bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood-Based Biomarker Panel for Personalized Lung Cancer Risk Assessment
Authors: Fahrmann Johannes F. , Marsh Tracey , Irajizad Ehsan , Patel Nikul , Murage Eunice , Vykoukal Jody , Dennison Jennifer B. , Do Kim-Anh , Ostrin Edwin , Spitz Margaret R. , Lam Stephen , Shete Sanjay , Meza Rafael , Tammemägi Martin C. , Feng Ziding , Hanash Samir M.
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

To investigate whether a panel of circulating protein biomarkers would improve risk assessment for lung cancer screening in combination with a risk model on the basis of participant characteristics.

METHODS

A blinded validation study was performed using prostate lung colorectal ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial data and biospecimens to evaluate the performance of a four-marker protein panel (4MP) consisting of the precursor form of surfactant protein B, cancer antigen 125, carcinoembryonic antigen, and cytokeratin-19 fragment in combination with a lung cancer risk prediction model (PLCOm2012) compared with current US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) screening criteria. The 4MP was assayed in 1,299 sera collected preceding lung cancer diagnosis and 8,709 noncase sera.

RESULTS

The 4MP alone yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.82) for case sera collected within 1-year preceding diagnosis and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.76) among the entire specimen set. The combined 4MP + PLCOm2012 model yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.82 to 0.88) for case sera collected within 1 year preceding diagnosis. The benefit of the 4MP in the combined model resulted from improvement in sensitivity at high specificity. Compared with the USPSTF2021 criteria, the combined 4MP + PLCOm2012 model exhibited statistically significant improvements in sensitivity and specificity. Among PLCO participants with ≥ 10 smoking pack-years, the 4MP + PLCOm2012 model would have identified for annual screening 9.2% more lung cancer cases and would have reduced referral by 13.7% among noncases compared with USPSTF2021 criteria.

CONCLUSION

A blood-based biomarker panel in combination with PLCOm2012 significantly improves lung cancer risk assessment for lung cancer screening.
Turbulent transition in Rayleigh-Bénard convection with fluorocarbon
(a)
Authors: Méthivier Lucas , Braun Romane , Chillà Francesca , Salort Julien
Published: January 2022

We present measurements of the global heat transfer and the velocity field in two Rayleigh-Bénard cells (aspect ratios 1 and 2). We use Fluorinert FC770 as the working fluid, up to a Rayleigh number

. The velocity field is inferred from sequences of shadowgraph pattern using a Correlation Image Velocimetry (CIV) algorithm. Indeed the large number of plumes, and their small characteristic scale, make it possible to use the shadowgraph pattern produced by the thermal plumes in the same manner as particles in Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The method is validated in water against PIV, and yields identical wind velocity estimates. The joint heat transfer and velocity measurements allow to compute the scaling of the kinetic dissipation rate which features a transition from a laminar

scaling to a turbulent Re
3 scaling. We propose that the turbulent transition in Rayleigh-Bénard convection is controlled by a threshold Péclet number rather than a threshold Rayleigh number, which may explain the apparent discrepancy in the literature regarding the “ultimate” regime of convection.
Marital Practices of the Nahuas and Imposed Sociocultural Change in Sixteenth-Century Mexico
Authors: Granicka Katarzyna
Published: January 2022

There are many sources that allowed scholars to study the nature and functions of polygamous marriages of the Nahua nobility. Very few studies, however, focus on the marital relations of the Nahua commoners. This article presents exploratory research into various kinds of marriages of the macehualtin—polygamy, sororate, and levirate. Based on the available material (early censuses, inquisitorial records, sixteenth-century accounts) it discusses the functions that these types of unions played in Nahua society. Moreover, it reflects on the effects that the Christianization and prohibition of such marriages had on Nahua society. The Nahuas could either reshape their communities, by adjusting to the new rules, or continue their precolonial practices in hiding. Either way, the imposed Christianization can be analyzed through the notion of the cultural trauma, which occurred when the Nahuas were forced to reshape their communities to adjust to the new rules.
Disparities in Utilization and Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Techniques for Gastric Cancer Surgery in the United States
Authors: Park Joon Y. , Verma Arjun , Tran Zachary K. , Mederos Michael A. , Benharash Peyman , Girgis Mark
Published: January 2022

Background

This study investigated national implementation patterns and perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive gastrectomy (MIG) in gastric cancer surgery in the United States.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for patients who underwent elective gastrectomy for gastric cancer from 2008-2018. The MIG versus open gastrectomy approach was correlated with hospital factors, patient characteristics, and complications.

Results

There was more than a fivefold increase in MIG from 5.8% in 2008 to 32.9% in 2018 (nptrend < 0.001). Patients undergoing MIG had a lower Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (p = 0.001). On risk adjusted analysis, black patients (AOR = 0.77, p = 0.024) and patients with income below 25th percentile (AOR = 0.80, p = 0.018) were less likely to undergo MIG. When these analyses were limited to minimally invasive capable centers only, these differences were not observed. Hospitals in the upper tertile of gastrectomy case volume, Northeast, and urban teaching centers were more likely to perform MIG. Overall, MIG was associated with a 0.7-day decrease in length of stay, reduced risk adjusted mortality rates (AOR = 0.58, p = 0.05), and a $4,700 increase in total cost.

Conclusions

In this national retrospective study, we observe socioeconomic differences in patients undergoing MIG, which is explained by hospital level factors in MIG utilization. We demonstrate that MIG is associated with a lower mortality compared with open gastrectomy. Establishing MIG as a safe approach to gastric cancers and understanding regional differences in implementation patterns can inform delivery of equitable high-quality health care.
An outlook: machine learning in hyperspectral image classification and dimensionality reduction techniques
Authors: Reddy Tatireddy , Harikiran Jonnadula
Published: January 2022

Hyperspectral imaging is used in a wide range of applications. When used in remote sensing, satellites and aircraft are employed to collect the images, which are used in agriculture, environmental monitoring, urban planning and defence. The exact classification of ground features in the images is a significant research issue and is currently receiving greater attention. Moreover, these images have a large spectral dimensionality, which adds computational complexity and affects classification precision. To handle these issues, dimensionality reduction is an essential step that improves the performance of classifiers. In the classification process, several strategies have produced good classification results. Of these, machine learning techniques are the most powerful approaches. As a result, this paper reviews three different types of hyperspectral image machine learning classification methods: cluster analysis, supervised and semi-supervised classification. Moreover, this paper shows the effectiveness of all these techniques for hyperspectral image classification and dimensionality reduction. Furthermore, this review will assist as a reference for future research to improve the classification and dimensionality reduction approaches.
PhenoApp: A mobile tool for plant phenotyping to record field and greenhouse observations
Authors: Röckel Franco , Schreiber Toni , Schüler Danuta , Braun Ulrike , Krukenberg Ina , Schwander Florian , Peil Andreas , Brandt Christine , Willner Evelin , Gransow Daniel , Scholz Uwe , Kecke Steffen , Maul Erika , Lange Matthias , Töpfer Reinhard
Published: January 2022

With the ongoing cost decrease of genotyping and sequencing technologies, accurate and fast phenotyping remains the bottleneck in the utilizing of plant genetic resources for breeding and breeding research. Although cost-efficient high-throughput phenotyping platforms are emerging for specific traits and/or species, manual phenotyping is still widely used and is a time- and money-consuming step. Approaches that improve data recording, processing or handling are pivotal steps towards the efficient use of genetic resources and are demanded by the research community. Therefore, we developed PhenoApp, an open-source Android app for tablets and smartphones to facilitate the digital recording of phenotypical data in the field and in greenhouses. It is a versatile tool that offers the possibility to fully customize the descriptors/scales for any possible scenario, also in accordance with international information standards such as MIAPPE (Minimum Information About a Plant Phenotyping Experiment) and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles. Furthermore, PhenoApp enables the use of pre-integrated ready-to-use BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Bundessortenamt und CHemische Industrie) scales for apple, cereals, grapevine, maize, potato, rapeseed and rice. Additional BBCH scales can easily be added. The simple and adaptable structure of input and output files enables an easy data handling by either spreadsheet software or even the integration in the workflow of laboratory information management systems (LIMS). PhenoApp is therefore a decisive contribution to increase efficiency of digital data acquisition in genebank management but also contributes to breeding and breeding research by accelerating the labour intensive and time-consuming acquisition of phenotyping data.
Estimation and human health risk assessment of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide residues in raw milk collected in Kenya
Authors: Wanjiku Philip Sheridan , Madadi Odongo Vincent , Wandiga Shem Oyoo , Omayio Duke Gekonge , Okumu Mitchel Otieno
Published: January 2022

Background: This study determined the levels of organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphate (OPPs) pesticide residues in cow milk from Kiambu and camel milk from Isiolo and Laikipia. The human dietary intake and the potential consumer health risks were also evaluated.

Methods: In total, 90 cow and 82 camel milk samples were collected and analyzed using gas chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy to determine the levels of OCPs and OPPs. The levels were compared to the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the Codex Alimentarius (CA), EU Pesticides Database (EUPD), and the United States Department of Agriculture. The estimated daily intake and chronic hazard quotient (cHQ) of the milk were also calculated.

Results: Cow milk from Kiambu was contaminated with 11/18 of the evaluated OCPs and 13/14 of the evaluated OPPs while camel milk from Isiolo was contaminated with 9/18 of the evaluated OCPs and 9/14 of the evaluated OPPs. Camel milk from Laikipia was contaminated with 11/18 of the evaluated OCPs and 11/14 of the evaluated OPPs. The mean heptachlor value in camel milk from Isiolo was above the EUPD MRLs. The mean value of heptachlor in Camel milk from Laikipia was above the CA and EUPD MRLs. The cHQs for Disulfoton, Fenamiphos, and Methacrifos in Cow milk were above 1 for adults and children. The cHQs for Fenchlorphous and Profenofos in Camel milk were above 1 for adults and children. The cHQs for α-endosulphan, β-endosulphan, dieldrin, and heptachlor in cow milk was above 1 for adults and children while the cHQs for heptachlor in camel milk was above 1 for adults and children.

Conclusions: The potential health risks from chronic dietary intake of cow and camel milk in Kenya cannot be excluded. The routine monitoring of organophosphate and organochlorine pesticide levels in milk is recommended to minimize risks to human health.
Assessment of the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in non-human primate studies: a systematic review
Authors: Counotte Michel Jacques , Avelino de Souza Santos Mariana , Stittelaar Koert J , van der Poel Wim H M , Gonzales Jose L
Published: January 2022

Background: The outbreak of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) triggered the rapid and successful development of vaccines to help mitigate the effect of COVID-19 and circulation of the virus. Vaccine efficacy is often defined as capacity of vaccines to prevent (severe) disease. However, the efficacy to prevent transmission or infectiousness is equally important at a population level. This is not routinely assessed in clinical trials. Preclinical vaccine trials provide a wealth of information about the presence and persistence of viruses in different anatomical sites.

Methods: We systematically reviewed all available preclinical SARS-CoV-2 candidate vaccine studies where non-human primates were challenged after vaccination (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021231199). We extracted the underlying data, and recalculated the reduction in viral shedding. We summarized the efficacy of  vaccines to reduce viral RNA shedding after challenge by standardizing and stratifying the results by different anatomical sites and diagnostic methods. We considered shedding of viral RNA as a proxy measure for infectiousness.

Results: We found a marked heterogeneity between the studies in the experimental design and the assessment of the outcomes. The best performing vaccine candidate per study caused only low (6 out of 12 studies), or moderate (5 out of 12) reduction of viral genomic RNA, and low (5 out of 11 studies) or moderate (3 out of 11 studies) reduction of subgenomic RNA in the upper respiratory tract, as assessed with nasal samples.

Conclusions: Since most of the tested vaccines only triggered a low or moderate reduction of viral RNA in the upper respiratory tract, we need to consider that most SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that protect against disease might not fully protect against infectiousness and vaccinated individuals might still contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Careful assessment of secondary attack rates from vaccinated individuals is warranted. Standardization in design and reporting of preclinical trials is necessary.
The Gatekeeper’s Dilemma: “When Should I Transfer This Customer?”
Authors: Hathaway Brett A. , Kagan Evgeny , Dada Maqbool
Published: January 2022

When Should I Transfer This Customer?

“Please hold while I transfer you to next level of support.” Most of us have been on the receiving end of this message. In this study, the authors look at transfers from the service worker’s perspective. They create an online experiment in which participants play the role of call center agents who need to decide whether to transfer a virtual service request or continue attempting to resolve it. Consistent with compensation schemes common in call centers, participants receive a bonus for each successful resolution and may pay a penalty if they transfer. The authors find that these incentives generally work well; however, agents appear to overreact to transfer penalties by handling more requests than they should and transferring too few requests. Although this may be good news for customers who dislike being transferred, such behaviors may be costly for the call center; thus, managers need to be careful when rolling out complex compensation schemes.
Characterization and Modification of Clay for Removal of Drinking Water Hardness
Authors: Wickramasuriya Asanthi Ireshika Rukshani , Arachchige Ruwan Chandima Wickramasinghe , Kottegoda Iresha Renuke Menike
Published: January 2022

Hardness in drinking water is a major problem in domestic usage. It is important to use drinking water within the tolerance limits of hardness. Clay samples obtained from two different areas in Sri Lanka were analysed, modified, and optimized with a view to suppress the hardness in drinking water. Characterization of clay was carried out using XRD (X-ray diffraction spectroscopy), FTIR (Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy), and SEM (Scanning electron microscope). Variation of the adsorption capacity of clay was analysed at different firing temperatures of the clay samples. XRD analysis revealed that both clay types are consisting of Kaolinite as the main constituent. The hardness adsorption efficiency and the retention of hardness adsorption in prolonged cycles has been observed when the clay is heated at different temperatures. In addition, the water hardness adsorption efficiency was enhanced by the cationic modification using sodium chloride. The results further reveals that the Freundlich isotherm is best fit for Ca2+ adsorption on both Biyagama and Deniyaya clay whereas that for the Mg2+ adsorption is Langmuir isotherm. The present study is useful to develop low-cost clay-based materials to minimize water hardness.
Mobile-device-based two-dimensional measurement for estimating the embryo and endosperm areas of brown rice
Authors: Chaitavon Kosom , Sumriddetchkajorn Sarun , Prasertsak Anchalee , Chanhorm Sataporn , Prempree Panintorn , Intaravanne Yuttana
Published: January 2022

The rice kernel inside a hull is composed of the embryo and endosperm. The embryo or germ of the rice seed will grow and become the shoot and the root parts of a seedling, while the endosperm is an important nutrient source for the embryo in the early stages. Hence, the health of seedlings depends particularly on the sizes of the embryo and endosperm. In this work, we propose and experimentally demonstrate how the embryo and endosperm areas of brown rice can simply be determined. Our key idea is based on the utilization of a smart mobile device equipped with our specifically designed lens module arranged in a simple cross-polarization imaging configuration for acquiring a rice grain image upon the illumination of a white light source and then spatially analyzing the sizes of embryo and endosperm areas. The prototype shows promising results in identifying the sizes of the embryo and endosperm within 2 s per seed with a measurement error of

<

9

%

compared with the use of off-the-shelf image editing software. In addition, the prototype is in a small package of

20

×

32.5

×

6.5

c
m

3

with 4 kg weight, thus showing high potential to perform in the real scenario.
Digital metasurface for selective information distribution in the spatial domain in the THz region
Authors: Paul Ananga , Nilotpal  , Bhattacharyya Somak , Dwivedi Smrity
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a new, to the best of our knowledge, technique to control the flow
of electron packets employing a switchable digital metasurface in the
terahertz region. The proposed structure can act as a device that
converts an electromagnetic (EM) wave into electron packets that can
be represented in the form of digital bit sequences at the output. The
top layer of the structure controls the intensity of the electron
packets while the bottom layer involves the spatial distribution of
the information with the help of electrical switching. The electrical
switching is achieved with the application of suitable biasing across
a vanadium dioxide (

V
O

2

) patch. This approach to the
distribution of information helps feed the circuitry of an electronic
system, as per the requirement using electrical tuning, which is not
possible in a conventional antenna system.
Tunable ultrafast infrared generation in a gas-filled hollow-core capillary by a four-wave mixing process
Authors: Zurita-Miranda Olivia , Fourcade-Dutin Coralie , Fauquet Frederic , Darracq Frederic , Guillet Jean-Paul , Mounaix Patrick , Maillotte Herve , Bigourd Damien
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we numerically and experimentally investigate the four-wave mixing process in a gas-filled hollow-core capillary in the femtosecond regime. The interaction between a visible broadband continuum and a chirped pump pulse resulted in the generation of a tunable near-infrared pulse of 1.2 to 1.5 µm and with the potential to reach the midinfrared range. Numerical simulations were performed in order to fully understand the role of key parameters such as the gas pressure, chirps, and relative delays of the involved pulses. The experimentation, which demonstrated and highlighted the feasibility of the tunable femtosecond source, led to the generation of an idler at 1.2 µm with a duration of

∼

220

f
s

at the direct output of the capillary. The duration can ultimately be reduced to 45 fs in the presence of phase compensators.
Nanorod photonic crystal ring resonators
Authors: Timmerman Dolf , Iwaya Takenori , Fujiwara Yasufumi
Published: January 2022

In this study, we shed light on the properties of a photonic ring resonator made up of a closed array of circular dielectric nanorods arranged periodically in a background material. This type of resonator can reach high-quality factors (Q-factor) for specific transverse-magnetic (TM)-like modes, while maintaining a small footprint. We validate this by full 3D finite difference time domain simulations. The properties of the mode most interesting for applications are determined for various parameters of the resonator for the material parameters of GaN. This study provides design guidelines for the realization of this type of photonic nano-resonator and proposes and analyses two practical implementations.
Super-resolution imaging based on radially polarized beam induced superoscillation using an all-dielectric metasurface
Authors: Cheng Kaixiang , Li ZhenXing , Wu Jingjing , Hu Zheng-Da , Wang Jicheng
Published: January 2022

Superoscillation is a kind of phenomenon which can generate oscillation faster than the fastest component of a band-limited function. For optics, superoscillation is generated by coherence of low spatial frequency waves. It can bring a localized region named “hot spot”, which has a smaller size than the diffraction-limit, and this character has potential applicaions in super-resolution imaging. Using a high-order radially polarized Laguerre-Gaussian beam tightly focused by high-NA objective lens, we can easily obtain and control the superoscillation hot spot. Using a metasurface, which has compact volume and sub-wavelength pixel size, we can generate the high-order radially polarized Laguerre-Gaussian beam more simply than conventional methods like using a liquid crystal mode converter. We first analyze the properties of unit cells of the metasurface and simulate the performance of the metasurface. Then we analyze the property of the tightly focused high-order radially polarized Laguerre-Gaussian beam and design a super-resolution imaging system using our designed metasurface. Therefore, the 2-fold lateral resolution enhancement is realized in our approach. This method can be used to improve lateral resolution in conventional confocal imaging systems.
SiN half-etch horizontal slot waveguides for integrated photonics: numerical modeling, fabrication, and characterization of passive components
Authors: Kempf Eva , Romeo Pedro Rojo , Gassenq Alban , Taute Arnaud , Chantraine Paul , John Jimmy , Belarouci Ali , Monfray Stephane , Boeuf Frederic , Charette Paul G. , Orobtchouk Regis
Published: January 2022

This work presents a “half-etch” horizontal slot waveguide design based on SiN, where only the upper SiN layer is etched to form a strip that confines the mode laterally. The numerical modeling, fabrication, and characterization of passive waveguiding components are described. This novel slot waveguide structure was designed with on-chip light amplification in mind, for example with an Er-doped oxide spacer layer. Proof-of-concept racetrack resonators were fabricated and characterized, showing quality factors up to 50,000 at critical coupling and residual losses of 4 dB/cm at wavelengths away from the N-H bond absorption peak in SiN, demonstrating the high potential of these horizontal slot waveguides for use in active integrated photonics.
Generation of entanglement between a highly wave-packet-tunable photon and a spin-wave memory in cold atoms
Authors: Li Ya , Wen Yafei , Wang Shengzhi , Liu Chao , Liu Hailong , Wang Minjie , Sun Can , Gao Yan , Li Shujing , Wang Hai
Published: January 2022

Controls of waveforms (pulse durations) of single photons are important tasks for effectively interconnecting disparate atomic memories in hybrid quantum networks. So far, the waveform control of a single photon that is entangled with an atomic memory remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrated control of waveform length of the photon that is entangled with an atomic spin-wave memory by varying light-atom interaction time in cold atoms. The Bell parameter S as a function of the duration of photon pulse is measured, which shows that violations of Bell inequality can be achieved for the photon pulse in the duration range from 40 ns to 50 µs, where, S = 2.64 ± 0.02 and S = 2.26 ± 0.05 for the 40-ns and 50-µs durations, respectively. The measured results show that S parameter decreases with the increase in the pulse duration. We confirm that the increase in photon noise probability per pulse with the pulse-duration is responsible for the S decrease.
Simple and robust architecture of a laser system for atom interferometry
Authors: Sarkar Sumit , Piccon Raphaël , Merlet Sébastien , Pereira dos Santos Franck
Published: January 2022

We report a compact and robust architecture of a versatile laser system that allows the implementation of several advanced atom interferometry techniques, such as Bragg diffraction, Bloch oscillations, or single and double Raman diffraction. A low noise, frequency tunable fiber-laser (λ = ~1560 nm) serves as the seed. A couple of fiber-coupled amplifiers followed by two fibered second-harmonic generators produce a pair of phase-locked, frequency-controllable laser beams at 780 nm. Manipulating frequencies of individual laser beams at λ = 1560 nm before the amplifiers, facilitates achieving a maximum relative detuning of ± 20 MHz, while maintaining a constant output power. We present the scheme to implement Raman spectroscopy using our laser system and discuss its advantages. Finally, the overall performance of the laser setup has been evaluated by realizing interferometers in copropagating Ramsey-Raman and counterpropagating Bragg configuration.
Robust coherent control in three-level quantum systems using composite pulses
Authors: Xu Hang , Song Xue-Ke , Wang Dong , Ye Liu
Published: January 2022

Here, we focus on using composite pulses to realize high-robustness and high-fidelity coherent control in three-level quantum systems. We design the dynamic parameters (Rabi frequency and detuning) for three-level Hamiltonians for high-fidelity quantum state control using five well-known coherent control techniques including a composite adiabatic passage (CAP). Furthermore, we compare their performance against the Rabi frequency and systematic errors, and accordingly show that the CAP is the most robust against them. It features a broad range of high efficiencies above 99.9%. Thus, it provides an accurate approach for manipulating the evolution of quantum states in three-level quantum systems.
Three-dimensional constellation diagram with a hierarchical level design for multi-core transmission
Authors: Ni Chenqi , Liu Bo , Ren Jianxin , Mao Yaya , Chen Shuaidong , Ullah Rahat , Song Xiumin , Han Yang , Wu Xiangyu , Tian Feng
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a novel three-dimensional constellation diagram is proposed for optimizing the spatial coordinates of constellation points using geometric shaping (GS), which improves the constellation figure of merit (CFM) and, as a result, reduces the bit error rate (BER). A three-dimensional carrier-free amplitude phase (CAP) modulated signal transmission at 25.45Gb/s is successfully implemented on a seven-core fiber communication system to verify the performance of the constellation diagram. Compared to the traditional scheme, this method has an average receiver sensitivity gain of 1.4dB at BER ∼1 × 10−3, further, the receiver sensitivity gain difference of 1.3dB between different cores. The experimental results show that this scheme effectively reduces BER without additional communication components, which can be used in short-distance access networks in the near future.
Exploiting the potential of commercial objectives to extend the field of view of two-photon microscopy by adaptive optics
Authors: Yao Jing , Gao Yufeng , Yin Yixuan , Lai Puxiang , Ye Shiwei , Zheng Wei
Published: January 2022

Two-photon microscopy (TPM) has provided critical in situ and in vivo information in biomedical studies due to its high resolution, intrinsic optical sectioning, and deep penetration. However, its relatively small field of view (FOV), which is usually determined by objectives, restricts its wide application. In this paper, we propose a segment-scanning sensorless adaptive optics method to extend the FOV and achieve high-resolution and large-FOV two-photon imaging. We demonstrated the proposed method by imaging fluorescent beads, cerebral nerve cells of mouse brain slices, and cerebral vasculature and microglia of live mice. The method extended the FOV of a commercial objective from 1.8 to 3.46 mm while maintaining a lateral resolution of 840 nm and high signal-to-noise ratio. Our technology is compatible with a standard TPM and can be used for large-scale biological exploration.
Correlated triple hybrid amplitude and phase holographic encryption based on a metasurface
Authors: Zhou Hongqiang , Li Xin , Xu Zhentao , Li Xiaowei , Geng Guangzhou , Li Junjie , Wang Yongtian , Huang Lingling
Published: January 2022

Metasurface holography is becoming a universal platform that has made a considerable impact on nanophotonics and information optics, due to its advantage of large capacity and multiple functionalities. Here, we propose a correlated triple amplitude and phase holographic encryption based on an all-dielectric metasurface. We develop an optimized holographic algorithm to obtain quantitatively correlated triple holograms, which can encrypt information in multiple wavelength and polarization channels. We apply the “static” and “dynamic” pixels in our design, respectively. Two kinds of isotropic square nanofins are selected, one functioning as a transmitter and the other functioning as a blocker counterintuitively at both working wavelengths, while another anisotropic rectangle nanofin can transmit or block light in co-polarization selectively, mimicking “dynamic” amplitude switches. Meanwhile, such “dynamic” nanofins can simultaneously function as a phase modulator in cross-polarization only at the transmission wavelength. That is, through smart design, different dielectric meta-atoms functioning as spectral filters as well as phase contributors can compositely achieve triple hybrid amplitude and phase holograms. Such strategy promises to be applied in compact large-capacity information storage, colorful holographic displays, optical encryption, multifunctional imaging devices, and so on.
Antibunching and superbunching photon correlations in pseudo-natural light
Authors: Ye Zhiyuan , Wang Hai-Bo , Xiong Jun , Wang Kaige
Published: January 2022

Since Hanbury Brown and Twiss revealed the photon bunching effect of a thermal light source in 1956, almost all studies in correlation optics have been based on light’s intensity fluctuation, regardless of fact that the polarization fluctuation is a basic attribute of natural light. In this work, we uncover the veil of the polarization fluctuation and corresponding photon correlations by proposing a new light source model, termed pseudo-natural light, embodying both intensity and polarization fluctuations. Unexpectedly, the strong antibunching and superbunching effects can be simultaneously realized in such a new source, whose second-order correlation coefficient

g

(
2
)

can be continuously modulated across 1. For the symmetric Bernoulli distribution of the polarization fluctuation, particularly,

g

(
2
)

can be in principle from 0 to unlimitedly large. In pseudo-natural light, while the bunching effects of both intensity and polarization fluctuations enhance the bunching to superbunching photon correlation, the antibunching correlation of the polarization fluctuation can also be extracted through the procedure of division operation in the experiment. The antibunching effect and the combination with the bunching one will arouse new applications in quantum imaging. As heuristic examples, we carry out high-quality positive or negative ghost imaging, and devise high-efficiency polarization-sensitive and edge-enhanced imaging. This work, therefore, sheds light on the development of multiple and broad correlation functions for natural light.
Atto 465 Derivative Is a Nuclear Stain with Unique Excitation and Emission Spectra Useful for Multiplex Immunofluorescence Histochemistry
Authors: Dodge Joshua T. , Doyle Andrew D. , Costa-da-Silva Ana C. , Hogden Christopher T. , Mezey Eva , Mays Jacqueline W.
Published: January 2022

Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) is an effective technique for the maximal visualization of multiple target proteins in situ. This powerful tool is mainly limited by the spectral overlap of the currently available synthetic fluorescent dyes. The fluorescence excitation wavelengths ranging between 405 and 488 nm are rarely used in mIF imaging and serve as a logical additional slot for a fluorescent probe. In the present study, we demonstrate that the addition of 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoroaniline to Atto 465 NHS ester, creating Atto 465-pentafluoroaniline (Atto 465-p), generates a bright nuclear stain in the violet-blue region of the visible spectrum. This allows the 405 nm excitation and emission, classically used for nuclear counterstains, to be used for the detection of another target protein. This increases the flexibility of the mIF panel and, with appropriate staining and microscopy, enables the quantitative analysis of at least six targets in one tissue section. (J Histochem Cytochem XX: XXX–XXX, XXXX)
The impact of a demand-side sanitation and hygiene promotion intervention on sustained behavior change and health in Amhara, Ethiopia: A cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Freeman Matthew C. , Delea Maryann G. , Snyder Jedidiah S. , Garn Joshua V. , Belew Mulusew , Caruso Bethany A. , Clasen Thomas F. , Sclar Gloria D. , Tesfaye Yihenew , Woreta Mulat , Zewudie Kassahun , Gobezayehu Abebe Gebremariam
Published: January 2022

Behaviors related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are key drivers of infectious disease transmission, and experiences of WASH are potential influencers of mental well-being. Important knowledge gaps exist related to the content and delivery of effective WASH programs and their associated health impacts, particularly within the contexts of government programs implemented at scale. We developed and tested a demand-side intervention calledAndilaye, which aimed to change behaviors related to sanitation, personal hygiene, and household environmental sanitation. This theory-informed intervention was delivered through the existing Ethiopian Health Extension Programme (HEP). It was a multilevel intervention with a catalyzing event at the community level and behavior change activities at group and household levels. We randomly selected and assigned 50kebeles(sub-districts) from threeworedas(districts), half to receive theAndilayeintervention, and half the standard of care sanitation and hygiene programming (i.e., community-led total sanitation and hygiene [CLTSH]). We collected data on WASH access, behavioral outcomes, and mental well-being. A total of 1,589 households were enrolled into the study at baseline; 1,472 households (94%) participated in an endline assessment two years after baseline, and approximately 14 months after the initiation of a multi-level intervention. The intervention did not improve construction of latrines (prevalence ratio [PR]: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.21) or handwashing stations with water (PR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.72, 1.26), or the removal of animal feces from the compound (PR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.28). Nor did it impact anxiety (PR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.72, 1.11), depression (PR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.64, 1.07), emotional distress (PR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.09) or well-being (PR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.74, 1.10) scores. We report limited impact of the intervention, as delivered, on changes in behavior and mental well-being. The effectiveness of the intervention was limited by poor intervention fidelity. While sanitation and hygiene improvements have been documented in Ethiopia, behavioral slippage, or regression to unimproved practices, in communities previously declared open defecation free is widespread. Evidence from this trial may help address knowledge gaps related to challenges associated with scalable alternatives to CLTSH and inform sanitation and hygiene programming and policy in Ethiopia and beyond.

Trial registration: This trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03075436) on March 9, 2017.
Mapping environmental suitability of Haemagogus and Sabethes spp. mosquitoes to understand sylvatic transmission risk of yellow fever virus in Brazil
Authors: Li Sabrina L. , Acosta André L. , Hill Sarah C. , Brady Oliver J. , de Almeida Marco A. B. , Cardoso Jader da C. , Hamlet Arran , Mucci Luis F. , Telles de Deus Juliana , Iani Felipe C. M. , Alexander Neil S. , Wint G. R. William , Pybus Oliver G. , Kraemer Moritz U. G. , Faria Nuno R. , Messina Jane P.
Published: January 2022

Background

Yellow fever (YF) is an arboviral disease which is endemic to Brazil due to a sylvatic transmission cycle maintained by infected mosquito vectors, non-human primate (NHP) hosts, and humans. Despite the existence of an effective vaccine, recent sporadic YF epidemics have underscored concerns about sylvatic vector surveillance, as very little is known about their spatial distribution. Here, we model and map the environmental suitability of YF’s main vectors in Brazil, Haemagogus spp. and Sabethes spp., and use human population and NHP data to identify locations prone to transmission and spillover risk.

Methodology/Principal findings

We compiled a comprehensive set of occurrence records on Hg. janthinomys, Hg. leucocelaenus, and Sabethes spp. from 1991–2019 using primary and secondary data sources. Linking these data with selected environmental and land-cover variables, we adopted a stacked regression ensemble modelling approach (elastic-net regularized GLM, extreme gradient boosted regression trees, and random forest) to predict the environmental suitability of these species across Brazil at a 1 km x 1 km resolution. We show that while suitability for each species varies spatially, high suitability for all species was predicted in the Southeastern region where recent outbreaks have occurred. By integrating data on NHP host reservoirs and human populations, our risk maps further highlight municipalities within the region that are prone to transmission and spillover.

Conclusions/Significance

Our maps of sylvatic vector suitability can help elucidate potential locations of sylvatic reservoirs and be used as a tool to help mitigate risk of future YF outbreaks and assist in vector surveillance. Furthermore, at-risk regions identified from our work could help disease control and elucidate gaps in vaccination coverage and NHP host surveillance.
Effect of oseltamivir phosphate versus placebo on platelet recovery and plasma leakage in adults with dengue and thrombocytopenia; a phase 2, multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial
Authors: Tunjungputri Rahajeng N. , Riswari Silvita Fitri , Pramudo Setyo G. , Kuntjoro Lydia , Alisjahbana Bachti , Nugraha Harry Galuh , van der Ven Andre , Gasem Muhammad Hussein , de Mast Quirijn
Published: January 2022

Background

Thrombocytopenia, bleeding and plasma leakage are major complications of dengue. Activation of endogenous sialidases with desialylation of platelets and endothelial cells may underlie these complications. We aimed to assess the effects of the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir on platelet recovery and plasma leakage in dengue.

Methods

We performed a phase 2, double-blind, multicenter, randomized trial in adult dengue patients with thrombocytopenia (<70,000/μl) and a duration of illness ≤ 6 days. Oseltamivir phosphate 75mg BID or placebo were given for a maximum of five days. Primary outcomes were the time to platelet recovery (≥ 100,000/μl) or discharge from hospital and the course of measures of plasma leakage.

Results

A total of 70 patients were enrolled; the primary outcome could be assessed in 64 patients (31 oseltamivir; 33 placebo). Time to platelet count ≥100,000/μl (n = 55) or discharge (n = 9) were similar in the oseltamivir and placebo group (3.0 days [95% confidence interval, 2.7 to 3.3] vs. 2.9 days [2.5 to 3.3],P= 0.055). The kinetics of platelet count and parameters of plasma leakage (gall bladder thickness, hematocrit, plasma albumin, syndecan-1) were also similar between the groups.

Discussion

In this trial, adjunctive therapy with oseltamivir phosphate had no effect on platelet recovery or plasma leakage parameters.

Trial registration

ISRCTN35227717.
Data-driven methods for dengue prediction and surveillance using real-world and Big Data: A systematic review
Authors: Sylvestre Emmanuelle , Joachim Clarisse , Cécilia-Joseph Elsa , Bouzillé Guillaume , Campillo-Gimenez Boris , Cuggia Marc , Cabié André
Published: January 2022

Background

Traditionally, dengue surveillance is based on case reporting to a central health agency. However, the delay between a case and its notification can limit the system responsiveness. Machine learning methods have been developed to reduce the reporting delays and to predict outbreaks, based on non-traditional and non-clinical data sources. The aim of this systematic review was to identify studies that used real-world data, Big Data and/or machine learning methods to monitor and predict dengue-related outcomes.

Methodology/Principal findings

We performed a search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and grey literature between January 1, 2000 and August 31, 2020. The review (ID: CRD42020172472) focused on data-driven studies. Reviews, randomized control trials and descriptive studies were not included. Among the 119 studies included, 67% were published between 2016 and 2020, and 39% used at least one novel data stream. The aim of the included studies was to predict a dengue-related outcome (55%), assess the validity of data sources for dengue surveillance (23%), or both (22%). Most studies (60%) used a machine learning approach. Studies on dengue prediction compared different prediction models, or identified significant predictors among several covariates in a model. The most significant predictors were rainfall (43%), temperature (41%), and humidity (25%). The two models with the highest performances were Neural Networks and Decision Trees (52%), followed by Support Vector Machine (17%). We cannot rule out a selection bias in our study because of our two main limitations: we did not include preprints and could not obtain the opinion of other international experts.

Conclusions/Significance

Combining real-world data and Big Data with machine learning methods is a promising approach to improve dengue prediction and monitoring. Future studies should focus on how to better integrate all available data sources and methods to improve the response and dengue management by stakeholders.
Lack of authentic atrial fibrillation in commonly used murine atrial fibrillation models
Authors: Fu Fumin , Pietropaolo Michael , Cui Lei , Pandit Shilpa , Li Weiyan , Tarnavski Oleg , Shetty Suraj S. , Liu Jing , Lussier Jennifer M. , Murakami Yutaka , Grewal Prabhjit K. , Deyneko Galina , Turner Gordon M. , Taggart Andrew K. P. , Waters M. Gerard , Coughlin Shaun , Adachi Yuichiro
Published: January 2022

The mouse is a useful preclinical species for evaluating disease etiology due to the availability of a wide variety of genetically modified strains and the ability to perform disease-modifying manipulations. In order to establish an atrial filtration (AF) model in our laboratory, we profiled several commonly used murine AF models. We initially evaluated a pharmacological model of acute carbachol (CCh) treatment plus atrial burst pacing in C57BL/6 mice. In an effort to observe micro-reentrant circuits indicative of authentic AF, we employed optical mapping imaging in isolated mouse hearts. While CCh reduced atrial refractoriness and increased atrial tachyarrhythmia vulnerability, the left atrial (LA) excitation patterns were rather regular without reentrant circuits or wavelets. Therefore, the atrial tachyarrhythmia resembled high frequency atrial flutter, not typical AF per se. We next examined both a chronic angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion model and the surgical model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC), which have both been reported to induce atrial and ventricular structural changes that serve as a substrates for micro-reentrant AF. Although we observed some extent of atrial remodeling such as fibrosis or enlarged LA diameter, burst pacing-induced atrial tachyarrhythmia vulnerability did not differ from control mice in either model. This again suggested that an AF-like pathophysiology is difficult to demonstrate in the mouse. To continue searching for a valid murine AF model, we studied mice with a cardiac-specific deficiency (KO) in liver kinase B1 (Cardiac-LKB1), which has been reported to exhibit spontaneous AF. Indeed, the electrocardiograms (ECG) of conscious Cardiac-LKB1 KO mice exhibited no P waves and had irregular RR intervals, which are characteristics of AF. Histological evaluation of Cardiac-LKB1 KO mice revealed dilated and fibrotic atria, again consistent with AF. However, atrial electrograms and optical mapping revealed that electrical activity was limited to the sino-atrial node area with no electrical conduction into the atrial myocardium beyond. Thus, Cardiac-LKB1 KO mice have severe atrial myopathy or atrial standstill, but not AF. In summary, the atrial tachyarrhythmias we observed in the four murine models were distinct from typical human AF, which often exhibits micro- or macro-reentrant atrial circuits. Our results suggest that the four murine AF models we examined may not reflect human AF well, and raise a cautionary note for use of those murine models to study AF.