Final Configuration Research Articles

Clinical prediction model for MODY type diabetes mellitus in children

BACKGROUND: MODY (maturity-onset diabetes of the young) is a rare monogenic form of diabetes mellitus, the gold standard of diagnosis is mutations detection in the genes responsible for the development of this form diabetes. Genetic test is expensive and takes a lot of time. The diagnostic criteria for MODY are well known. The development of clinical decision support system (CDSS) which allows physicians based on clinical data to determine who should have molecular genetic testing is relevant.AIM: Provided a retrospective analysis of clinical data of the patients with T1DM and MODY, from 0 to 18 years old, regardless of the duration of the disease to develop the model. Based on clinical data, a feedforward neural network (NN) was implemented - a multilayer perceptron.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Development of the most effective algorithm for predicting MODY in children based on available clinical indicators of 1710 patients with diabetes under the age of 18 years using a multilayer feedforward neural network.RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1710 children under the age of 18 years with T1DM (78%) and MODY (22%) diabetes. For the final configuration of NS the following predictors were selected: gender, age at passport age, age at the diagnosis with DM, HbA1c, BMI SDS, family history of DM, treatment. The performance (quality) assessment of the NN was carried out on a test sample (the area under the ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curve reached 0.97). The positive predictive value of PCPR was achieved at a cut-off value of 0.40 (predicted probability of MODY diabetes 40%). At which the sensitivity was 98%, specificity 93%, PCR with prevalence correction was 78%, and PCR with prevalence correction was 99%, the overall accuracy of the model was 94%.Based on the NN model, a CDSS was developed to determine whether a patient has MODY diabetes, implemented as an application.CONCLUSION: The clinical prediction model MODY developed in this work based on the NN, uses the clinical characteristic available for each patient to determine the probability of the patient having MODY. The use of the developed model in clinical practice will assist in the selection of patients for diagnostic genetic testing for MODY, which will allow for the efficient allocation of healthcare resources, the selection of personalized treatment and patient monitoring.

Ex-ante LCA of magnet recycling: Progressing towards sustainable industrial-scale technology

To alleviate the pressure on the rare earth supply chain, new technologies are under development for recovering, recycling and remanufacturing NdFeB magnets. In this study, the anticipated environmental performance of large-scale recycling is investigated and compared to the production of primary magnets. To do so, this ex-ante life cycle assessment combines input from measurements of pilot processes, expert technology forecasts, thermodynamic modeling, and equipment data from manufacturers. We examined the effect of four technology developments: process changes, size scaling, internal recycling, and optimization.The results show that at pilot scale, recovered NdFeB powders have lower impacts than primary powders for almost all impact categories. This demonstrates that the recovery of NdFeB alloys is environmentally beneficial. Magnets from anticipated large-scale recycling have over 80% lower impacts than primary magnets in most of the impact categories analyzed. All four investigated types of technology development contributed to this improved performance. The final configuration was validated by comparison with an industrial reference and theoretical optimum configuration. Four magnet manufacturing routes (sintering, extrusion, metal injection molding, bonding) have distinct environmental profiles, but all can progress to similarly low levels of impact. The choice among routes should be primarily based on the functional requirements.

Temperature-dependent local structure and lattice dynamics of 1T-TiSe[formula omitted] and 1T-VSe[formula omitted] probed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The local atomic structure and lattice dynamics of two isostructural layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), 1T-TiSe2 and 1T-VSe2, were studied using temperature-dependent X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Ti, V, and Se K-edges. Analysis of the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra, employing reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) simulations, enabled tracking of the temperature evolution of the local environment in the range of 10–300 K. The atomic coordinates derived from the final atomic configurations obtained using the RMC method were used to calculate the partial radial distribution functions (RDFs) and the mean-square relative displacement (MSRD) factors for the first ten coordination shells around the absorbing atoms. Characteristic Einstein frequencies and effective force constants were determined for TiSe, TiTi, VSe, VV, and SeSe atom pairs from the temperature dependencies of MSRDs. The obtained results reveal differences in the temperature evolution of lattice dynamics and the strengths of intralayer and interlayer interactions in TiSe2 and VSe2.

Trabecular bone variation in the gorilla calcaneus.

Calcaneal external shape differs among nonhuman primates relative to locomotion. Such relationships between whole-bone calcaneal trabecular structure and locomotion, however, have yet to be studied. Here we analyze calcaneal trabecular architecture in Gorilla gorilla gorilla, Gorilla beringei beringei, and G. b. graueri to investigate general trends and fine-grained differences among gorilla taxa relative to locomotion. Calcanei were micro-CT scanned. A three-dimensional geometric morphometric sliding semilandmark analysis was carried out and the final landmark configurations used to position 156 volumes of interest. Trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp), and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) were calculated using the BoneJ plugin for ImageJ and MATLAB. Non-parametric MANOVAs were run to test for significant differences among taxa in parameter raw values and z-scores. Parameter distributions were visualized using color maps and summarized using principal components analysis. There are no significant differences in raw BV/TV or Tb.Th among gorillas, however G. b. beringei significantly differs in z-scores for both parameters (p = <0.0271). All three taxa exhibit relatively lower BV/TV and Tb.Th in the posterior half of the calcaneus. This gradation is exacerbated in G. b. beringei. G. b. graueri significantly differs from other taxa in Tb.Sp z-scores (p < 0.001) indicating a different spacing distribution. Relatively higher Tb.Th and BV/TV in the anterior calcaneus among gorillas likely reflects higher forces associated with body mass (transmitted through the subtalar joint) relative to forces transferred through the posterior calcaneus. The different Tb.Sp pattern in G. b. graueri may reflect proposed differences in foot positioning during locomotion.

Efficient Sizing and Layout Optimization of Truss Benchmark Structures Using ISRES Algorithm

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the application of the Improved Stochastic Ranking Evolution Strategy (ISRES) algorithm for the sizing and layout optimization of truss benchmark structures. Truss structures play a crucial role in engineering and architecture, and optimizing their designs can lead to more efficient and cost-effective solutions. The ISRES algorithm, known for its effectiveness in multi-objective optimization, is adapted for the single-objective optimization of truss designs with multiple design constraints. This study encompasses a wide range of truss benchmark structures, including 10-bar, 15-bar, 18-bar, 25-bar, and 72-bar configurations, each subjected to distinct loading conditions and stress constraints. The objective is to minimize the truss weight while ensuring stress and displacement limits are met. Through extensive experimentation, the ISRES algorithm demonstrates its ability to efficiently explore the solution space and converge to optimal solutions for each truss benchmark structure. The algorithm effectively handles the complexity of the problems, which involve numerous design variables, stress constraints, and nodal displacement limits. A comparative analysis is conducted to assess the performance of the ISRES algorithm against other state-of-the-art optimization methods reported in the literature. The comparison evaluates the quality of the solutions and the computational efficiency of each method. Furthermore, the optimized truss designs are subjected to finite element analysis to validate their structural integrity and stability. The verification process confirms that the designs adhere to the imposed constraints, ensuring the safety and reliability of the final truss configurations. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of the ISRES algorithm in providing practical and reliable solutions for the sizing and layout optimization of truss benchmark structures. The algorithm’s competitive performance and robustness make it a valuable tool for structural engineers and designers, offering a versatile and powerful approach for complex engineering optimization tasks. Overall, the findings contribute to the advancement of optimization techniques in structural engineering, promoting the development of more efficient and cost-effective truss designs for a wide range of engineering and architectural applications. The study’s insights empower practitioners to make informed decisions in selecting appropriate optimization strategies for complex truss-design scenarios, fostering advancements in structural engineering and sustainable design practices.

Vortex Effects in Merging Black Holes and Saturons.

Vorticity has recently been suggested to be a property of highly spinning black holes. The connection between vorticity and limiting spin represents a universal feature shared by objects of maximal microstate entropy, so-called saturons. Using Q-ball-like saturons as a laboratory for black holes, we study the collision of two such objects and find that vorticity can have a large impact on the emitted radiation as well as on the charge and angular momentum of the final configuration. As black holes belong to the class of saturons, we expect that the formation of vortices can cause similar effects in black hole mergers, leading to macroscopic deviations in gravitational radiation. This could leave unique signatures detectable with upcoming gravitational-wave searches, which can thereby serve as a portal to macroscopic quantum effects in black holes.

Integration of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems into Building Envelopes for Structural Health Monitoring with Fiber Optic Sensing Technology

This paper presents a study about the integration of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems (PE-EHSs) into building envelopes for powering Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors, enabling efficient and low-consumption monitoring with the objective of leveraging structural health monitoring (SHM). The research includes preliminary tests conducted in a real environment to validate the PE-EHS when fully integrated into a ventilated façade, capturing mechanical vibrations generated mainly by wind loads. Based on these activities, the final configuration of PE-EHSs is defined to provide a complete system for façade monitoring. This integrated system includes the piezoelectric generator (PEG), supercapacitor (SC), Power Conditioner Circuit (PCC), Fiber Optic Sensing (FOS) interrogator, and the IoT gateway transmitting measurement data within an Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring platform. This configuration is tailored to address the challenges related to the structural integrity of building envelopes. Results demonstrate a potential for a stand-alone solution in the façade sector but raise issues for certain limitations, requiring further investigation. In particular, the study emphasizes constraints related to the energy production of PE-EHSs for façade integration. It highlights the necessity to carefully consider these limitations within the broader context of their applicability, providing insights for the informed deployment of piezoelectric energy harvesting technology in building envelope monitoring.

Enhancing Photoconversion Efficiency by Optimization of Electron/Hole Transport Interlayers in Antimony Sulfide Solar Cell using SCAPS-1D Simulation.

Enhancing photoconversion efficiency in a solar cell with the composition "glass/Mo/CUSbS3/ Sb2S3/CdS/i:ZnO/AL:ZnO" by varying the thickness of the absorption layer (Sb2S3) and adding a secondary absorption layer was performed. The thickness of the original absorption layer (Sb2S3) was gradually increased from (1 µm) to (3.5 µm). The best efficiency (23.14%) and filling factor (87.52%) were achieved with an absorption layer thickness of 3.5 µm. This indicates that a thicker absorption layer can enhance efficiency.&#x0D; A secondary absorption layer was introduced between the original absorption layer and the reflection layer. Several materials were considered for this secondary absorption layer, including MAPbI3, Sb2Se3, CZTS, and CZTSe. The best-performing secondary absorption layer was found to be Sb2Se3. The solar cell structure, after combining it with the best reflection layer (CUSbS3) and the optimized thickness for the original absorption layer (3.5 µm), was established as "glass/Mo/CUSbS3/Sb2Se3/Sb2S3/CdS/i:ZnO/Al:ZnO".&#x0D; The optimized solar cell configuration yielded the best conversion efficiency (27.01%) and a high filling factor (85.12%).&#x0D; These results highlight the significance of layer thickness and the addition of secondary absorption layers in enhancing the solar cell efficiency. The final configuration demonstrates substantial improvements in efficiency and suggests that thoughtful design and material choices can lead to more efficient photovoltaic devices.

Reconfigurability enhancement of pixel array antennas based on WOA and MPUC

Reconfigurable pixel antennas are crucial for advancing wireless communication. However, the increasing number of switches results in exponentially growing complexity in antenna configurations. While the complexity holds promise for performance improvements, it also introduces challenges in physical implementation and requires extensive numerical calculations. Thus, an effective design methodology is essential to address these issues. This paper introduces a novel pixel antenna strategy that utilizes the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and the minimum percentage of useful configurations (MPUC). As a pioneering concept, MPUC explores the impacts of switches on antenna reconfigurability and evaluates their contributions across different topologies. Dynamically assessing switches, the MPUC determines their statuses cyclically. Ultimately, the most reconfigurable antenna is achieved by optimizing switch configurations while enhancing overall reconfigurability. Leveraging WOA, the final antenna configuration is optimized and derived to meet design specifications. Additionally, a comparison is made between antenna configurations derived from traditional optimization methods and the final antenna configuration. Results reveal the superiority of the proposed method, demonstrating a threefold enhancement in design efficiency and reduced switch configurations to achieve comparable electrical performance. These findings validate the efficacy of the WOA and MPUC based strategy in effectively designing larger-scale pixel antennas.

What contributes to promote sexual health in cancer palliative care? A realist review.

Sexuality is an important determinant of the overall health of a population and remains so at the end of life and in patients with advanced cancers. Despite the abundant literature on sexuality and intimacy, these topics have been rarely discussed in the context of cancer palliative care, and very few interventions to promote sexual health in patients undergoing cancer palliative care have been explored. In this study we sought to identify which factors and mechanisms contribute to promoting sexual health in cancer palliative care. A realist review was performed according to the guidelines of the realist and meta-narrative evidence synthesis method guidelines. Articles published between January 2010 and June 2021 were searched in 4 databases. Records were screened for their relevance regarding a predefined list of context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. Abstracts were independently screened by 2 authors before the data were extracted from the full-text articles selected for inclusion. With the use of abductive and retroductive reasoning techniques, each article was examined for evidence of its contribution to one of the CMO configurations, which could be refined when relevant. The data were summarized according to the final CMO configurations. Of the 2056 articles identified, 38 articles were included in the review. The data reported in these articles contributed to 7 CMO hypotheses: (1) improving communication skills, (2) healthcare provider training, (3) reorganizing the patient environment in care settings or at home, (4) managing sexual symptoms and also general symptoms, (5 and 6) patient-centered counseling or couple counseling, and (7) lifting the taboo. The findings reported here highlight various ways to improve sexual health for patients in cancer palliative care but are limited to genital cancers. Further research should consider all types of cancer rather than being restricted to genital cancers.

Inverse dynamic design for motion control of soft machines driven by dielectric elastomer actuators

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are a sort of electroactive polymers with large and fast responses, light masses and high energy densities. Hence, they are regarded as one of the most potential materials for artificial muscles and soft robots. Previous researches on DEs focused mainly on experimental prototypes and property optimization in a component level, while the system-level design and control of dynamic motions of DE actuators are still open problems. In this study, the computational method of inverse dynamic design (IDD) for input voltages of DE actuators is proposed by taking the electromechanical coupling mechanics and the effects of rigid-body motions into account. The proposed inverse dynamic design with nonlinear finite elements enables one to realize the high-precision modeling of soft actuators and to derive the dynamic voltages for desired trajectories in a system level. To describe the overall motions and deformations of DE actuators, the gradient constraints of the dynamic configurations of the actuators are introduced upon the assumption of time-varying uniform curvatures for the desired deformation. And then, based on the principle of energy equivalence, the dynamic voltages for the target deformations in motions are computed inversely from the Lagrange multipliers of the desired trajectories. In addition, the forward simulations by removing the constraints and applying the voltages are further conducted to validate and predict the final configurations. Finally, five numerical case studies and demonstrative experiments are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. This study endeavors to establish a universal inverse dynamic design method for the motion control of soft DE actuators, allowing for the application of theoretical methodology to engineering problems.

Left atrial appendage occlusion: On the need of a numerical model to simulate the implant procedure.

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a percutaneous procedure to prevent thromboembolism in patients affected by atrial fibrillation. Despite its demonstrated efficacy, the LAA morphological complexity hinders the procedure, resulting in postprocedural drawbacks (device-related thrombus and peri-device leakage). Local anatomical features may cause difficulties in the device's positioning and affect the effectiveness of the device's implant. The current work proposes a detailed FE model of the LAAO useful to investigate implant scenarios and derive clinical indications. A high-fidelity model of the Watchman FLX device and simplified parametric conduits mimicking the zone of the LAA where the device is deployed were developed. Device-conduit interactions were evaluated by looking at clinical indicators such as device-wall gap, possible cause of leakage, and device protrusion. As expected, the positioning of the crimped device before the deployment was found to significantly affect the implant outcomes: clinician's choices can be improved if FE models are used to optimize the pre-operative planning. Remarkably, also the wall mechanical stiffness plays an important role. However, this parameter value is unknown for a specific LAA, a crucial point that must be correctly defined for developing an accurate FE model. Finally, numerical simulations outlined how the device's configuration on which the clinician relies to assess the implant success (i.e., the deployed configuration with the device still attached to the catheter) may differ from the actual final device's configuration, relevant for achieving a safe intervention.

Don’t shake it! Mechanical stress testing of mRNA-lipid nanoparticles

Shaking stress studies are typically performed during formulation development to test the liability of a drug product towards interfacial stress occurring during transport, especially if a liquid formulation is desired. We evaluated various shaking procedures using a polyA-surrogate solution and verified our findings by eGFP-LNP cell-expression experiments. Shaking on an orbital shaker in vertical and horizontal orientations at increasing speeds from 300 to 600 rpm resulted in decreasing levels of encapsulated nucleic acid content, larger LNP sizes, and decreasing PDI. We report that vertical and horizontal shaking of both polyA- and eGFP-LNPs led to white deposits on the inner glass vial surface, depending on time, rpm, and temperature. Increasing the fill volume/smaller headspace (0.3 versus 0.9 mL fill) did not mitigate this phenomenon in the studied configuration, and the use of hydrophobic primary packaging even accelerated the formation of white deposits. In contrast, we demonstrated that a lyophilized polyA-LNP dosage form was less susceptible to shaking and maintained cake integrity and product properties. Multiple vortexing steps resulted in an increase in LNP size, PDI, and a decrease in encapsulated polyA content. We conclude that shaking experiments of nucleic acid-loaded LNPs in their final configuration at intended transport conditions need to be considered during technical development.

VIP-2 with modulated current: pathfinder for enhanced Pauli exclusion principle violation studies

Fermions are subject to the Pauli Exclusion Principle (PEP), which is grounded on the spin-statistics theorem and, hence, related to the very same structure of the underlying symmetries. The VIP-2 (VIolation of Pauli exclusion principle - 2) experiment has been performing extreme sensitivity tests of the PEP, up to its current and final configuration, exploiting several experimental setups designed to study different theoretical models of PEP violation, looking for a faint signal of physics Beyond the Standard Model.A current is introduced in the copper target to bring new electrons into the system and, hence, fulfill the requirements of the Messiah-Greenberg Super-Selection rule. The searched spin-statistics violating signal corresponds to X-rays emitted when the new electrons perform atomic transitions to the already filled fundamental level of copper. This work analyzes the set of the VIP-2 data corresponding to a test run of 68 days in a current modulated regime alternating no current with current data-taking in short periods (50 s each), instead the usual alternating months-long data-taking of each of these two phases. We propose an analysis method to improve the experiment’s sensitivity: a spectral analysis constraint with the Discrete Fourier Transformation of the data. Compared to the spectrum-only analysis, about a factor of 1.5 of improvement to the limit for the probability of PEP violation for electrons was obtained.

On the transition from single- to multi-humped internal solitary waves

We provide numerical evidence of the transition from rank-ordered trains of internal solitary waves (ISWs) to multi-humped packets. We ascribe such peculiar and unexplored dynamics to the emergence of a long-range influence among waves, mediated by the hydrodynamic conditions developing in the wake of each ISW and promoting acceleration of the trailing waves. Both the train during the transition and its final multi-humped configuration share hydrodynamic features which are consistent with the recently proposed theory of ISWs propagating through moving stratified environments.

Dynamics of a two-layer immiscible fluid system exposed to ultrasound.

The relocation dynamics of a two-layer immiscible fluid system exposed to bulk acoustic waves using simulations and experiments are reported. A theoretical formulation of the acoustic radiation pressure (ARP) acting on the interface reveals that ARP is a nonlinear function of the impedance contrast. It has been shown that the force acting on the interface is the simple sum of the ARP and the interfacial tension, which is dependent on the angle of the interface. It was discovered that although the acoustic radiation force is directed from high-impedance fluid (HIF) to low-impedance fluid (LIF), the final steady-state configuration depends on the wall-fluid contact angle (CA). Our study reveals that the HIF and LIF would relocate to the channel center for CA>110°, and CA<70°, respectively, while complete flipping of the fluids is observed for intermediate angles. The forces relocate the fluids in the channel, generally, by a clockwise or anticlockwise rotation. Here, it is demonstrated that the direction of this twist can be determined by the relative densities and wettabilities of the two fluids.

Dynamic Reactive Power Allocation Method of Power Grid with High-Permeability PV Considering Transient Voltage Stability

Dynamic Reactive Power Allocation Method of Power Grid with High-Permeability PV Considering Transient Voltage Stability

The influence of supports stiffness on the cable nets force distribution and geometry

This paper presents the initial stage of the design process of elastically supported cable net roofs. The form-finding and static analyses with large deformations are performed for two examples of structures. In both cases, the influence of real supports stiffness on the tensile force distribution and geometry of cable nets was compared. It was confirmed that it significantly influences designing of the final cable net configuration

Cholesterols Induced Distinctive Entry of the Graphene Nanosheet into the Cell Membrane.

Graphene nanosheets are highly valued in the biomedical field due to their potential applications in drug delivery, biological imaging, and biosensors. Their biological effects on mammalian cells may be influenced by cholesterols, which are crucial components in cell membranes that take part in many vital processes. Therefore, it is particularly important to investigate the effect of cholesterols on the transport mechanism of graphene nanosheets in the cell membrane as well as the final stable configuration of graphene, which may have an impact on cytotoxicity. In this paper, the molecular details of a graphene nanosheet interacting with a 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (DPPC) membrane with cholesterols were studied using molecular dynamics simulations. Results showed that the structure of the graphene nanosheet transits from the cut-in state in a pure DPPC membrane to being sandwiched between two DPPC leaflets when cholesterols reach a certain concentration. The underlying mechanism showed that cholesterols are preferentially adsorbed on the graphene nanosheet, which causes a larger disturbance to the nearby DPPC tails and thus guides the graphene nanosheet into the core of lipid bilayers to form a sandwiched structure. Our results are helpful for understanding the fundamental interaction mechanism between the graphene nanosheet and cell membrane and to explore the potential applications of the graphene nanosheet in biomedical sciences.

Preparation, shape memory properties and application research of PLA/PCL‐based shape memory polymers doped with Al2O3 and lignin

AbstractIn this paper, the influence of different material trademarks, mass ratios, the melt mass‐flow rate (MMFR) and molecular weights (MW), mold and injection temperatures, Al2O3 powder and lignin on the shape memory properties of PLA/PCL SMP material (PPSM) were then analyzed in detail by different characteristic methods. Besides, three promising applications (Origami metamaterials and variable‐stiffness grippers) are provided utilizing the PPSM doped with Al2O3/lignin. Eventually, a compensating strategy was discussed to improve the final configuration of the SMP after multi‐cycles. The shape memory recovery ratios could be improved by increasing the MMFR of PLA and the MW of PCL. The addition of 2 g‐Al2O3 could shorten the recovery time, while the addition of 2 g‐lignin could increase the thermal‐recovery force and mechanical performance. The shape memory rate under 20 g weights, initial peak forces at room and high temperatures of the origami metamaterials could reach 57%, 2027.29 N and 17.49 N, respectively. The tensile force of banding rebars could reach 150.29 N, which is promising to apply into the construction field.