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Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disorder, which is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities. Genome-wide association and clinicopathological studies have demonstrated that the CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) gene is one of the most important genetic risk factors for AD. However, the precise mechanisms by which CD2AP is linked to AD pathogenesis remain unclear. Methods The spatiotemporal expression pattern of CD2AP was determined. Then, we generated and characterized an APP/PS1 mouse model with neuron-specific Cd2ap deletion, using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, electrophysiology and behavioral tests. Additionally, we established a stable CD2AP-knockdown SH-SY5Y cell line to further elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms by which CD2AP contributes to AD pathogenesis. Finally, the APP/PS1 mice with neuron-specific Cd2ap deletion were treated with an inhibitor targeting the pathway identified above to further validate our findings. Results CD2AP is widely expressed in various regions of the mouse brain, with predominant expression in neurons and vascular endothelial cells. In APP/PS1 mice, neuronal knockout of Cd2ap significantly aggravated tau pathology, synaptic impairments and cognitive deficits. Mechanistically, the knockout of Cd2ap activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, which contributed to increased tau phosphorylation, synaptic injury, neuronal apoptosis and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the phenotypes of neuronal Cd2ap knockout were ameliorated by a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Conclusion Our study presents the first in vivo evidence that CD2AP deficiency exacerbates the phenotypes and pathology of AD through the p38 MAPK pathway, identifying CD2AP/p38 MAPK as promising therapeutic targets for AD.

Renal anemia stems mainly from chronic inflammation with elevated hepcidin levels, iron deficiency, and reduced red blood cell lifespan. Inadequate erythropoietin (EPO) production, worsened kidney function, leads to symptoms such as low energy, fatigue, and impaired physical function, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. We conducted a comprehensive search across electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Airiti library, and Wanfang, to compile recent clinical trials and pilot studies on conventional and complementary alternative medicine approaches for renal anemia. This discussion focuses on the hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase domain (HIF-PHD) axis theory, from lab research to clinical applications. It explores non-extracorporeal treatments for renal anemia, including pharmaceutical interventions, dietary strategies, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The article details the effects of Roxadustat, Ferumoxytol, and Epodion.Clinical studies show that modulating the gut microbiome can reduce inflammation and improve renal anemia. Clinical trials suggest that CAM therapy can improve renal anemia through mechanisms such as enhanced iron metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects, reduced hepcidin levels, and increased EPO and HIF expressions. By synthesizing this information, the review aims to furnish valuable insights and treatment recommendations aimed at ameliorating renal anemia in individuals grappling with chronic kidney disease.

Abnormal activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) pathway, caused by PIK3CA mutation, KRAS mutation, PTEN loss, or AKT1 mutation, is one of the most frequent signaling abnormalities in breast carcinoma. However, distribution and frequencies of mutations in PAM pathway are unclear in breast cancer patients from the mainland of China and the correlation between these mutations and breast cancer outcome remains to be identified.A total of 288 patients with invasive ductal breast cancer were recruited in this study. Mutations in PIK3CA (exons 4, 9 and 20), KRAS (exon 2) and AKT1 (exon 3) were detected using Sanger sequencing. PTEN loss was measured by immunohistochemistry assay. Correlations between these genetic aberrations and clinicopathological features were analyzed.The frequencies of PIK3CA mutation, KRAS mutation, AKT1 mutation and PTEN loss were 15.6%, 1.8%, 4.4% and 35.3%, respectively. However, except for PTEN loss, which was tied to estrogen receptor (ER) status, these alterations were not associated with other clinicopathological features. Survival analysis demonstrated that PIK3CA mutation, PTEN loss and PAM pathway activation were not associated with disease-free survival (DFS). Subgroup analysis of patients with ER positive tumors revealed that PIK3CA mutation more strongly reduced DFS compared to wild-type PIK3CA (76.2% vs. 54.2%; P = 0.011). PIK3CA mutation was also an independent factor for bad prognosis in ER positive patients.AKT1, KRAS and PIK3CA mutations and PTEN loss all exist in women with breast cancer in the mainland China. PIK3CA mutation may contribute to the poor outcome of ER positive breast carcinomas, providing evidence for the combination of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors and endocrine therapy.

Metasurfaces are considered the most promising technologies for holographic imaging applications due to their exceptional optical properties and capabilities. However, the work on terahertz (THz) metasurface holographic imaging is relatively limited. Here, we propose a THz dielectric geometric-propagation phase metasurface that can operate in dual modes (reflection and transmission) and enable reconfigurable multifunctional holographic imaging. The dual-mode operation is realized by controlling the Fermi energy level (Ef) of the graphene integrated into the metasurface unit, and the reconfigurable three-channel holographic imaging in reflection or transmission mode are achieved by switching the feed polarization among left-handed circular polarization (LCP), right-handed circular polarization (RCP), and linear polarization (LP). The metasurface is designed based on the transmission mode, and a physical model for switching to the reflection mode is established. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a reflection–transmission dynamic modulation THz holographic imaging metasurface has been developed. The holographic metasurface operates in transmission mode at Ef = 0.1 eV and in reflection mode at Ef = 0.9 eV. Compared with recently published holographic imaging metasurfaces, the proposed metasurface offers the following advantages: high holographic efficiencies (42.5% to 49%), more holographic imaging channels, dynamic modulation dual-mode operations, and reconfigurability. The simulation results match the theory.

In this paper, analytical formulas for tensor holographic impedance metasurface (THIMS) are presented to generate circularly polarized (CP) circular Airy orbital angular momentum (OAM) multibeams with flexibly independent control of the beam direction, polarization, and OAM mode. As an example, a millimeter-wave THIMS is designed to generate CP circular Airy OAM dual beams: Beam-I: (θ1 = 0, φ1 = 0, LHCP, l = +1, 36 GHz), Beam-II: (θ2 = 0, φ2 = 0, RHCP, l = 0, 30 GHz). To the knowledge of the authors, there is very little literature on circular Airy beams that have been generated with THIMS. Compared with the published metasurface on Airy beam, the created THIMS has the following advantages simultaneously: dual frequencies, dual CP, small size 30λ0 at 30 GHz, high conversion efficiency (CE) (above 40%), long nondiffractive distance (ND) (up to 134.4λ0), high OAM purity (above 89%), comodulation for polarization, beam direction and OAM mode. The generated circular Airy OAM beams can be used in near-field scenarios such as high-efficiency wireless power transmission (WPT), high-capacity communication systems, and high-resolution imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a wideband spin-decoupled unit cell to form high efficiency wideband spin-decoupled metasurface (MTS), which can achieve more versatile Bessel beams with independent control of the beam direction, polarization, and Orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode for near field applications. The MTS is designed for wideband dual Bessel beams: Beam-I (RHCP, θ1 = 30°, φ1 = 180°, l = 1), Beam-II (LHCP, θ2 = 30°, φ2 = 0°, l = 0), where φ and θ are the azimuth and elevation angles, respectively; l is the OAM mode, and RHCP (LHCP) represents the right (left) hand circular polarization. Compared with conventional phase gradient MTSs, the proposed MTS achieves more versatile functionalities and better performance: wideband (35.3%), dual Bessel beams, circular polarization (CP), high aperture efficiency (AE) 40%, carrying OAM modes, high ratio of non-diffraction distance/aperture size (6.41), high conversion efficiency for Bessel beams (33%), and high OAM purity (78%--99%). Simulated and measured results agree well, and validate the design method. The proposed unit cell can be used to design other high performance multifunctional Bessel beams. The designed Bessel beams have potential applications in dense channel high capacity communication, efficient wireless power transfer, high-resolution imaging, medical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem of image tampering and forensic localization,a fragile watermarking algorithm based on chaos sequence and image QR decomposition was proposed to determine the image tampering.The algorithm chooses QR decomposition to decompose the image,embeds the watermark after the image is decomposed,and encrypts the watermark by chaotic system to enhance the security of the watermark.Experimental results show that the algorithm not only improves the security of the location watermarking algorithm,but also can estimate the tampering strength of the tampered area.

The semi-fragile watermarking algorithm based on Hadamard transform and SVD decomposition was proposed to distinguish normal image processing operations from malicious tampering.Firstly,the carrier image was SVD decomposed,and Hadamard transform was performed on all image subblocks.The watermark was embedded by quantization method.The algorithm was sensitive to tampering and had good ability to recognize tampering position,and had strong resistance to JPEG compression.

Aiming at the fuzzy operation commonly used in image tampering,a new fuzzy detection scheme using smooth filter preserving edges and mathematical morphological methods was studied.By using the sharpening function and denoising function of both methods,tampering and location of tampering position can be pointed out without embedding information such as watermarking technique.The method can not only determine whether an image has been virtualized,but also detect the extent of the image blur.Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the scheme.

A novel photonic bandgap microstrip filter based on YBa2Cu3O7 high-temperature superconductor films is presented. Experimental results reveal that the transmission coefficient S21of the filter is dependent on the thickness of the YBa2Cu3O(sub 7-x) film.

The development of an analytical model of odd and even mode external inductance and kinetic inductance for coupled high-temperature super conducting (HTS) micro strip lines is studied. The odd and even mode inductance, self-and mutual inductance, characteristic impedance and attenuation constant, which were calculated by the extended incremental inductance rule agree with the numerical results and prove the validity of the model for HTS lines.

This paper proposes two low divergence angle orbital angular momentum (OAM) Fabry-Perot (F-P) antennas with nonuniform superstrates. There are two steps to design the proposed two F-P antennas. First, two primary array antennas (a slot array antenna and a patch array antenna) are designed. Both antennas can generate OAM vortex beams with a mode of -1. Second, two FP resonator cavity antennas are formed by loading a nonuniform partially reflective surfaces (PRS) superstrates above the two primary antennas in order to increase the antenna gain and reduce the divergence angle. The PRS is designed nonuniform for increasing the aperture efficiency. The measured results indicate that the F-P OAM antennas can obviously improve the performance of primary OAM antennas: (1) for the slot array antenna, the divergence angle reduces from 27° to 18°, and the maximum gain increases from 5.2 dBi to 7.5 dBi; (2) for the patch array antenna, the divergence angle decreases from 30° to 18°, and the peak gain increases from 3.4 dBi to 7.2 dBi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an electrically small antenna (ka = 0.87) with ultra-low-profile 0.005λ0 and six reconfigurable endfire radiation patterns, which cover the entire 360° azimuth plane. An equivalent magnetic dipole and six switchable equivalent electric dipoles achieve the six reconfigurable endfire radiation patterns by switching the ON/OFF states of six PIN diodes. The designing bright point is the dual side printed loop, that is, an Alford loop and six loaded circular arc stubs, which form the equivalent magnetic dipole. This technique can reduce the size by 77% compared with single side printed loop, expand the bandwidth, and produce a strong and uniform near magnetic field, which leads to a high F/B ratio. Compared with published pattern-reconfigurable ESAs with endfire radiation characteristics, the proposed antenna has higher F/B ratio about 35.6 dB, more switchable states and expanded bandwidth. In addition, the measured peak realized gain and radiation efficiency at 1.5GHz are 3.52 dBi and 77.6%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the nonuniform Electromagnetic (EM) field distribution over the superstrate, a Fabry-Perot Resonant Antenna is normally with high directivity but relatively low aperture efficiency when its aperture size is electrically large. In this paper, a Fabry-Perot resonator cavity antenna (FPCA) with a nonuniform metamaterial superstrate is proposed. The nonuniform metamaterial superstrate is a nonuniform double-sided printed dielectric, in which the upper surface is used for wideband RCS reduction, and the bottom surface is the nonuniform partially reflective surface (PRS) of FPRA for wideband and high aperture efficiency performances. Wideband RCS reduction is realized by designing the phase differences 90° in turn among three adjacent frequency-selective surfaces. The wideband 3 dB gain bandwidth and high aperture efficiency performances are obtained by designing the PRS with a positive reflection phase gradient vs frequency and a negative transverse-reflection magnitude gradient, respectively. The measured results show that the gain of the proposed antenna is 11.5 dBi greater than that of the primary source antenna with a peak value 15.5 dBi at 9.2 GHz. The aperture efficiency is 73.3%. The 3-dB gain bandwidth is from 8.75 to 11.47 GHz (26.9%), and the RCS reduction can be obtained effectively from 8.2 to 20 GHz (83.7%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact polarization diversity ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna with size 32 x 32mm2 is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna consists of a linear tapered slot (LTS) ground, two orthogonal micro-strip feed lines and a floating fork-shaped decoupling structure located diagonally across the two orthogonal microstrip feed lines. The ground is in one side of the substrate and the feed lines and the decoupling structure are in the other side. In addition, two rectangular slots are made in both the ground and feed lines to widen impedance bandwidth. Simulated and measured results indicate that the band covers from 3.1 to 12 GHz with S11 < -10 dB and S12 < -15 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-broadband circularly polarized (CP) antenna with compact structure 97 x 97 x 0.8mm³ is proposed. The measured -10 dB return loss bandwidth is 0.38 GHz (0.75-1.13 GHz) for UHF band and 0.81GHz (2.32-3.13 GHz) for ISM 2.4GHz band. The measured 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth is about 0.235 GHz (0.83-1.065 GHz ) for UHF band and 0.34GHz (2.36-2.7 GHz) for ISM band. The antenna consists of a feedline, patch, Stepped slot-1 and -2, a pair of orthogonal rectangular slots (H/V slot), and an L-slot. There are two advantages for the proposed antenna: broadband and independent adjusting for UHF and ISM 2.4GHz bands. The proposed antenna is a good candidate for worldwide RFID reader antenna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a simple broadband circular polarization (CP) V-shaped slot antenna is developed. The CP antenna consists of Z-shaped feedline with a stub and a patch, and symmetrically etched two right-angled V-shaped slots (an open slot and a closed slot) along the center line. The stub is introduced for multi-resonances to obtain broadband. The broad CP and impedance bandwidths overlap by the symmetrically etched right-angled V-shaped closed slot along the center line and the Z-shaped feedline placed in a proper position. The measured results show that the proposed antenna has a broad overlapped 3-dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth and -10 dB impedance bandwidth of 71% (2.19-4.6 GHz). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zuo-Jin-Wan (ZJW), a two-herb formula consisting of Coptis chinensis (CC) and Evodia rutaecarpa (ER), is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cancers. However, the efficacies and mechanisms of ZJW and its alkaloid components on cancers are still unclear. Methods: Here we investigated the anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of ZJW, CC, ER, berberine, and evodiamine in cells and in intrahepatic xenograft mice. Results: Treatment of HepG2 cells with ZJW, CC, ER, berberine, and evodiamine significantly displayed cytotoxic effects in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Hierarchical cluster analysis of gene expression profiles showed that CC and ZJW shared a similar mechanism for the cytotoxic effects, suggesting that CC was the active ingredient of ZJW for anti-cancer activity. Network analysis further showed that c-myc was the likely key molecule involved in the regulation of ZJW-affected gene expression. A human hepatoma xenograft model was established by intrahepatic injection of HepG2 cells containing nuclear factor-?B-driven luciferase genes in immunocompetent mice. In vivo bioluminescence imaging showed that cells had been successfully transplanted in mouse liver. Oral administration of ZJW for 28 consecutive days led to a significant decrease in the accumulation of ascites, the ratio of tumor-to-liver, and the number of transplanted cells in livers. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings suggested for the first time that ZJW significantly suppressed human cancer cell growth in orthotopic HepG2 xenograft-bearing immunocompetent mice. Moreover, c-myc might play a potent role in the cytotoxic mechanisms of ZJW, CC, ER, berberine, and evodiamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A very compact ultra-wideband (UWB) multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) ground linearly tapered slot Antenna (LTSA) is presented in this paper. On a cost-effective FR4 substrate, it consists of a ground plane and two microstrip feedlines. Its overall dimension is only 22 × 26mm². To miniaturize the dimension of the antenna, two linearly tapered slots on the ground plane act as the main radiator. Then it does not need extra large radiation patch. In particular, a simple embedded threelevel stepped slot on the central ground, brings high isolation in the whole UWB band. In addition, two rectangular slots cut in the feedlines widen the impedance bandwidth. Simulated and measured results verify S11 < -10 dB and S12 < -18 dB at 3.1GHz -12 GHz and good diversity performance. Therefore, the proposed MIMO antenna has potential for portable devices applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative design of spiral electrically small magnetic antenna (ESMA) with high radiation efficiency is proposed for wireless power transfer (WPT). The achievable wireless power transfer efficiency (PTE) by the proposed ESMA is far beyond than that of the traditional spiral shape with the same size. The operation frequency for the proposed ESMA is 13.56 MHz, and ka = 0.04, where k and a are wavenumber in free space and radius of a minimum sphere enclosing the antenna, respectively. The ESMA consists of an embedded multiloop feed and an innovative spiral resonator. In order to increase the radiation efficiency, conductor strip is used instead of the wire to reduce loss, and the internal and external turns stagger in the axial direction in order to confine the electric current to the outermost surface of the occupied volume. The input impedance is made closer to $50 \Omega$ by the embedded multiloop feed. The radiation efficiency for the single proposed ESMA is 93.5%, and the PTE between two symmetric proposed ESMAs are 92.4%, 77.4%, and 61% at distances 60 cm (3 times the maximum side length), 70 cm (3.5 times the maximum side length), and 80 cm (4 times the maximum side length), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, a three-band antenna with small size 50 x 15 x 0.8mm³ is developed. The multi-broadband antenna consists of strip-1, strip-2, Br-1, Br-2 and S-strip. The lengths of strip-1, strip-2 are close to λ/4 at 680 MHz, 850 MHz and λ3/4 at 2.04 GHz, 2.55 GHz, respectively. S-strip is close to λ at 5.2GHz and λ3/4 at 3.7GHz. In addition, two tuning stubs Br-1 and Br-2 connected to strip-2 can further improve the impedance matching. Then six key resonances are excited: 680 MHz, 850 MHz, 2.04 GHz, 2.55 GHz, 3.7GHz and 5.2 GHz. There exists electromagnetic coupling (EMC) among them. As a result of the effect of the structure, three wide-bands are produced: 660-1050 MHz, 1.60-3.75 GHz, and 5.25-6.50 GHz. That is, the operation band covers full LTE700/2300/2500(1710-2690MHz)/GSM850/900/(680 MHz-960 MHz) GSM1800/1900/WiMAX3.5 GHz (3400 ~ 3650 MHz)/5.4-GHz (5250 ~ 5850 MHz)/UMTS (1710-2170 MHz). The return loss is better than -6 dB. The peak gains also satisfy the requirement for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact printed dual-band antenna for WiMAX/WLAN applications is proposed in this paper. The dual-band monopole antenna consists of a triangular patch and two folding arms shorted to the ground plane. The proposed antenna features a low profile and compact dimension. To avoid via process in the fabrication, the triangular patch and two folding arms are separately constructed on the two sides of a FR4 substrate. By employing this structure, five different resonances can be yielded. The triangular patch provides two resonant modes (4.62 GHz and 7.05 GHz). The two folding arms produces three resonances at 2.43GHz, 3.43 GHz, and 6.59 GHz. A prototype of the dual-band antenna is experimentally fabricated and tested. The measured results shows good impedance bandwidth and radiation pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a method for canceling the parasitic capacitance of integrated common mode (CM) filter by optimizing the layout of ground winding. Firstly, the CM filter with positive or negative coupling between the ground and inductor winding is researched, respectively. Then, the two coupling polarizes are combined to form the bi-directional coupling, simulation and measured results show bi-directional coupling ground can effectively improve the high frequency (HF) filtering performance. The equivalent circuits are given to demonstrate the cancellation mechanism, and modelling is derived for the design of ground winding. To further validate the application of proposed technique, CM noise and input/output signals for PFC (Power Factor Correction) converter with bi-directional coupling ground CM filter are simulated. The noise spectrums show conductive interference at high frequencies is effectively suppressed and meets the required electromagnetic interference (EMI) standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study which tries to define the greenhouse gases (GHGs) related indicators from environmental sustainability index (ESI), environmental performance index (EPI) and climate analysis indicators tool (CAIT). It aims at using international data to find the direct relationship between GHG emission reduction and individual nation's energy structure and energy utilization.

In dealing with the complex issues of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and climate change mitigation, many interrelated factors such as cost, level of technology development, supply and demand of energy, structure of industry, and expenditures on research and development exist. Using indicators to monitor environmental impacts and evaluate the efficacies of policies and regulations has been practiced for a long time, and it can serve as a useful tool for decision making and for comparison between different countries. Although numerous indicators have been developed for relevant subjects, integrated approaches that consider individual changes, dynamic interaction, and multi-dimensions of indicators are scarce. This paper aimed to develop a Driving Force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to assess the problems. This DPSIR model is mainly related to energy consumption, environmental impacts, and policy responses. The objectives of the paper were: (1) conduct a literature review on the indicators that have been used in GHG-related studies; (2) develop a DPSIR model that incorporates GHG-related indicators and evaluate their relationships using a cause-effect chain of GHG emission; and (3) develop a calculative method that can be used to explain the dynamic correlation among the interdependent indicators. Taiwan is a significant source of global GHG emissions. A case study, using the developed framework and Taiwan's actual data of the past two decades, was conducted. The results indicate that regulatory strategies for pollution control are inadequate in terms of ensuring environmental quality, and the nature does not have the capability to revert the impacts from the existing level of pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In CMOS circuits, where consumption is not steady, current peaks produce voltage drops through the inductance, which manifest themselves as fluctuations in the internal supply voltages. This kind of noise is known as delta—-I noise, simultaneous switching noise (SSN) or ground bounce. This paper describes a novel method to reduce the SSN: on-chip microstrip mismatching technique in the power supply wire. The microstrip is connected with the bonding wire. The microstrip is embedded in Si dielectric upon Si substrate and does not increase the size of the chip. Not only the impedance mismatching technique between the bonding wire and the microstrip is considered in order to get source reflection coefficient ∣Γg∣ = 1 at the end source, but also the microstrip length is properly designed to get source reflection coefficient Γgout = -1 at the end microstrip and make the input impedance of the microstrip looking out from the CMOS unit at nodes p and n close to zero, thereby shortening out the noise voltage. Si has high dielectric constant and can also greatly attenuate the noise because of high dielectric loss. The results of S21 depicts that the transmission coefficient is around -40 dB and the noisy power produced by the bonding wire can not be delivered. The technique developed in this paper has the advantage of simplicity, easy realization, non-oscillation and there is no size, weight, and power dissipation penalties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses a novel methodology optimizing global interconnect width and spacing for International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors technology nodes. Global interconnects with and without buffer insertion are considered. The effects of the width and spacing of global interconnects on performance, such as delay, bandwidth, total repeater area and energy dissipation, are analyzed. The product of delay and bandwidth is used as the figure of merit for simultaneous short latency and large bandwidth and the proposed methodology can optimize global interconnects for the maximal figure of merit. It is demonstrated that buffers should not be inserted in global interconnects if interconnect length is shorter than a critical length, which is a constant for a given technology. For global interconnects with buffer insertion, the optimal width and spacing have analytical expressions and are constants for a given technology. For global interconnects without buffer insertion, the optimal width and spacing are dependent on both the technology parameters and interconnect length and can be computed numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new method is presented for accurate analysis of interconnect trees. Based on the ABCD matrix of distributed RLC transmission lines, the new iterative method can derive the exact transfer functions of an interconnect tree with distributed RLC model. Moment matching and second-order approximation are used for fast simulation of lime responses and 50% delays of interconnect trees. The new method has three advantages. First, it can calculate the exact transfer functions of an interconnect tree with any interconnect model besides distributed RLC model. Second, it can derive all leaf nodes' time-domain responses in one iterative process. Third, it runs faster than HSPICE with time complexity linearly proportional to the number of branches in an interconnect tree. Time-domain responses and 50% propagation delays of the new method are compared to the results of HSPICE, the Elmore delay for lumped RC trees, and equivalent Elmore delay for lumped RLC trees, showing that the new method is both accurate and fast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a pathological hyperglycemic state related to the dysregulation of insulin. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common chronic complication in diabetic patients. A vegetarian diet could be one of the preventive strategies for the occurrence of CKD in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, it is still unknown whether a vegetarian diet lowers the occurrence of CKD in DM patients.Research Design and MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital from 5 September 2005 to 31 December 2016. Subjects with an HbA1c level > 6.5% or previous history of diabetes mellitus elder than 40 years were grouped based on self-reported dietary habits (vegetarians, lacto-ovo vegetarians and omnivores) in the structured questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to estimate the direct and indirect effects of variables on the occurrence of chronic kidney disease.ResultsAmong these 2,797 subjects, the participants were grouped into dietary habits as vegans (n = 207), lacto-ovo vegetarians (n = 941) and omnivores (n = 1,649). The incidence of overall CKD was higher in the omnivore group [36.6% vs 30.4% (vegans) and 28.5% (lacto-ovo vegetarian), p < 0.001]. In the SEM model, after adjusting for age and sex, the lacto-ovo vegetarian [OR: 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.57–0.82] and vegan groups (OR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49–0.94) were both associated with a lower risk of CKD occurrence than the omnivore group. The vegan diet and lacto-ovo diet lowered the risk related to a high BMI (OR: 0.45, p < 0.001, OR: 0.58, p < 0.001) and hyperuricemia (OR: 0.53, p < 0.001; OR: 0.55, p < 0.001) for the occurrence of CKD.ConclusionVegetarian dietary habits were associated with a lower occurrence of CKD in DM patients.

BackgroundStroke leads to tremendous impacts on patients and the healthcare system. It is crucial to explore the potential management of rehabilitation. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) integrated with conventional rehabilitation benefit post-stroke functional recovery.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients included in the Integrated Traditional Chinese-Western Medicine care program for stroke (ITCWM-stroke care program) in 2019 in Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital to investigate the effects of acupuncture and TCHM integrated with conventional rehabilitation on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Barthel Index (BI) scores before and after the program.ResultsA total of 255 stroke inpatients were retrieved and divided into acupuncture and acupuncture + TCHM group by hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke types, respectively. All the patients were recruited in the program at the early subacute phase after stroke onset. Of the hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke subjects, the NIHSS and BI total scores were significantly improved in the acupuncture and acupuncture + TCHM groups. The subgroup analysis results showed that in subjects with a baseline BI score ≤ 40, the acupuncture + TCHM group significantly improved BI total score better than the acupuncture group in both hemorrhagic (p < 0.05) and ischemic (p < 0.05) stroke subjects.ConclusionAcupuncture and TCHM integrated with conventional rehabilitation significantly improve stroke patients’ functional recovery at the early subacute phase. Acupuncture + TCHM contributes to better activities of daily living (ADL) improvements in stroke patients with a baseline BI score ≤ 40. We suggest integrating acupuncture and TCHM into the post-stroke rehabilitation strategy, especially for stroke patients with poor ADL function.