chain consisting of active Brownian particles with internal interactions via trail-mediated chemicals, connected by harmonic springs in two dimensions to obtain design principles for active colloidal molecules. We show that two-dimensional confinement and chemo-repulsive interactions between the freely-jointed particles lead to an emergent rigidity of the chain in the steady-state dynamics. In the chemo-attractive regime, the chain collapses into crystals that abruptly halt their motion. Further, in a chain consisting of a binary mixture of monomers, we show that non-reciprocal chemical affinities between distinct species give rise to novel phenomena, such as chiral molecules with tunable dynamics, sustained undulatory gaits and reversal of the direction of motion. Our results suggest a novel interpretation of the role of trail-mediated interactions, in addition to providing active self-assembly principles arising due to non-reciprocal interactions.
Synthesis and characterizations of silver nanoparticles-based conductive ink for high-frequency electronics
Authors: Iram Nazia , Khan Salman Naeem , Ahmed Muqarrab , Mir Amna , Anwar Nadia , Naeem Muhammad , Nguyen Van-Huy , Pham Phuong V
Published: August 2024

This work presents the synthesis and performance evaluation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs)-based ink for high-frequency applications. Through varying concentrations, ratios of precursors, and reducing agents, three inks having different NP sizes are made and transformed into patterns. Structural, optical, and morphological studies of as-prepared NP-based inks were carried out using different characterization tools. Finally, for feasibility verification, synthesized ink for printed electronics, a prototype fabrication of a micro-strip transmission line and inline patch antenna was made. The simulation was performed by CST Microwave Studio to optimize the parameters of the prototype antenna and transmission line. The optical microscope revealed smooth morphology of the antenna. The return loss of the fabricated transmission line and antenna analyzed by the Vector Network analyzer showed that the silver ink-based prototypes have good efficiency and low loss. Overall, the results highlight the remarkable performance of NPs towards printed radio frequency-based electronics.
Structural stability and metallization of orpiment at high pressure
Authors: Qin Tian , Shi Yuyang , Wu Min , Tu Bingtian , Wu Ye , Wang Kai , Huang Haijun
Published: August 2024

Binary arsenic sulfide compounds have garnered significant attention owing to their wide-ranging physical properties and promising potential in the domains of electronics and optoelectronics. As a naturally abundant and historically significant semiconductor mineral, orpiment (crystalline As2S3) has encountered limited utilization in the realm of optoelectronics due to its considerable bandgap width. For orpiment with its quasi-two-dimensional layered structure, pressure is one of the most effective methods to regulate its crystal structure and physical properties. In this work, the structural behavior, optical and electrical properties of orpiment under high pressure have been investigated systematically utilizing a combination of experimental methods and theoretical calculations. The monoclinic structure of orpiment is stable up to 48 GPa without structural phase transitions involving changes in the space group occurred. The noticeable changes of lattice parameters, axial ratios, and interatomic distances above 20 GPa are ascribed to a transformation from a two-dimensional layered structure to a quasi-three-dimensional crystal framework. Continuous lattice contraction upon compression is accompanied by gradual bandgap narrowing, which leads to metallization of orpiment. The pressure-induced metallization of orpiment occurs above 40 GPa. The structural behavior, optical and electrical properties of orpiment at high pressure exhibit reversible hysteresis upon pressure release. This study offers a high-pressure approach for modulating crystal structure and physical properties of orpiment to expand its potential applications in the fields of electronics and optoelectronics.
Enhanced fault detection in automobile clutch system using CATboost with feature fusion method
Authors: Sai Samavedam Aditya , Chakrapani G , Annamalai K , Sugumaran V
Published: August 2024

Automobile clutch systems represent pivotal components within vehicles that facilitate smooth gear shifting, optimal engine operation, and efficient power transmission. Ensuring the integrity of clutch systems is paramount for maintaining vehicle performance and safety standards. Consequently, developing robust fault detection methodologies is imperative for promptly identifying potential issues. This study investigates the application of a CATboost classifier with feature fusion to analyse vibrational signals from clutch systems. Vibrational signals, collected via specialized sensors across various clutch conditions, serve as the primary dataset for fault detection analysis. A comprehensive feature fusion approach, combining statistical, histogram, and Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) features, aims to enhance fault detection accuracy. By integrating these feature sets, the study gains insights into clutch system behavior under varying operational circumstances. The classifier successfully identifies five distinct faults: worn release fingers, fractured pressure plates, deteriorated pressure plates, loss of friction material, and distorted tangential strips. Each fault presents unique challenges, emphasizing the significance of accurate detection mechanisms. Results underscore the remarkable performance of the CATboost classifier, achieving 100% accuracy when combining ARMA and statistical features. Impressive accuracy rates of 98.889% and 97.50% are observed with alternative feature combinations. Five other machine learning models (Decision Stump, Hoeffding Tree, REP Tree, SVM, and Random Forest) were also trained on the best feature combination set and compared to CATboost, illustrating its superiority. These findings substantiate the efficacy of feature fusion in augmenting fault detection capabilities within automobile clutch systems. The study’s outcomes highlight the potential for improving vehicle maintenance practices, reducing downtime, and enhancing overall automotive safety through advanced fault detection techniques. Future research could explore real-time implementation of these methods in vehicle diagnostics systems.
Theoretical and experimental study of electronic, structural and optical properties of PVDF-SnO2:Zr nanocomposites for novel optoelectronic applications
Authors: Yousaf M , Khan M Junaid Iqbal
Published: August 2024

Current research elaborates theoretical and experimental investigations on SnO2:Zr added PVDF nanocomposites. The electronic and optical properties of Zr doped SnO2 are studied using the Wien2k code. After obtaining a good optical response of SnO2 at various Zr concentrations, thin films of PVDF-SnO2:Zr nanocomposites are prepared using the co-precipitation method. SEM analysis of SnO2:Zr reveals agglomerated nanoparticles with hollow regions, while nanofiller added PVDF shows acicular morphology, which improves the photoresponse of materials. EDX predicts the correct elemental composition in each case. Optical band gap of PVDF-SnO2:Zr nanocomposites thin films is significantly reduced, which helps in good conduction. The optical properties of SnO2 are enhanced by varying Zr contents, and consequently, the addition of these nanofillers to the PVDF matrix results in an improvement of optical response in the visible region. Enhanced absorption and conductivity with the effect of increasing nanofillers contents and an increase in dielectric constant emphasize the potential uses of these polymer nanocomposites in novel photovoltaic, solar, optoelectronic, and energy storage devices.
Numerical simulation of all inorganic CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cells with diverse charge transport layers using DFT and SCAPS-1D frameworks
Authors: Saikia Dibyajyoti , Das Chayan , Chetia Anupam , Betal Atanu , Sahu Satyajit
Published: August 2024

All inorganic CsPbX3 perovskites (X = Br and I) are excellent candidates for stable and efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Among them, CsPbIBr2 demonstrated the most balanced characteristics in terms of band gap and stability. Nevertheless, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CsPbIBr2-based solar cells is still far from that of Hybrid PSCs, and more research is required in this aspect. Herein, DFT and SCAPS-1D frameworks are employed to explore the optimized device configurations of CsPbIBr2 PSCs. DFT is used to explore the structural and optoelectronic characteristics of CsPbIBr2, while SCAPS-1D is employed to examine various device structures of CsPbIBr2-based PSCs. The band structure demonstrated the direct band gap nature of CsPbIBr2 with a band gap of 2.12 eV. Moreover, we have used TiO2, SnO2, ZnO, WS2, IGZO, CeO2, In2S3, and CdS as ETLs, and Cu2O, CuI, MoO3, NiO, CuSCN, CuSbS2, CBTS, CFTS, and CuO as HTLs for identifying the best ETL/CsPbIBr2/HTL configurations. Among 72 device combinations, eight sets of PSCs are identified as the most efficient configurations. In addition, the influence of various parameters like the thickness of various layers, doping concentration, perovskite defect density, ETLs and interfaces, series resistances, shunt resistances, and temperature on device performance have been comprehensively studied. The results demonstrate Cu2O as the best HTL for CsPbIBr2 with each ETL, and PSC with device structure ITO/WS2/CsPbIBr2/Cu2O/C exhibited the highest PCE of 16.53%. This comprehensive investigation will provide new path for the development of highly efficient all-inorganic CsPbIBr2 solar cells.
Modification of nanoparticles synthesized during ablation of metals in water using nanosecond, picosecond, and femtosecond pulses
Authors: Ganeev R A , Yassine A , Boltaev G S , Yalishev V S , Alnaser A S
Published: August 2024

We show that the pulse duration of laser radiation used for metal ablation in water affects the nanoparticle morphology over a two-month aging period. Aluminum, copper, indium, and zinc spherical nanoparticles evolved into the elliptical, triangular, seed-like, rod-like, and rectangular forms. The most effective transformation of spherical nanoparticles into nonspherical shapes occurred with picosecond pulse ablation. Spectral analysis of the aged nanoparticle suspensions revealed changes in both the visible and UV ranges. Our study showed the correlation between the suppression of the surface plasmon resonances of the suspensions of aged nanoparticles and modification of spherical structures toward the nonspherical nano- and microparticles.
Optical properties of cylindrical topological photonic crystal heterostructures
Authors: Roshan Entezar Samad
Published: August 2024

This paper uses a modified transfer matrix method to investigate the optical properties of a cylindrical topological photonic crystal heterostructure composed of two cylindrical photonic crystals. Topological photonic crystals are novel structures with topological edge states capable of field confinement and robust propagation. Numerical results showed that when the sum of the phases of the reflection coefficients of the two cylindrical photonic crystals is zero, a topological edge state occurs inside their overlapping band gaps. In the linear regime, the peak frequency of the topological edge states undergoes a redshift as the incidence angle increases. An increase in the incidence angle leads to a decrease (increase) in the Full width at half maximum of the E-polarized (H-polarized) topological edge states. As the incidence angle increases, the frequency separation between the E-polarized and H-polarized topological edge states increases, causing the cylindrical heterostructure to work as a polarizer. The performance of the cylindrical topological photonic crystal heterostructure as a polarizer is evaluated in the linear and nonlinear regimes. We showed that the peak frequency of the topological edge states undergoes a redshift irrespective of their polarization state as the intensity of the input light increases. We found that the structure has a good performance in the nonlinear regime due to the higher displacement in E-polarized topological edge states compared to H-polarized topological edge states. The findings of this paper might be beneficial in the construction of polarization-maintaining optical fiber, which has specific applications in telecommunications, fiber optic sensing, interferometry, and quantum key distribution.
The influence of AuNs on the optical properties of GaAs/AlGaAs tunnel-coupled quantum well
Authors: Joonhuay Jirarut , van Dommelen Paphavee , Sitpathom Nonthanan
Published: August 2024

Using a numerical approach, we investigated a GaAs/AlGaAs tunnel-coupled quantum well (TCQW) to examine the interplay between electromagnetic waves and gold nanospheres (AuNs) in the presence of an extra SiO2 layer and surface roughness. Our findings demonstrated that the optical efficiency of the response of AuNs was increased in the presence of the SiO2 layer. The extinction cross-section also increased in the presence of surface roughness. Furthermore, we discovered that the orientation of AuNs on the rough surface of TCQW can give rise to a new mode of resonant frequency in the near infrared range. This new mode is advantageous for the TCQW as it is usually seen in AuNs only in the visible range. Lastly, the energy level and wave function of electrons in the TCQW intersubband could be adjusted by an electric field produced by the presence of AuNs. Therefore, this theoretical study could be applied to improve output efficiency and the tuning of performances of optical devices such as solar cells and tunable wavelength photoemitters.
Structure and Photocapacitance characteristics of nanosized coumarin-based dye for organic light-dependent resistor applications
Authors: Althumairi Nouf Ahmed , El-Bashir Samah
Published: August 2024

The performance of a coumarin-based dye as an organic photoresistor, MACROLEX Fluorescent Red G, as an organic photoresistor was investigated. This commercial dye is highly photostable and efficiently fluorescent for solar energy applications. Specifically, this dye possesses several features, including low price, simple processing, and a high fluorescence quantum yield (90%). A comprehensive characterization was conducted using a range of techniques, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), optical absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy. XRD analysis revealed that the material has a polycrystalline triclinic nanostructure, The calculation of the optical band gap indicated a direct interband transition at 2.1 eV, falling within the range of semiconductor materials. Electrical conductivity and photocapacitance measurements were performed using impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range (20Hz-3MHz) at different temperatures (303–473 K). The dye-based device exhibited a significant enhancement in conductance at an illumination intensity of 100 mW cm−2, surpassing its initial value by more than 27 times. This result supports the potential application of this device as an organic light-dependent resistor (OLDR).
Investigating linear and non-linear dynamic characteristics of textured journal bearings with slip boundary condition and pseudoplastic lubricants: a numerical study
Authors: Arif Mohammad , Kango Saurabh , Shukla Dinesh Kumar , Singh Sartaj
Published: August 2024

External excitations and unbalanced rotor forces can increase vibration amplitudes and may also cause the breakdown of continuous liquid lubricant film in hydrodynamic journal bearings. The perfect isolation of the journal-bearing system from these undesirable forces and excitations are difficult. However, recent studies suggest that by utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques, smart coating materials, and highly efficient synthetic lubricants; one can improve the reliability of hydrodynamic lubricant film under such critical operating conditions. In the present study, authors observed the influence of micro-scale textures, low surface energy coatings with slip boundary condition, and pseudoplastic lubricants on the stability margin of hydrodynamic journal bearings. To perform this investigation, the unsteady thermo-hydrodynamic Reynolds equation with considering Elrod cavitation algorithm has been solved. Further, to observe variation in stability margin as compared to conventional bearings, the various dynamic characteristics such as stiffness and damping coefficients, critical mass and critical speed parameters, and journal center trajectory are examined in this study. The findings of the study reveal that slip-texture bearings lubricated with pseudoplastic lubricants are highly beneficial in improving the value of direct and cross stiffness coefficients. In addition, it has been observed that under unsteady operating condition, slip-boundary condition and micro-textures are increasing the isolation of the journal-bearing system and showing efficient control over the unstable motion of the rotating shaft.
Advantage of probabilistic non-Gaussian operations in the distillation of single mode squeezed vacuum state
Authors: Kumar Chandan
Published: August 2024

We consider distillation of squeezing in single mode squeezed vacuum state using three different probabilistic non-Gaussian operations: photon subtraction (PS), photon addition (PA) and photon catalysis (PC). To achieve this, we consider a practical model to implement these non-Gaussian operations and derive the Wigner characteristic function of the resulting non-Gaussian states. Our result shows that while PS and PC operations can distill squeezing, PA operation cannot. Furthermore, we delve into the success probabilities associated with these non-Gaussian operations and identify optimal parameters for the distillation of squeezing. Our current analysis holds significant relevance for experimental endeavors concerned with squeezing distillation.
Propagation properties of the partially coherent radially polarized twisted beam through optical system in turbulence atmosphere
Authors: Qin Yan , Yang Huajun , Yizhi Ma , Wen Guangjun , Huang Yongjun , Liu Jianing , Fu Shuaikang
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the transmission properties of the partially coherent radially polarized twisted (PCRPT) beam propagating in the turbulence atmosphere are investigated. The analytical formulas for the components of the cross-spectral density matrix for the PCRPT beam passing through the optical system in the turbulent atmosphere are developed using the Collins integral and aperture function. Research results indicate that modifying the variable parameters and dimensions of the optical system can control the near-field and far-field distributions of the beam, while providing a more flexible choice of receivers for the PCRPT beam in the receiving plane. By utilizing the Cassegrain reflector system and adjusting the optical system parameters, it is possible to achieve collimated transmission of the PCRPT beam and significantly enhance the beam transmission efficiency in turbulent atmospheric conditions. The derivation process and the research results presented in this paper can be expanded to analyze the application of optical systems to control high-dimensional beam field variations. The envisioned utilization of the results obtained from this research investigation pertains to the fields of beam shaping and optical communications.
Double-image encryption and authentication scheme based on compressed sensing and double random phase encoding
Authors: Xue Linlin , Ge Zenghao , Wang Zhongpeng
Published: August 2024

To enhance the security of image information, a double-image encryption and authentication scheme combining compressive sensing (CS) and double random phase encoding (DRPE) is proposed. First, two plaintext images are taken as real and imaginary parts to form a complex-valued image, which is then encoded using DRPE. Next, extract the phase of the encrypted complex-valued image and encode it into authentication information. Simultaneously, the complex-valued image is sampled using the measurement matrix, which is optimized by Schmidt orthogonalization, and then quantized to form a compressed image. Subsequently, the authentication information is embedded into the compressed image, and by applying the permutation and diffusion algorithm to it, the ciphertext image is obtained. At the receiving end, the ciphertext is decrypted using inverse permutation and inverse diffusion algorithms, and the authentication information is decoded to acquire the authentication image. Finally, synchronous authentication of the two reconstructed images is achieved using a nonlinear cross-correlation method. Additionally, the keys in the proposed scheme are generated using high-dimensional chaotic systems, effectively reducing the required storage space and transmission bandwidth. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme has high image reconstruction performance at different compression ratios and possesses outstanding security and authentication capabilities.
On the reconstruction of cardiac transmembrane potential pattern from body surface measurement
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wang Liyan , Liu Jijun
Published: August 2024

Electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) is a diagnostic tool designed for the noninvasive detection of electrical activity in the heart. Mathematically, this imaging process can be modelled by an inverse problem for the coupled elliptic system with Cauchy data. For the bidomain model describing the electrical activity in the myocardium, we reconstruct the transmembrane potential on the heart surface from ECG recordings. The reconstruction process is split into two steps: firstly computing the electrical potential and current on heart surface from torso surface recordings and then recovering the transmembrane potential on the heart surface. The first step is essentially a Cauchy problem for elliptic equation which is well-known to be severely ill-posed. We realize this step in terms of boundary integral system by a quasi-regularization scheme to deal with the ill-posedness. The second step is implemented by an integral equation of the second kind with nontrivial null space. We remove the non-uniqueness and then provide a numerical scheme by the boundary element method to obtain the transmembrane potential on the heart surface. The regularized solution obtained from noisy measurement data is proven rigorously to be convergent to the exact solution as the measurement error in the torso surface tends to zero. For solving the regularizing system numerically, we establish quadrature formulas for boundary potentials for 3-dimensional bio-tissue in terms of the concept of solid angles. The numerical realizations for different configurations are finally presented to show the validity of the proposed scheme.
A preliminary study exploring the effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation on spinal excitability and phantom limb pain in people with a transtibial amputation
Authors: Dalrymple Ashley N , Fisher Lee E , Weber Douglas J
Published: August 2024

Objective. Phantom limb pain (PLP) is debilitating and affects over 70% of people with lower-limb amputation. Other neuropathic pain conditions correspond with increased spinal excitability, which can be measured using reflexes and F-waves. Spinal cord neuromodulation can be used to reduce neuropathic pain in a variety of conditions and may affect spinal excitability, but has not been extensively used for treating PLP. Here, we propose using a non-invasive neuromodulation method, transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), to reduce PLP and modulate spinal excitability after transtibial amputation. Approach. We recruited three participants, two males (5- and 9-years post-amputation, traumatic and alcohol-induced neuropathy) and one female (3 months post-amputation, diabetic neuropathy) for this 5 d study. We measured pain using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), visual analog scale (VAS), and pain pressure threshold (PPT) test. We measured spinal reflex and motoneuron excitability using posterior root-muscle (PRM) reflexes and F-waves, respectively. We delivered tSCS for 30 min d−1 for 5 d. Main Results. After 5 d of tSCS, MPQ scores decreased by clinically-meaningful amounts for all participants from 34.0 ± 7.0–18.3 ± 6.8; however, there were no clinically-significant decreases in VAS scores. Two participants had increased PPTs across the residual limb (Day 1: 5.4 ± 1.6 lbf; Day 5: 11.4 ± 1.0 lbf). F-waves had normal latencies but small amplitudes. PRM reflexes had high thresholds (59.5 ± 6.1 μC) and low amplitudes, suggesting that in PLP, the spinal cord is hypoexcitable. After 5 d of tSCS, reflex thresholds decreased significantly (38.6 ± 12.2 μC; p < 0.001). Significance. These preliminary results in this non-placebo-controlled study suggest that, overall, limb amputation and PLP may be associated with reduced spinal excitability and tSCS can increase spinal excitability and reduce PLP.
Laplacian renormalization group: an introduction to heterogeneous coarse-graining
Authors: Caldarelli Guido , Gabrielli Andrea , Gili Tommaso , Villegas Pablo
Published: August 2024

The renormalization group (RG) constitutes a fundamental framework in modern theoretical physics. It allows the study of many systems showing states with large-scale correlations and their classification into a relatively small set of universality classes. The RG is the most powerful tool for investigating organizational scales within dynamic systems. However, the application of RG techniques to complex networks has presented significant challenges, primarily due to the intricate interplay of correlations on multiple scales. Existing approaches have relied on hypotheses involving hidden geometries and based on embedding complex networks into hidden metric spaces. Here, we present a practical overview of the recently introduced Laplacian RG (LRG) for heterogeneous networks. First, we present a brief overview that justifies the use of the Laplacian as a natural extension of well-known field theories to analyze spatial disorder. We then draw an analogy to traditional real-space RG procedures, explaining how the LRG generalizes the concept of ‘Kadanoff supernodes’ as block nodes that span multiple scales. These supernodes help mitigate the effects of cross-scale correlations due to small-world properties. Additionally, we rigorously define the LRG procedure in momentum space in the spirit of the Wilson RG. Finally, we show different analyses for the evolution of network properties along the LRG flow following structural changes when the network is properly reduced.
A functional renormalization group for signal detection and stochastic ergodicity breaking
Authors: Erbin Harold , Finotello Riccardo , Wahabou Kpera Bio , Lahoche Vincent , Ousmane Samary Dine
Published: August 2024

Signal detection is one of the main challenges in data science. As often happens in data analysis, the signal in the data may be corrupted by noise. There is a wide range of techniques that aim to extract the relevant degrees of freedom from data. However, some problems remain difficult. This is notably the case for signal detection in almost continuous spectra when the signal-to-noise ratio is small enough. This paper follows a recent bibliographic line, which tackles this issue with field-theoretical methods. Previous analysis focused on equilibrium Boltzmann distributions for an effective field representing the degrees of freedom of data. It was possible to establish a relation between signal detection and

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-symmetry breaking. In this paper, we consider a stochastic field framework inspired by the so-called ‘model A’, and show that the ability to reach, or not reach, an equilibrium state is correlated with the shape of the dataset. In particular, by studying the renormalization group of the model, we show that the weak ergodicity prescription is always broken for signals that are small enough, when the data distribution is close to the Marchenko–Pastur law. This, in particular, enables the definition of a detection threshold in the regime where the signal-to-noise ratio is small enough.
50 years of mining-induced environmental changes: topography, hydrology, and vegetation health in Kazreti, Georgia
Authors: Avkopashvili M , Avkopashvili I , Avkopashvili G , Ayo-Bali A E
Published: August 2024

Globally, prioritizing short-term economic gains from mineral extraction has led to a critical dilemma: a planet rich in resources struggles with environmental degradation and a diminishing ability to sustain future generations. Open-pit mining exemplifies this paradox, causing significant environmental damage. In Georgia, this extractive industry presents environmental problems. Despite these known consequences, the long-term impacts of mining activities remain understudied. This study addressed this gap by analyzing the effects of open-pit mining on terrain morphology, and water dynamics in the Kazreti region over a 50-year period (1970–2020) and vegetation health over 35-year period (1987–2022). By integrating water quality assessment, spatial analysis and remote sensing, we revealed the significant human-induced changes to the region’s ecosystem. Spatial analysis results suggested that over 156.7 million cubic meters of bedrock have been fragmented by mining in southern East Georgia, with 125.5 million cubic meters deposited in valleys. Consequently, discernible shifts in the trajectories of water flow were observed based on the hydrological model. Additionally, a comparative analysis of NDVI and EVI values revealed a decline in vegetation health near mining zones, while remote forest areas remained stable. June typically showed healthier vegetation due to cooler temperatures and optimal growing conditions, while August presented lower vegetation health due to increased heat stress. Water quality revealed significant loadings of Cu (58–1855 μg l−1), Zn (54–2582 μg l−1), Mn (1–2167 μg l−1), and Cd (0.1–4.5 μg l−1), in local river systems, which are higher than the Georgian official guideline values (Cu - 1000, Zn - 1000, Mn—100, Cd—1 μg l−1). This study highlighted the need for a broader long-term monitoring strategy to assess the migration of these contaminants within the food web and the consequent socio-economic impact.
A fully integrated electronic fabric-enabled multimodal flexible sensors for real-time wireless pressure-humidity-temperature monitoring
Authors: Zhao Yunlong , Yuan Yangbo , Zhang Haiyan , Chen Zijian , Zhao Haitao , Wu Guirong , Zheng Weihao , Xue Chenyang , Yin Zongyou , Gao Libo
Published: August 2024

Real-time physiological information monitoring can predict and prevent disease, or improve treatment by early diagnosis. A comprehensive and continuous monitoring of human health requires highly integrated wearable and comfortable sensing devices. To address this need, we propose a low-cost electronic fabric-enabled multifunctional flexible sensing integration platform that includes a flexible pressure sensor for monitoring postural pressure, a humidity sensor for monitoring the humidity of the skin surface, and a flexible temperature sensor for visualizing the ambient temperature around the human body. Thanks to the unique rough surface texture, hierarchical structure, and robust electromechanical features of the MXene-modified nonwoven fabrics, the flexible pressure sensor can achieve a monitoring sensitivity of 1529.1 kPa−1 and a pressure range of 150 kPa, which meets the demand for human pressure detection. In addition, the unique porous structure of the fabric and the stacked multilayer structure of MXene enable the humidity sensor to exhibit extremely high monitoring sensitivity, even through clothing, and still be able to detect the humidity on the skin surface. Temperature sensors based on screen-printed thermochromic liquid crystals enable visual monitoring in the range of 0 °C–65 °C. Through further integration with flexible printed circuit board circuits, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept device that enables real-time monitoring of human physiological information such as physical pressure, humidity, and ambient temperature environment, suggesting that the device provides an excellent platform for the development of commercially viable wearable healthcare monitors.
A label-free sensing of creatinine using radio frequency-driven lab-on-chip (LoC) system
Authors: Zahra Andleeb , Sinha Swarnim , Modak Alimpan , Siddiqui Imran , Azeemuddin Syed , Bhimalapuram Prabhakar , Sau Tapan Kumar , Kumar Pawan , Abbas Zia
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a promising avenue of Radio Frequency (RF) biosensors for sensitive and real-time monitoring of creatinine detection. Knowing creatinine levels in the human body is related to its possible association with renal, muscular, and thyroid dysfunction. The detection was performed using an Inter-Digitated Capacitor (IDC) made of copper (Cu) metal over an FR4 substrate. To demonstrate our methodology, we have chosen Phosphate Buffer (PB) as our solvent for making the creatinine solutions of different concentrations. Moreover, Assayed Chemistry Control (ACC), a reference control consisting of human serum-based solutions has been mixed with the different concentrations of creatinine in a ratio of 1:9 to spike the creatinine value in the ACC solution. The sensor has been designed using a High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) tool with an operating frequency of 2.53 GHz. Then the design is fabricated over the FR4 printed circuit board (PCB) and tested using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). However, the sensitive area of the IDC is introduced to grade 4 Whatman filter paper for the Sample Under Test (SUT) handling unit. The main advantage of using Whatman filter paper is that the uniform spreading of liquid reduces experimental error, and less volume is required for testing the sample. The principal idea implemented in the biosensor design is to track the shift in the operating frequency in the presence of different concentrations of creatinine mix in ACC solution with Phosphate Buffer (PB) solution as a reference.
Curved HSIW: an affordable performance for non-planar millimeter-wave applications
Authors: Savvides Giorgos , Zhang Weijia , Qiu Dan , Oberhammer Joachim , Robertson Ian D , Chudpooti Nonchanutt , Somjit Nutapong
Published: August 2024

This paper introduces a Curved Hollow Substrate Integrated Waveguide (CHSIW) to address the growing demand for millimeter-wave applications, including communication, sensing, imaging, radar, and wireless power transfer systems. Leveraging advancements in integrated circuits and system-in-package (SiP) technology, the CHSIW tackles the challenges associated with hardware integration into curved structures. The design utilizes MultiJet Printing (MJP) for the M3 crystal dielectric substrate and a water laser cutter system for copper sheets, streamlining the fabrication process by eliminating complex via manufacturing steps through prefabricated through-hole vias. Operating in the frequency range of 21.7 GHz to 32 GHz, the CHSIW exhibits outstanding performance on curved surfaces, with measured average attenuation constants of 1.89 Np m−1 (16.42 dB m−1) and 1.95 Np m−1 (16.94 dB/m) for samples with radii of curvature of 166.8 mm and 125.1 mm, respectively. Beyond addressing technical challenges, the CHSIW presents a cost-effective and simplified fabrication process, positioning it as a breakthrough solution for diverse millimeter-wave applications, including future robotic and UAV communications. Furthermore, the proposed design and fabrication technique hold promise for the realization of conformal and free-form Hollow Substrate Integrated Waveguide (HSIW) devices in the future.
Generation of citric acid-hyperproducers independent of methanol effect by high-level expression of cexA encoding citrate exporter in Aspergillus tubingensis
Authors: Yoshioka Isato , Kirimura Kohtaro
Published: August 2024

Methanol reportedly stimulates citric acid (CA) production by Aspergillus niger and A. tubingensis; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we elucidated the molecular functions of the citrate exporter gene cexA in relation to CA production by A. tubingensis WU-2223L. Methanol addition to the medium containing glucose as a carbon source markedly increased CA production by strain WU-2223L by 3.38-fold, resulting in a maximum yield of 65.5 g/L, with enhanced cexA expression. Conversely, the cexA-complementing strain with the constitutive expression promoter Ptef1 (strain LhC-1) produced 68.3 or 66.7 g/L of CA when cultivated without or with methanol, respectively. Additionally, strain LhC-2 harboring two copies of the cexA expression cassette produced 80.7 g/L of CA without methanol addition. Overall, we showed that cexA is a target gene for methanol in CA hyperproduction by A. tubingensis WU-2223L. Based on these findings, methanol-independent CA-hyperproducing strains, LhC-1 and LhC-2, were successfully generated.
Flamingos as ecosystem engineers: flock size and foraging behaviors linked to nutrient availability
Authors: Delfino Henrique Cardoso , Carlos Caio José
Published: August 2024

In wetland ecosystems, birds play a crucial role in nutrient cycling through various activities such as excrement deposition, sediment disturbance during foraging, and utilization of mud and vegetation for nesting. Particularly noteworthy are species exhibiting colonial breeding or high sociability, as they can significantly influence waterbody communities and act as ecosystem engineers in these habitats. Flamingos (Phoenicopteridae) possess all these characteristics, making them potential ecosystem engineers. In this study, we aim to test the hypothesis that Chilean Flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) exert such effects on an important non-breeding wetland. Moreover, we seek to elucidate the underlaying reasons for these effects and their relationship with flock size and foraging behavior. To accomplish this, we conducted a year-long study on the flock of Chilean Flamingos at Lagoa do Peixe National Park in southern Brazil. We collected environmental and behavioral data, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and dissolved oxygen levels, water turbidity, salinity, and temperature, from areas both with and without flamingos. Our findings suggest a significant role of Chilean Flamingos in maintaining the nutrient cycle within wetland ecosystems. This is attributed not only to the high levels of guano deposition but also to the bioturbation caused by their foraging behaviors. Furthermore, we observed a significant correlation between flock size, the mean duration of foraging behaviors, and the magnitude of these effects. This study points to the likely effects of flamingos on wetlands ecosystems, emphasizing the intricate interplay between these birds and their habitats and highlighting the importance of conserving both the species and their ecosystems.
72277 - Multidisciplinary treatment decision associated with improved survival in gastric cancer patients; a nationwide cohort study in 7818 patients
Authors: Engborg Jonathan , Hedberg Jakob , Lindblad Mats , Linder Gustav
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Gastric cancer has an age-standardized annual incidence rate of 8-9 cases per 100,000 population in Sweden, often diagnosed in a late stage requiring complex treatment strategies. The aim was to study and evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary conferences (MDC) on survival in Swedish gastric cancer patients from 2006-2021.

Method

A retrospective cohort study of 7818 patients identified in the national registry for esophageal- and gastric cancer (NREV) was performed. Survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for clinical and demographic variables identified with a directed acyclic graph.

Result

In 5282 (68%) patients treatment recommendation was made at an MDC, rising from 20% in 2006 to 90% in 2021. Median follow-up was 9.5 months. 6510 patients were included in multivariate analysis. MDC patients had improved survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.89, 95% CI 0.83-0.95, p=0.001), similarly found in subgroup analysis of patients older than 80 years (HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.92, p=0.001), low performance status (ECOG 3-4, HR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.54-0.74, p<0.001) and late-stage disease (stage IV, HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.98, p=0.012), Figure 1.

Discussion

MDC-guided treatment decisions is positively associated with increased survival in gastric cancer patients. This effect persists when looking at characteristics traditionally excluding patients from MDC (i.e. age >80, low performance status and advanced disease). The results suggest that more patients might benefit from insights at MDCs.