bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radioembolization With Chemotherapy for Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Randomized, Open-Label, International, Multicenter, Phase III Trial
Authors: Mulcahy Mary F. , Mahvash Armeen , Pracht Marc , Montazeri Amir H. , Bandula Steve , Martin Robert C. G. , Herrmann Ken , Brown Ewan , Zuckerman Darryl , Wilson Gregory , Kim Tae-You , Weaver Andrew , Ross Paul , Harris William P. , Graham Janet , Mills Jamie , Yubero Esteban Alfonso , Johnson Matthew S. , Sofocleous Constantinos T. , Padia Siddharth A. , Lewandowski Robert J. , Garin Etienne , Sinclair Philip , Salem Riad ,   for the EPOCH Investigators
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE

To study the impact of transarterial Yttrium-90 radioembolization (TARE) in combination with second-line systemic chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases (CLM).

METHODS

In this international, multicenter, open-label phase III trial, patients with CLM who progressed on oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based first-line therapy were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive second-line chemotherapy with or without TARE. The two primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and hepatic PFS (hPFS), assessed by blinded independent central review. Random assignment was performed using a web- or voice-based system stratified by unilobar or bilobar disease, oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based first-line chemotherapy, and KRAS mutation status.

RESULTS

Four hundred twenty-eight patients from 95 centers in North America, Europe, and Asia were randomly assigned to chemotherapy with or without TARE; this represents the intention-to-treat population and included 215 patients in the TARE plus chemotherapy group and 213 patients in the chemotherapy alone group. The hazard ratio (HR) for PFS was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.88; 1-sided P = .0013), with a median PFS of 8.0 (95% CI, 7.2 to 9.2) and 7.2 (95% CI, 5.7 to 7.6) months, respectively. The HR for hPFS was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.46 to 0.77; 1-sided P < .0001), with a median hPFS of 9.1 (95% CI, 7.8 to 9.7) and 7.2 (95% CI, 5.7 to 7.6) months, respectively. Objective response rates were 34.0% (95% CI, 28.0 to 40.5) and 21.1% (95% CI, 16.2 to 27.1; 1-sided P = .0019) for the TARE and chemotherapy groups, respectively. Median overall survival was 14.0 (95% CI, 11.8 to 15.5) and 14.4 months (95% CI, 12.8 to 16.4; 1-sided P = .7229) with a HR of 1.07 (95% CI, 0.86 to 1.32) for TARE and chemotherapy groups, respectively. Grade 3 adverse events were reported more frequently with TARE (68.4% v 49.3%). Both groups received full chemotherapy dose intensity.

CONCLUSION

The addition of TARE to systemic therapy for second-line CLM led to longer PFS and hPFS. Further subset analyses are needed to better define the ideal patient population that would benefit from TARE.
Serum Vitamin D: Correlates of Baseline Concentration and Response to Supplementation in VITAL-DKD
Authors: Best Cora M , Zelnick Leila R , Thummel Kenneth E , Hsu Simon , Limonte Christine , Thadhani Ravi , Sesso Howard D , Manson JoAnn E , Buring Julie E , Mora Samia , Lee I-Min , Cook Nancy R , Friedenberg Georgina , Luttmann-Gibson Heike , de Boer Ian H , Hoofnagle Andrew N
Published: September 2021

Context

The effect of daily vitamin D supplementation on the serum concentration of vitamin D (the parent compound) may offer insight into vitamin D disposition.

Objective

To assess the total serum vitamin D response to vitamin D3 supplementation and whether it varies according to participant characteristics. To compare results with corresponding results for total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], which is used clinically and measured in supplementation trials.

Design

Exploratory study within a randomized trial.

Intervention

2000 International Units of vitamin D3 per day (or matching placebo).

Setting

Community-based.

Participants

161 adults (mean ± SD age 70 ± 6 years; 66% males) with type 2 diabetes.

Main Outcome Measures

Changes in total serum vitamin D and total serum 25(OH)D concentrations from baseline to year 2.

Results

At baseline, there was a positive, nonlinear relation between total serum vitamin D and total serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Adjusted effects of supplementation were a 29.2 (95% CI: 24.3, 34.1) nmol/L increase in serum vitamin D and a 33.4 (95% CI: 27.7, 39.2) nmol/L increase in serum 25(OH)D. Among those with baseline 25(OH)D < 50 compared with ≥ 50 nmol/L, the serum vitamin D response to supplementation was attenuated (15.7 vs 31.2 nmol/L; interaction P-value = 0.02), whereas the serum 25(OH)D response was augmented (47.9 vs 30.7 nmol/L; interaction P-value = 0.05).

Conclusions

Vitamin D3 supplementation increases total serum vitamin D and 25(OH)D concentrations with variation according to baseline 25(OH)D, which suggests that 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D3 is more efficient when serum 25(OH)D concentration is low.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Endocrine System: A Mini-review
Authors: Clarke Sophie A , Abbara Ali , Dhillo Waljit S
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to exert a significant impact on global health care systems, causing devastating mortality and morbidity. As time passes and our understanding of this novel respiratory virus deepens, it is increasingly clear that its effects extend beyond that of the respiratory system. The coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, obtains cellular access through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in a process requiring the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) protein. Both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are widely expressed in many endocrine glands. This, along with several case reports of thyroid and pituitary disruption in patients with COVID-19, has resulted in significant interest in its impact on the endocrine system. Indeed, as mortality is abated by the increasing availability of effective vaccines, there is increasing focus on the long-term effects on health in COVID-19 survivors. This review summarizes data investigating the effects of COVID-19 on each of the endocrine axes to guide appropriate investigations and optimal management.
A Research Note Describing a More Inclusive Approach to Identifying Same-Sex Cohabiters in the American Time Use Survey
Authors: Flood Sarah M. , Genadek Katie R.
Published: September 2021

Identification of individuals in same-sex relationships in the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) is of increasing interest to the research community. While the ATUS interviews one person per household, by using information about who else lives in the household, researchers can easily identify respondents in coresident same-sex couple arrangements. Previous research has outlined two approaches to identifying individuals in same-sex relationships in the ATUS that use information on the sex of household members. We extend that work in this research note by using additional information collected from a direct question to identify unmarried cohabiting partners in the Current Population Survey (CPS). We identify 23% more individuals in cohabiting same-sex relationships when we use the CPS direct question information than when we use information from the ATUS alone. We argue that this identification strategy is more inclusive of individuals in same-sex cohabiting relationships.
BLMP-1 promotes developmental cell death in C. elegans by timely repression of ced-9 transcription
Authors: Jiang Hang-Shiang , Ghose Piya , Han Hsiao-Fen , Wu Yun-Zhe , Tsai Ya-Yin , Lin Huang-Chin , Tseng Wei-Chin , Wu Jui-Ching , Shaham Shai , Wu Yi-Chun
Published: September 2021

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a common cell fate in metazoan development. PCD effectors are extensively studied, but how they are temporally regulated is less understood. Here, we report a mechanism controlling tail-spike cell death onset during Caenorhabditis elegans development. We show that the zinc-finger transcription factor BLMP-1, which controls larval development timing, also regulates embryonic tail-spike cell death initiation. BLMP-1 functions upstream of CED-9 and in parallel to DRE-1, another CED-9 and tail-spike cell death regulator. BLMP-1 expression is detected in the tail-spike cell shortly after the cell is born, and blmp-1 mutations promote ced-9-dependent tail-spike cell survival. BLMP-1 binds ced-9 gene regulatory sequences, and inhibits ced-9 transcription just before cell-death onset. BLMP-1 and DRE-1 function together to regulate developmental timing, and their mammalian homologs regulate B-lymphocyte fate. Our results, therefore, identify roles for developmental timing genes in cell-death initiation, and suggest conservation of these functions.
Prevalence of comorbidities among patients with Acromegaly
Authors: Khan Sajjad Ali , Ram Nanik , Masood Muhammad Qamar , Islam Najmul
Published: September 2021

Background and Objective: Acromegaly is a chronic disorder resulting from excessive secretion of growth hormone and (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and is associated with several comorbidities. These complications contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality associated with this condition thus early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. There have been studies in other countries to assess the comorbidities associated with acromegaly. However, we do not have any recent data with regards to Pakistan. So, in order to demonstrate the prevalence of demographics, hormonal disorders, and other complications associated with acromegaly we conducted this study.

Methods: It is a retrospective review of patients’ records presented to the tertiary care Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan for the diagnosis and management of acromegaly and the complications associated with this condition between the time periods 2000 till 2020. A total of 89 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of acromegaly and were included in the study. Comorbid conditions were described based on current guidelines. Patient baseline characteristics were recorded along with other complications arising during treatment.

Results: Eighty-nine patients were included. 64% were male, over 70% were older than 30 years old and more than 40% of patients had BMI greater than 30. HTN, pre-hypertension, and CCF were reported in 35.95%, 3.37%, and 6.74%. Diabetes mellitus, hypocortisolism, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and hyperprolactinemia were reported in 39.32%, 38.20%, 37.07%, 34.46%, and 16.85% of cases. The prevalence of osteoarthritis, blood disorder, skin changes, thyroid cancer, and spinal stenosis was found out to be around 1.12% each.

Conclusions: Acromegaly is associated with cardiovascular and endocrinal disorders. Screening for these disorders at the time of diagnosis can lead to early management and better outcomes translating into decreased mortality.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.7.4277

How to cite this:Khan SA, Ram N, Masood MQ, Islam N. Prevalence of comorbidities among patients with Acromegaly. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(7):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.7.4277

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
COVID-19 and Other Prevalent Diseases in Africa: A Pragmatic Approach
Authors: Ejike Cyril Emeka
Published: September 2021

The aim of this paper is to propose that the development and legitimization of African knowledge and validation systems on a pragmatic basis, is an efficient and effective means of responding to a myriad of health problems plaguing Africans, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. Whenever there is a novel disease outbreak, the norm is to wait for the development of scientifically proven vaccines for its treatment. However, the scientific validation of drugs is a rigorous and lengthy process, thereby inappropriate for dealing with health emergencies like the COVID-19 outbreak. The alarming rapidity with which the novel COVID-19 pandemic rages globally and decimates humanity has brought to the fore the need for Africa to look inwards in search of viable and efficient alternative approaches to the pandemic. In this paper, I examine pragmatism as a theoretical framework and relate it to proposed African epistemic and validation frameworks with a particular reference to homegrown orthodox and alternative/complementary medicines. I argue that the validation and approval of any knowledge claim based on pragmatism is a more expeditious mode of attending to COVID-19 and other prevalent diseases in Africa. The application of knowledge that brings practical success in dealing with health challenges in Africa without necessarily following rigid and lengthy scientific validation procedures will go a long way toward improving human conditions and well-being. I conclude that pragmatic considerations should ultimately inform local approval to homegrown African medicines for use in Africa.
With or Without the Self? Arguments in Favor of the Hindu Concept of the Atman over the Buddhist Understanding of the Anatman
Authors: Astore Rocco Angelo
Published: September 2021

As found in the Upanishads, readers come to encounter many ideas regarding the “Self” as opposed to the “self,” or the Atman versus the atman. Now, complicating matters further readers encounter the antithetical concept, of the Atman and atman, or the Buddhists understanding of the anatman as found in the Dhammapada. First, this piece will unpack the idea of both the “Self” and the “self,” or the Atman and the atman, as understood in Hindu philosophy and theology. Next, this essay will then describe the Buddhists understanding of anatman, or the absence, or emptiness of the self, or the nullification of the self, or the atman as well as even of the Self, or the Atman. Finally, this piece will resolve by arguing in favor of the Self, or the Atman as well as the self, or atman over the Buddha’s notion of the anatman.
Development, validation and reliability of a questionnaire for assessment of physician's knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) regarding foodborne diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL-Mohaithef Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Background: The burden of foodborne illness is considered to be high across the world.  Based on the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) model, physician’s awareness is essential for conducting individualized treatments, thus reducing the burden of foodborne illness. However, there have been no validated questionnaires specific to the awareness of physicians with foodborne diseases. This study aims to develop and validate a KAP questionnaire for physicians to assess their awareness about the diagnosis and management of foodborne illness.  

Methods The questionnaire was developed in three phases: a comprehensive literature review, face and content validity, followed by a reliability test by internal consistency. A cross-sectional study was designed in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Physicians (n=125) were opportunistically recruited from both public and private primary healthcare centers. The questionnaire’s content and validity were confirmed by experts in their corresponding fields. After signing the informed consent, the study participants received the questionnaire to evaluate their KAPs on foodborne diseases.  Results: A total of 160 physicians from both public and private primary health care centers were approached to enrol 125 study participants into the survey (response rate 78.13%). Of the 31 items designed for assessing the KAP of physicians on foodborne illnesses, three items were excluded after Cronbach’s α analysis. In total, 29 items were included in the final set of the questionnaire. Results of different validity and reliability analyses suggest the questionnaire has a high face and content validity as well as good reliability in internal consistency and stability. Conclusions: This study introduces a newly developed questionnaire with good reliability and validity values that can assess physician’s awareness of foodborne disease. The awareness questionnaire, as a study instrument, had a favourable acceptance among physicians. It is a sound method for evaluating and measuring levels of foodborne disease-related awareness among physicians in Abha, Saudi Arabia.
DIÁLOGO CON EL EXILIO EN CRISTINA PERI ROSSI.
Authors: Ortiz de Zárate Amalia
Published: September 2021

La cartografía se expande ilimitadamente en las diásporas. Ya no hablamos de terceros espacios (Bhabha, 1994) poblados de fatídicos inmigrantes que se abandonan a la mejor suerte -la peor suerte- que encuentran en el camino. Hablamos de cuerpos poblados por terceros espacios que ejercitan la desterritorialización y la re-territorialización en su exilio. En su libro Díáspora (1976, 2001), así como en toda su escritura, Cristina Peri Rossi vive su exilio con los ojos en el sur. Siempre observando el sur de su palabra, adentrándose en el “doloroso asombro del viaje y su odisea.” (María Negroni, 2003: La maldad de escribir, IGITUR, Tarragona: 15) Aquel viaje impuesto por la autoridad. Viaje realizado en cueros, porque “qué objetos personales -como amuletos o fetiches- intentamos salvar de la diáspora, de la pérdida, de la incertidumbre,” (Cristina Peri Rossi, 2001: Julio Cortázar, el gran Cronopio. Omega, Barcelona: 26) qué intentamos rescatar del exilio.
Determinación de la viabilidad de los concentrados plaquetarios obtenidos de capa leucocitaria (buffy coat) durante siete días de almacenamiento
Authors: Arroyo Rubio Clara E. , Jaramillo Ruales Katherine E. , Chiriboga Ponce Rosa
Published: September 2021

Introducción: los concentrados plaquetarios (CPQ) son hemocomponentes lábiles afectados por varios factores, desde el método de obtención hasta las condiciones de almacenamiento, que provocan una paulatina pérdida de funcionalidad, por lo que es necesario evaluar parámetros de calidad que garanticen la viabilidad de las plaquetas durante los días de almacenamiento, con el propósito de monitorear el mantenimiento de las características funcionales de las plaquetas. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, con un tamaño muestral de 64 CPQ, evaluados a los 3, 5 y 7 días de almacenamiento. Los parámetros monitoreados fueron físicos, de almacenamiento y porcentaje de la activación plaquetaria mediante la medición de P-selectina (CD62) por citometría de flujo. Se aplicó el estadístico de chi cuadrado, Anova de un factor, Kruskall-Wallis y correlación de Pearson. Resultados: existen diferencias significativas al séptimo día con relación al tercer y quinto día de almacenamiento, especialmente en el parámetro de formación de remolino plaquetario o swirling (p<0.005) y agregados plaquetarios (p=0.001). La activación plaquetaria aumentó significativamente (p = 0.001) desde el quinto día. Conclusiones: la viabilidad de los CPQ difiere con los días de almacenamiento, por lo que es necesario evaluar pH, formación de remolinos y agregados a todos los CPQ antes de ser transfundidos como indicativos de activación plaquetaria y disminución de su funcionalidad.
C.H. Robinson Uses Heuristics to Solve Rich Vehicle Routing Problems
Authors: Khodabandeh Ehsan , Snyder Lawrence V. , Dennis John , Hammond Joshua , Wanless Cody
Published: September 2021

We consider a broad family of vehicle routing problem variants with many complex and practical constraints, known as rich vehicle routing problems, which are faced on a daily basis by C.H. Robinson (CHR). Because CHR has many customers, each with distinct requirements, various routing problems with different objectives and constraints must be solved. We propose a novel framework for solving rich vehicle routing problems, which we demonstrate is effective in solving a variety of different problems. This framework, along with a simple user interface, has been wrapped into a new module and integrated into the company’s transportation planning and execution technology platform. Since its implementation, this new module has outperformed the previously used third-party technologies at CHR, significantly reduced setup times, and improved users’ productivity as well as customer outcomes.
COVID vaccination: What's next?
Authors: Heffernan Catherine
Published: September 2021

Dr Catherine Heffernan looks at the story so far, and what the future holds for the vaccine rollout
The Users’ Experiences in Processing Visual Media for Creative and Online Learning Using Instagram
Authors: Salehudin Mohammad , Nasir Muhammad , Hamzah Syeh Hawib , Toba Rostanti , Hayati Noor , Safiah Intan
Published: September 2021

The aims of the recent study were; analyzing the effect of creative and online learning using Instagram on the ability to create new products in the technology and learning media course, and determining the level of users’ experience in processing visual media through the Canva application on android. Quantitative approach with this research was carried out through a quasi-experimental research model because it measured the post-test was applied to 58 students as the respondents in two experimental and control classes. This study used two instruments; the cognitive learning outcome questionnaire according to the subject to get the students’ ability to create new products, and the second instrument was taken from ueq-online.org in the Indonesian version to know the users' experience in processing visual media. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, mean and standard deviation assisted by IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0. The results demonstrated that the effect of creative and online learning using Instagram on the ability to create new products in The Technology and Learning Media course was found significant at 0.028 <0.05 which meant it could be applied well. Meanwhile, the level of users' experience in processing the visual media application Canva on Android had the highest score on the Stimulation scale at 1.59, categorized "Very Good" and the lowest score was on the Novelty scale at 0.93, categorized "Above Average". With the strong creative encouragement to create new products, the students were able to process their own visual media which were tailored to the agreed digital visual designs and were published on Instagram.
A Rasch Analysis of Item Quality of the Chemical Literacy Assessment for Investigating Student’s Chemical Literacy on Chemical Rate Concepts
Authors: Setyorini Apriliya Dwi , Yamtinah Sri , Mahardiani Lina , Saputro Sulistyo
Published: September 2021

Assessment is a topic that continues to be developed in science education research. Assessment evaluates not only students' cognitive abilities but also their thinking skills. Therefore, in this study, an assessment that could measure students' chemical literacy was developed. Chemical literacy is a thinking skill that students must develop as part of their chemistry learning. The goal of this study was to assess item' quality, as well as student’ chemical literacy on the concept of chemical rate. The Rasch model was employed to analyze the data in this study. The results of this study depict that the developed assessment had sufficient reliability and validity to be used to assess students' chemical literacy. Furthermore, the analysis of the students’ responses to the items revealed that many students did not understand or were unaware of the context presented. These findings suggest that students' chemical literacy in the material for the reaction rate is still lacking and needs to be improved. As a result, the teacher's role in assisting students in improving their chemical literacy through chemistry learning is critical.
Is a periacetabular osteotomy as efficacious in retroversion as it is in dysplasia?
Authors: Verhaegen Jeroen , Salih Saif , Thiagarajah Shankar , Grammatopoulos George , Witt Johan D.
Published: September 2021

Aims

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is an established treatment for acetabular dysplasia. It has also been proposed as a treatment for patients with acetabular retroversion. By reviewing a large cohort, we aimed to test whether outcome is equivalent for both types of morphology and identify factors that influenced outcome.

Methods

A single-centre, retrospective cohort study was performed on patients with acetabular retroversion treated with PAO (n = 62 hips). Acetabular retroversion was diagnosed clinically and radiologically (presence of a crossover sign, posterior wall sign, lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) between 20° and 35°). Outcomes were compared with a control group of patients undergoing PAO for dysplasia (LCEA < 20°; n = 86 hips). Femoral version was recorded. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, and reoperation rates were measured.

Results

The mean Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) preoperatively was 58.6 (SD 16.1) for the dysplastic hips and 52.5 (SD 12.7) for the retroverted hips (p = 0.145). Postoperatively, mean NAHS was 83.0 (SD 16.9) and 76.7 (SD 17.9) for dysplastic and retroverted hips respectively (p = 0.041). Difference between pre- and postoperative NAHS was slightly lower in the retroverted hips (18.3 (SD 22.1)) compared to the dysplastic hips (25.2 (SD 15.2); p = 0.230). At mean 3.5 years’ follow-up (SD 1.9), one hip needed a revision PAO and no hips were converted to total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the retroversion group. In the control group, six hips (7.0%) were revised to THA. No differences in complications (p = 0.106) or in reoperation rate (p = 0.087) were seen. Negative predictors of outcome for patients undergoing surgery for retroversion were female sex, obesity, hypermobility, and severely decreased femoral anteversion.

Conclusion

A PAO is an effective surgical intervention for acetabular retroversion and produces similar improvements when used to treat dysplasia. Femoral version should be routinely assessed in these patients and when extremely low (< 0°), as an additional procedure to address this abnormality may be necessary. Females with signs of hypermobility should also be consulted of the likely guarded improvement. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(9):757–764.
Dual-model wearable photoacoustic microscopy and electroencephalograph: study of neurovascular coupling in anesthetized and freely moving rats
Authors: Chen Qian , Jin Tian , Qi Weizhi , Xi Lei
Published: September 2021

Observing microscale neurovascular dynamics under different physiological conditions is of great importance to understanding brain functions and disorders. Here, we report a dual-model wearable device and an auxiliary data processing algorithm to derive neurovascular dynamics. The device integrates high-resolution photoacoustic microscopy and electroencephalography (EEG), which allows observing capillary-level hemodynamics and neural activities in anesthesia and freely moving rats. By using the developed algorithm, multiple photoacoustic/EEG parameters extracted and correlated enables investigation of the interplay between neural and vascular activities. We employed this platform to study the neurovascular coupling during different types of seizures in rats under various physiological conditions. We observed cerebral vascular vasodilation/constriction corresponding well to the seizure on/off in rats under regular anesthesia conditions, showing a strong neurovascular coupling coefficient. In rats under weak anesthesia and freely moving conditions, more intense cerebral hemodynamics and neural activities occurred with a weaker neurovascular coupling coefficient. The comprehensively quantitative analyses suggest that anesthesia has a dominant impact on the seizure onset and affect the neurovascular coupling correlation in the current drug-induced localized seizure model. Our study reveals that the designed platform has the potential to support studies on brain functions and disorders in diseased rodent models in various physiological states.
Short-term stability of Cs microcell-stabilized lasers using dual-frequency sub-Doppler spectroscopy
Authors: Gusching A. , Petersen M. , Passilly N. , Brazhnikov D. , Abdel Hafiz M. , Boudot R.
Published: September 2021

The combination of atomic spectroscopy, integrated photonics, and microelectromechanical systems leads the way to the demonstration of microcell-based optical atomic clocks. Here, we report the short-term stability budget of table-top Cs microcell-stabilized lasers based on dual-frequency sub-Doppler spectroscopy (DFSDS). The dependence of the sub-Doppler resonance properties on key experimental parameters is studied. The detection noise budget and absolute phase noise measurements are in good agreement with the measured short-term frequency stability of the laser beatnote, at the level of

1.1
×

10

−
12

τ

−
1

/

2

until 100 s, currently limited by the intermodulation effect from a distributed-feedback laser setup. The fractional frequency stability of the laser beatnote at 1 s is about 100 times greater than that of commercial microwave chip-scale atomic clocks and validates interest in the DFSDS approach for the development of high-performance microcell-based optical standards.
Control and stabilization of the modal content of fiber amplifiers using traveling waves
Authors: Jauregui Cesar , Stihler Christoph , Kholaif Sobhy , Tu Yiming , Limpert Jens
Published: September 2021

In this work we present a novel way to manipulate the effect of transverse mode instability by inducing traveling waves in a high-power fiber system. What sets this technique apart is the fact that it allows controlling the direction of the modal energy flow, for the first time to the best of our knowledge. Thus, using the method proposed in this work it will be possible to transfer energy from the higher-order mode into the fundamental mode of the fiber, which mitigates the effect of transverse mode instability, but also to transfer energy from the fundamental mode into the higher-order mode. Our simulations indicate that this approach will work both below and above the threshold of transverse mode instability. In fact, our model reveals that it can be used to force a nearly pure fundamental mode output in the fiber laser system almost independently of the input coupling conditions. In this context, this technique represents the first attempt to exploit the physics behind the effect of transverse mode instability to increase the performance of fiber laser systems.
Effective method for approximating graded-refractive-index layers in optical simulations
Authors: Dobrski Michał , Wasiak Michał
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we present an approximation intended to find applications in numerical simulations of optical phenomena in layered structures. The method can be used to avoid approximating graded layers by using numerous homogeneous layers in the simulation. In our approach, a single layer with a graded refractive index profile or any number layers can be replaced with only two layers that for a selected wavelength and normal incidence imitate exactly the optical properties of the replaced layer or layers. The proposed approximation is valid for a wide range of wavelengths and incidence angles. It is especially useful in time-consuming simulations (especially in 3D), where it is of paramount importance to keep the number of layers in the simulated structure low.
Robustness of neural network calibration model for accurate spatial positioning
Authors: Dou Jianyu , Pan Chong , Liu Jianhua
Published: September 2021

The present study devotes to a systematical exploration for the robustness of neural network-based camera calibration method in the circumstance of three-dimensional (3D) spatial positioning via machine vision technique. By analyzing the error propagation route in the calibration-reconstruction process, a dimensionless error attenuation coefficient is proposed to measure the robustness of a calibration model with respect to input calibration error. Using this metric, the robustness of the neural network (NN) model under different optical configurations, i.e., input noise level, optical distortion and camera viewing angle, are analyzed in detail via synthetic simulation. Due to its generalized fitting capacity, the NN model is found to be superior to conventional pinhole model and polynomial model in terms of model robustness. To take full advantage of this feature, the NN model is further deployed to the scenarios of asymmetric camera layout and multiple camera joint calibration. Both synthetic simulation and experiment test demonstrate that the NN model can significantly improve the robustness and the accuracy of 3D spatial positioning in these non-normal scenarios.
Circular dichroism metamirror with diversified chiral molecules combinations
Authors: Gao Wentao , Huang Congying , Feng Zheyu , Li Minhua , Dong Jianfeng
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we propose a giant circular dichroism (CD) chiral metamirror that differentially absorbs circularly polarized (CP) waves with dual/multi bands. The structure is composed of two variable τ resonators with counter split opening directions and different eigenfrequencies. Even more important, these two resonators are aligned vertically, and then integrated into one periodical unit cell, which results in the high-efficiency absorptive CD. The chiral metamirror has a narrow-band absorption of the left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) wave for lower resonance, and a broadband absorption of the right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) wave in the higher-frequency range. Optical resonator designs with diversified chiral molecules combinations are further studied in detail. Through the study of different periodic arrangements, parameters scanning optimization, and power loss distributions, it is proved that the overall permutation symmetry breakdown of total combined chiral molecules is the determining factor for the absorptive CD. Based on the principle in the microwave model, two mid-infrared chiral metamirrors are further realized, which can still show good spin-dependent absorption. This multi-polarization and multifunction response advance novel photonic devices for a variety of applications including CP laser, biomolecules detection, and energy harvester.
Parametric control of a diffractive axicon beam rider
Authors: Chu Ying-Ju Lucy , Meem Monjurul , Srivastava Prateek R. , Menon Rajesh , Swartzlander Grover A.
Published: September 2021

A laser beam rider is a large-scale optical structure designed so that it is attracted toward the optical axis, while also affording forward propulsion via radiation pressure along the beam path. Such structures form the basis of laser-driven light sails. Experimental measurements are described whereby a thin diffractive axicon film is shown to exhibit a natural restoring force when its axis is displaced from the optical axis. This effect is attributed to the optical momentum change of diffracted light. Whereas continuous illumination supports harmonic motion, modulated illumination is shown to support both parametric gain and parametric damping. The

12.7

µ

m

period photopolymer axicon grating was suspended in a vacuum torsion oscillator and irradiated with a 1.5 W near-infrared laser modulated at a period of 38 s.
Acetylcholine-gated current translates wake neuronal firing rate information into a spike timing-based code in Non-REM sleep, stabilizing neural network dynamics during memory consolidation
Authors: Skilling Quinton M. , Eniwaye Bolaji , Clawson Brittany C. , Shaver James , Ognjanovski Nicolette , Aton Sara J. , Zochowski Michal
Published: September 2021

Sleep is critical for memory consolidation, although the exact mechanisms mediating this process are unknown. Combining reduced network models and analysis of in vivo recordings, we tested the hypothesis that neuromodulatory changes in acetylcholine (ACh) levels during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep mediate stabilization of network-wide firing patterns, with temporal order of neurons’ firing dependent on their mean firing rate during wake. In both reduced models and in vivo recordings from mouse hippocampus, we find that the relative order of firing among neurons during NREM sleep reflects their relative firing rates during prior wake. Our modeling results show that this remapping of wake-associated, firing frequency-based representations is based on NREM-associated changes in neuronal excitability mediated by ACh-gated potassium current. We also show that learning-dependent reordering of sequential firing during NREM sleep, together with spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), reconfigures neuronal firing rates across the network. This rescaling of firing rates has been reported in multiple brain circuits across periods of sleep. Our model and experimental data both suggest that this effect is amplified in neural circuits following learning. Together our data suggest that sleep may bias neural networks from firing rate-based towards phase-based information encoding to consolidate memories.
Sex differences in psychotropic and analgesic drug use before and after initiating treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Efjestad Anne Sverdrup , Ihle-Hansen Hege , Hjellvik Vidar , Engedal Knut , Salvesen Blix Hege
Published: September 2021

Background/aims

The aim was to explore the impact of sex on prevalence, patterns and trends in the prescription of psychotropics and analgesics in users of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), before and after AChEI initiation, compared to the general population.

Methods

A prospective study applying data from the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD) in the period 2004–2016. Prescription of antidepressants, antipsychotics, analgesics including opioids, benzodiazepines and z-hypnotics in persistent AChEI users was studied in a follow-up period from four years before to two years after AChEI initiation in men and women of four age groups: 37–64, 65–72, 73–80 and 81–88 years.

Results

Use of antidepressants, antipsychotics and weaker analgesics increased in both sexes during the follow-up period in 11.764 persistent AChEI users. Women with pre-dementia and dementia stages of AD showed a prescription pattern with more use of psychotropics and opioids than men, except for antipsychotics.

Conclusion

Female sex showed to have a significant influence on the prescriptions of psychotropics and analgesics in AD patients in a pre-dementia and dementia stage. The exception is for antipsychotics, that men used more than women. The prescription pattern showed a higher extent of polypharmacy of psychotropics and/or opioids in women than in men. The total prescription pattern of analgesics could indicate an undertreatment of pain in pre-dementia and dementia stages, most pronounced in men.
Immunological assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy from diagnosis to delivery: A multicentre prospective study
Authors: Glennon Kate , Donnelly Jennifer , Knowles Susan , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , O’Reilly Alma , Corcoran Siobhan , Walsh Jennifer , McMorrow Roger , Higgins Tess , Bolger Lucy , Clinton Susan , O’Riordan Sarah , Start Alexander , Roche Doireann , Bartels Helena , Malone Ciara , McAuley Karl , McDermott Anthony , Inzitari Rosanna , O’Donnell Colm P. F. , Malone Fergal , Higgins Shane , De Gascun Cillian , Doran Peter , Brennan Donal J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Background Population-based data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and assessment of passive immunity to the neonate, is lacking. We profiled the maternal and fetal response using a combination of viral RNA from naso-pharyngeal swabs and serological assessment of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

This multicentre prospective observational study was conducted between March 24th and August 31st 2020. Two independent cohorts were established, a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 cohort and a cohort of asymptomatic pregnant women attending two of the largest maternity hospitals in Europe. Symptomatic women were invited to provide a serum sample to assess antibody responses. Asymptomatic pregnant women provided a nasopharyngeal swab and serum sample. RT-PCR for viral RNA was performed using the Cobas SARS-CoV-2 6800 platform (Roche). Umbilical cord bloods were obtained at delivery. Maternal and fetal serological response was measured using both the Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay (Roche), Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG Assay and the IgM Architect assay. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants.

Results

Ten of twenty three symptomatic women had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected on nasopharyngeal swabs. Five (5/23, 21.7%) demonstrated serological evidence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and seven (30.4%, 7/23) were positive for IgM antibodies. In the asymptomatic cohort, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in RNA was 0.16% (1/608). IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 1·67% (10/598, 95% CI 0·8%-3·1%) and IgM in 3·51% (21/598, 95% CI 2·3–5·5%). Nine women had repeat testing post the baseline test. Four (4/9, 44%) remained IgM positive and one remained IgG positive. 3 IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detectable in cord bloods from babies born to five seropositive women who delivered during the study. The mean gestation at serological test was 34 weeks. The mean time between maternal serologic positivity and detection in umbilical cord samples was 28 days.

Conclusion

Using two independent serological assays, we present a comprehensive illustration of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy, and show a low prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV2. Transplacental migration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was identified in cord blood of women who demonstrated antenatal anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, raising the possibility of passive immunity.
Composition of place, minority vs. majority group-status, & contextualized experience: The role of level of group representation, perceiving place in group-based terms, and sense of belonging in shaping collective behavior
Authors: Glasford Demis E.
Published: September 2021

The current studies (N = 1,709) explore why demographic composition of place matters. First, this work demonstrates that relative level of group representation affects one’s experience of place in the form of self-definition (self-categorization), perceptions of place being representative or characteristic of factors that distinguish the group from others (place-prototypicality), and sense of belonging (place-identification; Studies 1a-1e; Studies 2a & 2b). Second, the studies illustrate that group representation within place shapes the way group member’s approach (i.e., expectations of group-based treatment and procedural justice; Studies 2a-2c), understand (i.e., attribution for group-based events, Study 2b; responsiveness to bias-reduction intervention, Study 4a; sense of solidarity, Study 4b), and behave (i.e., prejudice, Studies 3a & 3b; collective action, Study 4c). More broadly, I present a Social identity Paradigm for Contextualized Experience (SPACE) that provides an organizing framework for the study of the impact of characteristics of place on social identity-based contextualized experience and (in turn) collective behavior. Taken together, the findings provide evidence of distinct psychological experience and orientation as a function of minority versus majority-group status within place, as well as for a group-based approach to place. Implications for the study of collective and intergroup behavior are discussed.
Thermal-comfort evaluation of and plan for public space of Maling Village, Henan, China
Authors: Fan Qindong , Du Fengtian , Li Hu , Zhang Chenming
Published: September 2021

The thermal environment of village public space affects the comfort of people ’ s outdoor activities, and then affects the willingness of residents to outdoor activities, which has an important impact on the villagers’ quality of life. Previously published studies of thermal comfort mostly focused on the evaluation of thermal comfort index, few studies on the application of thermal comfort planning. The study was carried out in Maling Village, Changdai Town, Mengjin County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China. Square, street, green space were chosen as three typical public spaces where thermal comfort indexes were measured by questionnaire survey and field measurement during summer. Subsequently, the village’s microclimate environment was simulated with ArcGIS 10.6 and ENVI-met. The results indicate that during the summer, the influences of temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and relative humidity on the subjective comfort conditions of the outdoor environment gradually decreased. The spatial form of village has an important influence on thermal comfort. Finally, based on the results, this study put forward the thermal comfort process and planning scheme of the village outdoor space.
Apparent diet digestibility of captive colobines in relation to stomach types with special reference to fibre digestion
Authors: Hoshino Satoru , Seino Satoru , Funahashi Takashi , Hoshino Tomonori , Clauss Marcus , Matsuda Ikki , Yayota Masato
Published: September 2021

Colobine monkeys are known for the anatomical complexity of their stomachs, making them distinct within the primate order. Amongst foregut fermenters, they appear peculiar because of the occurrence of two different stomach types, having either three (‘tripartite’) or four (‘quadripartite’, adding the praesaccus) chambers. The functional differences between tri and quadripartite stomachs largely remain to be explained. In this study, we aim to compare the apparent digestibility (aD) in tripartite and quadripartite colobines. Hence, we measured the aD in two colobine species,Nasalis larvatus(quadripartite) andTrachypithecus cristatus(tripartite), in two zoos. We also included existing colobine literature data on the aD and analysed whether the aD of fibre components is different between the stomach types to test the hypothesis of whether quadripartite colobines show higher aD of fibre components than tripartite colobines did. Our captiveN.larvatusspecimen had a more distinctively varying nutrient intake across seasons with a larger seasonal variation in aD than that of a pair ofT.cristatus, which mostly consumed commercial foods with a lower proportion of browse and less seasonal variation. We observed higher aD of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) in theN.larvatusspecimen, suggesting a higher gut capacity ofN.larvatusprovided by the additional praesaccus forestomach chamber. Based on the analysis of literature data for aD, we also found that quadripartite species achieved higher fibre digestibility at similar dietary fibre levels compared with tripartite species, supporting the hypothesis that the additional gut capacity offered by the praesaccus facilitates a longer retention and hence more thorough microbial fermentation of plant fibre.