In this paper, a tunable sensor with a decent dynamic range and a superior sensitivity for the detection of dielectric loss of liquid sample droplets in the millimeter-wave frequencies is proposed. ...The sensor works based on the whispering gallery mode resonances of a dielectric resonator which is coupled to a dielectric waveguide from the bottom. To extract the maximum dynamic range and sensitivity of the sensor, the coupling mechanism between the resonator and the dielectric waveguide has been designed to be controllable by using an adjustable screw. The border of the resonator is the most sensitive area of the sensor because of high interaction between the sample and the resonant fields of the resonator. Theoretical analysis and experimental verification for the proposed sensor are discussed.
Despite artificial intelligence (AI) having transformed major aspects of our society, less than a fraction of its potential has been explored, let alone deployed, for education. AI-powered learning ...can provide millions of learners with a highly personalized, active and practical learning experience, which is key to successful learning. This is especially relevant in the context of online learning platforms. In this paper, we present the results of a comparative head-to-head study on learning outcomes for two popular online learning platforms (n=199 participants): A MOOC platform following a traditional model delivering content using lecture videos and multiple-choice quizzes, and the Korbit learning platform providing a highly personalized, active and practical learning experience. We observe a huge and statistically significant increase in the learning outcomes, with students on the Korbit platform providing full feedback resulting in higher course completion rates and achieving learning gains 2 to 2.5 times higher than both students on the MOOC platform and students in a control group who don't receive personalized feedback on the Korbit platform. The results demonstrate the tremendous impact that can be achieved with a personalized, active learning AI-powered system. Making this technology and learning experience available to millions of learners around the world will represent a significant leap forward towards the democratization of education.
We report on the ab initio discovery of a novel putative ground state for
quasi two-dimensional TiO$_2$ through a structural search using the minima
hopping method with an artificial neural network ...potential. The structure is
based on a honeycomb lattice and is energetically lower than the experimentally
reported lepidocrocite sheet by 7~meV/atom, and merely 13~meV/atom higher in
energy than the ground state rutile bulk structure. According to our
calculations, the hexagonal sheet is stable against mechanical stress, it is
chemically inert and can be deposited on various substrates without disrupting
the structure. Its properties differ significantly from all known TiO$_2$ bulk
phases with a large gap of 5.05~eV that can be tuned through strain
engineering.
Distributed wireless sensor networks, which are consisting of several single sensors, are becoming very popular in many important applications. This paper talks about collaborative algorithms which ...are implemented on WSN in order to find the location of sound source. In this paper, an algorithm is discussed for each node and a collaborative algorithm is proposed for sink node. The algorithms are designed in order to find the location of acoustic source in realtime. For localizing, 4 nodes are used. Each of them finds the direction of acoustic source individually. Then, they transfer their computed angle to sink node in order to localize acoustic source. Thus, 4 direction finder nodes and 1 sink node are designed. Direction finder nodes, which consist of 2 microphones, compute the angle of acoustic source respect to itself using GCC algorithm. Sink node receives the computed angles through wireless communication. Moreover, sink node computes the probability graph of the environment. Then, the maximum point of this graph determines the location of acoustic source. At last, represented nodes are built and they are tested in practical environment. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is accurate and feasible.
Abstract
Objective. Comprehensive sequencing of the coding exons of the calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR) was performed in a group of Iranian recurrent calcium kidney stone-formers and the results ...were compared with a control group. Material and methods. Serum and urine parameters were evaluated in 99 males aged between 30 and 55 years old with idiopathic recurrent calcium urolithiasis and in 107 men as a control group. Products of polymerase chain reaction were sequenced using forward primer until a mutation was found in that exon. Then, other cases were analysed by single-strand conformation polymorphism. Results. Four polymorphisms were detected in CASR exons, all in the coding region of exon 7. These polymorphisms and their minor allele frequency were P748P (100%), A986S (1%), R990G (3%) and E1011Q (98%). There was a significantly higher count of 986S (p = 0.006), 990G (p = 0.006) and E1011 (p = 0.02) alleles in patients. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 2.55 (1.31-4.96) in those at risk of stone disease for the 986S allele and 8.06 (1.80-35.9) for the 990G allele. Men with the RR genotype at R990G showed a significantly higher serum ionized calcium than the RG or GG group (p = 0.03). A significantly lower serum total calcium was found in subjects with the QQ than the EQ genotype with respect to the 1011 locus (p = 0.005). Furthermore, the 1011Q allele was marginally associated with hypercalciuria (p = 0.05). Conclusion. The 986S, 990G and 1011Q alleles were associated with a recurrent calcium kidney stone-forming state. 986S and 1011Q alleles, but not 986S, were associated with hypercalcaemia.
Grebe syndrome is a recessively inherited acromesomelic dysplasia. We studied clinically and radiographically, a 5 months old infant, originated from Tehran, Iran. The phenotype is characterized by a ...normal axial skeleton and severely shortened and deformed limbs. Upper and lower limbs were very short and in radiography Humerus and femur were relatively normal, the Ulna was absent and a short deformed Radius was seen, also Tibia and Fibula were not seen. Several joints of Carpus, Tarsus, hand, and foot were absent.
OBJECTIVESIn this case study, we describe a 35-year-old woman with pulmonary hypertension that was secondary to thyrotoxicosis who presented with exertional dyspnea. In the approach to exertional ...dyspnea, detailed physical examination and laboratory findings helped to get the diagnosis. METHODSEchocardiography showed right ventricular systolic pressure = 60 mmHg. A suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone was seen in lab tests. The patient was treated with radioactive iodine. RESULTSPalpitations and shortness of breath improved, and both her thyroid-stimulating hormone and T4 levels decreased. Echocardiography and the pulmonary pressure were normal after treatment. CONCLUSIONSThyrotoxicosis is one of the etiologies of pulmonary hypertension, but the exact etiology and pathogenesis remain unknown. Some patients may have symptomatic pulmonary hypertension that can be resolved by hyperthyroidism treatment.
Current assessment tools of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) diagnosis are challenging. This study evaluated the possible application of assessment of interleukin (IL)-17-related ...cytokines and the circulatory T helper 17 cells in the diagnosis of ADPKD.
Enrolling 54 ADPKD patients and 54 healthy individuals, we measured serum and urine levels of IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, and transforming growth factor-β and the peripheral blood frequency of T helper 17 cells through flowcytometry. We computed sensitivity and specificity of each inflammatory marker as well as their different combinations using the receiver operating characteristic curve and discriminant function analysis.
The mean serum and urine levels of IL-17 and IL-23 as well as urine levels of IL-6 were higher in ADPKD patients compared to the healthy controls (P < .001). There was no significant difference in the number of T helper 17 cells between the two groups. Among different combinations of the inflammatory markers, the serum IL-17 was the best factor in the diagnosis of ADPKD with a sensitivity as well as specificity of 100%.
It is likely that T helper 17 pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of ADPKD; therefore, it may be beneficial if such a pathway be considered in its diagnosis.
We report on the ab initio discovery of a novel putative ground state for quasi two-dimensional TiO\(_2\) through a structural search using the minima hopping method with an artificial neural network ...potential. The structure is based on a honeycomb lattice and is energetically lower than the experimentally reported lepidocrocite sheet by 7~meV/atom, and merely 13~meV/atom higher in energy than the ground state rutile bulk structure. According to our calculations, the hexagonal sheet is stable against mechanical stress, it is chemically inert and can be deposited on various substrates without disrupting the structure. Its properties differ significantly from all known TiO\(_2\) bulk phases with a large gap of 5.05~eV that can be tuned through strain engineering.
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