Resource
2025 EN
Amit Kumar · Ankit Kumar Verma · Rong Tao Jiang
+6 more
This letter presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a novel D-band (110–170 GHz) air-filled waveguide (AFWG) with vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) sidewalls. The waveguide was designed using full-wave 3-D electromagnetic simulations combined with an equivalent VACNT bulk model. Fabrication was carried out using a CMOS-compatible CNT transfer and dedicated assembly process. Two device types were realized: one without gold sputtering and another coated with a 500-nm gold layer to enhance CNT conductivity. Measurements in the 140–160-GHz band showed that gold sputtering reduced the insertion loss, with measured $S\!_{21}$ improving by ~3 dB, while the return loss was better than 15 dB. The extracted average attenuation constant of 0.14 dB/mm is comparable to leading D-band technologies, demonstrating the potential of VACNT-based waveguides as compact, low-loss interconnects for future high-frequency systems.
Conference Proceedings
2025 EN
Pierre-Antoine Mouny · Maher Benhouria · Victor Yon
+6 more
This paper presents a novel approach utilizing a scalable neural decoderapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) based on metal oxide memristorsin a 180nm CMOS technology. The ASIC architecture employs in-memory computingwith memristor crossbars for efficient vector-matrix multiplications (VMM). TheASIC decoder architecture includes an input layer implemented with a VMM and ananalog sigmoid activation function, a recurrent layer with analog memory, andan output layer with a VMM and a threshold activation function. Cryogeniccharacterization of the ASIC is conducted, demonstrating its performance atboth room temperature and cryogenic temperatures down to 1.2K. Results indicatestable activation function shapes and pulse responses at cryogenictemperatures. Moreover, power consumption measurements reveal consistentbehavior at room and cryogenic temperatures. Overall, this study lays thefoundation for developing efficient and scalable neural decoders for quantumerror correction in cryogenic environments.
Resource
2025 EN
Huan Gao · Annabel Frake · Dominique M. Durand
+1 more
Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation (tFUS) is a promising non-invasive technique capable of modulating brain activity with high spatial precision. However, its efficacy for seizure suppression requires further exploration. This study aims to address whether tFUS of white matter can suppress seizures non-invasively. Repeated injections of a 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) cocktail into the right somatosensory cortex (S1) induced cortical seizures in male rats under anesthesia with recording of both EEG and intracranial signals. Approximately one hour of tFUS was applied to the corpus callosum (CC) using a 128-element random-array transducer with 20 ms pulse duration, 1 Hz pulse repetition frequency, 2% duty cycle, and ~127 kPa pressure. Another 2-3 hours were used to assess post-stimulation effects. Seizure duration, seizure count, percent time in seizure, and inter-seizure interval were compared to a sham control for quantifying efficacy. The absolute frequency power, asymmetry index (AI), and phase lag index (PLI) were calculated to analyze brain activity changes induced by tFUS. CC tFUS can significantly reduce percent time in seizure, seizure duration, and seizure count, as well as increase inter-seizure interval. These effects extended up to 2 hours post-stimulation. We also observed a decrease in absolute power of the beta band and changes in the brain network, as evidenced by a decrease in synchronization and an improvement in interhemispheric balance. Our study is the first to show that white matter tFUS can significantly suppress seizures with a lasting post stimulation effect, potentially providing a safer alternative for drug-resistant epilepsy patients.
Journals
2025 EN
Rosa Giacomo · Schmidt Benedikt R. · Léna JeanPaul
+17 more
Abstract Population matrix models are routinely used to study the demography of wild populations and to guide management choices. When vital rates are unknown for a specific population or life history stage, researchers often replace them with estimates from other populations of the same species. Such ‘hybrid’ matrices might ignore among‐population life history variation and lead to incorrect inferences. In this study, we examined the real‐world effect of using hybrid matrices on demographic inference and management decisions, using a large dataset on yellow‐bellied toad ( Bombina variegata ) populations, an amphibian species whose life history depends on human land use. We estimated stage‐specific survival and recruitment for 18 populations across different habitat types. We then assessed how estimated population growth rates and elasticities changed when population‐specific vital rates were replaced by estimates from other populations, chosen randomly or based on habitat, demographic or geographic proximity. The use of hybrid matrices mixing demographic estimates from different populations and habitats biased predictions. The mean bias was relatively minor even when sampling randomly across all populations, because our large dataset represented the whole range of life histories and errors cancelled out on average. However, borrowing estimates from geographically close or demographically similar populations substantially reduced the risk of extreme errors. Borrowing from populations from similar habitat types could also reduce bias, but results varied depending on the exact habitat types concerned. Our study illustrates how habitat‐specific among‐population variation in life history affects the reliability of population matrices commonly used in evolutionary demography, ecology and conservation. When the use of hybrid population matrices cannot be avoided, their creation can be informed by additional information about ecological or demographic patterns, helping reduce bias. When such information is not available, we recommend that studies should consider the whole space of parameter estimates (the complete range of estimates available), thus transparently describing the true uncertainty surrounding demographic estimates.
Journals
2025 EN
Pinaud David · Varoux Mary · Leuchtmann Maxime
+1 more
AbstractContext : Connectivity modelling is a powerful tool for strengthening the link between landscape and species conservation. This approach often relies on expert knowledge of connectivity indicators or limited, small numbers and small‐scale monitoring data, for example during animal foraging activities. However, integrating larger scale movement data, including dispersal or seasonal movements, is crucial to making conservation relevant by covering the entire life cycle of species. Approach and methods : Using Resource Selection Function, the movement patterns of greater horseshoe bats (GHB) studied on a local scale were transposed to a regional scale to model the connectivity in western France. GHB is highly sensitive to loss of connectivity and makes seasonal regional migrations. How the local landscape heterogeneity influenced the conductance parameters estimation for modelling was examined using the gap‐crossing method at four different sites with variable landscape composition. The inferred parameters were used to create a regional connectivity map based on circuit theory. To validate this map, acoustic monitoring was conducted during the autumn migration to assess its effectiveness in identifying connectivity gradients. Finally, the resulting connectivity map was superimposed on the Natura 2000 network. Results : First, it can be assumed that connectivity parameters are identical whatever the landscape context. Second, the regional connectivity model identified the main potential corridors connecting all the major sites in the region. Finally, based on acoustic sampling, the number of GHB in transit was significantly higher in areas of higher connectivity. In terms of overlap with conservation, the functional connectivity of the GHB has been variously addressed in the current Natura 2000 network, with an overall lack of representativeness. Policy implications : Studying pathways during high mobility periods is one of the main missing elements for effective conservation, particularly for small species such as bats. An acoustic, stratified sampling at both local and large scale provided sufficient spatial and temporal accuracy to model connectivity throughout the life cycle of bats. This framework can easily be applied to other bat species to improve our understanding of connectivity, in order to explicitly integrate this crucial aspect for highly mobile species into the protection network.
Journals
2025 EN
Déziel Mégane · Schoenig Daniel · SousaSilva Rita
+13 more
Abstract Ensuring the sustainability of forest ecosystems requires understanding the mechanisms underlying tree growth and predicting their relative influence across taxa and environments. Functional ecology posits that variation in tree growth is related to individual differences in functional traits, which serve as proxies for resource acquisition and investment strategies. However, studies of trait–growth relationships have produced inconsistent results, likely due to unaccounted factors like interspecific interactions, ontogeny, differing leaf habit strategies, and variation in resource acquisition and allocation. We investigated the utility of key functional traits as predictors of tree height growth rates in common garden experiments in the absence of interspecific interactions. We posit that trait–growth relationships vary with age and between two groups relating to leaf habit: deciduous and evergreen species. Using data from 38 tree species planted in monoculture plots across seven sites of the International Diversity Experiment Network with Trees (IDENT) in North America and Europe, we compiled height growth rates over 9 years post‐germination. We modelled growth using a Bayesian hierarchical generalized linear model incorporating four above‐ground functional traits related to resource acquisition and investment: specific leaf area (SLA), wood density (WD), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and seed mass (SM). Improvements in predictive power due to the variation of trait effects with age and leaf habit were evaluated via alternative hypothesis‐driven models, using the Expected Log Pointwise Predictive Density (ELPD) as a performance measure. Trait effects on growth varied with age and leaf habit, shifting between positive and negative effects, reflecting changes in resource acquisition and investment strategies. The relationships between traits and growth were strongest during the first three growing seasons for deciduous species and during the seventh to the ninth for evergreen species. Accounting for age and leaf habit substantially improved predictive power. Synthesis. Traits are not consistently associated with tree growth rates but instead reflect dynamic resource acquisition and investment strategies over time and between deciduous and evergreen species. Despite this variability, our findings confirm the utility of functional traits to predict tree growth rates, especially when trait effects are considered to vary with age and leaf habit.
Journals
2025 EN
Muhumuza Dominique · Birdi Gurkiran
ABSTRACT Research has shown that individuals from an ethnic minority background in the United Kingdom are less likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder and therefore receive treatment. As this has been highlighted as an area that needs to be addressed to reduce the duration of untreated illness, it is important to explore the research around how best to adapt practice and services to reduce the duration of untreated illness and intervene earlier to pursue a better outcome. This literature review focused on the four eating disorders and treatments outlined in the NICE Guidelines for under 18s. The initial search offered 231; however, once filtered, 61 papers were considered. Following reading the title and abstract, 28 papers were examined. Finally, 9 explored ED interventions within our population. The findings are discussed in detail, and recommendations for services and further research are suggested, such as further research into CBT‐E (a NICE recommended intervention) within different cultures, how to help clinicians consider how to respect culture and beliefs through recovery, and what cultural adaptations need to be made to therapy to provide effective support for increasingly culturally diverse populations.
Journals
2025 EN
Hazel Elizabeth A. · Erchick Daniel J. · Katz Joanne
+60 more
Abstract Objective We aimed to understand the mortality risks of vulnerable newborns (defined as preterm and/or born weighing smaller or larger compared to a standard population), in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Design Descriptive multi‐country, secondary analysis of individual‐level study data of babies born since 2000. Setting Sixteen subnational, population‐based studies from nine LMICs in sub‐Saharan Africa, Southern and Eastern Asia, and Latin America. Population Live birth neonates. Methods We categorically defined five vulnerable newborn types based on size (large‐ or appropriate‐ or small‐for‐gestational age [LGA, AGA, SGA]), and term (T) and preterm (PT): T + LGA, T + SGA, PT + LGA, PT + AGA, and PT + SGA, with T + AGA (reference). A 10‐type definition included low birthweight (LBW) and non‐LBW, and a four‐type definition collapsed AGA/LGA into one category. We performed imputation for missing birthweights in 13 of the studies. Main Outcome Measures Median and interquartile ranges by study for the prevalence, mortality rates and relative mortality risks for the four, six and ten type classification. Results There were 238 203 live births with known neonatal status. Four of the six types had higher mortality risk: T + SGA (median relative risk [RR] 2.6, interquartile range [IQR] 2.0–2.9), PT + LGA (median RR 7.3, IQR 2.3–10.4), PT + AGA (median RR 6.0, IQR 4.4–13.2) and PT + SGA (median RR 10.4, IQR 8.6–13.9). T + SGA, PT + LGA and PT + AGA babies who were LBW, had higher risk compared with non‐LBW babies. Conclusions Small and/or preterm babies in LIMCs have a considerably increased mortality risk compared with babies born at term and larger. This classification system may advance the understanding of the social determinants and biomedical risk factors along with improved treatment that is critical for newborn health.
Journals
2025 EN
Hazel Elizabeth A. · Erchick Daniel J. · Katz Joanne
+60 more
Abstract Objective To describe the mortality risks by fine strata of gestational age and birthweight among 230 679 live births in nine low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) from 2000 to 2017. Design Descriptive multi‐country secondary data analysis. Setting Nine LMICs in sub‐Saharan Africa, Southern and Eastern Asia, and Latin America. Population Liveborn infants from 15 population‐based cohorts. Methods Subnational, population‐based studies with high‐quality birth outcome data were invited to join the Vulnerable Newborn Measurement Collaboration. All studies included birthweight, gestational age measured by ultrasound or last menstrual period, infant sex and neonatal survival. We defined adequate birthweight as 2500–3999 g (reference category), macrosomia as ≥4000 g, moderate low as 1500–2499 g and very low birthweight as <1500 g. We analysed fine strata classifications of preterm, term and post‐term: ≥42 +0 , 39 +0 –41 +6 (reference category), 37 +0 –38 +6 , 34 +0 –36 +6 ,34 +0 –36 +6 ,32 +0 –33 +6 , 30 +0 –31 +6 , 28 +0 –29 +6 and less than 28 weeks. Main outcome measures Median and interquartile ranges by study for neonatal mortality rates (NMR) and relative risks (RR). We also performed meta‐analysis for the relative mortality risks with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by the fine categories, stratified by regional study setting (sub‐Saharan Africa and Southern Asia) and study‐level NMR (≤25 versus >25 neonatal deaths per 1000 live births). Results We found a dose–response relationship between lower gestational ages and birthweights with increasing neonatal mortality risks. The highest NMR and RR were among preterm babies born at <28 weeks (median NMR 359.2 per 1000 live births; RR 18.0, 95% CI 8.6–37.6) and very low birthweight (462.8 per 1000 live births; RR 43.4, 95% CI 29.5–63.9). We found no statistically significant neonatal mortality risk for macrosomia (RR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6–3.0) but a statistically significant risk for all preterm babies, post‐term babies (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5) and babies born at 37 0 –38 6 weeks (RR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.4). There were no statistically significant differences by region or underlying neonatal mortality. Conclusions In addition to tracking vulnerable newborn types, monitoring finer categories of birthweight and gestational age will allow for better understanding of the predictors, interventions and health outcomes for vulnerable newborns. It is imperative that all newborns from live births and stillbirths have an accurate recorded weight and gestational age to track maternal and neonatal health and optimise prevention and care of vulnerable newborns.
Journals
2025 EN
Giorgione Veronica · Trapani Mariarita · Lopian Miriam
+9 more
ABSTRACT Objective Dichorionic twin pregnancies are associated with increased risks of stillbirth or medically indicated early preterm birth (ePTB) to avoid stillbirths. This study evaluated the predictive value of fetal estimated weight (EFW) and Doppler indices before adverse perinatal outcomes. Design Retrospective multicentre cohort study. Setting Three tertiary centres in the UK, Italy and Belgium. Population The study included 1294 dichorionic twin pregnancies managed between 2013 and 2023. Methods Univariable and multivariable analyses assessed the association and the predictive accuracy between EFW and Doppler indices taken within 2 weeks of birth or adverse perinatal outcomes. Main Outcome Measures Stillbirths (of one or both twins) or medically indicated ePTB before 34 weeks' gestation for fetal indications. Results The study identified 58 pregnancies (4.5%) complicated by adverse perinatal outcomes. There were significant differences (all p < 0.001) between twins with adverse perinatal outcomes and liveborn twins for small for gestational age foetuses (89.5% vs. 59.3%), EFW discordance (31.8% vs. 8.4%), umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) discordance (39.7% vs. 12.6%) and middle cerebral artery PI discordance (27.6% vs. 13.3%). These associations remained significant after adjusting for maternal characteristics and gestational age. The best predictive model included EFW discordance and UA PI discordance, with an area under the curve of 0.90. Conclusions The integration of intertwin EFW and UA PI discordance can effectively predict stillbirths or the need for medically indicated ePTB. After external validation in larger populations, this model could provide effective risk stratification of dichorionic pregnancies to enable targeted interventions to improve clinical outcomes.