Browse Articles

Synthesize multiple V/H directional beams for high altitude platform station based on deep-learning algorithm

Abstract This paper investigates the integration of High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) with Deep Learning (DL) models to enhance coverage capabilities. Recognizing the inherent limitations of traditional HAPS coverage, which is typically confined to a circular area, this work proposes a novel approach utilizing a 60-element Concentric Circular Array (CCA) operating at 2.1 GHz. To dynamically generate multiple vertical/horizontal (V/H) directional beams, the system integrates a Deep Neural Network (DNN) with a modified version of the Gravitational Search Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization (MGSA-PSO) algorithm. This hybrid approach optimizes the feeding phases of the CCA elements, enabling the system to effectively cover diverse road paths. Furthermore, the study incorporates realistic scenarios by utilizing the Computer Simulation Technology-Microwave Studio Suite (CST) with the Earth Explorer (EE) user interface tool to model real-world road paths, including those traversing challenging terrains such as rugged deserts with mountain chains and forested areas.

Cue combination and individual differences during weight judgements using familiar and newly learned cues

Abstract Human perception is often characterised by efficient combination of sensory signals (cues). In recent studies, people could also improve precision via newly learned cues, with applications to enhance perception in healthy and clinical groups. However, it is unclear whether new cues can enhance manual object interactions. To study how new cues are used for object weight perception, people compared weights of containers. With haptic information plus the familiar visual cue of volume, participants showed precision improvements indicating cue combination. By contrast, a group of participants briefly trained with a novel visual cue to weight (line orientation) did not show improvements expected from combination. We then asked whether prolonged training (12 h) with the novel cue would promote combination, testing for significant precision gains individually in six participants. Half of participants showed combination benefits, but these were not clearly related to training, as some combined cues before training. Using an illusion analogous to the size-weight illusion, we also asked whether the novel cue would become an automatic predictor of weight: two participants were susceptible to the illusion. We conclude that weight perception is susceptible to some enhancement, but subject to training effects and individual differences that are not yet understood.

A comparison of three kinds of balloon dilatations for patients with benign esophageal strictures

Electrospun preparation of nickel and Cobalt-doped ZnO fibers: study on the physical properties

Longitudinal changes in the intraocular pressure and their related factors among adults aged 40 to 64 years

Exploring non-invasive biomarkers for pulmonary nodule detection based on salivary microbiomics and machine learning algorithms

An ESG-ConvNeXt network for steel surface defect classification based on hybrid attention mechanism

Diagnostic features of Acanthamoeba keratitis via in vivo confocal microscopy

Abstract In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) offers a non-invasive, rapid method for diagnosing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) by detecting cysts or trophozoites in the initial clinic visit images. In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed HRT3 IVCM images from patients presenting to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital with clinically- suspected AK for IVCM morphological features (IVCM-MF) of both Acanthamoeba and corneal cells. Twenty-seven patients were included in the study: median age 29 years (range 16–71 years), female gender (59%; n = 16/27) and contact lens wear as the main risk factor. Median symptom duration before the initial ophthalmologist visit was 9 days (range 2 to 42 days). IVCM had a higher detection rate for AK in 85% of patients (n = 23/27), with culture positivity in only 74% (n = 20/27; 17 of whom were also IVCM-positive). Acanthamoeba IVCM-MF included: bright spots (87%, n = 20/23), double-walled cysts (56%, n = 13/23), signet-ring (22%, n = 5/23) and trophozoites (30%, n = 7/23). Bright spots and double-walled cysts coalesced in lines/clusters in 1 patient. Corneal epithelial cells had a “koilocyte” appearance in 64% (n = 14/22). Microtubules connecting adjacent keratocytes were visible in 52% (n = 12/23), particularly associated with A. polyphaga ulcers (p = 0.02). These IVCM features observed in corneal epithelial cells and keratocytes may represent potential imaging biomarkers for AK diagnosis and warrant further investigation to validate their diagnostic utility. By demonstrating IVCM’s superior diagnostic performance, providing rapid and accurate diagnostics, this study advocates for its inclusion in standard diagnostic workflows for AK, paving the way for future advancements in clinical practice.

Gait kinematic and kinetic characteristics among older adults with varying degrees of frailty: a cross-sectional study

Characterization of a new mutation of mitochondrial ND6 gene in hepatocellular carcinoma and its effects on respiratory complex I

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, which often arises from previous liver pathologies such as HBV, HCV, and alcohol abuse. It is typically associated with an enlarged cirrhotic organ. In this study, we analyzed tumor and distal tissues from a patient who underwent liver resection for HCC with no previous pathologies and whose liver showed normal function without signs of cirrhosis. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) revealed a novel variant of the gene encoding the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6) protein in the tumor tissue. The deletion of a thymidine generated an early stop codon, resulting in a truncated form of the protein (ΔND6) with 50% of the C-terminal primary sequence missing. ND6 is a subunit of the NADH dehydrogenase complex, also known as Complex I, the largest complex in the electron transport chain. Previous studies have linked mtDNA Complex I mutations to mitochondrial disorders and cancer. Through biochemical analyses, we characterized this new mutation and showed that the expression of ΔND6 negatively affects the stability and functionality of Complex I. Data were confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations suggesting conformational rearrangements, overall revealing a leading role of ND6 in the assembly of Complex I.

Visual Mamba UNet fusion multi-scale attention and detail infusion for unsound corn kernels segmentation

Experimental study on the mechanical properties of short-cut basalt fiber reinforced concrete under large eccentric compression

Extreme events induced by climate change alter nectar offer to pollinators in cross pollination-dependent crops

The impact of initiation timing of continuous renal replacement therapy on outcomes in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury a retrospective study from the MIMIC-IV database

Lateral frontopolar theta-band activity supports flexible switching between emotion regulation strategies

Diffusion principles of SF6 tracer gas: constraints on SF6 mixing distance in mine tunnels

A group based network analysis for Alzheimer’s disease fMRI data

Online database of clinical algorithms with race and ethnicity

A novel avenue in the successful synthesis of Schiff base macromolecules via innovative plasma and classical approaches

Multi-omics study reveals differential expression and phosphorylation of autophagy-related proteins in autism spectrum disorder