bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy: an emerging clinical phenomenon
Authors: Banerjee Gargi , Samra Kiran , Adams Matthew E , Jaunmuktane Zane , Parry-Jones Adrian Robert , Grieve Joan , Toma Ahmed K , Farmer Simon F , Sylvester Richard , Houlden Henry , Rudge Peter , Mead Simon , Brandner Sebastian , Schott Jonathan M , Collinge John , Werring David J
Published: May 2022

In the last 6 years, following the first pathological description of presumed amyloid-beta (Aβ) transmission in humans (in 2015) and subsequent experimental confirmation (in 2018), clinical cases of iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)—attributed to the transmission of Aβ seeds—have been increasingly recognised and reported. This newly described form of CAA is associated with early disease onset (typically in the third to fifth decade), and often presents with intracerebral haemorrhage, but also seizures and cognitive impairment. Although assumed to be rare, it is important that clinicians remain vigilant for potential cases, particularly as the optimal management, prognosis, true incidence and public health implications remain unknown. This review summarises our current understanding of the clinical spectrum of iatrogenic CAA and provides a diagnostic framework for clinicians. We provide clinical details for three patients with pathological evidence of iatrogenic CAA and present a summary of the published cases to date (n=20), identified following a systematic review. Our aims are: (1) To describe the clinical features of iatrogenic CAA, highlighting important similarities and differences between iatrogenic and sporadic CAA; and (2) To discuss potential approaches for investigation and diagnosis, including suggested diagnostic criteria for iatrogenic CAA.
Bottlenecks and reflections from turnkey installation of MRI in a tertiary care Greenfield project: a case study
Authors: R Gowda Naveen , Madaan Nirupam , Singh Rahul Kumar
Published: May 2022

Background

Turnkey projects are often pegged to be the solution for coordination issues and are common in procurement and installation of high-end expensive equipment. Considering the scale, cost and complexity of high-end diagnostic services like MRI, challenges during installation and commissioning have been commonly seen ever since the early days. The current case study elaborates on the lessons learnt from on-ground issues pertaining to delays in MRI installation in a Greenfield project.

Methods

Root cause analysis with Ishikawa chart was done.

Results

On detailed root cause analysis of the 5 broad issues, 20 causes for project delay were identified. These fall into three broad themes that can potentially affect performance of leadership.

Conclusion

There are three key lessons/takeaways from the current case study. First, establishing proactive feedback loops and communication between all stakeholders. Second, the leadership should have strong control on events and milestones of the project by leveraging project management techniques and technologies. Third, unity of command and unity of direction are of paramount importance to steer the project out of doldrums. These lessons can be useful for healthcare leaders in effective project management.
Clinical measurement of lupus nephritis activity is inferior to biomarker-based activity assessment using the renal activity index for lupus nephritis in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Aljaberi Najla , Wenderfer Scott E , Mathur Arjun , Qiu Tingting , Jose Steffy , Merritt Angela , Rose James , Devarajan Prasad , Huang Bin , Brunner Hermine
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The renal activity index for lupus (RAIL) measures lupus nephritis (LN) activity considering urine levels of 6 biomarkers (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, kidney injury molecule-1, adiponectin, haemopexin, ceruloplasmin). We aimed to compare the accuracy of the RAIL and the renal domain-score of the SLE disease activity index (rSLEDAI) in detecting LN activity.

Methods

Random urine samples of patients with childhood-onset SLE with and without LN were assayed and scores of the RAIL, and RAIL standardised for urine creatinine (RAIL-Cr) were calculated. Clinical LN activity was measured by the rSLEDAI, and histological activity of LN was categorised as inactive/low-moderate/high for National Institute of Health-activity index scores of <2/2–10/>10, respectively.

Results

115 patients were included in the analysis (47 patients without and 68 with LN). RAIL, RAIL-Cr and rSLEDAI scores at the time (±3 months) of kidney biopsy were available for 32 patients. Median rSLEDAI, RAIL and RAIL-Cr values were 4, –0.04, 0.02 for inactive LN, 12, 0.7 and 0.9 for low-moderate LN activity and 12, 2 and 1.8 for high LN activity, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to capture high LN activity was the lowest for the rSLEDAI (AUC=0.62), followed by the RAIL-Cr (AUC=0.73) and RAIL (AUC=0.79). Notably, when testing urine samples collected during routine clinic visits remote (>3 months) from a kidney biopsy, 50% patients with rSLEDAI scores of 0 had RAIL scores reflecting low-moderate LN activity.

Conclusion

Monitoring of renal inflammation in children and adolescents with SLE can be improved by the measurement of urine biomarkers. The RAIL may constitute important auxiliary tool for the surveillance of LN in a clinical setting and assist with the decision to obtain a kidney biopsy.
Coping with systemic lupus erythematosus in patients’ words
Authors: Cornet Alain , Mazzoni Davide , Edwards Angela , Monzani Dario , Pravettoni Gabriella , Andersen Jeanette , Mosca Marta
Published: May 2022

Objective

Previous research on coping strategies of patients with SLE showed that there are no absolute adaptive or maladaptive strategies and that the range of potential coping strategies is large and heterogeneous. In this paper, we aimed to identify, in a large sample of patients with SLE (N=3222), the most frequent words used by patients to describe their coping strategies, to group them into significant themes and to test their possible association with specific patient characteristics.

Methods

Our analyses were based on the data set of the European survey ‘Living with Lupus in 2020’ (N=3222). Through the T-LAB software, we analysed the answers that adult participants gave to an open-ended question about how they cope with the disease. We identified the most frequent words, and with hierarchical cluster analysis we grouped them into semantic clusters (ie, themes) that were characterised by specific patterns of words. Finally, we tested the possible association between clusters and illustrative variables (sociodemographics, disease characteristics, quality of life).

Results

Five coping strategies were identified, each of them constituting an important percentage of the total word occurrences: positive attitude (22.58%), social support (25.46%), medical treatments (10.77%), healthy habits (20.74%) and avoid stress (20.45%). Each strategy was statistically associated with specific patient characteristics, such as age and organ involvement.

Conclusions

Learning to adapt to a lifetime of having SLE may require replacing old coping strategies with more effective ones. Investigating patients’ coping strategies in relation to different patient characteristics represents a useful starting point for developing more targeted and efficacious interventions.
Predictors of refractory risk in systemic lupus erythematosus-related thrombocytopenia: a dual-centre retrospective study
Authors: Su Kaisheng , Cheng Hao , Jia Zhifang , Yuan Yi , Yang Huidan , Gao Qi , Jiang Zhenyu , Wen Hongyan , Jiang Jing
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Based on clinical and laboratory indicators, this study aimed to establish a multiparametric nomogram to assess the risk of refractory cases of SLE-related thrombocytopenia (SLE-related TP) before systematic treatment.

Methods

From June 2012 to July 2021, a dual-centre retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data of patients with SLE-related TP was conducted. The cohort data were divided into a developing set, internal validation set and external validation set. Refractory thrombocytopenia (RTP) was defined as failed to prednisone at 1 mg/kg per day with a platelet count cannot achieve or maintain higher than 50×109/L. In the developing set, a nomogram were established to predict RTP risk based on clinical characteristics and laboratory indicators by multivariable logistic regression, and its performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC).

Results

A total of 1778 patients with SLE were included, and 413 eligible patients were involved in the final analysis with 121 RTPs. The RTP risk assessment (RRA) model was composed of five significant risk variables: pregnancy, severity of TP, complement 3, anticardiolipin antibody-immunoglobulin G and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. In three datasets, the AUCs were 0.887 (95% CI 0.830 to 0.945), 0.880 (95% CI 0.785 to 0.975) and 0.871 (95% CI 0.793 to 0.949), respectively. The calibration curve, DCA and CIC all showed good performance of the RRA model.

Conclusion

The RRA model demonstrated good capability for assessing the refractory risk in SLE-related TP, which may be helpful for early identification and intervention.
Treatment of large and giant posterior communicating artery aneurysms with the Surpass streamline flow diverter: results from the SCENT trial
Authors: Kan Peter , Mohanty Alina , Meyers Philip M , Coon Alexander L , Wakhloo Ajay K , Marosfoi Miklos , Bain Mark , de Vries Joost , Ebersole Koji , Lanzino Giuseppe , Taussky Philipp , Hanel Ricardo A
Published: May 2022

Background

The Surpass flow diverter was developed to treat intracranial aneurysms not amenable to standard treatment. Indications for use allow placement in the internal carotid artery to the terminus, including the communicating artery segment.

Methods

The Surpass Intracranial Aneurysm Embolization System Pivotal Trial to Treat Large or Giant Wide Neck Aneurysms (SCENT) trial is an international, multicenter, prospective, non-randomized trial comparing the outcomes of Surpass flow diverter treatment with historic control designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Surpass for the treatment of wide neck (≥4 mm) large or giant intracranial aneurysms ≥10 mm. The primary effectiveness endpoint is the percentage of subjects with 100% aneurysm occlusion without significant stenosis of the parent artery and without retreatment of the target aneurysm at 12 months. The primary safety endpoint is the percentage of subjects experiencing neurologic death or major ipsilateral stroke at 12 months. We report the effectiveness and safety of flow diversion in the subgroup of posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysms.

Results

Of the 180 patients treated, 38 harbored a PComA aneurysm. Mean aneurysm size was 12.2 mm and mean neck width was 4.8 mm. The mean number of Surpass devices used was 1.1 per procedure, with 94.7% of aneurysms treated with one flow diverter. The 12 month primary effectiveness rate was 73.7% (28/38). At 36 months, 68.4% (26/38) of aneurysms remained completely occluded. The 12 month major ipsilateral stroke or neurological death rate was 10.5%. No patients with PComA occlusion after flow diverter placement (54.5%) had clinical sequelae.

Conclusions

SCENT demonstrated acceptable 12 month effectiveness of flow diversion in PComA aneurysms. Despite associated PComA occlusions in many cases, arterial occlusions were clinically silent.

Trial registration number

URL:https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier:NCT01716117.
Bifurcation geometry remodelling of vessels in de novo and growing intracranial aneurysms: a multicenter study
Authors: Boucherit Julien , Kerleroux Basile , Boulouis Gregoire , Tessier Guillaume , Rodriguez Christine , Sporns Peter B , Ghannouchi Haroun , Shotar Eimad , Gariel Florent , Marnat Gaultier , Burel Julien , Ifergan Heloise , Forestier Géraud , Rouchaud Aymeric , Desal Hubert , Nouri Anass , Autrusseau Florent , Loirand Gervaise , Bourcier Romain , L'Allinec Vincent
Published: May 2022

Background

Geometrical parameters, including arterial bifurcation angle, tortuosity, and arterial diameters, have been associated with the pathophysiology of intracranial aneurysm (IA) formation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these parameters were present before or if they resulted from IA formation and growth.

Methods

Patients from nine academic centers were retrospectively identified if they presented with a de novo IA or a significant IA growth on subsequent imaging. For each patient, geometrical parameters were extracted using a semi-automated algorithm and compared between bifurcations with IA formation or growth (aneurysmal group), and their contralateral side without IA (control group). These parameters were compared at two different times using univariable models, multivariable models, and a sensitivity analysis with paired comparison.

Results

46 patients were included with 21 de novo IAs (46%) and 25 significant IA growths (54%). The initial angle was not different between the aneurysmal and control groups (129.7±42.1 vs 119.8±34.3; p=0.264) but was significantly wider at the final stage (140.4±40.9 vs 121.5±34.1; p=0.032), with a more important widening of the aneurysmal angle (10.8±15.8 vs 1.78±7.38; p=0.001). Variations in other parameters were not significant. These results were confirmed by paired comparisons.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that wider bifurcation angles that have long been deemed causal factors for IA formation or growth may be secondary to IA formation at pathologic bifurcation sites. This finding has implications for our understanding of IA formation pathophysiology.
Tmax profile in computed tomography perfusion-based RAPID software maps influences outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with basilar artery occlusion
Authors: Liu Xing-Long , Hang Yu , Cao Yuezhou , Jia Zhenyu , Zhao Lin Bo , Shi Hai-Bin , Liu Sheng
Published: May 2022

Background

Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) parameters have been shown to have predictive value for functional outcomes of patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We report the predictive value of CTP-based software (CTP-Rapid Processing of Perfusion and Diffusion (RAPID); iSchemia View) for functional outcomes of patients with BAO after endovascular therapy (EVT).

Methods

Patients with BAO who underwent EVT were retrospectively analyzed in our center from December 2019 to July 2021. Baseline characteristics and imaging parameters from non-contrast CT, CT angiography (CTA), and CTP-RAPID were collected for analysis.

Results

Among the 55 patients enrolled in this study, 22 (40.0%) achieved a good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤3 at 90 days). In the univariate analysis, posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, Basilar Artery on CT Angiography score, posterior circulation CTA score, posterior communicating artery deficiency, perfusion deficit volume in time to maximum (Tmax) >4 s, Tmax >6 s, and mismatch volume were associated with functional outcomes (all p<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, perfusion deficit volume in Tmax >6 s (OR 1.011 (95% CI 1.001 to 1.020)) and posterior circulation CTA score (OR 0.435 (95% CI 0.225 to 0.840)) remained independent outcome predictors (all p<0.05).

Conclusions

Perfusion deficit volume in Tmax >6 s on CTP-RAPID imaging maps and basilar artery on CTA score have potential as functional outcome predictors in patients with BAO after EVT.
Correlation of von Willebrand factor and platelets with acute ischemic stroke etiology and revascularization outcome: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Mereuta Oana Madalina , Abbasi Mehdi , Arturo Larco Jorge L , Dai Daying , Liu Yang , Arul Santhosh , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Hanel Ricardo A , Yoo Albert J , Almekhlafi Mohammed A , Layton Kennith F , Delgado Almandoz Josser E , Kvamme Peter , Mendes Pereira Vitor , Jahromi Babak S , Nogueira Raul G , Gounis Matthew J , Patel Biraj , Aghaebrahim Amin , Sauvageau Eric , Bhuva Parita , Soomro Jazba , Demchuk Andrew M , Thacker Ike C , Kayan Yasha , Copelan Alexander , Nazari Pouya , Cantrell Donald Robert , Haussen Diogo C , Al-Bayati Alhamza R , Mohammaden Mahmoud , Pisani Leonardo , Rodrigues Gabriel Martins , Puri Ajit S , Entwistle John , Meves Alexander , Savastano Luis , Cloft Harry J , Nimjee Shahid M , McBane Robert D , Kallmes David F , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: May 2022

Background

Platelets and von Willebrand factor (vWF) are key components of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) emboli. We aimed to investigate the CD42b (platelets)/vWF expression, its association with stroke etiology and the impact these components may have on the clinical/procedural parameters.

Methods

CD42b/vWF immunostaining was performed on 288 emboli collected as part of the multicenter STRIP Registry. CD42b/VWF expression and distribution were evaluated. Student’s t-test and χ2test were performed as appropriate.

Results

The mean CD42b and VWF content in clots was 44.3% and 21.9%, respectively. There was a positive correlation between platelets and vWF (r=0.64, p<0.001**). We found a significantly higher vWF level in the other determined etiology (p=0.016*) and cryptogenic (p=0.049*) groups compared with cardioembolic etiology. No significant difference in CD42b content was found across the etiology subtypes. CD42b/vWF patterns were significantly associated with stroke etiology (p=0.006*). The peripheral pattern was predominant in atherosclerotic clots (36.4%) while the clustering (patchy) pattern was significantly associated with cardioembolic and cryptogenic origin (66.7% and 49.8%, respectively). The clots corresponding to other determined etiology showed mainly a diffuse pattern (28.1%). Two types of platelets were distinguished within the CD42b-positive clusters in all emboli: vWF-positive platelets were observed at the center, surrounded by vWF-negative platelets. Thrombolysis correlated with a high platelet content (p=0.03*). vWF-poor and peripheral CD42b/vWF pattern correlated with first pass effect (p=0.03* and p=0.04*, respectively).

Conclusions

The vWF level and CD42b/vWF distribution pattern in emboli were correlated with AIS etiology and revascularization outcome. Platelet content was associated with response to thrombolysis.
Standard umbilical artery catheters used as diagnostic and neurointerventional guide catheters in the treatment of neonatal cerebrovascular malformations
Authors: Kappel Ari D , Orbach Darren B
Published: May 2022

Background

Vascular access in neonates is limited by the small size of the femoral artery and the risk of complications, including thrombosis and limb ischemia. Although umbilical artery access has been described, previous reports detail exchange of the umbilical artery catheter (UAC) for a conventional arterial sheath, which can be difficult and cumbersome. We aim to describe direct use of the UAC as the sheath and guide catheter in neonatal patients requiring endovascular treatment for life-threatening intracranial arteriovenous shunts.

Methods

We reviewed all cases between 2016 and 2021 of neonatal intervention using a direct UAC approach. We describe our technique of utilizing UACs for cerebral angiography and neurointerventions in newborns without catheter exchange, allowing for repeated, straightforward endovascular access in neonates across multiple interventions.

Results

Seven consecutive neonates underwent endovascular neurointerventional procedures for the treatment of life-threatening, high-flow arteriovenous shunts using a direct UAC access technique without procedural morbidity. Five of seven patients underwent more than one procedure in the neonatal period, between day 1 and day 10 of life.

Conclusions

Use of the UAC itself as a diagnostic catheter for cerebral angiography or as a guide catheter for neurointerventions greatly facilitates endovascular interventions in newborns and is ideal for patients requiring multiple interventions in the neonatal period. This technique helps to mitigate the risk of neonatal femoral artery access and its complications, including thrombosis, dissection, spasm, stenosis, and limb ischemia.
Management of asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tsampasian Vasiliki , Grafton-Clarke Ciaran , Gracia Ramos Abraham Edgar , Asimakopoulos George , Garg Pankaj , Prasad Sanjay , Ring Liam , McCann Gerry P , Rudd James , Dweck Marc R , Vassiliou Vassilios S
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The management of severe aortic stenosis mandates consideration of aortic valve intervention for symptomatic patients. However, for asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis, recent randomised trials supported earlier intervention. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate all the available data comparing the two management strategies.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception until 10 January 2022. The search key terms were ‘asymptomatic’, ‘severe aortic stenosis’ and ‘intervention’.

Results

Meta-analysis of two published randomised trials, AVATAR and RECOVERY, included 302 patients and showed that early intervention resulted in 55% reduction in all-cause mortality (HR=0.45, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.86; I20%) and 79% reduction in risk of hospitalisation for heart failure (HR=0.21, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.96; I215%). There was no difference in risk of cardiovascular death between the two groups (HR=0.36, 95% CI 0.03 to 3.78; I278%). Additionally, meta-analysis of eight observational studies showed improved mortality in patients treated with early intervention (HR=0.38, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.56; I277%).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis provides evidence that, in patients with severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis, early intervention reduces all-cause mortality and improves outcomes compared with conservative management. While this is very encouraging, further randomised controlled studies are needed to draw firm conclusions and identify the optimal timing of intervention.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022301037.
Testing for syphilis
Authors: Kemp Michael , Kingston Margaret
Published: May 2022

Syphilis is no longer a disease headed for the history books but a disease on the resurgence. Its rising prevalence in populations of all sexualities has moved it from an unlikely differential diagnosis to an important one not to miss. With a latency to symptoms of sometimes many years, syphilis is a key disease to consider and does not need the clinician to attempt to risk assess the patient. This article seeks to equip the jobbing neurologist to recognise the manifestations of syphilis, and to understand the tests available, the interpretation of results and the limitations of testing. We provide an overview approach to assessing and managing these cases, what to expect and where to seek expert opinion and advice.
Subchondral bone attenuation coefficient utility of the sacroiliac margins to differentiate spondyloarthritis and osteitis condensans ilii
Authors: Terrier Alexandre , Fakih Olivier , Chouk Mickaël , Prati Clément , Wendling Daniel , Aubry Sébastien , Verhoeven Frank
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Differentiating ankylosing spondylitis (AS) from osteitis condensans ilii (OCI) remains challenging for clinicians. The aim of this study was to determine whether Subchondral Bone Attenuation Coefficient of the SacroIliac margins (SBAC-SI) is different in AS, OCI and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

Methods

A monocentric retrospective observational study was performed at the University Hospital of Besançon. Patients included were followed for AS, DISH or OCI and underwent CT scan including sacroiliac joint. Patients with tumour lesion of bone or a history of pelvic radiotherapy were excluded. AS and OCI patients were matched with a control of the same age and sex. SBAC-SI was evaluated by the sum of 24 identical circular regions of interest, 8 per slice (anterior, middle and posterior).

Results

Thirty AS and AS controls, 31 DISH, 29 OCI and OCI controls were included. SBAC-SI score was 9727 (±2430) in the OCI group (p<0.001), 3563 (±1860) in the AS group, 3899 (±1937) in the DISH group, 4224 (±1693) in the AS control group and 5445 (±1205) in the OCI control group. A threshold of 7500 HU had the best discriminative value between OCI and AS (youden index: 0.89). In AS, disease duration is negatively associated with SBAC-SI (r: −0.623; p<0.01) and HLA B27 is associated with lower SBAC-SI (6523 (5198; 7137) vs 2809 (1568; 3371); p<0.001).

Conclusion

SBAC-SI is significatively different between AS and OCI and could help to distinguish these two diseases.
Socioeconomic biases in urban mixing patterns of US metropolitan areas
Authors: Hilman Rafiazka Millanida , Iñiguez Gerardo , Karsai Márton
Published: May 2022

Urban areas serve as melting pots of people with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, who may not only be segregated but have characteristic mobility patterns in the city. While mobility is driven by individual needs and preferences, the specific choice of venues to visit is usually constrained by the socioeconomic status of people. The complex interplay between people and places they visit, given their personal attributes and homophily leaning, is a key mechanism behind the emergence of socioeconomic stratification patterns ultimately leading to urban segregation at large. Here we investigate mixing patterns of mobility in the twenty largest cities of the United States by coupling individual check-in data from the social location platform Foursquare with census information from the American Community Survey. We find strong signs of stratification indicating that people mostly visit places in their own socioeconomic class, occasionally visiting locations from higher classes. The intensity of this ‘upwards bias’ increases with socioeconomic status and correlates with standard measures of racial residential segregation. Our results suggest an even stronger socioeconomic segregation in individual mobility than one would expect from system-level distributions, shedding further light on uneven mobility mixing patterns in cities.
Casimir cosmology
Authors: Leonhardt Ulf
Published: May 2022

In 1998, astronomers discovered that the expansion of the universe is accelerating. Somehow, something must have made gravity repulsive on cosmological scales. This something was called dark energy; it is described by Einstein’s cosmological constant; and it amounts to about 70% of the total mass of the universe. It has been conjectured that the cosmological constant is a form of vacuum energy, but its prediction from quantum field theory has failed by many orders of magnitude, until recently. Informed by empirical evidence on Casimir forces, Lifshitz theory has not only produced the correct order of magnitude, but is quantitatively consistent with the astronomical data. Moreover, the theory appears to resolve the tension between the measured and the predicted Hubble constant. There is therefore a good chance that Casimir physics explains dark energy. This paper introduces cosmology for practitioners of vacuum forces as part of “The State of the Quantum Vacuum: Casimir Physics in the 2020s” edited by K. A. Milton. It may also be interesting for other physicists and engineers who wish to have a concise introduction to cosmology.
Graph Convolutional Neural Network Gesture Recognition Based on Pooling Algorithm
Authors: Chen Hong , Qi Baoqiang , Zhao Hongdong
Published: May 2022

The era of new human–computer interaction has accelerated, and gesture recognition is one of the development trends of human–computer interaction system in the future. The emerging graph neural network can capture the interdependence between instances and infer the complete information of the image based on local features, which is helpful to the recognition of human gestures. Therefore, the combination of graph neural network and convolutional neural network (CNN) is applied to the research of gesture recognition and it has important research significance. This paper uses the Mixup method to perform data enhancement processing on the collected image data set, applies the pyramid pooling method to the EigenPooL model to achieve efficient capture of image features and selects the Sigmoid function and the PReLU function as the activation function of the network model to meet the model’s requirements, such as long time training and strong fitting ability. This paper introduces the structure and algorithm of EigenPooL model in detail. The algorithm uses hypergraph learning method instead of simple graph learning method. On the gesture picture test set, the average accuracy of the algorithm is 86.50%, the recall rate is 94.87% and the average detection time per frame is 421[Formula: see text]ms.
Design of a 1.29–1.61GHz LC-VCO with Improved Phase Noise and Figure-of-Merit (FoMT) for GPS and Satellite Navigation
Authors: Das Keshab , Dandapat Anup , Jana Sanjay Kumar
Published: May 2022

This paper demonstrates a low-phase noise and high FoMT differential CMOS LC-VCO working at 1.29–1.61[Formula: see text]GHz. An RC filter tail current source is used in this design to reduce the second-harmonic oscillation phase noise. The VCO is implemented in 180[Formula: see text]nm process technology. The post-layout simulation results indicate that this proposed VCO operates faithfully in the 1.29–1.61[Formula: see text]GHz band with a frequency tuning range (FTR) of 320[Formula: see text]MHz. By using inversion mode N-MOSFET varactor, the designed VCO obtains 22.06% FTR. The phase noise of the VCO is [Formula: see text]130.21[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz at 1[Formula: see text]MHz offset frequency. It consumes 4.01[Formula: see text]mW average power from 1.3[Formula: see text]V supply. The cell area occupied by the design is [Formula: see text]. Figure-of-merit considering FTR (FoM[Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]194.14[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz at 1[Formula: see text]MHz offset frequency, phase noise and average power consumption. The proposed VCO can be used for low-phase noise GPS and satellite navigation.
DM-Pages: Improving Energy Efficiency of Disk Storage Systems and Cache Performance Using Deduplication-Based Mixed Pages
Authors: Si Lei , Pang Shujie , Deng Yuhui , Zhu Weiheng , Zhou Yi , Zhu Yifeng
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a deduplication-based mixed page strategy, called DM-Pages, to improve the energy efficiency of disk storage systems and the cache performance. DM-Pages strives to improve the cache hit rate, simultaneously reduce the number of power-state transitions of a disk storage system and keep it in a low-power state as long as possible. DM-Pages deploys three innovative techniques. It adjusts the size of huge pages dynamically to maximize the cache hit rate. Meantime, content-aware deduplication is applied to eliminate redundant cache pages, targeting to enhance cache utilization. In addition, DM-Pages incorporates a mixed page mechanism into disk energy management to save energy. Our experimental results show that DM-Pages significantly improves the energy efficiency of disk storage systems and achieves a high cache hit rate. In particular, compared with traditional disk storage systems, DM-Pages conserves 6.59 times energy and improves the cache hit rate up to 3.36 times.
Optical solitons and stability analysis for the new (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Mathanaranjan Thilagarajah
Published: May 2022

This paper explores the new [Formula: see text]-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation which is used to model the propagation of ultra-short optical pulses in highly-nonlinear media. This equation is newly derived based on the extended [Formula: see text]-dimensional zero curvature equation. An effective technique, namely, the extended sinh-Gordon equation expansion method is applied to find optical soliton solutions and other solutions for this model. As a result, dark, bright, combined dark–bright, singular, combined singular soliton solutions, and singular periodic wave solutions are obtained. The stability of the model is investigated by using the modulation instability analysis which guarantees that the model is stable and all solutions are stable and exact. Physical explanations of the obtained solutions are presented by using 3D and 2D plots. The reported outcomes are useful in the empirical application of fiber optics.
On power-associative modules
Authors: Fernandez J. C. Gutierrez , Grishkov A. , Vanegas E. O. Quintero
Published: May 2022

The aim of this paper is to study the structure of irreducible modules in the variety [Formula: see text] of commutative power-associative nilalgebras of nilindex [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] with dimension at most 5, then we prove that [Formula: see text] is contained in the annihilator of every irreducible [Formula: see text]-module in the variety [Formula: see text]. Also, we consider the enveloping algebra of an algebra [Formula: see text] in the variety [Formula: see text] and we obtain a new example of a commutative power-associative non-nilpotent nilalgebra of dimension 9.
On n-1-absorbing prime ideals
Authors: Ulucak Gülşen , Koç Suat , Tekir Ünsal
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we introduce and study [Formula: see text]-1-absorbing prime ideals of commutative rings. Let [Formula: see text] be a ring and [Formula: see text] a positive integer. A proper ideal [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is said to be an [Formula: see text]-1-absorbing prime ideal if whenever [Formula: see text] for some nonunits [Formula: see text] then either [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] It is obvious that 1-1-absorbing (2-1-absorbing) prime ideals are exactly prime (1-absorbing prime) ideals. Various examples and characterizations of [Formula: see text]-1-absorbing prime ideals are given.
On IA-isoclinism of groups
Authors: Taheri H.
Published: May 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be a group and [Formula: see text] denote the group of all automorphisms of [Formula: see text] which induces the identity mapping on the abelianization (i.e. [Formula: see text]). Let [Formula: see text] be the subgroup of [Formula: see text] such that fix the center element-wise. In this paper, we introduce the new concept of IA-isoclinism between two groups and prove similar results to the case of isoclinism including an application towards [Formula: see text]-autocommuting probability of finite groups.
A note on relative Vaserstein symbol
Authors: Chakraborty Kuntal
Published: May 2022

In an unpublished work of Fasel–Rao–Swan the notion of the relative Witt group [Formula: see text] is defined. In this paper, we will give the details of this construction. Then we study the injectivity of the relative Vaserstein symbol [Formula: see text]. We establish injectivity of this symbol if [Formula: see text] is a non-singular affine algebra of dimension 3 over a perfect [Formula: see text]-field and [Formula: see text] is a local complete intersection ideal of [Formula: see text]. It is natural to ask whether the Vaserstein symbol is injective for a singular 3-dimensional affine algebra. At the end of the paper, we will give an example of a singular 3-dimensional algebra over a perfect [Formula: see text]-field for which the Vaserstein symbol is injective.
The Method of Allocating Resources for Ideological and Political Education in Universities Based on IoT Technology
Authors: Han Weixia , Li Sun
Published: May 2022

The traditional resource sharing method allocates resources according to their importance and node weight ranking, which leads to uneven distribution of node loads and resource allocation with less efficiency and high energy consumption. In order to solve the above problems, the method of resource allocation of college ideological and political education based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology is studied. The IoT technology is used for establishing the communication Internet of Things or for sharing college ideological and political education resources, and the MCTS algorithm is used to search for college ideological and political education resources. For the case of education resources in colleges and universities, according to the simple semantic reasoning for establishing the mapping relationship between education resources and distribution of nodes, we realise the allocation of resources for education. The test experiment results show that the researched resource allocation method has low allocation delay and reduces at least about 23.7% of energy consumption, which is more effective.
Detection of Uncertain Diabetes Mellitus Using Whale Optimization Algorithm in Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Niwariya Manoj , Rajput Anil , Jaloree Shailesh
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to construct a convolutional neural network (CNN) model based on the Softmax layer to diagnose diabetes. The suggested identification algorithm is developed using data from diabetic and nondiabetic patients in the Indian database PIMA. The training data on dilation of the blood vessels, body mass index (BMI), triceps skin thickness, pregnancy count, heredity, and age are highly accurate. Additionally, the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is utilized to determine the most pertinent functions in a given context. The suggested system, which is based on CNN capabilities at various resolutions, eliminates the need for a simple manual feature extraction phase by simultaneously capturing and categorizing features in a data neuron network. The proposed solution outperforms standard classification methods and enables a more accurate diabetes diagnosis.
A Novel Architecture Design for Output Significance Aligned Flow with Adaptive Control in ReRAM-based Neural Network Accelerator
Authors: Li Taozhong , Jing Naifeng , Jiang Jianfei , Wang Qin , Mao Zhigang , Chen Yiran
Published: May 2022

Resistive-RAM-based (ReRAM-based) computing shows great potential on accelerating DNN inference by its highly parallel structure. Regrettably, computing accuracy in practical is much lower than expected due to the non-ideal ReRAM device. Conventional computing flow with fixed wordline activation scheme can effectively protect computing accuracy but at the cost of significant performance and energy savings reduction. For such embarrassment of accuracy, performance and energy, this article proposes a new Adaptive-Wordline-Activation control scheme (
AWA-control
) and combines it with a theoretical Output-Significance-Aligned computing flow (
OSA-flow
) to enable fine-grained control on output significance with distinct impact on final result. We demonstrate
AWA-control
-supported
OSA-flow
architecture with maximal compatibility to conventional crossbar by input retiming and weight remapping using shifting registers to enable the new flow. However, in contrast to the conventional computing architecture, the
OSA-flow
architecture shows the better capability to exploit data sparsity commonly seen in DNN models. So we also design a sparsity-aware
OSA-flow
architecture for further DNN speedup. Evaluation results show that
OSA-flow
architecture can provide significant performance improvement of 21.6×, and energy savings of 96.2% over conventional computing architecture with similar DNN accuracy.
DRAGON: Dynamic Recurrent Accelerator for Graph Online Convolution
Authors: Romero Hung José , Li Chao , Wang Taolei , Guo Jinyang , Wang Pengyu , Shao Chuanming , Wang Jing , Shi Guoyong , Liu Xiangwen , Wu Hanqing
Published: May 2022

Despite the extraordinary applicative potentiality that dynamic graph inference may entail, its practical-physical implementation has been a topic seldom explored in literature. Although graph inference through neural networks has received plenty of algorithmic innovation, its transfer to the physical world has not found similar development. This is understandable since the most preeminent Euclidean acceleration techniques from CNN have little implication in the non-Euclidean nature of relational graphs. Instead of coping with the challenges arising from forcing naturally sparse structures into more inflexible stochastic arrangements, in DRAGON, we embrace this characteristic in order to promote acceleration. Inspired by high-performance computing approaches like Parallel Multi-moth Flame Optimization for Link Prediction (PMFO-LP), we propose and implement a novel efficient architecture, capable of producing similar speed-up and performance than baseline but at a fraction of its hardware requirements and power consumption. We leverage the hidden parallelistic capacity of our previously developed static graph convolutional processor ACE-GCN and expanded it with RNN structures, allowing the deployment of a multi-processing network referenced around a common pool of proximity-based centroids. Experimental results demonstrate outstanding acceleration. In comparison with the fastest CPU-based software implementation available in the literature, DRAGON has achieved roughly 191× speed-up. Under the largest configuration and dataset, DRAGON was also able to overtake a more power-hungry PMFO-LP by almost 1.59× in speed, and at around 89.59% in power efficiency. More importantly than raw acceleration, we demonstrate the unique functional qualities of our approach as a flexible and fault-tolerant solution that makes it an interesting alternative for an anthology of applicative scenarios.
Perturbation-enabled Deep Federated Learning for Preserving Internet of Things-based Social Networks
Authors: Salim Sara , Moustafa Nour , Turnbull Benjamin , Razzak Imran
Published: May 2022

Federated Learning (FL), as an emerging form of distributed machine learning (ML), can protect participants’ private data from being substantially disclosed to cyber adversaries. It has potential uses in many large-scale, data-rich environments, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial IoT, Social Media (SM), and the emerging SM 3.0. However, federated learning is susceptible to some forms of data leakage through model inversion attacks. Such attacks occur through the analysis of participants’ uploaded model updates. Model inversion attacks can reveal private data and potentially undermine some critical reasons for employing federated learning paradigms. This article proposes novel differential privacy (DP)-based deep federated learning framework. We theoretically prove that our framework can fulfill DP’s requirements under distinct privacy levels by appropriately adjusting scaled variances of Gaussian noise. We then develop a Differentially Private Data-Level Perturbation (DP-DLP) mechanism to conceal any single data point’s impact on the training phase. Experiments on real-world datasets, specifically the social media 3.0, Iris, and Human Activity Recognition (HAR) datasets, demonstrate that the proposed mechanism can offer high privacy, enhanced utility, and elevated efficiency. Consequently, it simplifies the development of various DP-based FL models with different tradeoff preferences on data utility and privacy levels.
Impedimetric Immunosensor for On-Site Measurement of Rituximab from Invasive and Non-Invasive Samples
Authors: Batista Rodrigues Edson Silvio , Mello e Silva Giovanna Nascimento de , Macêdo Isaac Yves Lopes de , Pio dos Santos Wallans Torres , Souza Guilherme Rocha Lino de , Santos Gabriel Henrique , Wastowski Isabela Jubé , Ates Hatice Ceren , Dincer Can , Gil Eric de Souza
Published: May 2022

Rituximab (RTX) is a specific monoclonal antibody for CD20 protein, which are mostly found in lymphocytes B. RTX is notably indicated for lymphomas, autoimmune disorders, leukemia and transplant rejections. A higher efficiency is achieved by adjusted doses, which is tailored by individual body weight and RTX pharmacokinetic parameters. Therefore, the individualized dosing is a usual practice to achieve the therapeutic success of this expensive drug. Therapeutic monitoring of RTX is commonly performed by chromatographic methods or immunoassays. These methods, however, suffer from lack of standardization in workflows, long turnaround times and high instrumentation costs with complex sample preparation. In this regard, immunosensors emerge as a feasible alternative to overcome these limitations. Herein, we developed an impedimetric immunosensor, which can detect RTX from both invasive and non-invasive samples, in this way our immunosensor is applicable in blood plasma and urine samples allowing a new analysis approach. A linear correlation between the charge transfer resistance and RTX from 2 to 14 μg ml−1 (r2 of 0.99) along with limit-of-detection and limit-of-quantification of 130 and 400 ng ml−1, respectively, was obtained. The immunosensor implemented proved to have sufficient precision and accuracy for on-site RTX detection in both blood serum and urine samples. Such affordable, label-free and highly sensitive electrochemical immunosensors could pave the way for on-site therapeutic drug monitoring, quality control and extended stability monitoring of different drugs, in a simple manner along with short turnaround times and low costs.
Influence of Laser Structuring and Calendering of Graphite Anodes on Electrode Properties and Cell Performance
Authors: Hille Lucas , Toepper Hans-Christoph , Schriever Charlotte , Kriegler Johannes , Keilhofer Josef , Noecker Marc P. , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: May 2022

In this study, the influence of calendering and laser structuring on the pore structure and electrochemical performance of electrodes is reported. Graphite anodes of varying bulk porosity were micro structured with pulsed laser radiation. Using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, laser structuring was found to release superficial pore clogging caused by calendering and to result in binder agglomerates on the electrode surfaces. Structured electrodes showed higher porosities than their unstructured counterparts due to a thickness increase and material removal, but no significant change in the pore size distribution was detected using mercury intrusion porosimetry. Electrochemical impedance spectra of symmetric battery cells revealed increasing ionic resistances and tortuosities for decreasing electrode porosities. Laser structuring significantly reduced the underlying lithium-ion diffusion limitations at all porosity levels. In a discharge rate test, performance deteriorations at high currents were found to be amplified by calendering and could be diminished by electrode structuring. The performance improvements by laser structuring moved towards lower C-rates for stronger compressed anodes. Despite their growth in thickness and porosity, laser structured graphite anodes showed a higher volumetric energy density at high currents than unstructured electrodes, which demonstrates the potential of electrode structuring for highly compressed anodes.
Review—Double-Perovskite Electrode Design Strategies and Research Progress for SOFCs
Authors: Jiang Long , Wei Tao , Huang Yunhui
Published: May 2022

Since the double perovskite oxides Sr2Mg1-x
Mn
x
MoO6−δ
were reported as anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) by Professor Goodenough in 2006, they have attracted increasing interest in the past decades. The double-perovskite type oxide materials have been widely used as oxygen, fuel and symmetrical electrodes for electrochemical catalytic reaction. This article reviews the latest progress of double perovskite electrode materials in crystal structure, ion-electron conducting model, catalytic activity, degradation mechanism and optimizing strategies. Special attentions are paid to the double perovskite oxides used as oxygen, fuel and symmetrical electrodes. Their advantages, disadvantages and electrochemical performances as SOFC electrodes have been discussed through extensive analysis of the literatures. Particular emphasis has been directed towards basic principles and various affecting factors regarding the performance and stability for the double perovskite oxides and their composites. The solutions to overcome the drawbacks of double perovskite electrodes, including element substitution, defect engineering and so on, have also been demonstrated.