Molecular-beam epitaxy of GaSb on 6°-offcut (001) Si using a GaAs nucleation layer

International audienceWe studied and optimized the molecular beam epitaxy of GaSb layers on vicinal (001) Si substrates using a GaAs nucleation layer. An in-depth analysis of the different growth stages under optimized conditions revealed the formation of a high density of small GaAs islands forming a quasi-two-dimensional layer. GaSb then nucleated atop this layer as three-dimensional islands before turning to two-dimensional growth within a few nanometers. Moreover, reflexion high-energy electron diffraction revealed a fast relaxation of GaAs on Si and of GaSb on GaAs. The GaSb layer quality was better than that of similar layers grown on Si through AlSb nucleation layers

Model Predictive Control Design and Hardware in the Loop Validation for an Electric Vehicle Powertrain Based on Induction Motors

Electric vehicles (EV) have gained importance in recent years due to environmental pollution and the future scarcity of fossil resources. They have been the subject of study for many years, where much work has focused on batteries and the electric motor (EM). There are several types of motors in the market but the most widely used are induction motors, especially squirrel cage motors. Induction motors have also been extensively studied and, nowadays, there are several control methods used—for example, those based on vector control, such as field-oriented control (FOC) and direct torque control (DTC). Further, at a higher level, such as the speed loop, several types of controllers, such as proportional integral (PI) and model predictive control (MPC), have been tested. This paper shows a comparison between a Continuous Control Set MPC (CCS-MPC) and a conventional PI controller within the FOC method, both in simulation and hardware in the loop (HIL) tests, to control the speed of an induction motor for an EV powered by lithium-ion batteries. The comparison is composed of experiments based on the speed and quality of response and the controllers’ stability. The results are shown graphically and numerically analyzed using performance metrics such as the integral of the absolute error (IAE), where the MPC shows a 50% improvement over the PI in the speed tracking performance. The efficiency of the MPC in battery consumption is also demonstrated, with 5.07 min more driving time

Particle Swarm Optimization-Based Control for Maximum Power Point Tracking Implemented in a Real Time Photovoltaic System

Photovoltaic panels present an economical and environmentally friendly renewable energy solution, with advantages such as emission-free operation, low maintenance, and noiseless performance. However, their nonlinear power-voltage curves necessitate efficient operation at the Maximum Power Point (MPP). Various techniques, including Hill Climb algorithms, are commonly employed in the industry due to their simplicity and ease of implementation. Nonetheless, intelligent approaches like Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) offer enhanced accuracy in tracking efficiency with reduced oscillations. The PSO algorithm, inspired by collective intelligence and animal swarm behavior, stands out as a promising solution due to its efficiency and ease of integration, relying only on standard current and voltage sensors commonly found in these systems, not like most intelligent techniques, which require additional modeling or sensoring, significantly increasing the cost of the installation. The primary contribution of this study lies in the implementation and validation of an advanced control system based on the PSO algorithm for real-time Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) in a commercial photovoltaic system to assess its viability by testing it against the industry-standard controller, Perturbation and Observation (P&O), to highlight its advantages and limitations. Through rigorous experiments and comparisons with other methods, the proposed PSO-based control system’s performance and feasibility have been thoroughly evaluated. A sensitivity analysis of the algorithm’s search dynamics parameters has been conducted to identify the most effective combination for optimal real-time tracking. Notably, experimental comparisons with the P&O algorithm have revealed the PSO algorithm’s remarkable ability to significantly reduce settling time up to threefold under similar conditions, resulting in a substantial decrease in energy losses during transient states from 31.96% with P&O to 9.72% with PSO

Pontos-chave patológicos e ecocardiográficos da displasia da válvula atrioventricular direita

Congenital insufficiency of the right atrioventricular valve is defined as tricuspid dysplasia. The alteration occurs in septal and mural valve leaflets, in chordae tendineae or in papillary muscles. The malformation causes tricuspid regurgitation and presentation of clinical signs associated with congestive right heart failure. Macroscopic lesions include localized or diffuse nodulation or thickening of valves leaflets, short or elongated chordae tendineae, with incomplete development and partial fusion or union, papillary muscles with abnormal attachment or incomplete separation to the right ventricular wall, or absence of one or more muscles. The aim of this work is to provide information and casuistry for diagnostic purposes of a pathology of low prevalence in companion animals. Between 2011 and 2021, 24 canines with a definitive diagnosis of tricuspid dysplasia were treated. The pathology was more frequent in dogs of small to medium size, Poodle (4), Dachshund (3), French Bulldog (3), Yorkshire terrier (2), Bull terrier (1), Boxer (1) and 10 mongrels, 3 under 12 kg and 7 between 12 and 30 kg in weight, medium to large size. The findings are different, race and size, to those observed by other authors. Nodular thickening associated with short chordae tendineae was the most common valve malformation. Tricuspid dysplasia was associated with half (13 of 24) of the cases with pulmonary stenosis. Other congenital anomalies, interventricular and atrial septal defect, were also related. The precise diagnosis of the congenital abnormality of the tricuspid valve apparatus can only be made by echocardiography. Valve alterations, septal leaflet, characterized by nodulation, thickening and union to theinterventricular septum, were the most common. The continuous spectral Doppler exploration allowed determining severity, pressures in the atrial and right ventricular chambers and establishing hemodynamic effects of the process and its implication in the prognosis and treatment of the patient.La insuficiencia congénita de la válvula auriculoventricular derecha se define como displasia tricuspídea. La alteración se presenta en hojuelas valvares septal y mural, en cuerdas tendinosas o en músculos papilares. La malformación provoca regurgitación tricuspídea y presentación de signos clínicos asociados a insuficiencia cardíaca derecha congestiva. Las lesiones macroscópicas incluyen nodulación o engrosamiento localizado o difuso de hojuelas valvares, cuerdas tendinosas cortas o alargadas, con desarrollo incompleto y fusión o unión parcial, músculos papilares con inserción anormal o separación incompleta a la pared ventricular derecha o ausencia de uno o más músculos. El objetivo del presente trabajo es aportar información y casuística con fines diagnósticos de una patología de baja prevalencia en animales de compañía. Entre 2011 y 2021 se atendieron 24 caninos con diagnóstico definitivo de displasia tricuspídea. La patología fue más frecuente en perros de talla pequeña a mediana, Caniche (4), Dachshund (3), Bulldog francés (3), Yorkshire terrier (2), Bull terrier (1), Bóxer (1) y 10 mestizos, 3 menores a 12 kg y 7 entre 12 y 30 kg de peso, de talla mediana a grande. Los hallazgos son distintos, raza y talla, a los observados por otros autores. El engrosamiento nodular asociado a cuerdas tendinosas cortas fue la malformación valvar más común. La displasia tricuspídea se asoció con la mitad (13 de 24) de los casos con estenosis pulmonar. Otras anomalías congénitas, comunicación interventricular e interauricular, también se presentaron relacionadas. El diagnóstico preciso de la anormalidad congénita sobre el aparato valvular tricuspídeo sólo puede ser realizado por ecocardiografía. Las alteraciones valvares, hojuela septal, caracterizados por nodulación, engrosamiento y unión al septum interventricular, fueron las más habituales. La exploración doppler espectral continuo permitió determinar gravedad, presiones en cámaras atrial y ventricular derecha y establecer efectos hemodinámicos del proceso y su implicancia en el pronóstico y tratamiento del paciente.A regurgitação congênita da valva atrioventricular direita é definida como displasia tricúspide. A alteração ocorre nos folhetos valvares septais e murais, nas cordas tendíneas ou nos músculos papilares. A malformação causa regurgitação tricúspide e apresentação de sinais clínicos associados à insuficiência cardíaca direita congestiva. As lesões macroscópicas incluem nodulação localizada ou difusa ou espessamento dos folhetos valvares, cordas tendíneas curtas ou alongadas, com desenvolvimento incompleto e fusão ou união parcial, músculos papilares com inserção anormal ou separação incompleta da parede do ventrículo direito ou ausência de um ou mais músculos. O objetivo deste trabalho é fornecer informações e casuística para fins de diagnóstico de uma patologia de baixa prevalência em animais de companhia. Entre 2011 e 2021, foram tratados 24 cães com diagnóstico definitivo de displasia tricúspide. A patologia foi mais frequente em cães de pequeno a médio porte, Poodle (4), Dachshund (3), Bulldog Francês (3), Yorkshire Terrier (2), Bull Terrier (1), Boxer (1) e 10 mestiços , 3 com menos de 12 kg e 7 entre 12 e 30 kg de peso, de tamanho médio a grande. Os achados são diferentes, raça e estatura, aos observados por outros autores. Espessamento nodular associado a cordoalhas tendíneas curtas foi a malformação valvar mais comum. A displasia tricúspide esteve associada a metade (13 de 24) dos casos com estenose pulmonar. Outras anomalias congênitas, defeitos do septo interventricular e interatrial, também foram relatadas. O diagnóstico preciso da anormalidade congênita no aparelho da valva tricúspide só pode ser feito pela ecocardiografia. As alterações valvares, do folheto septal, caracterizadas por nodulação, espessamento e união ao septo interventricular, foram as mais comuns. A exploração contínua com Doppler espectral permitiu determinar a gravidade, as pressões nas câmaras atriais e ventriculares direitas e estabelecer os efeitos hemodinâmicos do processo e suas implicações no prognóstico e tratamento do paciente.patologia de baixa prevalência em animais de companhia. Entr

Oral contraceptives do not modify the risk of a second attack and disability accrual in a prospective cohort of women with a clinically isolated syndrome and early multiple sclerosis

Cohort study; Oral contraceptives; Second relapseEstudio de cohorte; Anticonceptivos orales; Segunda recaídaEstudi de cohorts; Anticonceptius orals; Segona recaigudaObjective: To evaluate whether oral contraceptive (OC) use is associated with the risk of a second attack and disability accrual in women with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and early multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Reproductive information from women included in the Barcelona CIS prospective cohort was collected through a self-reported cross-sectional survey. We examined the relationship of OC exposure with the risk of a second attack and confirmed Expanded Disability Status Scale of 3.0 using multivariate Cox regression models, adjusted by age, topography of CIS, oligoclonal bands, baseline brain T2 lesions, body size at menarche, smoking, and disease-modifying treatment (DMT). OC and DMT exposures were considered as time-varying variables. Findings were confirmed with sensitivity analyses using propensity score models. Results: A total of 495 women were included, 389 (78.6%) referred to ever use OC and 341 (68.9%) started OC before the CIS. Exposure to OC was not associated with a second attack (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–1.61) or disability accrual (aHR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.17–3.76). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results. Conclusion: OC use does not modify the risk of second attack or disability accrual in patients with CIS and early MS, once considered as a time-dependent exposure and adjusted by other potential confounders.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This project was supported by FIS PI15/0070 from Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain

Pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma. Postoperative outcome after surgical treatment in a Spanish multicenter study (PANMEKID)

Background: Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) occasionally spreads to the pancreas. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the short and long-term results of a multicenter series in order to determine the effect of surgical treatment on the prognosis of these patients. Methods: Multicenter retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery for RCC pancreatic metastases, from January 2010 to May 2020. Variables related to the primary tumor, demographics, clinical characteristics of metastasis, location in the pancreas, type of pancreatic resection performed and data on short and long-term evolution after pancreatic resection were collected. Results: The study included 116 patients. The mean time between nephrectomy and pancreatic metastases' resection was 87.35 months (ICR: 1.51-332.55). Distal pancreatectomy was the most performed technique employed (50 %). Postoperative morbidity was observed in 60.9 % of cases (Clavien-Dindo greater than IIIa in 14 %). The median follow-up time was 43 months (13-78). Overall survival (OS) rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 96 %, 88 %, and 83 %, respectively. The disease-free survival (DFS) rate at 1, 3, and 5 years was 73 %, 49 %, and 35 %, respectively. Significant prognostic factors of relapse were a disease free interval of less than 10 years (2.05 [1.13-3.72], p 0.02) and a history of previous extrapancreatic metastasis (2.44 [1.22-4.86], p 0.01). Conclusions: Pancreatic resection if metastatic RCC is found in the pancreas is warranted to achieve higher overall survival and disease-free survival, even if extrapancreatic metastases were previously removed. The existence of intrapancreatic multifocal compromise does not always warrant the performance of a total pancreatectomy in order to improve survival

Las ciencias de la actividad física y del deporte en España: evolución, situación actual y prospectivas

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la situación de la rama de conocimiento de las Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte, desde una perspectiva científica y profesional, explicando las diferentes áreas que forman parte de la misma, y planteando hacia donde avanza el conocimiento y la profesión dentro de este ámbito. Para ello, desde la Asociación Española de Ciencias del Deporte se ha planteado una revisión sobre cada una de las áreas de conocimiento dentro de este campo, analizando su evolución científica, los avances que se han producido en las últimas décadas, y hacia donde se dirige desde una perspectiva científica y profesional, destacando el gran crecimiento experimentado en los últimos años. Por último, se plantean unas prospectivas básicas de crecimiento y desarrollo, que posicionan a esta ciencia en un contexto propicio para generar una gran transferencia y aplicabilidad social, que permitan optimizar aspectos educativos, hábitos de salud y rendimiento deportivo en nuestro país.Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deport

A single-dose strategy for immunization with live attenuated vaccines is an effective option before treatment initiation in multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple sclerosis; Infections; VaccinationEsclerosi múltiple; Infeccions; VacunacióEsclerosis múltiple; Infecciones; VacunaciónBackground: Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR) and Varicella zoster vaccines (VAR) are live attenuated vaccines, usually administered in a two-dose scheme at least 4 weeks apart. However, single-dose immunization schemes may also be effective and can reduce delays in immunosuppressive treatment initiation in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) who need to be immunized. Objectives: To evaluate the immunogenicity of a single-dose attempt (SDA) versus the standard immunization scheme (SIS) with VAR and/or MMR in pwMS. Methods: Retrospective observational study in pwMS vaccinated against VAR and/or MMR. We compared seroprotection rates and antibody geometric mean titers (GMTs) between the two strategies. Results: Ninety-six patients were included. Thirty-one patients received VAR and 67 MMR. In the SDA group, the seroprotection rate was 66.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 53.3–78.3) versus 97.2% (95% CI: 85.5–99.9) in the SIS (p < 0.001). For the seroprotected patients, GMTs were similar for both schemes. Conclusion: An SDA of VAR and/or MMR vaccines could be sufficient to protect almost two-thirds of patients. Testing immunogenicity after a single dose of VZ and/or MMR could be included in routine clinical practice to achieve rapid immunization.This study has been funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) through the project PI19/01606 and co-funded by the European Union and ECTRIMS clinical fellowship awarded to René Carvajal from 2021 to 2022

Deciphering multiple sclerosis disability with deep learning attention maps on clinical MRI

Deep learning; Disability; Structural MRIAprendizaje profundo; Discapacidad; Resonancia magnética estructuralAprenentatge profund; Discapacitat; Ressonància magnètica estructuralThe application of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to MRI data has emerged as a promising approach to achieving unprecedented levels of accuracy when predicting the course of neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, by means of extracting image features not detectable through conventional methods. Additionally, the study of CNN-derived attention maps, which indicate the most relevant anatomical features for CNN-based decisions, has the potential to uncover key disease mechanisms leading to disability accumulation. From a cohort of patients prospectively followed up after a first demyelinating attack, we selected those with T1-weighted and T2-FLAIR brain MRI sequences available for image analysis and a clinical assessment performed within the following six months (N = 319). Patients were divided into two groups according to expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score: ≥3.0 and < 3.0. A 3D-CNN model predicted the class using whole-brain MRI scans as input. A comparison with a logistic regression (LR) model using volumetric measurements as explanatory variables and a validation of the CNN model on an independent dataset with similar characteristics (N = 440) were also performed. The layer-wise relevance propagation method was used to obtain individual attention maps. The CNN model achieved a mean accuracy of 79% and proved to be superior to the equivalent LR-model (77%). Additionally, the model was successfully validated in the independent external cohort without any re-training (accuracy = 71%). Attention-map analyses revealed the predominant role of frontotemporal cortex and cerebellum for CNN decisions, suggesting that the mechanisms leading to disability accrual exceed the mere presence of brain lesions or atrophy and probably involve how damage is distributed in the central nervous system.MS PATHS is funded by Biogen. This study has been possible thanks to a Junior Leader La Caixa Fellowship awarded to C. Tur (fellowship code is LCF/BQ/PI20/11760008) by “la Caixa” Foundation (ID 100010434). The salaries of C. Tur and Ll. Coll are covered by this award

Vaccine Safety and Immunogenicity in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Natalizumab

Immunogenicity; Vaccine; Multiple sclerosisImmunogenicitat; Vacuna; Esclerosi múltipleInmunogenicidad; Vacuna; Esclerosis múltipleImportance Vaccination in patients with highly active multiple sclerosis (MS) requiring prompt treatment initiation may result in impaired vaccine responses and/or treatment delay. Objective To assess the immunogenicity and safety of inactivated vaccines administered during natalizumab treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants This self-controlled, prospective cohort study followed adult patients with MS from 1 study center in Spain from September 2016 to February 2022. Eligible participants included adults with MS who completed immunization for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), and COVID-19 during natalizumab therapy. Data analysis was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023. Exposures Patients were categorized according to their time receiving natalizumab treatment at the time of vaccine administration as short-term (≤1 year) or long-term (>1 year). Main Outcomes and Measures Demographic, clinical, and radiological characteristics were collected during the year before vaccination (prevaccination period) and the year after vaccination (postvaccination period). Seroprotection rates and postvaccination immunoglobulin G titers were determined for each vaccine within both periods. Additionally, differences in annualized relapse rate (ARR), new T2 lesions (NT2L), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and John Cunningham virus (JCV) serostatus between the 2 periods were assessed. Results Sixty patients with MS (mean [SD] age, 43.2 [9.4] years; 44 female [73.3%]; 16 male [26.7%]; mean [SD] disease duration, 17.0 [8.7] years) completed HBV, HAV, and mRNA COVID-19 immunization during natalizumab treatment, with 12 patients in the short-term group and 48 patients in the long-term group. The global seroprotection rate was 93% (95% CI, 86%-98%), with individual vaccine rates of 92% for HAV (95% CI, 73%-99%), 93% for HBV (95% CI, 76%-99%), and 100% for the COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine (95% CI, 84%-100%). Between the prevaccination and postvaccination periods there was a significant reduction in the mean (SD) ARR (0.28 [0.66] vs 0.01 [0.12]; P = .004) and median (IQR) NT2L (5.00 [2.00-10.00] vs 0.81 [0.00-0.50]; P = .01). No changes in disability accumulation were detected (median [IQR] EDSS score 3.5 [2.0-6.0] vs 3.5 [2.0-6.0]; P = .62). No differences in safety and immunogenicity were observed for all vaccines concerning the duration of natalizumab treatment. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cohort study suggest that immunization with inactivated vaccines during natalizumab therapy was both safe and immunogenic, regardless of the treatment duration. Natalizumab may be a valuable option for proper immunization, averting treatment delays in patients with highly active MS; however, this strategy needs to be formally evaluated.This study was supported by grants from the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII; project PI19/01606), and cofunded by the European Union