bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and Management of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Society of Medical Oncology, Pakistan Society of Hematology, and Pakistan Society of Clinical Oncology Joint Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Iftikhar Raheel , Mir Muhammad Ayaz , Moosajee Munira , Rashid Kamran , Bokhari Syed Waqas , Abbasi Ahmed Nadeem , Shamsi Tahir Sultan , Ahmed Parvez , Din Hafeez Ud , Chaudhry Qamar-un-nisa , Ahmad Imran N. , Shaikh Mohammad Usman , Ali Natasha , Umair Muhammad , Khan Amjad , Bangash Mussavir , Ahmad Usman , Sattar Wasim , Zargham Anum , Shafi Azhar , Shamshad Ghassan U. , Rizvi Qurratulain , Irfan Syed Muhammad , Zaidi Uzma , Naqi Naeem , Mahmood Humera , Hussain Asghar , Masood Ahmed Ijaz , Siddiqui Neelam , Masood Misbah , Faheem Mohammad , Adil Salman Naseem , Aziz Zeba
Published: December 2021

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the commonest non-Hodgkin lymphoma encountered by hematopathologists and oncologists. Management guidelines for DLBCL are developed and published by countries with high income and do not cater for practical challenges faced in resource-constrained settings. This report by a multidisciplinary panel of experts from Pakistan is on behalf of three major national cancer societies: Society of Medical Oncology Pakistan, Pakistan Society of Hematology, and Pakistan Society of Clinical Oncology. The aim is to develop a practical and standardized guideline for managing DLBCL in Pakistan, keeping in view local challenges, which are similar across most of the low- and middle-income countries across the globe. Modified Delphi methodology was used to develop consensus guidelines. Guidelines questions were drafted, and meetings were convened by a steering committee to develop initial recommendations on the basis of local challenges and review of the literature. A consensus panel reviewed the initial draft recommendations and rated the guidelines on a five-point Likert scale; recommendations achieving more than 75% consensus were accepted. Resource grouping initially suggested by Breast Health Global Initiative was applied for resource stratification into basic, limited, and enhanced resource settings. The panel generated consensus ratings for 35 questions of interest and concluded that diagnosis and treatment recommendations in resource-constrained settings need to be based on available resources and management expertise.
Neoliberal Platform Capitalism and Subjectivity
Authors: Franco Fábio Luís Ferreira Nóbrega
Published: December 2021

Across the globe, algorithmic technologies have undeniably altered the way labor relations are governed. The purpose of this article is to investigate a particular manifestation of that phenomenon: how, in Brazil, platform capitalism consists in a hybrid rationality whose control over the sphere of work combines new mechanisms of governance with structural characteristics that are particular to a type of precarious work commonly found in peripheral areas of Brazil, known as viração. While such a scenario presents us with a multitude of aspects worthy of consideration, this article focusese on the apparatuses for the psychic management of workers deployed by platform capitalism in Brazil. Within this scope, the article develops a double analysis: first, it examines the forms of subjectivity and the libidinal economy of Brazilian peripheral workers, with a particular emphasis on how certain of their characteristics have been subordinated, controlled, exploited, and ultimately disseminated by application software companies in Brazil; second, and conversely, it evaluates how the form of subjectivity associated with platform capitalism has, through the neoliberal discourse of self-entrepreneurship, impacted viração.
Robotic-Assisted vs Nonrobotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Cost-Utility Analysis
Authors: Garcia Diogo , Akinduro Oluwaseun O. , De Biase Gaetano , Sousa-Pinto Bernardo , Jerreld Daniel J. , Dholakia Ruchita , Borah Bijan , Nottmeier Eric , Deen H. Gordon , Fox W. Christopher , Bydon Mohamad , Chen Selby , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Abode-Iyamah Kingsley
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Management of degenerative disease of the spine has evolved to favor minimally invasive techniques, including nonrobotic-assisted and robotic-assisted minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). Value-based spending is being increasingly implemented to control rising costs in the US healthcare system. With an aging population, it is fundamental to understand which procedure(s) may be most cost-effective.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare robotic and nonrobotic MIS-TLIF through a cost-utility analysis.

METHODS:

We considered direct medical costs related to surgical intervention and to the hospital stay, as well as 1-yr utilities. We estimated costs by assessing all cases involving adults undergoing robotic surgery at a single institution and an equal number of patients undergoing nonrobotic surgery, matched by demographic and clinical characteristics. We adopted a willingness to pay of $50 000/quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Uncertainty was addressed by deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS:

Costs were estimated based on a total of 76 patients, including 38 undergoing robot-assisted and 38 matched patients undergoing nonrobot MIS-TLIF. Using point estimates, robotic surgery was projected to cost $21 546.80 and to be associated with 0.68 QALY, and nonrobotic surgery was projected to cost $22 398.98 and to be associated with 0.67 QALY. Robotic surgery was found to be more cost-effective strategy, with cost-effectiveness being sensitive operating room/materials and room costs. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis identified robotic surgery as cost-effective in 63% of simulations.

CONCLUSION:

Our results suggest that at a willingness to pay of $50 000/QALY, robotic-assisted MIS-TLIF was cost-effective in 63% of simulations. Cost-effectiveness depends on operating room and room (admission) costs, with potentially different results under distinct neurosurgical practices.
Hybrid Therapy (Surgery and Radiosurgery) for the Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma Spinal Metastases
Authors: Hussain Ibrahim , Goldberg Jacob L. , Carnevale Joseph A. , Hanz Samuel Z. , Reiner Anne S. , Schmitt Adam , Higginson Daniel S. , Yamada Yoshiya , Laufer Ilya , Bilsky Mark H. , Barzilai Ori
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

The management of spinal metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is controversial regarding extent of resection and radiation dosing.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine outcomes in patients treated with hybrid therapy (separation surgery plus adjuvant stereotactic body radiation therapy [SBRT]) for mRCC.

METHODS:

A retrospective study of a prospectively collected cohort of patients undergoing hybrid therapy for mRCC between 2003 and 2017 was performed. SBRT was delivered as high-dose single-fraction, high-dose hypofractionated, or low-dose hypofractionated. Extent of disease, clinical and operative outcomes, and complications data were collected, and associations with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were determined.

RESULTS:

Ninety patients with mRCC with high-grade epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC grades 2 and 3) were treated. Metastases were widespread, oligometastatic, and solitary in 56%, 33%, and 11% of patients, respectively. SBRT delivered was high-dose single-fraction, high-dose hypofractionated, and low-dose hypofractionated in 24%, 56%, and 20% of patients, respectively. The 1-yr cumulative incidence of major complications was 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0%-7.2%). The median follow-up was 14.2 mo for the entire cohort and 38.3 mo for survivors. The 1-yr cumulative incidence of progression was 4.6% (95% CI: 0.2%-9.0%), which translates to a local control rate of 95.4% (95% CI: 91.0%-99.8%) 1 yr after surgery. The median OS for the cohort was 14.8 mo.

CONCLUSION:

These data support the use of hybrid therapy as a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of renal cell spine metastases.
Η εφαρμογή του ραδιοϊσοτοπικά καθοδηγούμενου εντοπισμού λανθανουσών βλαβών στην ελάχιστα επεμβατική χειρουργική του τραχήλου
Authors: Λουφόπουλος Παναγιώτης-Δημήτριος
Published: December 2021

Εισαγωγή: Η ελάχιστα επεμβατική παραθυρεοειδεκτομή απέκτησε περισσότερη δημοτικότητα τα τελευταία χρόνια σε σχέση με την αμφοτερόπλευρη διερεύνηση του τραχήλου που παραδοσιακά εφαρμοζόταν στο παρελθόν. Ο σκοπός της μελέτης αυτής είναι η παρουσίαση και ανάλυση της τεχνικής λειτουργικότητας, αποτελεσματικότητας και ασφάλειας του ραδιοκαθοδηγούμενου εντοπισμού λανθανουσών βλαβών (ROLL) σαν επιπρόσθετο εργαλείο στην χειρουργική εξαίρεση παραθυρεοειδικών αδενωμάτων.Υλικό και Μέθοδοι: Η μελέτη πραγματοποιήθηκε στην Α' Χειρουργική Κλινική του Α.Π.Θ. στο Γ.Ν.Θ. "Παπαγεωργίου" κατά την περίοδο μεταξύ Δεκέμβρη 2016 και Οκτώβρη 2020. Πενήντα (50) ασθενείς με πρωτοπαθή υπερπαραθυρεοειδισμό λόγω μονήρους παραθυρεοειδικού αδενώματος, υπερηχογραφικά ανιχνεύσιμου, έλαβαν μέρος στη μελέτη αυτή. Όλοι οι ασθενείς υποβλήθηκαν σε ελάχιστα επεμβατική παραθυρεοειδεκτομή με τη βοήθεια της τεχνικής ROLL και της διεγχειρητικής μέτρησης της παραθορμόνης.Αποτελέσματα: Η προεγχειρητικά σεσημασμένη βλάβη αναγνωρίστηκε διεγχειρητικά και εξαιρέθηκε με επιτυχία σε όλους τους ασθενείς, συμπεριλαμβάνοντας αυτούς με αρνητικό σπινθηρογράφημα και προηγηθείσες επεμβάσεις στον τράχηλο. Τα επίπεδα της παραθορμόνης παρουσίασαν >50% πτώση σε σχέση με την τιμή αναφοράς 10 λεπτά μετά εκτομή σε όλους τους ασθενείς. Κανένας ασθενής δεν εμφάνισε επιπλοκές σχετιζόμενες με την προεγχειρητική έγχυση του ραδιοφαρμάκου εντός της βλάβης. Διαφυγή του ραδιοφαρμάκου παρατηρήθηκε σε επτά (7) ασθενείς. Η μέση τιμή και τυπική απόκλιση του χειρουργικού χρόνου εκτομής ήταν 21.72±6.38 λεπτά και η διάρκεια νοσηλείας ήταν μία (1) ημέρα για όλους τους ασθενείς. Συμπέρασμα: Η εφαρμογή της ROLL στη χειρουργική παραθυρεοειδών αδένων είναι τεχνικά ασφαλής, αποτελεσματική και μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί σαν συμπληρωματικό εργαλείο πλοήγησης, ιδιαίτερα σε ασθενείς με αρνητικό σπινθηρογράφημα και προηγηθείσες επεμβάσεις στον τράχηλο.
Design of lattice towers from hot-rolled equal leg steel angles
Authors: Μπέζας Μάριος-Ζώης
Published: December 2021

Τα προφίλ γωνιακών διατομών χρησιμοποιούνται από τα πρώτα χρόνια των χαλύβδινων κατασκευών λόγω της εύκολης μεταφοράς τους και της επί τόπου συναρμολόγησής τους. Ωστόσο, παρουσιάζουν συγκεκριμένα χαρακτηριστικά που τα διαφοροποιούν από τους άλλους τύπους κοινών διατομών, γεγονός που οδηγεί αναπόφευκτα στην ανάγκη ανάπτυξης ειδικών κανόνων σχεδιασμού. Σε πρώτη φάση ελέγχθηκαν και αξιολογήθηκαν οι υφιστάμενες ευρωπαϊκές διατάξεις για τα ισοσκελή γωνιακά θερμής έλασης, και στη συνέχεια, διεξήχθησαν εκτεταμένες πειραματικές, αναλυτικές και αριθμητικές μελέτες ώστε να προταθεί ένα ολοκληρωμένο και πλήρως επικυρωμένο σύνολο κανόνων σχεδιασμού που να καλύπτει όλες τις πτυχές του σχεδιασμού των γωνιακών. Οι κανόνες αυτοί περιλαμβάνουν την ταξινόμηση της διατομής, την αντοχή της διατομής για όλους τους τύπους φόρτισης, καθώς και κανόνες για το σχεδιασμό μελών υπό μεμονωμένες ή και συνδυασμένες εσωτερικές αξονικές δυνάμεις και ροπές. Όλοι οι προτεινόμενοι κανόνες είναι γραμμένοι υπό την μορφή των διατάξεων του Ευρωκώδικα 3, ώστε να είναι δυνατή η άμεση ενσωμάτωσή τους στην επερχόμενη έκδοση. Επιπλέον, τα γωνιακά προφίλ χρησιμοποιούνται ευρέως σε δικτυωτούς πύργους και ιστούς για τηλεπικοινωνιακούς σκοπούς ή για τη μεταφορά ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας. Τέτοιοι τύποι πύργων σχεδιάζονται κυρίως σύμφωνα με τα πρότυπα EN 1993-3-1 και EN 50341-1, βάσει μιας γραμμικής ελαστικής ανάλυσης πρώτης τάξεως όπου η κατασκευή προσομοιώνεται ως ένα δικτύωμα. Στην παρούσα εργασία πραγματοποιείται αξιολόγηση της τρέχουσας προσέγγισης σχεδιασμού, όπου ο πύργος προσομοιώνεται με ένα λογισμικό μη γραμμικών πεπερασμένων στοιχείων, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις αρχικές ατέλειες στην κατασκευή καθώς και τις μη γραμμικότητες του υλικού και της γεωμετρίας. Υπογραμμίζεται η σημασία των φαινομένων δευτέρας τάξεως στην ανάλυση, ενώ επισημαίνεται η ύπαρξη μιας μορφής αστάθειας που δεν καλύπτεται άμεσα από τους κανονισμούς και ως εκ τούτου, συνήθως δεν ελέγχεται. Στην συνέχεια, δύο αναλυτικά μοντέλα για την πρόβλεψη του κρίσιμου φορτίου του νέου τρόπου λυγισμού προτείνονται και επικυρώνονται αριθμητικά. Και τα δύο προτεινόμενα μοντέλα είναι εύκολα στην εφαρμογή τους και μπορούν να καλύψουν το κενό στις υπάρχουσες συστάσεις σχεδιασμού για δικτυωτούς πύργους.
Ενεργειακή ασφάλεια Ανατολής-Δύσης
Authors: Καβαρλίγκος Αριστείδης
Published: December 2021

Η εξάντληση των φυσικών ενεργειακών πηγών της Δύσης και, ειδικά της Ευρώπης, επιβάλλει την αναζήτηση νέων πηγών αλλά και οδών τροφοδοσίας. Μέχρι σήμερα αξιόπιστη εναλλακτική λύση αποτελούσαν οι ανεξάντλητες πηγές της Ανατολής. Όμως, η ανάδυση ισχυρών αντιδυτικών δυνάμεων στην περιοχή της Μέσης Ανατολής και της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου, υπό την καθοδήγηση και υποστήριξη ισχυρών κρατικών και μη οντοτήτων, έθεσαν την προοπτική αυτή υπό αμφισβήτηση. Ως αποτέλεσμα του παραπάνω προέκυψε η περιοχή να αποτελεί πεδίο αντιπαράθεσης δυνάμεων οι οποίες επιθυμούν την επικράτηση τους και την ανάδειξή τους σε περιφερειακές δυνάμεις. Στο διεθνές αυτό ρευστό και διαρκώς μεταβαλλόμενο γεωπολιτικό περιβάλλον, καλείται η Ελλάδα να αποκτήσει κεντρικό ρόλο στην προσπάθεια της Ευρώπης να εξασφαλίσει την απρόσκοπτη ενεργειακή της τροφοδοσία από τις πηγές της Ανατολής, εκμεταλλευόμενη ταυτόχρονα τις υφιστάμενες και επικείμενες ανακαλύψεις στην περιοχή της Λεκάνης της Λεβαντίνης και, γενικότερα, της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου. Η Ελλάδα επειδή έχει να αντιμετωπίσει τον ανταγωνισμό στην παραπάνω περιοχή αλλά και τα προβλήματα που αναφύονται από τις επιδιώξεις αναθεωρητικών κυρίως δυνάμεων, οφείλει να προβλέψει την κατανομή ισχύος και να επιλέξει την κατάλληλη γεωστρατηγική προκειμένου να ανταποκριθεί στην πρόκληση.
What gives a stroke publication impact? Assessing traditional and alternative metrics of scientific impact for papers published in the journal Stroke
Authors: Wong Li Siang , Drozdowska Bogna A , Doherty Daniel , Quinn Terence J
Published: December 2021

Background: The ‘impact’ of a scientific paper is a measure of influence in its field. In recent years, traditional, citation-based measures of impact have been complemented by Altmetrics, which quantify outputs including social media footprint. As authors and research institutions seek to increase their visibility both within and beyond the academic community, it is important to identify and compare the determinants of traditional and alternative metrics. We explored this using Stroke – a leading journal in its field.

Methods: We described the impact of original research papers published in Stroke (2015-2016) using citation count and Altmetric Attention Score (Altmetrics). Using these two metrics as our outcomes, we assessed univariable and multivariable associations with 21 plausibly relevant publication features. We set the significance threshold at p<0.01.

Results: Across 911 papers published in Stroke, there was an average citation count of 21.60 (±17.40) and Altmetric score of 17.99 (±47.37). The two impact measures were weakly correlated (r=0.15, p<0.001). Citations were independently associated with five publication features at a significance level of p<0.01: Time Since Publication (beta=0.87), Number of Authors (beta=0.22), Publication Type (beta=6.76), Number of Previous Publications (beta=0.01) and Editorial (beta=9.45). For Altmetrics, we observed a trend for independent associations with: Time Since Publication (beta=-0.25, p=0.02), Number of References (beta=0.32, p=0.02) and Country of Affiliation (beta=8.59, p=0.01). Our models explained 21% and 3% of variance in citations and Altmetrics, respectively.

Conclusion: Papers published in Stroke have impact. Certain aspects of content and format may contribute to impact, but these differ for traditional measures and Altmetrics, and explain only a very modest proportion of variance in the latter. Citation counts and Altmetrics seem to represent different constructs and, therefore, should be used in conjunction to allow a more comprehensive assessment of publication impact.
Biological performance of a bioabsorbable Poly (L-Lactic Acid) produced in polymerization unit: in vivo studies
Authors: Xavier Mariana , Farez Nayla , Salvatierra Paola Luciana , Jardini Andre Luiz , Kharmandayan Paulo , Feldman Sara
Published: December 2021

Background: The biomaterials engineering goal is to manufacture a biocompatible scaffold that adequately supports or improves tissue regeneration after implantation of the biomaterial in the injured area. Many requirements are demanded for a biomaterial, such as biocompatibility, elasticity, degradation time, and a very important factor is its cost of importation or synthesis, making its application inaccessible to some countries. Studies about biomaterials market show that Polylactic acid (PLLA) is one of the most used polymers, but expensive to produce. It becomes important to prove the biocompatibility of the new PLLA and to find strategies to produce biocompatible biopolymers at an acceptable production cost.

Methods: In this work, the polylactic acid biomaterial was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization. The polymer was submitted to initial in vivo biocompatibility studies in 12 New Zealand female rabbits, assigned to two groups: (1) Lesion and PLLA group (n = 6), (2) Lesion No PLLA group (n = 6). Each group was divided into two subgroups at six and nine months post-surgical time. Before euthanasia clinical and biochemical studies were performed and after that tomographic (CT), histological (Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's trichrome) and histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate the injury site and prove biocompatibility. The final cost of this polymer was analyzed.

Results: The statistical studies of hemogram and hepatocyte enzymes, showed that there were no significant differences between the groups for any of the times studied, in any of the variables considered and the results of CT and histology showed that there was an important process of neoregeneration. The cost analysis showed the biopolymer synthesis is between R$3,06 - R$5,49 cheaper than the import cost.

Conclusions: It was possible to synthesize the PLLA biopolymer by cyclic ring opening, which proved to be biocompatible, potential osteoregenerative and cheaper than other imported biopolymers.
Gastronot: a pilot project for promoting healthy eating habits using mixed-method study design
Authors: Respati Titik , Fitriyana Susan , Romadhona Nurul , Ibnusantosa Ganang , Frederrico Rio , Yulianto Fajar Awalia , Shandriasti Aughya , Nugroho Eko
Published: December 2021

Background: Eating habits are formed from childhood and develop into adulthood. Unhealthy eating habits will persist into adulthood and can lead  to various diseases. Healthy eating and behaviour should be taught using  engaging tools. The study aims to pilot nutrition education using the game-based learning approach, implementing a specially designed learning board game entitled "Gastronot".

Methods: A mixed-method study was used in two stages. The first stage was an FGD with 14 informants and in-depth interviews with six informants to develop the game. The second stage was the game's development, and a pre and post-test were conducted on 88 children to evaluate the game—the study was conducted from August 2019 to July 2020.

Results: Results showed almost half the children (49%) never heard about Balanced Nutrition Diet Pyramid. There was a significant difference between respondents' knowledge before and after playing the game with a p-value of 0.021. The game was able to engage participants in the active learning process.

Conclusions: We concluded that the game-based learning utilizing the Gastronot board game demonstrated good results as a method for teaching primary school students about food and healthy eating habits.
Genomic evidence for the parallel regression of melatonin synthesis and signaling pathways in placental mammals
Authors: Emerling Christopher A. , Springer Mark S. , Gatesy John , Jones Zachary , Hamilton Deana , Xia-Zhu David , Collin Matt , Delsuc Frédéric
Published: December 2021

Background: The study of regressive evolution has yielded a wealth of examples where the underlying genes bear molecular signatures of trait degradation, such as pseudogenization or deletion. Typically, it appears that such disrupted genes are limited to the function of the regressed trait, whereas pleiotropic genes tend to be maintained by natural selection to support their myriad purposes. One such set of pleiotropic genes is involved in the synthesis (AANAT, ASMT) and signaling (MTNR1A, MTNR1B) of melatonin, a hormone secreted by the vertebrate pineal gland. Melatonin provides a signal of environmental darkness, thereby influencing the circadian and circannual rhythmicity of numerous physiological traits. Therefore, the complete loss of a pineal gland and the underlying melatonin pathway genes seems likely to be maladaptive, unless compensated by extrapineal sources of melatonin.

Methods: We examined AANAT, ASMT, MTNR1A and MTNR1B in 123 vertebrate species, including pineal-less placental mammals and crocodylians. We searched for inactivating mutations and modelled selective pressures (dN/dS) to test whether the genes remain functionally intact.

Results: We report that crocodylians retain intact melatonin genes and express AANAT and ASMT in their eyes, whereas all four genes have been repeatedly inactivated in the pineal-less xenarthrans, pangolins, sirenians, and whales. Furthermore, colugos have lost these genes, and several lineages of subterranean mammals have partial melatonin pathway dysfunction. These results are supported by the presence of shared inactivating mutations across clades and analyses of selection pressure based on the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions (dN/dS), suggesting extended periods of relaxed selection on these genes.

Conclusions: The losses of melatonin synthesis and signaling date to tens of millions of years ago in several lineages of placental mammals, raising questions about the evolutionary resilience of pleiotropic genes, and the causes and consequences of losing melatonin pathways in these species.
Dostojnicy i urzędnicy zakonu niemieckiego do 1525 r. Uwagi i uzupełnienia do spisów opracowanych przez Dietera Heckmanna
Authors: Krajniak Radosław
Published: December 2021

Celem artykułu jest krytyczna ocena książki niemieckiego badacza Dietera Heckmanna, która poświęcona została dostojnikom i urzędnikom zakonu niemieckiego do 1525 r. Zasadniczą część tekstu stanowią uzupełnienia wykazów urzędników zakonnych na podstawie nieznanej autorowi bądź wykorzystanej niewłaściwe, literatury przedmiotu oraz pomijanych bądź wybiórczo analizowanych źródeł.
Crew Assignment with Duty Time Limits for Transport Services: Tight Multicommodity Models
Authors: Balakrishnan Anantaram , Mirchandani Prakash , Lin Sifeng
Published: December 2021

Modeling Crew Assignments for Urban Transport Services Using Differentiated Flows

Public transit agencies need to judiciously deploy their limited crew members to operate numerous daily scheduled services, while meeting duty and working time regulations for each crew member. Since crew costs account for a large portion of the organizations’ operating expenses, minimizing the total crew and transfer costs is very important. But, with hundreds of daily trips and millions of possible crew itineraries, optimizing trip-to-crew assignment decisions is challenging. In “Crew Assignment with Duty Time Limits for Transport Services: Tight Multicommodity Models,” Balakrishnan, Mirchandani, and Lin propose a novel integer optimization model that represents itineraries as multicommodity flows, differentiated by first trip and depot, to capture the duty time limits and incorporate additional requirements such as selecting equitable schedules. The authors show that this compact model can be tighter than previous formulations, further strengthen the model, and propose a restricted optimization approach combined with an optimality test to generate near-optimal solutions quickly. Extensive computational tests using well-known and real-life problem instances show that the proposed model and solution approach can be very effective in practice.
‘Genetics load the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger’: novel, emerging and non-traditional risk factors in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Richardson Andrew
Published: December 2021

In this article, Andy Richardson, BANCC Educational Advisor, examines several important environmental and individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Following on from the meeting of Global Leaders at COP26 in Glasgow, he considers the impact of, and exposure to, environmental factors, including pollution and noise.
Near-surface atmospheric turbulence profile measuring technology based
on an airship-mounted laser communication system
Authors: Wang Tong , Zhao Xin , Song Yansong , Wang Junyao , Luan Yusheng , Li Yang , Chang Shuai
Published: December 2021

Atmospheric turbulence is an important factor affecting the transmission performance of
free-space optical communications (FSOC), especially in the
near-surface where the atmospheric turbulence characteristics are
complex and variable. In this paper, we study the real-time
measurement technique of a near-surface atmospheric turbulence profile
of an airship-borne laser communication system based on the principle
of light intensity scintillation. Aiming at the influence of an
avalanche photon diode detector system noise and environmental factors
such as background light and platform vibration on the measurement
results, a noise-canceling scintillation index calculation method,
combined with a wavelet threshold denoising method, is proposed to
improve the accuracy of atmospheric turbulence profile measurements.
We build a communication distance of a 12 km airship-borne laser
communication experiment and carry out a real-time measurement of
turbulence profile under 1 km near the ground without affecting the
laser communication rate of 2.5 Gbps data transmission. The
experimental results show that the atmospheric turbulence profile
measured in real time follows the same trend as the theoretical
simulation curve of the Hufnagel–Valley model, and the jitter of the
measured values after denoising is significantly smaller than that of
the measured values without denoising. The research results provide
technical guidance and data support to promote the development of
space laser communication and adaptive optics.
Mid-wave and long-wave infrared signature model and measurement of power lines against atmospheric path radiance
Authors: Leslie Patrick , Furxhi Orges , Short Robert , Grimming Robert , Lautzenheiser Anne , Longcor Tex , Driggers Ronald
Published: December 2021

The signal to noise ratio and corresponding visibility of power cables as seen by military aircrafts is critical for crew safety. During low altitude operations, rotorcraft systems must be able to navigate these power lines during flight. Many of these military missions are flown at night which means the reflective bands including the visible, near infrared and short-wave infrared do not provide sufficient light. However, the emissive bands of the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) can be used to distinguish the location of these wires. LWIR sensors are typically used for pilotage applications. In both the LWIR and MWIR, the signal to noise depends on the wire emissivity and reflectivity as well as the ground and sky background path radiance. The signal to noise ratio is strongly dependent on the elevation of the viewing angle. In this paper, we model the signal to noise ratio as a function of elevation viewing angle using wire reflectivity and emissivity as well as MODTRAN calculations for path radiance. We also take MWIR and LWIR measurements to compare these two bands to the modelling results. We provide a summary of both model and measurements and make conclusions.
Digital-optical computational imaging capable of end-point logic operations
Authors: Tanida Jun , Tsuchida Karin , Watanabe Ryo
Published: December 2021

In this study, digital-optical computational imaging is proposed for object data transmission with a capability to achieve end-point logic operations over free-space data transmission. The framework is regarded as an extension of computational imaging using digital-optical codes originally developed for digital optical computing. Spatial code patterns for optical logic operations are extended to digital-optical codes in the temporal and spectral domains. The physical form of the digital-optical codes is selected, as appropriate, for the situation in use, and different forms can be combined to increase the data-transmission bandwidth. The encoded signals are transferred over free space and decoded by a simple procedure on the destination device, thus enabling logic operations at the end-point of the data transmission. To utilize the benefits of digital processing, a data-transfer mode is introduced which assigns preprocessing for the signals to be encoded and the end-point processing. As a demonstration of the proposed method, an experimental testbed was constructed assuming data transmission from sensor nodes to a gateway device appearing in the Internet of Things. In the experiment, encrypted signals of the sensor nodes, which were encoded by spatial digital-optical codes on RGB channels, were captured as an image, and the original signals were retrieved correctly by an end-point exclusive OR operation.
Electric-field-induced second harmonic generation in silicon dioxide
Authors: Widhalm Alex , Golla Christian , Weber Nils , Mackwitz Peter , Zrenner Artur , Meier Cedrik
Published: December 2021

Electric-field-induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) as a third order nonlinear process is of high practical interest for the realization of functional nonlinear structures. EFISH in materials with vanishing χ(2) and non-zero χ(3) offers huge potential, e.g., for background-free nonlinear electro-optical sampling. In this work, we have investigated

SiO

2

as a potential EFISH material for such applications using DC-electric fields. We were able to observe significant second harmonic generation (SHG) in comparison to the background SHG signal. The fundamental excitation at 800 nm results in a SHG signal at 400 nm for high applied DC electric fields, which is a clear indication for EFISH. Additionally, we were are able to precisely model the EFISH signal using time-domain simulations. This numerical approach will be of great importance for efficiency enhancement and prove as a valuable tool for future device design.
Understanding and correcting wavenumber error in interference pattern structured illumination imaging
Authors: Whetten Benjamin G. , Jackson Jarom S. , Sandberg Richard L. , Durfee Dallin S.
Published: December 2021

The impacts of uncertainty in mirror movements in mechanically scanned
interference pattern structured illumination imaging (IPSII) are
discussed. It is shown that uncertainty in IPSII mirror movements
causes errors in both the phase and amplitude of the Fourier transform
of the resulting imaging. Finally, we demonstrate that iterative phase
retrieval algorithms can improve the quality of IPSII images by
correcting the phase errors caused by mirror movement
uncertainties.
Efficient few-cycle Yb-doped laser oscillator with Watt-level average power
Authors: Labaye François , Wittwer Valentin J. , Hamrouni Marin , Modsching Norbert , Cormier Eric , Südmeyer Thomas
Published: December 2021

So far, the operation of ultrafast bulk laser oscillators based on Yb-doped gain materials and directly emitting few-cycle pulses have been restricted to low optical-to-optical efficiencies and average output powers of only a few milliwatt. This performance limitation can be attributed to the commonly-applied standard collinear pumping scheme in which the optical pump is transmitted through a dichroic mirror whose spectral transmission and dispersion properties severely perturb the oscillating pulse when its optical spectrum extends towards the pump wavelength. In this study, we report on a novel pumping scheme relying on cross polarization that overcomes this challenge. In our concept, the pump transmitting mirror is highly transmissive for the pump light in p-polarization, while it is highly reflective for the laser light in s-polarization over a broad wavelength range, even covering the pump wavelength and beyond. In contrast to a standard thin-film polarizer featuring similar polarization dependent properties, it provides a low and flat dispersion profile over a broad spectral range for the s-polarization. Implementing this pumping scheme in a soft-aperture Kerr-lens mode-locked bulk laser oscillator based on the gain material Yb:CALGO, we achieve clean 22-fs soliton pulses at 729 mW of average output power and an optical-to-optical efficiency of 25%. In a second configuration optimized for the highest average output power, we demonstrate a high optical-to-optical efficiency of 36.6%, which was obtained for 31-fs pulses at 1.63 W of average output power. In a third configuration we experimentally confirm the limiting effect of a dichroic mirror commonly used in the standard collinear pumping scheme. All the results presented here and obtained in the first and second configuration generate pulses with a center wavelength ranging from 1030 nm to 1056 nm, well within the spectral region of high gain cross sections of Yb:CALGO. While this initial demonstration was realized using a commercial diffraction-limited fiber laser as pump source, the pump geometry appears also well suited for pumping with laser diodes coupled into multimode fibers. This novel approach opens up new opportunities for compact and cost-efficient high-power few-cycle bulk laser oscillators based on Yb-doped gain materials and can be applied to any gain material with small quantum defect.
Noncollinear electro-optic sampling detection of terahertz pulses in a LiNbO3 crystal while avoiding the effect of intrinsic birefringence
Authors: Shugurov A. I. , Bodrov S. B. , Mashkovich E. A. , Kitahara H. , Abramovsky N. A. , Tani M. , Bakunov M. I.
Published: December 2021

We propose and experimentally prove efficient high-resolution electro-optic sampling measurement of broadband terahertz waveforms in a LiNbO3 crystal in the configuration with the probe laser beam propagating along the optical axis of the crystal. This configuration allows one to avoid the detrimental effect of strong intrinsic birefringence of LiNbO3 without any additional optical elements. To achieve velocity matching of the terahertz wave and the probe beam, the terahertz wave is introduced into the crystal through a Si prism at the Cherenkov angle to the probe beam. The workability of the scheme at different wavelengths of the probe optical beam (800 and 1550 nm) is demonstrated.
Boosting the SiN nonlinear photonic platform with transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers
Authors: Pelgrin Vincent , Wang Yuchen , Peltier Jonathan , Alonso-Ramos Carlos , Vivien Laurent , Sun Zhipei , Cassan Eric
Published: December 2021

In the past few years, we have witnessed increased interest in the use of 2D materials to produce hybrid photonic nonlinear waveguides. Although graphene has attracted most of the attention, other families of 2D materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides have also shown promising nonlinear performance. In this work, we propose a strategy for designing silicon nitride waveguiding structures with embedded MoS2 for nonlinear applications. The transverse geometry of the hybrid waveguide is optimized for high third-order nonlinear effects using optogeometrical engineering and multiple layers of MoS2. Stacking multiple monolayers results in an improvement of two orders of magnitude compared to standard silicon nitride waveguides. The hybrid waveguide performance is then investigated in terms of four-wave mixing enhancement in micro-ring resonator configurations. A signal/idler conversion efficiency of −6.3 dB is reached for a wavelength of around 1.55 µm with a 5 mW pumping level.
Optical phased array neural probes for beam-steering in brain tissue
Authors: Sacher Wesley D. , Chen Fu-Der , Moradi-Chameh Homeira , Liu Xinyu , Felts Almog Ilan , Lordello Thomas , Chang Michael , Naderian Azadeh , Fowler Trevor M. , Segev Eran , Xue Tianyuan , Mahallati Sara , Valiante Taufik A. , Moreaux Laurent C. , Poon Joyce K. S. , Roukes Michael L.
Published: December 2021

Implantable silicon neural probes with integrated nanophotonic waveguides can deliver patterned dynamic illumination into brain tissue at depth. Here, we introduce neural probes with integrated optical phased arrays and demonstrate optical beam steeringin vitro. Beam formation in brain tissue is simulated and characterized. The probes are used for optogenetic stimulation and calcium imaging.
Low-power RF signal detection with wideband range based on an optically injected optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Zhang Xin , Pu Tao , Zheng Jilin , Zhang Yunshan , Lu Lin , Zhou Hua , Li Jin , Zhi Yin , Chen Xiangfei
Published: December 2021

A novel method to detect a low-power radio-frequency (RF) signal with ultra-wide frequency range based on an optically injected optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The optical injection to a distributed feedback (DFB) laser has the advantages of amplifying one sideband of the modulated optical signal selectively and a wide tunable frequency range. The detection upper range that reaches up to 26 GHz and can be improved theoretically. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the widest detection range based on an OEO. At the same time, the detection characteristics are good. The sensitivity of the system is −92 dBm and the maximum gain is 12.18 dB at 15.047 GHz. Considering the real application of the detection system, the properties such as dynamic range and performance for detecting a modulated RF signal are also investigated.
Efficient unidirectional SPP launcher: coupling the SPP to a smooth surface for propagation
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Wang Guoxuan , Wen Kunhua , Hu Xiaolong , Qin Yuwen
Published: December 2021

We propose a unidirectional surface plasmon polariton (SPP) launcher with high coupling efficiency and long propagation length. The structure consists of a metallic slanted grating and a metal film that are separated by a SiO2 layer on a quartz substrate. By inserting the SiO2 layer, strong interaction between the metal grating and metal film can significantly increase the conversion of incident light into SPPs. Meanwhile, due to the characteristics of the smooth interface between metal film and substrate, the dissipation of SPP originating from the propagation process will be remarkably reduced. Numerical simulations show that this structure with 11 grating periods will obtain high contrast and efficiency of launching. Compared with the rough metal–quartz interface, the smooth one can improve the efficiency of light conversion to SPPs by more than 22.6% and extend the propagating distance by approximately 158%.
Poincaré sphere analogue for optical vortex knots
Authors: Zhong Jinzhan , Liu Sheng , Wang Kang , Li Peng , Wei Bingyan , Guo Xuyue , Zhao Jianlin
Published: December 2021

We propose a Poincaré sphere (PS) analogue for optical vortex
knots. The states on the PS analogue represent the light fields
containing knotted vortex lines in three-dimensional space. The state
changes on the latitude and longitude lines lead to the spatial
rotation and scale change of the optical vortex knots, respectively.
Furthermore, we experimentally generate and observe these PS analogue
states. These results provide new insights for the evolution and
control of singular beams, and can be further extended to polarization
topology.
Causal effect of atrial fibrillation/flutter on chronic kidney disease: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yoshikawa Masahiro , Asaba Kensuke , Nakayama Tomohiro
Published: December 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and atrial fibrillation are both major burdens on the health care system worldwide. Several observational studies have reported clinical associations between CKD and atrial fibrillation; however, causal relationships between these conditions remain to be elucidated due to possible bias by confounders and reverse causations. Here, we conducted bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses using publicly available summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (the CKDGen consortium and the UK Biobank) to investigate causal associations between CKD and atrial fibrillation/flutter in the European population. Our study suggested a causal effect of the risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter on the decrease in serum creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and revealed a causal effect of the risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter on the risk of CKD (odds ratio, 9.39 per doubling odds ratio of atrial fibrillation/flutter; 95% coefficient interval, 2.39–37.0; P = 0.001), while the causal effect of the decrease in eGFR on the risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter was unlikely. However, careful interpretation and further studies are warranted, as the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Further, our sample size was relatively small and selection bias was possible.
Long durations from symptom onset to diagnosis and from diagnosis to treatment in obsessive-compulsive disorder: A retrospective self-report study
Authors: Ziegler Sina , Bednasch Klara , Baldofski Sabrina , Rummel-Kluge Christine
Published: December 2021

Background

Although obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most common mental disorders, it takes up to 17 years for patients with OCD to receive adequate therapy. According to existing outdated literature, this study aimed to investigate the current duration between symptom onset and diagnosis and between diagnosis and the beginning of therapy separately.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, N = 100 patients diagnosed with OCD undergoing treatment in a psychiatric outpatient department were assessed, using self-report questionnaires on sociodemographic and clinical variables. Based on self-reported information, the durations between age at symptom onset and age at diagnosis, and between age at diagnosis and beginning of therapy were calculated. To investigate associated factors, two subgroups of patients, one with a short duration between symptom onset and diagnosis < 7 years, and another with a long duration between symptom onset and diagnosis ≥ 7 years, respectively, were compared.

Results and conclusion

Patients reported first symptoms of OCD at a mean age of 18.72 years. The mean duration between age at symptom onset and age at diagnosis was 12.78 years and the mean duration between age at diagnosis and the beginning of therapy was 1.45 years. Subgroup comparison indicated that patients with a short duration between symptom onset and diagnosis were significantly younger than patients with a long duration. However, patients with a short duration between symptom onset and diagnosis were at an older age when they reported first symptoms of OCD. Further, they showed less severe symptoms of OCD, higher functioning levels, and less self-stigmatization than patients with a long duration. It can be concluded that the duration until patients with OCD are diagnosed correctly and receive adequate treatment is still very long. Therefore, the duration between symptom onset and diagnosis should be shortened. Further, the duration between diagnosis and the beginning of therapy could be a good additional approach to reduce the overall duration of untreated disorder.
Preoperative assessment of cervical lymph node metastases in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: Incremental diagnostic value of dual-energy CT combined with ultrasound
Authors: Yoon Jimin , Choi Yangsean , Jang Jinhee , Shin Na-Young , Ahn Kook-Jin , Kim Bum-soo
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To determine whether dual-energy CT (DECT) has incremental diagnostic value when combined with ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of metastatic cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with PTC between October 2019 and August 2020. US features of LNs to include hyperechogenicity, round shape, microcalcification, cystic component, and homogeneous/peripheral vascularity were considered suggestive of metastasis. The HU of arterial phase (HUarterial) and DECT-derived CT images [contrast media (CM) and areas under the 100 keV monoenergetic curve (AUC100keV)] were measured. Effective atomic numbers (Zeff), iodine concentration (mg/mL), and slope of the HU curve (λHU) were also obtained. The values for metastatic and benign LNs were compared using Student’s t-test with false-discovery correction. Logistic regression with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were performed for predicting metastatic LNs.

Results

A total of 102 patients were included (49 metastatic and 53 benign LNs; mean age, 46±15 years). Metastatic LNs showed significantly higher values for HUarterial, CM, Zeff, λHU, AUC100keV, and iodine concentration (all, P = 0.001). In logistic regression, the HUarterial demonstrated the highest AUC (0.824; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.751–0.897), followed by CM HU (0.762; 95% CI, 0.679–0.846). Combination of DECT parameters with US features improved the AUC from 0.890 to 0.941.

Conclusion

Compared to US features alone, combination with DECT-derived quantitative parameters improved diagnostic performance in predicting metastatic cervical LNs in patients with PTC.
Assessing the relationship between neural health measures and speech performance with simultaneous electric stimulation in cochlear implant listeners
Authors: Langner Florian , Arenberg Julie G. , Büchner Andreas , Nogueira Waldo
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The relationship between electrode-nerve interface (ENI) estimates and inter-subject differences in speech performance with sequential and simultaneous channel stimulation in adult cochlear implant listeners were explored. We investigated the hypothesis that individuals with good ENIs would perform better with simultaneous compared to sequential channel stimulation speech processing strategies than those estimated to have poor ENIs.

Methods

Fourteen postlingually deaf implanted cochlear implant users participated in the study. Speech understanding was assessed with a sentence test at signal-to-noise ratios that resulted in 50% performance for each user with the baseline strategy F120 Sequential. Two simultaneous stimulation strategies with either two (Paired) or three sets of virtual channels (Triplet) were tested at the same signal-to-noise ratio. ENI measures were estimated through: (I) voltage spread with electrical field imaging, (II) behavioral detection thresholds with focused stimulation, and (III) slope (IPG slope effect) and 50%-point differences (dB offset effect) of amplitude growth functions from electrically evoked compound action potentials with two interphase gaps.

Results

A significant effect of strategy on speech understanding performance was found, with Triplets showing a trend towards worse speech understanding performance than sequential stimulation. Focused thresholds correlated positively with the difference required to reach most comfortable level (MCL) between Sequential and Triplet strategies, an indirect measure of channel interaction. A significant offset effect (difference in dB between 50%-point for higher eCAP growth function slopes with two IPGs) was observed. No significant correlation was observed between the slopes for the two IPGs tested. None of the measures used in this study correlated with the differences in speech understanding scores between strategies.

Conclusions

The ENI measure based on behavioral focused thresholds could explain some of the difference in MCLs, but none of the ENI measures could explain the decrease in speech understanding with increasing pairs of simultaneously stimulated electrodes in processing strategies.