bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of tumor antigens and immune subtypes in lower grade gliomas for mRNA vaccine development
Authors: Ye Liguo , Wang Long , Yang Ji’an , Hu Ping , Zhang Chunyu , Tong Shi’ao , Liu Zhennan , Tian Daofeng
Published: August 2021

Background

As an important part of tumor immunotherapy for adjunct, therapeutic tumor vaccines have been effective against multiple solid cancers, while their efficacy against lower grade glioma (LGG) remains undefined. Immunophenotyping of tumors is an essential tool to evaluate the immune function of patients with immunodeficiency or autoimmunity. Therefore, this study aims to find the potential tumor antigen of LGG and identify the suitable population for cancer vaccination based on the immune landscape.

Method

The genomic and clinical data of 529 patients with LGG were obtained from TCGA, the mRNA_seq data of normal brain tissue were downloaded from GTEx. Differential expression gene and mutation analysis were performed to screen out potential antigens, K-M curves were carried out to investigate the correlation between the level of potential antigens and OS and DFS of patients. TIMER dataset was used to explore the correlation between genes and immune infiltrating cells. Immunophenotyping of 529 tumor samples was based on the single-sample gene sets enrichment analysis. Cibersort and Estimate algorithm were used to explore the tumor immune microenvironment characteristics in each immune subtype. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) clustered immune-related genes and screened the hub genes, and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the hub modules related to immune subtype in the WGCNA.

Results

Selecting for the mutated, up-regulated, prognosis- and immune-related genes, four potential tumor antigens were identified in LGG. They were also significantly positively associated with the antigen-presenting immune cells (APCs). Three robust immune subtypes, IS1, IS2 and IS3, represented immune status "desert", "immune inhibition", and "inflamed" respectively, which might serve as a predictive parameter. Subsequently, clinicopathological features, including the codeletion status of 1p19q, IDH mutation status, tumor mutation burden, tumor stemness, etc., were significantly different among subtypes.

Conclusion

FCGBP, FLNC, TLR7, and CSF2RA were potential antigens for developing cancer vaccination, and the patients in IS3 were considered the most suitable for vaccination in LGG.
Fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) promotes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression by regulating hypoxia signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Li Minjie , Li Ying , Deng Yu , Ke Shun , Li Fan , Wang Yujin , Zhou Shuchang
Published: August 2021

Background

Accumulating evidence highlights the critical roles of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in regulating the progression of multiple human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the role of FGF11 in the progression of NSCLC.

Methods

Previously published transcriptomic data (GSE75037 and GSE81089) were used to compare FGF11 expression level between NSCLC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. 100 cases of NSCLC tumor tissues and 30 cases of matched adjacent normal tissues were used to validate FGF11 expression at mRNA and protein level by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter analysis were performed to confirm the regulatory effect of miR-525-5p on FGF11 expression. CCK-8 assay and transwell migration assay were employed to examine cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify the signaling pathway associated with FGF11 expression. Finally, the functional role of FGF11 in NSCLC tumor growth was evaluated by in vivo study.

Results

FGF11 was upregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues and tumor cell lines. High FGF11 expression was associated with a poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. In vitro loss- and gain-of function experiments demonstrated that FGF11 knockdown inhibited, whereas FGF11 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that FGF11 was downregulated by miR-525-5p, and the effect of FGF11 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion could be interfered by miR-525-5p. GSEA analysis further revealed that FGF11 expression was enriched with genes in hypoxia signaling pathway and the oncogenic function of FGF11 could be suppressed by knocking down HIF-1α in NSCLC cells. Moreover, FGF11 knockdown suppressed NSCLC tumor growth whereas FGF11 overexpression promoted tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

Our study showed that FGF11 functions as an oncogene in tumor NSCLC progression. miR-525-5p seems to negatively regulate FGF11 and the oncogenic role of FGF11 is dependent on the upregulation of HIF-1α. Our study suggests that targeting FGF11 and HIF-1α may serve as novel strategies for the treatment of NSCLC.
A translational triage research development tool: standardizing prehospital triage decision-making systems in mass casualty incidents
Authors: Khorram-Manesh Amir , Nordling Johan , Carlström Eric , Goniewicz Krzysztof , Faccincani Roberto , Burkle Frederick M.
Published: August 2021

Background

There is no global consensus on the use of prehospital triage system in mass casualty incidents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the most commonly used pre-existing prehospital triage systems for the possibility of creating one universal translational triage tool.

Methods

The Rapid Evidence Review consisted of (1) a systematic literature review (2) merging and content analysis of the studies focusing on similarities and differences between systems and (3) development of a universal system.

Results

There were 17 triage systems described in 31 eligible articles out of 797 identified initially. Seven of the systems met the predesignated criteria and were selected for further analysis. The criteria from the final seven systems were compiled, translated and counted for in means of 1/7’s. As a product, a universal system was created of the majority criteria.

Conclusions

This study does not create a new triage system itself but rather identifies the possibility to convert various prehospital triage systems into one by using a triage translational tool. Future research should examine the tool and its different decision-making steps either by using simulations or by experts’ evaluation to ensure its feasibility in terms of speed, continuity, simplicity, sensitivity and specificity, before final evaluation at prehospital level.
Time-dependent effect of 1,6-hexanediol on biomolecular condensates and 3D chromatin organization
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Jiang Shaoshuai , Ma Lin , Qu Jiale , Zhao Longying , Zhu Xing , Ding Junjun
Published: August 2021

Background

Biomolecular condensates have been implicated in multiple cellular processes. However, the global role played by condensates in 3D chromatin organization remains unclear. At present, 1,6-hexanediol (1,6-HD) is the only available tool to globally disrupt condensates, yet the conditions of 1,6-HD vary considerably between studies and may even trigger apoptosis.

Results

In this study, we first analyzed the effects of different concentrations and treatment durations of 1,6-HD and found that short-term exposure to 1.5% 1,6-HD dissolved biomolecular condensates whereas long-term exposure caused aberrant aggregation without affecting cell viability. Based on this condition, we drew a time-resolved map of 3D chromatin organization and found that short-term treatment with 1.5% 1,6-HD resulted in reduced long-range interactions, strengthened compartmentalization, homogenized A-A interactions, B-to-A compartment switch and TAD reorganization, whereas longer exposure had the opposite effects. Furthermore, the long-range interactions between condensate-component-enriched regions were markedly weakened following 1,6-HD treatment.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study finds a proper 1,6-HD condition and provides a resource for exploring the role of biomolecular condensates in 3D chromatin organization.
Microvascular complications and its predictors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Dessie town hospitals, Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Mohammed Abdu , Akalu Yonas , Gela Yibeltal Yismaw , Belsti Yitayeh , Diress Mengistie , Fekadu Sofonias Addis , Dagnew Baye , Getnet Mihret
Published: August 2021

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder which becomes common in middle and low incomes countries since few decades. Microvascular complications include retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy all of which can lead to disability, dependency, accelerate their morbidity, and mortality. In Ethiopia, there is paucity data regarding this topic. Hence, this study aimed to assess prevalence of microvascular complications and its predictors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Methods

Cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020 at Dessie town hospitals. We used simple random sampling to recruit study participants and pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire to collect the data. Data was entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and exported to SPSS-23 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was done to select potential variables to be adjusted at p ≤ 0.25. After running multivariable regression, variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 were declared as statistically significant.

Results

Three hundred and thirty-five type 2 DM patients participated in the study, of which 54.6% were males. One hundred and twenty-seven [37.9% (95% CI 32.5%–43.3%)] of diabetes mellitus had at least one microvascular complications. These were retinopathy 24.8%, nephropathy 16.1%, and neuropathy 8.1%. Age 60–87 years (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.02–7.46), duration of diabetes > 5 years (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI 2.40–6.96), mellitus and co-morbid hypertension (AOR = 3.52, 95% CI 2.09–5.95), were statistically significant.

Conclusions

In this study, diabetic microvascular complications are prevalent. Increasing the age of participants, longer duration of diabetes mellitus and co-morbid hypertension were independent predictors. Health workers should give emphasis for diabetes mellitus through early screening and health education, abrupt medication for aged patients with long duration of diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, and also early detection and management of microvascular complication.
Match running performance in Brazilian professional soccer players: comparisons between successful and unsuccessful teams
Authors: Aquino Rodrigo , Gonçalves Luiz Guilherme , Galgaro Marcos , Maria Thiago Santi , Rostaiser Eduardo , Pastor Alejandro , Nobari Hadi , Garcia Gabriel Rodrigues , Moraes-Neto Maxwell Viana , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo
Published: August 2021

Background

This study aimed to compare the match running performance between bottom- and top-ranked teams in professional soccer players over the 2020 season of the Brazilian National 2nd Division League. In addition, this study verified the independent and interactive effects of playing position and contextual factors on running outputs between these teams.

Methods

Forty-eight professional male outfield soccer players participated in this study (top-ranked team, n = 24; bottom-ranked team, n = 24). The distance- and accelerometry-based measures were recorded during 69 matches using a global positioning system (10 Hz) integrated with an accelerometer (400 Hz).

Results

The top-ranked team covered greater total distance [median (interquartile range); 10,330.0 m (1430.0)] and high-acceleration [97.0 m (32.0)] than the bottom-ranked team, in home and away matches [p < 0.05, effect size (ES) = small]. The midfielders of the top-ranked team covered higher total distance, high-speed running (> 18 km h−1), high acceleration (≥ 3 m s−2), high-deceleration (≤ −3 m s−2), and performed more sprints [(> 25 km h−1) compared to midfielders of the bottom-ranked team (p < 0.05, η2 = small-moderate]. The matches against top-level opponents required high values of high-acceleration and number of sprints only for the top-ranked team (p < 0.05, ES = small). Independent analysis showed that match outcome (loss vs. draw vs. win) was not influenced by running performance for both bottom- and top-ranked teams (p > 0.05; η2 = small). However, the top-ranked team covered greater total distance, high-acceleration/deceleration than bottom-ranked team in loss matches (p < 0.05, η2 = small).

Conclusions

These findings should be considered when the coaches and practitioners interpret the match running outputs and when evaluating the effects of training intervention on these performance indicators.
Altered trunk and lower extremity movement coordination after neuromuscular training with and without external focus instruction: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sheikhi Bahram , Letafatkar Amir , Thomas Abbey C. , Ford Kevin R.
Published: August 2021

Background

This study sought to determine the effects of a 6-week neuromuscular training (NMT) and NMT plus external focus (NMT plus EF) programs on trunk and lower extremity inter-segmental movement coordination in active individuals at risk of injury.

Methods

Forty-six active male athletes (controls = 15, NMT = 16, NMT plus EF = 15) participated (age = 23.26 ± 2.31 years) in this controlled, laboratory study. Three-dimensional kinematics were collected during a drop vertical jump (DVJ). A continuous relative phase (CRP) analysis quantified inter-segmental coordination of the: (1) thigh (flexion/extension)—shank (flexion/extension), (2) thigh (abduction/adduction)—shank (flexion/extension), (3) thigh (abduction/adduction)—trunk (flexion/extension), and (4) trunk (flexion/extension)—pelvis (posterior tilt/anterior tilt). Analysis of covariance compared biomechanical data between groups.

Results

After 6 weeks, inter-segmental coordination patterns were significantly different between the NMT and NMT plus EF groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in CRP for trunk-pelvis coupling comparing between NMT and NMT plus EF groups (p = 0.134), while significant differences were observed CRP angle of the thigh-shank, thigh-trunk couplings (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Trunk and lower extremity movement coordination were more in-phase during DVJ in the NMT plus EF compared to NMT in active individuals at risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Trial registration: The protocol was prospectively registered at UMIN_RCT website with ID number: UMIN000035050, Date of provisional registration 2018/11/27.
Multiple site neural tube defects at Zewuditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a case report
Authors: Shiferaw Mestet Yibeltal , Awedew Atalel Fentahun , T/Mariam Tsegazeab Laeke , Aklilu Abenezer Tirsit , Akililu Yemisirach Bizuneh , Andualem Aemiro Mazengia
Published: August 2021

Background

Neural tube defects are common group of central nervous system anomalies of complex etiology and major public health importance worldwide. The occurrence of multiple neural tube defects, however, is an extremely rare event and has never been reported in Ethiopia so far. This study gives an insight into how the embryogenesis, management, and postoperative complications of multiple neural tube defects differ from the ordinary single neural tube defects on the basis of up-to-date existing literature.

Case presentation

This paper highlights a case of an 8 days old female black race Ethiopian neonate who was brought by her mother with the chief complaint of lower back and lower neck swelling since birth. The findings were a 5 × 4 × 5 cm sized ulcerated placode at the mid-lumbosacral area and a 1.5 × 1.5 × 1 cm sized fluctuant, nontender, transilluminating mass with overlying unruptured defect dysplastic skin at the cervicothoracic junction. With a diagnosis of multiple neural tube defects secondary to unruptured cervicothoracic meningocele and ruptured lumbosacral myelomeningocele, single-stage repair of the defects was done with good outcome.

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence as to the exact mechanism of development of multiple neural tube defects. Similarly, whether patients with multiple neural tube defects had increased risk of post repair hydrocephalus compared with patients who have single neural tube defect is unknown. Hence, more research on the embryogenesis, management, and long-term outcome of multiple neural tube defects in particular and single neural tube defects in general should be done to better help patients with this costly and crippling problem. Lastly, the practice of folic acid supplementation is very low in resource-limited countries such as Ethiopia and, hence, should be improved.
New temperature and oxygen fugacity data of Martian nakhlite from Northwest Africa (NWA) 5790 and implications for shallow sulphur degassing
Authors: Wang Zilong , Tian Wei , Di Yankun
Published: August 2021

Newly analysed titanomagnetite–ilmenite (Tim–Ilm) intergrowths from Martian nakhlite meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 5790 yielded crystallisation temperature up to 1032 °C and oxygen fugacity (fO2) up to ΔQFM + 1.6, notably higher than previous estimates for nakhlite magmas (temperature < 950 °C, fO2 = ΔQFM − 0.5 to ΔQFM + 1). To interpret how the magma was reduced from ΔQFM − 0.5 to ΔQFM + 1.6, we used D-Compress to model the sulphur degassing process within a single thick lava pile. For fO2 to significantly decrease in this extended range, a sulphur-rich (S content 4000–7000 ppm) Martian lava flow had to degas all the sulphur species at a certain final degassing pressure, which was 2–4 bar for NWA 988 and Lafayette and < 0.7 bar for Y-000593 and Nakhla. These final degassing pressure data are in good agreement with the Martian nakhlite burial depth estimated by other petrological and geochemical methods. These estimates are also comparable with the excavation depth of ~ 40 m based on the small (6.5 km in diameter) impact crater over the Elysium lava plain. The fO2-controlled sulphur degassing pressure may constitute a method for estimating the burial depth of sulphur-rich lava flows on Mars.
Nested anisotropic geostatistical gridding of airborne geophysical data
Authors: Davis Aaron
Published: August 2021

Airborne geophysical surveys routinely collect data along traverse lines at sample spacing distances that are two or more orders of magnitude less than between-line separations. Grids and maps interpolated from such surveys can produce aliasing; features that cross flight lines can exhibit boudinage or string-of-beads artifacts. Boudinage effects can be addressed by novel gridding methods. Following developments in geostatistics, a nonstationary nested anisotropic gridding scheme is proposed that accommodates sampling and data anisotropy in geophysical surveys. Computation is reduced by including anchor points throughout the interpolation region that contain localized anisotropy information that is propagated throughout the survey area with a smoothing kernel. Additional anisotropy can be required at certain locations in the region to be gridded. A model selection scheme is proposed that uses Laplace approximations for determining whether increased model complexity is supported by the surrounding data. The efficacy of the method is shown using a synthetic data set obtained from satellite imagery. A pseudogeophysical survey is created from the image and reconstructed with this method. Two case histories are selected for further elucidation from airborne geophysical surveys conducted in Western Australia (WA). The first example illustrates improvement in gridding the depth of paleochannels interpreted from along-line conductivity-depth models of a regional airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey in the Mid West WA region. The second example indicates how improvements can be made in producing grids of aeromagnetic data and inverted electrical conductivity from an AEM survey conducted in the Pilbara region. In both case histories, nested anisotropic kriging reduces the expression of boudinage patterns and sharpens crossline features in the final gridded products permitting increased confidence in interpretations based on such products.
Faults resembling channel-like features
Authors: Bhatnagar Paritosh , Karam Pierre , Verma Sumit
Published: August 2021

We analyzed a synthetic transfer zone and its associated fault planes and relay ramp in Penobscot, a potential offshore field in the Scotian Basin. Transfer zones are structural areas where one fault dies out and another fault begins, forming a relay ramp in the middle. They can be categorized as divergent, convergent, and synthetic transfer zones depending on the relative location and dipping directions of the faults. These zones not only play an important role in fluid migration but also help interpreters delineate secondary features such as fractures, splay shears, and Riedel faults. Commonly, those faults would branch into smaller splays and the relay ramp can get “breached” with connecting faults with the increase of slip. The study area in the Scotian Basin is characterized by two major listric normal faults dipping in the same direction giving rise to a synthetic transfer zone. These faults are clearly visible on seismic attributes, including curvature and coherence slices extracted along the top of the Cretaceous Petrel Formation. However, when analyzing the seismic attributes along the overlying Wyandot Formation’s top, we observe channel-like features, which run parallel as well as at an angle to these faults. However, when we performed further analysis using seismic amplitude’s vertical slices, interpreted horizons, and seismic attributes, we found that these features are not channels. We divided the features into two types: The first type is parallel to the main faults and can be associated with the grabens formed by synthetic and antithetic secondary faults (northeast–southwest); the second type is related to the polygonal faulting associated with differential compaction and gravitational loading of the Wyandot Chalk Formation. Apart from the two lineations, there are north-northeast–south-southwest-oriented lineations, which are an impression of basement faulting, and north-northwest–south-southeast-oriented lineations representing the acquisition footprint.

Geological feature: Synthetic and antithetic faults in a synthetic transfer zone Seismic appearance: Channel-like feature on seismic attribute horizon slices Alternative interpretations: Channels Features with similar appearance: Steep slope channels Formation: Wyandot Age: Late Cretaceous Location: Penobscot, Nova Scotia, Canada Seismic data: Open-source SEG Analysis tools: Coherence and curvature attributes
Sex Differences in Cancer Genomes: Much Learned, More Unknown
Authors: Zhu Chenghao , Boutros Paul C
Published: August 2021

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Sex influences cancer in a bewildering variety of ways. In some cancer types, it affects prevalence; in others, genomic profiles, response to treatment, or mortality. In some, sex seems to have little or no influence. How and when sex influences cancer initiation and progression remain a critical gap in our understanding of cancer, with direct relevance to precision medicine. Here, we note several factors that complicate our understanding of sex differences: representativeness of large cohorts, confounding with features such as ancestry, age, obesity, and variability in clinical presentation. We summarize the key resources available to study molecular sex differences and suggest some likely directions for improving our understanding of how patient sex influences cancer behavior.
papel do guanxi
Authors: Chen Yen-Tsang , Laureano Paiva Ely
Published: August 2021

Ao estabelecer conexões com fornecedores na China, é importante entender as especificidades da cultura local e considerar que os gestores desse país valorizam o desenvolvimento de relações interpessoais como atalho para tomar decisões difíceis.
Como aumentar a arrecadação?
Authors: Sandroni Paulo
Published: August 2021

É o momento adequado para aperfeiçoar os instrumentos que permitem o fortalecimento das finanças municipais, sem depender do aumento de impostos locais ou das transferências de outros entes federativos.
Translator is Wrong!: Readers’ Attitudes towards Official Manga Translations Biased by Fan-Made Scanlations
Authors: Dybała Paweł
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the knowledge of fan-made translations (scanlations) of Japanese comics (manga) influence the perception of official translations of volumes published in Poland. An analysis is performed on readers’ comments regarding the Polish translation of the Dragon Ball Super series and can be seen as a multiple-case study, showing how readers’ attitudes can be biased by their knowledge of scanlations (in both English and Polish). Criticism is analyzed using existing translation theories and explained accordingly.
Japanese Culture as Element of Intercultural Space
Authors: Adamowicz Sylwia
Published: August 2021

This article introduces a definition of intercultural communication, understood as an important skill in creating social bonds in times of globalization. Mutual understanding in an intercultural space is based, among other things, on language, a point which the author underlines by using the Japanese language as an example. Moreover, she points out how the Japanese belief in ethnocentrism and the main cultural differences in fields such as nonverbal communication are considered problematic in facilitating outsiders both to understand Japanese society and to function within it. The analysis is based on the author’s own research focused on students attending a course at the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland on the cultural adaptation process in Japan, including reflections on the usefulness of the Japanese language in this process.
Waste in the Context of Combustibility – Classification Possibilities in Legal Terms
Authors: Klapsa Wojciech , Małozięć Daniel , Bąk Damian
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The aim of the article is to review the possibility of classifying waste as non-combustible and combustible on the basis of the applicable Polish legal acts and to discuss the problems related to this area. Introduction: In the last decade, there has been a marked increase in the number of fires in landfills in Poland. Therefore, a legislative initiative has been undertaken to tighten and complete the provisions of the law on fire protection of facilities and places where waste is collected and stored. Methodology: The basic act regulating the issues of waste storage in Poland is the Act of 14 December 2012 on waste materials. The Act divides waste into two categories: non-combustible and combustible. In reference to the act, a Regulation of the Minister of the Interior and Administration of 19 February 2020 on fire protection requirements which need to be met by construction structures or their parts and other places for collecting, storing or processing waste, in which stringent fire safety requirements were defined for fire safety of facilities where combustible waste is stored. Results: During the review and analysis of the legal acts, it was discovered that after the division into combustible and non-combustible waste, the classification rules for these two categories were not strictly defined. As a consequence, there was a problem of interpretation and, thus, discretion in classifying waste. Therefore, there was a need to review the knowledge on the possibility of classifying waste. Conclusions: The review of regulations and the state of knowledge on the principles of considering materials and products as non-combustible or com- bustible presented in the article allows to systematize the knowledge and indicates selected paths of conduct. As waste is not homogeneous materials, the Act leaves the freedom to carry out opinions on whether or not waste is considered combustible. Such an assessment is not simple, hence the need to indicate what are the possible correct ways of proceeding in this action. Keywords: combustible waste, non-combustible waste, waste classification, fire protection, landfills Type of article: review article
Critical Infrastructure in Poland during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wróbel Rafał , Wróbel Ilona
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The paper presents the results of the review of literature and of the legal regulations in the field of the protection of critical infrastructure in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic. The assumed main goal was to determine the requirements for protecting elements catalogued in 11 critical infrastructure systems, in the face of the risk of losing key personnel and the need to maintain continuity of critical infrastructure operations. Introduction: The first part of the paper discusses the essence and methods of identifying critical infrastructure in Poland. Further on, possible clauses were identified of an epidemic and its impact on individual critical infrastructure systems, with particular focus on the fact that if an epidemic occurs, there may be a temporary or long-term shortage of personnel essential to the business continuity of the facilities, installations and elements included in critical infrastructure. Then, the legal solutions for maintaining the operating continuity of critical infrastructure during COVID-19 implemented in 2020 were presented, pointing to legal tools aimed at ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure by securing key resource, i.e. the employees. Methodology: Literature research and qualitative analysis were carried out of the legal acts announced in 2020 related to enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure, and a review was carried out of the recommendations and guidelines addressed to critical infrastructure operators, which were issued in March and September of 2020. The obtained results were analysed using the following: publications, acts of the Polish law, recommendations and guidelines published on the websites of governmental institutions, interviews with independent experts. Conclusions: The first regulations on specific arrangements meant to prevent, counteract and combat COVID-19, other contagious diseases and crisis situations caused by them did not contain any provisions that would be supportive of the protective capacity of the critical infrastructure elements in Poland. The first document in this respect, RCB guidelines of 16 March 2020 have not been formalised yet in the legal system. The so-called Shield 2.0 of 31 March 2021 introduced to the 15x of the COVID-19 Act the tools for specific employers entitled to take advantage of new, previously unavailable opportunities to ensure the continuity of services. Those entitlements made it possible to change the work system or work schedule of employees, to instruct them to work overtime, as well as to refuse to grant annual leave or to cancel it. Keywords: critical infrastructure, pandemic, COVID-19, law, key personel Type of article: case study
What Enables a Chinese Firm to Create New-to-the-World Innovations? A Historical Case Study of Intrafirm Coopetition in the Instant Messaging Service Sector
Authors: Murmann Johann Peter , Zhu Zhijing
Published: August 2021

Chinese firms have been widely seen as imitative. This historical case study explores what organizational mechanisms allowed Tencent, a Chinese firm in the fast-changing instant messaging (IM) service sector, to achieve a new-to-the-world innovation with its WeChat smartphone app. Tracing the competitive dynamics in the Chinese IM sector from its inception, we found that Tencent was able to create the innovative WeChat product through a crisis-induced intrafirm coopetition dynamic that was embedded in variation-selection-retention evolutionary processes spanning the market, the firm, and the business unit levels. Building on the intrafirm coopetition and evolutionary literatures, the paper shows that three business units simultaneously competed and cooperated in developing alternative IM products while being exposed to market selection for survival. The coopetition dynamic took place in three key areas: technology, product promotion, and complementary assets of suppliers. The relative balance between competition and cooperation changed over time, and top management guidance and firm-level routines were essential in managing the challenges of coopetition within the firm.
Humanising care and enhancing practice through the art and science of nursing
Authors: Quinn Charlotte
Published: August 2021

Charlotte Quinn reflects on how nurses' unique skills can be maximised for innovation in practice and quality care.
Sir Felix Semon (1849–1921): distinguished laryngologist
Authors: Ellis Harold
Published: August 2021

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Sir Felix Semon, one of the fathers of modern laryngology.
Panoramic depth estimation via supervised and unsupervised learning in indoor scenes
Authors: Zhou Keyang , Yang Kailun , Wang Kaiwei
Published: August 2021

Depth estimation, as a necessary clue to convert 2D images into the 3D
space, has been applied in many machine vision areas. However, to
achieve an entire surrounding 360° geometric sensing, traditional
stereo matching algorithms for depth estimation are limited due to
large noise, low accuracy, and strict requirements for multi-camera
calibration. In this work, for a unified surrounding perception, we
introduce panoramic images to obtain a larger field of view. We extend
PADENet [IEEE 23rd
International Conference on Intelligent Transportation
Systems, (2020), pp. 1–610.1109/ITSC45102.2020.9294206], which
first appeared in our previous conference work for outdoor scene
understanding, to perform panoramic monocular depth estimation with a
focus for indoor scenes. At the same time, we improve the training
process of the neural network adapted to the characteristics of
panoramic images. In addition, we fuse the traditional stereo matching
algorithm with deep learning methods and further improve the accuracy
of depth predictions. With a comprehensive variety of experiments,
this research demonstrates the effectiveness of our schemes aiming for
indoor scene perception.
Digital Predistortion Algorithm of Advance Coherent Modulation Schemes Enabling Radio over Fiber for Access Networks
Authors: Atieh Ahmad , Noweir Mahmood , Helaoui Mohamed , Ghannouchi Fadhel M.
Published: August 2021

Digital predistortion algorithms are demonstrated for 5G back-bone optical systems employing 64-QAM and 256-QAM advance modulation formats. The performance of the digitally linearized systems is compared experimentally and using simulation with standard coherent transmission systems.
A Novel Fiber-Optic Confocal Laser Caliper Approach for Non-Contact Optical Characterization of Silk Fibroin Thin Films Created by Riboflavin Photo-Crosslinking
Authors: Tan Xin , Hammer Daniel X. , Ilev Ilko
Published: August 2021

Silk fibroin with its attractive combination of advanced properties is promising for regenerative treatments of corneal disorders. Novel photonics approach is used to characterize the thickness and refractive index of silk fibroin thin films photo-crosslinked with a natural photosensitizer Riboflavin.
Waveguide Resonators for Optical Squeezing
Authors: Stefszky Michael , Santandrea Matteo , vom Bruch Felix , Eigner Christof , Ricken Raimund , Quiring Viktor , Herrmann Harald , Silberhorn Christine
Published: August 2021

An integrated source of squeezed states is required for many quantum optics applications. We present a 1cm long Ti:LiNbO3 waveguide resonator producing up to 4.9dB of single-mode squeezing and efforts towards incorporating an electro-optic modulator into the device.
A Scalable Design for Photonic Quantum Random Number Generators
Authors: Bharadwaj Shashwath S , van Howe James , Atzeni Simone , Roztocki Piotr , Narayanan Renuka , Osellame Roberto , Azaña José , Munro William J. , Morandotti Roberto
Published: August 2021

We introduce a novel method to controllably improve the performance of photonic quantum random number generators by using minimum information entropy per bit as a standalone design parameter.
Highly Efficient and Pure Single Photon Streams at Room-Temperature by Deterministic Nano Positioning of Quantum Emitters
Authors: Abudayyeh H. , Blake A. , Bräuer A. , Liran D. , Lubotzky B. , Majumder S , Hollingsworth J. , Fleischer M. , Rapaport R.
Published: August 2021

We fabricate several nanoantenna devices that enhance the directionality (over 80%) and emission rate (by a factor of 20) of a room-temperature quantum dot thus achieving a single photon brightness enhancement factor of over 1000.
Magnetoplasmonic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Nucleic Acid Detection
Authors: Liu Ye , Wu Bo , Yeasmin Sanjida , Cheng Li-Jing
Published: August 2021

We report a highly sensitive DNA fluorescence sensor using molecular beacon-functionalized magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles. The sensor possesses both plasmonic and magnetic properties to enhance the sensing signal. The limit of detection of 1 pM was achieved.
Overcoming Pile-up Limitation in Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
Authors: Farina Serena , Labanca Ivan , Acconcia Giulia , Ghioni Massimo , Rech Ivan
Published: August 2021

We present the first compact Time-Correlated Single-Photon Counting single-channel system, capable of overcoming the typical pile-up limitation of Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging. An ultra-fast acquisition is obtained (40 Mcps), along with excellent timing results and negligible distortion.
In vivo Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Confocal Fluorescence Imaging of Deep Mouse Brain with a Single-Photon Superconducting Nanowire Detector
Authors: Xia Fei , Xu Chris
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate in vivo 1-photon fluorescence confocal microscopy of adult mouse brain with >1 mm penetration depth using quantum dots with 1300 nm excitation and 1700 nm emission and a single-photon superconducting nanowire detector.
Designer Terahertz Frequency Comb Generation
Authors: Theiner Dominik , Limbacher Benedikt , Unterrainer Karl , Darmo Juraj
Published: August 2021

We present a simple method to generate almost arbitrary Terahertz frequency combs, between 0.1 and 3.6 THz with single line linewidths of 10 MHz, based on a robust optical system built from standard fiber-optic components.
Portable Optical Two-way Time Transfer in Outdoor Atmospheric Link with CPLD-based Time Codec
Authors: Ren Junwei , Pan Bisong , Li Ze , Liu Ke , Zhao Jianye , Hou Dong
Published: August 2021

We demonstrated a portable optical two-way time transfer scheme over a 120-m outdoor atmospheric link. The measured root-mean-square (RMS) fluctuation of the time deference between the two sites is about 81 ps within 11 hours.
EOM-based Repetition Rate Modulation for Dual-comb Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Lu Minjian , Wu Tao , Li Yan , Wei Haoyun
Published: August 2021

We present an EOM-based repetition rate modulation method for dual-comb coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy. The duty cycle of the system reaches 90% and the refresh rate is 18 kHz.
Intensification of a focused-laser more than one order of magnitude through a micro-cone in the petawatt regime
Authors: Budrigă Olimpia , Ionel Laura Emilia , Tatomirescu Dragoş , Tanaka Kazuo A.
Published: August 2021

We found an increase of the initial laser pulse intensity of 8x1020 W/cm2 by more than 10 times for a micro-cone tip diameter of 5 µm upon performing two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations.
Optimizing the Quantum Dot Lasers for High-Speed Operation: Novel Versus Conventional Designs
Authors: Asryan Levon V.
Published: August 2021

Direct modulation bandwidth and optimum dc current maximizing it are discussed for double tunneling-injection quantum dot (QD) lasers and QD lasers with asymmetric barrier layers and compared to those for conventional QD lasers.
Bias voltage dependency of plasmonic instability and terahertz radiation in a dual-grating-gate high-electron-mobility transistor
Authors: Hosotani Tomotaka , Satou Akira , Otsuji Taiichi
Published: August 2021

We report on terahertz (THz) radiation from a current-driven InGaAs-based dual-grating-gate high-electron-mobility transistor (DGG-HEMT) excited by photomixed laser irradiation. We show the bias voltage dependency of THz radiation emission spectra on DC-current-driven plasmonic instabilities.
Entanglement Distribution and Routing in a Multi-node Quantum Network Testbed
Authors: Cui Chaohan , Horrocks William , McCaffrey Lauren , Nafria Vijay , Djordjevic Ivan B. , Zhang Zheshen
Published: August 2021

We report a field test of distribution and reconfigurable routing of multichannel entangled photons in a quantum network testbed. Nonlocal dispersion cancellation has been leveraged to maintain high-quality entanglement in the quantum network.
Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy Instrument for Flow-Through Measurement of Dissolved Carbon Dioxide in the Ocean
Authors: Colson Beckett , Michel Anna P. M.
Published: August 2021

The measurement of dissolved carbon dioxide is important for understanding many ocean processes. Here we present the design and field deployment of a TDLAS sensor for the measurement of dissolved carbon dioxide.
Statistical Characterization of Temperature and Pressure Vertical Profiles for the Analysis of Laser Heterodyne Data
Authors: Flores Monica M. , Bomse David , Miller J. Houston
Published: August 2021

An analysis of historic pressure and temperature profiles from radiosonde launches for use as Bayesian priors in retrieval of mixing ratios for greenhouse gases (GHGs) from Laser Heterodyne Radiometry (LHR) spectra is reported.
Demonstration of Tunable High Q Aluminum Nitride on Sapphire Microring Resonator at Green and UV Wavelengths
Authors: Shin Walter , Sun Yi , Soltani Mohammad , Mi Zetian
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate aluminum nitride on sapphire microring resonators at green and ultraviolet wavelength and measured record high quality factors of 147,000 at 532nm and 25,500 at 369.5nm based on thermo optic-effect.
3D Printed Hybrid Refractive/Diffractive Achromat and Apochromat for the Visible Wavelength Range
Authors: Schmid Michael , Thiele Simon , Herkommer Alois , Giessen Harald
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate 3D-printed hybrid refractive/diffractive achromats and apochromats by using DOEs and simultaneously combining two different photoresists. These combinations drastically reduce chromatic aberrations in 3D-printed micro optics for the visible wavelength range.
Electrospray Microthruster Based on Bessel-beam Laser-machined Microcapillaries Embedded in Glass
Authors: Canfield Brian K. , Terekhov Alexander , Moeller Trevor M. , Costa Lino
Published: August 2021

We discuss fabrication and operation of robust, prototype electrospray microthrusters prepared in glass using Bessel-beam ultrafast laser micromachining. Electrospray of ionic liquid in vacuum is confirmed by measuring alternating currents with a Faraday cup.
Ultrafast Self-Assembling of Quasi-Hexagonal Periodic Surface Structures on a Sapphire Crystal
Authors: Gnilitskyi Iaroslav , Gruzdev Vitaly
Published: August 2021

We report generation of quasi-hexagonal microstructures of variable shape on a surface of crystalline sapphire wafer by scanning multiple 266-femtosecond laser pulses at wavelength 1030 nm. Mechanisms and potential applications of the microstructures are discussed.
A Mach-Zehnder, Fabry-Perot hybrid fiber interferometer
Authors: Hoque Nabil Md Rakinul , Duan Lingze
Published: August 2021

We report the experimental demonstration of a Mach-Zehnder-Fabry-Perot hybrid fiber interferometer. Preliminary characterization shows low background and good stability with an all-passive isolation system.
Direct Laser Bonding of YAG Crystal to Aluminium Silicon Metal Alloy
Authors: Hann Samuel N. , Sanwell Jake , Carter Richard M. , Elder Ian , Lamb Robert , Daniel Esser M. J. , Hand Duncan P.
Published: August 2021

We present the successful welding of undoped YAG to an aluminum silicon alloy. The laser welding parameters were optimized in terms of shear strength.
Comparison of Femtosecond Laser Welding of Transparent Materials at 1030 and 515 nm
Authors: Scott R. E. , Guo Z. , Sahoo P.E. , Dorrer C. , Qiao J.
Published: August 2021

A dynamic pulse propagation model is developed to compare the interaction of femtosecond pulses at 1030 nm and 515 nm with transparent materials, predicting that the shorter wavelength will lead to more effective welding.
Nonlinearity modulated structure in a type-II lithium niobate waveguide by femtosecond laser direct writing
Authors: Yuan Tingge , Yan Xiongshuo , Zhu Bing , Chen Yuping , Chen Xianfeng
Published: August 2021

A type-II quasi phase matched waveguide was fabricated by femtosecond laser in z-cut lithium niobate. The normalized conversion efficiency of 99.1%W−1cm−2 is obtained, corresponding to a nonlinearity modulation depth of 0.34.
Single-ended self-calibrating Raman-based distributed temperature sensing based on multi-core fiber
Authors: Du Haoze , Zhang Zhongshu , Wu Hao , Tang Ming
Published: August 2021

A multi-core fiber based single-ended self-calibrating Raman distributed temperature sensing system is proposed. A deep one-dimensional denoising convolutional neural network is employed to improve its SNR. 1.4 °C temperature uncertainty was achieved at 10km distance.
Long-Term Stabilities Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Arrays Inscribed by Femtosecond Lasers at 910°C
Authors: Zhao Jieru , Zhao Kehao , Li Yuqi , Wang Qirui , Chen Kevin P.
Published: August 2021

We presents experimental data of 3-week stability tests at 910°C of FBG arrays fabricated by femtosecond laser direct writing technique. We show that FBG can perform accurate temperature measurement with <1°C fluctuation at high temperatures.
Low-Cost OFDR Distributed Fiber Sensing Enabled by Fiber with Enhanced Rayleigh Backscattering
Authors: Wang Qirui , Zhao Kehao , Badar Mudabbir , Lu Ping , Zhao Jieru , Li Yuqi , Chen Kevin P.
Published: August 2021

This paper shows that a low-cost diode laser with 1-nm tuning range can perform effective optical frequency domain reflectometry distributed sensing measurement using a fiber with strong Rayleigh backscattering profile.
Passive radiative cooling for the temperature and efficiency control of photovoltaics
Authors: Perrakis George , Tasolamprou Anna C. , Kenanakis George , Economou Eleftherios N. , Tzortzakis Stelios , Kafesaki Maria
Published: August 2021

We present a radiative cooling approach for photovoltaic cells’ temperature and efficiency evaluation. We derive the maximum temperature-drop requirements and apply the approach in a nano-micro-grating remarkably enhancing both thermal radiation emission and solar absorption.
Longitudinal 3D Visualization of Choroidal Neovascularization in a Rabbit Model using Multimodal Photoacoustic Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography Molecular Imaging
Authors: Nguyen Van Phuc , Li Yanxiu , Qian Wei , Liu Bing , Henry Jessica , Zhang Wei , Wang Xueding , Paulus Yannis M.
Published: August 2021

This study presents novel chain-like cluster gold nanoparticles as a multimodal contrast agent for photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to longitudinally visualize choroidal neovascularization in living rabbits.
Deep-learning-enabled Holographic Polarization Microscopy
Authors: Liu Tairan , de Haan Kevin , Bai Bijie , Rivenson Yair , Luo Yi , Wang Hongda , Karalli David , Fu Hongxiang , Zhang Yibo , FitzGerald John , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: August 2021

We present a deep learning-based holographic polarization microscopy framework that can transform amplitude and phase information of samples into birefringence retardance and orientation images using holograms collected under a single polarization state.
Ultra-narrow linewidth GaAs-based DBR Lasers
Authors: Wenzel S. , Brox O. , Della Casa P. , Wenzel H. , Knigge A. , Arar B. , Nechayev S. , Kreutzmann S. , Wicht A.
Published: August 2021

We present a novel approach for GaAs-based DBR diode lasers with an extended cavity. The developed chips exhibit a record small 3 dB linewidth of 25 kHz @ 1 ms at the wavelength of 1064 nm.