4 research outputs found
Data_Sheet_1_Alterations of theta power and synchrony during encoding in young adult binge drinkers: Subsequent memory effects associated with retrieval after 48 h and 6 months.PDF
IntroductionYoung emerging adults commonly engage in binge drinking which is associated with a range of neurocognitive deficits, including memory impairments. However, evidence on neural oscillations mediating episodic memory in this population is lacking. To address this gap, we recorded theta oscillatory activity in young binge (BDs) and light drinkers (LDs) during memory encoding and analyzed it prospectively as a function of subsequent retrieval. Theta underlies successful encoding of novel items in memory through corticolimbic integration. Subsequent memory effects (SMEs) are reflected in stronger theta activity during encoding of the items that are later remembered compared to those that are later forgotten.MethodsIn the present study, 23 BDs (age: 23.3 ± 3.3) and 24 LDs (age: 23.4 ± 3.3) rated emotionally evocative images with negative, positive, and neutral themes during implicit encoding. They performed a recognition memory task on two follow-up occasions after a short (48 h), and long retention delay (6 months). Electroencephalography (EEG) signal was recorded during the encoding session and analyzed in time-frequency domain with Morlet wavelets in theta band (4–7 Hz). To evaluate SMEs, the event-related theta oscillations acquired during encoding were analyzed based on recognition outcomes after the two retention intervals.ResultsThe BD and LD groups did not differ on recognition memory. However, BDs showed attenuated event-related theta power during encoding of images that were successfully retained after 6 months compared to LDs. In addition, theta synchronous activity between frontal and left posterior regions during encoding successfully predicted recognition of the images after both retention delays in LDs but not in BDs. These SMEs on theta power and synchrony correlated negatively with high-intensity drinking in the previous 6 months. No differences between men and women were observed for any analysis.DiscussionIt has been well established that long-range neural synchrony between cortical and limbic nodes underlies successful memory encoding and retention which, in turn, depends on neural excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance. Given that binge drinking is associated with E/I dysregulation, the observed SME deficiencies are consistent with other evidence of neural hyperexcitability in BDs, and may be indicative of increased risk of developing alcohol use disorders.</p
Enhancing Carrier Mobility in Monolayer MoS<sub>2</sub> Transistors with Process-Induced Strain
Two-dimensional electronic materials
are a promising
candidate
for beyond-silicon electronics due to their favorable size scaling
of electronic performance. However, a major challenge is the heterogeneous
integration of 2D materials with CMOS processes while maintaining
their excellent properties. In particular, there is a knowledge gap
in how thin film deposition and processes interact with 2D materials
to alter their strain and doping, both of which have a drastic impact
on device properties. In this study, we demonstrate how to utilize
process-induced strain, a common technique extensively applied in
the semiconductor industry, to enhance the carrier mobility in 2D
material transistors. We systematically varied the tensile strain
in monolayer MoS2 transistors by iteratively depositing
thin layers of high-stress MgOx stressor.
At each thickness, we combined Raman spectroscopy and transport measurements
to unravel and correlate the changes in strain and doping within each
transistor with their performance. The transistors displayed uniform
strain distributions across their channels for tensile strains of
up to 0.48 ± 0.05%, at 150 nm of stressor thickness. At higher
thicknesses, mechanical instability occurred, leading to nonuniform
strains. The transport characteristics systematically varied with
strain, with enhancement in electron mobility at a rate of 130 ±
40% per % strain and enhancement of the channel saturation current
density of 52 ± 20%. This work showcases how established CMOS
technologies can be leveraged to tailor the transport in 2D transistors,
accelerating the integration of 2D electronics into a future computing
infrastructure
Table_1_Reduced plasma levels of RGM-A predict stroke-associated pneumonia in patients with acute ischemic stroke: A prospective clinical study.DOCX
BackgroundStroke-induced immunodepression syndrome is considered the major etiology of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). Repulsive guidance molecule A (RGM-A) is an immunomodulatory protein that is closely related to inflammation and immune responses. To explore the relationship between RGM-A and SAP and facilitate the early identification of patients at high risk of developing SAP, we investigated the predictive value of RGM-A in SAP.MethodsWe enrolled 178 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and finally analyzed 150 patients, among whom 69 had SAP and 81 had non-SAP. During the same period, 40 patients with community-acquired pneumonia and 40 healthy participants were included as controls. SAP was defined according to the modified US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Blood samples were collected at 24 h, 48 h, 3 days, 4 to 7 days, and 8 to 14 days after stroke onset. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the plasma levels of RGM-A and interleukin-6.ResultsThe plasma RGM-A levels were significantly decreased in both patients with community-acquired pneumonia and those with AIS, and the decline was most pronounced in patients with SAP (P ConclusionsWe demonstrated that reduced plasma levels of RGM-A might help in the early identification of high-risk patients with SAP and predict the occurrence of SAP in patients with AIS. RGM-A might provide new clues to a potential alternative therapy for SAP.</p
“We (Tong) Chinese”: Contemporary identity positioning through health management among Cantonese Chinese Americans
<p>This paper explores discursive ways Chinese American older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) take ownership of their health management. Fifteen patient stakeholders with T2DM took part in four focus group interviews. We used qualitiative discourse analysis to examine how participants used the phrase, “We (Tong) Chinese,” and variants, to index models of Chinese-living-in-the-U.S. personhoods, to incorporate “Chinese” and “western” ways of doing health management, to be Chinese American, and to interact with medical practitioners. We show how terms like “Tong” distinguish transnational boundaries and position participants in claiming “Chinese-in-America-ness” in relevant ways. Findings have implications for healthcare providers, health education, and intercultural communication.</p