bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of stress and its impact on the formation of occupational burnout
Authors: Lisowski Olaf , Grajek Mateusz
Published: March 2023

The term "stress" is customarily used in connection with environmental pressures and adaptation to changing environmental conditions, but also in reference to the body's psychological and physiological response to them. In the understanding presented, adaptive demands are called stressors, their effects are called stress or stressful situations, and methods and techniques aimed at reducing these effects are called ways of coping with stress. Stress can also be understood as a "product" of inappropriate coping with the challenges of everyday life. The differentiation between stress as a process and stressor as a factor makes it easier to understand the issue and its impact on life and the development of mental illnesses.
Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord secondary to nitrous oxide-induced B12 deficiency
Authors: Shariff Mohammed , Abdallah Amr , Salam Abdul , Fathima Samaah
Published: March 2023

A previously healthy adolescent male was admitted with paraesthesia of his arms and legs. He admitted to daily recreational nitrous oxide use for the previous 3–4 months. He was found to have severe vitamin B12 deficiency, while magnetic resonance imaging of his spine showed T2 hyperintensity within the dorsal columns. This was suggestive of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. He was treated with intramuscular injections of hydroxocobalamin and showed moderate improvement 1 month post-discharge.
ECG of the month
Authors: Regan Martin
Published: March 2023

In this issue's ECG of the month, Martin Regan presents the case of an 87-year-old woman who had just undergone a transcutaneous aortic valve implant.
Drug Breakdown: Carbimazole
Authors: Rees Sharon
Published: March 2023

In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of tweets. This month she is talking about #carbimazole
Analysis of Network Security Countermeasures From the Perspective of Improved FS Algorithm and ICT Convergence
Authors: Zhang Zhihong
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the forward selection (FS) algorithm is introduced on the basis of information and communication technology, and the design of intrusion detection method for communication network is carried out. By studying the classification and detection pattern matching of communication network intrusion behavior, extracting the intrusion behavior features of communication network based on FS algorithm, and optimizing the intrusion detection and learning effect based on the limit learning machine, the intrusion behavior attributes of communication network are clarified, and a new detection method is proposed to solve the problems of low detection accuracy and low recall in the current intrusion behavior detection of complex communication network environments. Compared with the intrusion detection method based on GA-SVM algorithm, the accuracy of the detection results reaches 94.23%, and the recall rate exceeds 97%, which is obviously better than the 85% accuracy and 75% recall rate of the traditional detection method, which can ensure the security of the communication network environment. In addition, this paper proposes the APDR dynamic comprehensive information security assurance system model, which has considerable flexibility and can respond to current network security requirements.
A Chaos-Based Encryption Algorithm for Database System
Authors: Albahrani Ekhlas Abbas , Lafta Sadeq H. , Ghayad Naeem Howrie
Published: March 2023

This paper introduces a new Database Transposition, Substitution and XORing Algorithm (DTSXA) based on using chaotic maps. It is based primarily on two well-known security properties: confusion and diffusion. A random number generator was depended on to produce the keys for the algorithm of encryption and decryption. The encryption of the Arabic language in addition to the English language was done, besides it can encrypt a table, individual row and individual column. The suggested algorithm was obeyed and analyzed by different tests involving brute force attack analyses, statistical attack analyses (security analysis histogram, correlation coefficient analysis and information entropy analysis), key sensitivity analysis, differential attack analysis, and mean square error analysis. This algorithm passed all the applied analyses well-deservedly, which indicates that the presented encryption algorithm has a high security level due to its large key space and high sensitivity to the change in the cipher keys.
Situating masculinity, labour migration and care over the life course in Lesotho: foregrounding survivor bias in researching care
Authors: Vera-Sanso Penny , Hlabana Thandie
Published: March 2023

The literature on later-life care is dominated by a focus on women as carers and older people as receivers, not providers, of care, as well as the analytical disembedding of care from wider social and economic processes. We examine the experiences of care and caring of former labour migrants who had migrated from Lesotho to work in South Africa’s mines in order to examine how these have changed over their lives. The latter demanded the tying of experience into wider social, economic and demographic processes. The research identified a methodological issue in the study of later-life care: survivor bias.
Snapshot imaging Mueller matrix polarimeter using modified Savart polariscopes
Authors: Cao Qizhi , Jiang Min , Jia Chenling , Jiang Siyue , Zhang Jing , Yao Baoli , Jin Mingwu , Dehoog Edward , Duan Lian , Wang Huahua , Deng Ting , Fan Dongxin
Published: March 2023

We present a snapshot imaging Mueller matrix polarimeter using modified Savart polariscopes (MSP-SIMMP). The MSP-SIMMP contains both the polarizing optics and the analyzing optics encoding all Mueller matrix components of the sample into the interferogram by the spatial modulation technique. An interference model and the methods of reconstruction and calibration are discussed. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed MSP-SIMMP, the numerical simulation and the laboratory experiment of a design example are presented. The remarkable advantage of the MSP-SIMMP is easy to calibrate. Moreover, compared with conventional imaging Mueller matrix polarimeters with rotating parts, the advantage of the proposed instrument is simple, compact, snapshot-enabled, and stationary (no moving parts).
50-kW-Peak-Power Chip-Sized Semiconductor/Solid-State Vertically Integrated Laser
Authors: Tanaka Kenji , Yue Jianglin , Hirano Go , Yonezawa Gen , Shimizu Misaki , Iwakoshi Yasunobu , Tobita Hiroshi , Koda Rintaro , Higa Yasutaka , Watanabe Hideki , Kamata Masanao
Published: March 2023

A chip-sized passively Q-switched laser is demonstrated, in which a solid-state gain medium is intra-cavity pumped and vertically integrated with a semiconductor laser. A laser chip volume of 1 mm3 and peak power of 50 kW are achieved simultaneously.
High-Efficiency BiBO-based OPCPA at 2000 – 2300 nm with 2 mJ Output Pulses Compressed to 38 fs
Authors: Petrulenas Augustinas , Mackonis Paulius , Rodin Aleksej M.
Published: March 2023

3-stage BiBO-based OPCPA pumped with ~1.2 ps, >10 mJ pulses at 1030 nm from Yb:YAG laser provides ~1.8 mJ, 38 fs output pulses at ~2150 nm after compression with a pump-to-signal conversion efficiency of ~30%.
Frequency Conversion Characteristics of Hexagonal Ba2Ga8GeS16
Authors: Miyata Kentaro , Kato Kiyoshi , Badikov Valeriy , Umemura Nobuhiro , Petrov Valentin
Published: March 2023

Frequency down-conversion in the recently discovered hexagonal Ba2Ga8GeS16 is theoretically investigated by using the new Sellmeier and thermo-optic dispersion formulas derived from the measured temperature phase-matching properties in the 0.8054–10.5910 μm spectral range.
Comprehensive thermal parameters of YAG single crystal from 160 K to 500 K
Authors: Sato Yoichi , Taira Takunori
Published: March 2023

Thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, and temperature coefficient of refractive index of YAG single crystal were comprehensively studied under the wide temperature range from cryogenic region to the high temperature, which covers whole laser operation condition.
1.3-μm Nd3+:BaY2F8 Waveguide Laser Fabricated by Femtosecond Laser Inscription
Authors: Morova Yagiz , Morova Berna , Jahangiri Hadi , Baylam Isinsu , di Lieto Alberto , Cittadino Giovanni , Damiano Eugenio , Tonelli Mauro , Sennaroglu Alphan
Published: March 2023

We report the first experimental demonstration of stable, efficient, continuous-wave lasing of a femtosecond laser written, 1.3 µm channel waveguide laser in a Nd3+:BaY2F8 crystal without any parasitic lasing in the 900-1500 nm spectral region.
Ultrafast-Laser-Inscribed Type-II Waveguides in IG2 for Mid-Infrared Applications
Authors: Hu W. , Kilinc M. , Gebremichael W. , Dorrer C. , Qiao J.
Published: March 2023

We report the ultrafast-laser inscription of type-II waveguides in the IG2 chalcogenide glass. The mid-infrared waveguiding properties are studied for various pulse energies and separations between the two written tracks, with a negligible loss demonstrated.
Laser Operation of Czochralski-grown Tm3+-doped Mixed Sesquioxides at 2.1 µm
Authors: Suzuki Anna , Kalusniak Sascha , Tanaka Hiroki , Ganschow Steffen , Tokurakawa Masaki , Kränkel Christian
Published: March 2023

We demonstrate temperature-dependent spectroscopy and continuous wave 2.1-µm laser operation of Tm3+:YScO3 crystals grown by the Czochralski method. Broadband gain and highly efficient laser operation show a huge potential for ultrafast laser applications.
High brightness 7-octave-spanning coherent light source
Authors: Elu Ugaitz , Maidment Luke , Vamos Lenard , Poborska Julita , Tyulnev Igor , Tani Francesco , Novoa David , Frosz Michael H. , Badikov Valeriy , Badikov Dmitrii , Petrov Valentin , Russell Philip St. J. , Biegert Jens
Published: March 2023

We will discuss a carrier-to-envelope phase-controlled high brightness source of light covering 7 optical octaves. The spectral brightness up to 5 orders of magnitude higher than the brightest synchrotron and ranges from 340 nm to 40,000 nm.
Sub 130-fs mJ-level Yb:CALYO Diode Pumped Regenerative Amplifier
Authors: Petrov Lyuben S. , Georgiev Kaloyan , Velkov Dimitar , Trifonov Anton , Xu Xiaodong , Xu Jun , Buchvarov Ivan
Published: March 2023

We report a 1 kHz, Yb-based regenerative amplifier providing the ultimate 126 fs output pulses with 2.3 mJ of energy at 1039 nm, developed using a single disordered Yb:crystal- Yb:CaYAlO4 (Yb:CALYO).
Sub-30 fs Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:YAP laser
Authors: Chen Weidong , Lin Zhang-Lang , Xue Wen-Ze , Zeng Huang-Jun , Zhang Ge , Loiko Pavel , Zhao Yongguang , Xu Xiaodong , Xu Jun , Mateos Xavier , Lin Haifeng , Wang Li , Petrov Valentin
Published: March 2023

We report on a Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:YAlO3 laser generating 24 fs pulses at 1085 nm with an average output power of 186 mW at a pulse repetition rate of ~87.5 MHz.
MW-Class Femtosecond Er-Doped Tapered Fiber Amplifier
Authors: Granger G. , Dauliat R. , Debord B. , Leventoux Y. , Tilouine I. , Leconte B. , Schwuchow A. , Wondraczek K. , Benabid F. , Gérôme F. , Jamier R. , Roy P. , Février S.
Published: March 2023

We report on high-energy amplification in tapered Er-doped fiber fabricated by the REPUSIL technique. We generate near diffraction-limited 90 fs MW-class pulses at 1600 nm, without any stretcher and compressor units.
10 J, 10 Hz Amplification in a DiPOLE Cryogenic Amplifier Using Crystalline Adhesive-Free Bonded Yb:YAG Slabs
Authors: De Vido Mariastefania , Meissner David , Meissner Stephanie , Phillips Jonathan , Banerjee Saumyabrata , Divoky Martin , Mason Paul D.
Published: March 2023

We report on the amplification of 10 ns pulses to 10 J at a repetition rate of 10 Hz using adhesive-free bonded Yb:YAG. Results show that AFB is suitable for aperture scaling of high- energy lasers.
>80 MW Peak Power/80 Hz Nd:YAG Microchip Laser
Authors: Lim Hwan Hong , Taira Takunori
Published: March 2023

We present an air-cooled Nd:YAG/Cr4+:YAG microchip laser with unstable resonator generating a record peak-power of 71.9 MW (22.54 mJ, 313.5 ps) and 82.8 MW (26 mJ, 314 ps) at 100 and 80 Hz, respectively.
High-power, narrow-linewidth Yb-doped PM fiber amplifier using bi-directional pumping
Authors: Kim Dong Joon , Koo Joonhoi , Jun Seung Won , Jeong Hwanseong , Lee Kwanghyun , Lee Hwihyeong , Lee Jung Hwan , Jo Minsik
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we demonstrated high-power, narrow-linewidth Yb-doped PM fiber amplifier using bi-directional pumping. The PRBS phase modulated laser as seed source was used to suppress the SBS.
A Novel Single Frequency, Pulsed UV Source For Airborne Direct Detection Wind Lidar
Authors: Thurn Johann , Lorbeer Raoul-Amadeus , Mahnke Peter , Damm Matthias , Kliebisch Oliver
Published: March 2023

We have conceptualized a compact UV source with pulse parameters optimized for airborne clear air turbulence detection. An amplified single frequency ns-Nd:YAG source is frequency-tripled to 355 nm, > 2.5W at 3 kHz pulse repetition frequency.
High-harmonic generation driven by an industrial-grade pump laser
Authors: Grebing Christian , Tschernajew Maxim , Shestaev Evgeny , Gaida Christian , Breitkopf Sven , Herrfurth Oliver , Eidam Tino , Limpert Jens
Published: March 2023

We present an HHG-based XUV source driven by an industrial-grade TruMicro 2030 providing large photon flux across a wide range between 40 eV and 150 eV.
Narrowband lasing in a multicore Yb-doped fiber with fs-inscribed FBG array
Authors: Kuznetsov Alexey G. , Wolf Alexey A. , Egorova Olga N. , Semjonov Sergej L. , Podivilov Evgeny V. , Babin Sergey A.
Published: March 2023

Femtosecond-inscribed fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) in a 7-core Yb-doped fiber forming complex highly-reflective mirror enable narrowband generation with 33W power at 50W LD pumping. With coupled cores the linewidth is ~0.1nm in all power range.
High-power low-noise single frequency tunable laser at 624 nm
Authors: Hilico Adèle , Darwich Dia , Prakash Roopa , Dixneuf Clément , Bardin Yves-Vincent , Goeppner Mathieu , Guiraud Germain , Traynor Nicholas , Santarelli Giorgio
Published: March 2023

We discuss the realization of a up to 10W single frequency tunable laser system, with low intensity noise, emitting around 624 nm, by sum frequency generation of high power highly tunable Infrared fiber laser systems.
Monolithic In0.83Ga0.17As Multiple Quantum Well Light- Emitting Diodes using InAsPSb Wide Bandgap Barrier
Authors: Park Suho , Nguyen Phuc Dinh , Kim Minkyeong , Jeon Jiyeon , Kim Yeongho , Lee Sang Jun
Published: March 2023

Monolithic InGaAs/InAsPSb MQW LEDs have been demonstrated. The eSWIR light sources are fully strain-relaxed on the InAs
x
P1-
x
metamorphic virtual substrate. The novel InAsPSb barrier can successfully enhance the confinement of the electrons in QWs.
Controlling Directionality and Threshold Powers in Fiber Ring Laser by Tailoring Feedback in the Ring
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Assad , Hartung Alexander , Jäger Matthias
Published: March 2023

A threshold like unidirectional lasing was demonstrated in a fully reciprocal, all fiber ring laser. Here we show that the threshold and the directionality can be controlled by feedback associated with the included output couplers
Tin(IV) Oxide as a Saturable Absorber for Mode-Locking of Fiber Laser
Authors: Ong C. , Yap Y. , Chong W. , Chew J. , Lee W. , Lim L. , Hayashi Y. , Nishikawa T. , Ohberg P. , Ahmad H.
Published: March 2023

A tin(IV) oxide based saturable absorber was demonstrated for the first time to mode-lock a ring erbium-doped fiber laser. The repetition rate achieved is ~1 MHz, with a pulse duration of ~160 ns.
Beam mode analysis of non-PM narrow linewidth fiber amplifier by polarization control states
Authors: Lee Kwanghyun , Koo Joonhoi , Kim Dongjoon , Jeong Hwanseong , Jun Seongwon , Jo Minsik
Published: March 2023

We studied beam mode analysis of non-PM narrow linewidth fiber amplifier by polarization change using LiNbO3 polarization controller. According to polarization control status, we analyzed that M2 and DOLP are related on LP mode distribution using SPGD based modal decomposition. Beam mode analysis by SPGD based modal decomposition will be expected to use for the polarization control algorithm tuning and beam pattern analysis of narrow linewidth fiber laser.
Budget error analysis of Coherence Beam Combining in tiled aperture scheme
Authors: Jabczynski Jan K. , Gontar Przemyslaw , Gorajek Lukasz , Kopczynski Krzysztof
Published: March 2023

It was shown that Strehl ratio, phase and tilts rms errors determine efficiency of CBC system in the first place. Lattice architecture, number of emitters, amplitude profile play secondary role.
Improved 3D modeling of end-pumped continuous-wave Ho3+:YAG lasers by inclusion of temperature-dependent material parameters
Authors: Rupp Marius , Eichhorn Marc , Kieleck Christelle
Published: March 2023

In this work, we present an accurate model for simulating continuous wave laser resonators based on a beam propagation method including temperature-dependent material parameters. An experimental Ho3+:YAG resonator is used to validate the model.
Signal-to-idler Energy Conversion from 1.9 to 2.3 µm by Transient Stimulated Raman Chirped-Pulse Amplification
Authors: Mackonis Paulius , Petrulenas Augustinas , Rodin Aleksej M.
Published: March 2023

For the first time, the signal-to-idler energy transfer with an efficiency of 33% was achieved by Transient Stimulated Raman Chirped-Pulse Amplification. Compression of the amplified idler pulse to ~50 fs was demonstrated.
Advanced numerical simulation of high energy thin plate post-compression in 3+1D
Authors: Lehotai Levente , Tóth Szabolcs , Pajer Viktor , Seres Imre , Csontos János , Börzsönyi Ádám , Osvay Károly , Bussiere Benoit , Falcoz Franck , Kalashnikov Mikhail , Nagymihály Roland S.
Published: March 2023

Energy scaling of the thin-plate post-compression technique was investigated with pulse energies up to 10 J by utilizing a novel 3+1D numerical simulation environment, with special focus on the few-to-single-cycle temporal regime and spatio-temporal couplings.
Effect of Raman gain reduction in picosecond crystalline Raman laser under synchronous pumping
Authors: Frank M. , Jelínek M. , Vyhlídal D. , Kubeček V.
Published: March 2023

The model of synchronously pumped crystalline Raman laser is presented. The effect of Raman gain reduction and its influence on pulse compression has been investigated together with group velocity dispersion.
Second harmonic generation in the presence of walk-off and group velocity mismatch
Authors: Hanna Marc , Natile Michele , Zaouter Yoann , Joffre Manuel , Georges Patrick
Published: March 2023

We study a second harmonic generation interaction geometry in the case where both group velocity mismatch and walk-off have significant impacts. This results in a frequency-converted beam exhibiting a pulse front tilt. Using the global response function of the crystal, we provide an analytical model that allows to predict the spatiotemporal structure of the second harmonic wave packet and verify its validity using numerical simulations and a simple experiment. Distinctive features of this geometry are the suppression of back-conversion and the ability to conserve the fundamental bandwidth in space and time domains. Subsequent compensation of the pulse front tilt should allow efficient generation of ultrashort pulses in the deep ultraviolet.
Long-Distance Dual-Comb Ranging with a Free-Running Solid-State Laser
Authors: Camenzind Sandro L. , Fricke Jacob F. , Kellner Jost , Willenberg Benjamin , Pupeikis Justinas , Phillips Christopher R. , Keller Ursula
Published: March 2023

We demonstrate long-distance dual-comb ranging with a free-running solid-state dual-comb laser. Our novel design of the LiDAR frontend allows tracking the motion of moving targets over a distance of >10 meters with sub-µm precision.
Numerical performance analysis applied to 3D-LiDAR tactical-mapping from aerial platforms
Authors: Nicolas Riviere , Paul-Édouard Dupouy , Ahmed Moussous , Anita Schilling , Erwan Viala
Published: March 2023

We describe the MATLIS software developed by ONERA to simulate 3D-LiDAR embedded on dynamic platforms. We present validation cases and a performance analysis study to design an original concept of 3D-LiDAR high altitude surveillance platform.
Influence of Atmospheric Turbulence on Coherent Free-Space Optical Communications
Authors: Gladysz Szymon , McDonald Douglas , Bellossi Raphaël
Published: March 2023

The development of coherent free-space optical communications systems could provide an opportunity for significantly increased data rates compared to the traditional intensity-modulation-based communications. In this work, we present experiments demonstrating coherent free-space optical communications over an outdoor free-space link with data rates on the order of Gbit/s.
Experimental testbed for the evaluation of optical vortices propagated over 900 meters
Authors: Anguita Jaime A. , Pirela Carlos , Seguel Andrés , Rojas Ignacio , Durandeau Juan P. , Cisternas Jaime E.
Published: March 2023

We describe an experimental testbed to evaluate optical vortices and present a field study of single-OAM and dual-OAM vortices propagated over 900m. OAM detection is performed using a Shack-Hartman sensor and a fast-imaging camera. Beams are analyzed in terms of their topological charges and turbulence strength.
Real-time Tissue Characterization through Laser Fluorescence of Rhodamine 6G in Gelatin
Authors: Narayan Meenakshi , Bhowmick Mithun
Published: March 2023

Laser fluorescence through simulated tissue samples tagged with rhodamine (R6G) to explore potential applications in minimally invasive surgeries are reported. Characteristic fluorescence from R6G signal made sensing of a surgical needle possible. © 2022 The Author(s).
Quantization Error in Digital Holography
Authors: Spencer Mark F. , Thornton Douglas E.
Published: March 2023

This paper uses the signal-to-noise ratio to analyze the effects of quantization error (aka digitization noise) in digital holography. Assuming a strong reference, the results show that quantization error depends on the pixel-well depth and the number of bits used for digitization.
Vortex Beam Based Tilt Detection
Authors: Chatterjee Kalipada , Jha Rajan
Published: March 2023

In this work, beam tilt is detected by wavefront division interference of vortex beam using Fresnel biprism. The sensitivity is found to vary with vortex order, enabling detection of minute tilt angles (~ 10-4 rad).
Spherical Wave Scintillation in Non-Kolmogorov Turbulence with Finite Inner and Outer-Scales
Authors: Bos Jeremy P.
Published: March 2023

I report on a wave optics simulation with a spherical wave source through turbulence with a non-Kolmogorov power-law. Peak scintillation is observed to increase with power-law at a rate faster compared to plane wave sources.
Ultra-low complexity random forest for optical fiber communications
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Yongjun , Yao Haipeng , Yang Leijing , Liu Xinyu , Huang Xingyuan , Xin Xiangjun
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we present an efficient equalizer based on random forest for channel equalization in optical fiber communication systems. The results are experimentally demonstrated in a 120 Gb/s, 375 km, dual-polarization 64-quadrature magnitude modulation (QAM) optical fiber communication platform. Based on the optimal parameters, we choose a series of deep learning algorithms for comparison. We find that random forest has the same level of equalization performance as deep neural networks as well as lower computational complexity. Moreover, we propose a two-step classification mechanism. We first divide the constellation points into two regions and then use different random forest equalizers to compensate the points in different regions. Based on this strategy, the system complexity and performance can be further reduced and improved. Furthermore, due to the plurality voting mechanism and two-stage classification strategy, the random forest-based equalizer can be applied to actual optical fiber communication systems.
Monte Carlo modelling for elastic and Raman signals in oceanic LiDAR
Authors: Spence David J. , Neimann Brad R. , Pask Helen M.
Published: March 2023

We investigate Raman returns in oceanic light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and explore the similarities and differences to conventional elastic returns. We show that Raman returns have much more complex behavior than elastic returns, which likely cannot be well matched by simple models, making Monte Carlo simulations essential. We investigate the correlation between the time of signal arrival and the depth of the Raman event, and find that a linear correlation only exists for judicious choice of system parameters.
Automatic optimization of miniaturized bound states in the continuum cavity
Authors: Wang Feifan , Chen Ye , Zhang Zixuan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhou Xinyi , Zuo Yi , Chen Zihao , Peng Chao
Published: March 2023

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) provide, what we believe to be, a novel and efficient way for light trapping. However, using BICs to confine the light into a three-dimensional compact volume remains a challenging task, since the energy leakage at the lateral boundaries dominates the cavity loss when its footprint shrinks to considerably small, and hence, sophisticated boundary designs turn out to be inevitable. Conventional design methods fail in solving the lateral boundary problem because a large number of degree-of-freedoms (DOFs) are involved. Here, we propose a fully automatic optimization method to promote the performance of lateral confinement for a miniaturized BIC cavity. Briefly, we combine a random parameter adjustment process with a convolutional neural network (CNN), to automatically predict the optimal boundary design in the parameter space that contains a number of DOFs. As a result, the quality factor that is accounted for lateral leakage increases from 4.32 × 104 in the baseline design to 6.32 × 105 in the optimized design. This work confirms the effectiveness of using CNNs for photonic optimization and will motivate the development of compact optical cavities for on-chip lasers, OLEDs, and sensor arrays.
Non-Interference Patterns Evolving to Interference Patterns in Wave Experiments
Authors: Peng Hui
Published: March 2023

We experimentally show that, within macroscopic distances from diaphragm, patterns are non-interference and gradually evolve to the interferent patterns near the screen (far field) in the same wave experiment. Challenge is to interpret consistently the non-interference patterns, the interference patterns and the pattern evolution phenomena.
Suppression of distracting inputs by visual-spatial cues is driven by anticipatory alpha activity
Authors: Zhao Chenguang , Kong Yuanjun , Li Dongwei , Huang Jing , Kong Lujiao , Li Xiaoli , Jensen Ole , Song Yan
Published: March 2023

A growing body of research demonstrates that distracting inputs can be proactively suppressed via spatial cues, nonspatial cues, or experience, which are governed by more than one top-down mechanism of attention. However, how the neural mechanisms underlying spatial distractor cues guide proactive suppression of distracting inputs remains unresolved. Here, we recorded electroencephalography signals from 110 participants in 3 experiments to identify the role of alpha activity in proactive distractor suppression induced by spatial cues and its influence on subsequent distractor inhibition. Behaviorally, we found novel changes in the spatial proximity of the distractor: Cueing distractors far away from the target improves search performance for the target, while cueing distractors close to the target hampers performance. Crucially, we found dynamic characteristics of spatial representation for distractor suppression during anticipation. This result was further verified by alpha power increased relatively contralateral to the cued distractor. At both the between- and within-subjects levels, we found that these activities further predicted the decrement of the subsequent PDcomponent, which was indicative of reduced distractor interference. Moreover, anticipatory alpha activity and its link with the subsequent PDcomponent were specific to the high predictive validity of distractor cue. Together, our results reveal the underlying neural mechanisms by which cueing the spatial distractor may contribute to reduced distractor interference. These results also provide evidence supporting the role of alpha activity as gating by proactive suppression.
EGR1 drives cell proliferation by directly stimulating TFEB transcription in response to starvation
Authors: Cesana Marcella , Tufano Gennaro , Panariello Francesco , Zampelli Nicolina , Ambrosio Susanna , De Cegli Rossella , Mutarelli Margherita , Vaccaro Lorenzo , Ziller Micheal J. , Cacchiarelli Davide , Medina Diego L. , Ballabio Andrea
Published: March 2023

The stress-responsive transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a master controller of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy and plays a major role in several cancer-associated diseases. TFEB is regulated at the posttranslational level by the nutrient-sensitive kinase complex mTORC1. However, little is known about the regulation of TFEB transcription. Here, through integrative genomic approaches, we identify the immediate-early gene EGR1 as a positive transcriptional regulator of TFEB expression in human cells and demonstrate that, in the absence of EGR1, TFEB-mediated transcriptional response to starvation is impaired. Remarkably, both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of EGR1, using the MEK1/2 inhibitor Trametinib, significantly reduced the proliferation of 2D and 3D cultures of cells displaying constitutive activation of TFEB, including those from a patient with Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, a TFEB-driven inherited cancer condition. Overall, we uncover an additional layer of TFEB regulation consisting in modulating its transcription via EGR1 and propose that interfering with the EGR1-TFEB axis may represent a therapeutic strategy to counteract constitutive TFEB activation in cancer-associated conditions.
Performance evaluation methods for improvements at post-market of artificial intelligence/machine learning-based computer-aided detection/diagnosis/triage in the United States
Authors: Yuba Mitsuru , Iwasaki Kiyotaka
Published: March 2023

Computer-aided detection (CADe), computer-aided diagnosis (CADx), and computer-aided simple triage (CAST), which incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), are continually undergoing post-market improvement. Therefore, understanding the evaluation and approval process of improved products is important. This study intended to conduct a comprehensive survey of AI/ML-based CAD products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that had been improved post-market to gain insights into the efficacy and safety required for market approval. A survey of the product code database published by the FDA identified eight products that were improved post-market. The methods used to evaluate the performance of improvements were analysed, and post-market improvements were approved with retrospective data. Reader study testing (RT) or software standalone testing (SA) procedures were conducted retrospectively. Six RT procedures were conducted because of modifications to the intended use. An average of 17.3 readers (minimum 14, maximum 24) participated, and the area under the curve (AUC) was considered the primary endpoint. The addition of study learning data that did not change the intended use and changes in the analysis algorithm were evaluated by SA. The average sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 93% (minimum 91.1, maximum 97), 89.6% (minimum 85.9, maximum 96), and 0.96 (minimum 0.96, maximum 0.97), respectively. The average interval between applications was 348 days (minimum –18, maximum 975), which showed that the improvements were implemented within approximately one year. This is the first comprehensive study on AI/ML-based CAD products that have been improved post-market to elucidate evaluation points for post-market improvements. The findings will be informative for the industry and academia in developing and improving AI/ML-based CAD.
How positive deviants helped in fighting the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic? A qualitative study exploring the roles of frontline health workers in Nepal
Authors: Dhital Rolina , Subedi Madhusudan , Hamal Pawan Kumar , Shrestha Carmina , Bhusal Sandesh , Rimal Reshika , Gopali Lovin , Shah Richa
Published: March 2023

Positive deviance is an approach wherein learnings from persons who fare better than their peers under similar circumstances are used to enable behavioral and social change. Such behaviors and solutions are likely affordable, acceptable, sustainable, and fit into the socio-cultural milieu. Despite the wide use of positive deviance in many public health programs and research, it has yet to be used to study frontline workers in the context of COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the positive deviance traits among frontline health workers during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. This qualitative study followed a grounded theory approach. The data was collected through in-depth interviews among the 17 identified participants representing different cadres of the health workforce, types of health facilities, and regions across Nepal purposively. The findings are structured around four major themes: challenges, finding solutions and innovations, positive lessons, and motivations. The personal challenges included fear and anxiety about the uncertainties. The professional challenges included stigma, infection control, and changing work style with the use of personal protective equipment. Despite the challenges, they managed available resources and innovated low-cost, technological, and practice-based solutions. They were able to reflect upon the positive lessons learned, such as self-sustainability, teamwork, and policy direction and research, and self-reflection of personal growth and patient care. The intrinsic motivation included their inherent value system, and the extrinsic motivation included appreciation and acknowledgment, family and social support, psychosocial support from peers, and support from higher authorities. This study provides insights into how the positive deviance approach can help identify the solution amid the most challenging circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic in low-resource settings. However, more extensive studies are warranted to explore deeper into positive deviance and its long-term effects in bringing positive outcomes during the pandemic.
Pre-labor rupture of membranes and associated factors among pregnant women admitted to the maternity ward, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Telayneh Animut Takele , Ketema Daniel Bekele , Mengist Belayneh , Yismaw Lieltework , Bazezew Yibelu , Birhanu Molla Yigzaw , Habtegiorgis Samuel Derbie
Published: March 2023

Pre-labor rupture of membranes (PROM) is the rupture of fetal membranes before the onset of labor. PROM is found in 3–15% of all pregnancies and 30–40% of preterm labor worldwide. The most serious complications are neonatal and prenatal mortality, which is higher in Africa, including Ethiopia. Despite a paucity of evidence on the magnitude and factors affecting PROM after 28 weeks of gestation but before the onset of labor (including both term and preterm PROM). Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and identify associated factors of the pre-labor rupture of membranes. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 315 pregnant women from April 10, 2019 to June 30, 2019 at Debre Markos Referral Hospital. The samples were chosen using a systematic random sampling method among admitted pregnant women. The data were entered using EpiData entry version 4.2 and cleaned and analyzed using Stata/SE version 14.0. In binary logistic regressions, variables with a p-value <0.20 are selected for multivariable analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value <0.05 was used to identify associated factors. In this study, the magnitude of PROM was 19%. Maternal monthly income ≤1000 birr [AOR: 3.33 (95%CI: 1.33, 8.33)], gestational age <37weeks [AOR: 3. 28 (95%CI: 1.53, 7.02)], multiple pregnancy [AOR: 4.14 (95%CI: 1.78, 9.62)], polyhydramnios [AOR: 5.06 (95%CI: 2.28, 11.23)] and history of abnormal vaginal discharge [AOR: 6.65 (95%CI: 2.62, 16.72)] were found significant associated factors. In conclusion, the magnitude of the pre-labor rapture of the membranes was higher than in previous studies. Hence, health professionals should strengthen counseling, early diagnosis, and treatment of infections, as well as focus on women with pregnancy-related risks, to reduce pre-labor rupture of membranes and improve fetal and perinatal health.
Forest growth responds more to air pollution than soil acidification
Authors: Hruška Jakub , Oulehle Filip , Chuman Tomáš , Kolář Tomáš , Rybníček Michal , Trnka Miroslav , McDowell William H.
Published: March 2023

The forests of central Europe have undergone remarkable transitions in the past 40 years as air quality has improved dramatically. Retrospective analysis of Norway spruce (Picea abies) tree rings in the Czech Republic shows that air pollution (e.g. SO2 concentrations, high acidic deposition to the forest canopy) plays a dominant role in driving forest health. Extensive soil acidification occurred in the highly polluted "Black Triangle" in Central Europe, and upper mineral soils are still acidified. In contrast, acidic atmospheric deposition declined by 80% and atmospheric SO2 concentration by 90% between the late 1980s and 2010s. In this study we oserved that annual tree ring width (TRW) declined in the 1970s and subsequently recovered in the 1990s, tracking SO2 concentrations closely. Furthermore, recovery of TRW was similar in unlimed and limed stands. Despite large increases in soil base saturation, as well as soil pH, as a result of repeated liming starting in 1981, TRW growth was similar in limed and unlimed plots. TRW recovery was interrupted in 1996 when highly acidic rime (originating from more pronounced decline of alkaline dust than SO2 from local power plants) injured the spruce canopy, but recovered soon to the pre-episode growth. Across the long-term site history, changes in soil chemistry (pH, base saturation, Bc/Al soil solution ratio) cannot explain observed changes in TRW at the two study sites where we tracked soil chemistry. Instead, statistically significant recovery in TRW is linked to the trajectory of annual SO2 concentrations or sulfur deposition at all three stands.
Predicting mitochondrial fission, fusion and depolarisation event locations from a single z-stack
Authors: de Villiers James G. , Theart Rensu P.
Published: March 2023

This paper documents the development of a novel method to predict the occurrence and exact locations of mitochondrial fission, fusion and depolarisation events in three dimensions. This novel implementation of neural networks to predict these events using information encoded only in the morphology of the mitochondria eliminate the need for time-lapse sequences of cells. The ability to predict these morphological mitochondrial events using a single image can not only democratise research but also revolutionise drug trials. The occurrence and location of these events were successfully predicted with a three-dimensional version of the Pix2Pix generative adversarial network (GAN) as well as a three-dimensional adversarial segmentation network called the Vox2Vox GAN. The Pix2Pix GAN predicted the locations of mitochondrial fission, fusion and depolarisation events with accuracies of 35.9%, 33.2% and 4.90%, respectively. Similarly, the Vox2Vox GAN achieved accuracies of 37.1%, 37.3% and 7.43%. The accuracies achieved by the networks in this paper are too low for the immediate implementation of these tools in life science research. They do however indicate that the networks have modelled the mitochondrial dynamics to some degree of accuracy and may therefore still be helpful as an indication of where events might occur if time lapse sequences are not available. The prediction of these morphological mitochondrial events have, to our knowledge, never been achieved before in literature. The results from this paper can be used as a baseline for the results obtained by future work.
Understanding depression treatment and perinatal service preferences of Kenyan pregnant adolescents: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Kumar Manasi , Tele Albert , Kathono Joseph , Nyongesa Vincent , Yator Obadia , Mwaniga Shillah , Huang Keng Yen , McKay Mary , Lai Joanna , Levy Marcy , Cuijpers Pim , Quaife Matthew , Unutzer Jurgen
Published: March 2023

Background

Understanding mental health treatment preferences of adolescents and youth is particularly important for interventions to be acceptable and successful. Person-centered care mandates empowering individuals to take charge of their own health rather than being passive recipients of services.

Methods

We conducted a discrete choice experiment to quantitatively measure adolescent treatment preferences for different care characteristics and explore tradeoffs between these. A total of 153 pregnant adolescents were recruited from two primary healthcare facilities in the informal urban settlement of Nairobi. We selected eight attributes of depression treatment option models drawn from literature review and previous qualitative work. Bayesian d-efficient design was used to identify main effects. A total of ten choice tasks were solicited per respondent. We evaluated mean preferences using mixed logit models to adjust for within subject correlation and account for unobserved heterogeneity.

Results

Respondents showed a positive preference that caregivers be provided with information sheets, as opposed to co-participation with caregivers. With regards to treatment options, the respondents showed a positive preference for 8 sessions as compared to 4 sessions. With regards to intervention delivery agents, the respondents had a positive preference for facility nurses as compared to community health volunteers. In terms of support, the respondents showed positive preference for parenting skills as compared to peer support. Our respondents expressed negative preferences of ANC service combined with older mothers as compared to adolescent friendly services and of being offered refreshments alone. A positive preference was revealed for combined refreshments and travel allowance over travel allowance or refreshments alone. A number of these suggestions were about enhancing their experience of maternity clinical care experience.

Conclusion

This study highlights unique needs of this population. Pregnant adolescents’ value responsive maternity and depression care services offered by nurses. Participants shared preference for longer psychotherapy sessions and their preference was to have adolescent centered maternal mental health and child health services within primary care.
China’s changing expectations of the SCO between 2001 and 2019
Authors: Xu Xiaohan , Rogers Roy Anthony
Published: March 2023

After the cold war, some countries gradually seek to regional cooperation when they could not handle various transnational challenges alone. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a good example. It brought Central Asian countries together. This paper applies the text-mining method, using co-word analysis, co-occurrence matrix, cluster analysis, and strategic diagram to analyze the selected articles from newspapers quantitatively and visually. In order to investigate the Chinese government’s attitude toward the SCO, this study collected data from the China Core Newspaper Full-text Database, which contains high-impact government newspapers revealing the Chinese government’s perception of the SCO. This study characterizes the changing role of SCO as perceived by the Chinese government from 2001 to 2019. Beijing’s changing expectations in each of the three identified subperiods are described.
Immunogenicity and safety of a recombinant adenovirus type-5 COVID-19 vaccine in adults: Data from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, phase 3 trial in Russia
Authors: Lioznov Dmitry , Amosova Irina , Sheetikov Savely A. , Zornikova Ksenia V. , Serdyuk Yana , Efimov Grigory A. , Tsyferov Mikhail , Khmelevskii Mikhail , Afanasiev Andrei , Khomyakova Nadezhda , Zubkov Dmitry , Tikhonov Anton , Zhu Tao , Barreto Luis , Dzutseva Vitalina
Published: March 2023

Background

To determine the immunogenicity, efficacy, reactogenicity, and safety of a single dose of recombinant adenovirus type-5 vectored COVID-19 vaccine (Ad5-nCoV, 5 × 1010 viral particles per 0.5 mL dose), we conducted a single-dose, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group (3:1 Ad5-nCoV:placebo), phase 3 trial (Prometheus).

Methods

From 11-September-2020 to 05-May-2021, across six sites in the Russian Federation, 496 participants were injected with either placebo or Ad5-nCoV expressing the full-length spike (S) protein from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Results

Seroconversion (the primary endpoint) rates of 78.5% (95% CI: 73.9; 82.6) against receptor binding domain (RBD), 90.6% (95% CI: 87.2; 93.4) against S protein and 59.0% (95% CI: 53.3; 64.6) seroconversion of neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 at 28 days post-vaccination were observed. Geometric mean titres (GMTs) were also elevated for antibodies against the RBD (405 [95% CI: 366; 449]) and S protein (677 [95% CI: 608; 753]) compared to the GMT of neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (16.7 [95% CI: 15.3; 18.3]). Using an IFN-γ ELISpot assay after stimulating the cells with recombinant S protein ectodomain we showed that the Ad5-nCoV vaccine induced the most robust cellular immune response on Days 14 and 28. Up to Day 28, the primary and all secondary endpoints of the Ad5-nCoV vaccine were statistically significant compared with the placebo (р<0.001). Systemic reactions were reported in 113 of 496 (22.8%) participants (Ad5-nCoV, 26.9%; Placebo, 10.5%), and local reactions were reported in 108 (21.8%) participants (Ad5-nCoV, 28.5%; Placebo, 1.6%). These were generally mild and resolved within 7 days after vaccination. Of the six serious adverse events reported, none of the events were vaccine related. There were no deaths or premature withdrawals.

Conclusion

A single-dose of Ad5-nCoV vaccine induced a marked specific humoral and cellular immune response with a favourable safety profile.

Trial registration

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04540419.