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Deep random forest (DRF), which combines deep learning and random forest, exhibits comparable accuracy, interpretability, low memory and computational overhead to deep neural networks (DNNs) in edge intelligence tasks. However, efficient DRF accelerator is lagging behind its DNN counterparts. The key to DRF acceleration lies in realizing the branch-split operation at decision nodes. In this work, we propose implementing DRF through associative searches realized with ferroelectric analog content addressable memory (ACAM). Utilizing only two ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFETs), the ultra-compact ACAM cell performs energy-efficient branch-split operations by storing decision boundaries as analog polarization states in FeFETs. The DRF accelerator architecture and its model mapping to ACAM arrays are presented. The functionality, characteristics, and scalability of the FeFET ACAM DRF and its robustness against FeFET device non-idealities are validated in experiments and simulations. Evaluations show that the FeFET ACAM DRF accelerator achieves ~106x/10x and ~106x/2.5x improvements in energy and latency, respectively, compared to other DRF hardware implementations on state-of-the-art CPU/ReRAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hafnium oxide (HfO2)‐based ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFETs) revolutionize the emerging nonvolatile memory area, especially with the potential to replace flash memories for several applications. In this article, the suitability of FeFET memories is investigated, especially FeFET‐based content addressable memory (CAM) cells, as storage‐class memory under junction temperature variations. FeFETs with silicon oxynitride interfacial layer are fabricated and characterized at various temperatures, varying from room temperature to 120 °C. Although the memory window, numbers of programmable states, and endurance deteriorate at high temperatures, FeFETs show excellent robustness in data retention, write latency, and read stability at all temperatures, especially for binary operation. Finally, system‐level simulations using a Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis software using experimental data are conducted to gauge the robustness of the data‐search operation using the CAM array under different temperatures. Despite temperature‐variation‐induced changes in FeFET devices, it is observed that binary CAM cells perform robust and unerring search operations for storing and searching data at temperatures up to 120 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis in warm-blooded animals. Although most infections in humans and animals are subclinical, an infection can nevertheless be fatal. One of the important characteristics in the epidemiology of this parasite is waterborne transmission. The American mink (Neogale vison), a mammal closely adapted to freshwater ecosystems, is a potential sentinel for T. gondii. We analysed meat juice from the heart of 194 wild minks collected between 2019 and 2022 in five study areas from Germany and Poland and tested for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii. The analysis was performed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test (ELISA). Antibodies were detected in 45.36% (88/194, 95% confidence interval (CI): 38.39–52.41%) of the analysed animals. While the prevalence values ranged from 37.50% to 49.30%, there was no significant difference in seroprevalence between the study areas. Juveniles were less likely to carry T. gondii antibodies than adults (odds ratio: 0.216), whereas there was no significant difference in prevalence between the sexes (odds ratio: 0.933). The results of our study show that contact with T. gondii is widespread in minks, and the parasite is common in inland freshwater ecosystems in Germany and Poland. This indicates that watercourses play an important role in the spread of T. gondii oocysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Subjects with mild to moderate hearing loss today often receive hearing aids (HA) with open-fitting (OF). In OF, direct sound reaches the eardrums with minimal damping. Due to the required processing delay in digital HA, the amplified HA sound follows some milliseconds later. This process occurs in both ears symmetrically in bilateral HA provision and is likely to have no or minor detrimental effect on binaural hearing. However, the delayed and amplified sound are only present in one ear in cases of unilateral hearing loss provided with one HA. This processing alters interaural timing differences in the resulting ear signals. Methods: In the present study, an experiment with normal-hearing subjects to investigate speech intelligibility in noise with direct and delayed sound was performed to mimic unilateral and bilateral HA provision with OF. Results: The outcomes reveal that these delays affect speech reception thresholds (SRT) in the unilateral OF simulation when presenting speech and noise from different spatial directions. A significant decrease in the median SRT from -18.1 to -14.7 dB SNR is observed when typical HA processing delays are applied. On the other hand, SRT was independent of the delay between direct and delayed sound in the bilateral OF simulation. Discussion: The significant effect emphasizes the development of rapid processing algorithms for unilateral HA provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sciatica is typically caused by disc herniations or spinal stenosis. Extraspinal compression of the sciatic nerve is less frequent. Case Description: We report a rare case of sciatica with compression of the sciatic nerve by a low-flow vascular malformation in a 24-year-old female patient. The special feature of this case was sciatica along the S1 dermatome, which only occurred in the sitting position and inclination because of compression of the sciatic nerve between the vascular malformation and the lesser trochanter. Spinal imaging showed no abnormal findings. Surgery was performed interdisciplinary and included neurosurgery, vascular surgery, and trauma surgery. After surgery, the patient became symptom-free. Conclusion: Rare and extraspinal causes of local compression of the sciatic nerve should be considered, especially in cases of lacking spinal imaging correlation and untypical clinical presentation. Interdisciplinary surgical cooperation is of special value in cases of rare entities and uncommon locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To summarize the literature on transiliac internal fixator (TIFI) indications and outcomes for treating posterior pelvic ring injuries. Methods: We searched databases for original publications in journals. Biomechanical and clinical studies using a TIFI for posterior pelvic ring injuries were considered for inclusion. The dates of publications that were included ranged from January 2000 until December 2020. Results: A total of 13 articles were reviewed, including eight clinical studies and five biomechanical tests. We found only case series and no multicenter or randomized study. The clinical studies contained data for a total of 186 cases, including indications, treatments, complications, and outcomes, with a minimum follow-up time of 12 months. All studies reported superior results according to operation time, blood loss, complication, dislocation, and union. One biomechanical test evaluated inferior results. Conclusions: The TIFI is a user-friendly and safe device to treat posterior pelvic injuries. It can also be used for acute, high-impact injuries, and fragility fractures. Nevertheless, there is no evidence concerning which types of pelvic fractures are most beneficial. Therefore, further biomechanical and clinical studies are necessary to resolve this question.

The Berga Antiform represents one of the key areas of the Saxo-Thuringian Zone of the Central-European Variscides. The geological record constrains early Palaeozoic marine sedimentation on a post-Cadomian Peri-Gondwana shelf, interrupted by Frasnian magmatism, and eventually followed by Lower Carboniferous synorogenic sedimentation. Variscan tectonics resulted in a heterogeneously deformed structure culminating in the juxtaposition of weakly deformed, very lowgrade magmato-sedimentary lithologies with a pervasively deformed phyllite complex. The available dataset is in conflict with the traditional view explaining the entire Berga Antiform as a relatively simple SE-vergent anticline. By means of 3D modelling techniques and structural geological mapping, we propose a more intricate architecture for the Berga Antiform. Corroborating with the traditional view, the parautochthonous southwestern part can be characterised as an anticline. In contrast, the Variscan phyllite complex in the core of the northeastern segment of the antiform represents an allochthonous unit. The late Variscan (N)NW--(S)SE sinistral transpression affected the region and culminated in the principal antiformal structure. The primary tectonic juxtaposition of the allochthonous and parautochthonous parts of the Berga Antiform is either the result of SW-directed nappe stacking or younger (S)SE-directed thrusting. In our model, the Berga Antiform constitutes an integral part of the Wrench-and-Thrust Zone as the connecting link between the Autochthonous and the Allochthonous Domain of the Saxo-Thuringian Zone. Furthermore, it demonstrates the applicability of geological 3D modelling in regional geology as a tool for the understanding of complex geological phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]