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El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la prevalencia y las características clínico-epidemiológicas de los pacientes con infección crónica por el virus de la hepatitis D (VHD).

•Invasive fungal infections (IFI) remain a significant complication in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients, with a reported incidence of up to 11% despite antifungal prophylaxis.•Isavuconazole is a new-generation triazole that has shown efficacy and safety to treat patients with IFI and with a more favorable interaction profile. Data on isavuconazole for IFI prophylaxis are scarce.•In this real-world experience in allo-HSCT patients, isavuconazole was effective for both treatment and prophylaxis of IFI, and showed a favorable interaction and toxicity profile.

The application of radiation-hardening by design (RHBD) to the low-noise amplifier (LNA) in an RF communications receiver has promise for improving data fidelity in applications subject to single-event effects (SEEs). In order to overcome the challenges of empirically modeling single-event transient (SET) propagation in RF receivers, calibrated technology computer-aided design (TCAD) is used to perform mixed-mode simulations and identify viable RHBD approaches for SiGe cascode LNAs. Example results at X-band (8–12 GHz) are used to demonstrate these approaches. Finally, the findings in the present work are organized into a proposed radiation-hardening design flow to aid circuit and system engineers who wish to consider single-event-upset (SEU) rates in the performance of their LNAs.

Three third-order digital modulation schemes, rectangular 8-quadrature amplitude modulation (8-QAM), 8-phase shift keying (8-PSK), and star 8-QAM are compared for RF receiver-level single-event upset (SEU) sensitivity using laser pulses to strike the low-noise amplifier (LNA). Star 8-QAM had significantly better SEU resilience than 8-PSK and rectangular 8-QAM, suggesting that the choice of the constellation mapping could be effective for mitigating SEUs due to single-event transients (SETs) in the LNAs of RF receivers.

Single-event effects (SEEs) studies are carried out on gallium oxide (Ga2O3) vertical rectifiers using ultrafast laser pulses. Two-photon absorption (TPA) technique at 350 nm laser wavelength is used to determine how the device transient response changes with deposited charge, bias, and the presence of defects. Pulsed-laser single-event measurements on Ga2O3 devices show that increased reverse bias and growth-related defects lead to enhanced single-event transients (SETs).

The investigation of defects in transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are of capital interest for future applications because they strongly change the optical, electronic, or vibrational properties of such materials. In this sense, spectroscopic techniques, such as Raman and photoluminescence, are powerful tools to investigate the optoelectronic properties of crystal defects in two-dimensional TMDs. In this work, we observed that defect-activated Raman modes and bound exciton emissions can be strongly correlated. Specifically, we investigated the impact that sulfur vacancies, produced by focused helium ion beam, have on the electronic and phononic properties of WS2grown by chemical vapor deposition. The photoluminescence spectra show two new emission peaks related to defects in the crystal structure. The defective nature of these bands were corroborated by density functional theory calculations, which showed new electronic states in the band gap associated with sulfur vacancies. Furthermore, by monitoring the evolution of the Raman spectra as a function of the defect concentration, we observed two new defect activated modes. These bands are explained by a second-order double resonant Raman process, similar to the D band of graphene. Finally, we found out that the defect-related Raman peaks become fully resonant for high defect concentrations. It turns out that degenerate electronic states split in two separated levels for high defect concentrations that are involved in the resonance of the Raman processes.

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Curative potential of allogeneic transplantation (AlloSCT) in high-risk non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) could be enhanced by the integration of Ofatumumab (OFA), a 2nd generation anti-CD20 moAb, due to an antitumor effect and a role over graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this phase II trial (NCT01613300), we investigated safety and effectiveness of OFA-based reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). High-risk B-cell NHL patients with chemorrefractory disease or post-autologous SCT relapse were eligible. OFA was added to a standard RIC regimen. Primary endpoint was grade 3-4 aGVHD rate, while secondary endpoints included CR and survival rates. Thirty-three patients were included (median age 51; diffuse large B-cell:68%, HLA-identical donor: 74%). No grade >2 OFA toxicity was observed. Acute GVHD affected 77% of patients (16% grade 3-4). Remarkably, GVHD achieved CR in 75% of patients after first-line treatment. Chronic GVHD, primarily mild or moderate, occurred in 54% of patients. NHL CR rate at day +100 was 81%. Relapses occurred in 7 patients after a median of 3 months. Causes of death were lymphoma progression (5), infections (10), and GVHD (2). At 24 months, progression-free and overall survival rates were 50.1 and 51.6% respectively. OFA-RIC regimen is safe and effective, though acute GVHD remains a significant complication. However, data suggest that OFA could mitigate its severity.

Radio frequency (RF) communications systems in space flight are subject to single-event upsets (SEUs) due to dropout of the local oscillator (LO) during a single-event transient (SET), named here as single-event dropout (SEDO). If the duration of the SEDO is substantial, it inevitably compromises data. To help alleviate SEUs due to SEDO, the present work compares the dropout dynamics and recovery times of two types of RF $\boldsymbol {LC}$ oscillators with matched performance: the cross-coupled and the differential-Colpitts. The SEDO responses of both oscillators were tested using a pulsed laser to deposit charge via a two-photon absorption (TPA) process. For matched electrical performance and laser excitation conditions, the Colpitts oscillator demonstrated $14\times $ faster recovery. This improved response was examined using a hybridized circuit/technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation approach, and it was determined that a lower impedance at the bases of critical oscillating transistors naturally reduces the SEDO sensitivity for Colpitts oscillators. While cross-coupled oscillators are widely used, the present work demonstrates that Colpitts oscillators should instead be considered in frequency synthesizers to mitigate SEUs due to SEDO in oscillators.

Optical single-event transients (OSETs) were measured for the first time in integrated silicon-photonic (SiPh) phase shifters and Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs). A pulsed laser was utilized to induce a dense cloud of electron–hole pairs (EHPs) in one arm of the MZM by employing the two-photon absorption (TPA) process. Experimental data demonstrated the creation and propagation of transients in both the electrical and optical domains. It has been found that in the presence of an induced cloud of EHPs inside the phase shifter, two mechanisms work in parallel to generate OSETs: transient free-carrier absorption (TFCA), and transient phase change due to the dynamic alteration of the refractive index. In the case of a phase-sensitive component like the MZM, it has been observed that transient phase change dominates, leading to the largest transients at quadrature (Quad) biasing points, where the MZM is most sensitive to phase changes. An analytical model has been developed to predict the effects of single-event transients (SETs) on MZMs, as well as a simulation methodology to validate the accuracy and reliability of the predictions. Finally, an analysis of the effects of radiation-induced optical transients over an optical communications link is also presented. The probability of symbol errors is shown to increase due to OSET-induced errors based on the chosen modulation schemes, representing a potential vulnerability for space systems.

Standard digital modulation schemes are compared for receiver-level single-event upset (SEU) sensitivity. Single-event transients (SETs) on the wideband silicon–germanium (SiGe) low-noise amplifier (LNA) carrying on–off keying (OOK), binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), and frequency-shift keying (2-FSK) modulated data were induced using laser pulses. Both the modulation scheme and its detection method had a significant impact on the SEU sensitivity of the receiver. The SET sensitivity and noise sensitivity of the modulation schemes and demodulation techniques were correlated. Therefore, designing a receiver to be more robust to noise inherently makes it more robust to SETs. For space missions that anticipate a high flux of radiation, taking SETs into account when choosing the radio frequency (RF) modulation scheme and the demodulation method may be important to avoid underestimating the total bit-error rate (BER) when other system trade-offs are compared against the system BER.

A comparison of laser-induced single-event transients (SETs) in silicon-germanium heterojunction bipolar transistor (SiGe HBT) variants designed for high-speed (HS) applications and high-breakdown (HB) applications is presented. A significantly lower amplitude SET response at low laser pulse energies was observed in the HS device compared to the HB device. At high laser pulse energies, however, the transient amplitudes converged and produced a nearly identical response. A 3-D technology computer-aided design (TCAD) model of a SiGe HBT was used to understand the differences between the observed SET responses. During an SET produced by a low laser pulse energy, the mean electric field in the collector-base (CB) junction of a simulated HB device is shown to have a greater magnitude across the depletion region compared to that of its HS counterpart. Motivated by the proportional relationship between drift current and CB junction electric field, a greater breakdown voltage device produced a larger SET response. During an SET produced by a high laser pulse energy, the charge from the SET exceeded the collector doping in both the HS and HB SiGe HBT. This creates a conductive path to the output terminal, removing the dependence of collector doping on SET amplitude. The results of this study should help inform design choices of which device breakdown variant should be used in a given circuit if SETs are a major consideration for the application.

An accessible approach for estimating the laser-equivalent linear energy transfer (LET $_{\mathrm {L}}$ ) for any pulsed-laser single-event effect (PL SEE) testing condition is developed and validated. This approach satisfies one of the three criteria required for laser testing to serve as a predictive surrogate for heavy-ion testing. By using easily interpretable equations and identifying the relevant laser, materials, and device parameters, the LETL and its uncertainty ( $\Delta $ LET $_{\mathrm {L}}$ ) can be accurately estimated. The approach is validated by observing agreement between experimentally acquired and LETL-calculated collected charge (CC) across a variety of laser testing geometries and for multiple devices with different sensitive depths. Given the ubiquitous use of the 1064 nm wavelength for laser testing, additional analyses are devoted to understanding the contributions to the LETL. The sensitivity of the LETL to its input parameters and their error contributions to $\Delta $ LETL are also considered. By employing this calculational approach, multiple testing conditions are found to satisfy the three criteria for predictive testing. Software that can facilitate calculations of LETL and other laser-generated quantities would benefit the radiation effects community, and efforts are currently underway toward this goal.

A series of distance metrics to quantitatively assess the level agreement between laser- and ion-induced single-event effects are presented. Historically, this agreement has been assessed by visual inspection. While traditionally effective, this approach can lead to misleading comparisons and erroneous conclusions. To enable quantitative comparisons for response agreement, a more objective approach is required. The present work defines and demonstrates the use of five distinct distance metrics to quantitatively assess the level of single-event effect (SEE) response agreement. These metrics correspond to each of the five categories in which most of the published SEE work can be sorted. Various applications of these metrics are shown, including the objective correlation of laser pulse energy (PE) and ion linear energy transfer (LET). While demonstrated with laser and ion data, this approach can be applied to other surrogates for heavy-ion testing and may be used to validate results obtained from potential predictive surrogate testing techniques.

In this study, the use of different materials in microsurfacing mixtures was investigated in the laboratory with the objective of improving performance and establish the appropriate dosage of the asphalt material. Textile fibers (elastane, polyester, and cotton) and sugarcane bottom ash (SCBA) were implemented to reinforce and replace minerals in microsurfacing samples, respectively. Wet Abrasion Test, Loaded Wheel Test, Cohesion Test, and Wet Stripping Test were performed to test the samples. The results showed that all of the samples that were examined satisfied the requirements of the standards. It was found that the inclusion of SCBA increased the plasticity of the microsurfacing samples, consequently increasing the cure time and potentially delaying traffic release. Due to the hydrophilic properties of textile fibers, the samples demonstrated more consistency and a faster curing time, which improved cohesion and reduced surface material loss. In general, the samples using both materials demonstrated good workability and performance in the testing. Furthermore, using the F-Test, the presence of SCBA and/or textile fibers in microsurfacing samples was not statistically significant.

Hearing loss (HL) is a common heterogeneous trait that involves variants in more than 200 genes. In this study, we utilized exome (ES) and genome sequencing (GS) to effectively identify the genetic cause of presumably non-syndromic HL in 322 families from South and West Asia and Latin America. Biallelic GJB2variants were identified in 58 probands at the time of enrollment these probands were excluded. In addition, upon review of phenotypic findings, 38/322 probands were excluded based on syndromic findings at the time of ascertainment and no further evaluation was performed on those samples. We performed ES as a primary diagnostic tool on one or two affected individuals from 212/226 families. Via ES we detected a total of 78 variants in 30 genes and showed their co-segregation with HL in 71 affected families. Most of the variants were frameshift or missense and affected individuals were either homozygous or compound heterozygous in their respective families. We employed GS as a primary test on a subset of 14 families and a secondary tool on 22 families which were unsolved by ES. Although the cumulative detection rate of causal variants by ES and GS is 40% (89/226), GS alone has led to a molecular diagnosis in 7 of 14 families as the primary tool and 5 of 22 families as the secondary test. GS successfully identified variants present in deep intronic or complex regions not detectable by ES.

The impact of carbon doping on the single-event transient (SET) response of SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) was evaluated using pulsed-laser charge generation via two-photon absorption (TPA). Special device structures with different amounts of carbon were fabricated by GlobalFoundries and characterized. Despite the fact that carbon is known to introduce bulk traps in the SiGe film, experimental results show no measurable difference in the SET response of SiGe HBTs fabricated with different amounts of carbon. Technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations showed that the amount of carbon required to observe changes in the SET response would significantly impair the electrical performance of the device. Thus, within practical limits, carbon has no impact on the SET response of SiGe HBTs.

The propagation of long-duration single-event transient (SET) tails in radio-frequency (RF) amplifiers implemented with silicon-on-insulator (SOI) complementary metal–oxide semiconductor (CMOS) was investigated using laser pulses to emulate heavy-ion strikes. Transients were recorded and analyzed in CMOS transistors, a $Ku$ -band amplifier, and a broadband amplifier. At the device level, transient modifications to small-signal transconductance were confirmed in technology computer-aided design (TCAD), but these changes were found to be insignificant for practical transistor sizings found in RF amplifiers. In RF amplifiers, filtering due to matching networks and regulation from negative feedback were found to reduce potential system-level sensitivities to these transient tails. Body contacting was shown to reduce transient amplitude, at the cost of amplifier performance, but its application in eliminating the transient tail is likely only worthwhile in dc-coupled amplifiers. The selection of pMOS over nMOS transistors was also confirmed to reduce transient amplitude, but with no benefit to transient duration. The present work demonstrates that body contacting can reduce transient amplitude at the cost of RF performance, but no benefit in transient duration is expected at the amplifier level for many cases.

las infecciones por dermatofitos son una causa frecuente de enfermedad cutánea en Atención Primaria (AP) pero con importantes fluctuaciones temporales y geográficas.

•Vaccination did not improve COVID-19 attributed mortality; still progression is milder with shorter hospitalization and ICU admission.•Use of monoclonal antibodies was effective in reducing attributable mortality.

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Skates are cartilaginous fish whose body plan features enlarged wing-like pectoral fins, enabling them to thrive in benthic environments1,2. However, the molecular underpinnings of this unique trait remain unclear. Here we investigate the origin of this phenotypic innovation by developing the little skate Leucoraja erinaceaas a genomically enabled model. Analysis of a high-quality chromosome-scale genome sequence for the little skate shows that it preserves many ancestral jawed vertebrate features compared with other sequenced genomes, including numerous ancient microchromosomes. Combining genome comparisons with extensive regulatory datasets in developing fins—including gene expression, chromatin occupancy and three-dimensional conformation—we find skate-specific genomic rearrangements that alter the three-dimensional regulatory landscape of genes that are involved in the planar cell polarity pathway. Functional inhibition of planar cell polarity signalling resulted in a reduction in anterior fin size, confirming that this pathway is a major contributor to batoid fin morphology. We also identified a fin-specific enhancer that interacts with several hoxagenes, consistent with the redeployment of hoxgene expression in anterior pectoral fins, and confirmed its potential to activate transcription in the anterior fin using zebrafish reporter assays. Our findings underscore the central role of genome reorganization and regulatory variation in the evolution of phenotypes, shedding light on the molecular origin of an enigmatic trait.

Migraine is the most common reason for neurology outpatient consultation; more than 80% of patients with migraine suffer some degree of associated disability. Migraine is an underdiagnosed disorder and patients frequently receive inappropriate treatment, which is why it is necessary to establish recommendations to improve patient management. The objective of this document is to establish a consensus position on the pharmacological treatment of migraine, including general measures and detailed analysis of the different options for the treatment of attacks and their prevention, from the perspective of Ibero-American countries.

Necroptosis is a form of regulated cell death associated with degenerative disorders, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and cancer. To better understand the biochemical mechanisms regulating necroptosis, we constructed a detailed computational model of tumor necrosis factor-induced necroptosis based on known molecular interactions from the literature. Intracellular protein levels, used as model inputs, were quantified using label-free mass spectrometry, and the model was calibrated using Bayesian parameter inference to experimental protein time course data from a well-established necroptosis-executing cell line. The calibrated model reproduced the dynamics of phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein, an established necroptosis reporter. A subsequent dynamical systems analysis identified four distinct modes of necroptosis signal execution, distinguished by rate constant values and the roles of the RIP1 deubiquitinating enzymes A20 and CYLD. In one case, A20 and CYLD both contribute to RIP1 deubiquitination, in another RIP1 deubiquitination is driven exclusively by CYLD, and in two modes either A20 or CYLD acts as the driver with the other enzyme, counterintuitively, inhibiting necroptosis. We also performed sensitivity analyses of initial protein concentrations and rate constants to identify potential targets for modulating necroptosis sensitivity within each mode. We conclude by associating numerous contrasting and, in some cases, counterintuitive experimental results reported in the literature with one or more of the model-predicted modes of necroptosis execution. In all, we demonstrate that a consensus pathway model of tumor necrosis factor-induced necroptosis can provide insights into unresolved controversies regarding the molecular mechanisms driving necroptosis execution in numerous cell types under different experimental conditions.

The ILAE Neuroimaging Task Force aimed to publish educational case reports highlighting basic aspects related to neuroimaging in epilepsy consistent with the educational mission of the ILAE. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is highly endemic in resource‐limited countries and increasingly more often seen in non‐endemic regions due to migration. Cysts with larva of the tapeworm Taenia soliumlodge in the brain and cause several neurological conditions, of which seizures are the most common. There is great heterogeneity in the clinical presentation of neurocysticercosis because cysts vary in number, larval stage, and location among patients. We here present two illustrative cases with different clinical features to highlight the varying severity of symptoms secondary to this parasitic infestation. We also present several examples of imaging characteristics of the disease at various stages, which emphasize the central role of neuroimaging in the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.

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La coexistencia de estenosis aórtica (EA) y enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) se asocia a mayor mortalidad. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la evolución de la EA grave después del recambio valvular aórtico (RVA) frente al tratamiento conservador (TtC) según el estadio de la función renal.

A recently mymargin developed pulsed-laser (PL) testing approach, which uses a quasi-Bessel beam (QBB) to better emulate a heavy-ion charge profile, is employed to predict the heavy-ion generated single-event transient (SET) response in an LM124 operational amplifier. The device is well suited for evaluating SET prediction since it consists of many transistors, each of which exhibits complicated transient features with strong spatial dependencies. Two photodiodes are first employed to ensure the necessary conditions for predictive testing are in place. The QBB is then adjusted to the desired laser-equivalent LET to test the entire LM124 chip. An SET feature-reduction approach is used to analyze the complex transient features measured. Subsequently, broadbeam heavy-ion data are acquired and analyzed, and the transient features are reproduced remarkably well with the existing QBB data. Additionally, a strong agreement is found for the worst-case transients generated by the two sources. Importantly, since the laser-equivalent LET is calculated without fitting or adjustable parameters, the QBB is capable of predicting ion-induced SET response in a complex device.

The effect of various trapping centers on single-event transients (SETs) in GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) is examined via calibrated technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations. A single-channel, Schottky-gate HEMT computational model is developed and validated with static characteristics and single-photon absorption laser data. Simulations of SETs show that a 2-D electron gas (2-DEG) enhancement effect occurs, which leads to additional collected charge above the generated charge. The origins of this effect are examined and shown to result from an increase in the occupation rate of the surface donor traps as the influx of charge is developed in the charge track. Variations in trap characteristics are then introduced, and their effect on internal charge collection processes is examined. It is further shown that the SET response is dominated by the properties of the surface donor traps (i.e., energy level and density) such that the SET drain current closely follows the transient decay of occupation rate back to the original dc level.

The automotive industry is under increasing pressure to meet environmental and performance demands at competitive costs, leading to disruptive changes on how materials are produced, used and managed at the end-of-life. As outlined in this paper, the trends in material use are strongly interlinked to the regulatory environment and the overarching European Union ambition for a carbon neutral and circular economy. The competitiveness and resilience of the automotive industry is dependent on the availability of appropriate alternative materials and the role of research is crucial in ensuring that the industry specific needs are met. CLEPA, as the association that represents the European automotive suppliers, supports a technology open approach to exploit all potential pathways and design options to achieve in a truly sustainable manner climate neutrality by 2050.

The present work investigates the impact of transistor layout on both the RF and thermal performance of 90-nm SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). The resulting performance shows only slight degradation in small-signal RF figures-of-merit, while large-signal RF figures-of-merit relevant to power amplifiers (PAs) are improved. Thermal resistance and capacitance were extracted for five different SiGe HBT layouts with the same total emitter area. Additionally, a favorable trade-off exists between RF performance figures-of-merit and thermal parameters; namely, the thermal time constant can be reduced by up to 37% with optimal layout, with only slight degradation (up to 8%) in RF performance. These optimal device layout variations can help circuit designers mitigate thermal memory effects at the device level, thereby improving the overall large-signal linearity of PAs.

EAF, an electric arc furnace, is a residue from the steel industry that is generated in large quantities and classified as a hazardous substance in many industrialized nations. Hence, exploring novel approaches to repurpose this waste and mitigate its environmental footprint holds significance. This work objective is to transform EAF into a low-cost catalyst and possibly minimize the environmental liability due to its disposal in the soil. Amphiphilic materials were produced using EAF dust coated with carbon structures (EAF/C). The materials were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition at 700, 800, and 900 ℃ using ethanol as the carbon source. X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy analyses suggested that a reduced iron phase was produced by ethanol oxidation, producing carbon structures and iron. The materials showed amphiphilic features and exhibited remarkable magnetic due to iron metallic presence. The materials have strongly interacted with polar, nonpolar, and biphasic mediums. The EAF/C were utilized as biphasic media catalysts for benzyl alcohol oxidation and quinoline, consuming up to 43% of benzyl alcohol and 60% of quinoline. The benzyl alcohol oxidation presented 97% of selectivity for the aldehyde product. The biphasic oxidation Nt-butyl-α-phenylnitrone verified that the materials play a fundamental role in the catalytic transfer of hydroxyl radicals generated from the aqueous to the organic phase. The materials were also tested for oxidation of dye compounds, presenting the removal of 100%. The tests showed that the EAF can be used to obtain novel and efficient catalysts for oxidation processes.

OBJECTIVE--Diabetes is associated with oxidative stress and increased mortality, but a possible correlation between leukocyte-endothelium interactions, oxidative stress, and silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) is yet to be confirmed. RESEARCH DESIGN [...]

ABSTRACT The growth of traffic requires more pavements with high durability and security to users. One of the solutions adopted in developed countries is a mixture with discontinuous graduation of [...]

Managing a global supply chain involves tough organizational challenges that promise only to intensify as operations expand and become increasingly interconnected. Key among those challenges: getting functional groups to understand [...]