bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Acute Myocardial Infarction Development in Personnel of Radiation Dangerous Plants. Medical Radiology and Radiation Safety
Authors: Semenova Yu. , Karpov A. , Takhauova T. , Kalinkin D. , Takhauov A. , Efimova E , Maximov D
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To examine the predictors of acute myocardial infarction development and to evaluate the relationship of the radiation component (external γ-radiation) with the probability of developing acute myocardial infarction in workers of radiation-dangerous plants working age (under 60 for men, 55 for women), by the example of the Siberian Group of Chemical Enterprises personnel.

Material and methods: The work is based on the results of a prospective population study (1998–2013). The diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction was verified in 540 people of working age (34 women and 506 men). For each case selected control (n = 1,080) among the employees of the Siberian Group of Chemical Enterprises, passed periodic medical examination in the study period. Every person was described by means of 46 variables including characteristics of social status, a number of risk factors, associated diseases, biochemical indices including the level of general cholesterol, the main clinical data, cumulative dose of external radiation and the amount of 239Pu content in an organism.

Results: It was determined that in the group of the personnel of working age the most important traditional predictors of acute myocardial infarction, less important factor in the pathogenesis of the disease are conditions of the individual accumulation of a dose, but not the magnitude of the total external doses in the evaluation range.

Conclusion: To improve the system of preventive measures aimed at reducing the level of morbidity and mortality from acute myocardial infarction, it is recommended to form risk groups taking into account the most significant predictors of this disease (age, systolic blood pressure, smoking). For the personnel of radiation dangerous plants working age insignificant conditions for the formation of radiation dose (age of first exposure, the rate of accumulation of radiation dose, duration of exposure) under conditions of trouble-free operation of the equipment.

Active measures for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and targeted correction of detected somatic disorders for the prevention of acute vascular catastrophes are expedient for workers of radiation hazardous industries from 40 to 60 years with an individual risk of acute myocardial infarction less than 50 % using the model described below.
External Beam and Nuclear Therapy of Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Pimonova I , Krylov V. , Isaev P , Kochetova T. , Borodavina E
Published: May 2021

The article reviews domestic and foreign literature on the use of radiation therapy in the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer. The possibilities of various radiation methods in the treatment of patients with distant metastases are shown. In addition to classical types of remote irradiation, data are presented on the possibilities of radionuclide therapy (peptide-receptor therapy with somatostatin analogs and radionuclide therapy with osteotropic drugs for bone metastases). Methods of combined therapy with the use of osteomodifying agents, targeted drugs and other methods are described, which make it possible to increase the effectiveness of treatment of patients with medullary thyroid cancer with bone metastases.
Factors associated with risk of sarcopenia in older adults
Authors: Oliveira Daniel Vicentini de , Oliveira Renan Ferreira de , Nascimento Matheus Amarante do , Freire Gabriel Lucas Morais , Nascimento Júnior José Roberto Andrade do , Oliveira Rogéria Vicentini de , Bertolini Sônia Maria Marques Gomes
Published: May 2021

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os fatores associados ao risco de sarcopenia em idosos que frequentam grupos sociais. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 207 idosos. Utilizaram-se como instrumento os questionários sociodemográficos, o International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) e o SARC-f. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelo teste do qui-quadrado e pela regressão logística binária (p < 0,05). Os resultados mostraram associação significante do risco de sarcopenia com o nível de escolaridade (p = 0,016). Houve diferença significante entre os grupos com e sem risco de sarcopenia em relação à autopercepção de saúde (p = 0,001), percepção de saúde em comparação com idosos da mesma idade (p = 0,001), quantidade de medicamentos utilizados (p = 0,001), histórico de quedas (p = 0,001) e quase quedas (p = 0,001). Não foi encontrada diferença significativa do risco de sarcopenia com nível de atividade física. Ao comparar as proporções de doenças relatadas de acordo com o risco de sarcopenia, houve diferença significante entre cardiopatia (p = 0,001), hipertensão arterial sistêmica (p = 0,001), acidente vascular cerebral (p = 0,001), diabetes ( p = 0,049), osteoartrite (p = 0,001), doença pulmonar (p = 0,034), depressão (p = 0,001) e osteoporose (p = 0,001). A regressão logística revelou que os idosos que não tinham histórico de quedas e não relataram cardiopatia, doença pulmonar, depressão ou osteoporose apresentaram maior probabilidade de não ter risco de sarcopenia. Concluiu-se que o nível de escolaridade e as condições de saúde relatadas pelos idosos podem ser considerados fatores associados ao risco de sarcopenia. O nível de atividade física não é um fator associado ao risco de sarcopenia.
Nursing considerations for patients undergoing robotic-arm assisted joint replacements
Authors: Asokan Ajay , Baawa-Ameyaw Joanna , Kayani Babar , Radhakrishnan Ganan T , Magan Ahmed A , Haddad Fares S
Published: May 2021

Robotic-arm assisted arthroplasty (RAA) has gained popularity over the past decade because of its ability to provide more accurate implant positioning with less surgical trauma than conventional manual arthroplasty. It has shown better early functional outcomes, less postoperative pain and shorter inpatient stays. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in improving overall outcomes and ensuring this technology is implemented efficiently and safely, but there is limited published literature on the nursing considerations for managing patients undergoing RAA. This article aims to provide a pragmatic approach for nursing care in the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phases of RAA.
North Tyneside initiative to introduce a new nursing role in care homes
Authors: Craig Lynn
Published: May 2021

Lynn Craig describes plans to appoint advanced care practitioners to improve care for residents and support nurses by offering professional development opportunities and enabling career progression
Team working part 1: Nursing is a team profession
Authors: Fowler John
Published: May 2021

John Fowler, Educational Consultant, explores how to survive your nursing career
Multiple cerebral infarction linked to underlying cancer: a review of Trousseau syndrome-related cerebral infarction
Authors: Zhen Chao , Wang Yabo , Wang Haifeng , Li Dongmei , Wang Xin
Published: May 2021

Trousseau syndrome is a cancer-associated hypercoagulative state leading to venous or arterial thromboembolic events. Cerebral infarction is the most common result of arterial embolism and the pathogenesis is complicated, mainly associated with hypercoagulation and non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis. On magnetic resonance imaging, multiple lesions are dispersed in more than two territories of the brain, often simultaneously involving the bilateral anterior and posterior circulation. Elevated plasma levels of D-dimer and fibrinogen degradation products may be seen in these patients. There are high rates of short-term recurrence of stroke and sudden death, highlighting the need for early recognition and appropriate treatment of Trousseau syndrome-associated cerebral infarction.
Mental health and developmental disabilities in US children admitted in hospice care
Authors: Lindley Lisa C , Svynarenko Radion , Beebe Lora Humphrey
Published: May 2021

Background:

Of the 40 000 children who die annually in the US, thousands are admitted to hospice care. Little is known about the mental health and developmental disabilities of these children.

Aims:

To describe the mental health and developmental disabilities of children who are admitted to hospice care and compare this across age groups.

Methods:

The 2011 to 2013 US Medicaid files were used. The sample included 6195 children with a diagnosis of a mental health and/or developmental disability. Comparisons were calculated using the Pearson chi-square test.

Results:

Mental health conditions, including anxiety (31.0%), depression (33.1%), behavioural disorders (33.9%) and affective disorders (34.8%), were highest among children aged between 15 and 20 years. Developmental delays were common in children under a year, while intellectual disabilities were highest in the 15 to 20 years age group.

Conclusions:

Nurses have an important role in understanding the mental health and developmental disabilities of children admitted to hospice care.
The Early Warning System: how frontline evidence helps us understand the UK’s social security response to COVID-19
Authors: Pybus Katie , Page Geoff , Dalton Lynsey , Patrick Ruth
Published: May 2021

This article reports on the Child Poverty Action Group Early Warning System (EWS), a database of case studies representing social security issues reported directly by frontline benefits advice workers and benefit claimants. It outlines what data from the EWS can tell us about how the social security system is functioning and how it has responded during the pandemic. It further details how insights from the EWS can be used by researchers and policymakers seeking to understand the role of social security in supporting families living on a low income and in advocating for short- and longer-term policy change.
Lessons from a voluntary sector organisation working to address loneliness and isolation among older people during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Naughton-Doe Ruth , Wigfield Andrea , Martin Charlene
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing policies have created a range of challenges for voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations addressing isolation and loneliness among older people. This paper explores four learning points from one VCS organisation, Time to Shine, which is working to reduce loneliness among older people in a COVID-19 world, using technology, finding the ‘hard to reach’, tackling ageism and managing anxiety following isolation.
Reduction of pitch error of the micro-prism array in brightness
enhancement film by compensating z-axis positioning accuracy
Authors: Liu Yutao , Li Duo , Ding Fei , Wu Yangong , Xue Jiadai , Qiao Zheng , Wang Bo
Published: May 2021

Brightness enhancement film (BEF), as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film with the
micro-prism array on the surface, is an indispensable core optical
component for a back light unit (BLU) in liquid crystal display.
Roll-to-roll (RTR) imprinting approach is the most mature and reliable
technology to produce the BEF in the industry. Of course, the
machining accuracy of the micro-prism array on the roller mold will
directly determine the optical performance of BEF manufactured by RTR.
The objective of this paper is to reduce pitch error of the machined
micro-prism array on the roller mold based on geometric error
viewpoint. First, geometric error of the ultra-precision horizontal
drum roll lathe that has the main influence on the pitch accuracy of
the machined micro-prism array is identified through volumetric error
model and sensitivity analysis. Then, the compensation operation is
performed for the dominant geometric error component according to the
theoretical analysis results. Finally, a verification experiment after
compensation is conducted to fabricate the micro-prism array on the
roller mold using plunge cutting method. The measurement result shows
the micro-prism array with a less than 25 nm pitch error, while a
6.018 nm area roughness is obtained, which validates the effectiveness
of the geometric error analysis and compensation to reduce the pitch
error of the machined micro-prism array on the roller mold.
Research on the avalanche effect of image encryption based on the
Cycle-GAN
Authors: Bao Zhenjie , Xue Ru
Published: May 2021

Aiming at the problem of the weak avalanche effect in the recently proposed deep
learning image encryption algorithm, this paper analyzes the causes of
weak avalanche effect in the neural network of Cycle-GAN step-by-step
process and proposes an image encryption algorithm combining the
traditional diffusion algorithm and deep learning neural network. In
this paper, first, the neural network is used for image scrambling and
slight diffusion, and then the traditional diffusion algorithm is used
to further diffuse the pixels. The experiment in satellite images
shows that our algorithm, with the help of the further diffusion
mechanism, can compensate for the weak avalanche effect of
Cycle-GAN-based image encryption and can change a pixel value to the
original image, and the number of pixel change rate (NPCR) and unified
average changing intensity (UACI) values can achieve 99.64% and
33.49%, respectively. In addition, our method can effectively encrypt
the image where the encrypted image with high information entropy and
low pixel correlation is obtained. The experiment on data loss and
noise attack declares our method can identify the types and intensity
of attacks. What is more, the key space is big enough, and the key
sensitivity is high while the key has a certain randomness.
All acousto-optic modulator laser system for a 12 m fountain-type dual-species atom interferometer
Authors: He Chuan , Yan Sitong , Zhou Lin , Barthwal Sachin , Xu Rundong , Zhou Chao , Ji Yuhang , Wang Qi , Hou Zhuo , Wang Jin , Zhan Mingsheng
Published: May 2021

We design and implement a laser system for

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dual-species atom interferometers based on acousto-optic frequency shift and tapered amplifier laser technologies. We use eight-pass acousto-optic modulators to generate repumping lasers for

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atoms. The maximum frequency shift of the laser is 2.8 GHz, and the diffraction efficiency is higher than 20%. We use high-frequency acousto-optic modulators to generate the Raman lasers. This laser system uses only two seed lasers to provide the various frequencies required by

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dual-species atom interferometers, which greatly improves laser usage. The laser system is applied in the equivalence principle test experiment using an

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dual-species atom interferometer. The signal of atoms launched to 12 meters is successfully observed, and the resolution of gravity differential measurement is improved from

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Making intelligent topology design choices: understanding structural and physical property performance implications in optical networks [Invited]
Authors: Matzner Robin , Semrau Daniel , Luo Ruijie , Zervas Georgios , Bayvel Polina
Published: May 2021

The key goal in optical network design is to introduce intelligence in the network and deliver capacity when and where it is needed. It is critical to understand the dependencies between network topology properties and the achievable network throughput. Real topology data of optical networks are scarce, and often large sets of synthetic graphs are used to evaluate their performance including proposed routing algorithms. These synthetic graphs are typically generated via the Erdos–Renyi (ER) and Barabasi–Albert (BA) models. Both models lead to distinct structural properties of the synthetic graphs, including degree and diameter distributions. In this paper, we show that these two commonly used approaches are not adequate for the modeling of real optical networks. The structural properties of optical core networks are strongly influenced by internodal distances. These, in turn, impact the signal-to-noise ratio, which is distance dependent. The analysis of optical network performance must, therefore, include spatial awareness to better reflect the graph properties of optical core network topologies. In this work, a new variant of the BA model, taking into account the internodal signal-to-noise ratio, is proposed. It is shown that this approach captures both the effects of graph structure and physical properties to generate better networks than traditional methods. The proposed model is compared to spatially agnostic approaches, in terms of the wavelength requirements and total information throughput, and highlights how intelligent choices can significantly increase network throughputs while saving fiber.
Contrast enhancement and speckle suppression in OCT images based on a selective weighted variational enhancement model and an SP-FOOPDE algorithm
Authors: Chen Lei , Tang Chen , Huang Zong Heng , Xu Min , Lei Zhenkun
Published: May 2021

Simultaneous contrast enhancement and speckle suppression in optical coherence tomography (OCT) are of great significance to medical diagnosis. In this paper, we propose a selective weighted variational enhancement (SWVE) model to enhance the structural parts of OCT images, and then present a shape-preserving fourth-order-oriented partial differential equations (SP-FOOPDE) algorithm to suppress speckle noise. To be specific, in the SWVE model, we first introduce the fast and robust fuzzy c-means clustering (FRFCM) algorithm to generate masks based on the gray-level histograms of the reconstructed OCT images and utilize the masks to distinguish the structural parts from the background. Then the retinex-based weighted variational model, combined with gamma correction, is adopted to enhance the structural parts by multiplying the estimated reflectance with the adjusted illumination. In the despeckling process, we present an SP-FOOPDE algorithm with the fidelity term modified by the shearlet transform to strike a splendid balance between noise suppression and structural preservation. Experimental results show that the proposed method performs well in contrast enhancement and speckle suppression, with better quality metrics of the MSE, PSNR, CNR, ENL, EKI, and

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and better noise immunity than the related method. Moreover, the application to the segmentation preprocessing exhibits that the retinal structure of the OCT images processed by the proposed method can be completely segmented.
Sparse data-driven wavefront prediction for large-scale adaptive optics
Authors: Cerqueira Paulo , Piscaer Pieter , Verhaegen Michel
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a computationally efficient wavefront aberration
prediction framework for data-driven control in large-scale adaptive
optics systems. Our novel prediction algorithm splits prediction into
two stages: a high-resolution and a low-resolution stage. For the
former, we exploit sparsity structures in the system matrices in a
data-driven Kalman filtering algorithm and constrain the identified
gain to be likewise sparse; for the latter, we identify a dense Kalman
gain and perform corrections to the suboptimal predictions of the
former on a smaller grid. This novel prediction framework is able to
retain the robustness to measurement noise of the standard Kalman
filter in a much more computationally efficient manner, in both its
offline and online aspects, while minimally sacrificing performance;
its data-driven nature further compensates for modeling errors. As an
intermediate result, we present a sparsity-exploiting data-driven
Kalman filtering algorithm able to quickly estimate an approximate
Kalman gain without solving the Riccati equation.
Morphologies of caustics and dislocation lines: some clues about their interrelation
Authors: Camas-Aquino F. , Jáuregui R. , Mojica-Casique C. , Herrera-Hernández I. A. , Quinto-Su P. A.
Published: May 2021

According to singular optics, the phase and intensity that characterize structured electromagnetic beams can be understood in terms of concepts that involve subspaces where they or their derivatives exhibit a particular behavior, such as giving rise to extreme values or not being well defined. Caustics are a paradigmatic example of the former, while helical dislocation lines exemplify the latter. In this work the interrelation of the morphology of caustics and the morphology of dislocation lines is theoretically studied. The analysis for highly structured beams requires an efficient methodology that allows the identification of optical vortices, their topological charge, and the helical dislocation lines they belong to. Such a methodology is introduced and applied to paraxial elliptic umbilic beams and nonparaxial Airy symmetric three-dimensional beams. Nonparaxial beams exhibit caustic surfaces that delimit regions with a finite volume and different intensity average. It is shown that in the high intensity region so defined, the dislocation lines play the role of an internal skeleton, i.e., an endoskeleton, of the beam. The exoskeleton created in the low intensity regions shows subtle and interesting features that complement those of the endoskeleton; the caustics that delimit low intensity regions have a strong influence on the morphology of the exoskeleton.
Optimal dimension of edge-lit light guide plate based on light conduction analysis
Authors: Jiang Zongzhao , Ye Yun , Guo Ju , Pan Jianhao , Cao Xianghong , Guo Tailiang , Chen Enguo
Published: May 2021

Dimensions of the edge-lit light guide plate (LGP) have a non-negligible impact on its output performance based on a pre-determined micro-dot array. However, how the LGP’s dimension affects the performance has not been systematically researched. In this paper, the dimension of the LGP is numerically established as a function to the light output performance, which can be divided into four successive procedures. Firstly, the micro-structural dot array is designed based on the calculated illuminance distribution of the LGP’s bottom surface. Based on this, the light energy output can be derived by defining three key parameters, which are dot density, scatting coefficient, and collision loss coefficient. After that, the ray-tracing simulation is used to determine the above parameters. Finally, the optimal dimensions of the LGP can be obtained with a specific correlation function with the light energy output. The mathematical relation above is demonstrated via both simulation and experiment. Our approach provides a systematic design for balancing the efficiency and uniformity of backlight by combining the dot design and the dimensional optimization, which has important theoretical guiding significance for actual display application.
Limitation of THz conversion efficiency in DSTMS pumped by intense femtosecond pulses
Authors: Li Jiang , Rana Rakesh , Zhu Liguo , Liu Cangli , Schneider Harald , Pashkin Alexej
Published: May 2021

Terahertz (THz) generation via optical rectification (OR) of near-infrared femtosecond pulses in DSTMS is systematically studied using a quasi-3D theoretical model, which takes into account cascaded OR, three-photon absorption (3PA) of the near-infrared radiation, and material dispersion/absorption properties. The simulation results and the comparison with experimental data for pump pulses with the center wavelength of 1.4 µm indicate that the 3PA process is one of the main limiting factors for THz generation in DSTMS at high pump fluences. The THz conversion efficiency is reduced further by the enhanced group velocity dispersion effect caused by the spectral broadening due to the cascaded OR. We predict that for broadband pump pulses with a duration of 30 fs, the THz conversion efficiency can be enhanced by a factor of 1.5 by using a positive pre-chirping that partially suppresses the cascaded OR and the 3PA effects.
DL-SI-DHM: a deep network generating the high-resolution phase and amplitude images from wide-field images
Authors: Meng Zhang , Pedrini Giancarlo , Lv Xiaoxu , Ma Jun , Nie Shouping , Yuan Caojin
Published: May 2021

Structured illumination digital holographic microscopy (SI-DHM) is a high-resolution, label-free technique enabling us to image unstained biological samples. SI-DHM has high requirements on the stability of the experimental setup and needs long exposure time. Furthermore, image synthesizing and phase correcting in the reconstruction process are both challenging tasks. We propose a deep-learning-based method called DL-SI-DHM to improve the recording, the reconstruction efficiency and the accuracy of SI-DHM and to provide high-resolution phase imaging. In the training process, high-resolution amplitude and phase images obtained by phase-shifting SI-DHM together with wide-field amplitudes are used as inputs of DL-SI-DHM. The well-trained network can reconstruct both the high-resolution amplitude and phase images from a single wide-field amplitude image. Compared with the traditional SI-DHM, this method significantly shortens the recording time and simplifies the reconstruction process and complex phase correction, and frequency synthesizing are not required anymore. By comparsion, with other learning-based reconstruction schemes, the proposed network has better response to high frequencies. The possibility of using the proposed method for the investigation of different biological samples has been experimentally verified, and the low-noise characteristics were also proved.
Temperature-compensated multi-point refractive index sensing based on a cascaded Fabry-Perot cavity and FMCW interferometry
Authors: Zhu Zongda , Ba Dexin , Liu Lu , Qiu Liqiang , Yang Shunhu , Dong Yongkang
Published: May 2021

We proposed a novel temperature-compensated multi-point refractive index (RI) sensing system by the combination of the cascaded Fabry-Perot (FP) sensors and the frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) interferometry. The former is used for simultaneous sensing of RI and temperature, and the latter is used for multiplexing a series of the cascaded FP sensors to realize multi-point sensing. By means of Fourier transform-based algorithms, the interference spectra of each sub-FP sensors can be divided and demodulated independently. Experimentally, three cascaded FP sensors are multiplexed to verify multi-point RI and temperature sensing ability. RI sensitivity up to ∼1200 nm/RIU is obtained within RI range from 1.3330 to 1.3410, and temperature sensitivity up to ∼0.17 nm/°C is obtained within temperature range from 20 °C to 80 °C. The RI precision is as high as 10−5 RIU and the temperature precision is as high as 0.05 °C. In addition, the prospective multiplexing number could reach about 4000 estimated by the minimum detectable light power. The proposed sensing system has potential advantages in the practical applications that require a large number sensing points.
In-orbit geometric calibration of HaiYang-1C coastal zone imager with multiple fields
Authors: Cao Jinshan , Wang Fengwen , Zhou Ying , Ye Zhiwei
Published: May 2021

The HaiYang-1C coastal zone imager (CZI) consists of two independent cameras with a total image swath of approximately 1000 km. In order to obtain precise imaging parameters of the CZI cameras, a feasible in-orbit geometric calibration approach with multiple fields is presented. First, the master CCD is calibrated with a calibration field. Then, the slave CCDs are respectively calibrated with different fields. Finally, the calibrated internal shift parameters of the slave CCDs are adjusted with tie points between adjacent sub-images. Seven HaiYang-1C CZI images were tested. The experimental results showed that the imaging parameters calibrated with the presented approach could perform as well as those calibrated with the conventional approach with a single field. However, the total swath of the calibration fields could be reduced from approximately 1000 km to 300 km. The application difficulties in collecting satisfactory calibration sub-images could be thereby significantly reduced in the geometric calibration.
Photonics-based 3D radar imaging with CNN-assisted fast and noise-resistant image construction
Authors: Sun Guanqun , Zhang Fangzheng , Gao Bindong , Zhou Yuewen , Xiang Yu , Pan Shilong
Published: May 2021

Photonics-based high-resolution 3D radar imaging is demonstrated in which a convolutional neural network (CNN)-assisted back projection (BP) imaging method is applied to implement fast and noise-resistant image construction. The proposed system uses a 2D radar array with each element being a broadband radar transceiver realized by microwave photonic frequency multiplication and mixing. The CNN-assisted BP image construction is achieved by mapping low-resolution images to high-resolution images with a pre-trained 3D CNN, which greatly reduces the computational complexity and enhances the imaging speed compared with basic BP image construction. Besides, using noise-free or low-noise ground truth images for training the CNN, the CNN-assisted BP imaging method can suppress the noises, which helps to generate high-quality images. In the experiment, 3D radar imaging with a K-band photonics-based radar having a bandwidth of 8 GHz is performed, in which the imaging speed is enhanced by a factor of ∼55.3 using the CNN-assisted BP imaging method. By comparing the peak signal to noise ratios (PSNR) of the generated images, the noise-resistant capability of the CNN-assisted BP method is soundly verified.
Fast imaging of multimode transverse–spectral correlations for twin photons
Authors: Lipka Michał , Parniak Michał
Published: May 2021

Hyperentangled photonic states—exhibiting nonclassical correlations in
several degrees of freedom—offer improved performance of quantum
optical communication and computation schemes. Experimentally, a
hyperentanglement of transverse-wave-vector and spectral modes can be
obtained in a straightforward way with multimode parametric
single-photon sources. Nevertheless, experimental characterization of
such states remains challenging. Not only single-photon detection with
high spatial resolution—a single-photon camera—is required, but also a
suitable mode converter to observe the spectral–temporal degree of
freedom. We experimentally demonstrate a measurement of full
four-dimensional transverse-wave-vector–spectral correlations between
pairs of photons produced in noncollinear spontaneous parametric
downconversion. Utilization of a custom ultrafast single-photon camera
provides high resolution and a short measurement time.
Rayleigh scatterer-induced steady exceptional points of stable-island modes in a deformed optical microdisk
Authors: Gwak Sunjae , Kim Hyundong , Yu Hyeon-Hye , Ryu Jinhyeok , Kim Chil-Min , Yi Chang-Hwan
Published: May 2021

A formation of second-order non-Hermitian degeneracies, called exceptional points (EPs), in a chaotic oval-shaped dielectric microdisk is studied. Different symmetric optical modes localized on a stable period-3 orbit coalesce to form chiral EPs. Unlike a circular microdisk perturbed by two scatterers (CTS), our proposed system requires only one scatterer to build chiral EPs. The scatterer positions for counterpropagating EP modes are far distant from one another and almost steady against varying scatterer sizes in contrast to the CTS case. Our results can contribute to establishing a more solid platform for EP-based-device applications with flexibility and easy feasibility in obtaining EPs.
Two-dimensional vector accelerometer based on orthogonal Bragg gratings inscribed in a standard single-mode fiber cladding
Authors: Chen Fengyi , Li Xingyong , Wang Ruohui , Qiao Xueguang
Published: May 2021

We propose and demonstrate a novel, to the best of our knowledge, two-dimensional vector accelerometer based on orthogonal cladding fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) inscribed in a standard single-mode fiber (SMF). The cladding FBGs are written by a femtosecond laser point-by-point technique and run parallel with the core. We experimentally demonstrate that the two orthogonal components of acceleration can be directly detected using simplified power-referenced detection. Using this structure, we can simultaneously obtain orientation information and acceleration in a SMF.
Transition between toroidic orders in dielectric metasurfaces by polarization of the incident wave
Authors: Dmitriev V. , Santos S. D. S. , Kupriianov A. S. , Tuz V. R.
Published: May 2021

We propose a design and perform a theoretical and experimental study of optical properties of a metasurface composed of hexagonal oligomers of dielectric particles that somewhat resemble characteristics of multiferroics. It can maintain both toroidic and antitoroidic orders in the dynamical response on irradiation by a linearly polarized plane wave. These orders originate from the dark states of toroidal dipole moments. Due to the consciously chosen perturbation in the oligomers, the orders are excited at the same frequency by the wave with orthogonal polarization. The excitation of these orders results in different characteristics of the electric near-field localization. This has significant potential for several applications, which are thoroughly discussed.
Fast fiber mode decomposition with a lensless fiber-point-diffraction interferometer: publisher’s note
Authors: Li Junbo , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zheng Yunhan , Li Fangxin , Shan Xiaoqin , Han Zhigang , Zhu Rihong
Published: May 2021

This publisher’s note contains corrections to Opt. Lett. 46, 2501 (2021)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.426833.
EfgA is a conserved formaldehyde sensor that leads to bacterial growth arrest in response to elevated formaldehyde
Authors: Bazurto Jannell V. , Nayak Dipti D. , Ticak Tomislav , Davlieva Milya , Lee Jessica A. , Hellenbrand Chandler N. , Lambert Leah B. , Benski Olivia J. , Quates Caleb J. , Johnson Jill L. , Patel Jagdish Suresh , Ytreberg F. Marty , Shamoo Yousif , Marx Christopher J.
Published: May 2021

Normal cellular processes give rise to toxic metabolites that cells must mitigate. Formaldehyde is a universal stressor and potent metabolic toxin that is generated in organisms from bacteria to humans. Methylotrophic bacteria such asMethylorubrum extorquensface an acute challenge due to their production of formaldehyde as an obligate central intermediate of single-carbon metabolism. Mechanisms to sense and respond to formaldehyde were speculated to exist in methylotrophs for decades but had never been discovered. Here, we identify a member of the DUF336 domain family, namedefgAfor enhanced formaldehyde growth, that plays an important role in endogenous formaldehyde stress response inM.extorquensPA1 and is found almost exclusively in methylotrophic taxa. Our experimental analyses reveal that EfgA is a formaldehyde sensor that rapidly arrests growth in response to elevated levels of formaldehyde. Heterologous expression of EfgA inEscherichia coliincreases formaldehyde resistance, indicating that its interaction partners are widespread and conserved. EfgA represents the first example of a formaldehyde stress response system that does not involve enzymatic detoxification. Thus, EfgA comprises a unique stress response mechanism in bacteria, whereby a single protein directly senses elevated levels of a toxic intracellular metabolite and safeguards cells from potential damage.
Chemokines act as phosphatidylserine-bound “find-me” signals in apoptotic cell clearance
Authors: Pontejo Sergio M. , Murphy Philip M.
Published: May 2021

Removal of apoptotic cells is essential for maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Chemotactic cues termed “find-me” signals attract phagocytes toward apoptotic cells, which selectively expose the anionic phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) and other “eat-me” signals to distinguish healthy from apoptotic cells for phagocytosis. Blebs released by apoptotic cells can deliver find-me signals; however, the mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that apoptotic blebs generated in vivo from mouse thymus attract phagocytes using endogenous chemokines bound to the bleb surface. We show that chemokine binding to apoptotic cells is mediated by PS and that high affinity binding of PS and other anionic phospholipids is a general property of many but not all chemokines. Chemokines are positively charged proteins that also bind to anionic glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on cell surfaces for presentation to leukocyte G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs). We found that apoptotic cells down-regulate GAGs as they up-regulate PS on the cell surface and that PS-bound chemokines, unlike GAG-bound chemokines, are able to directly activate chemokine receptors. Thus, we conclude that PS-bound chemokines may serve as find-me signals on apoptotic vesicles acting at cognate chemokine receptors on leukocytes.
PRER: A patient representation with pairwise relative expression of proteins on biological networks
Authors: Kuru Halil İbrahim , Buyukozkan Mustafa , Tastan Oznur
Published: May 2021

Changes in protein and gene expression levels are often used as features in predictive modeling such as survival prediction. A common strategy to aggregate information contained in individual proteins is to integrate the expression levels with the biological networks. In this work, we propose a novel patient representation where we integrate proteins’ expression levels with the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks: Patient representation with PRER (Pairwise Relative Expressions with Random walks). PRER captures the dysregulation patterns of proteins based on the neighborhood of a protein in the PPI network. Specifically, PRER computes a feature vector for a patient by comparing the source protein’s expression level with other proteins’ levels that are within its neighborhood. The neighborhood of the source protein is derived by biased random-walk strategy on the network. We test PRER’s performance in survival prediction task in 10 different cancers using random forest survival models. PRER yields a statistically significant predictive performance in 9 out of 10 cancers when compared to the same model trained with features based on individual protein expressions. Furthermore, we identified the pairs of proteins that their interactions are predictive of patient survival but their individual expression levels are not. The set of identified relations provides a valuable collection of protein biomarkers with high prognostic value. PRER can be used for other complex diseases and prediction tasks that use molecular expression profiles as input. PRER is freely available at: https://github.com/hikuru/PRER.
LC-MS/MS analysis of lesional and normally looking psoriatic skin reveals significant changes in protein metabolism and RNA processing
Authors: Sobolev V. V. , Mezentsev A. V. , Ziganshin R. H. , Soboleva A. G. , Denieva M. , Korsunskaya I. M. , Svitich O. A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by the development of red scaly plaques. To date psoriasis lesional skin transcriptome has been extensively studied, whereas only few proteomic studies of psoriatic skin are available.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare protein expression patterns of lesional and normally looking skin of psoriasis patients with skin of the healthy volunteers, reveal differentially expressed proteins and identify changes in cell metabolism caused by the disease.

Methods

Skin samples of normally looking and lesional skin donated by psoriasis patients (n = 5) and samples of healthy skin donated by volunteers (n = 5) were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After protein identification and data processing, the set of differentially expressed proteins was subjected to protein ontology analysis to characterize changes in biological processes, cell components and molecular functions in the patients’ skin compared to skin of the healthy volunteers. The expression of selected differentially expressed proteins was validated by ELISA and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The performed analysis identified 405 and 59 differentially expressed proteins in lesional and normally looking psoriatic skin compared to healthy control. In normally looking skin of the patients, we discovered decreased expression of KNG1, APOE, HRG, THBS1 and PLG. Presumably, these changes were needed to protect the epidermis from spontaneous activation of kallikrein-kinin system and delay the following development of inflammatory response. In lesional skin, we identified several large groups of proteins with coordinated expression. Mainly, these proteins were involved in different aspects of protein and RNA metabolism, namely ATP synthesis and consumption; intracellular trafficking of membrane-bound vesicles, pre-RNA processing, translation, chaperoning and degradation in proteasomes/immunoproteasomes.

Conclusion

Our findings explain the molecular basis of metabolic changes caused by disease in skin lesions, such as faster cell turnover and higher metabolic rate. They also indicate on downregulation of kallikrein-kinin system in normally looking skin of the patients that would be needed to delay exacerbation of the disease. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021673.
The determinants of under-5 age children malnutrition and the differences in the distribution of stunting–A study from Armenia
Authors: Paul Pavitra , Arra Bhanu , Hakobyan Mihran , Hovhannisyan Marine G. , Kauhanen Jussi
Published: May 2021

Stunting undermines economic growth by perpetuating the vicious cycle of poverty and labour market performance. Studies have captured the trend in stunting and present distributional evidence of policy effects in the country contexts. We identify the determinants of U5 (under 5 years of age) malnutrition for the poor and the Nonpoor and compare the distribution of stunting at four time points (2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015) over a 15-year period between different groups of population. Further, we decompose the gap in malnutrition into causes of differences in stunting between worse-off and better-off socioeconomic groups of the population and estimate the magnitude of distributional differences in stunting between two socioeconomic groups. We also present the inequality trend over time that provides insights into the dynamicity of the effect of different determinants on stunting at different time points. Using 35,490 observations from Armenian Demographic and Health Survey Data [four waves: Year2015,9533; Year2010,8644; Year2005,8919; Year2000,8334], we apply regression-based decomposition method and inequality measures to identify the determinants of malnutrition and distribution of stunting between and within socioeconomic groups. Although the proportional difference in prevalence of stunting between worse-off and better-off children of 13 months and above are reduced by 9.5% in 2015 compared to 2000, the association between socioeconomic position and stunting is statistically significant among children aged 13 months and above in 2000, as well as among children of 36 months and above in 2015. This study demonstrates that the less of socioeconomic distribution of the population, but rather more of the effect from in-country region and settlement of residence are significantly associated with stunting. The approach of our analysis is potentially also a useful tool to generate evidence for decision making towards achieving SDGs 2.2. We conclude that development in childhood is not independent from the distributional effect of region specific development initiatives. Understanding the regional characteristics and resources allocated for the maternal and child health is the necessity to address stunting.
Relationship between the skeletal muscle mass index and physical activity of Japanese children: A cross-sectional, observational study
Authors: Ito Tadashi , Sugiura Hideshi , Ito Yuji , Noritake Koji , Ochi Nobuhiko
Published: May 2021

Regular physical activity is an important component of physical health of children and has been associated with increasing skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength. Children with low levels of physical activity may experience health problems, such as loss of muscle mass, later in life. Thus, it may be valuable to identify declining physical function in children who do not perform the recommended amount of physical activity. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the amount of physical activity performed for ≥60 min per day for ≥5 days per week and the skeletal muscle mass index and physical function in young children. In total, 340 typically developing children aged 6–12 years (175 girls; average age, 9.5±1.9 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. We evaluated the proportion of children performing the recommended minimum of 60 min of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least 5 days per week. The skeletal muscle mass and Gait Deviation Index scores, gait speed, grip strength, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test results, Timed Up-and-Go test results, one-leg standing time, and gait efficiency were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with the skeletal muscle mass index, percent body fat, and physical function, after controlling for confounding factors (age and sex). A logistic regression analysis revealed that the skeletal muscle mass index was independently associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (odds ratio, 2.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–4.71; P = 0.017). Performance of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for ≥5 days per week for ≥60 min per day was associated with the skeletal muscle mass index score of Japanese children. Our findings highlighted the importance of performing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for the development of skeletal muscle mass in children.
Intraoperative cerebral oximetry in open heart surgeries reduced postoperative complications: A retrospective study
Authors: Juliana Norsham , Abu Yazit Noor Anisah , Kadiman Suhaini , Muhammad Hafidz Kamilah , Azmani Sahar , Mohd Fahmi Teng Nur Islami , Das Srijit
Published: May 2021

Cardiothoracic surgeries are life-saving procedures but often it results in various complications. Intraoperative cerebral oximetry monitoring used to detect regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) is a non-invasive method that provides prognostic importance in cardiac surgery. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of intraoperative cerebral oxygen monitoring during cardiac surgery on postoperative complications. This was a case-controlled retrospective study conducted on adult patients, who underwent open-heart surgery in National Heart Institute, Malaysia. The case group comprised patients on protocolized cerebral oximetry monitoring. They were treated using a standardized algorithm to maintain rScO2 not lower than 20% of baseline rScO2. The control group comprised patients with matched demographic background, preoperative risk factors, and type of surgical procedures. Propensity score stratification was utilized to contend with selection bias. Retrospective analysis was performed on 240 patients (case group) while comparing it to 407 patients (control group). The non-availability of cerebral oximetry monitoring during surgery was the prominent predictor for all outcome of complications; stroke (OR: 7.66), renal failure needing dialysis (OR: 5.12) and mortality (OR: 20.51). Postoperative complications revealed that there were significant differences for risk of mortality (p<0.001, OR = 20.51), renal failure that required dialysis (p<0.001, OR = 5.12) and stroke (p <0.05, OR = 7.66). Protocolized cerebral oximetry monitoring during cardiothoracic surgeries was found to be associated with lower incidence of stroke, renal failure requiring dialysis and mortality rate.