Non-invasive hemoglobin concentration measurements with multi-wavelength reflectance mode PPG sensor and CNN data processing.

Possibility of non-invasive hemoglobin concentration measurements with wearable devices have been evaluated. The proposed solution is based on the assumption that PPG waveform shape measured at various wavelengths in the reflectance mode carries information about in-depth distribution of optical pathlength in the tissue. Decomposition of temporal and spectral features of PPG signal have been applied to correct estimation of hemoglobin concentration. The dataset including 840 PPG waveforms from 170 volunteers have been collected for the purpose of neural network training and validation. The achieved performance (MAE~13.6 g/l, R~0.62) is confirmed with the invasive blood test.Clinical Relevance - This paper establishes possibility of non-invasive real time hemoglobin concentration measurements by means of low-cost wearable sensor with accuracy comparable to non-invasive clinical instruments.

Feigenbaum scenario without parameters.

Typically, the period-doubling bifurcations exhibited by nonlinear dissipative systems are observed when varying systems' parameters. In contrast, the period-doubling bifurcations considered in the current research are induced by changing the initial conditions, whereas parameter values are fixed. Thus, the studied bifurcations can be classified as the period-doubling bifurcations without parameters. Moreover, we show a cascade of the period-doubling bifurcations without parameters, resulting in a transition to deterministic chaos. The explored effects are demonstrated by means of numerical modeling on an example of a modified Anishchenko-Astakhov self-oscillator where the ability to exhibit bifurcations without parameters is associated with the properties of a memristor. Finally, we compare the dynamics of the ideal-memristor-based oscillator with the behavior of a model taking into account the memristor forgetting effect.

Stochastic control of spiking activity bump expansion: Monotonic and resonant phenomena.

We consider spatially localized spiking activity patterns, so-called bumps, in ensembles of bistable spiking oscillators. The bistability consists in the coexistence of self-sustained spiking dynamics and a quiescent steady-state regime. We show numerically that the processes of growth or contraction of such patterns can be controlled by varying the intensity of multiplicative noise. In particular, the effect of noise is monotonic in an ensemble of coupled Hindmarsh-Rose oscillators. On the other hand, in another model proposed by Semenov et al. [Semenov et al., Phys. Rev. E 93, 052210 (2016)], a resonant noise effect is observed. In that model, stabilization of activity bump expansion is achieved at an appropriate noise level, and the noise effect reverses with a further increase in noise intensity. Moreover, we show the constructive role of nonlocal coupling that allows us to save domains and fronts being totally destroyed due to the action of noise in the case of local coupling.

Wavelets and digital filters designed and synthesized in the time and frequency domains.

The relevance of the problem under study is due to the fact that the comparison is made for wavelets constructed in the time and frequency domains. The wavelets constructed in the time domain include all discrete wavelets, as well as continuous wavelets based on derivatives of the Gaussian function. This article discusses the possibility of implementing algorithms for multiscale analysis of one-dimensional and two-dimensional signals with the above-mentioned wavelets and wavelets constructed in the frequency domain. In contrast to the discrete wavelet transform (Mallat algorithm), the authors propose a multiscale analysis of images with a multiplicity of less than two in the frequency domain, that is, the scale change factor is less than 2. Despite the fact that the multiplicity of the analysis is less than 2, the signal can be represented as successive approximations, as with the use of discrete wavelet transform. Reducing the multiplicity allows you to increase the depth of decomposition, thereby increasing the accuracy of signal analysis and synthesis. At the same time, the number of decomposition levels is an order of magnitude higher compared to traditional multi-scale analysis, which is achieved by progressive scanning of the image, that is, the image is processed not by rows and columns, but by progressive scanning as a whole. The use of the fast Fourier transform reduces the conversion time by four orders of magnitude compared to direct numerical integration, and due to this, the decomposition and reconstruction time does not increase compared to the time of multiscale analysis using discrete wavelets.

Multiplexing-based control of stochastic resonance.

We show that multiplexing (Here, the term "multiplexing" means a special network topology where a one-layer network is connected to another one-layer networks through coupling between replica nodes. In the present paper, this term does not refer to the signal processing issues and telecommunications.) allows us to control noise-induced dynamics of multilayer networks in the regime of stochastic resonance. We illustrate this effect on an example of two- and multi-layer networks of bistable overdamped oscillators. In particular, we demonstrate that multiplexing suppresses the effect of stochastic resonance if the periodic forcing is present in only one layer. In contrast, multiplexing allows us to enhance the stochastic resonance if the periodic forcing and noise are present in all the interacting layers. In such a case, the impact of multiplexing has a resonant character: the most pronounced effect of stochastic resonance is achieved for an appropriate intermediate value of coupling strength between the layers. Moreover, multiplexing-induced enhancement of the stochastic resonance can become more pronounced for the increasing number of coupled layers. To visualize the revealed phenomena, we use the evolution of the dependence of the signal-to-noise ratio on the noise intensity for varying strength of coupling between the layers.

Subcritical Andronov-Hopf scenario for systems with a line of equilibria.

Using numerical simulation methods and analytical approaches, we demonstrate hard self-oscillation excitation in systems with infinitely many equilibrium points forming a line of equilibria in the phase space. The studied bifurcation phenomena are equivalent to the excitation scenario via the subcritical Andronov-Hopf bifurcation observed in classical self-oscillators with isolated equilibrium points. The hysteresis and bistability accompanying the discussed processes are shown and explained. The research is carried out on an example of a nonlinear memristor-based self-oscillator model. First, a simpler model including Chua's memristor with a piecewise-smooth characteristic is explored. Then, the memristor characteristic is changed to a function being smooth everywhere. Finally, the action of the memristor forgetting effect is taken into consideration.

Two-color optically addressed spatial light modulator as a generic spatiotemporal system.

Nonlinear spatiotemporal systems are the basis for countless physical phenomena in such diverse fields as ecology, optics, electronics, and neuroscience. The canonical approach to unify models originating from different fields is the normal form description, which determines the generic dynamical aspects and different bifurcation scenarios. Realizing different types of dynamical systems via one experimental platform that enables continuous transition between normal forms through tuning accessible system parameters is, therefore, highly relevant. Here, we show that a transmissive, optically addressed spatial light modulator under coherent optical illumination and optical feedback coupling allows tuning between pitchfork, transcritical, and saddle-node bifurcations of steady states. We demonstrate this by analytically deriving the system's dynamical equations in correspondence to the normal forms of the associated bifurcations and confirm these results via extensive numerical simulations. Our model describes a nematic liquid crystal device using nano-dimensional dichalcogenide (a-As 2S 3) glassy thin films as photo sensors and alignment layers, and we use device parameters obtained from experimental characterization. Optical coupling, for example, using diffraction, holography, or integrated unitary maps allows implementing a variety of system topologies of technological relevance for neural networks and potentially Ising or XY-Hamiltonian models with ultralow energy consumption.

Genetic kinship and admixture in Iron Age Scytho-Siberians.

Scythians are known from written sources as horse-riding nomadic peoples who dominated the Eurasian steppe throughout the Iron Age. However, their origins and the exact nature of their social organization remain debated. Three hypotheses prevail regarding their origins that can be summarized as a "western origin", an "eastern origin" and a "multi-regional origin". In this work, we first aimed to address the question of the familial and social organization of some Scythian groups (Scytho-Siberians) by testing genetic kinship and, second, to add new elements on their origins through phylogeographical analyses. Twenty-eight Scythian individuals from 5 archeological sites in the Tuva Republic (Russia) were analyzed using autosomal Short Tandem Repeats (STR), Y-STR and Y-SNP typing as well as whole mitochondrial (mtDNA) genome sequencing. Familial relationships were assessed using the Likelihood Ratio (LR) method. Thirteen of the 28 individuals tested were linked by first-degree relationships. When related, the individuals were buried together, except for one adult woman, buried separately from her mother and young sister. Y-chromosome analysis revealed a burial pattern linked to paternal lineages, with men bearing closely related Y-haplotypes buried on the same sites. Inversely, various mtDNA lineages can be found on each site. Y-chromosomal and mtDNA haplogroups were almost equally distributed between Western and Eastern Eurasian haplogroups. These results suggest that Siberian Scythians were organized in patrilocal and patrilineal societies with burial practices linked to both kinship and paternal lineages. It also appears that the group analyzed shared a greater genetic link with Asian populations than Western Scythians did.

Dissipative solitons for bistable delayed-feedback systems.

We study how nonlinear delayed-feedback in the Ikeda model can induce solitary impulses, i.e., dissipative solitons. The states are clearly identified in a virtual space-time representation of the equations with delay, and we find that conditions for their appearance are bistability of a nonlinear function and negative character of the delayed feedback. Both dark and bright solitons are identified in numerical simulations and physical electronic experiment, showing an excellent qualitative correspondence and proving thereby the robustness of the phenomenon. Along with single spiking solitons, a variety of compound soliton-based structures is obtained in a wide parameter region on the route from the regular dynamics (two quiescent states) to developed spatiotemporal chaos. The number of coexisting soliton-based states is fast growing with delay, which can open new perspectives in the context of information storage.

High-accuracy and high-sensitivity spectroscopic measurement of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) in an atmospheric simulation chamber using a quantum cascade laser.

A spectroscopic instrument based on a mid-infrared external cavity quantum cascade laser (EC-QCL) was developed for high-accuracy measurements of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) at the ppbv-level. A specific concentration retrieval algorithm was developed to remove, from the broadband absorption spectrum of N2O5, both etalon fringes resulting from the EC-QCL intrinsic structure and spectral interference lines of H2O vapour absorption, which led to a significant improvement in measurement accuracy and detection sensitivity (by a factor of 10), compared to using a traditional algorithm for gas concentration retrieval. The developed EC-QCL-based N2O5 sensing platform was evaluated by real-time tracking N2O5 concentration in its most important nocturnal tropospheric chemical reaction of NO3 + NO2 ↔ N2O5 in an atmospheric simulation chamber. Based on an optical absorption path-length of Leff = 70 m, a minimum detection limit of 15 ppbv was achieved with a 25 s integration time and it was down to 3 ppbv in 400 s. The equilibrium rate constant Keq involved in the above chemical reaction was determined with direct concentration measurements using the developed EC-QCL sensing platform, which was in good agreement with the theoretical value deduced from a referenced empirical formula under well controlled experimental conditions. The present work demonstrates the potential and the unique advantage of the use of a modern external cavity quantum cascade laser for applications in direct quantitative measurement of broadband absorption of key molecular species involved in chemical kinetic and climate-change related tropospheric chemistry.

Andronov-Hopf bifurcation with and without parameter in a cubic memristor oscillator with a line of equilibria.

The model of a memristor-based oscillator with cubic nonlinearity is studied. The considered system has infinitely many equilibrium points, which build a line of equilibria in the phase space. Numerical modeling of the dynamics is combined with the bifurcational analysis. It has been shown that the oscillation excitation has distinctive features of the supercritical Andronov-Hopf bifurcation and can be achieved by changing of a parameter value as well as by variation of initial conditions. Therefore, the considered bifurcation is called Andronov-Hopf bifurcation with and without parameter.

Noise-induced transitions in a double-well excitable oscillator.

The model of a double-well oscillator with nonlinear dissipation is studied. The self-sustained oscillation regime and the excitable one are described. The first regime consists of the coexistence of two stable limit cycles in the phase space, which correspond to self-sustained oscillations of the point mass in either potential well. The self-sustained oscillations do not occur in a noise-free system in the excitable regime, but appropriate conditions for coherence resonance in either potential well can be achieved. The stochastic dynamics in both regimes is researched by using numerical simulation and electronic circuit implementation of the considered system. Multiple qualitative changes of the probability density function caused by noise intensity varying are explained by using the phase-space structure of the deterministic system.

Rising Mediterranean Sea Surface Temperatures Amplify Extreme Summer Precipitation in Central Europe.

The beginning of the 21st century was marked by a number of severe summer floods in Central Europe associated with extreme precipitation (e.g., Elbe 2002, Oder 2010 and Danube 2013). Extratropical storms, known as Vb-cyclones, cause summer extreme precipitation events over Central Europe and can thus lead to such floodings. Vb-cyclones develop over the Mediterranean Sea, which itself strongly warmed during recent decades. Here we investigate the influence of increased Mediterranean Sea surface temperature (SST) on extreme precipitation events in Central Europe. To this end, we carry out atmosphere model simulations forced by average Mediterranean SSTs during 1970-1999 and 2000-2012. Extreme precipitation events occurring on average every 20 summers in the warmer-SST-simulation (2000-2012) amplify along the Vb-cyclone track compared to those in the colder-SST-simulation (1970-1999), on average by 17% in Central Europe. The largest increase is located southeast of maximum precipitation for both simulated heavy events and historical Vb-events. The responsible physical mechanism is increased evaporation from and enhanced atmospheric moisture content over the Mediterranean Sea. The excess in precipitable water is transported from the Mediterranean Sea to Central Europe causing stronger precipitation extremes over that region. Our findings suggest that Mediterranean Sea surface warming amplifies Central European precipitation extremes.

Noise-induced transitions in a double-well oscillator with nonlinear dissipation.

We develop a model of bistable oscillator with nonlinear dissipation. Using a numerical simulation and an electronic circuit realization of this system we study its response to additive noise excitations. We show that depending on noise intensity the system undergoes multiple qualitative changes in the structure of its steady-state probability density function (PDF). In particular, the PDF exhibits two pitchfork bifurcations versus noise intensity, which we describe using an effective potential and corresponding normal form of the bifurcation. These stochastic effects are explained by the partition of the phase space by the nullclines of the deterministic oscillator.

Time-delayed feedback control of coherence resonance near subcritical Hopf bifurcation: theory versus experiment.

Using the model of a generalized Van der Pol oscillator in the regime of subcritical Hopf bifurcation, we investigate the influence of time delay on noise-induced oscillations. It is shown that for appropriate choices of time delay, either suppression or enhancement of coherence resonance can be achieved. Analytical calculations are combined with numerical simulations and experiments on an electronic circuit.

Metal template assembly of highly functionalized octacyanoporphyrazine framework from TCNE structural units.

A new route to the octacyanoporphyrazine framework based on the interaction of metal sandwich pi-complexes with TCNE has been developed.

Simulations of jets driven by black hole rotation.

The origin of jets emitted from black holes is not well understood; however, there are two possible energy sources: the accretion disk or the rotating black hole. Magnetohydrodynamic simulations show a well-defined jet that extracts energy from a black hole. If plasma near the black hole is threaded by large-scale magnetic flux, it will rotate with respect to asymptotic infinity, creating large magnetic stresses. These stresses are released as a relativistic jet at the expense of black hole rotational energy. The physics of the jet initiation in the simulations is described by the theory of black hole gravitohydromagnetics.