bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absence of a functional gut microbiome impairs host amino acid metabolism in the Pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi)
Authors: MacPherson Jess , Shipley Oliver N. , Weinrauch Alyssa M. , Busquets-Vass Geraldine , Newsome Seth D. , Anderson W. Gary
Published: August 2024

Nitrogen recycling and amino acid synthesis are two notable ways in which the gut microbiome can contribute to host metabolism, and these processes are especially important in nitrogen-limited animals. Marine elasmobranchs are nitrogen limited as they require substantial amounts of this element to support urea-based osmoregulation. However, following antibiotic-induced depletion of the gut microbiome, elasmobranchs are known to experience a significant decline in circulating urea and employ compensatory nitrogen conservation strategies such as reduced urea and ammonia excretion. We hypothesized that the elasmobranch gut microbiome transforms dietary and recycled nutrients into amino acids, supporting host carbon and nitrogen balance. Here, using stable isotope analyses, we found that depleting the gut microbiome of Pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) resulted in a significant reduction to the incorporation of supplemented dietary 15N into plasma amino acids, notably those linked to nitrogen handling and energy metabolism, but had no effect on gut amino acid transport. These results demonstrate the importance of gut microbes to host amino acid pools and the unique nitrogen handling strategy of marine elasmobranchs. More broadly, these results elucidate how the gut microbiome contributes to organismal homeostasis, which is likely a ubiquitous phenomenon across animal populations.
Brain energy metabolism as an underlying basis of slow and fast cognitive phenotypes in honeybees
Authors: Tait Catherine , Chicco Adam J. , Naug Dhruba
Published: August 2024

In the context of slow–fast behavioral variation, fast individuals are hypothesized to be those who prioritize speed over accuracy while slow individuals are those which do the opposite. Since energy metabolism is a critical component of neural and cognitive functioning, this predicts such differences in cognitive style to be reflected at the level of the brain. We tested this idea in honeybees by first classifying individuals into slow and fast cognitive phenotypes based on a learning assay and then measuring their brain respiration with high-resolution respirometry. Our results broadly show that inter-individual differences in cognition are reflected in differences in brain mass and accompanying energy use at the level of the brain and the whole animal. Larger brains had lower mass-specific energy usage and bees with larger brains had a higher metabolic rate. These differences in brain respiration and brain mass were, in turn, associated with cognitive differences, such that bees with larger brains were fast cognitive phenotypes whereas those with smaller brains were slow cognitive phenotypes. We discuss these results in the context of the role of energy in brain functioning and slow–fast decision making and speed accuracy trade-off.
Valuing Identity in the Classroom: What Economics Can Learn from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education
Authors: Barrera Sergio , Sajadi Susan , Holmes Marionette , Jacobson Sarah
Published: August 2024

Economics faces stubborn underrepresentation of minoritized identity groups. Economics instructors also largely use antiquated instructional methods. We leverage the literature from the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, which have rigorously studied instructional techniques and gathered evidence on a variety of methods that improve learning and reduce demographic gaps. We discuss four broad ideas: active and collaborative learning, role model interventions, modernized design of assessments and feedback, and culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogy. We frame these approaches in the context of economics identity, share evidence regarding efficacy, and give examples of how the techniques have been and can be used in economics. In so doing, we provide a set of changes economics instructors can make, large and small, to improve their teaching for all students and to reduce demographic gaps in success and persistence in the field.
NMDtxDB: data-driven identification and annotation of human NMD target transcripts
Authors: Britto-Borges Thiago , Gehring Niels H. , Boehm Volker , Dieterich Christoph
Published: August 2024

The nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) pathway is a crucial mechanism of mRNA quality control. Current annotations of NMD substrate RNAs are rarely data-driven, but use generally established rules. We present a data set with four cell lines and combinations forSMG5,SMG6, andSMG7knockdowns orSMG7knockout. Based on this data set, we implemented a workflow that combines Nanopore and Illumina sequencing to assemble a transcriptome, which is enriched for NMD target transcripts. Moreover, we use coding sequence information (CDS) from Ensembl, Gencode consensus Ribo-seq ORFs, and OpenProt to enhance the CDS annotation of novel transcript isoforms. In summary, 302,889 transcripts were obtained from the transcriptome assembly process, out of which 24% are absent from Ensembl database annotations, 48,213 contain a premature stop codon, and 6433 are significantly upregulated in three or more comparisons of NMD active versus deficient cell lines. We present an in-depth view of these results through the NMDtxDB database, which is available athttps://shiny.dieterichlab.org/app/NMDtxDB, and supports the study of NMD-sensitive transcripts. We open sourced our implementation of the respective web-application and analysis workflow athttps://github.com/dieterich-lab/NMDtxDBandhttps://github.com/dieterich-lab/nmd-wf.
An Assessment of Contemporary Methods and Data-Enabled Approaches for Early Cataract Detection
Authors: Muchibwa Chris , Eldaw Muawya H. Sarnoub ,   Mu Mu, Agyeman Michael Opoku
Published: August 2024

Background: Cataracts are common causes of visual impairment. Preventing blindness requires an early and accurate diagnosis. This review examines current cataract diagnosis strategies, explores data-driven machine learning algorithms for early detection, investigates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, assesses improvements in cataract detection accuracy, identifies research gaps, and provides recommendations for future studies. Methods: We gathered labelled cataract and non-cataract fundus data from the Kaggle. Scholarly publications were sourced from reliable databases such as ProQuest, IEEE, ELSEVIER, Google Scholar, and PubMed. A detailed literature search with specific terms expanded the scope of this review. We included studies that used cataract and non-cataract fundus eye images from cross-sectional, retrospective, and prospective studies. The quality assessment used the AMSTAR tool, considering factors such as literature search comprehensiveness, study selection criteria, data extraction methodologies, and study validity (Table 1). Results: This study encompassed 130 research publications, focusing on machine learning models and clinical-based diagnostic approaches for early-stage cataract identification. The performance of machine-learning models is influenced by factors such as dataset noise and limited reliable data. Barriers to the successful implementation of AI for cataract diagnosis were identified. Conclusions: This review emphasises the obstacles hindering the broad application of AI in cataract diagnosis. Addressing these findings is vital for developing strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance cataract detection systems. To achieve improved accuracy and efficiency in cataract diagnosis, future research should prioritise efforts to enhance dataset availability and quality, reduce data noise, and refine machine-learning algorithms. Unlocking the full potential of AI and/or machine learning can lead to significant breakthroughs in cataract diagnosis, ultimately resulting in better patient outcomes and reduced visual impairments.
Case Report: Cystic artery peptic erosion: Uncommon cause of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Authors: Touati Med Dheker , Dziri Wassim , Yousfi Rahma , Khlifi Nadhem , Landolsi Sana , Chebbi Faouzi
Published: August 2024

Introduction and importance The cholecystoenteric fistula, a rare complication of cholelithiasis, usually occurs as an internal biliary fistula. Our case features a cholecystoduodenal fistula presenting with severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding originating from the cystic artery. Symptoms vary, and preoperative diagnosis is uncommon. Case presentation A 63-year-old diabetic patient, who had undergone surgical treatment for a left forearm fracture, presented with persistent bleeding, hematemesis, and melena. Diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an actively bleeding ulcer on the duodenal bulb, with an attempted hemostasis. Initial stabilization was achieved, but a recurrence occurred after 17 hours with hemodynamic instability. Emergency laparotomy revealed cholecystitis with a cholecystoduodenal fistula, necessitating cholecystectomy and ulcer resection. The source of bleeding was the cystic artery. The patient had a positive postoperative outcome with no recurrence of hemorrhage. Clinical discussion Cholecystoenteric fistulas, forming from obstructed cystic duct inflammation, are rare complications of biliary lithiasis. Most cases are spontaneous, linked to gallstones. Severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding from cholecystoduodenal fistulas is uncommon, often requiring surgical intervention due to cystic artery erosion. Despite advancements in laparoscopic methods, open operations are preferred for anatomical distortion and inflammation. A clear diagnosis involves hepatic angiography and may necessitate embolization. The rarity of this condition emphasizes the need for vigilant diagnosis, especially in patients with gallstone history. Conclusion Massive bleeding from cystic artery erosion by duodenal ulcer through cholecystoduodenal fistula underscores the need for clinicians’ vigilance. Recognition of gallstone disease history is crucial for timely diagnosis in this rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of a smile aesthetics scale for Peruvian university students
Authors: Manchego Obando Evelyn Brigitte , Orrego-Ferreyros Luis Alexander
Published: August 2024

Background The absence of a culturally adapted and validated Smile Aesthetics Scale for Peruvian university students reveals a significant gap in aesthetic dentistry and public health research. Addressing this gap is essential for accurately assessing dental aesthetic satisfaction within this demographic, ensuring the scale’s relevance and effectiveness across Spanish-speaking cultures. The aim of the study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Smile Aesthetics Satisfaction Scale for Peruvian university students. Methods This research was applied, with an instrumental, cross-sectional, and descriptive design. Face validity was conducted with 10 students through unstructured interviews. Content validity was carried out by three experts. The validation of psychometric properties was performed on 190 students recruited through university dentistry social networks using simple random probability sampling. The Aiken test was used for face and content validity. Construct validity and internal consistency were examined through principal component and exploratory factor analysis, using promax and varimax rotations, and internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s Alpha. Results Face and content validity confirmed that the items were relevant and applicable, highlighting the significance of the construct evaluated within the specific cultural context of the research. The adapted scale reflected high content validity, with a global Aiken’s V of 0.83, emphasizing the clarity, coherence, and relevance of the items according to expert evaluation. The psychometric properties of the adapted scale were exceptional among the student population, evidenced by a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.889. Conclusions The translation and cultural adaptation process of the Smile Aesthetics Satisfaction Scale has proven to be successful not only in terms of coherence and fidelity with the original instrument but also in its applicability and relevance within the context of university dental students.
Mental health and well-being of healthcare workers in Central Asia
Authors: Seisembekov Telman , Bolatov Aidos , Brimkulov Nurlan , Jarylkasynova Gaukhar , Taalaikanova Ainura , Yuldashova Rano , Kodirova Shakhlo , Smailova Dariga
Published: August 2024

Introduction Due to the specific work content, healthcare workers (HCWs) showed a high risk of mental health and well-being issues. And the COVID-19 pandemic has increased this effect. At the same time, the psychological well-being of HCWs from Central Asian countries remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mental health and well-being of HCWs from Central Asian countries, as well as associated factors, including the role of the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional questioner-based study was carried out among HCWs from Central Asian countries during the July-November, 2022. The study included socio-demographic questions, DASS-21 scale, WHO-5 Well-being Index, and questions to assess the impact of COVID-19 on personal life and work of HCWs. Results The study involved 2,685 HCWs from the Kazakhstan (1,817), Kyrgyzstan (534), and Uzbekistan (334). The overall prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 17.7%, 24.9% and 5.2%, respectively. Socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, marital and family status, occupation, managerial position; as well as pandemic-related frontline work history and changes in work and social life were associated with mental health and well-being. Conclusion The study underscores the pressing need to address the mental health challenges faced by HCWs in Central Asia, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings reveal concerning levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among HCWs, with socio-demographic factors and pandemic-related experiences influencing mental well-being. Urgent interventions, tailored support, and resources are essential to safeguard the psychological health of HCWs and sustain effective healthcare delivery.
Architektura kontrolnych organów podatkowych Ukrainy
Authors: Kornieiev Petro , Terekh Olena
Published: August 2024

W niniejszej publikacji podjęto próbę dokonania dogłębnej analizy struktury i funkcjonowania organów podatkowych w Ukrainie. Choć pozornie zagadnienie to wydaje się prostym tematem badawczym, kompleksowe przepisy Kodeksu podatkowego Ukrainy oraz innych aktów prawnych składają się na skomplikowany system, który wymaga gruntownego zrozumienia. Brak dostępnych opracowań w europejskiej literaturze podatkowej dotyczących ukraińskich organów podatkowych oraz rozwój Ukrainy w kontekście przystąpienia do Unii Europejskiej stanowiły asumpt do przeprowadzenia szczegółowego studium tego obszaru. Artykuł skupia się na analizie konstrukcji organów podatkowych z uwzględnieniem istniejących problemów w obecnym systemie. Analiza ukraińskiego systemu podatkowego ujawnia trzy kluczowe szczeble organów podatkowych, które składają się na jego obecną strukturę. Dużo miejsca autorzy poświęcają regulacjom konstytucyjnym dotyczącym omawianej materii. Przedstawiają również konstrukcje organów podatkowych sensu stricto i largo. Niniejsza analiza pozwoliła na zidentyfikowanie istotnych kwestii, które powodują erozję funkcjonującego systemu. Do takich składników można zaliczyć: brak jednoznacznej definicji organu podatkowego, zbiorową odpowiedzialność organów podatkowych, brak przyznania szerokich kompetencji organom władz samorządowych w zakresie administrowania podatkami i opłatami lokalnymi, wysoki poziom korupcji oraz niski poziom świadomości podatkowej obywateli. Dla osiągnięcia postawionego celu autorzy posłużyli się metodą prawno-dogmatyczną, przeprowadzając dogłębną analizę literatury przedmiotu. W rezultacie artykuł rzuca światło na złożoność struktury organów podatkowych w Ukrainie, podkreślając problemy, które wymagają pilnej uwagi i ewentualnych reform. Ze względu na rozwój Ukrainy w kierunku przystąpienia do Unii Europejskiej zrozumienie i poprawa funkcjonowania organów podatkowych stają się niezbędne dla skutecznej integracji z europejskimi standardami prawnopodatkowymi.
Glosa do wyroku SN z dnia 24 lutego 2022 r., II CSKP 18/22
Authors: Bączyk Mirosław
Published: August 2024

Glosa poświęcona jest prawnej analizie możliwości i sposobu zmiany warunków ważnej gwarancji bankowej i ubezpieczeniowej. Chodzi o „gwarancję dobrego wykonania umowy zawieraną w obrocie profesjonalnym”, poprzedzoną z reguły istnieniem tzw. stosunku podstawowego i umową zlecenia udzielania gwarancji. Zmiany takie odnoszą się zazwyczaj do terminu ważności gwarancji, sumy gwarancji i innych elementów jej treści (np. przedmiotu zabezpieczenia). Zmiana warunków gwarancji odbywa się obecnie w taki sam sposób jak udzielenie gwarancji w pierwotnej wersji. Taka możliwość zmiany, przewidywana standardowo we wzorcach umownych, czyni z gwarancji bankowej sprawny instrument zabezpieczenia o dodatkowej funkcji adaptacyjnej do stanu wykonania umowy podstawowej. Autor podziela stanowisko Sądu Najwyższego, że w danej sprawie nie doszło jednak do akceptacji przez beneficjenta gwarancji (inwestora) obniżenia sumy gwarancji.
Un breve diálogo entre decolonización y estudios organizacionales en Venezuela
Authors: González Durán Egberto Jose , El Zailah Bernal Dauwy Yoselin
Published: August 2024

Este trabajo busca contribuir al debate entre la decolonización y los estudios organizacionales (OE) en Venezuela, abriendo las puertas a las múltiples formas de hacer las cosas y no desde la mejor. Se aborda desde la impronta colonizadora, para cuyo análisis se utiliza una metodología reflexiva desde una revisión bibliográfica.  Versa sobre dos temas: el boom petrolero, la colonización y sus resultados, y los eo en Venezuela y la necesidad de la decolonización desde la mirada organizacional. De esta forma, el tema petrolero como fenómeno organizacional en un país con rezagos desde el siglo XIX y con cultura rural permitirá comprender la cultura dominada por lo “moderno”, traído desde Estados Unidos y Reino Unido. La bonanza económica resultante de la explotación petrolera en un país monoproductor mostrará la marginalización del conocimiento. Son variados los fenómenos organizacionales que surgieron del fenómeno organizacional petrolero, por lo que la decolonización epistemológica, desde las bases de los EO como anarquías organizadas dentro del significado polisémico de la organización, será una herramienta indispensable para deconstruir y reconstruir la organización emergente del siglo XXI.
Facilitating Compromise in Redistricting with Transfer Distance Midpoints
Authors: Dobbs Kiera W. , King Douglas M. , Ludden Ian G. , Jacobson Sheldon H.
Published: August 2024

States in the United States redraw their electoral district boundaries every 10 years. This redistricting process can be contentious and has long-lasting consequences for political representation. To reduce bias in the redistricting process, some states require bipartisan commissions; however, bipartisan commissions can still involve partisan tension if the political parties cannot compromise. We propose an optimization framework to facilitate compromise between two redistricting stakeholders. This framework seeks a midpoint between two stakeholder plans with respect to a distance metric. A midpoint can help the stakeholders visualize a potential compromise that incorporates district structure common to both of their proposed plans. First, we consider multiple distance metrics and evaluate whether midpoints with respect to these metrics are achievable and align with redistricting requirements. Then we formulate a mixed-integer linear program to find a midpoint (or any fractional point) between two given plans with respect to the transfer distance. This formulation incorporates district structure from both given plans by fixing variables; consequently, it is possible to solve some realistically sized instances exactly in reasonable amounts of time. We present experiments on grid instances and Missouri’s congressional redistricting instance to demonstrate how this method can quickly generate compromise options that align with redistricting requirements.

Funding: This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program [Grant DGE-1746047].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoo.2023.0029 .
Whistleblowing: It could save a life
Authors: Denny Glenn
Published: August 2024

Following the conviction of deputy manager Kate Roughley for the manslaughter of a nine-month-old girl in her care, Glenn Denny, nursery manager and podcast presenter, looks more closely at staff whistleblowing and what settings need to do to keep children safe.
Chromatic cues for the sign of defocus in the peripheral retina
Authors: Zheleznyak Len , Liu Chang , Winter Simon
Published: August 2024

Detecting optical defocus at the retina is crucial for accurate accommodation and emmetropization. However, the optical characteristics of ocular defocus are not fully understood. To bridge this knowledge gap, we simulated polychromatic retinal image quality by considering both the monochromatic wavefront aberrations and chromatic aberrations of the eye, both in the fovea and the periphery (nasal visual field). Our study revealed two main findings: (1) chromatic and monochromatic aberrations interact to provide a signal to the retina (chromatic optical anisotropy) to discern positive from negative defocus and (2) that chromatic optical anisotropy exhibited notable differences among refractive error groups (myopes, emmetropes and hyperopes). These findings could enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of defocus detection and their subsequent implications for myopia control therapies. Further research is needed to explore the retinal architecture’s ability to utilize the optical signals identified in this study.
Compatible metasurface for ultra-wideband radar and switchable infrared stealth
Authors: Zhang Chengyun , Zhang Bingfeng , Ge Shuangkang , Han Changxu , Wang Shanzhe , Han Qingyan , Gao Wei , Chu Tongsheng , Dong Jun , Zhang Mingdi
Published: August 2024

In response to the rapid advancements in radar detection technology and the widespread deployment of infrared sensors, single-function stealth materials are increasingly challenged to meet the sophisticated demands of concealment within complex electromagnetic environments. As a result, there is a pressing need for research into metamaterial structures that can simultaneously deliver ultra-wideband radar stealth and controllable infrared invisibility. Here, a novel metamaterial structure was proposed and realized, comprising vertically integrated infrared stealth and radar stealth layers, with the aim of accomplishing both ultra-wideband radar stealth and controlled infrared invisibility. Coded units were designed based on the geometric phase modulation mechanism and then arrayed through a random matrix strategy optimized by a genetic algorithm, yielding a radar stealth layer characterized by outstanding properties such as ultra-wideband radar stealth and insensitivity to polarization states. A temperature-adaptive infrared stealth switching function was successfully achieved by incorporating vanadium dioxide, a phase-change material, into the infrared stealth layer, exploiting its insulator-to-metal phase transition at a critical temperature. The fabrication and performance testing of the samples have further validated the practicality and rationality of the design scheme. This work can not only open up innovative pathways for the advancement of multi-band compatible stealth technology but is also of great significance for the application of electromagnetic shielding and stealth technologies in complex settings.
Amplification characteristics of N2+ lasing at multiple wavelengths generated by polarization-modulated femtosecond laser fields
Authors: Wu Shuting , Gao Qian , Huang Yihong , Li Guihua , Zhiming Chen , Wang Xinghao , Xie Hongqiang
Published: August 2024

Multiple gain routes complicate the amplification behaviors of N2+ lasing. A direct comparison of the amplification processes of various lasing lines of N2+ is still lacking to date, mainly because the efficient generation of different lasing lines requires different experimental conditions. In this work, to overcome the limitation, we use an intense polarization-modulated femtosecond laser pulse to simultaneously produce high-intensity N2+ lasing signals at 391 nm and 428 nm, permitting us readily performing their time-domain characterizations. Our results show that the primary amplification of 428-nm lasing is always retarded by a few picoseconds with respect to the probe pulse while the amplification of 391-nm lasing can be basically completed within the probe pulse duration at a relatively high gas pressure, and besides, the time duration of the former sustains several times longer than that of the latter. These observations indicate the non-negligible contribution of the initial electronic coherence established by the pump laser, apart from the external triggering pulse. For the 391-nm lasing, the seed amplification and superradiance can fiercely interplay within the probe pulse duration. However, for the 428-nm lasing, its amplification is in essence Raman-assisted superfluorescence due to the lacking of the initial electronic coherence and a direct triggering pulse. Our findings not only shed light on the physics of N2+ lasing but also promote the relevant studies on the collective emissions in the cascaded multi-level molecular ion system.
Milliwatt-level single-mode laser from an erbium-doped silica microcavity using a fiber Brillouin amplifier
Authors: Ren Linhao , Chen Dongsheng , Xiao Lu , Wang Wenyu , Ding Sijing , Chen Hongyun , Shi Lei
Published: August 2024

Microlasers based on ultrahigh-quality-factor erbium-doped silica microcavities are renowned for their exceptionally low thresholds and remarkably narrow linewidths. However, these microlasers struggle to achieve single-mode operation while delivering high output power, which presents a significant barrier to their widespread practical application. Here, we fabricate an erbium-doped silica microsphere cavity with the ultrahigh-Q factor (exceeding 108). By employing non-resonant pumping within the 980 nm band, a multimode laser with a remarkably low lasing threshold of just 32 µW at the 1550 nm band is realized. Then, by using a fiber Brillouin amplifier, only one single peak of the multimode laser is selectively amplified. Therefore, a single-mode laser is achieved, with a power of 63 mW, a signal-to-noise-ratio of 40.5 dB and a side-mode-suppression-ratio exceeding 62.6 dB.
Nonreciprocal response of electrically biased graphene-coated fiber
Authors: Fallah Asma , Engheta Nader
Published: August 2024

Here, we theoretically investigate the nonreciprocal response of an electrically biased graphene-coated dielectric fiber. By electrically biasing the graphene coating along the fiber axis, the dynamic conductivity of graphene exhibits a nonsymmetric response with respect to the longitudinal component of guided-mode wave vectors. Consequently, the guided waves propagating in two opposite directions may encounter distinct propagation features. In this work, the electromagnetic properties, such as modal dispersion and some field distributions, are presented, and the strength of nonreciprocity is discussed for different parameters of graphene, such as its chemical potential and material loss. Furthermore, the influence of the radius of the fiber on the nonreciprocal response is investigated. We envision that such nonreciprocal optical fibers may find various potential applications in the THz regime.
Pearcey Talbot-like plasmon: a plasmonic bottle array generation scheme
Authors: Ruan Zhang , Zhang Junxi , Chen Yanru , Feng Zien , Li Yanghong , Wu Hailong , Wen Shibin , Wang Guanghui , Deng Dongmei
Published: August 2024

In this Letter, a surface wave, the Pearcey Talbot-like plasmon, which has the properties of self-imaging and multiple autofocusing, is presented as a novel, to the best of our knowledge, plasmonic bottle array generation scheme. With originality, the overall structure and the partial intensity of the plasmonic bottle array can be adjusted through the initial input, and modifying the Pearcey function enables the plasmonic bottle array to exhibit self-bending characteristics, which makes particle capture and manipulation easier and more flexible. A scheme to generate the plasmon is proposed, and we prove it by the finite-difference time-domain numerical simulations.
InGaAs/GaAs nano-ridge laser with an amorphous silicon grating monolithically grown on a 300 mm Si wafer
Authors: Ouyang Z. , Colucci D. , Fahmy E. M. B. , Yimam A. A. , Van Campernhout J. , Kunert B. , Van Thourhout D.
Published: August 2024

The monolithic growth of direct-bandgap III–V materials directly on a Si substrate is a promising approach for the fabrication of complex silicon photonic integrated circuits including light sources and amplifiers. It remains challenging to realize practical, reliable, and efficient light emitters due to misfit defect formation during the epitaxial growth. Exploiting nano-ridge engineering (NRE), III–V nano-ridges with high crystal quality were achieved based on aspect ratio defect trapping inside narrow trenches. In an earlier work, we used an etched grating to create distributed feedback lasers from these nano-ridges. Here we deposited an amorphous silicon grating on the top of the nano-ridge. Under pulsed optical pumping, a ∼7.84 kW/cm2 lasing threshold was observed, ∼5 times smaller compared to devices with an etched grating inside the nano-ridge. Compared to the etched grating, the amorphous silicon grating introduces no extra carrier loss channels through surface state defects, which is believed to be the origin of the lower threshold. This low threshold again demonstrates the high quality of the epitaxial deposited material and may provide a route toward further optimizing the electrically driven devices.
Observation of giant group index in a multi-level 85Rb atomic medium at room temperature
Authors: Bang Nguyen Huy , Van Ai Nguyen , Son Doan Hoai , Van Thuan Phan , Yen Nga Luong Thi , Quang Ho Hai , Khoa Dinh Xuan , Trung Le Canh , Trang Do Mai , Doai Le Van
Published: August 2024

We report an experimental measurement of giant group index in the 85Rb atomic medium at room temperature via a four-level V-type scheme on the D2 line. Our experiment uses co-propagation configuration of probe and coupling lasers through an atomic sample. In this configuration, three sharp EIT windows with significant transparency depths are observed on the probe absorption spectrum. By establishing a Mach–Zehnder interferometer, we measure the dispersive curve and hence obtain the group index curve with three enhanced positive peaks at the locations of the EIT windows, interspersed with negative peaks. The amplitude of the group index curve is increased as the temperature decreases and is decreased as the temperature increases. We estimate from our experimental results the good values of the group index to be ng = 5.8 × 104 (slow light regime) and ng = −4.0 × 104 (fast light regime). We also show that the experimental measurements are in good agreement with the theoretical results.
Sub-picometer level all-solid-state narrow linewidth single-frequency Pr3+:LiYF4 laser in the near-infrared spectral region
Authors: Li Zhuang , Dai Rongbin , Liao Wenlu , Xu Huiying , Cai Zhiping
Published: August 2024

We report an all-solid-state near-infrared single-frequency (single longitudinal mode, SLM) Pr3+:LiYF4 (Pr:YLF) laser with the spectral linewidth at the sub-picometer level. The SLM lasers with center wavelengths of 868 and 907 nm are realized in Pr:YLF crystal for the first time to the best of our knowledge. The maximum output powers of SLM lasers at 868 and 907 nm are 102  and 213mW, corresponding to the narrowest spectral linewidths of 82 MHz (0.21 pm) and 94 MHz (0.26 pm), respectively. At the maximum output power, the beam quality factors in the x and y directions are measured as 1.25 and 1.16 at 868 nm and 1.21 and 1.13 at 907 nm, respectively. The output power stabilities of the 868 and 907 nm SLM lasers are calculated as 1.39% and 0.87%, respectively. The successful realization of 868 and 907 nm all-solid-state SLM lasers makes up for the gap that the Pr:YLF SLM lasers developed in the past are focused on the visible region, enriches the types of near-infrared (NIR) SLM lasers, and can provide practical applications in biomedicine, cold atom physics, and optical atom manipulation.
True random number generation based on temporal fluctuations of abalone shell coherent random lasers
Authors: Hu Shu , Li Juntao , Gai Baodong , Wu Jia , Cai Xianglong , Tan Yannan , Guo Jingwei
Published: August 2024

The output modes of random lasers exhibit randomness, making them a potential high-quality physical entropy source for generating random numbers. In this paper, we controlled a low-cost and easily fabricated abalone shell random laser, generating forward and backward coherent random lasers simultaneously in a single channel, resulting in highly diverse mode variations. After post-processing steps such as third-order difference calculations and exclusive-or (XOR) logic operations, we generated a random number sequence for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, based on the temporal fluctuations of biomimetic random laser coherent modes. The instantaneous generation rate reached a preliminary 40 Gbps. Moreover, the random bits satisfy requirements such as random distribution, independence, and absence of bias, successfully passing the NIST SP800-22 standard test, confirming the high quality of the random number sequence.
Broadband spontaneous parametric downconversion in reconfigurable poled linearly uncoupled resonators
Authors: Stefano Alessia , Zatti Luca , Liscidini Marco
Published: August 2024

In this Letter, we theoretically study spontaneous parametric downconversion (SPDC) in a periodically poled structure composed of two linearly uncoupled resonators that are nonlinearly coupled via a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The device does not require dispersion engineering to achieve efficient doubly resonant SPDC, and, unlike the case of a single resonator, one can reconfigure the system to generate photon pairs over a bandwidth of hundreds of nm. We consider the case of SPDC pumped at 775 nm in a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) device compatible with up-to-date technological platforms. We calculated pair generation rates of up to 250 MHz/mW pump power for a single resonance and integrated pair generation rates of up to 100 THz/mW pump power over 170 nm. When properly reconfigured, a single device can efficiently generate over a bandwidth of some 300 nm, covering the S, C, L, and U infrared bands.
Compact device for the generation of toroidal spatiotemporal optical vortices
Authors: Cheng Jie , Liu Weichao , Wu Zelong , Wan Chenhao
Published: August 2024

Due to the unique spatiotemporal coupling characteristics in phase, spatiotemporal optical vortices have attracted extensive attention. Toroidal vortices, as high-dimensional spatiotemporal optical vortices, have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their unique topological structures. In this paper, we propose an asymmetric grating structure for the generation of optical toroidal vortices in a compact way. A cylindrical vector wave packet is transformed by the structure into a transmitted toroidal vortex pulse. Such a compact toroidal vortex generator may find applications in optical topology and high-dimensional optical communications.
All-dielectric double-layer honeycomb tunable metamaterial absorber with integrated gold nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Yixin , Tian Ying , Li Chenxia , Fang Bo , Liu Jianjun , Hong Zhi , Jing Xufeng
Published: August 2024

The optical regulation strategy of gold nanoparticles can significantly improve the performance of terahertz devices. We designed an all-dielectric double-layer honeycomb metamaterial absorber (MA) to demonstrate the broadband terahertz absorption characteristics in the presence or absence of gold nanoparticles. When it does not contain gold nanoparticles, MA exhibits a peak absorption efficiency of over 99% within the bandwidth range of ∼486  GHz. In particular, gold nanospheres (AuNPs), gold nanobipyramids (AuNBPs), and gold nanorods (AuNRs) are used to modulate the optical coupling effect of metamaterial absorbers, which improves their modulation performance. In the simulation, the effective medium theory (EMT) was applied to quantitatively calculate the optical response of a metamaterial absorber with an integrated gold nanoparticle equivalent gold layer. The integrated gold nanoparticle equivalent gold layer can achieve modulation enhancement of one order of magnitude. In the experiment, our process is compatible with CMOS technology, which may contribute to the development of terahertz detectors. In addition, the tunability and modulation enhancement characteristics demonstrated are beneficial for creating dynamic functional terahertz devices, such as THz modulators and switches.
Understanding patient-derived tumor organoid growth through an integrated imaging and mathematical modeling framework
Authors: Gunnarsson Einar Bjarki , Kim Seungil , Choi Brandon , Schmid J. Karl , Kaura Karn , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Mumenthaler Shannon M. , Foo Jasmine
Published: August 2024

Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) are novel cellular models that maintain the genetic, phenotypic and structural features of patient tumor tissue and are useful for studying tumorigenesis and drug response. When integrated with advanced 3D imaging and analysis techniques, PDTOs can be used to establish physiologically relevant high-throughput and high-content drug screening platforms that support the development of patient-specific treatment strategies. However, in order to effectively leverage high-throughput PDTO observations for clinical predictions, it is critical to establish a quantitative understanding of the basic properties and variability of organoid growth dynamics. In this work, we introduced an innovative workflow for analyzing and understanding PDTO growth dynamics, by integrating a high-throughput imaging deep learning platform with mathematical modeling, incorporating flexible growth laws and variable dormancy times. We applied the workflow to colon cancer organoids and demonstrated that organoid growth is well-described by the Gompertz model of growth. Our analysis showed significant intrapatient heterogeneity in PDTO growth dynamics, with the initial exponential growth rate of an organoid following a lognormal distribution within each dataset. The level of intrapatient heterogeneity varied between patients, as did organoid growth rates and dormancy times of single seeded cells. Our work contributes to an emerging understanding of the basic growth characteristics of PDTOs, and it highlights the heterogeneity in organoid growth both within and between patients. These results pave the way for further modeling efforts aimed at predicting treatment response dynamics and drug resistance timing.
Multimodal mucosal and systemic immune characterization of a non-human primate trachoma model highlights the critical role of local immunity during acute phase disease
Authors: Paulet Elodie , Contreras Vanessa , Galhaut Mathilde , Rosenkrands Ida , Holland Martin , Burton Matthew , Dietrich Jes , Gallouet Anne-Sophie , Bosquet Nathalie , Relouzat Francis , Langlois Sébastien , Follmann Frank , Le Grand Roger , Labetoulle Marc , Rousseau Antoine
Published: August 2024

Background

Trachoma is a leading cause of infection-related blindness worldwide. This disease is caused by recurrent Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infections of the conjunctiva and develops in two phases: i) active (acute trachoma, characterized by follicular conjunctivitis), then long-term: ii) scarring (chronic trachoma, characterized by conjunctival fibrosis, corneal opacification and eyelid malposition). Scarring trachoma is driven by the number and severity of reinfections. The immune system plays a pivotal role in trachoma including exacerbation of the disease. Hence the immune system may also be key to developing a trachoma vaccine. Therefore, we characterized clinical and local immune response kinetics in a non-human primate model of acute conjunctival Ct infection and disease.

Methodology/Principal findings

The conjunctiva of non-human primate (NHP, Cynomolgus monkeys—Macaca fascicularis-) were inoculated with Ct (B/Tunis-864 strain, B serovar). Clinical ocular monitoring was performed using a standardized photographic grading system, and local immune responses were assessed using multi-parameter flow cytometry of conjunctival cells, tear fluid cytokines, immunoglobulins, and Ct quantification. Clinical findings were similar to those observed during acute trachoma in humans, with the development of typical follicular conjunctivitis from the 4th week post-exposure to the 11th week. Immunologic analysis indicated an early phase influx of T cells in the conjunctiva and elevated interleukins 4, 8, and 5, followed by a late phase monocytic influx accompanied with a decrease in other immune cells, and tear fluid cytokines returning to initial levels.

Conclusion/Significance

Our NHP model accurately reproduces the clinical signs of acute trachoma, allowing for an accurate assessment of the local immune responses in infected eyes. A progressive immune response occurred for weeks after exposure to Ct, which subsided into a persistent innate immune response. An understanding of these local responses is the first step towards using the model to assess new vaccine and therapeutic strategies for disease prevention.
Nuclear energy acceptance in Poland: From societal attitudes to effective policy strategies—Network modeling approach
Authors: Smolinski Pawel Robert , Januszewicz Joseph , Pawlowska Barbara , Winiarski Jacek
Published: August 2024

Poland is currently undergoing substantial transformation in its energy sector, and gaining public support is pivotal for the success of its energy policies. We conducted a study with 338 Polish participants to investigate societal attitudes towards various energy sources, including nuclear energy and renewables. Applying a novel network approach, we identified a multitude of factors influencing energy acceptance. Political ideology is the central factor in shaping public acceptance, however we also found that environmental attitudes, risk perception, safety concerns, and economic variables play substantial roles. Considering the long-term commitment associated with nuclear energy and its role in Poland’s energy transformation, our findings provide a foundation for improving energy policy in Poland. Our research underscores the importance of policies that resonate with the diverse values, beliefs, and preferences of the population. While the risk-risk trade-off and technology-focused strategies are effective to a degree, we advocate for a more comprehensive approach. The framing strategy, which tailors messages to distinct societal values, shows particular promise.
A miniaturized ultra-wideband filter with high rejection and selectivity based on dual-notch bands
Authors: Gao Mingming , He Ya , Nan Jingchang , Yang Zhenzhi , Wang Congying
Published: August 2024

A novel compact and highly selective Ultra Wide Band (UWB) filter is proposed using multimode resonator (MMR) technology. To begin with, the filter’s ultra-wideband performance is achieved by coupling a stepped-triangular multimode resonator with input-output feedlines. Furthermore, dual-notch band characteristics are realized at 6.80 GHz and 9.82 GHz, employing asymmetric coupled lines and the split ring resonator (SRR) methods. Eventually, by using a Defected Ground Structure (DGS), the filter’s correct transmission zero is deepened, further enhancing the out-of-band suppression performance at higher frequencies. The measured results are in excellent agreement with the experimental results, and the filter has a passband range of 3.52-11.68 GHz, a center frequency of 7.59 GHz, an insertion loss of just 0.61 dB, and a return loss of more than 18 dB. The transmission zeros have a rejection capability of more than 47 dB attenuation, and the rectangular coefficient of the filter is 1.34, which is outstanding for filtering out the interference signals in the parasitic passband with superior selectivity. The overall structure is compact, and the size is just 0.41λg×0.20λg. The filter can be used for UWB system filtering and also to avoid interference from some Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) IEEE 802.11 series and x-band satellite link frequency bands.
Székesfehérvár 16. századi szandzsákbégjei
Authors: Fóti Miklós
Published: August 2024

After the fall of Székesfehérvár (1543) the Turks immediately established a new sancak, which was of strategic importance on the Ottoman–Habsburg borderland. This study attempts to reconstruct the list of its governors in the sixteenth century, using Ottoman sources, like defters of appointments, sultanic orders, and both Turkish and Christian chronicles. The result of the research is a table containing the basic data of the governors, which will provide an auxiliary tool for historians.
Low Prevalence of Reporting of Participant Race and Ethnicity in Gastroenterology Research Publications
Authors: Burton-Murray Helen , Vélez Christopher , Boyd Taylor , Garcia-Fischer Isabelle , Paz Mary , Weeks Imani , Kiser Katheryn , Chan Andrew T.
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Empirical information on the evolution of reporting race and ethnicity information in gastroenterology research is lacking. To facilitate understanding of where improvements are needed to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in gastroenterology research, we aimed to evaluate reporting and representation by race and ethnicity in studies published in flagship US-based gastroenterology journals over 20 years.

METHODS:

We manually reviewed reporting and representation by race and ethnicity in all original research articles published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology and Gastroenterology in 2000, 2010, and 2020.

RESULTS:

Of 1,168 publications, 24% reported information on race/ethnicity, significantly more commonly reported in US-based study samples vs non-US-based samples. While reporting significantly increased over time, reporting rates were still low as of 2020 (37% overall; 54% with US-based samples).

DISCUSSION:

We recommend that gastroenterology journals create standard reporting requirements for sociodemographic information, including information on race, ethnicity, and/or cultural background.