bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low temperature passivation of silicon surfaces for enhanced performance of Schottky-barrier MOSFET
Authors: Molina-Reyes Joel , Cuellar-Juarez Adriana Mercedes 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
By using a simple device architecture along with a simple process design and a low thermal-budget of a maximum of 100 °C for passivating metal/semiconductor interfaces, a Schottky barrier MOSFET device with a low subthreshold slope of 70 mV dec−1 could be developed. This device is enabled after passivation of the metal/silicon interface (found at the source/drain regions) with ultra-thin SiO
x
films, followed by the e-beam evaporation of high- quality aluminum and by using atomic-layer deposition for HfO2 as a gate oxide. All of these fabrication steps were designed in a sequential process so that a gate-last recipe could minimize the defect density at the aluminum/silicon and HfO2/silicon interfaces, thus preserving the Schottky barrier height and ultimately, the outstanding performance of the transistor. This device is fully integrated into silicon after standard CMOS-compatible processing, so that it could be easily adopted into front-end-of-line or even in back-end-of-line stages of an integrated circuit, where low thermal budget is required and where its functionality could be increased by developing additional and fast logic.
Multifunctional CoFe2O4/ZnO nanocomposites: probing magnetic and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Sonia  , Kumar Parmod , Kumar Ashok 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Developing nanocomposites as efficient photocatalysts for eliminating hazardous contaminants is essential because of growing severity of water pollution. In this study, we have analysed the morphological, structural, magnetic, and optical properties of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites synthesized via hydrothermal approach and used for removal of rose bengal (RB) dye from contaminated water. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of synthesized nanocomposite revealed two distinct phases that matched with CoFe2O4 and ZnO. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra enlightened Co–O, Fe–O, and O–Zn–O binding peaks in synthesized nanocomposites. The band gap of nanocomposite, as determined by UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), varies from 1.53 to 3.29 eV. The wide band gap semiconductor (ZnO) is believed to be responsible for this transformation by introducing new sub-bandgap energy levels. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has shown the roles of various ions. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed spherical morphology of synthesized samples. The highest magnetism of pure CoFe2O4 was 34.6 emu g−1, making it the most magnetic among all the synthesized materials. Furthermore, CoFe2O4/ZnO (1:4) nanocomposite exhibited the highest degradation of RB dye. The recombination of electron-hole pairs is inhibited by interfacial charge transfer provided by CoFe2O4 and ZnO. The results showed that CoFeZn14 nanocomposite is a promising candidate for wastewater treatment. CoFeZn14 demonstrated remarkable stability, showcasing its ability to be reused up to four times without compromising its efficiency.
Sex- and age-specific associations between abdominal fat and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Hongli , Liu Yuexing , Liu Dan , Liang Yebei , Zhu Zhijun , Dong Keqing , Li Huating , Bao Yuqian , Wu Jiarui , Hou Xuhong , Jia Weiping 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Obesity is closely related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although sex differences in body fat distribution have been well demonstrated, little is known about the sex-specific associations between adipose tissue and the development of NAFLD. Using community-based cohort data, we evaluated the associations between magnetic resonance imaging quantified areas of abdominal adipose tissue, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and incident NAFLD in 2830 participants (1205 males and 1625 females) aged 55–70 years. During a 4.6-year median follow-up, the cumulative incidence rates of NAFLD increased with areas of VAT and SAT both in males and in females. Further analyses showed that the above-mentioned positive associations were stronger in males than in females, especially in participants under 60 years old. In contrast, these sex differences disappeared in those over 60 years old. Furthermore, the risk of developing NAFLD increased non-linearly with increasing fat area in a sex-specific pattern. Additionally, sex-specific potential mediators, such as insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and adipokines, may exist in the associations between adipose tissue and NAFLD. This study showed that the associations between abdominal fat and the risk of NAFLD were stratified by sex and age, highlighting the potential need for sex- and age-specific management of NAFLD.
Transposon-aided capture (TRACA) of plasmids from the human gut
Authors: Chen Dan , Yin Yeshi , Hu Yunfei , Cao Linyan , Zhao Changhui , Li Baiyuan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The gut microbiota consists of a vast and diverse assemblage of microorganisms that play a pivotal role in maintaining host health. Nevertheless, a significant portion of the human gut microbiota remains uncultivated. Plasmids, a type of MGE, assume a critical function in the biological evolution and adaptation of bacteria to varying environments. To investigate the plasmids present within the gut microbiota community, we used the transposon-aided capture method (TRACA) to explore plasmids derived from the gut microbiota. In this study, fecal samples were collected from two healthy human volunteers and subsequently subjected to the TRACA method for plasmid isolation. Then, the complete sequence of the plasmids was obtained using the genome walking method, and sequence identity was also analyzed. A total of 15 plasmids were isolated. At last, 13 plasmids were successfully sequenced, of which 12 plasmids were highly identical to the plasmids in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database and were all small plasmids. Furthermore, a putative novel plasmid, named pMRPHD, was isolated, which had mobilized elements (oriT and oriV) and a potential type II restriction–modification (R–M) system encoded by DNA cytosine methyltransferase and type II restriction enzyme (Ban I), whose specific functions and applications warrant further exploration.
Bias and Variance in Multiparty Election Polls
Authors: Selb Peter , Chen Sina , Körtner John , Bosch Philipp 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecent polling failures highlight that election polls are prone to biases that the margin of error customarily reported with polls does not capture. However, such systematic errors are difficult to assess against the background noise of sampling variance. Shirani-Mehr et al. (2018) developed a hierarchical Bayesian model to disentangle random and systematic errors in poll estimates of two-party vote shares at the election level. The method can inform realistic assessments of poll accuracy. We adapt the model to multiparty elections and improve its temporal flexibility. We then estimate bias and variance in 5,240 German national election polls, 1994–2021. Our analysis suggests that the average absolute election-day bias per party was about 1.5 percentage points, ranging from 0.9 for the Greens to 3.2 for the Christian Democrats. The estimated variance is, on average, about twice as large as that implied by usual margins of error. We find little evidence of house or mode effects. Common biases indicate industry effects due to similar methodological problems. The Supplementary Material provides additional results for 1,751 regional election polls.
The Use of Cerebral Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Polise Olivia , Newberry Desi 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (cNIRS) is a noninvasive technology used to trend cerebral perfusion at the bedside. cNIRS has potential as a valuable tool in the evaluation of infants with suspected hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Trending cerebral perfusion with cNIRS can provide information regarding cerebral metabolism as HIE is evolving, which may offer insight into the extent of brain injury.

Purpose:
The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the use of cNIRS as a neurocritical tool in the management of neonatal HIE by evaluating its ability to detect acute neurological compromise, including acute brain injury and seizure activity, as well as its potential to identify infants at high risk for long-term neurodevelopmental impairment.

Methods:
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases to review articles investigating cNIRS technology in the acute management of HIE.

Results:
Eight studies were identified and included in this systematic review. Correlations were observed between cNIRS trends and neurological outcomes as later detected by MRI. cNIRS has potential as a bedside neuromonitoring tool in the management of HIE to detect infants at high risk for brain injury.

Implications for Practice:
Existing research supports the value of trending cNIRS in HIE management. Documented normal cNIRS values for both term and preterm infants in the first few days of life is approximately 60% to 80%. A steadily increasing cNIRS reading above an infant's baseline and a value of more than 90% should prompt further evaluation and concern for significant neurological injury.
Repair of Vesicovaginal Fistulae
Authors: Thompson Jennifer C. , Halder Gabriela E. , Jeppson Peter C. , Alas Alexandriah , Balgobin Sunil , Dieter Alexis A. , Houlihan Sara , Miranne Jeannine , Sleemi Ambereen , Balk Ethan M. , Mama Saifuddin , Meriwether Kate V. , Antosh Danielle D. 
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE:
To assess and compile the current level of evidence regarding successful surgical treatment of vesicovaginal fistulae and how these perioperative interventions affect anatomic, patient-centered, and adverse outcomes.

DATA SOURCES:
PubMed and EMBASE were searched from inception through September 9, 2022.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION:
This review included comparative studies (of any sample size) and single-group studies (1,000 or more participants) of primary or recurrent vesicovaginal fistula (ie, vesicovaginal fistula, urethrovaginal fistula, and bladder neck–vaginal fistula). We evaluated preintervention assessment or management, various techniques for intraoperative management, and postoperative management. Outcomes of interest included anatomic and objective outcomes (such as successful repair, fistula closure, urinary incontinence, recurrent fistula, perioperative complications) and subjective outcomes (such as voiding symptoms and quality of life). Abstracts and full-text articles were screened in duplicate, and study descriptions and findings were extracted into standardized extraction forms. Risk of bias was assessed independently by two investigators and adjudicated by a third. Study quality was summarized with standardized tools. We conducted random-effects model and restricted maximum-likelihood meta-analyses of relative risks when at least three studies compared similar interventions and reported similar outcome measures.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS:
Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were categorized into 11 domains: 1) preoperative assessment, 2) preoperative and postoperative physical therapy, 3) route of surgery, 4) incorporation of a flap, 5) trimming, 6) layered closure, 7) intraoperative antibiotics, 8) fibrin glue, 9) fascial sling, 10) postoperative Foley catheter duration, and 11) quality of life. Although the strength of the data is insufficient, preoperative phenazopyridine, physical therapy, layered closure, and intraoperative antibiotics seemed to improve the rate of successful fistula repair. Route of surgery (vaginal vs abdominal laparotomy) was determined primarily by surgeon preference and showed no difference in successful fistula repair. In addition, use of interpositional flaps, trimming fistula edges, fibrin glue, and fascial sling did not show significant improvement in rates of fistula cure. Overall, quality-of-life scores improved postoperatively regardless of route of repair and use of interpositional flaps.

CONCLUSION:
Our findings highlight the limited information available to guide evidence-based treatment of vesicovaginal fistula repair. Overall, high-quality evidence is lacking to provide guidelines; therefore, expert opinion remains the primary influence for fistula repair recommendations.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:
PROSPERO, CRD42021214948.
Nondual Antiplatelet Therapy Versus Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Mengdi , Peng Wenxing , Yin Shiqi , Zhao Yiru , Lin Yang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an interventional procedure performed in patients with severe aortic stenosis and often required perioperative antiplatelet therapy. Most previous studies have focused on antiplatelet therapy following TAVR. However, few studies have investigated the prognostic effect of preoperative antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing TAVR. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of nondual antiplatelet therapy (non-DAPT) and DAPT before TAVR. We performed a systematic search of Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science until February 2023. Studies were eligible if they compared non-DAPT (single antiplatelet therapy or no antiplatelet therapy) with DAPT in patients before TAVR. A total of 5 studies, including 2329 patients, met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Preoperative non-DAPT significantly decreased minor bleeding events compared with preoperative DAPT [odds ratio 0.58; 95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.76]. There were no significant differences in the incidence of other bleeding events, transfusions, stroke, myocardial infarction, or all-cause death. Preoperative single antiplatelet therapy significantly decreased the incidence of major bleeding compared with DAPT (odds ratio 0.14; 95% confidence interval: 0.04–0.48). Preoperative non-DAPT significantly reduced minor bleeding events in patients undergoing TAVR, without increasing the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction.
Effects of Age, Sex, and Postconcussive Symptoms on Domain-Specific Quality of Life a Year After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Chen Sy-Jou , Li Shan-Jen , Hong Hsiu-Mei , Hwang Hei-Fen , Lin Mau-Roung 
Published: November 2023

Objective:
To identify the factors influencing longitudinal changes in patients' scores across 6 domains of the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) instrument 1 year after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Design:
This was a longitudinal cohort study.

Participants and Setting:
Eligible patients with a new diagnosis of mTBI were recruited from the outpatient clinics of the neurosurgery departments of 3 teaching hospitals in Taipei City, Taiwan. In total, 672 patients participated in the baseline assessment. Postinjury follow-up was conducted at 6 and 12 months.

Main Outcome Measure:
Six domains of the 37-item QOLIBRI: Cognition, Self, Daily Life and Autonomy, Social Relationships, Emotions, and Physical Problems.

Results:
Linear mixed-effects analyses revealed that, among patients younger than 60 years, the scores of the Cognition, Self, Daily Life and Autonomy, and Social Relationships domains significantly increased 6 months after injury; furthermore, their scores of the Cognition, Self, and Daily Life and Autonomy significantly increased 12 months after injury. By contrast, among patients 60 years and older, the scores of these domains reduced from baseline to 6 and 12 months. No significant sex-based difference was observed in the changes in scores of any QOLIBRI domain. At 6 and 12 months post-injury, the scores of the Cognition, Emotions, and Physical Problems domains were significantly higher for patients with postconcussive symptoms than for those without these symptoms.

Conclusions:
Although multiple characteristics of patients significantly affected their baseline scores on the 6 domains of the QOLIBRI, only age and postconcussive symptoms were significantly associated with longitudinal changes in their scores 6 and 12 months after mTBI.
Automated Eye Tracking Enables Saccade Performance Evaluation of Patients with Concussion History
Authors: Song Ailin , Gabriel Rami , Mohiuddin Omar , Whitaker Diane , Wisely C. Ellis , Kim Terry 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

SIGNIFICANCE
Automated eye tracking could be used to evaluate saccade performance of patients with concussion history, providing quantitative insights about the degree of oculomotor impairment and potential vision rehabilitation strategies for this patient population.

PURPOSE
To evaluate the saccade performance of patients with concussion history based on automated eye-tracking test results.

METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study of patients with concussion history, primarily from sports participation, who underwent oculomotor testing based on an eye-tracking technology at the Duke Eye Center vision rehabilitation clinic between June 30, 2017, and January 10, 2022. Patients' saccade test results were reviewed, including saccade fixation and saccade speed/accuracy ratio. The outcomes were compared with age-matched normative population data derived from healthy individuals. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with saccade performance among patients with concussion history.

RESULTS:
On hundred fifteen patients with concussion history were included in the study. Patients with concussion, on average, had fewer fixations on self-paced horizontal and vertical saccade tests and lower horizontal and vertical saccade speed/accuracy ratios compared with normative ranges. Among patients with concussion history, multiple linear regression analyses showed that older age was associated with fewer fixations on horizontal and vertical saccade tests, whereas male sex was associated with more fixations on horizontal and vertical saccade tests (all P < .01). In addition, older age was associated with lower horizontal saccade speed/accuracy ratio, after adjusting for sex, number of concussion(s), and time from most recent concussion to oculomotor testing (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with concussion history had lower saccade performance based on eye tracking compared with healthy individuals. We additionally identified risk factors for lower saccade performance among patients with concussion history. These findings support the use of saccade test results as biomarkers for concussion and have implications for post-concussion rehabilitation strategies.
Vascular neuro-otology: vestibular transient ischemic attacks and chronic dizziness in the elderly
Authors: Bronstein Adolfo M. , Kattah Jorge 
Published: November 2023

Purpose of review
To explore the differential diagnosis of posterior fossa transient ischemic attacks (TIA) associated with vertigo and/or imbalance.
To review the contribution of cerebral small vessel (SVD) disease to balance dysfunction and dizziness in the elderly.

Main findings
TIAs involving vestibular structures that mediate the vestibulo-ocular and vestibulospinal reflexes remain a diagnostic challenge because they overlap with causes of benign episodic vertigo. Here, we summarize the results of multidisciplinary specialty efforts to improve timely recognition and intervention of peripheral and central vestibular ischemia. More papers confirm that SVD is a major cause of gait disability, falls and cognitive disorder in the elderly. Recent work shows that early stages of SVD may also be responsible for dizziness in the elderly. The predominant location of the white matter changes, in the frontal deep white matter and genu of the corpus callosum, explains the association between cognitive and balance dysfunction in SVD related symptoms.

Summary
The evaluation of patients with intermittent vascular vertigo represent a major diagnostic challenge, recent reviews explore the ideal design approach for a multidisciplinary study to increase early recognition and intervention. Hemispheric white matter microvascular ischemia has been the subject of research progress - advanced stages are known to cause gait disorder and dementia but early stages are associated with “idiopathic” dizziness in the elderly.
Aging of the vestibular system and its relationship to dementia
Authors: Smith Paul F. 
Published: November 2023

Purpose of review
Since October 2022, substantial new information has been published on age-related effects on the vestibular system. Since much of this evidence relates to the risk of dementia, the purpose of this review will be to provide an overview of this new information and critically evaluate it.

Recent findings
This review will address studies published since October 2022 regarding age-related effects on the vestibular system and their relationship to cognition and dementia. There has been a particular increase in the last year in the number of studies relating aging of the vestibular system to Alzheimer's disease (AD), further supporting the view that vestibular dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Summary
The conclusion of these recent studies is that, consistent with previous studies, vestibular function declines with age, and that this age-related decline is associated with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia. Efforts are being made to consider these implications for cognition in the treatment of vestibular disorders.
Tyrosine transfer RNA levels and modifications during blood-feeding and vitellogenesis in the mosquito,Aedes aegypti
Authors: Kelley Melissa , Holmes Christopher J. , Herbert Cassandra , Rayhan Asif , Joves Judd , Uhran Melissa , Frigard Ronja , Singh Khwahish , Limbach Patrick A. , Addepalli Balasubrahmanyam , Benoit Joshua B. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMosquitoes such asAedes aegyptimust consume a blood meal for the nutrients necessary for egg production. Several transcriptome and proteome changes occur post blood meal that likely corresponds with codon usage alterations. Transfer RNA (tRNA) is the adapter molecule that reads messenger RNA (mRNA) codons to add the appropriate amino acid during protein synthesis. Chemical modifications to tRNA enhance codons’ decoding, improving the accuracy and efficiency of protein synthesis. Here, we examined tRNA modifications and transcripts associated with the blood meal and subsequent periods of vitellogenesis inA. aegypti. More specifically, we assessed tRNA transcript abundance and modification levels in the fat body at critical times post blood-feeding. Based on a combination of alternative codon usage and identification of particular modifications, we identified that increased transcription of tyrosine tRNAs is likely critical during the synthesis of egg yolk proteins in the fat body following a blood meal. Altogether, changes in both the abundance and modification of tRNA are essential factors in the process of vitellogenin production after blood-feeding in mosquitoes.