bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of steel X-bracing combined with shear link to seismically upgrading reinforced concrete frames
Authors: Osman Ashraf , Farouk Ahmed E.
Published: December 2023

This study examines the feasibility of utilizing steel concentrically X-bracing rigidly connected to shear link to retrofit seismically defected reinforced concrete (RC) frames. It involves examining the lateral behavior of two hypothetical frames strengthened using this proposed system, a single story-single bay RC frame, and a five-story RC office building. For the former, both elastic and inelastic push-over analyses were performed to examine the lateral behavior of strengthened and original RC frames, while the original and strengthened five-story frames were analyzed under the action of monotonically increasing lateral loads and nonlinear time histories. In detailing the strengthening scheme, procedure complying with the capacity design concept was adopted whereby the shear links were detailed to yield prior to RC frames structural elements to reduce the demand on them. The stiffnesses, strengths, and plastic hinging formation patterns for original and strengthened frames under the action of different loading conditions were determined and evaluated. Story shears and maximum story displacements were recorded and examined. It was concluded that this system is feasible for seismically strengthening the defected RC frames. Guidelines for detailing this scheme were provided within the context of this research study.
Computational modelling of reinforcement learning and functional neuroimaging of probabilistic reversal for dissociating compulsive behaviours in gambling and cocaine use disorders
Authors: Zühlsdorff Katharina , Verdejo-Román Juan , Clark Luke , Albein-Urios Natalia , Soriano-Mas Carles , Cardinal Rudolf N. , Robbins Trevor W. , Dalley Jeffrey W. , Verdejo-García Antonio , Kanen Jonathan W.
Published: December 2023

Background

Individuals with cocaine use disorder or gambling disorder demonstrate impairments in cognitive flexibility: the ability to adapt to changes in the environment. Flexibility is commonly assessed in a laboratory setting using probabilistic reversal learning, which involves reinforcement learning, the process by which feedback from the environment is used to adjust behavior.

Aims

It is poorly understood whether impairments in flexibility differ between individuals with cocaine use and gambling disorders, and how this is instantiated by the brain. We applied computational modelling methods to gain a deeper mechanistic explanation of the latent processes underlying cognitive flexibility across two disorders of compulsivity.

Method

We present a re-analysis of probabilistic reversal data from individuals with either gambling disorder (n = 18) or cocaine use disorder (n = 20) and control participants (n = 18), using a hierarchical Bayesian approach. Furthermore, we relate behavioural findings to their underlying neural substrates through an analysis of task-based functional magnetic resonanceimaging (fMRI) data.

Results

We observed lower ‘stimulus stickiness’ in gambling disorder, and report differences in tracking expected values in individuals with gambling disorder compared to controls, with greater activity during reward expected value tracking in the cingulate gyrus and amygdala. In cocaine use disorder, we observed lower responses to positive punishment prediction errors and greater activity following negative punishment prediction errors in the superior frontal gyrus compared to controls.

Conclusions

Using a computational approach, we show that individuals with gambling disorder and cocaine use disorder differed in their perseverative tendencies and in how they tracked value neurally, which has implications for psychiatric classification.
International Pooled Analysis of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Premenopausal Breast Cancer in Women From 19 Cohorts
Authors: Timmins Iain R. , Jones Michael E. , O'Brien Katie M. , Adami Hans-Olov , Aune Dagfinn , Baglietto Laura , Bertrand Kimberly A. , Brantley Kristen D. , Chen Yu , Clague DeHart Jessica , Clendenen Tess V. , Dossus Laure , Eliassen A. Heather , Fletcher Olivia , Fournier Agnès , Håkansson Niclas , Hankinson Susan E. , Houlston Richard S. , Joshu Corinne E. , Kirsh Victoria A. , Kitahara Cari M. , Koh Woon-Puay , Linet Martha S. , Park Hannah Lui , Lynch Brigid M. , May Anne M. , Mellemkjær Lene , Milne Roger L. , Palmer Julie R. , Ricceri Fulvio , Rohan Thomas E. , Ruddy Kathryn J. , Sánchez Maria-Jose , Shu Xiao-Ou , Smith-Byrne Karl , Steindorf Karen , Sund Malin , Vachon Celine M. , Vatten Lars J. , Visvanathan Kala , Weiderpass Elisabete , Willett Walter C. , Wolk Alicja , Yuan Jian-Min , Zheng Wei , Nichols Hazel B. , Sandler Dale P. , Swerdlow Anthony J. , Schoemaker Minouk J.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

There is strong evidence that leisure-time physical activity is protective against postmenopausal breast cancer risk but the association with premenopausal breast cancer is less clear. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of physical activity with the risk of developing premenopausal breast cancer.

METHODS

We pooled individual-level data on self-reported leisure-time physical activity across 19 cohort studies comprising 547,601 premenopausal women, with 10,231 incident cases of breast cancer. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for associations of leisure-time physical activity with breast cancer incidence. HRs for high versus low levels of activity were based on a comparison of risk at the 90th versus 10th percentiles of activity. We assessed the linearity of the relationship and examined subtype-specific associations and effect modification across strata of breast cancer risk factors, including adiposity.

RESULTS

Over a median 11.5 years of follow-up (IQR, 8.0-16.1 years), high versus low levels of leisure-time physical activity were associated with a 6% (HR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.89 to 0.99]) and a 10% (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.85 to 0.95]) reduction in breast cancer risk, before and after adjustment for BMI, respectively. Tests of nonlinearity suggested an approximately linear relationship ( Pnonlinearity = .94). The inverse association was particularly strong for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–enriched breast cancer (HR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.39 to 0.84]; Phet = .07). Associations did not vary significantly across strata of breast cancer risk factors, including subgroups of adiposity.

CONCLUSION

This large, pooled analysis of cohort studies adds to evidence that engagement in higher levels of leisure-time physical activity may lead to reduced premenopausal breast cancer risk.
Leveraging on digital technology for financial inclusion of women agripreneurs in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Vivian Chinelo Ugwuja , Peter Ayodeji Ekunwe
Published: December 2023

Background Women are key players in agriculture, but they are under-resourced, particularly in terms of finance. Microfinance has long been recognized as the most effective method of financially empowering these women, but using the benefits of digital technology can help scale it up and ensure its long-term viability. Methods The study area was Southern Nigeria. Respondents were women agripreneurs (n=479), from six states. 239 women agripreneurs who accessed digital financial products and 240 women agripreneurs who did not access financial products participated in the survey in 2019. Results The tests for significant difference between income of participants and non-participants in digital finance indicated a T-value of 3.214 (P< 0.001), which implies that there was a significant difference in the income of those that are accessing digital financial products (DFPs) and those that are not accessing DFPs. The tests for significant difference between savings of participants and non-participants indicated a T-value of 2.479 (p<0.05), which also implies that there was a significant difference in the women agripreneurs’ savings for participants and non-participants in DFPs. Only 2.5% of women agripreneurs are participating in micro-insurance in Southern Nigeria. Conclusions Women agripreneurs who are accessing digital financial products earned more income and saved more than those who are not accessing digital financial products. This implies that you are more advantaged in using digital finance in business. Micro-insurance is poorly accessed in Nigeria, and awareness of insurance products is moderately low. This study recommends that Central Bank of Nigeria should engage in more outreach programmes to enable all women in Nigeria access digital financial products because of its convenience and contributions to success in business. Insurance companies should capitalize on business models that incorporate mobile technologies in order to increase insurance penetration in rural areas.
The dosage of thiopental as pharmacological cerebral protection during non-shunt carotid endarterectomy: A retrospective study
Authors: Sookplung Pimwan , Suchartwatnachai Pathomporn , Akavipat Phuping
Published: December 2023

Background Thiopental has been used as a pharmacological cerebral protection strategy during carotid endarterectomy surgeries. However, the optimal dosage required to induce burst suppression on the electroencephalogram (EEG) remains unknown. This retrospective study aimed to determine the optimal dosage of thiopental required to induce burst suppression during non-shunt carotid endarterectomy. Methods The Neurological Institute of Thailand Review Board approved the study. Data were collected from 2009 to 2019 for all non-shunt carotid endarterectomy patients who received thiopental for pharmacological cerebral protection and had intraoperative EEG monitoring. Demographic information, carotid stenosis severity, intraoperative EEG parameters, thiopental dosage, carotid clamp time, intraoperative events, and patient outcomes were abstracted. Results The study included 57 patients. Among them, 24 patients (42%) achieved EEG burst suppression pattern with a thiopental dosage of 26.3±10.1 mg/kg/hr. There were no significant differences in perioperative events between patients who achieved burst suppression and those who did not. After surgery, 33.3% of patients who achieved burst suppression were extubated and awakened. One patient in the non-burst suppression group experienced mild neurological deficits. No deaths occurred within one month postoperative. Conclusions The optimal dosage of thiopental required to achieve burst suppression on intraoperative EEG during non-shunt carotid endarterectomy was 26.3±10.1 mg/kg/hr.
Identification of high-performing antibodies for Rab1A and Rab1B for use in Western Blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence
Authors: Ruíz Moleón Vera , Fotouhi Maryam , Ayoubi Riham , González Bolívar Sara , Southern Kathleen , McPherson Peter S. , Laflamme Carl ,   NeuroSGC/YCharOS/EDDU collaborative group,   ABIF consortium
Published: December 2023

Rab1 is a highly conserved small GTPase that exists in humans as two isoforms: Rab1A and Rab1B, sharing 92% sequence identity. These proteins regulate vesicle trafficking between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi and within the Golgi stacks. Rab1A and Rab1B may be oncogenes, as they are frequently dysregulated in various human cancers. Moreover, they contribute to the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The availability of high-quality antibodies specific for Rab1A or Rab1B is essential to understand the distinct functions of these Rab1 proteins in both health and diseaseand to enhance the reproducibility of research involving these proteins. In this study, we characterized seven antibodies targeting Rab1A and five antibodies targeting Rab1B for Western Blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. These studies are part of a much larger, collaborative initiative seeking to address the antibody reproducibility issue by characterizing commercially available antibodies for human proteins and publishing the results openly as a valuable resource for the scientific community. While uses of antibodies and protocols vary between laboratories, we encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibodies for their specific needs.
Current practices of physiotherapists in Switzerland regarding fall risk-assessment for community-dwelling older adults: A national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Duc Morgane , Mittaz Hager Anne-Gabrielle , Zemp Damiano , Roulet Guillaume , Bridel Alice , Hilfiker Roger
Published: December 2023

Background Falls can strongly impact older people’s quality of life, health, and lifestyle. Multifactorial assessment can determine an individual’s risk of falling as the first step for fall prevention intervention. Physiotherapists have an essential role to play in assessing fall risk by older adults living in the community. In the absence of published data on this topic in Switzerland, this study investigated the current practices of physiotherapists to determine whether those are in line with recommendations. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional survey was undertaken among physiotherapists practising in Switzerland between the 21st of November and the 31st of December 2020. A priori and exploratory hypotheses were tested. Responses to open-ended questions were grouped into themes for analysis. Results A total of 938 questionnaires from all three language regions of Switzerland was analysed. Participants worked in different settings, with a higher representation of private practice self-employees (56%). Standardised fall risk assessments or instruments were used by 580 (62%) participants, while 235 (25%) preferred subjective assessment of fall risk only. Differences in fall risk assessment were observed according to the workplace setting (adjusted OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.7) and education level (trend test, p<0.001). The standardised assessments most frequently employed were the Berg Balance Scale (58%), the Timed-Up-and-Go (57%) and the Tinetti Balance Assessment tool (47%). Risk factors for falls were frequently queried, particularly history of falls (88%), home hazards (84%), and functional ability (81%). Technical resources (40%), knowledge (30%), and time (22%) were common barriers to implement a systematic fall risk assessment. Conclusions This study provides an overview of the current practices of physiotherapists in Switzerland in fall risk assessment. There is still room to optimise the standardisation and systematisation of this assessment to implement a best practice strategy and prevent avoidable falls.
ECRIN – CESSDA strategies for cross metadata mappings in selected areas between life sciences and social sciences and humanities
Authors: Ohmann Christian , Moilanen Katja , Kleemola Mari , Canham Steve , Panagiotopoulou Maria
Published: December 2023

Background The recent COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) pandemic dramatically underlined the multi-faceted nature of health research, requiring input from basic biological sciences, pharmaceutical technologies, clinical research), social sciences and public health and social engineering. Systems that could work across different disciplines would therefore seem to be a useful idea to explore. In this study we investigated whether metadata schemas and vocabularies used for discovering scientific studies and resources in the social sciences and in clinical research are similar enough to allow information from different source disciplines to be easily retrieved and presented together. Methods As a first step a literature search was performed, exemplarily identifying studies and resources, in which data from social sciences have been usefully employed or integrated with that from clinical research and clinical trials. In a second step a comparison of metadata schemas and related resource catalogues in ECRIN (European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network) and CESSDA (Consortium of European Social Science Data Archives) was performed. The focus was on discovery metadata, here defined as the metadata elements used to identify and locate scientific resources. Results A close view at the metadata schemas of CESSDA and ECRIN and the basic discovery metadata as well as a crosswalk between ECRIN and CESSDA metadata schemas have shown that there is considerable resemblance between them. Conclusions The resemblance could serve as a promising starting point to implement a common search mechanism for ECRIN and CESSDA metadata. In the paper four different options for how to proceed with implementation issues are presented.
Children in All Policies (CAP) 2030 Citizen Science for Climate Change Resilience: a cross-sectional pilot study engaging adolescents to study climate hazards, biodiversity and nutrition in rural Nepal
Authors: Hoernke Katarina , Shrestha Aishworya , Pokhrel Bhawak , Timberlake Thomas , Giri Santosh , Sapkota Sujan , Dalglish Sarah , Costello Anthony , Saville Naomi
Published: December 2023

Background Young people will suffer most from climate change yet are rarely engaged in dialogue about it. Citizen science offers a method for collecting policy-relevant data, whilst promoting awareness and capacity building. We tested the feasibility and acceptability of engaging Nepalese adolescents in climate change and health-related citizen science. Methods We purposively selected 33 adolescents from two secondary schools in one remote and one relatively accessible district of Nepal. We contextualised existing apps and developed bespoke apps to survey climate hazards, waste and water management, local biodiversity, nutrition and sociodemographic information. We analysed and presented quantitative data using a descriptive analysis. We captured perceptions and learnings via focus group discussions and analysed qualitative data using thematic analysis. We shared findings with data collectors using tables, graphs, data dashboards and maps. Results Adolescents collected 1667 biodiversity observations, identified 72 climate-change related hazards, and mapped 644 geolocations. They recorded 286 weights, 248 heights and 340 dietary recalls. Adolescents enjoyed learning how to collect the data and interpret the findings and gained an appreciation of local biodiversity which engendered ‘environmental stewardship’. Data highlighted the prevalence of failing crops and landslides, revealed both under- and over-nutrition and demonstrated that children consume more junk foods than adults. Adolescents learnt about the impacts of climate change and the importance of eating a diverse diet of locally grown foods. A lack of a pre-established sampling frame, multiple records of the same observation and spurious nutrition data entries by unsupervised adolescents limited data quality and utility. Lack of internet access severely impacted feasibility, especially of apps which provide online feedback. Conclusions Citizen science was largely acceptable, educational and empowering for adolescents, although not always feasible without internet access. Future projects could improve data quality and integrate youth leadership training to enable climate-change advocacy with local leaders.
Differential roles for the oxygen sensing enzymes PHD1 and PHD3 in the regulation of neutrophil metabolism and function
Authors: Watts Emily , Willison Joseph , Arienti Simone , Sadiku Pranvera , Coelho Patricia , Sanchez-Garcia Manuel , Zhang Ailiang , Murphy Fiona , Dickinson Rebecca , Mirchandani Ananda , Morrison Tyler , Lewis Amy , Vermaelen Wesley , Ghesquiere Bart , Carmeliet Peter , Mazzone Massimilliano , Maxwell Patrick , Pugh Christopher , Dockrell David , Whyte Moira , Walmsley Sarah
Published: December 2023

Background Neutrophils are essential in the early innate immune response to pathogens. Harnessing their antimicrobial powers, without driving excessive and damaging inflammatory responses, represents an attractive therapeutic possibility. The neutrophil population is increasingly recognised to be more diverse and malleable than was previously appreciated. Hypoxic signalling pathways are known to regulate important neutrophil behaviours and, as such, are potential therapeutic targets for regulating neutrophil antimicrobial and inflammatory responses. Methods We used a combination of in vivo and ex vivo models, utilising neutrophil and myeloid specific PHD1 or PHD3 deficient mouse lines to investigate the roles of oxygen sensing prolyl hydroxylase enzymes in the regulation of neutrophilic inflammation and immunity. Mass spectrometry and Seahorse metabolic flux assays were used to analyse the role of metabolic shifts in driving the downstream phenotypes. Results We found that PHD1 deficiency drives alterations in neutrophil metabolism and recruitment, in an oxygen dependent fashion. Despite this, PHD1 deficiency did not significantly alter ex vivo neutrophil phenotypes or in vivo outcomes in mouse models of inflammation. Conversely, PHD3 deficiency was found to enhance neutrophil antibacterial properties without excessive inflammatory responses. This was not linked to changes in the abundance of core metabolites but was associated with increased oxygen consumption and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) production. Conclusions PHD3 deficiency drives a favourable neutrophil phenotype in infection and, as such, is an important potential therapeutic target.
Fundamentals of ontology
Authors: Lipskiy Boris
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the textbook is to form students' holistic understanding of the key ideas and categories of ontology, general orientation in its conceptual framework, theoretical and methodological problems, as well as the use of ontological knowledge in solving practical problems.
It is aimed at familiarizing students with the fundamental problems of ontology, which form the basis of philosophical knowledge as a whole.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students of the 47.03.01 "Philosophy" field of study studying the discipline "Ontology and theory of knowledge". The presented material is considered and discussed mainly in the historical and cultural context, so that it can be used as an additional one for students in the areas of training 46.03.01 "History" and 51.03.01 "Cultural studies".
Ensuring economic security in the credit and financial sphere
Authors: Gadzhiev Nazirhan , Konovalenko Sergey , Trofimov Mihail , Kornilovich Ruslan
Published: December 2023

The financial and credit system is of great importance for the effective implementation of monetary policy, the pace of economic growth depends on the stable functioning of credit institutions, expanding the capabilities of enterprises to attract financial resources, and therefore ensuring the economic security of banking, insurance and financial activities is a primary task. At the same time, the financial and credit system is subject to numerous threats, the main of which are crimes of an economic orientation, in this regard, the importance of their statistical analysis increases, as well as the development of measures to neutralize them from the standpoint of the economic security of the state, which determines the relevance of this monograph.
It is intended for students, cadets, masters, postgraduates, doctoral students enrolled in programs of economic training and specialties, as well as for practitioners in the field of ensuring the economic security of the financial and credit system.
Virtual professional practice for students of speech pathologists
Authors: Nikolaeva Tat'yana
Published: December 2023

The monograph presents an approach to the development of a digital tool for the professional training of students of speech pathologists — a virtual practice aimed at the formation of professional competencies in the field of pedagogical diagnostics of children with disabilities. The stages of virtual practice development are considered, the principles of its design are revealed. The place and functions of the created digital tool in the educational process of higher education are described. The results of an experimental study are presented, indicating the effectiveness of the use of virtual practice for the formation of professional competencies of students of speech pathologists.
It is addressed to specialists of the education system, teachers, students of pedagogical universities, practitioners in the field of correctional pedagogy. It can be useful to all those who are interested in creating virtual, digital learning tools in the process of preparing students of various fields of study and specialties.
VISION-BASED DISPLACEMENT ESTIMATION OF LARGE-SCALE INFRASTRUCTURE—A CASE STUDY
Authors: RODGERS CASEY , WANG SHUO , WELSH BRIAN , SHAJIHAN SHAIK ALTHAF  V. , GOLECKI THOMAS , EICK BRIAN , FILLMORE TRAVIS , SPENCER BILLIE F.
Published: December 2023

Vision-based displacement measurement is promising for infrastructure applications because of its ability to cover traditionally hard-to-access regions, as well as its ability to enable simultaneous dense displacement measurements over large areas within a short time period. This paper proposes, demonstrates, and evaluates a visionbased strategy to estimate the displacement of large civil infrastructure under in-service loading. The first step of the strategy consists of conducting a photographic survey of the structure during a typical loading event. Next, a Kanade-Lucas-Tomasi (KLT) feature tracker is employed on photos to track displacements at various locations on the structure. Finally, computer vision-based techniques including camera motion compensation with 2D geometric transformations, correction for lens distortion, and localized histogram equalization of image intensity are implemented to tackle the inherent challenges with field-collected image data. This paper demonstrates the proposed vision-based strategy on a large, steel miter gate at the lock and dam on the Columbia River at The Dalles, OR. To evaluate the accuracy of the displacement estimation strategy, virtual images of a 3D photorealistic model of the gate with known displacements from a finite element analysis (FEA) model were considered. These displacements were then compared to the FEA displacements projected from the 3D model onto the image plane. The differences between these displacements, which ideally should be zero, directly indicate the error of the proposed strategy. Subsequently, displacements estimated from the field images are compared to those predicted by the FEA. Future work will investigate using these differences to generate high-density data for use in Bayesian model updating. The proposed approach is readily adapted for understanding the deformation of other large-scale civil infrastructure systems under inservice loading and preparing for a FEA model-updating schema.
Criminal reaction to Women murdering in Latin America in 21st century
Authors: Ferreira Baptista Vinicius
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study is to understand the specific criminal type known as murder of a woman for reasons of gender, based on a comparative analysis of its legal scope across Latin American legislations between 2007 and 2020, taking the Brazilian system as the starting point. Feminicide and femicide were the two main terms analysed here; each displays its own conceptual, legal and political means in its application and the struggles associated with its use. The methodology focused on developing a comparative study of women's rights based on what is protected and why, what is criminalised and condemned, and whether these rights are only informed by penal perspectives or refer to mainstream laws to reduce criminality. The analysed period (2007-2020) is divided into three moments and parsed from a criminal policy perspective, considering in particular the penalties and the coordination with other programs and mainstream policies to combat gender-based violence. In general, legislations opt for purely criminal-law measures without the necessary synergy with further programs, without consistency in the meaning of the terms adopted, and with difficulties to determine the offenders’ sex. We conclude that the general tendency in Latin America is one which uses feminicide/feminicide without clear and cohesive criteria in the provisions of the Criminal Codes and lacks coordination with general programs and laws on gender-based violence. Finally, the scope of legal protection is generally limited to "woman" in a biological dimension.
Molecular and cellular imaging of the eye
Authors: Nguyen Van Phuc , Zhe Josh , Hu Justin , Ahmed Umayr , Paulus Yannis M.
Published: December 2023

The application of molecular and cellular imaging in ophthalmology has numerous benefits. It can enable the early detection and diagnosis of ocular diseases, facilitating timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. Molecular imaging techniques can help identify disease biomarkers, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment responses. Furthermore, these techniques allow researchers to gain insights into the pathogenesis of ocular diseases and develop novel therapeutic strategies. Molecular and cellular imaging can also allow basic research to elucidate the normal physiological processes occurring within the eye, such as cell signaling, tissue remodeling, and immune responses. By providing detailed visualization at the molecular and cellular level, these imaging techniques contribute to a comprehensive understanding of ocular biology. Current clinically available imaging often relies on confocal microscopy, multi-photon microscopy, PET (positron emission tomography) or SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) techniques, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescence imaging. Preclinical research focuses on the identification of novel molecular targets for various diseases. The aim is to discover specific biomarkers or molecular pathways associated with diseases, allowing for targeted imaging and precise disease characterization. In parallel, efforts are being made to develop sophisticated and multifunctional contrast agents that can selectively bind to these identified molecular targets. These contrast agents can enhance the imaging signal and improve the sensitivity and specificity of molecular imaging by carrying various imaging labels, including radionuclides for PET or SPECT, fluorescent dyes for optical imaging, or nanoparticles for multimodal imaging. Furthermore, advancements in technology and instrumentation are being pursued to enable multimodality molecular imaging. Integrating different imaging modalities, such as PET/MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or PET/CT (computed tomography), allows for the complementary strengths of each modality to be combined, providing comprehensive molecular and anatomical information in a single examination. Recently, photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) has been explored as a novel imaging technology for visualization of different retinal diseases. PAM is a non-invasive, non-ionizing radiation, and hybrid imaging modality that combines the optical excitation of contrast agents with ultrasound detection. It offers a unique approach to imaging by providing both anatomical and functional information. Its ability to utilize molecularly targeted contrast agents holds great promise for molecular imaging applications in ophthalmology. In this review, we will summarize the application of multimodality molecular imaging for tracking chorioretinal angiogenesis along with the migration of stem cells after subretinal transplantation in vivo.
Utilizing Biofunctionalized Plasmonic Silver Nanostructures for Sensing Mercury Ions in Raw Milk
Authors: Das Upama , Biswas Rajib
Published: December 2023

This study employed biosynthesized silver nanoparticles for colorimetric sensing of mercury ions in raw milk samples. The observed color change signifies the conversion of nanoparticles to their ionic form in presence of mercury.
Survey of second harmonic generation in commercial germanium-doped fibers
Authors: Gemechu Wasyhun Asefa , Minoni Umberto , Modotto Daniele , Duport Patrice , Tonello Alessandro , Couderc Vincent
Published: December 2023

Seeded optical poling is a promising and simple method to write an effective quadratic coefficient in silica optical fibers doped with germanium. We considered commercial solid core fibers since these fibers could allow for a wide adoption of optical poling. For each fiber, we optimized the poling process and analyzed the second harmonic conversion efficiencies in relation with the fiber chemical composition as obtained resorting to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Our comprehensive investigation shows that segments of fibers spanning 20 cm, featuring a germanium content of around 6%, can effectively convert 30 mW of 1064 nm light with efficiencies hovering around 1%.
Visualization and quantization of 3D retinal vessels in OCTA images
Authors: Li Mingchao , Huang Kun , Zeng Chaofan , Chen Qiang , Zhang Weiwei
Published: December 2023

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has been increasingly used in the analysis of ophthalmic diseases in recent years. Automatic vessel segmentation in 2D OCTA projection images is commonly used in clinical practice. However, OCTA provides a 3D volume of the retinal blood vessels with rich spatial distribution information, and it is incomplete to segment retinal vessels only in 2D projection images. Here, considering that it is difficult to manually label 3D vessels, we introduce a 3D vessel segmentation and reconstruction method for OCTA images with only 2D vessel labels. We implemented 3D vessel segmentation in the OCTA volume using a specially trained 2D vessel segmentation model. The 3D vessel segmentation results are further used to calculate 3D vessel parameters and perform 3D reconstruction. The experimental results on the public dataset OCTA-500 demonstrate that 3D vessel parameters have higher sensitivity to vascular alteration than 2D vessel parameters, which makes it meaningful for clinical analysis. The 3D vessel reconstruction provides vascular visualization in different retinal layers that can be used to monitor the development of retinal diseases. Finally, we also illustrate the use of 3D reconstruction results to determine the relationship between the location of arteries and veins.
Robustness of the modified multi-trench fiber design with two gaps
Authors: Sun Jiang , Wang Dong , Zhang Dechao , Li Yunbo , Han Liuyan , Li Haisu , Li Han
Published: December 2023

We investigate the robustness of a modified multi-trench fiber (MTF) design with two gaps numerically. The excellent suppression of high-order modes is demonstrated over a wide range of the gap misalignment and the fundamental mode loss is barely affected even with the 5 dB/m scattering loss in gaps at the modified two-gap MTF for the first time. Therefore, the required fabrication accuracy decreases.
Quantum-inspired optical coherence tomography using classical light in a single-photon counting regime
Authors: Dąbrowska Anita M. , Kolenderska Sylwia M. , Szlachetka Jakub , Słowik Karolina , Kolenderski Piotr
Published: December 2023

Quantum optical coherence tomography (Q-OCT) presents many advantages
over its classical counterpart, optical coherence tomography (OCT),
provides an increased axial resolution, and is immune to even orders
of dispersion. The core of Q-OCT is the quantum interference of
negatively correlated entangled photon pairs which, in the Fourier
domain, are observed by means of a joint spectrum measurement. In this
work, we explore the use of a spectral approach in a novel
configuration where classical light pulses are employed instead of
entangled photons. The intensity of these light pulses is reduced to a
single photon level. We report theoretical analysis along with its
experimental validation to show that although such a classical light
is much easier to launch into an experimental system, it offers
limited benefits compared to Q-OCT based on the entangled light. We
analyze the differences in the characteristics of the joint spectrum
obtained with entangled photons and with classical optical pulses and
point out to the differences’ source: the lack of the
advantage-bringing term in the signal.
Single-shot local measurement of terahertz correlated second harmonic generation in laser air plasma filaments
Authors: Pac Chong Mervin Lim , Garriga Francis Kareem J. , Yiwen E. , Zhang Xi-Cheng
Published: December 2023

We present a single-shot detection method of terahertz correlated second harmonic generation in plasma-based sources by directly mixing an optical probe into femtosecond laser-induced plasma filaments in air. The single-shot second harmonic trace is obtained by measuring a second harmonic generation on a conventional CCD with a spatiotemporally distorted probe beam. The system shows a spectrometer resolution of 22 fs/pixel on the CCD and a true resolution on the order of the probe pulse duration. With considerable THz peak electric field strength, this formalism can open the door to single-shot THz detection without bandwidth limitations.
Collinear optical links based on a GaN-integrated chip for fiber-optic acoustic detection
Authors: Shi Fan , Zhang Hao , Jiang Chengxiang , Fu Kang , Wang Linning , Qi Ziqian , Sun Zhihang , Fang Li , Zhu Hongbo , Yan Jiabin , Wang Yongjin
Published: December 2023

This Letter reports a collinear optical interconnect architecture for
acoustic sensing via a monolithic integrated GaN optoelectronic chip.
The chip is designed with a ring-shaped photodiode (PD) surrounding a
light-emitting diode (LED) of a spectral range from 420–530 nm.
The axisymmetric structure helps the coaxial propagation of light
transmission and reception. By placing this multiple-quantum wells
(MQW)-based device and a piece of aluminum-coated polyethylene
terephthalate (Al/PET) film on fiber ends, an ultra-compact acoustic
sensing system is built. The sound vibrations can be simply detected
by direct measurement of the diaphragm deformation-induced power
change. An average signal noise ratio (SNR) of 40 dB and a maximum
sensitivity of 82 mV/Pa are obtained when the acoustic vibration
frequency changes from 400 Hz to 3.2 kHz. This work provides a
feasible solution to miniaturize the sensing system footprint and
reduce the cost.
Engineering of energy band and its impact on the light transmission in a non-reciprocal Hermitian hourglass lattice
Authors: Yang Junhao , Wang Yuandan , Lin Yu , Zhang Wenjing , Xin Guoguo , Qi Xinyuan
Published: December 2023

We study a quasi-one-dimensional non-reciprocal Hermitian hourglass photonic lattice that can accomplish multiple functions. Under the effect of non-reciprocal coupling, this lattice can produce an energy isolation effect, two kinds of flatbands, and energy band inversion. The excitation and propagation of a single energy band and multiple energy bands can be realized; in the flatband condition, the system has compact localized states, and the flatbands can be excited by a straightforward method. Our findings advance the theory of energy band regulation in artificial photonic lattices.
Beam quality improvement in a linear ZPG OPO pumped by a Q-switched compact high-power Ho3+:YAG laser
Authors: Goth Katharina , Eitner Madeleine , Griesbeck Michael , Rupp Marius , Lorenz Dominik , Deutsch Johannes , Eichhorn Marc , Kieleck Christelle
Published: December 2023

We present a Ho3+:YAG laser pumped by a Tm3+-doped fiber laser that delivers pulses with an energy of 2.2 mJ and a pulse duration of 20 ns at a repetition rate of 25 kHz. The average output power is 58 W, while the pulse peak power is 108 kW. This source is used to pump a linear zinc germanium phosphide optical parametric oscillator (OPO) in different configurations. The resonators are investigated with a focus on maximum output power and beam quality. By introducing a diverging lens in the OPO cavity, the beam quality of signal and idler is improved significantly. For a pump power of 34 W, a combined mid-infrared output power of 14.1 W corresponding to a pulse energy of 0.56 mJ is obtained. For this output power, beam quality factors M2 in the x- and y-axis of 2.1 and 3.3 as well as 2.4 and 3.5 are achieved for the signal and idler beam, respectively.
Enhanced opposite Imbert–Fedorov shifts of vortex beams for precise sensing of temperature and thickness
Authors: Zhu Guiyuan , Gao Binjie , Ye Linhua , Zhang Junxiang , Wang Li-Gang
Published: December 2023

The Imbert–Fedorov (IF) shift, which refers to a tiny transverse
splitting induced by spin–orbit interaction at a reflection/refraction
interface, is sensitive to the refractive index of a medium and
momentum state of incident light. Most studies have focused on the
shift for an incident light beam with a spin angular momentum (SAM),
i.e., circular polarization. We demonstrate experimentally that
the relative IF shifts of vortex beams with large opposite orbital
angular momentums (OAMs) are highly enhanced in resonant structures
when light refracts through a double-prism structure (DPS), in which
the thickness and temperature of the air gap are precisely sensed via
the observed relative IF shifts. The thickness and temperature
sensitivities increase as the absolute value of opposite OAMs
increases. Our results offer a technological and practical platform
for applications in sensing of thickness and temperature, ingredients
of environment gas, spatial displacement, chemical substances and
deformation structure.
Laser-cavity locking utilizing beam ellipticity: accessing the 10−7 instability scale relative to cavity linewidth
Authors: Diorico Fritz , Zhutov Artem , Hosten Onur
Published: December 2023

Frequency-stable lasers form the back bone of precision measurements in science and technology. Such lasers typically attain their stability through frequency locking to reference cavities. State-of-the-art locking performances to date had been achieved using frequency modulation based methods, complemented with active drift cancellation systems. We demonstrate an all passive, modulation-free laser-cavity locking technique (squash locking) that utilizes changes in spatial beam ellipticity for error signal generation, and a coherent polarization post-selection for noise resilience. By comparing two identically built proof-of-principle systems, we show a frequency locking instability of 5×10−7 relative to the cavity linewidth at 10 s averaging. The results surpass the demonstrated performances of methods engineered over the last five decades, potentially enabling an advancement in the precision control of lasers, while creating avenues for bridging the performance gaps between industrial grade lasers with scientific ones due to the afforded simplicity and scalability.
Interplay of gain and loss in arrays of nonlinear plasmonic nanoparticles: toward parametric downconversion and amplification
Authors: Shah Syed , Clark Michael , Zyss Joseph , Sukharev Maxim , Piryatinski Andrei
Published: December 2023

With the help of a theoretical model and finite-difference-time-domain simulations based on the hydrodynamic-Maxwell model, we examine the effect of difference frequency generation in an array of L-shaped metal nano-particles characterized by intrinsic plasmonic nonlinearity. The outcomes of the calculations reveal the spectral interplay of the gain and loss in the vicinity of the fundamental frequency of the localized surface-plasmon resonances. Subsequently, we identify different array depths and pumping regimes facilitating parametric amplification and parametric down-conversion. Our results suggest that the parametric amplification
regime becomes feasible on a scale of hundreds of nanometers and parametric downconversion on the scale of tens of nanometers, opening up new exciting opportunities for developing building blocks of photonic metasurfaces.
24.9-GHz-bandwidth VCSEL enables 170-Gbit/s OFDM, GFDM, and DMT transmissions
Authors: Wu Wei-Li , Cheng Chih-Hsien , Matsumoto Atsushi , Akahane Kouichi , Yang Yun-Cheng , Su Borching , Wu Chao-Hsin , Feng Milton , Lin Gong-Ru
Published: December 2023

The direct modulation and fiber transmission performances of a bi-layer-oxide-confined 850-nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) containing an emission aperture size of 3.5 μm with versatile novel complex data formats are compared. With delivering quadrature amplitude modulation-orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (QAM-OFDM), generalized frequency-division multiplexing (GFDM), and discrete multi-tone (DMT) data streams, the highest data rate allowable for encoding the 3.5-μm-aperture VCSEL is demonstrated under back-to-back (BtB) and 100-m OM5-multi-mode fiber (OM5-MMF) transmissions. The newly designed 3.5-μm-aperture VCSEL contains InGaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells and bi-layer-oxide-confined aperture to enhance its differential gain, reduce its thermal resistance, and improve its parasitic resistance for providing broader encoding bandwidth. Optimizing the VCSEL bias at 9 mA (11Ith) makes the lasing with three to four transverse modes suffer from a low modal dispersion effect, which also provides its 3-dB bandwidth as wide as 24.9 GHz and suppresses its RIN level to −138.0  dBc/Hz for broadband OFDM/GFDM/DMT data encoding. By using the pre-distortion technique on the OFDM to compensate the SNR degradation, the OFDM modified with a pre-leveling slope of 0.5 dB/GHz can provide 160 Gbit/s for BtB and 140 Gbit/s for 100-m OM5-MMF transmissions. By dividing the N OFDM subcarriers into K equally-sized GFDM subcarriers and M equally-sized GFDM subsymbols, the QAM-GFDM with K=2 can effectively enhance the out-of-band suppression to 35.9 dB and reduce the peak-to-average-power ratio to 9.7 dB, which can support 168 Gbit/s under BtB and 144 Gbit/s in 100-m OM5-MMF transmissions. To achieve the maximal spectral-usage efficiency, the DMT with the adaptive bit-loading algorithm is employed to improve the data rate up to 172 Gbit/s for BtB and 146 Gbit/s for 100-m OM5-MMF conditions. These advanced pre-leveled 16-QAM OFDM, GFDM, and DMT formats carried by the bi-oxide-layer-confined 3.5-μm-aperture VCSEL have shown their promising and brilliant future for supporting ultrahigh-speed intra-data-center links.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody kinetics up to 6 months of follow-up: Result from a nation-wide population-based, age stratified sero-epidemiological prospective cohort study in India
Authors: Misra Puneet , Singh Arvind Kumar , Mishra Baijayantimala , Behera Bijayini , Patro Binod Kumar , Medigeshi Guruprasad R. , Joshi Hari Shanker , Ahmad Mohammad , Chaturvedi Pradeep Kumar , Chinnakali Palanivel , Haldar Partha , Bairwa Mohan , Kharya Pradeep , Dhodapkar Rahul , Rath Ramashankar , Guleria Randeep , Rai Sanjay Kumar , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar , Kant Shashi , Sarkar Sonali , Baidya Subrata , Meena Suneeta , Mandal Suprakash , Kishore Surekha , Majumder Tapan , Hada Vivek
Published: December 2023

Repeated serological testing tells about the change in the overall infection in a community. This study aimed to evaluate changes in antibody prevalence and kinetics in a closed cohort over six months in different sub-populations in India. The study included 10,000 participants from rural and urban areas in five states and measured SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum in three follow-up rounds. The overall seroprevalence increased from 73.9% in round one to 90.7% in round two and 92.9% in round three. Among seropositive rural participants in round one, 98.2% remained positive in round two, and this percentage remained stable in urban and tribal areas in round three. The results showed high antibody prevalence that increased over time and was not different based on area, age group, or sex. Vaccinated individuals had higher antibody prevalence, and nearly all participants had antibody positivity for up to six months.