bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of casino proximity on northeast urban communities: a literature review
Authors: O’Gilvie Paulette J.
Published: February 2022

Gambling legalization, regulation, and casino proliferation in the United States have increased casino-gambling participation. The three A’s (accessibility, availability, and acceptability), known as ecological predictors of casino-gambling participation, have also been linked to the flood of casinos, including the influx of urban casinos in major metropolitan cities along the northeast corridor. Links between casino proximity, increased casino participation, and gambling-related problems are reported in the gambling and casino proximity literature but the relationship between casino proximity and urban casino communities have not been fully investigated in current literature. The purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive review of casino proximity and northeast urban casinos and host communities to the discussion on the construct, casino proximity and the impact on northeast urban casino communities by explaining the implications to those communities through extensive literature review. The review found that (i) urban casinos are typically placed in low socio-economic communities with some existing gambling culture, (ii) socio-economic improvement are promised to existing disadvantaged communities prior to the adoption of casinos, but modest economic benefits realized in urban casino neighborhoods are unsustainable, and (iii) increased accessibility and availability of urban casinos due to proximity could increase casino participation, which in turn could potentially increase gambling-related problems. Results of this literature review also indicated that gambling-related problems from proximity to casinos could produce negative socio-economic outcomes for host communities. Key stakeholders (including legislators, community workers, social services professionals, scholar-practitioners, and the casino-gambling industry) could benefit from this review given the increase in urban casino in major metro areas, and the potential impact those casinos can have on host and neighboring communities. Although very little is known about the impact of casino proximity on northeast corridor urban casinos in the megalopolis, even less is known about the relationship between proximity of urban casinos and their impact on host communities. Further investigation, particularly on the socio-economic outcomes for urban casino communities, is warranted.
Thomson effect transforms FeRh-based alloys into thermoelectric materials
Authors: Piccone Ashley
Published: February 2022

Thomson effect may enable thermoelectric cooling in a material without multiple junctions.
Regular attractor of the β-evolution equation with fractional damping on Rn
Authors: Wang Ming , Liu Zhiming , Huang Jianhua
Published: February 2022

We study the well-posedness and longtime dynamics of the β-evolution equation with fractional damping: ∂t2u+(−Δ)βu+γ(1−Δ)α∂tu+f(u)=g(x) on the whole space Rn, with β > 2α > 0. First, we find a critical exponent p*=n+4αn−2β for the well-posedness of energy solutions. In fact, if the nonlinear term grows with the order p ∈ [1, p*) and satisfies some dissipative conditions, then the equation is globally well-posed in the energy space. Moreover, both u and ∂tu have a smoothing effect as a parabolic equation. Finally, we show that the solution semigroup has a global attractor A in the energy space. The main difficulties come from the non-compactness of the Sobolev embedding on Rn and the nonlocal characteristic of the equation. We overcome them by establishing some new commutator estimates.
Heterodyne terahertz detection based on antenna-coupled AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor
Authors: Feng Wei , Zhu Yifan , Ding Qingfeng , Zhu Kaiqiang , Sun Jiandong , Zhang Jinfeng , Li Xinxing , Shangguan Yang , Jin Lin , Qin Hua
Published: February 2022

In this article, we report an antenna-coupled AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor integrated on a hyper-hemispheric silicon lens for heterodyne detection in a 340 GHz band at room temperature. The responsivity, elevated shot noise, flicker noise, and dynamic source-drain resistance for homodyne and heterodyne detection are characterized and analyzed at different local terahertz (LO) power levels. With a LO power of only −3.9 dBm, the detector offers a conversion loss less than 28 dB and a noise-equivalent power (NEP) about −132 dBm/Hz. A threshold LO power about −5 dBm is identified above which the shot noise becomes the dominant noise source, and the intermediate-frequency response is strongly suppressed. The elevated noise and the saturation in responsivity are found to be closely related to the strong direct-current homodyne current and the charge modulation/accumulation by the LO signal. Possible solutions are discussed to further reduce the NEP and the conversion loss.
Kinetics and energetics of room-temperature microstructure in nanocrystalline Cu films: The grain-size dependent intragrain strain energy
Authors: Chai Ze , Huang Xiaokang , Xu Jijin , Yu Zhiyuan , Ji Vincent , Jiang Chuanhai , Chen Xiaoqi
Published: February 2022

The fast kinetics of the low-temperature microstructure evolution in nanocrystalline metals requires an additional driving force from the excess intragrain energy in addition to the driving forces from the grain boundary energy, surface or interface energy, and thermal strain energy. If the excess volume of the grain boundary induces lattice distortions in grain interiors, the intragrain energy is the elastic-strain energy and can be determined from a grain-size-dependent strain model. Considering the available intragrain strain energy, we use transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction line-broadening analysis, and theoretical models to investigate the kinetics and energetics of room-temperature nanostructure relaxation and abnormal grain growth in electroplated nanocrystalline Cu films devoid of thermal strains and high-density dislocations. The experimental data of grain sizes and microstrains are consistent with the theoretical size-dependent strain model. The limited nanostructure relaxation of Cu occurs with the grain boundary width reduction and intragrain strain release, which cannot alter the structural anisotropy and intrinsic high-energy state of nanograins. Based on quantitative descriptions of the variations in grain size, microstrain, and transformed fraction during abnormal grain growth, the possible driving forces and grain boundary mobility were systematically evaluated. The results indicate that the size-dependent intragrain strain energy provides a crucial driving force for rapid nanograin growth and texture transition, whereas the low nanograin boundary mobility in Cu films is probably correlated with the strained-lattice migration and faceted-boundary migration.
Setup for photolithography on microscopic flakes of 2D materials by combining simple-geometry mask projection with writing
Authors: Jindal Vishwas , Sugunakar Vasam , Ghosh Sandip
Published: February 2022

An optical arrangement and procedure for photolithography on microscopic flakes of two-dimensional materials with an arbitrary shape/size is described. The technique combines projection of demagnified images of simple geometry macroscopic masks with writing. Only a few masks, such as vertical/horizontal slit and square hole, are sufficient to generate most of the required patterns. The setup allows for initially locating the photoresist coated flake on a substrate by imaging it. Thereafter, the automated precise sample stage motion followed by projection of the demagnified mask image is repeated several times to expose the photoresist in the shape of the required pattern. Appropriate light wavelength regimes for imaging and for exposure are chosen through automated optical filter switching. Programming steps for the process are described. The setup allows for direct lithography in one round on microscopic samples without requiring sample shape/size specific masks or predefined position markers. Making of electrode lines of width down to 3 μm, at desired locations on tiny flakes of MoS2, is demonstrated.
Geometric Hamilton–Jacobi theory for systems with external forces
Authors: de León Manuel , Lainz Manuel , López-Gordón Asier
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we develop a Hamilton–Jacobi theory for forced Hamiltonian and Lagrangian systems. We study the complete solutions, particularize for Rayleigh systems, and present some examples. Additionally, we present a method for the reduction and reconstruction of the Hamilton–Jacobi problem for forced Hamiltonian systems with symmetry. Furthermore, we consider the reduction of the Hamilton–Jacobi problem for a Čaplygin system to the Hamilton–Jacobi problem for a forced Lagrangian system.
Network rewiring and plasticity promotes synchronization of suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons
Authors: Zhou Jiaxin , Wang Hongli , Ouyang Qi
Published: February 2022

In mammals, circadian rhythms throughout the body are orchestrated by the master clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), where SCN neurons are coupled with neurotransmitters to generate a uniform circadian rhythm. How the SCN circadian rhythm is so robust and flexible is, however, unclear. In this paper, we propose a temporal SCN network model and investigate the effects of dynamical rewiring and flexible coupling due to synaptic plasticity on the synchronization of the neural network in SCN. In networks consisting of simple Poincaré oscillators and complex circadian clocks, we found that dynamical rewiring and coupling plasticity enhance the synchronization in inhomogeneous networks. We verified the effect of enhanced synchronization in different architectures of random, scale-free, and small-world networks. A simple mean-field analysis for synchronization in plastic networks is proposed. Intuitively, the synchronization is greatly enhanced because both the random rewiring and coupling plasticity in the heterogeneous network have effectively increased the coupling strength in the whole network. Our results suggest that a proper network model for the master SCN circadian rhythm needs to take into account the effects of dynamical changes in topology and plasticity in neuron interactions that could help the brain to generate a robust circadian rhythm for the whole body.
Simultaneous measurement of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of individual microwires by using a cross-wire geometry
Authors: Chen Haoran , Sun Hongsheng , Chen Lu , Chen Yu , Chen Jun , Qiu Xiaoli , Wang Jianli
Published: February 2022

The thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of both metallic and non-metallic microwires are simultaneously measured by a cross-wire geometry. In this method, the heating wire serves both as a thermometer and a heater. The deflection of the heating wire is in situ modified by using the Ampère force to contact and separate the test wire. By using the quasi-steady-state measurement, the thermal contact resistances under different contact conditions are obtained so that the effect on thermal conductivity can be eliminated. This method is verified by both the metallic wires and carbon fiber to clarify the effect of the surface radiation heat loss of the test wire. The obtained thermal properties are repeatable though the magnitude of the thermal contact resistance under different contact conditions changes significantly. The cross-wire geometry overcomes the obstacle introduced by different thermal interfacial materials, which provides an accurate and convenient way to measure the thermal properties of microwires.
Nonlinear static and dynamic performance of CNT reinforced and nanoclay modified laminated nanocomposite plate
Authors: Kanu Nand Jee , Lal Achchhe
Published: February 2022

Under static and dynamic loading circumstances, the mechanically and thermo-initiated nonlinear static and dynamic assessment of the bending response of single-walled carbon nanotubes’ (CNTs’) fibers with a nanoclay particle reinforced polymer hybrid laminated composite plate is investigated. To evaluate the effective elastic characteristics of the CNTs’ fibers on the nanoclay particle modified polymer hybrid laminated plate, a modified Halpin–Tsai method is applied in an orthotropic way. The theory of higher-order shear deformation and complete kinematics (nonlinear) are used to develop the fundamental nonlinear dynamic formulation. A user-interactive finite element method-based MATLAB program solves the governing equations for nonlinear dynamic systems utilizing Newmark’s period integration and the Newton–Raphson method. The effects of variation in the quantity of CNTs’ fibers and particles of nanoclay, presence of interphases around CNTs’ fibers and nanoclay particles, variation in phases of the CNTs’ fibers on the nanoclay particle modified polymer hybrid laminated plate, and variation in plies of the laminated hybrid plate under clamped and simply supported conditions on the transverse central deflection response are explored in depth.
Meromorphy of solutions for a wide class of ordinary differential equations of Painlevé type
Authors: Domrin A. V. , Shumkin M. A. , Suleimanov B. I.
Published: February 2022

We prove the meromorphy of solutions for a wide class of ordinary differential equations. These equations are given by invariant manifolds of non-linear partial differential equations integrable by the inverse scattering transform. Some higher analogs of Painlevé equations are considered as examples.
Broadband interconnected receiver–transmitter surface for generating dual circularly polarized dual beams
Authors: Wang Huili , Yang Pei , Qin Hongwei , Dang Ruirong
Published: February 2022

We propose an interconnected receiver–transmitter surface (IRTS) for simultaneously generating left-hand circularly polarized (CP) beams and right-hand CP beams based on the Pancharatnam–Berry phase, thus realizing dual CP dual beam radiations. The IRTS is composed of upper-layer gradient patches and lower-layer periodic patches that are connected by the metal probes that cross the center tears of the middle metal ground. The lower-layer patches of the IRTS can receive linearly polarized waves and couple the energy into the upper-layer by the metal probe for obtaining dual CP dual beam radiations. In particular, the working bandwidth of the present design can also be further extended when both IRTSs with adjacent working frequency bands are superimposed on each other to form a broadband IRTS (BIRTS). Finally, we fabricate the proposed IRTS and BIRTS with a standard gain horn antenna as the feed and experimentally demonstrate the functionalities of generating dual CP dual beams.
Global existence and lifespan of smooth solutions of biwave maps
Authors: Chiang Yuan-Jen , Wei Changhua
Published: February 2022

We show that if f:R1+m→N is a biwave map from a Minkowski spacetime into a Riemannian manifold N with initial data such that the spatial dimension m > 6 and the Riemannian curvature of N satisfies certain conditions, then there exists a small constant ϵ0 such that the biwave map f has a unique global smooth solution for ϵ ∈ [0, ϵ0) (where the parameter ϵ indicates the size of the initial data). In case 1 ≤ m ≤ 6, we obtain the lifespan of the smooth solution of the above biwave map. Furthermore, if f:M→N is a biwave map on a Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker spacetime under certain circumstances, we obtain the lifespan of the smooth solution of the biwave map for spatial dimension m ≥ 1.
Classification of flow-field patterns in burst-mode actuation of a dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuator
Authors: Emori Kenta , Kaneko Yutaka , Nishida Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the characteristics of flow-field patterns generated by burst-mode actuation of a dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuator in quiescent air. Particle-image velocimetry and background-oriented schlieren measurements conducted over a wide range of burst-signal parameters show that there are three types of flow-field patterns. Type 1 is the wall-surface jet seen in continuous mode actuation; type 2 features periodical independent vortices traveling along the wall surface; type 3 features such vortices moving away from the surface. The vortex sizes in types 2 and 3 are proportional to the energy consumed in generating one vortex. When the time-averaged jet velocity estimated by the power consumption is used as the characteristic velocity in the nondimensional scaling law, the time profiles of the vortex location in the type 3 flow-field pattern collapse into a single line, independently of the burst frequency and ratio. However, in the initial phase, the nondimensional vortex-core motion is better described using the jet velocity in continuous-mode actuation as the characteristic velocity. The transitions of the flow-field pattern from type 1 to type 3 result from interference between cyclically generated vortices and depend on the inter-vortex distances and the energy consumed in generating one vortex.
Phase-transition-induced giant Thomson effect for thermoelectric cooling
Authors: Modak Rajkumar , Murata Masayuki , Hou Dazhi , Miura Asuka , Iguchi Ryo , Xu Bin , Guo Rulei , Shiomi Junichiro , Sakuraba Yuya , Uchida Ken-ichi
Published: February 2022

The Seebeck and Peltier effects have been widely studied and used in various thermoelectric technologies, including thermal energy harvesting and solid-state heat pumps. However, basic and applied studies on the Thomson effect, another fundamental thermoelectric effect in conductors, are limited despite the fact that the Thomson effect allows electronic cooling through the application of a temperature gradient bias rather than the construction of junction structures. In this article, we report the observation of a giant Thomson effect that appears owing to magnetic phase transitions. The Thomson coefficient of FeRh-based alloys reaches large values approaching –1000 μV K−1 around room temperature because of the steep temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient associated with the antiferromagnetic–ferromagnetic phase transition. The Thomson coefficient is several orders of magnitude larger than the Seebeck coefficient of the alloys. Using the active thermography technique, we demonstrate that the Thomson cooling can be much larger than Joule heating in the same material even in a nearly steady state. The operation temperature of the giant Thomson effect in the FeRh-based alloys can be tuned over a wide range by applying an external magnetic field or by slightly changing the composition. Our findings provide a new direction in the materials science of thermoelectrics and pave the way for thermal management applications using the Thomson effect.
Experimental investigation of the impact of viscous droplets on superamphiphobic surfaces
Authors: Tai Yaolin , Xu Haijue , Bai Yuchuan , Li Linan , Wang Shibin , Xia Zhenyan
Published: February 2022

The bouncing dynamics of droplets with various viscosities on superamphiphobic surfaces is experimentally investigated. It is shown that contact number T ≡ We Re−1/2 can characterize both the maximum spreading factor and the contact time of viscous liquid droplets. Using energy conservation and contact number T, a new theoretical model of the maximum spreading factor for various viscous liquid droplets is proposed. The predictions of this model agree with the experimental results and data from previous studies. Liquid viscosity has a significant effect on the impact process and leads to an increase in contact time. For low-viscosity droplets, contact time is independent of impact velocity, whereas for high-viscosity droplets, contact time increases with increasing impact velocity. Therefore, the new time scaling τ ∼ D0/U0T=ρD03μU0/σ21/2 proposed in our previous work is adopted to characterize the effects of viscosity on contact time. Excellent agreement between the scaling and experimental results is found. These findings should therefore help understand how to design surfaces for a variety of applications, such as anti-icing or reducing heat transfer with impacting liquids.
Dynamics of magnetic skyrmions under temperature gradients
Authors: Gong Chaofan , Zhou Yan , Zhao Guoping
Published: February 2022

We expand the Zhang–Li spin-transfer torque [Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 127204 (2004)] to finite temperatures by the scattering amplitude. Considering various factors, including the adiabatic and diabatic effects of electrons and magnons, entropy equivalent field, thermal dipole field, thermal activation, magnetic-anisotropy gradient, and diffusion, we answer a recent question both experimentally and theoretically controversial: Will skyrmions move to the hot or cold region under thermal gradients?
Aluminum-black silicon plasmonic nano-eggs structure for deep-UV surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Lin Bo-Wei , Tai Yi-Hsin , Lee Yang-Chun , Xing Di , Lin Hsin-Chang , Yamahara Hiroyasu , Ho Ya-Lun , Tabata Hitoshi , Daiguji Hirofumi , Delaunay Jean-Jacques
Published: February 2022

By combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy together with resonance Raman effects in the deep-UV region, ultra-sensitive and selective molecule detection can be achieved by deep-UV surface-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS). Here, we report a deep-UV plasmonic nano-eggs structure consisting of elongated Al nanoparticles on black Si (BSi) for use in deep-UV SERRS characterization of biomolecules. The Al/BSi nano-eggs structure can be easily fabricated over a large area via conventional techniques including inductively coupled-plasma reactive ion etching on a Si substrate and Al sputtering without the need for accurate thickness control. A home-built deep-UV SERRS setup with the excitation wavelength of 266 nm is used to characterize adenine deposited on Al/BSi nano-eggs structures. High-intensity and reproducible Raman signals for adenine are obtained. A low-cost and easy-to-fabricate Al/BSi nano-eggs structure provides a convenient means to achieve deep-UV SERRS characterization, and it is thought to be beneficial for the development of ultra-sensitive molecule detection schemes.
Selenium uptake by rocket plants (Eruca sativa) grown in a calcareous soil as affected by Se species, Se rate and a seaweed extract-based biostimulant application
Authors: Zafeiriou Ioannis , Gasparatos Dionisios , Ioannou Dafni , Massas Ioannis
Published: February 2022

To investigate the potentiality of Eruca sativa (rocket) to be enriched in selenium (Se) and, thus, to promote human health through consumption, a pot experiment was designed. Two rates, 5 and 10 mg/kg soil, of either selenite or selenate sodium salts were applied to appropriate pots, each filled with 1 kg of calcareous soil. Rocket seedlings were transplanted and grown in these pots, and to half of the pots the biostimulant Actiwave was added. Twelve weeks later, the plants were harvested and Se concentrations determined in shoots and roots. Plant growth characteristics were measured and plants biometrics were assessed by soil plant analyses development (SPAD), normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalised difference red edge (NDRE). Sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in plant samples were also determined to discuss possible interactions among the three elements. The highest Se concentration of 1070.5 mg/kg dry weight (DW) was observed for the high selenate rate without biostimulant, placing rocket in the group of Se hyperaccumulator plants. Toxic effects were recorded for the plants that received the high selenate rate, whereas no toxicity symptoms were observed for either selenite rate. According to Se concentrations in controls, biostimulant application significantly suppressed Se uptake and significantly increased S and P uptake. The same negative biostimulant effect on Se concentration in plants was clear in selenate treatments. When the results were expressed as total uptake (mg/pot), positive correlations among Se, S and P were found for selenate treatments, whereas for selenite treatments, the opposite was observed. Impressively, 1.6 mg Se/pot on a DW basis was accumulated in rocket shoots in the low selenate-rate without biostimulant treatment, corresponding to approximately 30% of the added 5 mg of selenate.
GULFMET.EM.S1 Comparison of Resistance Standards at 100 Ω
Authors: Turhan Enis , Erkan Omer , Hayirli Cem , Bartholomew Jon , Yang Dr Steven , Alshamrani Othman , Alrobaish Abdullah , Calija Srdan
Published: February 2022

Main text

Comparison of Resistance Standards at 100 Ω between TUBITAK (Turkey), EMI (UAE), NMCC SASO (Saudi Arabia), SCL (Hong Kong), IMBIH Bosnia and Herzegovina

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Tl-201 of activity measurements of the radionuclide 201Tl to include the 2011 result of the NIST (United States)
Authors: Michotte C , Courte S , Nonis M , Coulon R , Judge S , Ratel G , Fitzgerald R , Pibida L
Published: February 2022

Main text

Since 1979, 8 laboratories have submitted 20 samples of 201Tl to the International Reference System (SIR) for activity comparison at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), with comparison identifer BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Tl-201. The NIST (United States) participated in the comparison and the key comparison reference value (KCRV) has been updated. The degrees of equivalence between each equivalent activity measured in the SIR and the updated KCRV have been calculated and the results are given in the form of a table. A graphical presentation is also given.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
A Real-time, Pipelined Incoherent Dedispersion Method and Implementation in FPGA
Authors: Liu Wei , Meng Qiao , Wang Chen , Zhou Chenye , Yao Shunyu , Tariq Irfan
Published: February 2022

In pulsar observation, dispersion occurs due to the interstellar medium. The dispersion significantly affects the detection of pulsar signals. To overcome the dispersion effect, incoherent dedispersion methods are often applied. The tranditional inchoherent dedispersion methods are computationally expensive and troublesome. To deal with this problem, in this paper, we developed a Real-Time, Pipelined Incoherent Dedispersion Method (RT-PIDM). RT-PIMD only caches the summed-up time series, instead of all the frequency spectra, so the memory consumption is determined by the number of DM trails, whereas the traditional method’s memory consumption is determined by the number of frequency channels. In most of the situations, the number of frequency channels is several times more than that of DM trails, which means the memory consumption of traditional methods is more than that of RT-PIDM. With RT-PIDM, we designed a 1.2 GHz bandwidth prototype digital backend, and we finished pulsar observation with the 40 m radio telescope at Yunnan Observatory. The results demonstrate that the RT-PIDM can be implemented inside a single FPGA chip with less Block RAM, and the proposed RT-PIDM dedisperses the pulsar signal in real time and achieves the same result as compared to traditional incoherent dedispersion.
High resolution track matching in a hybrid SciFi-emulsion detector
Authors: Chernyavskiy M.M. , Gippius A.A. , Konovalova N.S. , Malinin A.G. , Okateva N.M. , Petrov A.N. , Polukhina N.G. , Shevchenko V.I. , Shchedrina T.V. , Starkova E.N. , Starkov N.I.
Published: February 2022

The paper describes the matching of tracks in a nuclear
emulsion detector interleaved with scintillating optical fiber
(SciFi) planes. This technology is planned to be used in the
Scattering and Neutrino Detector (SND) of the new experiment SHiP
(Search for Hidden Particles) being developed in CERN. The
experiment SHiP aimed on the search of very weakly interacting
particles in the poorly studied region of the particle masses below
10 GeV will be installed in a beam dump facility at the Super
Proton Synchrotron (SPS). The SND detector is aimed to provide
temporal and spatial analysis of the particle showers and isolated
tracks to separate and reconstruct events in nuclear emulsion. SND
design includes emulsion cloud chamber (ECC) and SciFi
tracker. Motivation for using the combination of ECC and SciFi is to
obtain the “real-time” information for the prompt and
high-accuracy event analysis. The algorithm presented in the article
provides a track matching accuracy not less than 50 μm with
an efficiency of (89±8)%.
Schools Traffic Noise Pollution Levels Along Federal Roads in Muallim District, Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Nayan N , Hashim M , Saleh Y , Mahat H , Luyan M H , Juanis J , Khotimah N
Published: February 2022

This article aims to identify the school traffic noise level along federal roads in Muallim District, Perak, namely SMK Khir Johari (SMKKJ), SMK Agama Slim River (SMKASR) and SMK Dato’ Zulkifli Muhammad (SMKDZ). Data were collected during school hours and on weekends, from 7 September to 13 September 2019 and three times a day, 7.00 -8.00 am, 9.00 -10.00 am and 12.00 -1.00 pm. Data was collected using Digital Sound Level Meter AS804, which was mounted on a tripod approximately one meter high from the road surface to prevent road sound reflection. Sound recordings were performed using decibel scale weights (dBA) and values for Max (Maximum Noise Level), Min (Minimum Noise Level), Leq (Average Overall Noise) with five minutes time delay and descriptive analysis. The findings show all stations values exceeded the standards set by the Malaysia Department of Environment (DOE) (60 dBA). SMKKJ shows the Min value is 57.7 dBA, the Max value is 94.5 dBA and Leq 76.1 dBA during working hours. In conclusion, the study showed that all stations recorded high noise during working hours and non-working hours surpass the standard set by DOE during the day. The need for the Malaysian Ministry of Education to assess and plan to reduce this noise level through short-term and long-term measures.
A metric that better approximates the hyperbolic metric
Authors: Ma William
Published: February 2022

We introduce a metric, called the star metric, that gives us better upper bound of the hyperbolic metric than the Möbius invariant metric. We present various examples, and comparisons among the hyperbolic metric, the Möbius invariant metric and the star metric.
Control of eigenfunctions on surfaces of variable curvature
Authors: Dyatlov Semyon , Jin Long , Nonnenmacher Stéphane
Published: February 2022

We prove a microlocal lower bound on the mass of high energy eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on compact surfaces of negative curvature, and more generally on surfaces with Anosov geodesic flows. This implies controllability for the Schrödinger equation by any nonempty open set, and shows that every semiclassical measure has full support. We also prove exponential energy decay for solutions to the damped wave equation on such surfaces, for any nontrivial damping coefficient. These results extend previous works (see Semyon Dyatlov and Long Jin [Acta Math. 220 (2018), pp. 297–339] and Long Jin [Comm. Math. Phys. 373 (2020), pp. 771–794]), which considered the setting of surfaces of constant negative curvature.

The proofs use the strategy of Semyon Dyatlov and Long Jin [Acta Math. 220 (2018), pp. 297–339 and Long Jin [Comm. Math. Phys. 373 (2020), pp. 771–794] and rely on the fractal uncertainty principle of Jean Bourgain and Semyon Dyatlov [Ann. of Math. (2) 187 (2018), pp. 825–867]. However, in the variable curvature case the stable/unstable foliations are not smooth, so we can no longer associate to these foliations a pseudodifferential calculus of the type used by Semyon Dyatlov and Joshua Zahl [Geom. Funct. Anal. 26 (2016), pp. 1011–1094]. Instead, our argument uses Egorov’s theorem up to local Ehrenfest time and the hyperbolic parametrix of Stéphane Nonnenmacher and Maciej Zworski [Acta Math. 203 (2009), pp. 149–233], together with the

C

1
+

C^{1+}

regularity of the stable/unstable foliations.
Prognostic relevance of the revised R status definition in pancreatic cancer: meta-analysis
Authors: Leonhardt Carl Stephan , Niesen Willem , Kalkum Eva , Klotz Rosa , Hank Thomas , Büchler Markus Wolfgang , Strobel Oliver , Probst Pascal
Published: February 2022

Background

The prognostic impact of margin status is reported with conflicting results after pancreatic cancer resection. While some studies validated an uninvolved resection margin (R0) 1 mm or more of tumour clearance, others have failed to show benefit. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of margin definitions on median overall survival (OS).

Methods

MEDLINE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies reporting associations between resection margins and OS between 2010 and 2021. Data regarding margin status (R0 circumferential resection margin (CRM) negative (CRM–), R0 CRM positive (CRM+), R0 direct, and R1 and OS were extracted. Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled with a random-effects model. The risk of bias was evaluated with the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool.

Results

The full texts of 774 studies were screened. In total, 21 studies compromising 6056 patients were included in the final synthesis. In total, 188 (24 per cent) studies were excluded due to missing margin definitions. The R0 (CRM+) rate was 50 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.40 to 0.61) and the R0 (CRM−) rate was 38 per cent (95 per cent c.i. 0.29 to 0.47). R0 (CRM−) resection was independently associated with improved OS compared to combined R1 and R0 (CRM+; HR 1.36, 95 per cent c.i. 1.23 to 1.56).

Conclusion

The revised R status was confirmed as an independent prognosticator compared to combined R0 (CRM+) and R1. The limited number of studies, non-standardized pathology protocols, and the varying number of margins assessed hamper comparability.
Gamma band functional connectivity reduction in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and epileptiform activity
Authors: Cuesta Pablo , Ochoa-Urrea Manuela , Funke Michael , Hasan Omar , Zhu Ping , Marcos Alberto , López Maria Eugenia , Schulz Paul E. , Lhatoo Samden , Pantazis Dimitrios , Mosher John C. , Maestu Fernando
Published: February 2022

There is growing evidence for neuronal hyperexcitability in Alzheimer’s disease. Hyperexcitability is associated with an increase in epileptiform activity and the disruption of inhibitory activity of interneurons. Interneurons fire at a high rate and are frequently associated with high-frequency oscillations in the gamma frequency band (30–150 Hz). It is unclear how hyperexcitability affects the organization of functional brain networks. A sample of 63 amnestic mild cognitive impairment patients underwent a magnetoencephalography resting-state recording with eyes closed. Twenty (31.75%) mild cognitive impairment patients had epileptiform activity. A cluster-based analysis of the magnetoencephalography functional connectivity revealed a region within the right temporal cortex whose global connectivity in the gamma frequency band was significantly reduced in patients with epileptiform activity relative to those without epileptiform activity. A subsequent seed-based analysis showed that this was largely due to weaker gamma band connectivity of this region with ipsilateral frontal and medial regions, and the upper precuneus area. In addition, this reduced functional connectivity was associated with higher grey matter atrophy across several cortical regions in the patients with epileptiform activity. These functional network disruptions and changes in brain physiology and morphology have important clinical implications as they may contribute to cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Histopathological correlates of haemorrhagic lesions on ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging in immunized Alzheimer’s disease cases
Authors: Scherlek Ashley A. , Kozberg Mariel G. , Nicoll James A. R. , Perosa Valentina , Freeze Whitney M. , van der Weerd Louise , Bacskai Brian J. , Greenberg Steven M. , Frosch Matthew P. , Boche Delphine , van Veluw Susanne J.
Published: February 2022

Haemorrhagic amyloid-related imaging abnormalities on MRI are frequently observed adverse events in the context of amyloid β immunotherapy trials in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The underlying histopathology and pathophysiological mechanisms of haemorrhagic amyloid-related imaging abnormalities remain largely unknown, although coexisting cerebral amyloid angiopathy may play a key role. Here, we used ex vivo MRI in cases that underwent amyloid β immunotherapy during life to screen for haemorrhagic lesions and assess underlying tissue and vascular alterations. We hypothesized that these lesions would be associated with severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Ten cases were selected from the long-term follow-up study of patients who enrolled in the first clinical trial of active amyloid β immunization with AN1792 for Alzheimer’s disease. Eleven matched non-immunized Alzheimer’s disease cases from an independent brain brank were used as ‘controls’. Formalin-fixed occipital brain slices were imaged at 7 T MRI to screen for haemorrhagic lesions (i.e. microbleeds and cortical superficial siderosis). Samples with and without haemorrhagic lesions were cut and stained. Artificial intelligence-assisted quantification of amyloid β plaque area, cortical and leptomeningeal cerebral amyloid angiopathy area, the density of iron and calcium positive cells and reactive astrocytes and activated microglia was performed. On ex vivo MRI, cortical superficial siderosis was observed in 5/10 immunized Alzheimer’s disease cases compared with 1/11 control Alzheimer’s disease cases (κ = 0.5). On histopathology, these areas revealed iron and calcium positive deposits in the cortex. Within the immunized Alzheimer’s disease group, areas with siderosis on MRI revealed greater leptomeningeal cerebral amyloid angiopathy and concentric splitting of the vessel walls compared with areas without siderosis. Moreover, greater density of iron-positive cells in the cortex was associated with lower amyloid β plaque area and a trend towards increased post-vaccination antibody titres. This work highlights the use of ex vivo MRI to investigate the neuropathological correlates of haemorrhagic lesions observed in the context of amyloid β immunotherapy. These findings suggest a possible role for cerebral amyloid angiopathy in the formation of haemorrhagic amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, awaiting confirmation in future studies that include brain tissue of patients who received passive immunotherapy against amyloid β with available in vivo MRI during life.
Altered linear coupling between stimulus-evoked blood flow and oxygen metabolism in the aging human brain
Authors: Turner Monroe P , Zhao Yuguang , Abdelkarim Dema , Liu Peiying , Spence Jeffrey S , Hutchison Joanna L , Sivakolundu Dinesh K , Thomas Binu P , Hubbard Nicholas A , Xu Cuimei , Taneja Kamil , Lu Hanzhang , Rypma Bart
Published: February 2022

Neural-vascular coupling (NVC) is the process by which oxygen and nutrients are delivered to metabolically active neurons by blood vessels. Murine models of NVC disruption have revealed its critical role in healthy neural function. We hypothesized that, in humans, aging exerts detrimental effects upon the integrity of the neural-glial-vascular system that underlies NVC. To test this hypothesis, calibrated functional magnetic resonance imaging (cfMRI) was used to characterize age-related changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygen metabolism during visual cortex stimulation. Thirty-three younger and 27 older participants underwent cfMRI scanning during both an attention-controlled visual stimulation task and a hypercapnia paradigm used to calibrate the blood-oxygen-level-dependent signal. Measurement of stimulus-evoked blood flow and oxygen metabolism permitted calculation of the NVC ratio to assess the integrity of neural-vascular communication. Consistent with our hypothesis, we observed monotonic NVC ratio increases with increasing visual stimulation frequency in younger adults but not in older adults. Age-related changes in stimulus-evoked cerebrovascular and neurometabolic signal could not fully explain this disruption; increases in stimulus-evoked neurometabolic activity elicited corresponding increases in stimulus-evoked CBF in younger but not in older adults. These results implicate age-related, demand-dependent failures of the neural-glial-vascular structures that comprise the NVC system.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging unmasks presumed embolic myocardial infarction due to patent foramen ovale case report
Authors: Liang Kate , Williams Matthew , Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara
Published: February 2022

Background

Occurrence of paradoxical coronary embolism is reported in up to 10–15% of all myocardial infarctions but embolic infarctions presumed to be as a result of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) are rare. Although rare, it is important to identify these patients as they need appropriate investigations to confirm their diagnosis and guide further treatment.

Case summary

We present the case of a gentleman with troponin positive chest pain with non-obstructed coronaries on invasive coronary angiogram. Subsequent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated multi-focal myocardial infarctions in several coronary artery territories. Further investigations including echocardiogram were performed in order to identify a cause and source of the embolic infarctions and led to the diagnosis of patent foramen ovale. The patient was treated as myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries most likely due to embolic phenomena in the presence of a PFO.

Conclusion

Multiple focal infarctions in multiple coronary artery territories should raise the suspicion of an intra-cardiac shunt. Multi-modality imaging with cardiac MRI and echocardiogram is important in correctly identifying any source of emboli and the diagnosis of any intra-cardiac shunt. Whilst PFO closure is a possible treatment for patients, considerations regarding risk stratification and local provisions needs to be taken into account. Patients should be referred to the appropriate subspecialist to ensure suitable long-term follow-up.
Who Stays Involved? A Longitudinal Study on Adolescents’ Participation in Voluntary Associations in Germany
Authors: Dederichs Kasimir , Kruse Hanno
Published: February 2022

The extent to which people are active in voluntary associations varies with age. While previous research provides clear evidence for an inverse u-shaped pattern across an adult’s life, much less is known about the formative period of adolescence and young adulthood. In this article, we examine changes in voluntary participation starting at age 14 and assess the impact of adolescents’ educational transitions and their socioeconomic status. Our analyses rely on longitudinal survey data following a representative sample of adolescents in Germany (N = 5,013) over 6 years. Using fixed effects regression and moderated mediation analyses, we examine how adolescents’ educational transitions and their socioeconomic status drive changes in participation. Results indicate a substantive decline in participation as individuals grow older. Transitions into higher tertiary education partly account for this decline. Finally, we find that adolescents from higher socioeconomic status are especially likely to reduce their participation, in part because they are more likely to undergo transitions into higher tertiary education. These findings suggest that the socioeconomic gap in participation decreases as adolescents grow older.
Life Course Pathways Into Intergenerational Caregiving
Authors: Rodrigues Ricardo , Filipovič Hrast Maša , Kadi Selma , Hurtado Monarres Miriam , Hlebec Valentina
Published: February 2022

Objectives

We develop a framework for the analysis of pathways into intergenerational caregiving to older people provided by family members using life course concepts of key turning events in life, cumulative processes, and linked lives within the family realm.

Methods

Using framework analysis, we analyze semistructured qualitative interviews from a sample of dyads (older cared-for adults and their main family carers comprised of children, children-in-law, and grandchildren) in Austria (N = 24) and Slovenia (N = 52). Data were collected in 2019 through purposive sampling, including dyads from a differentiated socioeconomic background and gender.

Results

The analysis reveals 4 nonexclusive pathways into caregiving. One pathway is associated with single turning events occurring in family or work trajectories of carers that expanded the possibilities for caregiving later in life. A second pathway referred to cumulative processes that later influenced transitions into caregiving, such as personal biographies marked by weak labor market attachment. Another cumulative pathway, exclusive to caregiving, is characterized by continued and sustained exchanges of support within families that cement reciprocal ties that underpin caregiving at later stages. In the fourth pathway, life trajectories of siblings, but also family relationships and conflicts, constrained carers into their role.

Discussion

Decisions regarding caregiving within families can be best understood as processes, linked to developments in other trajectories in carers’ lives, as much as to internal family dynamics and relationships. Becoming a carer may be itself the result of intertwined accumulated vulnerabilities, as well as cumulative exchanges within families.
Perceptions of Childhood Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Cognitive Function in Middle and Late Adulthood
Authors: Peng Changmin , Han Sae Hwang , Burr Jeffrey A
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives

Framed within the life course perspective and the neighborhood stress model, this study investigated the association between perceptions of childhood neighborhood social cohesion and cognitive function among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. We also examined whether gender, childhood hukou status, the Chinese national administrative household registration system, and birth cohort moderated the association.

Research Design and Methods

This study used 3 waves of nationally representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2015; N = 11,469). Cognitive function was measured with the Telephone Interview for Cognition Status instrument. Two-level multilevel modeling was employed to address the research questions.

Results

A higher overall level of childhood neighborhood social cohesion was associated with a higher baseline level of cognitive function (b = 0.26, p < .001) and a slower rate of cognitive decline (b = 0.10, p = .010). Birth cohort membership moderated the linkage between childhood neighborhood social cohesion and the level of cognitive function (b = 0.35, p < .001) and cognitive decline (b = 0.19, p = .014). Gender and childhood hukou status did not moderate these associations.

Discussion and Implications

These findings underscored the long-term ramifications of childhood conditions for later-life cognitive function. Social cohesion at the neighborhood level during childhood may be a factor that promotes healthy cognitive aging.