bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping alterations in the local synchrony of the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia
Authors: Pujol Jesus , Pujol Nuria , Mané Anna , Martínez-Vilavella Gerard , Deus Joan , Pérez-Sola Víctor , Blanco-Hinojo Laura
Published: October 2023

Background

Observations from different fields of research coincide in indicating that a defective gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneuron system may be among the primary factors accounting for the varied clinical expression of schizophrenia. GABA interneuron deficiency is locally expressed in the form of neural activity desynchronization. We mapped the functional anatomy of local synchrony in the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia using functional connectivity MRI.

Methods

Data from 86 patients with schizophrenia and 137 control subjects were obtained from publicly available repositories. Resting-state functional connectivity maps based on Iso-Distant Average Correlation measures across three distances were estimated detailing the local functional structure of the cerebral cortex.

Results

Patients with schizophrenia showed weaker local functional connectivity (i.e., lower MRI signal synchrony) in (i) prefrontal lobe areas, (ii) somatosensory, auditory, visual, and motor cortices, (iii) paralimbic system at the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex, and (iv) hippocampus. The distribution of the defect in cortical area synchrony largely coincided with the synchronization effect of the GABA agonist alprazolam previously observed using identical functional connectivity measures. There was also a notable resemblance between the anatomy of our findings and cortical areas showing higher density of parvalbumin (prefrontal lobe and sensory cortices) and somatostatin (anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex) GABA interneurons in humans.

Conclusions

Our results thus provide detail of the functional anatomy of synchrony changes in the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia and suggest which elements of the interneuron system are affected. Such information could ultimately be relevant in the search for specific treatments.
Exploring Breast Cancer Systemic Drug Therapy Patterns in Real-World Data
Authors: O'Rourke Julia , Warnick Jeff , Doole John , De Keyser Luc , Drebert Zuzanna , Wan Olivia , Thompson Courtney N. , London Jack W. , Fairchild Karen , Palchuk Matvey B.
Published: October 2023

Bottom-up learning of breast cancer chemo regimens in real-world data from 21 US-based cancer centers.
The Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Association Between Thyroid Function and Depression: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Roa Dueñas Oscar Hernando , Hofman Amy , Luik Annemarie I , Medici Marco , Peeters Robin P , Chaker Layal
Published: October 2023

Context

An association of thyroid function with mood disorders has been widely suggested, but very few studies have examined this association longitudinally.

Objective

We assessed the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between thyroid function and depression in a population-based cohort.

Methods

A total of 9471 individuals were included in cross-sectional analyses, of whom 8366 had longitudinal data. At baseline, we assessed thyroid function using serum samples (thyrotropin [TSH], free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies) and depressive symptoms using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Incident depressive events (n = 1366) were continuously followed up with the CES-D and clinical interviews. We analyzed the cross-sectional association of thyroid function and thyroid disease with depressive symptoms using linear and logistic regression, and the longitudinal association with Cox proportional hazard models for depressive events.

Results

Lower TSH levels and lower and higher FT4 levels were cross-sectionally associated with more depressive symptoms with a B value of −0.07 per 1 unit increase of natural log-transformed TSH (95% CI −0.11; −0.04). Furthermore, hypothyroidism was cross-sectionally associated with less depressive symptoms and hyperthyroidism with more depressive symptoms. Longitudinally, there was a U-shaped association between FT4 and incident depressive events but only in euthyroid participants.

Conclusion

We show a cross-sectional association between thyroid (dys)function with depressive symptoms, and a U-shaped association between FT4 and incident depressive events in euthyroid individuals. Our findings suggest an association of thyroid function with the risk of developing depression, albeit small. Reverse causation and additional underlying factors may also contribute to the association.
Chronic Immune-Mediated Demyelinating Neuropathies
Authors: Gable Karissa
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

This article is an overview of chronic demyelinating neuropathies and highlights the phenotypic categorization, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic immune-mediated neuropathies. The clinical and diagnostic characteristics of other chronic demyelinating neuropathies that are common mimics of immune-mediated neuropathies are also discussed.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

The underlying pathophysiology of chronic demyelinating neuropathies is heterogeneous, and components of both humoral and cellular immune responses are thought to play a role in the immune-mediated types of chronic demyelinating neuropathy. The role of the humoral response is highlighted with a specific focus on the relatively recent discovery of antibody-mediated antinodal and paranodal demyelinating neuropathies. Additionally, new diagnostic criteria for some of the chronic demyelinating neuropathies, as well as ways to differentiate chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy from other chronic demyelinating polyneuropathies, are discussed.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Chronic demyelinating neuropathies can present with overlapping clinical characteristics with seemingly subtle variations. It is clinically important to differentiate these types of neuropathies because the treatment and management can vary and affect prognosis.
Pseudo dual-energy CT-derived iodine mapping using single-energy CT data based on a convolution neural network
Authors: Yuasa Yuki , Shiinoki Takehiro , Fujimoto Koya , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: October 2023

Objective:

The objectives of this study are: (1) to develop a convolutional neural network model that yields pseudo high-energy CT (CTpseudo_high) from simple image processed low-energy CT (CTlow) images, and (2) to create a pseudo iodine map (IMpseudo) and pseudo virtual non-contrast (VNCpseudo) images for thoracic and abdominal regions.

Methods:

Eighty patients who underwent dual-energy CT (DECT) examinations were enrolled. The data obtained from 55, 5, and 20 patients were used for training, validation, and testing, respectively. The ResUnet model was used for image generation model and was trained using CTlow and high-energy CT (CThigh) images. The proposed model performance was evaluated by calculating the CT values, image noise, mean absolute errors (MAEs), and histogram intersections (HIs).

Results:

The mean difference in the CT values between CTpseudo_high and CThigh images were less than 6 Hounsfield unit (HU) for all evaluating patients. The image noise of CTpseudo_high was significantly lower than that of CThigh. The mean MAEs was less than 15 HU, and HIs were almost 1.000 for all the patients. The evaluation metrics of IM and VNC exhibited the same tendency as that of the comparison between CTpseudo_high and CThigh images.

Conclusions:

Our results indicated that the proposed model enables to obtain the DECT images and material-specific images from only single-energy CT images.

Advances in knowledges:

We constructed the CNN-based model which can generate pseudo DECT image and DECT-derived material-specific image using only simple image-processed CTlow images for the thoracic and abdominal regions.
Does the availability of prior mammograms improve radiologists’ observer performance?—a scoping review
Authors: Akwo Judith D. , Trieu Phuong , Lewis Sarah
Published: October 2023

Objective:

The objective of this review was to examine the impact of previous mammogram availability on radiologists’ performance from screening populations and experimental studies.

Materials and Methods:

A search of the literature was conducted using five databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL as well as Google and reference lists of articles. Keywords were combined with “AND” or “OR” or “WITH” and included “prior mammograms, diagnostic performance, initial images, diagnostic efficacy, subsequent images, previous imaging, and radiologist’s performance”. Studies that assessed the impact of previous mammogram availability on radiologists’ performance were reviewed. The Standard for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy guidelines was used to critically appraise individual sources of evidence.

Results:

A total of 15 articles were reviewed. The sample of mammogram cases used across these studies varied from 36 to 1,208,051. Prior mammograms did not affect sensitivity [with priors: 62–86% (mean = 73.3%); without priors: 69.4–87.4% (mean = 75.8%)] and cancer detection rate, but increased specificity [with priors: 72–96% (mean = 87.5%); without priors: 63–87% (mean = 80.5%)] and reduced false-positive rates [with priors: 3.7 to 36% (mean = 19.9%); without priors 13.3–49% (mean = 31.4%)], recall rates [with priors: 3.8–57% (mean = 26.6%); without priors: [4.9%–67.5% (mean = 37.9%)], and abnormal interpretation rate decreased by 4% with priors. Evidence for the associations between the availability of prior mammograms and positive-predictive value, area under the curve (AUC) from the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and localisation ROC AUC, and positive-predictive value of recall is limited and unclear.

Conclusion:

Availability of prior mammograms reduces recall rates, false-positive rates, abnormal interpretation rates, and increases specificity without affecting sensitivity and cancer detection rate.
Stenotrophomonas goyi sp. nov., a novel bacterium associated with the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Torres María Jesus , Fakhimi Neda , Dubini Alexandra , González-Ballester David
Published: October 2023

Background: A culture of the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was accidentally contaminated with three different bacteria in our laboratory facilities. This contaminated alga culture showed increased algal biohydrogen production. These three bacteria were independently isolated.

Methods: The chromosomic DNA of one of the isolated bacteria was extracted and sequenced using PacBio technology. Tentative genome annotation (RAST server) and phylogenetic trees analysis (TYGS server) were conducted. Diverse growth tests were assayed for the bacterium and for the alga-bacterium consortium.

Results: Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the bacterium is a novel member of the Stenotrophomonas genus that has been termed in this work as S. goyi sp. nov. A fully sequenced genome (4,487,389 base pairs) and its tentative annotation (4,147 genes) are provided. The genome information suggests that S. goyi sp. nov. is unable to use sulfate and nitrate as sulfur and nitrogen sources, respectively. Growth tests have confirmed the dependence on the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine. S. goyi sp. nov. and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii can establish a mutualistic relationship when cocultured together.

Conclusions: S. goyi sp. nov. could be of interest for the design of biotechnological approaches based on the use of artificial microalgae-bacteria multispecies consortia that take advantage of the complementary metabolic capacities of their different microorganisms.
Bactericidal activity of newly synthesized antimicrobial peptides against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus and biofilm-forming methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Salama Ali
Published: October 2023

Background: The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) poses a significant global challenge for healthcare professionals. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a prominent pathogen responsible for both hospital-acquired (nosocomial) and community-acquired infections, is particularly difficult to treat. Existing treatment options, such as vancomycin, linezolid, or clindamycin, have limitations. Therefore, there is a need for innovative approaches to combat infections caused by drug-resistant organisms.

Methods: In this study, we synthesized a novel ultra-short antimicrobial peptide composed of three units of tryptophan and three units of lysine. We evaluated the effectiveness of this peptide against MRSA and MRSA that forms biofilms.

Results: Encouraging results demonstrated that the peptide effectively killed both MRSA and biofilm-forming MRSA, while exhibiting low toxicity to human red blood cells. Additionally, our novel peptide showed excellent synergistic effects when combined with vancomycin against MRSA. Furthermore, when combined with levofloxacin and clarithromycin, our peptide exhibited synergistic effects against biofilm-forming MRSA.

Conclusions: In conclusion, this study presents a novel ultra-short antimicrobial peptide (USAMP) that holds potential as a new generation of antibiotics to combat globally prevalent drug-resistant bacteria.
New 3-aminorhodanine derivatives: Synthesis, characterization, docking study and biological activates
Authors: Khalaf Noor Alhuda Dakhel , Hasan Hiba Ali , Ali Karima Fadhil
Published: October 2023

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is seen in almost all cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As a result, targeting EGFR has become an attractive subject of research in fields such as antitumor research and the most important strategy for cancer treatment, in particular, in the treatment of non-small-cell lung malignancies using EGFR-targeting therapies. Methods: For this purpose, novel N- and 5- disubstituted aminorhodanine derivatives were synthesized by Schiff base and using a Knoevenagel condensation approach over two steps of reactions. Then, rhodanine derivatives were analyzed their cytotoxic effect on A549 lung cancer and Hdfn normal cell and compared the analysis result with erlotinib (anticancer drug) as standard to determine their activities on cancer cell and toxicity or safety on normal cell. Results: Synthetic compounds (2a1-2, 2b1-2) showed different effects at 24, 48 and 72h. The higher anticancer effect was seen for 2a2 and 2a1with IC50 10 μg/mL and 32.59 μg/mL, respectively, at 24h and 72 h. Also, they show high anticancer potency at 72h with low effect and high safety on human normal cell. Conclusions: Developing a new series of rhodanine derivatives and evaluating their anticancer activity is the main goal of the study. In silico and in vitro antitumor investigations for newly synthesized compounds with different properties and functional group in chemical structure revealed different activities against lung cancer cell. Compounds 2a1-2 which contain pyridine ring in their chemical structure showed more potent effect than the derivative that bearing furyl ring (2b1-2).
plastiC: A pipeline for recovery and characterization of plastid genomes from metagenomic datasets
Authors: Cameron Ellen S. , Blaxter Mark L. , Finn Robert D.
Published: October 2023

The use of culture independent molecular methods, often referred to as metagenomics, have revolutionized the ability to explore and characterize microbial communities from diverse environmental sources. Most metagenomic workflows have been developed for identification of prokaryotic and eukaryotic community constituents, but tools for identification of plastid genomes are lacking. The endosymbiotic origin of plastids also poses challenges where plastid metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs) may be misidentified as low-quality bacterial MAGs. Current tools are limited to classification of contigs as plastid and do not provide further assessment or characterization of plastid MAGs.  plastiC is a workflow that allows users to identify plastid genomes in metagenome assemblies, assess completeness, and predict taxonomic association from diverse environmental sources. plastiC is a Snakemake workflow available at https://github.com/Finn-Lab/plastiC. We demonstrate the utility of this workflow with the successful recover of algal plastid MAGs from publicly available lichen metagenomes.
The genome sequence of a drosophilid fruit fly, Chymomyza fuscimana (Drosophilidae) (Zetterstedt, 1838)
Authors: Obbard Darren J. ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Chymomyza fuscimana (drosophilid fruit fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Drosophilidae). The genome sequence is 338.0 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.47 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the Batman Hoverfly, Myathropa florea (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Hawkes William L. S. , Wotton Karl R. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Myathropa florea (the Batman Hoverfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence is 485.1 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.77 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19,633 protein coding genes.
Testing and compilation of digital block models in the CAD software and analytical complex
Authors: Grosheva Ekaterina , Chubunov Pavel , Shmakov E. , Zolnikov V. , Skvorcova Ekaterina
Published: October 2023

The article discusses the important stages of the process of developing a digital device of microelectronics associated with testing and compiling models of digital blocks. The work was carried out as part of the creation of a domestic CAD system designed for the design of various digital microelectronics devices. The presented works were carried out by VSFEU together with ROSELECTRONICS Holding. The authors have developed a model of a digital microprocessor based on SYNTACORE's SCR1 core, a 32-bit fully functional RISC-V architecture model with an IMC instruction set. To simulate the RTL model, an XCELIUM simulator with a SimVision visualization shell from Cadence was used, which allows a complete analysis of the RTL model. The core model was compiled using the Genus software from the Cadence development package. Next, the model was configured and optimized according to the time parameters according to the specified restrictions on the microprocessor being developed. It is important to note that effective testing and compilation of digital block models requires the use of specialized tools, such as automated testing tools and version control systems. This makes it possible to significantly speed up the development process and improve the quality of the final product. As a result, a package of files for Innovus software was formed to create a topology.
CENTROS DE INTERNAMIENTO DE EXTRANJEROS TRAS EL COVID-19
Authors: García Prieto Eva
Published: October 2023

El presente artículo, explora las implicaciones jurídicas de la existencia de los Centros de Internamiento de extranjeros. Recorre la historia de estas instituciones gubernamentales y las controversias que las han acompañado desde su creación. Analiza las condiciones materiales en las que se encontraban las personas internas. Por último, argumenta y aboga por el cierre definitivo tras el vaciado durante la gestión del Covid-19.
Tumour Recurrence in peristomal skin: a case report
Authors: Wai Ivan Chi , Chan Ada Wy , Lam Joyce YH , Chan Sharon KH , Lau CW , Lai Eric CH
Published: October 2023

Peristomal skin recurrences of colorectal cancer after excision of the primary are rare. Clinically, it presents as a subcutaneous mass throughout the abdominal wall and progressively extends on the abdomen as a skin granuloma. Two colorectal cancer patients (an 83-year-old man, previously treated with left hemicolectomy and right exteriorisation for an obstructive tumour of the descending colon, Stage IV mucinous, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and a 60-year-old man who finished the Hartmann's operation and small bowel resection for a perforated and locally advanced cancer of the descending colon) presented tumour recurrences in their peristomal skin. In both patients, the initial presentation was a tiny mucocutaneous skin granuloma. Subsequently, it became a large-sized, atypical, fungated tumour growth, which was complicated with persistent bleeding. A skin biopsy demonstrated an infiltration of adenocarcinoma throughout the dermis and was diagnosed as a local recurrence accompanied by peristomal skin metastasis. Although abdominal skin metastasis of colorectal cancer is rare, it is often a sign of intraabdominal recurrence. Therefore, any unusual skin lesions around the incision scar or stoma should be early biopsied to rule out local metastasis. Stoma nurse specialists play a crucial role in conducting stoma examinations, which involve both stoma and abdominal assessments. Point of care using ultrasound; clinical photos; telehealth; and patient empowerment could be advanced to facilitate early identification of stomal complications for timely investigation and treatment.
Pharmacological management of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Kasmani Ilkin
Published: October 2023

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common longstanding condition with a variety of symptoms including constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps or bloating. There are no specific causes of IBS; therefore, symptoms and management are individualised to each patient. Management strategies involve lifestyle advice on diet and exercise, medications and psychological therapies. IBS can be extremely debilitating to patients’ quality of life and is usually diagnosed as a process of elimination of other gastrointestinal conditions that can have similar symptoms, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Medications to manage IBS include laxatives, antispasmodics, antimotility agents and neuromodulators, as IBS is believed to be a disorder of the gut–brain axis.
Review of the annual report for the NMC register
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: October 2023

Penny Harrison guides readers through the latest annual report from the NMC
Complication rates associated with traction removal of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes
Authors: Melling Georgina , Farley Joshua
Published: October 2023

Background:

percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are removed and/or replaced for reasons such as tube malfunction, degradation, patient's device preference, and when stopping enteral feeding.

Aims:

to identify the types and rate of complications associated with traction removal of a PEG tube and if this is associated with the size of the PEG or length of time it had been in situ prior to removal.

Methods:

This retrospective study looked at the tube removal/replacement reports written by the Enteral Feeding Nursing Service over an 8-year period at a large teaching hospital trust in the north of England.

Findings:

the PEG tube removal reports of 127 patients were reviewed. Five types of complication were identified, categorised as retained bumper (5.5%); intraperitoneal placement of new device (3.17%); misplacement of replacement device into colon (a consequence of the insertion procedure not the removal of the PEG) (0.78%): gastrocutaneous fistula (0.78%); and inability to remove the tube (1.57%). The complication of retained bumpers was associated with an average length of time in situ prior to removal of the PEG tube of 29 months. In the cases of intraperitoneal placement, the PEG tube had been in situ for an average of 6 months. Nurses were unable to remove the PEG tube on two occasions; each had been in situ for approximately 4 years prior to attempted removal.

Conclusion:

the complication rates are low following removal of a PEG tube using a traction pull. There was no clear correlation between length of time in situ or tube size and complication rate.
Izrada i validacija Upitnika o ponašanju, stavovima i znanju o dojenju na uzorku hrvatskih zdravstvenih djelatnika
Authors: Čatipović Marija , Puharić Zrinka , Čatipović Paula , Schweigert Jelena
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to create a questionnaire that will enable the quantification of procedures, attitudes and knowledge of healthcare professionals on breastfeeding. The research was conducted on 370 healthcare workers (37 male and 333 female) who, in the period from 15/12/2020 until 15/03/2021, completed the online working version of the questionnaire. Statistical procedures of particle reduction and extraction of the main factors and calculation of construct validity (indicate the degree to which an instrument measures the trait or theoretical construct that it is intended to measure) resulted in a questionnaire on behavior, attitudes and knowledge of health workers about breastfeeding (BBAKQ prof). The questionnaire consists of a scale of behavior (9 items), attitudes (19 items) and knowledge (20 items). The behavior scale shows satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.70), and the factorial solution with three factors (Breastfeeding Support, Breastfeeding Cessation, and Wrong advice) explains 67.16% of the variance (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test = 0.69, Bartlett's test < 0.000). The extracted values of the average variance extracted for each latent variable are greater than 0.5 (0.55/0.63/0.72) which indicates good convergent validity. Heterotrait-monotrait (HTMT) ratio correlations (0.11/0.19/0.56) confirm good discriminant validity. The attitude scale has a high Cronbach's Alpha (0.94), and the factorial solution with two factors (Positive attitudes on breastfeeding, Negative attitudes on breastfeeding) explains 61.65% of the variance (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test = 0.93, Bartlett's test < 0.000). The average variance extracted values for each latent variable are greater than 0.5 (0.53/0.67), and the HTMT correlation ratio is 0.63, indicating good convergent and discriminant validity. The internal consistency of knowledge scale items on the BBAKQ prof. questionnaire is very good (KR20 = 0.81). The questionnaire could be used as an aid in research of contribution of healthcare workers to successful breastfeeding, it is free and available at the link provided in the text.
SHEAR BEHAVIOUR OF REINFORCED-CONCRETE BEAMS INCORPORATING IRON FILINGS AS SAND REPLACEMENT
Authors:   University of Misan, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Road No.6, Maysan 62001, Amarah, Iraq, Dawood Abbas , Al-Khazraji Hayder ,   University of Misan, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Road No.6, Maysan 62001, Amarah, Iraq, Mahmood Dua'a ,   University of Misan, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Road No.6, Maysan 62001, Amarah, Iraq
Published: October 2023

This study examined the influence of partial sand replacement with iron filings on the mechanical and physical characteristics of concrete, as well as conducted experimental tests of the shear behaviour of reinforced-concrete beams. Four replacement rates were used in this study, i.e., 5 %, 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % with a reference mixture containing no iron filings. At ages 7, 14, and 28 days, mechanical property tests (slump, density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, and splitting strength tests) were conducted. In addition, the shear behaviour of five reinforced-concrete beams with the same replacement rates (0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 20 %, and 30 %) were experimentally tested. Tests were conducted to determine the ultimate load failure, final deflection, energy absorption, stiffness, ductility index, compressive stress, and crack formations. According to the results, the correlation between the slump test and iron filings is positive; however, that for absorption is negative. With a higher percentage of iron-filing replacement, the density and ultrasonic pulse velocity increased. For specimens with 30,00 % iron filings, the densities, pulse velocities, and slumps were raised by 6,27 %, 2,44 %, and 58,33 %, respectively, compared to the reference specimens, whereas the absorption rate decreased by 20,00 %. Having 20,00 % iron filings produced the maximum compressive and splitting strengths of 28,00 %, which was 4,60 % higher than the reference mixture, whereas 30,00 % iron filings produced the highest flexural strength, which was 9,50 % higher than the reference mix. The findings of beam testing revealed that increasing the iron-filing content in concrete beams increased the final failure load, final deflection, ductility index, and energy absorption by 6,70 %, 10,29 %, 11,30 %, and 35,00 %, respectively. The initial and secant stiffnesses decreased at rates of 12,60 % and 3,10 %, respectively.
Thinking about Chemistry in Byzantium and the Islamic World
Authors: Roberts Alexandre M.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This article investigates several discussions of “chemistry,” understood as an analysts’ category referring to theories and practices dealing with the structure and transformation of matter. By reading these texts (a treatise defending kīmiyāʾ by al-Fārābī, the famous passage from Ibn Sīnā’s Shifāʾ on transmutation, Ibn Taymiyyah’s fatwā against kīmiyāʾ , Michael Psellos’s treatise On Making Gold , and the same author’s Accusation against a sitting Patriarch of Constantinople), the article aims to lay the groundwork for integrating the historiography of Byzantine and Arabic alchemy into a wider western Eurasian intellectual history.
The Idea of Deafness as Disability in Renaissance Germany
Authors: Baum Jacob M.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This essay assesses the degree to which the deaf were regarded as a disabled population in medical, religious, and legal thought during the Renaissance, chronologically identified with the period between approximately 1500 and 1650. The primary geographic focus rests on the German-speaking lands of central Europe. Analysis shows that the idea of deafness as a disability here was composite one, making connections between inability to hear and intellectual impairment, moral deficiency, and disease. This contrasts with recent findings elsewhere in Europe, where intellectuals were more focused on sign languages as a means of integrating the deaf into hearing society.
Scalable Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits by III-V/Si Hybrid Integration
Authors: Takenaka Mitsuru , Tang Hanzhi , Watanabe Kouhei , Ochiai Takaya , Akazawa Tomohiro , Fujita Masahiro , Chai Chengli , Huang Mingzhi , Wakita Yosuke , Miyatake Yuto , Ohno Shuhei , Sumita Kei , Monfray Stephane , Boeuf Frederic , Okano Makoto , Tang Rui , Toprasertpong Kasidit , Takagi Shinichi
Published: October 2023

We discuss efficient optical phase shifter, in-line optical power monitor, and low-power photodetector based on III-V/Si hybrid integration technologies, which enable scalable Si programmable photonic integrated circuits.
A Reconfigurable Photonic Computing Chip with Easily Scalable Topology
Authors: Huang Ying , Yue Hengsong , Ma Wei , Zhang Yiyuan , Xiao Yao , Wang Weiping , Tang Yong , Hu Xiaoyan , Tang He , Chen Nuo , Chu Tao
Published: October 2023

We present an easily scalable photonic computing topology with Mach–Zehnder interferometers based on a single tunable phase shifter to implement arbitrary matrices, achieving high recognition accuracies on MNIST handwritten digit tasks experimentally.
A New Way to Define Optimization Targets for Inverse Design
Authors: Neseli Berkay , Kim Junhyeong , Kim Jae-Yong , Yoon Jinhyeong , Hong Seokjin , Jeon Sumin , Park Hyo-Hoon , Kurt Hamza
Published: October 2023

We propose a novel approach which allows us to define our target functions inside the design domain. With this approach, we show that it is possible to generate random optical paths and multi-objective devices.
Ultra-compact Broadband Silicon Photonic In-line Mode Converter Using Grating-assisted Co-directional Coupling
Authors: Hu Ching-Jen , Huang Ding-Wei
Published: October 2023

An ultra-compact broadband silicon photonic in-line mode converter with peak mode conversion efficiency up to 98.9% and crosstalk lower than –20 dB over 300 nm (1.4–1.7 μm) is proposed and analyzed.
Programmable Silicon Photonic Microring Resonator for Nonlinear Applications
Authors: Goswami Arnab , Goswami Riddhi , Viraraghavan Janakiraman , Das Bijoy K
Published: October 2023

A compact thermo-optically programmable silicon photonic microring resonator has been demonstrated for nonlinear applications. Both resonant wavelength and Q-value of the microring resonator could be programmed. Theoretical prediction has been validated with experimental results.
SWAP-test algorithm implemented on the photonic platform for Quantum Machine Learning
Authors: Baldazzi Alessio , Leone Nicolò , Azzini Stefano , Sanna Matteo , Pavesi Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

We design an integrated photonic chip to implement the SWAP-test algorithm: using single-particle entanglement as a resource, the circuit can be used to estimate the scalar product of two qubits for quantum kernel methods.
Ultra-high-linearity dual-drive scheme using a single silicon modulator
Authors: Yue Hengsong , Chen Kaizhong , Huang Ying , Chen Nuo , Chu Tao
Published: October 2023

We experimentally demonstrate an ultra-high-linearity dual-drive scheme using silicon dual-drive MZM. By adjusting the power ratio of the driving RF signals and the bias voltages, its SFDR reaches 123.4 dB∙Hz6/7 at 1 GHz.
Low-loss amorphous silicon carbide photonics and its heterogeneous integration with existing high performance active/passive platforms
Authors: Lopez-Rodriguez Bruno , van der Kolk Roald , Aggarwal Samarth , Li Zizheng , Sharma Naresh , Scholte Thomas , Bhaskaran Harish , Zadeh Iman Esmaeil
Published: October 2023

In this work, we fabricate and characterize ring resonators on ICPCVD-deposited a-SiC films at a low temperature of 150°C, demonstrating exceptional intrinsic quality factors and low waveguide propagation losses, thus highlighting the potential for a-SiC as a valuable platform for future hybrid photonic technologies.
Are different types of photon-pair sources equally indistinguishable in silicon photonics?
Authors: Baldazzi Alessio , Lee Jong-Moo , Sanna Matteo , Azzini Stefano , Ahn Joon Tae , Lee Myung Lae , Sohn Young-Ik , Pavesi Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

We quantified the indistinguishability between two photon-pair sources using on-chip Hong-Ou-Mandel interference making a direct comparison between two different kinds of sources: spiral waveguides and microring resonators.
Metaparticles-based Daytime Radiative Cooling Techniques For the CPU Operated Outdoors
Authors: Chen Yen-Jen , Chang Sih-Wei , Wang Hsueh-Cheng , Wan De-hui , Chen Hsuen-Li
Published: October 2023

We employed metaparticles for passive thermal management of the enclosed CPU operated outdoors. With the DRC ability, metaparticles passively cooled the CPU temperature by 5~10 °C during the daytime and maintained the reliability of electronics.
Optical Simulations of Perovskite/Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Jäger Klaus , Berwig Sebastian , Kurpiers Jona , Yang Fengjiu , Tockhorn Philipp , Albrecht Steve , Becker Christiane
Published: October 2023

Perovskite/perovskite solar cells are a promising variety of multi-junction solar cells. Here, we present optical simulations of planar and nanotextured perovskite/perovskite solar cells with the finite element method.
2-µm Band Monolithic Tunable Laser for CO2 TDLAS Covering >100-nm Wavelength Range with <10-mW Filter-Tuning Power Consumption
Authors: Ueda Yuta , Shindo Takahiko , Kobayashi Wataru , Nakajima Fumito
Published: October 2023

We developed a 2-µm band monolithic tunable laser which covers a 104-nm wavelength rage with less than 10 mW for filter tuning. Practical CO2 absorption lines using the continuously swept laser were also verified.
Experimental Validation of a Far-Field Emission Model of Computer-Generated Waveguide Holograms
Authors: De Vocht David , Liu Tianran , Jiao Yuqing , Bente Erwin
Published: October 2023

We present a novel semi-analytic model and its experimental validation to simulate the far-field emission pattern of computer-generated waveguide holograms. It is shown to be able to predict the far-field of a tri-wavelength focusing coupler.
On-chip photonic artificial intelligence accelerator
Authors: Kim Junhyeong , Yoon Jinhyeong , Kim Jae-Yong , Neseli Berkay , Park Hyo-Hoon , Kurt Hamza
Published: October 2023

We propose an on-chip photonic accelerator scheme fabricable with CMOS-compatible processes. Spiral waveguide-based MZI meshes and nonlinear activation functions are applied. At the output, we first applied a grating radiator array for the image classification task.
High-density indium phosphide SOA arrays with < 30 µm pitch
Authors: Reniers Sander F.G. , Voorthuijzen W. Pim , Heck Martijn J.R. , Jiao Yuqing
Published: October 2023

For the first time, we present an approach towards fabricating high-density semiconductor optical amplifier arrays, which reduces the pitch below 30 µm. Both fabrication and thermal challenges of this approach are evaluated.
Topological Photonic Molecule with Time-Varying Modulations
Authors: Suh Joseph , Kim Gyunghun , Park Hyungchul , Yu Sunkyu
Published: October 2023

We propose dynamic modulations of a photonic molecule to achieve topological properties of light. We investigate the Hall transport in synthetic dimensions and the system modulation strategy to demonstrate the pumping along the frequency axis.
Inverse Design of Compact Silicon-on-insulator Optical Resonator Based on Topology Optimization
Authors: Fasih Muhammad , Kim Jae-Yong , Awan Zunnoor Fayyaz , Kurt Hamza
Published: October 2023

Computational inverse design generates better and compact photonic components. We demonstrate a topology optimized optical resonator/cavity having strong resonance at 1550 nm wavelength with a Q-factor of 685.6 in 5 x 0.8 μm2 area.
Loaded Silicon Grating Coupler for 40 nm Thin Silicon Nitride Waveguide
Authors: Rawat Pravin , Neethu E V , Selvaraja Shankar Kumar
Published: October 2023

We propose an efficient way to couple light into an ultra-thin silicon nitride waveguide thickness of 40 nm. The simulated coupling efficiency for gratings is -0.4 dB, and the 3dB bandwidth is 182 nm.
Fabrication and characterization of Sb-Te based thin films containing gallium
Authors: Kotrla Magdalena , Gutwirth Jan , Janíček Petr , Halenkovič Tomáš , Bouška Marek , Nazabal Virginie , Němec Petr
Published: October 2023

Sb-Te thin films modified with gallium were deposited by radio-frequency magnetron co-sputtering. Deposited films were characterized focusing on their phase change behavior.
Phase Change W-doped VO2/TiO2(R)/AZO Thermochromic Device for Temperature Control and Sensing
Authors: Tang Chien-Jen , Li Ching-Tang , Zhang Zhi-Xuan
Published: October 2023

A thin-film sensor consisting of W-VO2 was deposited onto a TiO2(R)/AZO/B270 substrate using reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering. The resulting crystalline quality and optical properties were investigated by UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy and an X-ray diffractometer.
Electrical and photonic characteristics of Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide fabricated through the utilization of HiPIMS
Authors: Chao Yi-Nung , Lu Yuan-Jie , Chen Sheng-Hui
Published: October 2023

HiPIMS was utilized to produce Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide (IGZO) films and evaluate their IR transmittance, resistivity, carrier mobility, and carrier concentration at various HiPIMS duty cycles and oxygen flux, in order to determine the optimal process parameters.
Beamforming for Phased Array Antenna Using a Few-Mode Fiber
Authors: Nazemosadat Elham , García Sergi , Herranz-Herruzo Jose I. , Gasulla Ivana
Published: October 2023

We experimentally demonstrate tunable optical beamforming for phased array antennas in a dispersion-engineered few-mode fiber that operates as a true-time delay line. The beam-pointing angle is steered continuously by changing the operational optical wave-length.
Annealing Induced Change of Optical Properties in Bimetal-Dielectric Multilayer System on Soda-lime Glass
Authors: Janicki Vesna , Pervan Petar , Parramon Jordi Sancho
Published: October 2023

Thermal annealing of Ag and Au metal island films in bimetal-dielectric multilayer systems deposited on soda-lime glass induces change of optical properties. It is stronger at longer wavelengths and related to morphological and compositional changes.
Development of implantable SERS sensor based on silk optical fiber
Authors: Yuk Kyeong Min , Kang Tae Young , Shin Se Yeon , Byun Kyung Min
Published: October 2023

Based on the advantages of biocompatibility, we successfully developed the silk optical fiber by combining a flexible silk fiber with gold nanoparticles. We investigated the SERS detection performance in terms of sensitivity, detection limit, and linearity.
Deep-red to Near-infrared Organic Light-emitting Diodes based on Dinuclear Platinum(II) complex
Authors: Lee Woochan , Rajakannu Palanisamy , Kim Hyung Suk , Koo Sunhyung , Park Sanghoon , Yoo Seunghyup
Published: October 2023

An efficient deep-red to near-infrared organic light-emitting diode was well synthesized and fabricated based on dinuclear platinum(II) complex. The device exhibited a maximum wavelength of 754 nm with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 3.0%.
Fast Optical Look-up Operations on Integrated Photonic Memory Arrays
Authors: Vagionas C. , Alexoudi T. , Moschos T. , Simos S. , Pappas C. , Miliou A. , Pleros N.
Published: October 2023

We experimentally present the first complete all-optical look-up memory operation at 10 Gb/s, utilizing two identical InP monolithically integrated PICs of multi-bit photonic-memory arrays, being able to operate as a 2-bit all-optical RAM or as 2-bit optical CAM tables.
Signal Space Diversity Techniques for Indoor Optical Wireless Systems
Authors: Lim Christina , Song Tingting , Nirmalathas Ampalavanapillai
Published: October 2023

Line-of-sight optical wireless communication systems have emerged as a potential candidate for indoor ultra-high-speed communication. However, the link performance is subjected to physical shadowing. In this paper, we review our work on signal space diversity to improve the impact of shadowing for high-speed indoor optical wireless communication.
Single-Lane 108 Gbit/s C-band PAM-4 Transmissions over 1 km using a 40 GHz EAM and Monolithically Integrable SOA-PIN for Intra-Data Center Interconnects
Authors: Reza Ahmed Galib , Costas Marcos Troncoso , Barry Liam
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate 108-Gbit/s PAM-4 transmissions over 1-km SMF using a 1550-nm 40-GHz EAM and monolithically integrable SOA-PIN. The BER performance below 3.8×10-3 is reported at the ROP of -5 dBm with a T-spaced 15-tap FFE.
PON Virtualisation and Disaggregation
Authors: Suzuki Takahiro , Kim Sang-Yuep , Kani Jun-ichi , Yoshida Tomoaki
Published: October 2023

This paper introduces a cutting-edge access system architecture based on virtualisation and disaggregation and summarizes future architecture with accelerators where network functions and applications fully share computing resources for flexible service creation.
Metasurface-Enabled Mid-IR Microspectrometers For Chemical Classification
Authors: Crozier Kenneth B.
Published: October 2023

The identification of chemicals from their mid-infrared spectra has a wide range of applications such as forensics and environmental monitoring. We will describe our recent work on a compact microspectrometer platform for chemical identification.
Visible single-pixel sensing based on a helicity-multiplexing metasurface
Authors: Wang Wenli , Yan Rong , Hao Qun , Hu Yao , Bian Liheng
Published: October 2023

We present a visible single-pixel sensing system based on a helicity-multiplexing metasurface that can realize edge-enhanced and bright-field imaging. Results show that this hybrid system enables high-fidelity dual-modal single-pixel sensing at 532nm.
O+E+S-Telecom Bands Bismuth-Doped Fiber Amplifiers Directly Pumped by Multimode Laser Diodes
Authors: Firstov Sergei , Vakhrushev Alexander , Khegai Aleksandr , Alyshev Sergey , Riumkin Konstantin , Lobanov Alexey , Afanasiev Fedor , Umnikov Andrey , Melkumov Mikhail
Published: October 2023

A series of bismuth-doped fiber amplifiers for O-, E- and S-telecom bands pumped directly by multimode diodes at 790-808 nm is presented. These amplifiers are characterized by a gain of >25 dB and noise figure≈5 dB.
Berry Curvature Engineering in Optical Resonator Networks using Long-Range Hopping
Authors: Kim Gyunghun , Suh Joseph , Lee Ikbeom , Yu Sunkyu
Published: October 2023

We propose the engineering of the Berry curvature in optical resonator networks by exploiting long-range hopping. By generalizing the Hofstadter model, we examine the effect of hopping orders for the design of topological photonic circuits.
Biologically Inspired Ultrathin Microlens Array Cameras and Their Biomedical Applications
Authors: Jeong Ki-Hun
Published: October 2023

Here we report biologically inspired ultrathin microlens array cameras for high contrast and high-resolution multifunctional imaging. Like insect’s multifunctional vision, the ultrathin array cameras allow a large field-of-view, 3D imaging, high-speed imaging, microscopic imaging, and multispectral imaging for biomedical and healthcare applications
Automatic Classification of Cancer Cells using Digital Holography
Authors: Park Seonghwan , Jeong Jaewon , Moon Inkyu
Published: October 2023

This paper overviews the feature-based machine learning and image-based deep learning techniques to automatically classify elliptical cancer cells at the single-cell level by using marker-free digital holographic imaging techniques.
Plasmon-enhanced gold-heterostructures of 2D-TMDC in photosensor applications
Authors: Abdullah Ripain A. H. , Ismail M. N. S. , Zulkifli N. A. A. , Zakaria R.
Published: October 2023

We study the quality of heterostructures using 2D-TMDC materials as MoS2 and WS2 decorating with Au nanoparticles. Implementing coupling effects of nanoparticles, the interactions between 2D and incident photons are significantly enhanced in photosensor applications.
Precise Temperature Control for Photobiomodulation Using Semi-Transparent Plasmonic Devices
Authors: Park Jaehyeok , Na Hamin , Yu Eunsil , Jeong Ki-Hun
Published: October 2023

This study presents a novel approach to achieving precise temperature control for photobiomodulation applications using pulse width modulation of light sources with semi-transparent plasmonic devices.
InGaAs/InP Quantum Well Nanowire Array Micro-LEDs at Telecommunication Wavelengths
Authors: Zhang Fanlu , Su Zhicheng , Li Zhe , Zhu Yi , Gagrani Nikita , Li Ziyuan , Lockery Mark , Li Li , Aharonovich Igor , Lu Yuerui , Tan Har Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati , Fu Lan
Published: October 2023

We report the growth, fabrication and characterization of highly uniform p-i-n core-shell InGaAs/InP single quantum well nanowire array light emitting diodes operating at telecommunication wavelengths of ~1.35 and ~1.5 µm, respectively.
Design Methods for Metasurfaces: Curved Wave Fronts and Machine Learning
Authors: Gahlmann Timo , Martínez-Llinàs Jade , Tassin Philippe
Published: October 2023

We present methods for designing optical metasurfaces. First we focus on metasurfaces manipulating curved wave fronts, e.g., confocal metamirrors. Then we show how metamaterials with multiple design objectives can be designed using machine learning.