bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TheViewand Its Relevance Today
Authors: Huffman Kristin Love
Published: October 2023

The appendixes feature two archival documents of value to the View of Venice, including the previously unpublished will of Anton Kolb, the German merchant who oversaw the woodcut’s production. One appendix presents entries on the sites and buildings still most tvisited by tourists today—the spaces of premodern governance and industry but also of the palaces that line the Grand Canal, and churches and their belltowers. It considers the Venetians who have long inhabited the lagoon, somewhat marginalized in relationship to the architecture of Venice’s past but on whose shoulders the city’s survival has rested. This section prompts readers to ponder the following questions: How do we as conscientious tourists take in the wonders of Venice? What is our collective responsibility to protect Venice, an invaluable artefact of the past that continues to have global resonances? And what does the future hold for such a rich repository of cultural heritage?
Socioeconomic Disparities Affecting the Presentation and Outcomes in Pediatric Subdural Empyema Patients
Authors: Patel Nirali , Rock Mitchell , Dowlati Ehsan , Phan Tiffany , Sanchez Carlos E. , Myseros John S. , Oluigbo Chima , Syed Hasan R. , Donoho Daniel A. , Keating Robert F.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Pediatric subdural empyemas (SDE) carry significant morbidity and mortality, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure optimal outcomes. Nonclinical factors affect presentation, time to diagnosis, and outcomes in several neurosurgical conditions and are potential causes of delay in presentation and treatment for patients with SDE. To evaluate whether socioeconomic status, race, and insurance status affect presentation, time to diagnosis, and outcomes for children with subdural empyema.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with patients diagnosed with SDE between 2005 and 2020 at our institution. Information regarding demographics (age, sex, zip code, insurance status, race/ethnicity) and presentation (symptoms, number of prior visits, duration of symptoms) was collected. Outcome measures included mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay, and discharge disposition.

RESULTS:

42 patients were diagnosed with SDE with a mean age of 9.5 years. Most (85.7%) (n = 36) were male (P = .0004), and a majority, 28/42 (66.7%), were African American (P < .0001). There was no significant difference in socioeconomic status based on zip codes, although a significantly higher number of patients were on public insurance (P = .015). African American patients had a significantly longer duration of symptoms than their Caucasian counterparts (8.4 days vs 1.8 days P = .0316). In total, 41/42 underwent surgery for the SDE, most within 24 hours of initial neurosurgical evaluation. There were no significant differences in the average length of stay. The average length of antibiotic duration was 57.2 days and was similar for all patients. There were no significant differences in discharge disposition based on any of the factors identified with most of the patients (52.4%) being discharged to home. There was 1 mortality (2.4%).

CONCLUSION:

Although there were no differences in outcomes based on nonclinical factors, African American men on public insurance bear a disproportionately high burden of SDE. Further investigation into the causes of this is warranted.
Pretemporal Transcavernous Approach to Basilar Tip Aneurysms: Operative Technique and Surgical Nuances: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Rai Hitesh Inder Singh , Kayssi Abdel Raouf , Krisht Ali
Published: October 2023

Microsurgical clipping of basilar tip aneurysms is known to be more durable than endovascular therapy, especially in wide neck aneurysms.
1-3
We present a case example of a complex basilar tip aneurysm, which was deemed nonfavorable for endovascular therapy, treated using the pretemporal transcavernous approach
4
in a 60-year-old woman. The patient consented for the procedure and the publication of their images.

INDICATIONS: CORRIDORS AND LIMITS OF EXPOSURE:

This approach provides a 360° view of the anterior upper third of posterior fossa which can tackle any kind of complex basilar aneurysm. It combines the benefits of both pterional/orbitozygomatic and subtemporal approaches.

ANATOMIC ESSENTIALS: NEED FOR PREOPERATIVE PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT:

Computed tomography angiography revealed a low-lying basilar apex, so a full transcavernous approach was used. Electroencephalogram, somatosensory evoked potentials, and brainstem auditory evoked response are essential modalities to monitor during temporary clipping.

ESSENTIAL STEPS OF THE PROCEDURE:

Anterior clinoidectomy, dissection of cavernous sinus, and posterior clinoidectomy to expose the perforator-free zone of basilar artery proximal to the superior cerebellar artery are essential steps described in detail in the video. Analyzing the perforator anatomy around the aneurysm before putting a clip is utmost essential.

PITFALLS/AVOIDANCE OF COMPLICATIONS:

Clipping a basilar aneurysm using this approach requires a neurosurgeon to have a sound knowledge of the neuroanatomy as well as a skilled handset for performing clinoidectomy and cavernous sinus dissection to avoid neurovascular injury.

VARIANTS AND INDICATIONS FOR THEIR USE:

Pterional/orbitozygomatic (for high riding bifurcation), subtemporal (low riding bifurcation), and endovascular therapy (small aneurysm with narrow neck) are other options used for these aneurysms.
Anterior Petrosectomy With Intertentorial Approach
Authors: Starnoni Daniele , Peters David , Giammattei Lorenzo , Fava Arianna , Cadas Hugues , Schranz Sami , Sabatasso Sara , Messerer Mahmoud , Daniel Roy T.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The extradural anterior petrosal approach (EAPA) can present a challenge because it deals with critical structures in a narrow, confined corridor. It is associated with several potential approach-related risks including temporal lobe and venous injuries. Tentorial peeling has the potential to largely eliminate these risks during the approach and may offer more options for tailoring the dural opening to the anatomic region that one wants to expose.

METHODS:

Anatomic dissections of five adult injected non–formalin-fixed cadaveric heads were performed. Anterior petrosectomy with intertentorial approach (APIA) through a tentorial peeling was completed. Step-by-step documentation of the cadaveric dissections and diagrammatic representations are presented along with an illustrative case.

RESULTS:

Tentorial peeling separates the tentorium into a temporal tentorial leaf and posterior fossa tentorial leaf, adding a fourth dural layer to the three classic ones described during a standard EAPA. This opens out the intertentorial space and offers more options for tailoring the dural incisions specific to the pathology being treated. This represents a unique possibility to address brainstem or skull base pathology along the mid- and upper clivus with the ability to keep the entire temporal lobe and basal temporal veins covered by the temporal tentorial leaf. The APIA was successfully used for the resection of a large clival chordoma in the illustrative case.

CONCLUSION:

APIA is an interesting modification to the classic EAPA to reduce the approach-related morbidity. The risk reduction achieved is by eliminating the exposure of the temporal lobe while maintaining the excellent access to the petroclival region. It also provides several options to tailor the durotomies based on the localization of the lesion.
miR-7 is recruited to the high molecular weight RNA-induced silencing complex in CD8+T cells upon activation and suppresses IL-2 signaling
Authors: Toivakka Matilda , Gordon Katrina , Kumar Sujai , Bermudez-Barrientos José Roberto , Abreu-Goodger Cei , Zamoyska Rose , Buck Amy H.
Published: October 2023

Increasing evidence suggests mammalian Argonaute (Ago) proteins partition into distinct complexes within cells, but there is still little biochemical or functional understanding of the miRNAs differentially associated with these complexes. In naïve T cells, Ago2 is found almost exclusively in low molecular weight (LMW) complexes which are associated with miRNAs but not their target mRNAs. Upon T-cell activation, a proportion of these Ago2 complexes move into a newly formed high molecular weight (HMW) RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), which is characterized by the presence of the GW182 protein that mediates translational repression. Here, we demonstrate distinct partitioning of miRNAs and isomiRs in LMW versus HMW RISCs upon antigen-mediated activation of CD8+T cells. We identify miR-7 as highly enriched in HMW RISC and demonstrate that miR-7 inhibition leads to increased production of IL-2 and up-regulation of the IL-2 receptor, the transferrin receptor, CD71 and the amino acid transporter, CD98. Our data support a model where recruitment of miR-7 to HMW RISC restrains IL-2 signaling and the metabolic processes regulated by IL-2.
Case Report: Paroxysmal autonomic instability with dystonia syndrome: a rare complication of tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Dichoso Lowrence Precious , Pagaling Gerald , G. Jamora Roland Dominic , M. Anlacan Veeda Michelle
Published: October 2023

Paroxysmal autonomic instability with dystonia syndrome (PAIDS) is a rare and life-threatening complication of neurologic diseases. We report the case of a 20-year-old male with acute severe brain damage from tuberculous meningitis, who eventually developed paroxysmal episodes of spontaneous and inducible tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, and decerebrate posturing. We diagnosed the patient as suffering from paroxysmal autonomic instability with dystonia syndrome. The unavailability of morphine and the prohibitive cost of prolonged fentanyl use led to a trial of gabapentin, clonazepam, and propranolol for the patient, resulting in symptom resolution. Brain injury causes dysfunction of autonomic centers leading to paroxysmal autonomic instability with dystonia syndrome. Management includes minimizing stimulation and pharmacotherapy with preventive and abortive medications. Alternatives like gabapentin, propranolol and clonazepam were effective in treating the paroxysmal episodes, proving that they may have a role in resource limited settings. PAIDS requires urgent recognition and treatment to prevent further complications and death.
Dynamics of EU Central and Eastern European donors’ development cooperation
Authors: Zajaczkowski Malgorzata , Smolaga Mateusz
Published: October 2023

The article deals with both qualitative and quantitative aspects of development assistance provided by the 11 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries that are members of the European Union (EU). The aim is to answer the question of what are the major determinants of their involvement in development cooperation. It also aims to understand the controversy surrounding the development policies of these donors and to assess the impact of past determinants on the current situation. Our study employs a combination of data analysis (based on Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development – OECD – statistics) and a literature review. In order to allow the examination of trends, constant prices have been applied throughout the study. Our research operates both on absolute (volumes of development aid given to and offered by the countries in mind) and relative data (bilateral to total ODA ratio and regional distribution of bilateral aid). The analysis reveals that the CEE EU donors’ spending on development assistance grew 463% over the 2004–2021 period. In 2021, they accounted for 2.4% of global aid, which was not a significant share globally, though noteworthy at the level of EU development aid spending. We found a clear dominance of the multilateral channel in the distribution of CEE EU aid fluctuating between 65–90%, mainly through EU institutions. In terms of bilateral activities, CEE donors chose their poorer European neighbours as their main aid recipients, with the share ranging from 24% to 76%. There are two main types of factors that determine the aid activities of the actors analysed: interests, which set the course of bilateral flows, and institutional factors (i.e., EU development policy and countries' accession to the OECD Development Assistance Committee), which played an equally important role. The relative importance of the two determinants has varied with changing circumstances over time.
Mechanisms through which exercise reduces symptom severity and/or functional impairment in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Protocol for a living systematic review of human and non-human studies
Authors: Wright Simonne , Furukawa Toshi A. , Macleod Malcolm , Simple Ouma , Elugbadebo Olufisayo , Chiocchia Virginia , Friedrich Claire , Ostinelli Edoardo G. , Potts Jennifer , Ramage Fiona J. , Siafis Spyridon , Stainsfield Claire , Tinsdeall Francesca , Thomas James , Cipriani Andrea , Salanti Georgia , Seedat Soraya ,   the GALENOS team
Published: October 2023

Background Exercise can play an important role in reducing symptom severity and improving functional impairment in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the precise mechanisms underpinning the effect of exercise in PTSD management are not fully understood. This living systematic review aims to synthesize and triangulate the evidence from non-human and human studies to gain insight into the biopsychosocial mechanisms through which exercise reduces symptom severity and functional impairment. Methods Independent searches will be conducted in electronic databases to identify eligible studies. Two reviewers will independently conduct the study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. We will extract outcome data and variables that can act as effect modifiers or as mediators of the effect of exercise. For the non-human studies, outcome data will include the non-human equivalents of PTSD symptom clusters. For human studies, the primary outcome will be PTSD symptom severity. The secondary outcomes will be avoidance symptom severity, reexperiencing symptom severity, hyperarousal symptom severity, negative cognitions and mood severity, functional impairment, loss of PTSD diagnosis, and dropout rates. To explain the biopsychosocial mechanisms through which exercise affects the outcome of interest, we will extract effects that relate to the impact of exercise on potential mediating variables and the effect of the later outcomes. Comparison of within-study direct and indirect effects obtained from mediation analysis, when reported, will provide insight into the importance of the examined mediator. If appropriate, we will synthesize study results using meta-analyses. We will examine potential effect modifiers of the total exercise effect to understand better the impact of exercise on PTSD symptoms and function impairment (when possible). The evidence about the potential mediators of the association between exercise and PTSD-related outcomes will be considered in a consensus meeting when sufficient evidence is available. Protocol registration PROSPERO-ID: 453615
Thromboprophylaxis in atrial fibrillation: correct interpretation and effective use of CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores
Authors: Wawrzeńczyk Mateusz , Kotulska Maria , Suchenia Aleksandra , Dzido Agnieszka , Lachowski Krzysztof
Published: October 2023

Thromboprophylaxis is one of the most important aspects of atrial fibrillation (AF) management as irregular atrial contractions foster formation of blood clots that may result in ischemic stroke. Strokes caused by AF are relatively large and often lead to death or sever disability, but they may be avoided with appropriate anticoagulation therapy. Unfortunately, the risk factors for stroke overlap with risk factors for bleeding, creating a genuine challenge for clinicians seeking to strike a balance in preventing these two types of complications. This is why risk assessment scores CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED have been developed. While their role to optimize the anticoagulation therapy was confirmed in multiple studies, the misinterpretation of the criteria within these scores and their inappropriate application can result in suboptimal treatment and needlessly expose patients to the risk of stroke, hemorrhage, or both. This review aims to present appropriate interpretation of CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores and discuss how anticoagulation therapy of AF patients should be guided by those two scores.
Optimal Portfolio Choice with Unknown Benchmark Efficiency
Authors: Kan Raymond , Wang Xiaolu
Published: October 2023

When a benchmark model is inefficient, including test assets in addition to the benchmark portfolios can improve the performance of the optimal portfolio. In reality, the efficiency of a benchmark model relative to the test assets is ex ante unknown; moreover, the optimal portfolio is constructed based on estimated parameters. Therefore, whether and how to include the test assets becomes a critical question faced by real world investors. For such a setting, we propose a combining portfolio strategy, optimally balancing the value of including test assets and the effect of estimation errors. The proposed combining strategy can work together with some existing estimation risk reduction strategies. In both empirical data sets and simulations, we show that our proposed combining strategy performs well.

This paper was accepted by Agostino Capponi, finance.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.01767 .
Incentives from Career Concerns in a Contract Package: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Yang Bicheng , Chan Tat , Owan Hideo , Tsuru Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2023

This paper empirically studies the extent to which career concerns as part of a typical contract offer influence employees’ work performance in a Japanese auto dealership firm. Because career movements and base-wage adjustments rely on performance evaluation over time, we develop a dynamic structural model that allows concerns for future payoffs to impact an employee’s current work effort. A reform in personnel-management policies of the firm during the data period enables us not only to compare the performances across individuals, but also to compare within an individual the performance before and after the reform—this enhances the model identification. Our estimation results show that the added value from career movements on top of the monetary payoffs is more important than the monetary payoffs. Individuals respond to career movements and commissions differently, mainly due to varying cost of effort and different payoffs from career movements. Our counterfactual exercises suggest that, compared with the scenario when there is only monetary compensation, adding career movements in a contract package will greatly improve the firm’s gross profit. The firm can improve its net profit by making commission and promotion more performance-based.

This paper was accepted by Matt Shum, marketing.

Funding: Financial support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [Grant 20190410-01] is gratefully acknowledged.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4956 .
Supermicrosurgery: past, present and future
Authors: Banerjee Arka , Jou Eric , Wong Kai Yuen
Published: October 2023

Supermicrosurgery was popularised in 1997 and is defined as a technique of microvascular anastomosis for single nerve fascicles and vessels 0.3–0.8 mm in diameter. It requires the use of powerful microscopes, ultradelicate microsurgical instruments and specialist dyes. The development of supermicrosurgery has vastly improved the ability of microsurgeons to create true perforator flaps with minimal donor site morbidity for reconstructive surgery and improved the precision of additional microsurgical techniques. This review outlines the origins and history of supermicrosurgery, its current applications in reconstructive surgery (including fingertip reconstructions, true perforator flap surgery, nerve flaps and lymphoedema surgery), supermicrosurgery training and future directions for the field.
The adult with low back pain: causes, diagnosis, imaging features and management
Authors: Kabeer Adnan S , Osmani Humza T , Patel Jugal , Robinson Philip , Ahmed Naeem
Published: October 2023

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. This article highlights the importance of succinct history taking and a thorough clinical examination when managing a patient with lower back pain in hospital. Furthermore, it encourages the clinician to consider the pertinent causes of low back pain such as age-related degeneration, malignancy, trauma, infection and seronegative inflammatory spondyloarthropathies, and looks at the diagnosis, imaging features and key management options which are available in secondary care.
The experience of physiotherapists navigating the portfolio route to completion of the roadmap to practice
Authors: Carus Catherine , Millington Paul , Edwards Lisa , Snaith Beverly
Published: October 2023

Background:

The education of first contact practitioners (FCPs) working in musculoskeletal practice in primary care is guided by an NHS England framework: the Roadmap to Practice. This includes a portfolio route to recognise the skills and capabilities of experienced physiotherapists.

Aim:

To review the portfolio route for evidencing the capabilities expected of the roadmap through the experience of practitioners.

Method:

An online survey and interviews were conducted of FCPs and supervisors from early-implementer sites.

Results:

While participants largely supported the need for assurance of their capabilities, their personal perceptions of completing the portfolio were strongly influenced by their career stage, clinical experience and length of time in their FCP role. Individuals often had limited planned time for portfolio development and competing clinical priorities.

Conclusion:

The portfolio route was acknowledged as a valuable way to evidence capability within practice. The volume of evidence required and the limited guidance given were overwhelming for many participants.
An overview of iron deficiency anaemia and its management options
Authors: Dean Sue
Published: October 2023

This paper considers the common presentation of iron-deficiency anaemia. It discusses the prevalence, aetiology and signs and symptoms, as well as the importance of thorough history-taking. The article also explores investigations and diagnosis, before considering management options in primary care. These options include when to refer to secondary care for further investigations and intravenous (IV) iron therapy, if oral treatment fails to correct the haemoglobin and underlying iron deficiency. IV iron is considered, including the evidence base for its use in various conditions, available preparations and the associated risks. The importance of patient involvement in decision-making and valid consent to treatment is discussed. Guidance on IV iron administration to minimise the associated risks is offered, along with recommendations for long-term monitoring and the use of blood transfusion. While the paper is based on practice within the UK, evidence and guidance from around the world is used. Although this is an international issue, country and continent-specific guidance may have variations.
The role of advanced clinical practitioners in general surgery
Authors: Paulraj Greta Hellen
Published: October 2023

While advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) have become increasingly important in the healthcare system, there is a lack of clarity regarding roles, expectations and regulations. This paper examines the current state of ACPs in the UK, highlighting the role of surgical care practitioners and the need for appropriate training, funding and career development opportunities. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of stakeholders in providing adequate support for ACPs and the need for legislative and regulatory changes to ensure the success of the profession. Finally, it calls on the government and other stakeholders to recognise the role of ACPs in the healthcare system and to develop a national strategy to ensure their continued success.
Proposed Secure Hypertext Model in Web Engineering
Authors: Gedam Madhuri N. , Meshram Bandu B.
Published: October 2023

Secure web application development is one of the prime challenges for the software industry. In the last decade, web applications have rapidly developed but web engineering methods have some limitations while designing web applications. The extensive literature survey explores various concepts like web engineering, hypertext modelling, web applications hypertext modelling methods, attacks on web applications, same origin policy (SOP) and cross origin resource sharing (CORS). The complexity of web pages is a major concern for security. The proposed secure hypertext model (SHM) provides hypertext modelling of web applications and helps in the identification of attacks on hypertext links. It provides security stereotypes and precisely specifies vulnerability defences in web application design. This standardized attack vector and defence mechanism will help developers to build more secure applications.
Food Insecurity and Health Outcomes of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the United States
Authors: Dhuliawala Samina , Payakachat Nalin , Painter Jacob T. , Swindle Taren , Li Chenghui
Published: October 2023

We aimed to (a) provide nationally representative estimates of food insecurity (FI) among children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and (b) determine the association between FI and four health outcomes (overall health, problem behavior, activities of daily living, functional limitations) in 5,657 children with IDD compared to 1:1 propensity score matched children without IDD. Mixed-effects ordered logistic regression models were used. Children with IDD were more likely to experience FI than children without IDD (43.3% vs. 30.0%, p < 0.001). FI and IDD were independently associated with worse scores on all four health outcomes. Having both FI and IDD further exacerbated the adverse impacts on these health outcomes. The association was stronger among children with moderate-to-severe FI than those with mild FI.
Measuring the linear optical absorption coefficient by interferometry and the thermal lensing effect: a numerical analysis
Authors: Rodriguez Luis G. , Niemela Joseph , Cabrera Humberto
Published: October 2023

We report on a pump-probe thermal lensing method for measuring the linear absorption coefficient of liquids by using interferometry and numerical analysis. The method is based on interferograms generated when a localized photothermal effect is induced in the sample. The photothermal effect itself is induced by a pump beam impinging on a sample located on-axis of the probe beam, which is one of the paths of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. A digital camera is employed as the acquisition device allowing the capture and storage of the experimental data. During the experiment, a total of three photographs are taken and stored on a personal computer, and by using an algorithm, the numerical analysis is done. Numerical analysis is subsequently used to calculate the photothermal phase difference and the normalized spatial distribution of the pump beam irradiance. Plotting the phase difference as a function of the spatial distribution of the pump beam produces a linear dependence from which the linear absorption coefficient is obtained. The sensitivity of the method (λ/1500) is validated using ethanol, methanol, and carbon disulfide.
High-power and high-beam-quality photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers: a tutorial
Authors: Noda Susumu , Inoue Takuya , Yoshida Masahiro , Gelleta John , Zoysa Menaka De , Ishizaki Kenji
Published: October 2023

Realization of single-mode, high-power and high-beam-quality (namely,
high-brightness) semiconductor lasers, which can rival or even replace
bulky lasers such as gas, solid, and fiber lasers, is one of the
ultimate goals of laser physics and photonics. The demand for such
ultimate single-mode high-brightness semiconductor lasers is
increasing for a wide variety of emerging applications including
next-generation remote sensing for smart mobility and high-precision
laser processing for smart manufacturing. Photonic-crystal
surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs) show promise to meet these demands,
based on their broad-area coherent two-dimensional (2D) resonance at a
singularity (Γ) point of their 2D photonic band structure. In this
tutorial paper, the lasing principle, theoretical analysis, and
experimental demonstration of PCSELs are described. Recent progress in
PCSEL development, including the formulation of a design guideline for
realizing 100-W-to-kW-class single-mode operation, the experimental
demonstration of a brightness of 1 GW cm–2 sr–1,
and an extension of the lasing wavelengths to telecommunication and
mid-infrared wavelengths are also covered.
Physical unclonable functions on carbon fiber reinforced polymers using laser techniques
Authors: Tsakas Anastasios , Mazzucato Simone , Anastasiou Aggeliki , Tselios Christos , Rizomiliotis Panagiotis , Alexandropoulos Dimitris
Published: October 2023

We have successfully fabricated physical unclonable functions (PUF)s on carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) in the form of computer-generated holograms (CGH)s using an industrial friendly UV ns laser system. The topological randomness of the fiber network and laser absorption yield laser engraved CGH that are unique. The engraved CGH serve as PUFs and this is confirmed by the exceptionally low values of probability of cloning (POC), lower than 10−7, well below the commonly accepted threshold value of 10−5 in the literature. For the PUF evaluation we have developed a novel methodology that employs digital reconstruction of images of the engraved CGH obtained from low resolution cameras with moderate magnification.
Holographic imaging platform for particle discrimination based on simultaneous mass density and refractive index measurements
Authors: Li Jingwen , Zhang Wenxuan , Engarnevis Amin
Published: October 2023

Real-time detection, classification and identification of aerosol particles is crucial in various industries and public health areas. In order to circumvent the limitations of existing particle analysis methods for efficient discrimination, we demonstrate a compact digital in-line holographic microscopy platform with an inertial spectrometer for simultaneous measurement of two independent fingerprint parameters at single species level. In particular, by interrogating the particle location and size captured with the platform, particle mass density can be estimated. Furthermore, by employing Monte Carlo fitting to the Lorenz-Mie theory, the refractive index of each particle can also be extracted from the interference patterns. It is demonstrated that the combination of mass density and optical density characterization unambiguously enhances the discriminatory power of the system, especially when dealing with particles that exhibit similar mass densities but distinctive refractive indices or vice versa. This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in particle characterization and composition identification, with potential applications in various industrial, scientific, and research domains. An iOS-based app interface is then customized for wireless controlling of the CMOS imager, image acquisition, reconstruction, and data analysis. The imaging platform proposed in this work has prominent advantages including compactness, accuracy, efficiency, high throughput, and remote sensing capability, which is especially relevant for applications where on-site/remote metrology and identification of particles is required.
Photonic-assisted fast broadband microwave vector network analyzer based on FMCW
Authors: Xiaoen Chen , Long Wang , Min Ding , Jianping Chen , Guiling Wu
Published: October 2023

In the paper, we propose a photonic-assisted fast broadband microwave vector network analyzer (FB-VNA) based on frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW). A photonic recirculating frequency shift (RFS) loop is used to extend the bandwidth of optical FMCW. The bandwidth-extended optical FMCW beats with the continuous wave (CW) light to generate the broadband electrical FMCW, which serves as the incident signal of the device under test (DUT). The response signals of the DUT are modulated on the bandwidth-extended optical FMCW to perform de-chirping. After coherently beating the de-chirped light with the CW light, the broadband response signals of DUT are down-converted to a single-tone intermediate frequency (IF) signal carrying the frequency response of DUT, and the scattering parameters of DUT can be obtained. The single-tone IF signal relaxes the demand on the bandwidth and sampling rate of the electrical backend. Thanks to the RFS loop and the short period of FMCW, the measurement frequency range is highly extended and measurement speed is greatly accelerated at the same time, which can be applied in monitoring sudden changes of DUT features. A bandwidth multiplication of the FMCW from 6-18 GHz to 6-498 GHz is experimentally implemented. With available photodetectors (PDs) and Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs), a 6-54 GHz FB-VNA is demonstrated, and the S parameters of a 25-GHz low-pass filter (LPF) is measured within 6 μs. The sudden changes of S21 parameter of DUT simulated by fast adjusting the bias voltage of the MZM used for de-chirping are also characterized by the proposed FB-VNA. The sudden changes as short as 0.01 μs can be captured.
Reconfigurable generation of chiral optical fields with multiple selective degrees of freedom
Authors: Deng Duo , Liu Xing , Yang Zhenjun , Li Yan
Published: October 2023

Chiral optical fields caused by vortex beams possessing orbital angular momentum (OAM) can be used to fabricate helically structured materials and identify chiral molecules, in which the materials or molecules are associated with the character of the irradiated light. However, previously reported chiral optical fields can control only some of the parameters including the number of fringes, size, ellipticity, orientation, and local intensity distribution, which may hamper their applications. Thus, in this work, we propose both theoretically and experimentally an approach to fabricate chiral optical fields with five separately controllable degrees of freedom by overlapping two anisotropic vortices whose wavefronts have a nonlinear phase variation with the azimuthal angle. The local intensity distribution, number of fringes, size, orientation, and ellipticity of the chiral optical field can be dynamically controlled by adjusting the nonlinear coefficient, topological charges, axicon parameter, rotation angle, and stretching factor of the anisotropic vortices. Furthermore, the OAM density was investigated and proven to be continuously enhanced with the variation of the field’s local intensity distribution, which gives the proposed approach the ability to continuously manipulate the OAM density of chiral optical fields. This work, supporting chiral optical fields by five separately controllable parameters, may make the applications of chiral optical fields in the fields of nanostructure fabrication and optical tweezers more flexible.
Hybrid lithium tantalite-silicon integrated photonics platform for electro-optic modulation
Authors: Shen Jian , Zhang Yong , Feng Chenglong , Xu Zihan , Zhang Lei , Su Yikai
Published: October 2023

Integrated electro-optic modulators are key components in photonic integrated circuits. Silicon photonic technology is considered to be promising for large-scale and low-cost integration. However, silicon does not exhibit any Pockels effect, and the electro-optic modulator based on free-carrier dispersion suffers from challenges such as high-power consumption, limited bandwidth, and large optical propagation loss. Here, a new, to the best of our knowledge, hybrid lithium tantalite-silicon platform is proposed for electro-optic modulators based on the Pockels effect. Benefiting from the strong Pockels coefficients of a thin-film lithium tantalite, a hybrid microring-based modulator is demonstrated. The quality factor and the extinction ratio of the hybrid microring are 1.7 × 104 and 10 dB, respectively. The linear bidirectional wavelength tuning efficiency is measured as 12.8 pm/V. The measured 3-dB bandwidth is > 20 GHz. High-quality eye diagrams of 20 Gbps non-return-to-zero signal and 20 Gbps four-level pulse amplitude modulation signals are generated experimentally. The proposed platform extends the toolbox of silicon photonics technology, which paves the way for high-speed modulators and phase shifters in optical communication and optical phased array. © 2023 Optica Publishing Group
Terahertz photodiode integration with multi-octave-bandwidth dielectric rod waveguide probe
Authors: Iwamatsu Shuya , Ali Muhsin , Estévez José Luis Fernández , Grzeslo Marcel , Makhlouf Sumer , Rivera Alejandro , Carpintero Guillermo , Stöhr Andreas
Published: October 2023

Photonic integrated circuits play a vital role in enabling terahertz (THz) applications that require multi-octave bandwidth. Prior research has been limited in bandwidth due to rectangular waveguide (WRs) interconnects, which can only support single octave at low loss. To overcome this fundamental limitation, we exploit the ultra-wideband (UWB) near-field coupling between planar waveguides and silicon (Si)-based subwavelength dielectric rod waveguides (DRWs) to interconnect THz bandwidth uni-traveling-carrier photodiodes (UTC-PDs) at 0.08–1.03 THz. In a proof-of-concept experiment, the on-chip integrated UTC-PDs demonstrate a UWB operation from 0.1 THz to 0.4 THz. Furthermore, by employing Si DRWs as probes, multi-octave device-under-test characterization of UTC-PDs integrated with UWB transition is enabled with only one DRW probe. The proposed UWB interconnect technology is distinct from previously used WR-based ground-signal-ground probes or quasi-optical free-space coupling since it can provide multi-octave bandwidth and enable on-chip THz circuit integration.
Correction of a transcranial acoustic field using a transient ultrasound field visualization technique
Authors: Cheng Zhongwen , Deng Lijun , Lin Yiqin , Zeng Lvming , Ji Xuanrong
Published: October 2023

Ultrasound, due to its noninvasive nature, has the potential to enhance or suppress neural activity, making it highly promising for regulating intractable brain disorders. Precise ultrasound stimulation is crucial for improving the efficiency of neural modulation and studying its mechanisms. However, the presence of the skull can cause distortion in the ultrasound field, thereby affecting the accuracy of stimulation. Existing correction methods primarily rely on magnetic resonance guidance and numerical simulation. Due to the large size and high cost, the MR-guided transcranial ultrasound is difficult to be widely applied in small animals. The numerical simulation usually requires further validation and optimization before application, and the most effective method is to visualize the excited ultrasound field. However, the ultrasound field correction methods based on acoustic field visualization are still lacking. Therefore, a shadowgraph-based transient ultrasonic field visualization system is developed, and an ex vivo transcranial ultrasound field correction is performed. By visualizing the ultrasound field with or without a rat skull and then calculating the time difference of each element’s ultrasound wavefront, the parameters for ultrasound field correction can be achieved. The experimental results show that this method can improve both the shape and the size of the focal spot, as well as enhance the acoustic pressure at the focus. Overall, the results demonstrate that the ultrasonic field visualization technology can effectively improve the transcranial ultrasound focusing effect and provide a new tool for achieving precise ultrasonic neural modulation.
Robust optical edge detection enabled by a twisted reflective q-plate
Authors: Chen Quanming , Cao Han , Ouyang Cheng , Shen Yanchun , Hu Wei
Published: October 2023

Optical edge detection significantly reduces the image information load and is highly sought after in instant image processing. Robustness to the wavelength and polarization of light as well as mechanical vibration is a key requirement for practical applications. Here, a robust optical edge detector is proposed and demonstrated based on a reflective twisted liquid crystal q-plate. The device is composed of a mirror and a 1.46-μm-thick liquid crystal layer with a twist angle of 69.2°. The backtracking of the light inside the twisted medium forms a mirror symmetric twisted design and thus leads to a broadband self-compensated spiral phase modulation. By this means, an optical edge detector with excellent wavelength and polarization independence is presented for both coherent and partially coherent light sources. Additionally, the reflective design makes the system more compact and stable. This work supplies a practical design for robust optical edge detection, which may upgrade existing image processing techniques.
Maximizing the value of patient and public involvement in the digital health co-design process: A qualitative descriptive study with design leaders and patient-public partners
Authors: Voorheis Paula , Petch Jeremy , Pham Quynh , Kuluski Kerry
Published: October 2023

Digital health interventions have enormous potential to support patients and the public in achieving their health goals. Nonetheless, many digital health interventions are failing to effectively engage patients and the public. One solution that has been proposed is to directly involve patients and the public in the design process of these digital health interventions. Although there is consensus that involving patients and the public in collaborative design is valuable, design teams have little guidance on how to maximize the value of their collaborative design work. The main objective of this study was to understand how the value of patient and public involvement in digital health design can be maximized, from the perspective of design leaders and patient-public partners. Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 design leaders and 9 patient-public partners. Interviewees agreed that involving patients and the public was valuable, however, they questioned if current collaborative methods were optimized to ensure maximal value. Interviewees suggested that patient and public collaborative design can add value through four different mechanisms: (1) by allowing the design process to be an empowering intervention itself, (2) by ensuring that the digital health intervention will be effectively engaging for users, (3) by ensuring that the digital health intervention will be seamlessly implemented in practice, and (4) by allowing patient-public collaborations extend beyond the initial product design. Overall, interviewees emphasized that although collaborative design has historically focused on improving the digital health product itself, patients and the public have crucial insights on implementation planning as well as how collaborative design can be used as its own empowering intervention. The results of this paper provide clarity about the ways that patient and public collaborative design can be made more valuable. Digital health design teams can use these results to be more intentional about their collaborative design approaches.
An experimental machine learning study investigating the decision-making process of students and qualified radiographers when interpreting radiographic images
Authors: Rainey Clare , Villikudathil Angelina T. , McConnell Jonathan , Hughes Ciara , Bond Raymond , McFadden Sonyia
Published: October 2023

AI is becoming more prevalent in healthcare and is predicted to be further integrated into workflows to ease the pressure on an already stretched service. The National Health Service in the UK has prioritised AI and Digital health as part of its Long-Term Plan. Few studies have examined the human interaction with such systems in healthcare, despite reports of biases being present with the use of AI in other technologically advanced fields, such as finance and aviation. Understanding is needed of how certain user characteristics may impact how radiographers engage with AI systems in use in the clinical setting to mitigate against problems before they arise. The aim of this study is to determine correlations of skills, confidence in AI and perceived knowledge amongst student and qualified radiographers in the UK healthcare system. A machine learning based AI model was built to predict if the interpreter was either a student (n = 67) or a qualified radiographer (n = 39) in advance, using important variables from a feature selection technique named Boruta. A survey, which required the participant to interpret a series of plain radiographic examinations with and without AI assistance, was created on the Qualtrics survey platform and promoted via social media (Twitter/LinkedIn), therefore adopting convenience, snowball sampling This survey was open to all UK radiographers, including students and retired radiographers.

Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that males who were proficient in their profession were more likely than females to trust AI. Trust in AI was negatively correlated with age and with level of experience. A machine learning model was built, the best model predicted the image interpreter to be qualified radiographers with 0.93 area under curve and a prediction accuracy of 93%. Further testing in prospective validation cohorts using a larger sample size is required to determine the clinical utility of the proposed machine learning model.
A content and quality analysis of free, popular mHealth apps supporting ‘plant-based’ diets
Authors: Lee Jennifer J. , Ahmed Mavra , Mouhaffel Rim , L’Abbé Mary R.
Published: October 2023

There has been an increased emphasis on plant-based foods and diets. Although mobile technology has the potential to be a convenient and innovative tool to help consumers adhere to dietary guidelines, little is known about the content and quality of free, popular mobile health (mHealth) plant-based diet apps. The objective of the study was to assess the content and quality of free, popular mHealth apps supporting plant-based diets for Canadians. Free mHealth apps with high user ratings, a high number of user ratings, available on both Apple App and GooglePlay stores, and primarily marketed to help users follow plant-based diet were included. Using pre-defined search terms, Apple App and GooglePlay App stores were searched on December 22, 2020; the top 100 returns for each search term were screened for eligibility. Included apps were downloaded and assessed for quality by three dietitians/nutrition research assistants using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and the App Quality Evaluation (AQEL) scale. Of the 998 apps screened, 16 apps (mean user ratings±SEM: 4.6±0.1) met the eligibility criteria, comprising 10 recipe managers and meal planners, 2 food scanners, 2 community builders, 1 restaurant identifier, and 1 sustainability assessor. All included apps targeted the general population and focused on changing behaviors using education (15 apps), skills training (9 apps), and/or goal setting (4 apps). Although MARS (scale: 1–5) revealed overall adequate app quality scores (3.8±0.1), domain-specific assessments revealed high functionality (4.0±0.1) and aesthetic (4.0±0.2), but low credibility scores (2.4±0.1). The AQEL (scale: 0–10) revealed overall low score in support of knowledge acquisition (4.5±0.4) and adequate scores in other nutrition-focused domains (6.1–7.6). Despite a variety of free plant-based apps available with different focuses to help Canadians follow plant-based diets, our findings suggest a need for increased credibility and additional resources to complement the low support of knowledge acquisition among currently available plant-based apps. This research received no specific grant from any funding agency.