bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic accuracy of serum microRNAs in detection of cervical cancer: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ssedyabane Frank , Niyonzima Nixon , Ngonzi Joseph , Tusubira Deusdedit , Ocan Moses , Akena Dickens , Namisango Eve , Apunyo Robert , Kinengyere Alison Annet , Obuku Ekwaro A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Cervical cancer remains a public health problem worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. There are challenges in timely screening and diagnosis for early detection and intervention. Therefore, studies on cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia suggest the need for new diagnostic approaches including microRNA technology. Plasma/serum levels of microRNAs are elevated or reduced compared to the normal state and their diagnostic accuracy for detection of cervical neoplasms has not been rigorously assessed more so in low-resource settings such as Uganda. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to assess the diagnostic accuracy of serum microRNAs in detecting cervical cancer.

Methods

We will perform a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. We will search for all articles in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL, as well as grey literature from 2012 to 2022. Our outcomes will be sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive values, positive predictive values or area under the curve (Nagamitsu et al, Mol Clin Oncol 5:189-94, 2016) for each microRNA or microRNA panel. We will use the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (Whiting et al, Ann Intern Med 155:529-36, 2011) tool to assess the risk of bias of included studies. Our results will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Diagnostic Test Accuracy studies (PRISMA-DTA). We will summarise studies in a flow chart and then describe them using a structured narrative synthesis. If possible, we shall use the Lehmann model bivariate approach for the meta analysis

Use of the review results

This systematic review will provide information on the relevance of microRNAs in cervical cancer. This information will help policy makers, planners and researchers in determining which particular microRNAs could be employed to screen or diagnose cancer of the cervix.

Systematic review registration

This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO under registration number CRD42022313275.
Complete genome sequencing of nematode Aphelenchoides besseyi, an economically important pest causing rice white-tip disease
Authors: Ji Hongli , Xie Jialian , Han Ziduan , Yang Fang , Yu Wenjuan , Peng Yunliang , Qing Xue
Published: January 2023

Aphelenchoides besseyi is a seed-borne plant-parasitic nematode that causes severe rice yield losses worldwide. In the present study, the A. besseyi Anhui-1 strain isolated from rice in China was sequenced with a hybrid method combining PacBio long reads and Illumina short reads, and subsequently annotated using available transcriptome references. The genome assembly consists of 166 scaffolds totaling 50.3 Mb, with an N50 of 1.262 Mb and a maximum scaffold length of 9.17 Mb. A total of 16,343 genes were annotated in the genome, with 94 gene families expanded while 70 families contracted specifically in A. besseyi. Furthermore, gene function analysis demonstrated that the genes related to drought tolerance were enriched, and cellulase genes were horizontally acquired from eukaryotic origin. Our findings provide resources to interpret the biology, evolution, ecology, and functional diversities of Aphelenchoides spp. in the light of genomics.
Age effects on frequency amplitude ratio of cVEMP
Authors: Dabbous Abeir Osman , El Bohy Zahraa , Helal Sara , Hamdy Hussein Sherif
Published: January 2023

Background

The vestibular system can perceive sound at high intensity levels. The recording of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) is one of the clinical techniques that capture the vestibular system when activated by sound. In healthy individuals, it has been demonstrated that VEMP thresholds are lower when using low-frequency stimuli, particularly 500 Hz tone burst. Aging affects frequency tuning, causing shift to higher frequencies.

Methods

This study was cross-sectional, which included 80 normal healthy individuals. Each participant in the study were subjected to cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) testing using air and bone conduction as a mode of stimulation. The following cVEMP parameters were assessed: cVEMP inter-frequency peak amplitude ratio (FAR): the ratio of peak-to-peak amplitude between 500 Hz and 1000 Hz in the same ear (1000 Hz/500 Hz FPA). Also, rectified FAR is a method of normalizing the amplitude of the VEMP response to the degree of muscle contraction as determined by EMG.

Results

There were differences among the 5 age groups that were statistically different regarding FAR and rFAR of cVEMP when using air and bone conduction stimuli.

Conclusion

In this study, we provided age norms for frequency amplitude ratio (FAR) (1000/500 Hz) of cVEMP using AC and BC stimuli. Participants above the 50 years age group showed significantly larger FAR and rectified FAR than the younger age groups in both the cVEMP. Air and bone conduction stimuli yielded similar FAR results and can be both used in testing.
Adjuvant Osimertinib for Resected EGFR-Mutated Stage IB-IIIA Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Updated Results From the Phase III Randomized ADAURA Trial
Authors: Herbst Roy S. , Wu Yi-Long , John Thomas , Grohe Christian , Majem Margarita , Wang Jie , Kato Terufumi , Goldman Jonathan W. , Laktionov Konstantin , Kim Sang-We , Yu Chong-Jen , Vu Huu Vinh , Lu Shun , Lee Kye Young , Mukhametshina Guzel , Akewanlop Charuwan , de Marinis Filippo , Bonanno Laura , Domine Manuel , Shepherd Frances A. , Urban Damien , Huang Xiangning , Bolanos Ana , Stachowiak Marta , Tsuboi Masahiro
Published: January 2023

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

PURPOSE

The phase III ADAURA (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02511106 ) primary analysis demonstrated a clinically significant disease-free survival (DFS) benefit with adjuvant osimertinib versus placebo in EGFR-mutated stage IB-IIIA non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after complete tumor resection (DFS hazard ratio [HR], 0.20 [99.12% CI, 0.14 to 0.30]; P < .001). We report an updated exploratory analysis of final DFS data.

METHODS

Overall, 682 patients with stage IB-IIIA (American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control, seventh edition) EGFR-mutated (exon 19 deletion/L858R) NSCLC were randomly assigned 1:1 (stratified by stage, mutational status, and race) to receive osimertinib 80 mg once-daily or placebo for 3 years. The primary end point was DFS by investigator assessment in stage II-IIIA disease analyzed by stratified log-rank test; following early reporting of statistical significance in DFS, no further formal statistical testing was planned. Secondary end points included DFS in stage IB-IIIA, overall survival, and safety. Patterns of recurrence and CNS DFS were prespecified exploratory end points.

RESULTS

At data cutoff (April 11, 2022), in stage II-IIIA disease, median follow-up was 44.2 months (osimertinib) and 19.6 months (placebo); the DFS HR was 0.23 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.30); 4-year DFS rate was 70% (osimertinib) and 29% (placebo). In the overall population, DFS HR was 0.27 (95% CI, 0.21 to 0.34); 4-year DFS rate was 73% (osimertinib) and 38% (placebo). Fewer patients treated with osimertinib had local/regional and distant recurrence versus placebo. CNS DFS HR in stage II-IIIA was 0.24 (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.42). The long-term safety profile of osimertinib was consistent with the primary analysis.

CONCLUSION

These updated data demonstrate prolonged DFS benefit over placebo, reduced risk of local and distant recurrence, improved CNS DFS, and a consistent safety profile, supporting the efficacy of adjuvant osimertinib in resected EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
Increased Morbidity in Males Diagnosed With Gynecomastia: A Nationwide Register-based Cohort Study
Authors: Uldbjerg Cecilie S , Lim Youn-Hee , Bräuner Elvira V , Juul Anders
Published: January 2023

Context

Evidence on the long-term and general health of males with gynecomastia is lacking.

Objectives

To assess health before and following a diagnosis of gynecomastia.

Methods

A register-based cohort study of 140 574 males, of which 23 429 were diagnosed with incident gynecomastia and age- and calendar-matched (1:5) to 117 145 males without gynecomastia from the background population. Males with gynecomastia were stratified into males without (idiopathic) or with a known preexisting risk factor (disease/medication). Cox and logistic regression models investigated associations of disease risk according to International Classification of Diseases 10th revision sections following and before gynecomastia diagnosis.

Results

A total of 16 253 (69.4%) males in the cohort were identified with idiopathic gynecomastia. These males had a statistically significant higher risk of future disease across all included disease chapters (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19-1.89), with endocrine diseases representing the greatest disease risk (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.76-2.03). The highest subchapter disease risk was observed for disorders of the endocrine glands (odds ratio [OR], 7.27; 95% CI, 6.19-8.54). Similarly, the ORs of comorbidities were higher across all included disease sections (OR, 1.05-1.51), except for psychiatric disease (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.68-0.78), with the highest association with musculoskeletal/connective tissue (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.46-1.57) and circulatory (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.29-1.43) diseases.

Conclusions

The presence of idiopathic gynecomastia is an important first clinical symptom of an underlying disease and a significant predictor of future disease risk. These findings should stimulate more awareness among health care providers to increase identification of gynecomastia and its causes in males.
Running-Related Injuries Captured Using Wearable Technology during a Cross-Country Season: A Preliminary Study
Authors: DeJong Lempke Alexandra F. , Hart Joseph M. , Hryvniak David J. , Rodu Jordan S. , Hertel Jay
Published: January 2023

Introduction/Purpose

Running-related injuries are prevalent among competitive runners. In a previous prospective descriptive assessment of in situ running biomechanics in collegiate cross-country athletes, a subset of athletes developed repetitive stress lower extremity injuries during study participation. The purpose of this preliminary, observational study was to assess sensor-derived biomechanics in the several days leading up to injury (n = 8; 4 female, 4 male) compared with runners who remained healthy (n = 14; 9 female, 5 male) over a single cross-country season.

Methods

Wearable sensors were used to collect running biomechanics during two weekly runs, and surveys were used to capture wellness and injury. Individual z scores of biomechanical measures were assessed for runners who developed injuries and compared against healthy male and female z scores.

Results

Of the eight injuries, four were categorized as bone stress injuries (three female, one male), and four as soft tissue injuries (one female, three male). Bone injury cases had increased contact time, loading, and pronation, and decreased cadence and stride length preceding injury. Hamstring injury cases (n = 2) had increased stride length, whereas foot and ankle soft tissue injuries had increased pronation velocity and decreased shock and braking.

Conclusions

This assessment of injury cases illuminates several biomechanical patterns associated with running-related injury development. This study sets the precedent for larger-scale prospective running-related injury evaluations.
Implications of Tax Loss Asymmetry for Owners of S Corporations
Authors: Goodman Lucas , Patel Elena , Saunders-Scott Molly
Published: January 2023

We study tax loss asymmetry for S corporate owners. These owners use most losses contemporaneously, reducing the tax asymmetry compared to C corporations. However, these owners face distortions due to the progressive individual tax schedule. The value of this asymmetry is approximately $3.5 billion per year. We find that this asymmetry creates disincentives for risky investment and causes allocative inefficiencies among loss and gains owners. Finally, we simulate the effects of certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; we estimate that these provisions—especially section 199A—reduce the behavioral distortions of the asymmetry for S corporate owners. (JEL D22, G32, H25, H32, K34)
What Does a Provider Network Do? Evidence from Random Assignment in Medicaid Managed Care
Authors: Wallace Jacob
Published: January 2023

Leveraging the random assignment of over 50,000 Medicaid enrollees in New York, I present causal evidence that narrower networks are a blunt instrument for reducing health care spending. While narrower networks constrain spending, they do so by generating hassle costs that reduce quantity, with modest effects on prices paid to providers. Enrollees assigned to narrower networks use fewer of both needed and unneeded services and are less satisfied with their plans. Using my causal estimates to construct counterfactuals, I identify an alternative assignment policy that reduces spending without harming satisfaction by matching consumers with narrower networks that include their providers. (JEL H51, H75, I13, I18, I38)
An integrative review on physical restraint in adult critical care unit
Authors: Kavumpurath Janisha , KC Mani Kulanthayan , Refaat Fatma , Devaraj Navin , Abdul Rashid Aneesa , Ibrahim Noor Airini
Published: January 2023

Background: Physical restraints (PRs) are frequently used in adult critical care units to protect staff and prevent self-harm, despite the fact that they represent significant safety risks. Restraint complications may have an impact on the patient's long- and short-term outcomes. This study aims to examine the recent evidence on the use of PR in adult critical care.

Method: This integrative review included the studies published between January 2009 and December 2019 and the literature search was conducted in July 2020. The databases searched included EBSCOhost, Ovid, ProQuest, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect. The keywords included in the search were restraint, critical care, intensive care, ICU, mechanical ventilation, intubation, nursing, and experience. A checklist based on the CASP checklist and the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess the methodological quality.

Results: The findings were evaluated and summarized into seven key topics after twenty-one publications were found to be evaluated. i) High prevalence of PR application in adult critical care unit; ii) determinants of PR applications; iii) types of PR in adult critical care units; iv) decision maker of PR; v) moral and ethical dilemma in PR application; vi) awareness and guidelines for PR applications; vii) common complications and use of sedation, analgesics, antipsychotic drugs in PR application.

Conclusion: The number of days PR is used is related to the risk of an adverse event. In order to standardize nursing practice, ICU nurses require greater training on the ideas of PR use. Evidence-based recommendations will assist critical care nurses in making the best judgments possible concerning the use of PR.
Ex-vivo experimental strategies for assessing unconstrained shoulder biomechanics: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Genter Jeremy , Croci Eleonora , Ewald Hannah , Müller Andreas M. , Mündermann Annegret , Baumgartner Daniel
Published: January 2023

Background: Shoulder biomechanics cannot be measured directly in living persons. While different glenohumeral joint simulators have been developed to investigate the role of the glenohumeral muscles in shoulder biomechanics, a standard for these simulators has not been defined. With this scoping review we want to describe available ex-vivo experimental strategies for assessing unconstrained shoulder biomechanics.

Objective: The scoping review aims at identifying methodological and/or experimental studies describing or involving ex-vivo simulators that assess unconstrained shoulder biomechanics and synthesizing their strengths and limitations.

Inclusion criteria: All unconstrained glenohumeral joint simulators published in connection with ex-vivo or mechanical simulation experiments will be included. Studies on glenohumeral simulators with active components to mimic the muscles will be included. We will exclude studies where the experiment is static or the motion is induced through an external guide, e.g., a robotic device.

Methods: We will perform database searching in PubMed, Embase via Elsevier and Web of Science. Two reviewers will independently assess full texts of selected abstracts. Direct backward and forward citation tracking on included articles will be conducted. We will narratively synthesize the results and derive recommendations for designing ex-vivo simulators for assessing unconstrained shoulder biomechanics.
A neoclassical-realist analysis of Japan’s stance on cross-strait relations
Authors: Zakowski Karol
Published: January 2023

Since 1972, Tokyo has maintained official diplomatic relations with Beijing, while stressing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Based on governmental documents and decision-makers’ political declarations, this article examines Japan’s approach towards cross-strait relations since the 1990s. It applies the perspective of neoclassical realism by analyzing both the international determinants (independent variables) and the domestic factors (intervening variables) behind Tokyo’s approach to ‘One China’ policy. The article tries to answer the question why different Japanese governments reacted in various ways to cross-strait frictions and rapprochement. It is argued that the level of Tokyo’s involvement in the Taiwan problem was dependent both on international and domestic factors. Growing concerns about China’s military buildup, coupled with a gradual demise of pro-Beijing faction in the Liberal Democratic Party, pushed Japan towards containing the People’s Republic of China (PRC) while ameliorating relations with Taipei. As Sino-Japanese relations deteriorated, Tokyo became less inclined to lecture Taiwan against provoking Beijing and more willing to support Taipei’s international initiatives. At the same time, Japan started perceiving cross-strait rapprochement not only as a factor stabilizing the regional security system, but also as a potential threat to national security.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN ATTENTION BIAS STUDY IN SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER
Authors: Sagalakova Olga A. , Truevtsev Dmitry V. , Zhirnova Olga V.
Published: January 2023

The paper aims to methodologically reflect on the scientific perspectives and risk-related reductionist understanding of mental processes of the limitations of digital technologies in the study of attention biases in social anxiety disorder.

Materials and methods of research include theoretical-methodological analysis, expert analysis of sources on the problem of application of digital technologies in the study of attention biases in social anxiety disorder. Methodological basis of analysis is the positions of the cultural-activity approach in comprehension of psychological aspects of application of digital technologies to research mental disorders (Tkhostov, Emelin, Soldatova, etc.), pathopsychology in studying distortions of mental activity (Zeigarnik, Kholmogorova, etc.), cognitive and cognitive-behavioral model of social anxiety disorder in the reconstruction of mechanisms of formation and maintenance of anxiety (Clark, Wells, etc.), principles of organization of contemporary studies using digital technologies, and the results of individual empirical studies on the features of attention in social anxiety disorder.

Results. The use of technology in research can be close to the research aim, substituting its scientific methodological understanding at the expense of visibility and the halo of scientificity of the data obtained. Improvement of digital technologies takes their application to a new level, which includes the priority of methodology. The use of digital technology in the study of mechanisms of social anxiety has provided empirical confirmation of motivational bias to social stimuli and the phenomenon of self-focused attention. The most meaningful results in terms of verification of cognitive and cognitive-behavioral models of social anxiety were obtained using eye-tracking technology and electroencephalography. They allow explicating dynamic properties of attention when solving the task in the experiment. Application of digital technologies provides (1) detection of empirical indicators of selectivity of cognitive-perceptual activity when perceiving social objects, (2) determination of phenotypical features of socially anxious individuals. The last distinguish clinical and normative samples, provide an opportunity to verify the models which put forward biases of attention as leading mechanisms of social anxiety. The variety of empirical studies using different paradigms and methods of study does not always allow for comparisons or generalizations; inconsistencies persist in results.

Scope of the results. The research results can be applied in (1) the planning of current studies using digital technology and comprehending of the results; (2) clarification of the mechanisms of disorders and selectivity of attention in social anxiety; (3) development of psychological interventions aimed to work with biases of attention in relation to social stimuli.
The evaluation of parents' knowledge about psychophysical development of the 0-12 months old children
Authors: Weber-Nowakowska Katarzyna , Drewniak Katarzyna , Kulik Anita , Chilman Agata , Gębska Magdalena
Published: January 2023

Introduction: A process of psychomotor development should take place harmoniously according to a fixed plan. Because of the fact, that not every child develops properly, parents ought to possess basic knowledge of child’s psychomotor development. It could enable them to notice any possible abnormalities and turn to a specialist for help in time.

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess parents' knowledge about the psychomotor development of children aged 0-12 months and the impact of selected socio-demographic factors on the level of this knowledge

Materials and methods: The research involved 111 parents who filled in the questionnaire form on psychomotor development of a child in its first year.

Results: It has been proven that a general level of parents’ knowledge ranges from low to good. Moreover, based on the research it can be claimed, that people who graduated from universities gain better knowledge on a person’s development than people who didn’t. Similarly, parents with a bigger amount of children and what’s connected, better experience, achieve better results. Finally, a large majority of parents claim that their knowledge is better that it really is.

Conclusions: Comparing the outcome with the results of other researchers it can be concluded, that the level of knowledge on child’s psychomotor development is rather low. The reason of that might be the lack of needed education on the area. Taking into consideration a quite wide range of available sources of information, parents can find many possibilities to broaden their knowledge. To improve the situation various actions encouraging self-improvement of parents’ level of knowledge should be introduced. In the future a similar research should take place to check if the level of awareness of this issue is heightened.
Introduction: 2022 Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Advanced Analytics, Operations Research, and Management Science
Authors: Beam Carrie M. , Pekgün Pelin
Published: January 2023

This special issue of the INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics (formerly Interfaces) is devoted to the finalists of the 52nd annual competition for the Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Advanced Analytics, Operations Research, and Management Science, the profession’s most prestigious award for deployed work. As in previous years, the finalists this year cover a wide range of industries and functions.
The Design of Optimal Pay-as-Bid Procurement Mechanisms
Authors: Choi Je-ok , Saban Daniela , Weintraub Gabriel
Published: January 2023

Problem definition: We consider the mechanism design problem of finding an optimal pay-as-bid mechanism in which a platform chooses an assortment of suppliers to balance the tradeoff between two objectives: providing enough variety to accommodate heterogeneous buyers, yet at low prices. Academic/practical relevance: Modern buying channels, including e-commerce and public procurement, often consist of a platform that mediates transactions. Frequently, these platforms implement simple and transparent mechanisms to induce suppliers’ direct participation, which typically results in pay-as-bid (or first-price) mechanisms where suppliers set their prices. Methodology: We introduce a novel class of assortment mechanisms that we call k-soft reserves (k-SRs): If at least k suppliers choose a price below the soft-reserve price, then only those suppliers are added to the assortment; otherwise, all the suppliers are added. Results: We show the optimality of k-SRs for a class of stylized symmetric models to derive the intuition behind these mechanisms. Then, through extensive numerical simulations, we provide evidence of the robustness of k-SRs in more general and realistic settings. Managerial implications: Our results give intuitive and simple-to-use prescriptions on how to optimize pay-as-bid assortment mechanisms in practice, with an emphasis on public procurement settings.

Funding: J. Choi thanks the Samsung Scholarship and Stanford Graduate School of Business for financial support. G. Weintraub thanks Joseph and Laurie Lacob for the support during the 2018–2019 academic year as a Joseph and Laurie Lacob Faculty Scholar at Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1180 .
The status and roles of the 406th Medical General Laboratory of the U.S. Army, 1946-1953
Authors: KIM Taewoo
Published: January 2023

In 1946, the U.S. Army established the 406th Medical General Laboratory as the central medical research institute for their new Asia-Pacific-occupied area. The primary mission of the 406th medical laboratory was to supplement the epidemiologic, sanitary, and diagnostic services available in other medical facilities and hospitals, and to investigate outbreaks of disease and conditions which affect or may affect the health of the people in the occupied area. At the time of its establishment, the 406th laboratory had considerable difficulties securing researchers, but it solved the related problems by actively cooperating with Japanese medical researchers and research institutes. According to the statistics in 1947, the 406th laboratory consisted of 46% of its total research personnel, Japanese researchers. The 406th medical laboratory’s professional research departments included the department of Pathology, Serology, Bacteriology, Medical Zoology, Chemistry, Virus and Ricketts, Entomology (established in 1949), and Epidemiology (established in 1951). All research departments played a central role in the Asia-Pacific region in their professional fields. For example, the department of Pathology functioned as the “histopathology center of all hospitals in Japan, Korea, and the Mariana-Bonin Command” under the provision of “Army Regulation 40-410,” and the department of Chemistry was called an “analytical chemistry laboratory for the Far East Command” because it performed various chemical experiments for many medical facilities in the area with insufficient research facilities.
Two-dimensional displacement estimation of one-dimensional laser speckle images for detection of acoustic vibration
Authors: Xia Neng Hao , Xie Cheng Feng , Liu Yan Song , Wei Bin , Zhang Hai Lin , Guo Zhuang , Zhang Lei , Wang Meng Yu , He Xing Dao
Published: January 2023

Detection and recovery of audio signals using optical methods is an appealing topic. Observing the movement of secondary speckle patterns is a convenient method for such a purpose. In order to have less computational cost and faster processing, one-dimensional laser speckle images are captured by an imaging device, while it sacrifices the ability to detect speckle movement along one axis. This paper proposes a laser microphone system to estimate the two-dimensional displacement from one-dimensional laser speckle images. Hence, we can regenerate audio signals in real time even as the sound source is rotating. Experimental results show that our system is capable of reconstructing audio signals under complex conditions.
Quantitative phase gradient metrology using diffraction phase microscopy and deep learning
Authors: Venkata Satya Vithin Allaparthi , Gannavarpu Rajshekhar
Published: January 2023

In quantitative phase microscopy, measurement of the phase gradient is an important problem for biological cell morphological studies. In this paper, we propose a method based on a deep learning approach that is capable of direct estimation of the phase gradient without the requirement of phase unwrapping and numerical differentiation operations. We show the robustness of the proposed method using numerical simulations under severe noise conditions. Further, we demonstrate the method’s utility for imaging different biological cells using diffraction phase microscopy setup.
Spiral fractional vortex beams
Authors: Wu Lixun , Feng Xuankai , Lin Zhongzheng , Wen Yuanhui , Chen Hongjia , Chen Yujie , Yu Siyuan
Published: January 2023

A new type of spatially structured light field carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode with any non-integer topological order, referred to as the spiral fractional vortex beam, is demonstrated using the spiral transformation. Such beams have a spiral intensity distribution and a phase discontinuity in the radial direction, which is completely different from an opening ring of the intensity pattern and an azimuthal phase jump, common features that all previously reported non-integer OAM modes (referred to as the conventional fractional vortex beams) shared. The intriguing properties of a spiral fractional vortex beam are studied both in simulations and experiments in this work. The results show that the spiral intensity distribution will evolve into a focusing annular pattern during its propagation in free space. Furthermore, we propose a novel scheme by superimposing a spiral phase piecewise function on spiral transformation to convert the radial phase jump to the azimuthal phase jump, revealing the connection between the spiral fractional vortex beam and its conventional counterpart, of which OAM modes both share the same non-integer order. Thus this work is expected to inspire opening more paths for leading fractional vortex beams to potential applications in optical information processing and particle manipulation.
Dual color infrared photodetector with superconducting metamaterials
Authors: Chen Bingxin , Pan Hong , Zhu Liping , Xu Hongtao , Wang Hengliang , Zhang Lijian , Yan Xiaomi , Ma Chiyuan , Xu Xuguang , Lu Wei , An Zhenghua , Song Yanru
Published: January 2023

Superconducting photodetection offers a wide spectral coverage ranging from the microwave to X-ray, and in the short wavelength range, single photon sensitivity can be achieved. However, in the longer wavelength infrared region, the system detection efficiency is low due to the lower internal quantum efficiency and weak optical absorption. Here, we utilized the superconducting metamatieral to enhance the light coupling efficiency and reach nearly perfect absorption at dual color infrared wavelengths. Dual color resonances arise from hybridization of local surface plasmon mode of the metamaterial structure and the Fabry-Perot-like cavity mode of metal (Nb)-dielectric (Si)-metamatieral (NbN) tri-layer structure. We demonstrated that, at the working temperature of 8 K slightly below T
C
∼8.8 K, this infrared detector exhibits the peak responsivity of 1.2 × 106 V/W and 3.2 × 106 V/W at two resonant frequencies 36.6 THz and 104 THz, respectively. The peak responsivity is enhanced about ∼8 and ∼22 times, respectively, compared to that of non-resonant frequency (67 THz). Our work provides a way to harvest infrared light efficiently and hence improve the sensitivity of superconducting photodetectors in multispectral infrared range, which may find promising applications in thermal image and gas sensing etc.
Non-Hermitian topological photonics
Authors: Nasari Hadiseh , Pyrialakos Georgios G. , Christodoulides Demetrios N. , Khajavikhan Mercedeh
Published: January 2023

Recent years have witnessed a flurry of research activities in topological photonics, predominantly driven by the prospect for topological protection–a property that endows such systems with robustness against local defects, disorder, and perturbations. This field emerged in fermionic environments and primarily evolved within the framework of quantum mechanics which is by nature a Hermitian theory. However, in light of the ubiquitous presence of non-Hermiticity in a host of natural and artificial settings, one of the most pressing questions today is how non-Hermiticity may affect some of the predominant features of topological arrangements and whether or not novel topological phases may arise in non-conservative and out of equilibrium systems that are open to the environment. Here, we provide a brief overview of recent developments and ongoing efforts in this field and present our perspective on future directions and potential challenges. Special attention will be given to the interplay of topology and non-Hermiticity–an aspect that could open up new frontiers in physical sciences and could lead to promising opportunities in terms of applications in various disciplines of photonics.
Silicon-based integrated polarization-independent magneto-optical isolator
Authors: Liu Shuyuan , Minemura Daiki , Shoji Yuya
Published: January 2023

As indispensable components in optical communication systems, isolators
are used to ensure the stability of the system by blocking the
reflected lights. Because of the randomness of the reflected light
state in a complex optical circuit, polarization-independent isolators
are also needed; however, the silicon-based integrated isolators
reported so far still cannot meet this requirement. In this paper, we
propose a silicon-based waveguide-integrated polarization-independent
magneto-optical isolator. After processing by a CMOS compatible
process on the silicon platform, isolation ratios of 20 dB and
12 dB, as well as insertion losses of 4.6 dB and
8.2 dB, were measured corresponding to TE- and TM-polarized
input, respectively. This isolator is expected to be employed in
polarization multiplexing systems to further increase the integration
density.
A multicenter survey of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia among patients with advanced HIV disease in Nigeria
Authors: Oladele Rita O. , Jordan Alexander M. , Okaa Joy U. , Osaigbovo Iriagbonse I. , Shettima Shuwaram A. , Shehu Nathan Y. , Davies Adeyinka A. , Mohammed Yahaya , Alex-Wele Mary A. , Iliyasu Garba , Nwaokenye Jude C. , Fayemiwo Samuel A. , Udoh Ubong A. , Gbajabiamila Titilola , Denning David W. , Chiller Tom M.
Published: January 2023

As of 2018, cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease (AHD) was not routinely implemented in Nigeria despite being recommended in the national HIV treatment guidelines. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in adult people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria to advocate for the implementation of routine CrAg screening. A descriptive cross-sectional study and CrAg screening of consecutive adult PLHIV with CD4 counts ≤200 cells/μL was conducted from April 2018 to April 2019 at HIV clinics in eleven tertiary hospitals spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions. Prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia was estimated by facility and geopolitical zone. Logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for cryptococcal antigenemia. In total, 1,114 patients with AHD were screened. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia was 3.9% with wide variation across facilities (range: 0/75 [0%]– 15/122 [12.3%]) and geopolitical zones (range: 0/75 [0%]–19/279 [6.8%]). Prevalence of antigenemia was highest in the South-West (19/279 [6.8%]) and lowest in the North-East (0/75 [0%]). Prevalence was 5.2% (26/512) and 3.2% (18/561) in patients with CD4<100 and CD4 of 101–200, respectively. Of all patients with antigenemia, 50% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of having a positive CrAg test. In adjusted analysis, cryptococcal antigenemia was significantly less in patients on ART and patients who had completed any formal education. The survey showed a high overall burden of cryptococcal antigenemia in Nigeria, with variable prevalence across geopolitical regions. We provided valuable evidence for implementing routine CrAg screening of AHD patients in Nigeria which has commenced in selected centres.
Developing an assistive technology usability questionnaire for people with neurological diseases
Authors: Masbernat-Almenara Maria , Rubi-Carnacea Francesc , Opisso Eloy , Duarte-Oller Esther , Medina-Casanovas Josep , Valenzuela-Pascual Fran
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study describes the development of a questionnaire for assessing the usability of assistive technologies accessible to people with neurological diseases.

Methods

A Delphi study was conducted to identify relevant items for the questionnaire. After that, the content validity was addressed to identify the essential items. Once the questionnaire was designed following the results of the Delphi study and content validity, the reliability, validity, and the Rasch model of the questionnaire were examined.

Results

Two rounds of the Delphi study were carried out. A total of 73 participants (42 experts and 31 users) participated in round 1, and 59 people (27 experts and 32 users) in round 2. A total of 53 and 29 items were identified in rounds 1 and 2, respectively. In the content validity, we found nine items above the threshold of 0.58. Finally, ten items were included in the questionnaire. Fifty-one participants participate in the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. The internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire analyzed by Cronbach’s Alpha was α = 0,895. There was moderate to considerable concordance among our questionnaire items test-retest in the Kappa coefficient and a strong association between test-retest in the Spearman’s coefficient ρ = 0.818 (p<0,001). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0,869 with a 95% confidence interval (0,781;0,923). There was a strong correlation between the total scores of the new questionnaire and other validated questionnaires analyzed with Spearman’s coefficient ρ = 0.756 (p<0,001). The ten items demonstrated a satisfactory fit to the Rasch model.

Conclusions

The present study suggested that the new questionnaire is a reliable 10-item usability questionnaire that allows subjective and quick assessment of the usability of assistive technologies by people with neurological diseases.
10-year survival outcome after clinically suspected acute myocarditis in adults: A nationwide study in the pre-COVID-19 era
Authors: Kim Mi-Jeong , Jung Hae Ok , Kim Hoseob , Bae Yoonjong , Lee So Young , Jeon Doo Soo
Published: January 2023

Background

Clinical courses of acute myocarditis are heterogeneous in populations and geographic regions. There is a dearth of long-term outcomes data for acute myocarditis prior to the coronavirus disease pandemic, particularly in the older and female population. This study aimed to provide the nationwide epidemiologic approximates of clinically suspected acute myocarditis across adults of all ages over the long term.

Methods

From the nationwide governmental health insurance database, a retrospective cohort comprised all patients aged 20–79 who were hospitalized for clinically suspected acute myocarditis without underlying cardiac diseases from 2006 to 2018. The complicated phenotype was defined as requiring hemodynamic or major organ support. Over 10 years, all-cause mortality and index event-driven excess mortality were evaluated according to young-adult (20–39 years), mid-life (40–59 years), and older-adult (60–79 years) age groups.

Results

Among 2,988 patients (51.0±16.9 years, 46.2% women), 362 (12.1%) were of complicated phenotype. Of these, 163 (45.0%) had died within 1 month. All-cause death at 30 days occurred in 40 (4.7%), 52 (4.8%), and 105 (10.0%) patients in the young-adult, mid-life, and older-adult groups, respectively. For 10 years of follow-up, all-cause death occurred in 762 (25.5%). Even in young adult patients with non-complicated phenotypes, excess mortality remained higher compared to the general population.

Conclusion

In hospitalized patients with clinically suspected acute myocarditis, short-term mortality is high both in young and older adults, particularly those with comorbidities and severe clinical presentation. Furthermore, excess mortality remains high for at least 10 years after index hospitalization in young adults.
Dominación militar borbónica del reino de Aragón
Authors: Pamplona Molina Gerard
Published: January 2023

Dada su proximidad geográfica con el Reino de Valencia y el Principado de Cataluña, las zonas fronterizas del Reino de Aragón se constituyeron en un escenario bélico clave para que los dos bandos enfrentados en la Guerra de Sucesión de España pudieran consolidarse territorialmente. A pesar de los avances historiográficos realizados hasta la fecha, todavía hoy quedan incógnitas relacionadas con las dinámicas bélicas y los efectos sociales, políticos, demográficos y urbanísticos que sufrieron los territorios de la Corona de Aragón. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar cuáles fueron los mecanismos que entre 1705 y 1710 los ejércitos de Felipe V utilizaron para controlar las zonas orientales del Reino de Aragón y cómo se organizaron para dominar la población, evitar sublevaciones y obtener recursos económicos a partir de las nuevas cargas fiscales. Asimismo, se analizará cómo evolucionaron las estrategias represivas aplicadas y cuáles fueron las consecuencias que estas tácticas tuvieron para la población, los municipios y el devenir del conflicto.
jornada de restitución a Francia de la reina Luisa Isabel de Orleans y la embajada de don Baltasar de Zúñiga (1725) en el contexto del revisionismo hispano
Authors: Zarza Sánchez Emiliano
Published: January 2023

En marzo de 1725 Francia decidía devolver a España a la infanta Maria Ana de Borbón, hija de Felipe V e Isabel de Farnesio, prometida de Luís XV hasta ese momento. Este gesto habría una crisis aguda en las relaciones internacionales no solo francoespañolas, sino también europeas, circunstancia inmediata que llevaría a Madrid a ordenar al barón de Ripperdá sellar definitivamente un acuerdo bilateral con el emperador (la Paz de Viena) al margen del Congreso de Cambrai. En reciprocidad al reintegro de la infanta, los reyes españoles dispondrán el reintegro a París de Luisa Isabel de Orleans, viuda de Luís I, y de su hermana, Felipa de Orleans, prometida del infante don Carlos. Este reintegro sería ejecutado en embajada especial por el marqués de Valero, Baltasar de Zúñiga.
end of the Royal Guipuzcoan Company of Caracas
Authors: Cardozo Uzcátegui Alejandro
Published: January 2023

The Real Compañía Guipuzcoana de Caracas (the Royal Guipuzcoan Company of Caracas) was the largest commercial monopoly company in Spain and was led by Basque businessmen from 1728. This research will explain two scenarios: the elucidation of the end of the Real Compañía Guipuzcoana de Caracas, its internal economic crisis and the fate of a good part of its officials in the Venezuelan province. The second scenario explains how these officials become a new plutocracy and clashed with the traditional criollo power, the Mantuanos.
Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy and Their Maternal and Foetal Outcome in Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Vasani Asha Kuvarji  , Tahseen Fathima  , Susham S Shetty  , Chandaa Vinodkumar Jakkannavar  , Sangeetha K  , Radha Nair  , Nisarg Sutaria  , Pramukh Hegde
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

In pregnant women, thyroid disorders are common endocrine problems and due to non-specific symptoms and hyper-metabolic state of pregnancy they are often neglected. To know the prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnant women and their maternal and foetal outcome was the purpose of this study.

METHODS

This was an observational study which was conducted from 15th November 2021 to 15th May 2022 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Srinivas Medical College, Mukka, (Mangalore). Registration of one fifty pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in first trimester was done. Detailed history and examination was done. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) level evaluation was done apart from routine antenatal investigations.

RESULTS

Among 150 pregnant women, the prevalence of thyroid disorders is 14 (9.31 %). Subclinical hypothyroidism 9 (6 %) was the most common thyroid disorder observed. Maternal anaemia and eclampsia was most common complication 3 each (33.33 %). 1 (11 %) was antepartum haemorrhage. Thyroid disorder occurred during the 2nd trimester 58.33 %; 25 % and 16.66 % in 1st and 3rd trimester. Most commonly observed foetal birth weight in this study were between 2 - 2.5 kgs 7 (77.77 %). Most common foetal complication observed were foetal growth restriction (five) with spontaneous abortion and intra uterine foetal demise (IUFD) (one each) was noted. Out of all thyroid disorders associated with pregnancy, subclinical hypothyroidism is the most frequently noted. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism remain asymptomatic when not treated, but had bad obstetric and neonatal outcome, although less severe than overt hypothyroidism cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Timely screening of pregnant women is required during pregnancy for the prevention of pregnancy which helps in the early diagnosis and management of complications related to maternal and foetus due to thyroid disorders.