bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on the effects of informal care on the health of older adults—Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Qinglin , Jia Cangcang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the impact of informal care on the health of older adults, providing data to inform the development of informal care systems and social support policies for long‐term care services in developing countries.

Methods

Based on data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), this study employed the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method to empirically analyze the effects of informal care on older adults’ self‐rated health, depression, and anxiety.

Results

A total of 4790 older adults were included in the study sample, with 3194 receiving informal care and 1596 not receiving informal care. The results indicated that older adults who received informal care reported better self‐rated health and had lower depression and anxiety scores compared to those who did not receive informal care. Among different groups, the positive effects of informal care on physical and mental health were more significant for very old adults, rural residents, and those without a spouse. Informal care had a greater positive impact on the physical health of women and the mental health of men.

Conclusion

Government agencies should promote effective coordination between informal and formal care through financial support, awareness campaigns, and policy incentives. This will help to accelerate the improvement of the long‐term care system and effectively meet the long‐term care needs of older adults.
Cracking the myth: Bivalve farming is not a CO2 sink
Authors: Pernet Fabrice , Dupont Sam , Gattuso Jean‐Pierre , Metian Marc , Gazeau Frédéric
Published: July 2024

Bivalve farming was usually considered as a CO2 source through respiration and calcification, but recent studies suggest its potential as a CO2 sink, prompting exploration of its inclusion in carbon markets. Here we reviewed the scientific basis behind this idea and found that it is not supported by observational and experimental studies. This idea indeed arises from carbon budget models that are based on theoretical misconceptions regarding seawater carbonate chemistry. The main misunderstanding consists of assuming that the carbon trapped in the shell originates from atmospheric CO2 when it mostly comes from (bi)carbonate ions. While these ions originate from atmospheric CO2 through the erosion of minerals over geological time scales, their incorporation into shells does not prompt short‐term CO2 compensation. The opposite occurs—calcification releases CO2 in seawater and limits or even prevents the uptake of atmospheric CO2. Some authors suggest that considering the bivalve farm ecosystem could change the perspective on the source/sink issue but there is no evidence for that now. Most ecosystem‐based carbon budget models rely on several unverified assumptions and estimates. Although challenging, field measurements must be conducted for monitoring, reporting, and verifying atmospheric CO2 uptake before qualifying for carbon credits. To achieve scientific consensus, we need reinforcing measurement‐based studies of CO2 fluxes in shellfish ecosystems, integrating carbon balance models with observational and experimental science, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Although bivalve farming provides numerous environmental benefits and is vital for sustainable aquaculture, there is currently no evidence that it contributes to CO2 capture.
Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Implications for Hydration Testing in Combat Sports—Investigating Body Mass Loss and Biomarker Changes
Authors: Doherty Colin S. , Fortington Lauren V. , Barley Oliver R.
Published: July 2024

Combat sports athletes often undergo rapid body mass loss (BML), which presents health risks. Hydration testing has been proposed as a possible solution to reduce or eliminate rapid BML. However, combat sports athletes may exhibit distinct physiological characteristics due to repeated exposure to BML. Thus, traditional and emerging hydration biomarkers should be investigated to determine their potential suitability for field use in this cohort. This study examined whether BML can explain changes in serum and urine osmolality (SosmΔ, UosmΔ), tear osmolarity (TosmΔ), hematocrit (HctΔ), and urine‐specific gravity (USGΔ) after mild–moderate passive dehydration. Biomarker reliability was also assessed across two trials. Fifteen male and female combat sports athletes (age: 26.3 ± 5.3 years, body mass: 67.7 ± 9.9 kg) underwent a sauna protocol twice (5–28 days apart) aiming for 4% BML. The average BML in Trials 1 and 2 was 3.0 ± 0.7%. Regression analysis revealed that BML explained HctΔ (R2 = 0.22, p = 0.009) but not SosmΔ (R2 = 0.11, p = 0.079) or other biomarkers. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were significant for all biomarkers except TosmΔ (ICC = 0.06, p = 0.37) and post‐Tosm (ICC = 0.04, p = 0.42); post‐Hct performed best (ICC = 0.82, p < 0.001). Contingency tables with post‐Sosm (295 mOsm/kg) and post‐USG (1.020) cutoffs revealed an 80% true negative rate (TNR) and a 62% true positive rate (TPR). Increasing the Sosm cutoff to 301 mOsm/kg decreased the TNR to 52% but increased the TPR to 83%. Although blood parameters were most sensitive to BML, they could only explain 11%–22% of biomarker variation. The typical USG cutoff misclassified 42% of athletes postdehydration, and reliability was generally poor‐moderate. Alternative strategies should be pursued to manage rapid BML in combat sports.
Digital twins and deep maps
Authors: Kitchin Rob , Dawkins Oliver
Published: July 2024

Mapping is now thoroughly digital at all stages of production and maps are widely used in digital form. This digital turn has transformed the nature of mapping and maps. Maps need no longer be static representations, but rather constitute spatial media, providing an interactive, dynamic means for creating, discussing, and sharing spatial information and mediating spatial practices. This has included the development of 3D mapping, including nascent digital twins and digital deep maps. In this short paper, we reflect on our attempts to produce a 3D city information model for Dublin that acts as a basic digital twin, which we have also used to explore deep mapping, as well as map projecting data onto a printed 3D map model of the city. We consider what digital twins and deep maps mean for how we understand the nature of mapping, arguing that they produce a dyadic intertwining of map and territory; a literal, material expression of post‐representational, ontogenetic conceptions of mapping.
Lymphaticovenous anastomosis of the caudal thoracic duct to the azygous vein: A feline cadaver study
Authors: Davies Gillian F. , Hardie Robert J. , Wild Jessica L. , Loeber Samantha J.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe a technique for anastomosis of the thoracic duct (TD) to the azygos vein (AV) using a microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) device in feline cadavers. Our hypothesis was that a TD‐AV lymphaticovenous anastomosis would be feasible in feline cadavers.

Study design

Cadaveric study.

Animals

Eight domestic shorthair feline cadavers.

Methods

A left paracostal laparotomy and 9th or 10th intercostal thoracotomy was performed. Contrast media was injected into a mesenteric lymph node and lymphography was used to identify the TD and its branches. The TD and AV were isolated, ligated, and divided with the aid of a surgical microscope. The TD and AV were anastomosed end‐to‐end using a 1.5 or 2.0 mm MAC. Intraoperative patency was assessed by manipulation of chyle and venous blood across the anastomosis. Mesenteric lymphography was repeated to confirm postoperative anastomotic patency.

Results

The TD was identified via lymphography in seven of eight cats. The anastomosis was successful and patency was confirmed via intraoperative assessment and postoperative lymphography in all cats. The median (range) duration for the dissection and anastomosis portions of the procedure was 122 (80–150) min.

Conclusion

End‐to‐end anastomosis of the TD to the AV using a MAC was feasible in the feline cadaver without major intraoperative technical challenges.

Clinical significance

Anastomosis of the TD and AV may have application as an alternative treatment for idiopathic chylothorax in cats. By directly connecting the abdominal lymphatics to the central venous system, the stimulus for collateral vessel development around the site of TD ligation may be minimized, which may prevent leakage of chyle through the more cranial lymphatics.
The Digital Agora Fights Back: Building Disinformation Resilience One Initiative at a Time
Authors: Paar-Jakli Gabriella
Published: July 2024

Countering disinformation and challenging ideologically divisive social media tactics to protect electoral integrity requires innovative digitally driven changes within the public sphere. While there is growing scholarly interest in exploring novel ways of countering mis- and disinformation, research examining specific initiatives remains scarce. This article provides in-depth qualitative case studies of two successful collaborative civil society initiatives in the digital agora that used digital media to counter disinformation: (1) Comprova during Brazil’s presidential election and (2) the Transparent Referendum Initiative in Ireland’s 8th Amendment Referendum. As these cases demonstrate, fact-checking and debunking initiatives benefited from crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing allowed these initiatives to counter disinformation while simultaneously building more knowledgeable, engaged, and empowered communities.
Involvement of Millennial Farmers in the Implementation of Integrated Agriculture in Trenggalek District, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Rustandi Yudi , Farid Abdul
Published: July 2024

Millennial farmers are the future of farmer regeneration in Indonesia. The involvement of millennial farmers is expected to be a driver in sustainable agricultural development. A study analyzed the factors influencing millennial farmers' interest and the types of entrepreneurship prioritized in implementing integrated farming (IF) in the Trenggalek Regency. The sample selection method used was the Simple Randomized and Clustered Sampling method. The research respondents were 110 millennial farmers who are members of farmer groups aged 17-39. Data were collected using an ordinal scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ordinal logistic regression, and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). To overcome the declining interest of millennials in agricultural entrepreneurship, subjective norms or psychological factors such as motive factors and expectation factors need to be considered. These factors can be used as a basis for millennial farmers in choosing priorities for agricultural entrepreneurship. Agro-processing is the leading choice of types of entrepreneurship for millennial farmers, namely Solid Organic Fertilizer, Liquid Organic Fertilizer, Biourine, Probiotics, Vegetable Pesticides, Trichoderma, Refugia, Straw Amofer, and Magot. The priority of agricultural entrepreneurship that has the opportunity to be developed by the millennial generation of agriculture in Trenggalek Regency is agro-industrial entrepreneurship.
French version of the coordinate response measure corpus and its validation on a speech-on-speech task
Authors: Isnard Vincent , Chastres Véronique , Andéol Guillaume
Published: July 2024

Since its creation, the coordinate response measure (CRM) corpus has been applied in hundreds of studies to explore the mechanisms of informational masking in multi-talker situations, but also in speech-in-noise or auditory attentional tasks. Here, we present its French version, with equivalent content to the original version in English. Furthermore, an evaluation of speech-on-speech intelligibility in French shows informational masking with similar result patterns to the original data in English. This validation of the French CRM corpus allows to propose the use of the CRM for intelligibility tests in French, and for comparisons with a foreign language under masking conditions.
Cultural constructs of the body
Regulating Bodies: Elite Sport Policies and Their Unintended Consequences
Jaime Schultz
Oxford University Press, 2024. 288 pp.
Authors: Camporesi Silvia
Published: July 2024

Protective sports policies ostensibly based on biology inform broader ideas about ability and identity
Epigenetic control of memory formation
Authors: Krabbe Sabine
Published: July 2024

A neuron’s suitability to participate in a memory trace is modulated by its epigenetic state
U.S. back in the race to forge unknown elements
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: July 2024

Atoms of element 116 show path to create element 120 and extend the periodic table
Fully built water-hunting Moon rover killed by NASA
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: July 2024

VIPER cancellation shocks planetary scientists and puts commercial lunar delivery program on edge
LCN2 regulates the gut microbiota and metabolic profile in mice infected with
Mycobacterium bovis
Authors: Huang Quntao , Xing Junhong , Li Guoli , Liu Mengting , Gao Mengtian , Wang Jingwen , Tang Fang , Ren Jianluan , Zhao Chengzhu , Wang Xinru , Zhou Xinyu , Luo Haodong , Yu Youli , Zeng Dexin , Dai Jianjun , Xue Feng
Published: July 2024

Infection with
Mycobacterium bovis
precipitates a spectrum of pathologies in bovines, notably necrotic pneumonia, mastitis, and arthritis, impinging upon the health and nutritional assimilation of these animals. A pivotal factor, lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), is responsive to microbial invasion, inflammatory processes, and tissue damage, the extent of which Lcn2 modulates the gut environment, however, remains unclear in response to
M. bovis
-induced alterations. To explore the role of Lcn2 in shaping the gut milieu of mice during a 5-week period post
-M. bovis
infection, Lcn2 knockout Lcn2
−/−
mice were scrutinized for changes in the gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles. Results showed that Lcn2
−/−
mice infected with
M. bovis
exhibited notable shifts in the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of gut microbiota, alongside significant disparities in α and β diversity. Concomitantly, a marked increase was observed during the 5-week period in the abundance of Akkermansia, Oscillospira, and Bacteroides, coupled with a substantial decrease in Ruminococcus within the microbiome of Lcn2 knockout mice. Notably,
Akkermansia muciniphila
was significantly enriched in the gut flora of Lcn2
−/−
mice. Furthermore, the absence of Lcn2 significantly altered the gut metabolomic landscape, evidenced by elevated levels of metabolites such as taurodeoxycholic acid, 10-undecenoic acid, azelaic acid, and dodecanedioic acid in Lcn2
−/−
mice. Our findings demonstrated that the lack of Lcn2 in the context of
M. bovis
infection profoundly affected the regulation of gut microbiota and metabolomic components, culminating in a transformed gut environment. Our results revealed that Lcn2 may regulate gut microbiota and metabolome components, changing the intestinal environment, thereby affecting the infection status of
M. bovis
.

IMPORTANCE

Our study addresses the critical knowledge gap regarding the specific influence of lipocalin 2 (LCN2) in the context of
Mycobacterium bovis
infection, particularly focusing on its role in the gut environment. Utilizing LCN2 knockout (Lcn2
−/−
) mice, we meticulously assessed changes in the gut microbiota and metabolic components following
M. bovis
infection. Our findings reveal alterations in the gut microbial community, emphasizing the potentially crucial role of LCN2 in maintaining stability. Furthermore, we observed significant shifts in specific microbial communities, including the enrichment of
Akkermansia muciniphila
, known for its positive impact on intestinal health and immune regulation. The implications of our study extend beyond understanding the dynamics of the gut microbiome, offering insights into the potential therapeutic strategies for gut-related health conditions and microbial dysbiosis.
Supplemental Material: Sedimentary signatures of large earthquakes along the submerged Enriquillo–Plantain Garden transpressional plate boundary, northern Caribbean
Authors: McHugh Cecilia M. , al. et
Published: July 2024

Figure S1: Event deposits correlations Navassa and Matley Basins. Figure S2: Event deposits correlations Kingston and Jamaica E Basins. Figure S3: Core Log GCPE22-17-02. Figure S4: Facies descriptions. Table S1: Age calibrations. 
Supplemental Material: Post-Devonian re-emergence and demise of stromatoporoids as major reef-builders on a Carboniferous Panthalassan seamount
Authors: Ezaki Yoichi , al. et
Published: July 2024

Figure S1: Sample locations. 
Prognostic value of cranial ultrasound findings in infants aged <90 days with bacterial meningitis: a single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Lili , Zhang Rui , Tang Zezhong , Hou Xinlin
Published: July 2024

Background

Bacterial meningitis (BM) poses a serious threat to infant health. We assessed cranial ultrasound (CUS) changes in infants with BM as possible predictors of the neurological sequelae of BM.

Methods

We retrospectively assigned 132 infants diagnosed with BM from 2007 to 2021. Neuroimaging characteristics and cerebral blood flow (CBF) profiles identified using CUS were analysed and compared between the groups during the acute and postacute phases of BM.

Results

Overall, 102 infants with CUS and outcome data were recruited. 37/102 (36.3%) infants with neurological developmental impairments comprised the group with sequelae. Abnormal CUS findings increased the risk of sequelae during the postacute phase compared with the acute phase of BM. Prolonged white matter hyperechogenicity was an independent risk factor for sequelae. The CBF profiles of the group with sequelae showed that anterior cerebral artery resistance and pulsatility indices decreased during the acute phase, whereas the mean flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery significantly increased during the postacute phase. Changes in the CBF profiles did not significantly differ in the group without sequelae.

Conclusions

Serial CUS can facilitate the prognostic assessment of infants aged <90 days with BM. Prolonged white matter hyperechogenicity, brain volume loss and cerebral perfusion disorders contribute to the risk of sequelae.
Characterising applied forces during positive pressure ventilation: a randomised cross-over simulation study
Authors: Hannan Jacqueline , Weiner Gary , Stirling Leia
Published: July 2024

Objective

To characterise applied force on the face and head during simulated mask ventilation with varying mask, device and expertise level.

Design

Randomised cross-over simulation study.

Setting

A quiet, empty room in the children’s hospital.

Participants

Neonatal healthcare providers, categorised as novices and experts in positive pressure ventilation (PPV).

Interventions

PPV for 2 min each in a 2×2 within-subjects design with two masks (round and anatomic) and two ventilation devices (T-piece and self-inflating bag (SIB)).

Main outcome measures

Applied force (Newton (N)) measured under the head and at four locations on the manikin’s face (nasal bridge, mentum, left and right zygomatic arches) and symmetry of force applied around the mask rim.

Results

For the 51 participants, force applied to the head was greater with the SIB than the T-piece (mean (SD): 16.03 (6.96) N vs 14.31 (5.16) N) and greater with the anatomic mask than the round mask (mean (SD): 16.07 (6.80) N vs 14.26 (5.35) N). Underhead force decreased over the duration of PPV for all conditions. Force measured on the face was greatest at the left zygomatic arch (median (IQR): 0.97 (0.70–1.43) N) and least at the mentum (median (IQR): 0.44 (0.28–0.61) N). Overall, experts applied more equal force around the mask rim compared with novices (median (IQR): 0.46 (0.26–0.79) N vs 0.65 (0.24–1.18) N, p<0.001).

Conclusion

We characterised an initial dataset of applied forces on the face and head during simulated PPV and described differences in force when considering mask type, device type and expertise.
Prior traumatic brain injury is a risk factor for in-hospital mortality in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: a TRACK-TBI cohort study
Authors: Yue John K , Etemad Leila L , Elguindy Mahmoud M , van Essen Thomas A , Belton Patrick J , Nelson Lindsay D , McCrea Michael A , Vreeburg Rick J G , Gotthardt Christine J , Tracey Joye X , Coskun Bukre C , Krishnan Nishanth , Halabi Cathra , Eagle Shawn R , Korley Frederick K , Robertson Claudia S , Duhaime Ann-Christine , Satris Gabriela G , Tarapore Phiroz E , Huang Michael C , Madhok Debbie Y , Giacino Joseph T , Mukherjee Pratik , Yuh Esther L , Valadka Alex B , Puccio Ava M , Okonkwo David O , Sun Xiaoying , Jain Sonia , Manley Geoffrey T , DiGiorgio Anthony M
Published: July 2024

Objectives

An estimated 14–23% of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) incur multiple lifetime TBIs. The relationship between prior TBI and outcomes in patients with moderate to severe TBI (msTBI) is not well delineated. We examined the associations between prior TBI, in-hospital mortality, and outcomes up to 12 months after injury in a prospective US msTBI cohort.

Methods

Data from hospitalized subjects with Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3–12 were extracted from the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury Study (enrollment period: 2014–2019). Prior TBI with amnesia or alteration of consciousness was assessed using the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method. Competing risk regressions adjusting for age, sex, psychiatric history, cranial injury and extracranial injury severity examined the associations between prior TBI and in-hospital mortality, with hospital discharged alive as the competing risk. Adjusted HRs (aHR (95% CI)) were reported. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed the associations between prior TBI, mortality, and unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score 1–3 (vs. 4–8)) at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury.

Results

Of 405 acute msTBI subjects, 21.5% had prior TBI, which was associated with male sex (87.4% vs. 77.0%, p=0.037) and psychiatric history (34.5% vs. 20.7%, p=0.010). In-hospital mortality was 10.1% (prior TBI: 17.2%, no prior TBI: 8.2%, p=0.025). Competing risk regressions indicated that prior TBI was associated with likelihood of in-hospital mortality (aHR=2.06 (1.01–4.22)), but not with hospital discharged alive. Prior TBI was not associated with mortality or unfavorable outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Conclusions

After acute msTBI, prior TBI history is independently associated with in-hospital mortality but not with mortality or unfavorable outcomes within 12 months after injury. This selective association underscores the importance of collecting standardized prior TBI history data early after acute hospitalization to inform risk stratification. Prospective validation studies are needed.

Level of evidence

IV.

Trial registration number

NCT02119182
.
Compliance and enforcement in a brave new (green) world: best practices and technologies for green governance
Authors: Omrow Delon , Anagnostou Michelle , Cassey Phillip , Cooke Steven J. , Jordan Sheldon , Kirkwood Andrea E. , MacNeill Timothy , Mirrlees Tanner , Pedersen Isabel , Stoett Peter , Tlusty Michael F.
Published: July 2024

International and transnational cooperation is needed to strengthen environmental governance initiatives with advanced technologies. In January 2023, Ontario Tech University hosted a symposium entitled Tech With a Green Governance Conscience: Exploring the Technology–Environmental Policy Nexus. Attendees spanned diverse disciplines, sectors, and countries, bringing unique and diverse perspectives to the technology–environmental policy nexus. Emergent themes arising from the symposium include the role of artificial intelligence in environmental governance, while eliminating the detrimental social impacts associated with these advanced technologies via algorithmic bias, misunderstanding, and unaccountability. The symposium explored the tech–society–ecology interface, such as the authoritarian intensification of digitalized environmental governance, “technocracy”, and the ethical implications of sacrificing democratic legitimacy in the face of imminent environmental destruction. Select participants (i.e., co-authors) at the symposium provided input on a preliminary framework, which led to this perspective article focused on the politics surrounding green governance in the 21st century. We conclude that while emerging technologies are being deployed to address grand environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, the use of these various technologies for progressive environmental policy development and enforcement requires co-productivist approaches to constructive technology assessments and embracing the concept of technologies of humility. This necessitates a space for dialogue, reflection, and deliberation on leading adaptive environmental governance in the face of power and politics, as we interrogate the putative neutrality of advanced technology and techno-solutionism.
Analyse et modélisation des pertes dans une grille rectiligne de compresseur avec jeu
Authors: Drame A.B. , Sanjosé M.
Published: July 2024

Cette étude numérique s’intéresse à l’écoulement de jeu dans la configuration de grille rectiligne d’aubes de compresseur du laboratoire de Virginia Tech (VT). L’objectif est de proposer un modèle pour quantifier les pertes visqueuses associées à l’écoulement de jeu sur cette configuration. Pour ce faire, des simulations incompressibles sont réalisées s’appuyant sur les équations aux moyennes de Reynolds pour différents débits tout en conservant le nombre de Reynolds de 4 × 105. L’écoulement dans la grille au point optimal est validé avec les mesures expérimentales. Les pertes visqueuses dans les couches limites, le sillage et le jeu sont quantifiées pour les différents débits simulés. Les pertes associées à l’écoulement de jeu sont par la suite employées pour évaluer un modèle empirique de pertes dans cette configuration de grille rectiligne. Le changement de débit modifie l’état du tourbillon de jeu et les différents paramètres du modèle de pertes sont alors calibrés pour la grille VT en fonction du débit.
In-Memory Computing Using Dot-Product via Multi-Bit QD-NVRAMs
Authors: Gudlavalleti R. H. , Chandy J. , Heller E. , Jain F.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents in-memory computing using fast write/erase quantum dot (QD) nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM). In comparison to NVMs, multi-state NVRAMs offer enhanced Compute-In-Memory capability for applications in deep neural network architecture. Dot product is the methodology that enables an array structure for multiply and accumulate (MAC) operation. We show an approach to dot product computation using multi-state quantum dot channel (QDC) FETs and QD-NVRAM.
A Comprehensive Study and Comparison of 2-Bit 7T–10T SRAM Configurations with 4-State CMOS-SWS Inverters
Authors: Husawi A. , Gudlavalleti R. H. , Almalki A. , Jain F. C.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of power dissipation and propagation delay in 2-bit SRAM configurations ranging from 7T to 10T, building upon previous work on 6T 2-bit/4-state SWSFET SRAM designs. The study compares the performance of SWSFET SRAMs with CMOS-based 2-state SRAMs [7], highlighting the former’s significant advantages in speed and power consumption. Utilizing Cadence simulations and models such as Analog Behavioral Model (ABM) and EKV (Enz–Krummenacher–Vittoz), the analysis incorporates real-world 0.18-[Formula: see text]m technology considerations. The research explores the design nuances of 7T–10T SRAM configurations using SWS-FETs, leveraging their unique characteristics like vertically stacked quantum well/quantum dot channels. Power dissipation analysis reveals varying trends across different SRAM configurations, with notable shifts in voltage changes during transitions. Similarly, propagation delay assessments showcase diverse durations for different voltage transitions, underscoring the impact of SRAM configuration changes on efficiency and complexity. In addition, parasitic capacitance is crucial for optimizing the performance, power efficiency, and reliability of SRAM cells. In these circuits an internal storage parasitic capacitance of 1[Formula: see text]fF has been considered to evaluate its effects through simulation-based analysis during the memory cell design process. The findings contribute valuable insights into the trade-offs involved in SRAM design, particularly concerning power dissipation and propagation delay, and are presented. Overall, this study sheds light on the promising potential of SWS-FETs for enhancing memory circuitry performance.
Influence of a Coupling Diode on the Indirect Characterization of the Serial NPN Power Transistor in a Linear Voltage Regulator Exposed to Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Vukić Vladimir Dj.
Published: July 2024

The LM2990-integrated circuit family was among the first low-dropout voltage regulators to use a coupling diode to reduce a quiescent current. In certain conditions, the coupling diode, connected between the output terminal and the driver transistor collector contact, activates to supply the serial power transistor base current from the load. Nonetheless, an indirect characterization of the serial NPN transistor was affected, making it difficult to estimate its forward emitted current gain and a base current as a function of the absorbed total ionizing dose. The original SPICE simulation model had some limitations with generating the faithful simulation of radiation effects in samples supplied with a non-ideal voltage source. Therefore, a novel four-step computer simulation method was developed to specify bias and load conditions when the coupling diode reaction would not negatively affect the characterization of the serial power transistor. The previously reported method for estimating the serial transistor base current could be successfully used for dropout voltages that slightly exceed three equivalent diode voltage drops (that is, 2.4[Formula: see text]V) at the base-emitter junctions of the output amplifier transistors.
Design and Implementation of Multiplierless FIR Filter Using COOT Bird Optimization Algorithm with Different Architectures
Authors: Soni Teena , Kumar A. , Panda Manoj Kumar , Singh G. K.
Published: July 2024

FIR filter design and implementation are the requirements of most DSP systems. The design objective of the FIR filter is nondifferentiable, nonlinear and multimodal in nature. Therefore, FIR filter design through optimization methods is most frequently employed. In the proposed work, COOT bird optimization-based FIR filters are designed. The FIR filters based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and flower pollination optimization (FPA) algorithms are also designed for comparison. The objective function based on mean square error minimization is formulated. The low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-stop FIR filters of different order are designed to show the efficacy of the proposed method. COOT provides minimum passband and stopband ripples, fast convergence and less execution time for all the designed filters. The proposed technique is also compared with the existing approaches and provides a reduction in passband ripples, stopband ripples and stopband attenuation. To reduce the complexity of FIR filters, multiplierless techniques canonical signed digit (CSD), factorized canonical signed digit (FCSD) and distributed arithmetic (DA) are utilized for the implementation of FIR filters on Basys-3 (Artix-7) FPGA Board. The multiplier-based architecture is also implemented for comparison. Hardware resource utilization and dynamic power consumption of each architecture are compared. DA showed 92.16, 89.96 and 90.11% reduction in the number of LUTs, and 91.16, 89.68 and 89.77% reduction in dynamic power consumption from the multiplier, CSD and FCSD-based architectures, respectively.
Quantum synchronization for stochastic Schrödinger–Lohe model
Authors: Lv Li , Wang Zibo , Duan Jinqiao
Published: July 2024

The Schrödinger–Lohe model is an infinite-dimensional non-Abelian generalization of the Kuramoto model, which is brought up as an effective model for the study of quantum synchronization. In the Schrödinger–Lohe model, different wave functions interact with each other, which may lead to all the wave functions becoming arbitrarily close to each other after a long time under appropriate conditions. This phenomenon is called quantum synchronization. In this paper, we consider the Schrödinger–Lohe model perturbed by two kinds of multiplicative Gaussian white noises, and study the well-posedness and asymptotic behavior of the stochastic Schrödinger–Lohe models. Finally, we provide a weak quantum synchronization for the stochastic Schrödinger–Lohe model for the first case.
On graded going-down domains
Authors: Sahandi Parviz , Shirmohammadi Nematollah
Published: July 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a torsionless commutative cancellative monoid and [Formula: see text] be a [Formula: see text]-graded integral domain. In this paper, we introduce the notion of graded going-down domains. Among other things, we provide an equivalent condition for graded-Prüfer domains in terms of graded going-down and graded finite-conductor domains. We also characterize graded going-down domains by means of graded divided domains. As an application, we show that the graded going-down property is stable under factor domains.
Zinc Oxide Nanorods/Reduced Graphene Oxide for Schottky Junction Ultraviolet Photodetector Application
Authors: Majumder Tanmoy , Dhar Saurab , Chakraborty Pinak , Mondal Suvra Prakash
Published: July 2024

Hybrid Ultraviolet photodetector (UVPD) was fabricated by depositing reduced graphene oxide on zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) array-coated FTO glass. Structural and optical properties of ZnO NRs were studied using TEM, SEM, XRD and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Graphene oxide (GO) sheets were synthesized from graphite powder using the modified Hummer’s method. rGO films were obtained after illuminating the GO in UV radiation. The formation of rGO and GO films was studied using AFM surface topography and UV–Vis spectroscopy. External quantum efficiency (EQE), responsivity and transient response of rGO/ZnO NR-based UV photodetector were studied in detail. The photodetector device shows very high EQE ([Formula: see text]45 257%) and responsivity ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]130 A/W).
Structural covariation between cerebellum and neocortex intrinsic structural covariation links cerebellum subregions to the cerebral cortex
Authors: Wang Zilong , Diedrichsen Jörn , Saltoun Karin , Steele Christopher , Arnold-Anteraper Sheeba Rani , Yeo B. T. Thomas , Schmahmann Jeremy D. , Bzdok Danilo
Published: July 2024

Cerebellum’s association with the entire cerebral cortex has not been holistically studied in a unified way. Here, we conjointly characterize the population-level cortical-cerebellar structural covariation patterns leveraging ∼40,000 UK Biobank participants whole brain structural scans and ∼1,000 phenotypes. We revitalize the previous hypothesis of an anticorrelation between the visual-attention system and advanced associative networks within the cerebellum. We also discovered a novel ipsilateral cerebral-cerebellar associations. Phenome-wide association (PheWAS) revealed real-world implications of the structural covariation patterns.
Lung antimicrobial proteins and peptides: from host defense to therapeutic strategies
Authors: Di Yuanpu Peter , Kuhn Jenna Marie , Mangoni Maria Luisa
Published: July 2024

Representing severe morbidity and mortality globally, respiratory infections associated with chronic respiratory diseases, including complicated pneumonia, asthma, interstitial lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are a major public health concern. Lung health and the prevention of pulmonary disease rely on the mechanisms of airway surface fluid secretion, mucociliary clearance, and adequate immune response to eradicate inhaled pathogens and particulate matter from the environment. The antimicrobial proteins and peptides contribute to maintaining an antimicrobial milieu in human lungs to eliminate pathogens and prevent them from causing pulmonary diseases. The predominant antimicrobial molecules of the lung environment include human α- and β-defensins and cathelicidins, among numerous other host defense molecules with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity such as PLUNC (palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone) family proteins, elafin, collectins, lactoferrin, lysozymes, mucins, secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor, surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D, and RNases. It has been demonstrated that changes in antimicrobial molecule expression levels are associated with regulating inflammation, potentiating exacerbations, pathological changes, and modifications in chronic lung disease severity. Antimicrobial molecules also display roles in both anticancer and tumorigenic effects. Lung antimicrobial proteins and peptides are promising alternative therapeutics for treating and preventing multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and anticancer therapies.
A Rare Case of Bacterial Meningitis Caused by Hematogenous Spread of Vancomycin‐Resistant Enterococcus faecium in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Kim Myeongji , Graham Christopher , Stevens Ryan W. , Shah Aditya
Published: July 2024

Vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) meningitis is rare. It is usually associated with neurosurgical procedures or devices. We describe a case of VRE meningitis from hematogenous spread during persistent bacteremia in an immunocompromised patient who received haploidentical bone marrow transplant for VEXAS syndrome. The bacteremia and meningitis were successfully treated with combination of intravenous (IV) daptomycin, ceftaroline, and linezolid.
Fatigue and Sleepiness in Multiple Sclerosis and Their Response to Short‐Term Treatment With Modafinil
Authors: Roswalld Thomsen Ann-Katrine , Otto Marit , Petersen Thor , Svendsen Kristina Bacher
Published: July 2024

Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) often experience significant fatigue. Simultaneously, previous studies show that pwMS frequently suffer from sleepiness and sleep problems. We aimed to contribute to the understanding of correlations between sleep and sleepiness/fatigue in pwMS to better identify responders to the wake‐inducing drug, modafinil.

Methods: This open‐label, two‐centre study included 26 pwMS suffering from daytime tiredness. Sleepiness, fatigue, and sleep were evaluated by questionnaires (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS], Modified Fatigue Impact Scale [MFIS]/Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory [MFI‐20], and Pittsburgh), daily sleep diary, and a wrist‐worn actigraph before and after 3‐week modafinil treatment.

Results: One‐third of the pwMS fulfilled the criteria of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS, defined as ESS ≥ 10). Eighty‐two percent (MFIS) of the patients were fatigued, and a high proportion (96%) of the pwMS were poor sleepers. Sleepiness (ESS) was inverse correlated to the subjective sleep quality. Actigraph data did not relate to subjective sleep, but total sleep time (TST) and higher sleep efficacy (SE) estimated by actigraph were positively correlated to the degree of fatigue. Modafinil had a positive effect on EDS.

Discussion: In the present study, we found that the tired multiple sclerosis (MS) patient may suffer from both EDS and fatigue. We found an inverse correlation between EDS and subjective sleep quality. On the contrary, fatigue was positively correlated with longer TST and higher SE, estimated by actigraph. Sleepiness and fatigue did not correlate, and thus, it is highly relevant to distinguish these two symptoms. Modafinil only showed an effect on fatigue when the patient also suffered from EDS, which could suggest that ESS is a possible screening tool for responders to modafinil treatment.

Conclusion: Sleepiness and fatigue do not seem to correlate in pwMS, and we recommend screening tools for sleepiness as well as sleep quality before initiating modafinil treatment to identify potential responders to the treatment.
Identification of Natural and Forcing Frequencies through Noisy Measurements Acquired in Operational Conditions on a Hospital Building
Authors: Rinaldi C. , Talebi A. , D’Alessio M. , Potenza F. , Gattulli V.
Published: July 2024

Operational modal analysis is a robust and practical approach to structural health monitoring which assumes white noise as input. Therefore, the accuracy of this method can be compromised when dealing with colored unknown excitations, in which, for example, harmonic loads induced by the operation of mechanical equipment, may affect the modal parameter estimation. This study aims to address the challenge of identifying both natural and forcing frequencies of a complex building by exploiting the potentiality of both the spectral kurtosis analysis and stochastic subspace identification technique. The first one is based on the evaluation of a statistical quantity characterized by low values when data are stationary and Gaussian and high values when specific frequencies and nonstationarity are present in the signals. It allows the detection of harmonics, transients, and repetitive impulses in the frequency domain. Its combined use with the stochastic subspace identification technique enables us to effectively identify and separate harmonic‐induced vibrations from structural response to ambient white noise. This approach can lead to a more accurate modal parameter estimation that has been investigated in this work through numerical and experimental analyses carried out on the Cardinal Massaia hospital building in Asti, Italy. An experimental daily dynamic campaign has been carried out to acquire accelerations in operational conditions including disturbances due to machinery like elevators and air conditioners. The combined use of kurtosis analysis and stochastic subspace identification techniques has been used to process a large dataset of noisy measurements acquired in operational conditions. Five different measurement setups have been implemented, each one composed of 14 sensors. Notwithstanding the complexity of the case study under investigation for both the structural configuration and difficulties in the experimental data acquisition, this approach allowed to distinguish natural from forcing frequencies, highlighting its accuracy and robustness.
Participation Questionnaire for Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Item Development
Authors: Nakamura Takuto , Koyama Sakumi , Nagayama Hirofumi , Sasada Satoshi
Published: July 2024

Occupational therapists need to comprehensively assess the participation of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in daily activities and evaluate the effectiveness of relevant interventions. Several participation measurement tools have been developed for children with ASD, but these tools require expert involvement, which is a barrier to large‐scale surveys. To address these concerns, a caregiver‐administered questionnaire—the Participation Questionnaire for Preschoolers (PQP)—was developed. However, this tool could be improved due to its narrow age range of 48–72 months and because the item development process does not reflect the perspectives of children and caregivers. Therefore, we expanded the PQP’s target age range to 36–83 months and developed new items that reflect the perspectives of professionals and caregivers. Interviews were conducted with eight experts in supporting children with ASD and 11 caregivers of children with ASD. The interviews were transcribed, and a content analysis was performed. The number of questions was reduced from 51 to 36, and the order of items was changed for clarity. Two of the eight subdomains were removed to clarify the conceptual difference between activity and participation. The updated version of the PQP has two unique features: (1) it can be administered without expert involvement, and (2) it includes items specific to the challenges faced by children with ASD. Future development of the scale and validation of its measurement properties are needed.
Review of the Impact and Burden of Urinary Urgency on Adults with Overactive Bladder
Authors: Wagg Adrian , Ackerman A. Lenore , Lai H. Henry , Newman Diane K.
Published: July 2024

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent condition that impairs the quality of life in both men and women, and for many, urgency is the most bothersome symptom. Urgency is thought to drive the presentation of the other symptoms (frequency, nocturia, urgency urinary incontinence [UUI]). However, urgency has been understudied in clinical trials, potentially owing to inherent difficulties in its assessment. The definition of urgency related to OAB has been refined over the years, but it may not be easily understood by patients and clinicians, affecting its use in practice. Variability among the tools to measure urgency further complicates the matter. For example, some measure the frequency of urgency episodes and consider reduction of episode frequency as improvement in urgency severity. Others rate the severity of each episode of urgency along a scale, with some including an accompanying incontinence episode as the most severe form. Reduction in UUI episodes is often a primary endpoint in clinical studies, with many studies requiring UUI—sometimes called OAB‐wet—as an inclusion criterion, yet approximately two‐thirds of those with OAB do not experience UUI. If patients with OAB without UUI (i.e., OAB‐dry) are included, they are often not analyzed separately. Thus, it remains unknown if there are differences in treatment outcomes between patients with and without UUI and whether these differences are driven by pathophysiological processes. This narrative review highlights what is known about the pathophysiology of urgency, how urgency affects individuals with OAB, urgency measurement and associated challenges, and assessment of urgency in clinical trials.
A Rare Cause of Pain in a Patient Following Roux‐en‐Y Choledochojejunostomy
Authors: Sather Kristiana , Wheelwright Matthew , Trikudanathan Guru , Beilman Gregory
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Sump syndrome is a rare complication following bilioenteric anastomosis, most commonly following choledochoduodenostomy. This is only the third case in the literature of sump syndrome of the distal common bile duct (CBD) following end‐to‐side Roux‐en‐Y choledochojejunostomy (RYCJ). Case Presentation. A 69‐year‐old man with a history of end‐to‐side RYCJ for recurrent primary choledocholithiasis presented 3 years postoperatively with right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain affecting his quality of life. The work up revealed mild leukocytosis and computed tomography (CT) imaging that showed dilation of the distal CBD remnant. He underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with the removal of large amounts of debris with initial resolution of his pain, but the pain recurred after several months and after two further ERCPs with only short‐term resolution of pain, he eventually underwent an open distal CBD excision and the pain has since resolved. Conclusions. This case report describes a rare case of sump syndrome following RYCJ that presented with abdominal pain alone. Sump syndrome may have a wide array of presenting symptoms, and the pathophysiology of sump syndrome varies based on bilioenteric reconstruction. Although it has rarely been reported to occur in the distal blind CBD remnant following either RYCJ or hepaticojejunostomy, it is important to consider this in the differential for patients with abdominal pain following any bilioenteric reconstruction.