bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real-time Analog Processing with On-Chip Learning using Multiple-Input Translinear Elements
Authors: Sonnadara Charana , Shah Sahil 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Analog processing has re-emerged as a mode of computing complex real-time algorithms since it consumes less power. Analog circuits are susceptible to mismatches, and variations could be mitigated with onboard training. In this study, we are presenting the use of analog floating-gate MITE-based circuits for various computations. The study showcases their use in performing various basic arithmetic operations. Analog computation can provide a significant advantage in applications where signals are in the analog domain. Here, the study uses a neural decoding task to demonstrate an application where input neural data are mapped to kinematics. The study demonstrates a real-time neural decoding task with an analog adaptive circuit. Additionally, we develop an on-chip learning algorithm to adapt the parameters of the analog adaptive circuit. For a neural decoding task, on-chip learning enables the improvement of the overall Pearson correlation coefficient from 0.07 to 0.69. On-chip learning and adaptation can significantly reduce the need for off-chip communication in implantable devices.
A B-integral managing strategy with multi-stage SCF amplifier: towards direct power scaling of femtosecond sources near 2 μm
Authors: Yu Haohai , Wang Jianlei , zhao Yongguang , Zhang Ning , Wei wenlong , Petrov Valentin , Zhang Huaijin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Intense femtosecond laser pulses at 2 µm hold tremendous promise for applications ranging from fundamental scientific research particularly in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) and next-generation laser-driven particle accelerator, to industry and life sciences. Compared with the well-designed chirped-pulse amplification (CPA) technique, direct amplification is the most predictable way for the realization of intense femtosecond laser pulses in the advantages of the simplicity and compactness but suffered from the strong nonlinearity in the past tens of years. Here, we propose a B-integral managing strategy for manipulating the nonlinear effects by employing discrete single-crystal fiber (SCF) configuration, enabling direct amplification of 2-µm femtosecond pulses at high repetition rates without additional pulse picking, stretching and compression. The system delivers > 56 W average power at 75.45 MHz with extremely high extraction efficiency (> 55%) and near diffraction-limited beam quality (M2 < 1.2). The dynamic evolution of the optical spectra and temporal properties in power amplifier reveals that detrimental nonlinear effects are largely suppressed due to the low accumulated nonlinear phase shift in the discrete SCF layout. This straightforward, compact and relatively simple for realization approach is expected to open a new route to the amplification of 2-µm ultrashort pulses at MHz and kHz repetition rates towards high average/peak powers, and thus exciting future prospects for the applications in the modern nonlinear photonic regimes.
Adjunct linezolid in patients with tuberculous meningitis for mortality or neurological disability prevention: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lino Gabriel Moreira , Galvão Pauliana Valéria Machado , Magalhães Jurandy Júnior Ferraz , Conrado George Alessandro Maranhão 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of linezolid as an adjunct to the current tuberculous meningitis standard of care in preventing death and neurological disability.
Methods
The MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched until 5 January 2024. We included randomized controlled trials in individuals with clinically diagnosed tuberculous meningitis comparing adjunct linezolid to standard treatment alone. We synthesized results using an inverse-variance random-effects meta-analysis, reporting the probability of treatment benefit with a Bayesian hierarchical normal-normal model.
Results
Three trials were included. There was a risk reduction in mortality (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.97; 3 RCTs, n = 87 patients; moderate certainty evidence). The probability of a clinically relevant benefit (RR < 0.9) was 93.95%, and 74.86% for a large prevention in mortality (RR < 0.5). The probability of harm is less than 2.5% (RR > 1.1). However, the effect on neurological disability was uncertain (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.28; 2 RCTs, n = 64 patients; very low certainty evidence).
Conclusions
Linezolid shows considerable promise in reducing mortality in patients with tuberculous meningitis, one of the most severe and challenging central nervous system infections. Larger-scale trials should elucidate its effect on neurological disability and optimize dosing strategies.
Stock Assessment of Indo-Pacific king mackerel (Scomberomorus guttatus) using CMSY data poor method in the Persian Gulf &amp; Oman Sea
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Ahmadreza , kaymaram farhad , Salarpouri Ali , Doustdar Mastoureh 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a framework for investigating the catch trend. However, it is currently difficult to provide scientific advice for management purposes using only catch data. This article presents a data poor method for stock assessment of Scomberomorus guttatus by collecting catch data in the Persian Gulf & Oman Sea. In this study, CMSY method was used to determine the biological reference points (BRPs) of Indo-Pacific king mackerel in the study area. Catch data was collected from 1997-2022 in the Persian Gulf & Oman Sea. The average catch of the Persian Gulf & Oman Sea was 5750 tons in the studied period. The average (minimum -maximum) of carrying capacity (K), maximum sustainable yield (MSY), the biomass of maximum sustainable yield (Bmsy), current biomass (B) and Fishing mortality of maximum sustainable yield (Fmsy) were obtained by the Catch- maximum sustainable yield (CMSY) method. F/FMSY was estimated 0.69 in the Persian Gulf & Oman Sea. The KOBE plot indicates that based on the CMSY model results, Indo-Pacific king mackerel is currently not overfished (B2022/BMSY=1.35) and is not subject to overfishing (F2022/FMSY = 0.69) in the Iranian southern waters.
A scoping survey of ChatGPT in mathematics education
Authors: Pepin Birgit , Buchholtz Nils , Salinas-Fernandez Ulises 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This initial article of the Special Issue on Chat GPT in mathematics education is in two parts: (1) a report on a scoping review study that provides the background to the articles in the Special Issue; and (2) the editorial that affords a glance at the seven articles of the Special Issue.
Improving the electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4 cathode materials via coating NiO
Authors: Qin Hao , Shao Zhongcai , Li Xuetian , Dai Shihang , Yang Qingchun , Liu Zhijiang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Abstrct
LiMn2O4 cathode material is considered a highly promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its low cost and excellent safety performance. However, it suffers from rapid capacity decay, significantly impacting the practical application of LiMn2O4 cathode material. Therefore, enhancing the cycling performance of LiMn2O4 is a focal point in current research. In this study, LiMn2O4 was coated with various amounts of NiO using the chemical precipitation method. Analysis through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy confirmed LiMn2O4 was coating modification with NiO. Electrode charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance tests revealed that LiMn2O4 coated with the amount of NiO was 1.5% exhibited the optimal cycling performance. Specifically, the initial discharge capacity of LiMn2O4 coated with 1.5% NiO reached 116.8 mAh·g-1 at 0.2C, with a capacity retention of 91.8% after 100 cycles at 2C, in comparison to only 74.9% for pristine LiMn2O4. The enhanced electrochemical performance can be attributed to the oxides impeding the reaction between the electrolyte and the electrodes, thereby enhancing the stability of LiMn2O4 during high-current charging and discharging.
Keywords
LiMn2O4; NiO; Coating; Electrochemical performance.
Biomarkers of Catalase, Glutathione S-transferase, and Ethoxyresorufin-O- deethylase in Echinometra mathaei exposed to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the northern Persian Gulf
Authors: Badri Setareh , Jamili Shahla , Riazi Gholamhossein , Moradi Ali Mashinchian 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The Persian Gulf is a semi-enclosed sea with unique ecological conditions, where the average level of oil pollution exceeds the minimum optimum level established for the global marine environment. Echinoderms are among the most significant marine phyla in this ecosystem, particularly because their bottom-dwelling lifestyle exposes them more to sediment pollution. Numerous biomarkers can effectively indicate the adverse effects of chemical pollutants in the environment. This study investigated the responses of Catalase, Glutathione S-transferase (GST), and Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) enzymes in Echinometra mathaei specimens collected from the northern Persian Gulf. Sampling was conducted at several locations, including T-wharf Khark, north Khark, Nai-Band, Shirino, Owli, and Shoghab Beach of Bushehr. Enzyme levels were measured during both cold and warm seasons. The maximum and minimum Catalase activity among all stations and seasons were recorded in Shirino (1.95 µmol/min/mg protein) and Bushehr (0.98 µmol/min/mg protein), respectively. The highest and lowest levels of Glutathione-S-Transferase activity were observed at Khark T-wharf (9.30 nmol/min/mg protein) and Nai-Band (6.63 nmol/min/mg protein), respectively. Maximum EROD activity was measured at Khark T-wharf (0.04 µmol/min/mg protein), while the minimum was found in Bushehr (0.002 µmol/min/mg protein). Overall, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed regarding the relationship between enzyme activities and the presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different seasons. These results suggest that the sea urchins in the Persian Gulf may possess a distinct immune system or have adapted to the pollution levels prevalent in this area.
Thermodynamic Scaling of Supersonic Retropropulsion Flowfields
Authors: Jennis Elliot , Williams Owen , Jones Lauren 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The influences of gas composition and temperature on supersonic retropropulsion (SRP) flowfields are experimentally explored. It is revealed that the standoff distance of the bow shock produced by SRP can be scaled to account for changes in thrust, mass flow rate, forebody size, gas composition and temperature within the high-thrust, steady flow regime. These parameters were systematically varied for Mach 2 and 3 heated jets at zero angle of attack, employing nitrogen, helium and argon within a Mach 2 nitrogen or carbon dioxide freestream. Comparisons are also made with higher freestream Mach number data from the literature for similar geometries The momentum ratio is shown to successfully account for changes in gas composition and temperature. Similarly, the mass flow rate ratio can account for these variables, down to a function of Mach numbers when multiplied by functions of gas molecular weight, temperature, and ratio of specific heats derived from mass conservation control volume analysis. Despite the remarkable collapse of shock standoff data, some scatter might be expected at low thrust conditions as the bow shock transitions between one fully dominated by the freestream and forebody geometry to one dominated by the jet exhaust. Shock radius was seen to be more variable at lower thrust levels, potentially indicative of this effect. This work will greatly aid the extrapolation of SRP between experiments, simulations and flight conditions.
Electrocatalyst for Ethanol Oxidation Reaction Based on Isatin-modified Chitosan
Authors: Paixão Brenda Antunes Louriçal , Sá Nathalia Biazotto , Encarnação Jardel Ramos , Batista Joel dos Santos , Laier Letícia Oliveira , Neiva Eduardo Guilherme Cividini , Souza Elson Almeida , Melo Rodrigo Siqueira , Novato Willian Tássio Gomes , Bellettini Ismael Casagrande , Cruz José Wimo , Maia Paulo José Sousa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells (DEFCs) have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential for producing clean and renewable energy. DEFCs are particularly appealing because of their low toxicity and high current density. This study aims to investigate the catalytic activity of an isatin-modified chitosan Schiff-base in ethanol electrooxidation for possible applications in DEFCs. This study utilizes density functional theory calculations and experimental results to analyze the relative stability, through Gibbs free energy, between two protonated models of an isatin-modified chitosan Schiff-base. The synthesized isatin-modified chitosan Schiff base was structurally characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared vibrational spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Morphological aspects of the compound, such as formation and structure, were assessed by scanning electron microscopy. In electrocatalytic evaluation experiments, the carbon paste electrode with isatin-modified chitosan (5%-CPE) demonstrated efficiency in oxidizing ethanol, especially at pH 3. At this pH, protonation of hydroxyl and amino groups present in chitosan favored ethanol oxidation. Current density increased proportionally to ethanol concentration. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy pointed to a capacitive behavior of the sensor, indicated by high values of electrical double layer capacitance. Our results offer new insights into the isatin-modified chitosan Schiff base (CIS), indicating its potential as an electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation. This material shows promise for use in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), providing a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional platinum catalysts.
Design, synthesis and antitumor activity evaluation of Benzimidazole derivatives with potent HDAC inhibitory activity
Authors: Ping Jiantao , Chu Hongrui , Zhao Yisheng , Chen Chen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study aims to design and synthesize novel benzimidazole HDAC inhibitors to explore their potential applications in the treatment of cancer and other related diseases. By comparing the structures of our reported benzimidazole HDAC inhibitors, we designed a series of compounds accordingly. We then used experimentally verified their inhibitory activity against HDAC enzymes. The results showed that several of the newly synthesized compounds showed good HDAC inhibition and anti-proliferative activity. Therefore, we conclude that these novel HDAC inhibitors have potential as drug candidates for the treatment of cancer.
Dog ownership during adolescence alters the microbiota and improves mental health
Authors: Kikusui Takefumi , Miyauchi Eiji , Yamaoka Miku , Kamimura Itsuka , Mizuta Mami , Takenaka Miya , Akiyama Uruma , Kawasumi Masami , Sasaki Nobuo , Ohno Hiroshi , Ando Shuntaro , Yamasaki Syudo , Nishida Atsushi , Mogi Kazutaka , Nagasawa Miho 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Adolescents who own dogs have higher well-being than those who do not; however, it is unclear how dog ownership affects adolescents’ well-being. As dog ownership influences the composition of the microbiota in the home environment, we examined the microbiome of dog-owning adolescents and analyzed associations with mental health and behavior. Our findings reveal that dog ownership led to changes in participants’ social behavior and some commensals were associated with adolescents' psychological scores. Mice treated with the microbiota of dog-owning adolescents showed higher social interactions. An association analysis was conducted between the adolescents' psychological scores and the mouse behavior with the abundance of each amplicon sequence variant of the microbiome (ASV), and we found that ASVs belonging to Streptococcus were similarly associated with the social approach in both adolescents and ex-germ-free mice. These results suggest that the microbiota may be partly involved in improving the well-being of adolescents living with dogs.
Atlantic overturning collapses in global warming projections after 2100
Authors: Drijfhout Sybren , Angevaare Joran , Mecking Jennifer , Rahmstorf Stefan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) strongly influences climate, particularly (but not exclusively) around the northern Atlantic, and its instabilities explain some of the largest abrupt regional climate shifts in Earth history1. For several decades, the risk of a collapse of this crucial circulation system in response to anthropogenic global warming has been discussed as a ‘low probability – high impact’ risk of our greenhouse gas emissions. Multiple lines of evidence have shown that this circulation is slowing down and may be at its weakest since at least a millennium2, and several studies have identified early warning signals in observations of an approaching tipping point3-6. Here we show, by analysing standard global warming simulations extended beyond the year 2100, that the circulation collapses in all IPCC-class climate models in the high emission scenarios and even in some moderate and low scenarios, despite the neglect of increasing Greenland meltwater influx. In most cases the collapse is initiated by a breakdown of deep convection already early in this century. We conclude that a collapse of the AMOC cannot be considered a low-probability event anymore.
Clinical Outcomes of Circumcisions and Prevalence of Complications of Male Circumcisions: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis at a Teaching Hospital in Ghana
Authors: OBENG FRANK , BOAKYE SYLVESTER APPIAH 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Male circumcision surgery is increasing in popularity due to its medical benefits, including reducing the prevalence of HIV. It is commonly performed by both health and nonhealth professionals, with most circumcisions occurring during the neonatal period. Studies suggest that the benefits outweigh the risks, although complications can occur. This study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of circumcisions and the prevalence of circumcision mishaps in the Volta region of Ghana.
Aim: To determine the clinical outcomes of circumcision and estimate the prevalence of circumcision disasters within the Volta region.
Methodology: A five-year retrospective descriptive and analytic study was conducted at Ho Teaching Hospital using a structured data extraction sheet to collect demographic, clinical, and circumcision-related data from 186 patients.
Results: Among 186 circumcision patients, 23 (12.37%) experienced complications, the most common of which were partial circumcision (43.48%), postcircumcision bleeding (21.74%), and urethrocutaneous fistula and/or wrongfully described congenital hypospadias (13.04%). Low hemoglobin levels and infections were also noted. A significant relationship was found between the presence of a circumcision provider and complication rate (chi-square = 16.975, p = 0.00). Doctors who performed circumcision had the lowest complication rate (4.3%), while nurses and traditional circumcisers had higher complication rates (39.1% and 34.8%, respectively). Circumcision-Revision surgery was the most common salvage surgery for circumcision mishaps (31.82%), with urethroplasty and hypospadias repair (for wronfully circumcised neonates born with hypospadias) accounting for 15.91%. Meatoplasties, glansoplasties, fistulectomy plus primary repair and chordae-release surgeries were also performed. The success rate for salvage surgeries (on first attempt) was 70%. Prompt initial management strategies were significantly associated with good outcomes.
Conclusion: In less-trained hands, circumcision can be catastrophic. Salvage surgeries for circumcision mishaps are associated with less favorable outcomes in up to one-third of the patients, suggesting that circumcision mishaps are better prevented than cured/salvaged mishaps are. Training, guidance and policy interventions are needed to reduce the incidence of circumcision-related mishaps. Public health campaigns to disuade nonsurgeon circumcisors to refrain from circumcising children with hypospadias but rather refer to them are urgently needed.
Immune response to an adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving upadacitinib (End Zoster-J study)
Authors: Watanabe Ryu , Fujii Hisako , Imai Takumi , Furusawa Yuki , Katsushima Masao , Fukumoto Kazuo , Yamada Yutaro , Mamoto Kenji , Okano Tadashi , Yamada Shinsuke , Hashimoto Motomu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have emerged as a new class of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, herpes zoster is one of the common adverse events of JAK inhibitors, including upadacitinib, which is especially high in Japanese patients with RA compared to those from Western countries. Recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix®) is an adjuvanted subunit vaccine containing varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein E (gE) that is effective in adults over 50 years of age. Despite this, no studies have examined its immunogenicity in Japanese patients receiving upadacitinib. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effectiveness of the recombinant zoster vaccine in Japanese patients with RA receiving upadacitinib. Methods This is a single-center, exploratory, interventional, open-label, parallel triple-arm, prospective study. A total of 69 patients (23 in each group) aged 50 years or over and treated with a stable dose of methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy (6–12 mg/week), upadacitinib monotherapy (15 mg/day), or MTX (6–12 mg/week) + upadacitinib 15 mg/day (combination) for at least 1 month prior to study entry will be included. Moreover, all three groups will receive two intramuscular injections of the recombinant zoster vaccine at 8-week intervals. The primary endpoint is the proportion of positive anti-gE antibodies 4 weeks after the second injection. Secondary endpoints include RA disease activity, positive gE-specific CD4 + T-cells, and VZV-specific antibodies at indicated time points. Data on outcome measures will be collected at baseline and at 4, 8, 12, and 20 weeks. Endpoints will be summarized using descriptive statistics from baseline therapy, and results will be compared in an exploratory manner. Discussion Despite the limited generalizability due to its design as a single-center, single-ethnic study, small sample size, and short observation period, this study provides evidence on the effectiveness and tolerability of recombinant zoster vaccine in Japanese patients with RA receiving upadacitinib. Trial registration : This study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs051220105) before enrolling the first participants (14 Oct 2022).