First principles studies of a Si tip on Si(100) 2x1 reconstructed surface

We present a systematic study of the interaction between a silicon tip and a reconstructed Si(100)2×1 surface by means of total energy calculations using Density Functional Theory. We perform geometry optimisation to obtain the reconstructed Si surface using the Local Density Approximation and the Generalized Gradient Approximation methods and compare our results with those obtained experimentally. We then study the effects of the tip of a scanning probe of an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) on the behaviour of atoms on the reconstructed surface when the tip translates at distances close to it. Our results show that at certain positions of the tip relative to the surface and depending on the direction of the scan, the Si dimer on the surface flips, resulting to a local reconstruction of the surface into p(2×2) or c(4×2) configurations. These configurations exhibit energy lower by 0.05 eV/dimer compared to the Si(100)2×1 structure

A novel design process of low cost 3D printed ambidextrous finger designed for an ambidextrous robotic hand

This paper presents the novel mechanical design of an ambidextrous finger specifically designed for an ambidextrous anthropomorphic robotic hand actuated by pneumatic artificial muscles. The ambidextrous nature of design allows fingers to perform both left and right hand movements. The aim of our design is to reduce the number of actuators, increase the range of movements with best possible range ideally greater than a common human finger. Four prototypes are discussed in this paper; first prototype is focused on the choice of material and to consider the possible ways to reduce friction. Second prototype is designed to investigate the tendons routing configurations. Aim of third and fourth prototype is to improve the overall performance and to maximize the grasping force. Finally, a unified design (Final design) is presented in great detail. Comparison of all prototypes is done from different angles to evaluate the best design. The kinematic features of intermediate mode have been analysed to optimize both the flexibility and the robustness of the system, as well as to minimize the number of pneumatic muscles. The final design of an ambidextrous finger has developed, tested and 3D printed

Relational data factorization

Motivated by an analogy with matrix factorization, we introduce the problem of factorizing relational data. In matrix factorization, one is given a matrix and has to factorize it as a product of other matrices. In relational data factorization, the task is to factorize a given relation as a conjunctive query over other relations, i.e., as a combination of natural join operations. Given a conjunctive query and the input relation, the problem is to compute the extensions of the relations used in the query. Thus, relational data factorization is a relational analog of matrix factorization; it is also a form of inverse querying as one has to compute the relations in the query from the result of the query. The result of relational data factorization is neither necessarily unique nor required to be a lossless decomposition of the original relation. Therefore, constraints can be imposed on the desired factorization and a scoring function is used to determine its quality (often similarity to the original data). Relational data factorization is thus a constraint satisfaction and optimization problem. We show how answer set programming can be used for solving relational data factorization problems.Algorithms and the Foundations of Software technolog

Protoplasmic streaming of chloroplasts enables rapid photoacclimation in large diatoms

Long-term (2004–2020) studies showed yearly summer/autumn blooms in the NE Black Sea dominated by large (cell volume > 5000 μm3) diatoms (Pseudosolenia calcar-avis and Proboscia alata). This phenomenon is characterized by high (>250 W m−2 photosynthetically active radiation, PAR) insolation, and low phosphorus concentrations (to analytical zero). These diatoms contained >100 chloroplasts per cell, which at low irradiance are evenly distributed throughout the cell. As light increases (to 1000 μmol photons m−2 s−1 PAR), chloroplasts aggregate within 20 min, usually to the centre of the cell. In consequence, the light absorption coefficient is decreased by >3 fold. At elevated photon flux density (PFD), P. calcar-avis also shows a “conveyor” of chloroplasts moving from the aggregate to the cell periphery and back. This mechanism enables a continuous fine-tuning of the cells’ ability to absorb light, likely also facilitating photo-damage repair. This rapid photoacclimation mechanism allows large diatoms to minimize photodamage at high PFD and acclimate well to low PFD. We hypothesize that competitive success of large diatoms in conditions of high light gradients is aided by this short-term rapid photoacclimation enhancing growth rate while minimizing chloroplast repair costs, aided by the ability of large cells to accumulate nutrients for chloroplast synthesis

Fast Output Energy Regulation in a Medical Proton Linac

In proton therapy, depth scanning of the irradiated object is performed by changing the Output Energy (OE) of the accelerated beam. In pulsed linear accelerators, adjustment of the OE is usually by changing the amplitude and/or phase of the field in the accelerating elements from one RF pulse to another. The application of non-inertial traveling wave accelerating sections makes it possible to change quickly the phase of the accelerating field during the RF pulse. The phase of the field in the constant gradient section is determined both by the phase of the input RF signal and by the process of wave propagation in the dispersive structure. The calculation results of the traveling wave propagation in the accelerating structure when the phase of the input RF signal changes and the results of simulation the dynamics of particles confirm the change in the linac's OE during the RF pulse. The proposed method for regulation the OE makes it possible to increase in orders the speed of scanning the irradiated object by depth.Comment: in Russian languag

Construction of the Initial Part of a Ion Linear Accelerator from Similar Short Cavities

The construction of the initial part of a normally conducting linac for hydrogen ion beams with a pulsed current of ~20 mA up to an energy of ~70 MeV is considered. The RFQ at a frequency of ~160 MHz accelerates ions to an energy of ~4 MeV. Further acceleration is carried out at a doubled frequency by short, up to $5\beta\lambda$, cavities, operating in the TM010 mode, with drift tubes. Focusing is carried out by doublets of quadrupole lenses placed between the cavities. The structure of the accelerating-focusing channel, with given beam parameters, with reserves provides both the conditions for stable longitudinal and transverse motion of particles, and reliable technical implementation. The main results of the simulations of particle dynamics and the main parameters of the elements of the channel are presented. The possibility of constructing an linac with a higher output energy is analyzed.Comment: in Russian languag

Single-polarization, dual-wavelength mode-locked Yb-doped fiber laser by a 45°-tilted fiber grating

We experimentally demonstrate an all-fiber single-polarization dual-wavelength Yb-doped fiber laser passively mode-locked with a 45°-tilted fiber grating for the first time. Stable dual-wavelength operation exhibits double-rectangular spectral profile centered at 1033 and 1053 nm, respectively. The 3 dB bandwidth of each rectangular optical spectrum is estimated as 10 nm. The separation of two fundamental repetition rates is 6 kHz. By employing the 45° TFG with the polarization-dependent loss of 33 dB, output pulses with 27 dB polarization extinction ratio are implemented in the experiment. The single pulse centered at 1053 nm is researched by using a filter at the output port of the laser, and the experimental results denote that the output ps pulses are highly chirped. The formation mechanism of dual-wavelength operation is investigated

Design and development of Low cost 3D printed ambidextrous robotic hand driven by pneumatic muscles

This paper presents the mechanical design and development process of an ambidextrous robot hand driven by pneumatic muscles. The ambidextrous hand is capable of performing both right hand and left hand movements. In addition to ambidextrous movements, hand offers a range twice larger than common fingers. The mechanical design of an ambidextrous robot has been investigated in a way to reduce maximum possible number of actuators. Actuated by only 18 pneumatic muscles, the ambidextrous hand has a total of 13 degrees of freedom which permit to imitate equally a hand of each side. The ambidextrous hand is 3D printed after carefully analyzing the material, tendon routing, kinematic performance and overall design parameters. The main application areas of this project are in rehabilitation and physiotherapy after strokes and management of phantom pain for amputees by controlling the robotic prosthesis remotely via internet and social media interface. The ambidextrous feature of the robotic hand allows completing the tele-rehabilitation for both left and right hands using one robotic device

Comorbid disease in children and adolescents with perinatal HIV infection: A pilot study

Background. With the increased use of combination antiretroviral therapy, the mortality of people living with HIV has decreased significantly, which has led to an increase of comorbidity and secondary HIV-related pathology in both adults and also in children and adolescents living with HIV infection. The incidence of children and adolescents with HIV infection and those in the general population varies significantly.The aim. To assess the frequency and range of chronic comorbidities in children and adolescents with perinatal HIV infection Methods. We carried out an observational study. Data on the incidence of 161 children with perinatal HIV infection registered in the Irkutsk Regional AIDS Center were copied.Results. Overall incidence of tuberculosis (18633.5 per 100 000 children), diseases of the digestive system (24844.7 per 100 000 children), diseases of the eye and adnexa (28571.4 per 100 000 children), diseases of the nervous system (18012.4 per 100 000 children), mental and behavioral disorders (13,664.6 per 100 000 children) in children with perinatal HIV infection is the higher than in children of comparable age. The overall incidence values of the endocrine system diseases, eating and metabolic disorders, diseases of the ear and mastoid process, diseases of the circulatory system, diseases of the genitourinary system, as well as congenital disorders and chromosomal disorders in children and adolescents with and without perinatal HIV infection are comparable.Conclusion. The prevalence of diseases of the circulatory, respiratory and genitourinary systems in children with perinatal HIV infection is comparable to that in the corresponding population. Prevalence of tuberculosis, anemia, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the eye and adnexa, diseases of the nervous system, mental and behavioral disorders is higher compared to children not exposed to HIV

Importance of heterogeneity in Porhyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide lipid A in tissue specific inflammatory signaling

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Porphyromonas gingivalis exists in at least two known forms, O-LPS and A-LPS. A-LPS shows heterogeneity in which two isoforms designated LPS1435/1449 and LPS1690 appear responsible for tissue specific immune signalingpathways activation and increased virulence. The modification of lipid A to tetra-acylated1435/1449 and/or penta-acylated1690 fatty acids indicates poor growth conditions and bioavailability of hemin. Hemin protects P. gingivalis from serum resistance and the lipid A serves as a site for its binding. The LPS1435/1449 and LPS1690 isoforms can produce opposite effects on the human Toll-like receptors (TLR) TLR 2 and TLR 4 activation. This enabless P. gingivalis to select the conditions for its entry, survival and that of its co-habiting species in the host, orchestrating its virulence to control innate immune pathway activation and biofilm dysbiosis. Thismini review describes a number of effects that LPS1435/1449 and LPS1690 can exert on the host tissues such as deregulation of the innate immune system, subversion of host cell autophagy, regulation of outer membrane vesicle production and adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. The ability to change its LPS1435/1449 and/or LPS1690 composition may enables P. gingivalis to paralyze local pro-inflammatory cytokine production, thereby gaining access to its primary location in periodontal tissue