bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the collection and reporting of patient-reported outcome data in interventional cancer trials: a single institution, retrospective systematic evaluation
Authors: Lidington Emma , Hogan Holly , Gandolfi Ann , Lawrence Jane , Younger Eugenie , Cho Helena , Peckitt Clare , Mohammed Kabir , Matharu Sheila , Scerri Lisa , Husson Olga , Cruickshank Susanne , Turner Rachel , Wedlake Linda
Published: December 2022

Background

To understand our performance with respect to the collection and reporting of patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure (PROM) data, we examined the protocol content, data completeness and publication of PROs from interventional trials conducted at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust (RM) and explored factors associated with data missingness and PRO publication.

Design

From local records, we identified closed, intervention trials sponsored by RM that opened after 1995 and collected PROMs as primary, secondary or exploratory outcomes. Protocol data were extracted by two researchers and scored against the SPIRIT-PRO (PRO protocol content checklist; score 0–100, higher scores indicate better completeness). For studies with locally held datasets, the information team summarized for each study, PRO completion defined as the number of expected (as per protocol) PRO measurements versus the number of actual (i.e. completed) PRO measurements captured in the study data set. Relevant publications were identified by searching three online databases and chief investigator request. Data were extracted and each publication scored against the CONSORT-PRO (PRO manuscript content checklist; scored as SPIRIT-PRO above). Descriptive statistics are presented with exploratory comparisons of point estimates and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Twenty-six of 65 studies were included in the review. Nineteen studies had accessible datasets and 18 studies published at least one article. Fourteen studies published PRO results. Most studies had a clinical (rather than PRO) primary outcome (16/26). Across all studies, responses in respect of 35 of 69 PROMs were published. Trial protocols scored on average 46.7 (range 7.1–92.9) on the SPIRIT-PRO. Among studies with accessible data, half (10/19) had less than 25% missing measurements. Publications scored on average 80.9 (range 36–100%) on the CONSORT-PRO. Studies that published PRO results had somewhat fewer missing measurements (19% [7–32%] vs 60% [− 26 to 146%]). For individual PROMs within studies, missing measurements were lower for those that were published (17% [10–24%] vs 41% [18–63%]). Studies with higher SPIRIT-PRO scores and PROs as primary endpoints (13% [4–22%] vs 39% [10–58%]) had fewer missing measurements.

Conclusions

Missing data may affect publication of PROs. Extent of inclusion of SPIRIT-PRO protocol items and PROs as primary endpoints may improve data completeness. Preliminary evidence from the study suggests a future larger study examining the relationship between PRO completion and publication is warranted.
Mental health services in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Okasha Tarek , Rabie Menan , Shaker Nermine Mahmoud , Mohsen Nesreen , EL-Habiby Mahmoud , El-Gabry Dina Aly , Gaber Eman , Ali Nemat , Ali Mohamad , Sayed Maha
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has irreversibly altered the medical landscape. Compromised mental health among medical staff and the general population has called for new patient approaches, therapies, and medical services, among which Telehealth features prominently.

Results

This paper discusses the structure, approach, and efficiencies of pandemic-related mental health services in Egypt and summarizes responses and initiatives launched by the government of Egypt. A particular focus on the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment (GSMHAT)’s action plan as well as Ain Shams University’s hospital Okasha Institute of Psychiatry sheds light on localized responses to the pandemic’s psychological impact.

Conclusions

Data showcasing the several types of Telehealth employed are used to derive conclusions about the merits and challenges of emerging online treatments within the context of COVID-19.
ARC-7: Randomized phase 2 study of domvanalimab + zimberelimab ± etrumadenant versus zimberelimab in first-line, metastatic, PD-L1-high non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Johnson Melissa Lynne , Fox William , Lee Yun-Gyoo , Lee Ki Hyeong , Ahn Hee Kyung , Kim Young-Chul , Lee Kang-Yun , Lee Jong-Seok , He Xian , Park Christine , Pomponio Debbie , Dang Thao , Phuong Patrick Hoang , Nuyten Dimitry S. A. , Hegde Aparna Madhukeshwar , Joshi Rohit
Published: December 2022

397600

Background: While PD-1 inhibitors demonstrated survival benefit compared to chemotherapy in patients (pts) with PD-L1-high, NSCLC, less than half of pts respond to monotherapy. Novel therapeutics or combinations are necessary to improve outcomes. Domvanalimab (D) is an Fc-silent humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that blocks T cell Immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), thereby reducing immunosuppression of T/NK cells and promoting antitumor activity. Etrumadenant (E) is a selective dual antagonist of both A2a and A2b receptors (R) expressed on immune cells thereby reducing immunosuppressive extracellular adenosine. ARC-7 evaluates whether inhibition of TIGIT and adenosine pathways augments activity of zimberelimab (Z) (anti-PD-1 mAb) in pts with PD-L1-high NSCLC. Methods: ARC-7 (NCT04262856) is a randomized, open-label phase 2 clinical trial which enrolled treatment-naïve pts with Stage IV, squamous or non-squamous NSCLC with locally assessed high PD-L1 expression (TPS ≥ 50%), no EGFR or ALK alterations, and ECOG PS ≤1. Pts were randomized (1:1:1) to: Arm 1 (Z): Z 360 mg intravenously (IV) every 3 weeks (Q3W); Arm 2 (DZ): D 15 mg/kg IV Q3W + Z; Arm 3 (EDZ): E 150 mg orally once daily + DZ. Pts in Arm 1 with confirmed progression had the option to cross over to EDZ. Co-primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) per RECIST v1.1. Results: As of 31 August 2022, 149 pts received at least one dose of study treatment. Efficacy for this interim analysis included 133 pts randomized at least 13 weeks prior to data cut-off (ITT-13), allowing for ≥ 2 post-baseline scans. With median follow-up of 11.8 months (mo), D-containing arms, demonstrated improved ORR and PFS compared to Z. In the safety population, grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 58% (Z), 47% (DZ), and 52% (EDZ). All cases of rash were grade 1-2, manageable with topical corticosteroids, and more common in EDZ (Table). Conclusions: In the first published, randomized dataset evaluating an Fc-silent TIGIT mAb, both D containing arms demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement in ORR and PFS compared to Z. Treatment with Z, DZ and EDZ was well tolerated, and the safety profiles of D-containing arms were similar to Z. Ongoing phase 3 trials are evaluating DZ compared to standard of care in metastatic NSCLC. Clinical trial information: NCT04262856. [Table: see text]
Estimating today's cosmological constant via the Zel'dovich-holographic connection
Authors: Tello Pablo G. , Bini Donato , Kauffman Stuart , Succi Sauro
Published: December 2022

This letter proposes an approach to the vacuum energy and the cosmological constant (CC) paradox based on the Zel’dovich's ansatz, which states that the observable contribution to the vacuum energy density is given by the gravitational energy of virtual particle-antiparticle pairs, continually generated and annihilated in the vacuum state. The novelty of this work is the use of an ultraviolet cut-off length based on the holographic principle, which is shown to yield current values of the CC in semi-quantitative agreement with experimental observations.
Cervical Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma With Ectopic ACTH Secretion and Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Patel Harshil , Kishlyansky David , Köbel Martin , Alshamma Zainab , Glaze Sarah , Ghaznavi Sana
Published: December 2022

Ectopic Cushing syndrome from a primary carcinoma of the cervix is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. The objective of this review is to describe our clinical case and summarize the clinical characteristics, investigations, and outcomes of all published cases. We describe a previously healthy 39-year-old woman presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding, leading to a diagnosis of stage IIIC1 small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix, human papillomavirus-associated. She was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radical hysterectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and pelvic radiation. Unfortunately, she developed progressive disease with multifocal hepatic metastases and lesions in the para-aortic lymph nodes. Eighteen months after her initial diagnosis, she presented with severe Cushing syndrome and acute pancreatitis and died from a splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. A literature review identified 10 published cases of ectopic ACTH secretion in the setting of carcinoma of the cervix. The mean age of presentation was 40. The majority (70%) occurred in the small cell neuroendocrine variant. In 80% of patients, cushingoid features developed concomitantly or shortly after the discovery of metastatic disease; cushingoid features included new-onset hypertension (30% of patients), hyperglycemia (50%), and hypokalemia (50%). All 10 patients died of the disease with a median survival of 2.5 months (range, 1-10 months) from the time of presentation with Cushing syndrome. Carcinoma of the cervix is a rare cause of ectopic Cushing syndrome. Nevertheless, it should be considered as a source of ectopic ACTH secretion in all women, especially those presenting with gynecologic complaints. Despite surgical resection and systemic therapy, prognosis is poor.
Strong Negative Association of non-HDL Cholesterol Goal Achievement With Incident CKD Among Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Gnecco-González Sofía , Amaya-Montoya Mateo , Herrera-Parra Lina J , Hernández Vargas Juliana A , Ramírez-García Nathaly , Romero-Díaz Camila , Acuña-Merchán Lizbeth , Mendivil Carlos O
Published: December 2022

Context

The relative importance of the control of different metabolic risk factors for the prevention of chronic kidney disease among patients with diabetes in real life conditions is insufficiently understood.

Objective

We evaluated the effect of the achievement of glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) or non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLc) goals (ABC goals) on the development of incident chronic kidney disease (iCKD) among patients with diabetes.

Methods

In a nationwide registry of all individuals diagnosed with diabetes assisted by the health system in Colombia, we analyzed the association between baseline or sustained goal achievement and development of iCKD over a 4-year follow-up. iCKD was defined as a new occurrence of an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplant.

Results

The study included 998 790 adults with diabetes (56% female, mean age 59). There were 125 626 cases of iCKD. After adjustment for multiple confounders, a baseline SBP less than 130 mm Hg (odds ratio [OR] 0.79 [0.78-0.80]) and a baseline HbA1c less than 7.0% (OR 0.86 [0.85-0.87]) were negatively associated with iCKD. Sustained achievement showed stronger negative associations with iCKD than just baseline achievement. Considering each goal separately, sustained non-HDLc less than 130 mg/dL had the strongest negative association with iCKD (OR 0.67 [0.65-0.69]). Patients who maintained the triple ABC goal over the entire follow-up had 32% (29-34) lower odds of developing CKD, 38% (34-42) if they additionally kept a normal body mass index (BMI). Sustained ABC control including a normal BMI was more strongly associated with a lower incidence of CKD in patients of Black race (OR 0.72 vs 0.89; P for interaction = .002).

Conclusion

At the country level, sustained achievement of ABC goals and most especially non-HDLc were associated with substantial reductions in iCKD.
The genome sequence of the cave orb-weaver, Meta bourneti (Simon, 1922)
Authors: Henriques Sergio , Sivell Olga ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Meta bourneti (the cave orb-weaver; Arthropoda; Arachnida; Araneae; Tetragnathidae). The genome sequence is 1,383 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including half coverage of two X sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.8 kilobases long.
Construyendo identidad(es) en escenarios culturales
Authors: Arias Sánchez Samuel
Published: December 2022

Este libro, cuyo objetivo es presentar las bases fundamentales de las aproximaciones teóricas y metodológicas hacia el estudio de las identidades en escenarios culturales, reúne una serie de trabajos desarrollados en el grupo de investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla Laboratorio de Actividad Humana (LAH). Dentro de este marco destacan dos nociones clave: la de cultura, entendida desde el punto de vista de la psicología (socio)cultural, y el concepto de identidad o yo-self. Desde una perspectiva narrativa, discursiva y educativa, se resume en este volumen una trayectoria de más de treinta años en ámbitos tan diversos como la salud mental, las migraciones, la formación de profesionales, la violencia de género o las interacciones en el aula, entre otros muchos ejemplos.
Environmental and Hygiene Requirements for Ensuring Radiation Safety During the Construction and Reconstruction of Buildings in The Russian Federation
Authors: Baltrukova T.
Published: December 2022

The levels of natural background radiation in certain territories of the Russian Federation differ significantly from each other and can vary widely. Most of the population receives radiation doses from natural sources of ionizing radiation from 2 to 4 mSv/year, but in some areas their radiation levels exceed 10 mSv/year. The population of the Russian Federation receives the main collective dose of radiation from natural radiation while living and working in enclosed residential, public and industrial buildings. In them, the levels of ionizing radiation in buildings, as a rule, depend on the level of the radiation background of the territory, which is determined by the geological, geochemical features of the area and its terrain, as well as on the type of building, radioactivity of the building materials used, emanation and exhalation of radon and daughter products of its decay into rooms from the ground and building materials used. The average annual individual doses of ionizing radiation in buildings, with the exception of certain territories, are small, but they can in isolated cases cause somatic and genetic effects in humans. To reduce the likelihood of such consequences in the Russian Federation, a system of legal and organizational provision of radiation safety of the population during the construction and reconstruction of buildings was developed, environmental and hygienic requirements for it were determined.
A Personal Narrative Intervention for Adults With Autism and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Birri Nicole L. , Carnahan Christina R. , Schmidt Carla , Williamson Pamela
Published: December 2022

Due to the unique social cognitive profiles of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with and without intellectual disability (ID) sharing coherent and complex personal narratives can be challenging. To address these challenges research has focused on teaching macrostructure components using visual supports and repeated opportunities to practice. Despite success by young children with ASD and ID, the application of this instruction for adults with ASD with and without ID is still largely unknown. An ABAB single case withdrawal design was used to determine the effects of a personal narrative intervention to teach macrostructure within participant-generated personal narratives. Results indicate all participants demonstrated more coherent and complex personal narratives with the intervention. The results and implications for practice are discussed.
The Executive Function Account of Repetitive Behavior: Evidence From Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome
Authors: Waite Jane , Beck Sarah R. , Powis Laurie , Oliver Chris
Published: December 2022

In this study, we focus on Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) to explore the associations between executive function deficits and repetitive behaviors. Thirty individuals with RTS completed direct assessments of inhibition, working memory and set-shifting. Informants completed repetitive behavior and executive function questionnaires. Repetitive questions were associated with poorer inhibition and working memory. Stereotypy was associated with poorer inhibition. Adherence to routines was associated with poorer set-shifting, but only on the parental report measure. No other associations were evident. There is evidence of an association between specific repetitive behaviors and executive functioning in RTS, suggesting executive dysfunction may underpin behavioral difference in RTS. The findings point towards specific associations that are of interest for further research across populations in which repetitive behaviors are present.
The Mediatory Role of Executive Functioning on the Association Between Sleep and Both Everyday Memory and ADHD Symptoms in Children and Youth With Down Syndrome
Authors: Soltani Amanallah , Schworer Emily K. , Esbensen Anna J.
Published: December 2022

People with Down syndrome (DS) commonly experience challenges with sleep, executive functioning, everyday memory, and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A path analysis was conducted to determine if executive function mediated the relationship between sleep problems and both everyday memory and ADHD symptoms. Parents of 96 children and youth with DS completed questionnaires related to sleep, executive functioning, everyday memory, and ADHD symptoms. Results showed that executive functioning fully mediated the relation between sleep and both everyday memory and ADHD symptoms. Implications for education and intervention for children and youth with DS are discussed.
Optical filter wavefront distortion: out-of-band to in-band predictions and the effect of the illumination source bandwidth
Authors: Carlow Graham , Guay Jean-Michel , Christou Alex , Montcalm Claude , Badeen Adam , Sullivan Brian T.
Published: December 2022

The wavefront distortion (WFD) of a surface with an optical filter coating is ideally measured at the operating wavelength (

λ

) and angle of incidence (

θ

) of the filter. However, this is not always possible, requiring that the filter be measured at an out-of-band wavelength and angle (typically

λ
=

633

n
m

and

θ

=

0

∘

). Since the transmitted wavefront error (TWE) and reflected wavefront error (RWE) can depend on the measurement wavelength and angle, an out-of-band measurement may not give an accurate characterization of the WFD. In this paper, we will show how to predict the wavefront error (WFE) of an optical filter at the in-band wavelength and angle from a WFE measurement at an out-of-band wavelength and different angle. This method uses (i) the theoretical phase properties of the optical coating, (ii) the measured filter thickness uniformity, and (iii) the substrate’s WFE dependence versus the angle of incidence. Reasonably good agreement was achieved between the RWE measured directly at

λ
=

1050

n
m

(

θ

=

45

∘

) and the predicted RWE based on an RWE measurement at

λ
=

660

n
m

(

θ

=

0

∘

). It is also shown through a series of TWE measurements using a light emitting diode (LED) and laser light sources that, if the TWE of a narrow bandpass filter (e.g., an 11 nm bandwidth centered at

λ
=

1050

n
m

) is measured with a broadband LED source, the WFD can be dominated by the chromatic aberration of the wavefront measuring system—hence, a light source that has a bandwidth narrower than the optical filter bandwidth should be used.
Competitive fiber optic sensors for the highly selective detection of mercury in water
Authors: Patiño-Jurado Brayan , Gaviria-Calderón Arturo , Botero-Cadavid Juan F. , Garcia-Sucerquia Jorge
Published: December 2022

Two competitive fiber optic sensors for the rapid, sensitive, and
highly selective detection of mercury in water are designed,
fabricated, and evaluated. A wavelength-modulated sensor based on an
etched single-mode–multimode–single-mode (E-SMS) optical fiber
structure and an intensity-modulated sensor based on fiber optics with
a slanted end were fabricated by readily reproducible methods. The
sensors were activated with a nanostructured chitosan/maghemite
( CS/Fe2O3 ) composite thin film for the
selective detection of mercury ions ( Hg2+ ) in water. The functionalized
sensors were implemented to experimentally validate the potential of
CS/Fe2O3 thin film for optical sensing of
Hg2+ in drinking water. The sensor based
on the E-SMS structure exhibited a wavelength-modulated response with
a sensitivity of up to 290 pm/(µg/mL), and the sensor based on the
slanted end structure showed an intensity-modulated response with a
sensitivity of −0.07dBm/(µg/mL) . Validation of the experimental
assay method proves the ability to selectively detect chemical
interactions as low as 1 ng/mL (one part per billion) of
Hg2+ in water for both sensors. The high
specificity of the two sensors was demonstrated by evaluating their
responses to a number of potentially interfering metal ions in water.
These sensors are cost-effective, simple to construct, and easy to
implement, which makes them very promising for the on-site detection
and monitoring of mercury in bodies of water.
Optical switching a photon-avalanche-like mechanism in NdAl3(BO3)4 particles excited at 1064  nm by an auxiliary beam at 808  nm
Authors: Luz Daniel F. , da Silva Rodrigo F. , Maciel Célio V. T. , Soares Gabriela , Santos Emanuel P. , Jacinto Carlos , Maia Lauro J. Q. , Lima Bismarck C. , Moura André L.
Published: December 2022

In recent years, an
unconventional
excitation of trivalent
neodymium ions (

N
d

3
+

) at 1064 nm, not resonant with
ground-state transitions, has been investigated with the unprecedented
demonstration of a photon-avalanche-like (PA-like) mechanism, in which
the temperature increase plays a fundamental role. As a
proof-of-concept,

N
d
A
l

3

(

B
O

3

)
4

particles were used. A consequence of
the PA-like mechanism is the absorption enhancement of excitation
photons providing light emission at a broad range covering the visible
and near-infrared spectra. In the first study, the temperature
increase was due to intrinsic nonradiative relaxations from the

N
d

3
+

and the PA-like mechanism ensued at a
given excitation power threshold (

P

t
h

). Subsequently, an external heating
source was used to trigger the PA-like mechanism while keeping the
excitation power below

P

t
h

at room temperature. Here, we
demonstrate the switching on of the PA-like mechanism by an auxiliary
beam at 808 nm, which is in resonance with the

N
d

3
+

ground-state transition

4

I

9

/

2

→

{
4

F

5

/

2

,
2

H

9

/

2

}

. It comprises the first, to the best
of our knowledge, demonstration of an optical switched PA, and the
underlying physical mechanism is the additional heating of the
particles due to the phonon emissions from the

N
d

3
+

relaxation pathways when exciting at
808 nm. The present results have potential applications in
controlled heating and remote temperature sensing.
Integrated compact optical orbital angular momentum generator based on multi-layer non-uniform grating coupler
Authors: Cheng Lirong , Mao Simei , Chen Houyu , Li Qian , Fu H. Y.
Published: December 2022

We propose a compact Si3N4-Si3N4-SOI grating coupler for generating optical vortex beams. With various mode input combinations, the multi-layer device can be tuned to emit beam with OAM states of ± 1 and ± 2.
Intrinsic aberration coefficients for plane-symmetric optical systems consisting of spherical surfaces
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Steidle Jessica , Rolland Jannick P.
Published: December 2022

This paper presents the analytical form of the intrinsic aberration
coefficients for spherical plane-symmetric optical systems expressed
as a function of first-order system parameters and the paraxial chief
and marginal ray angles and heights. The derived aberration
coefficients are in the third and fourth groups with the
multiplication of two or three vector products of pupil and field
vectors.
Hong–Ou–Mandel interference of longitudinal spatially coherent beams
Authors: Arya Gaytri , Sharma Preeti , Kanseri Bhaskar
Published: December 2022

The Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) interference of two light beams having different longitudinal spatial coherence properties is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The normalized second-order correlation function (g(2)) is determined for the interfering photons from two sources of different angular widths using Feynman’s path integral theory. We find that the difference in angular width of the sources has an explicit impact on the HOM interference pattern, which can be quantified through the visibility and full width at half maxima of the HOM dip. The effect of distinguishability of the interfering longitudinally spatially coherent beams on the HOM dip is verified experimentally and is analogous to non-classical HOM interference. The magnitude of the angular width of beams manifested through the difference in angular width has a significant impact. Along with the difference of two sources, this HOM scheme is sensitive to the angular spectrum width of each source. The enhanced sensitivity can be useful in the remote sensing of objects and beams in metrological applications. This work can play a significant role in fundamental and applied physics.
Enhanced absorption in a 1D photonic crystal based on 3D Dirac semimetals
Authors: You Yuan , Da Haixia
Published: December 2022

We theoretically reveal the absorption properties of a 1D periodic structure associated with alternating 3D Dirac semimetals and dielectric layers. The absorption spectra of this structure under both TM and TE polarized waves have been shown, where greatly enhanced absorption is achieved at a certain angle under the TM wave because of the zero effective perpendicular permittivity of the periodic structure. We also reveal that the absorption behavior in this structure can be engineered by the thicknesses of the 3D Dirac semimetal film and the dielectric layer in the unit cell of the periodic structure. In contrast to conventional absorbers made of the metals, the absorption in this periodic structure is highly controllable by the Fermi energy of 3D Dirac semimetals. Our results provide an alternative route to control absorption using 3D Dirac semimetals, which offers alternative options for possible device applications.
Non-local polarization alignment and control in fibers using feedback from correlated measurements of entangled photons
Authors: Dowling Evan , Morris Mark , Baumgartner Gerald , Roy Rajarshi , Murphy Thomas E.
Published: December 2022

Quantum measurements that use the entangled photons’ polarization to encode quantum information require calibration and alignment of the measurement bases between spatially separate observers. Because of the changing birefringence in optical fibers arising from temperature fluctuations or external mechanical vibrations, the polarization state at the end of a fiber channel is unpredictable and time-varying. Polarization tracking and stabilization methods originally developed for classical optical communications cannot be applied to polarization-entangled photons, where the separately detected photons are statistically unpolarized, yet quantum mechanically correlated. We report here a fast method for automatic alignment and dynamic tracking of the polarization measurement bases between spatially separated detectors. The system uses the Nelder-Mead simplex method to minimize the observed coincidence rate between non-locally measured entangled photon pairs, without relying on classical wavelength-multiplexed pilot tones or temporally interleaved polarized photons. Alignment and control is demonstrated in a 7.1 km deployed fiber loop as well as in a controlled drifting scenario.
Hydrogen bond network dynamics of heavy water resolved by alcohol hydration under an intense laser
Authors: Wang Ying , Hu Junying , Wang Haixin , Ye Yangyang , Sun Chenglin , Wang Shenghan , Men Zhiwei
Published: December 2022

Despite a great deal of effort spanning for decades, it remains yet puzzling concerning how alcohol molecules functionalize the hydrogen bond (H-bond) networks of water. We employed an isotopic substitution method (using alcohol-heavy water system) to avoid spectral overlap between the alcohol hydroxyl groups and water hydrogen bonds. We showed spectrometrically that under the strong pulse laser, the low mixing ratio (VA < 20%) of alcohol can strengthen the H-bond network structure of D2O through :ÖC2H6↔ D2Ö: compression. But when VA > 20%, H-bond network of D2O will deform via the self-association between alcohol molecules. Our experiments not only reveal the H-bond kinetics of heavy water-alcohol interactions but also provide important reference for understanding the distinctive properties of H-bond in water-organic system.
Deep learning assisted plenoptic wavefront sensor for direct wavefront detection
Authors: Chen Hao , Wei Ling , He Yi , Yang Jinsheng , Li Xiqi , Li Lingxiao , Huang Linghai , Wei Kai
Published: December 2022

Traditional plenoptic wavefront sensors (PWFS) suffer from the obvious step change of the slope response, leading to poor wavefront detection performance. In order to solve this problem, in this paper, a deep learning model is proposed to restore phase maps directly from slope measurements of PWFS. Numerical simulations are employed to demonstrate our approach, and the statistical residual wavefront root mean square error (RMSE) of our method is 0.0810 ± 0.0258λ, which is much superior to those of modal algorithm (0.2511 ± 0.0587λ) and zonal approach (0.3584 ± 0.0487λ). The internal driving force of PWFS-ResUnet is investigated, and the slope response differences between sub-apertures and directions are considered as a probably key role to help our model to accurately restore the phase map. Additionally, the robustness of our model to turbulence strength and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) level is also tested. The proposed method provides a new direction to solve the nonlinear problem of traditional PWFS.
Millihertz magnetic resonance spectroscopy combining the heterodyne readout based on solid-spin sensors
Authors: Fan Pengcheng , Zhang Jixing , Cui Zhiying , Xu Lixia , Bian Guodong , Li Mingxin , Yuan Heng
Published: December 2022

The sensitivities of quantum sensing in metrology and spectroscopy are drastically influenced by the resolution of the frequency spectrum. However, the resolution is hindered by the decoherence effect between the sensor and the environment. Along these lines, the continue-wave optically detected magnetic resonance (CWODMR) method combined with the heterodyne readout was proposed to break the limitation of the sensor’s coherence time. The frequency of the magnetic field was swept to match the unknown signal, and the signal can be transformed to a real-time frequency-domain curve via the heterodyne readout, with a frequency resolution of 4.7 millihertz. Using the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center ensemble in a diamond as the solid-spin sensors, it was demonstrated that the frequency resolution and precision could be improved proportionally to the low-pass filter parameters of Tc-1 and Tc-1.5, respectively. Furthermore, the introduced method performed the sensing of arbitrary audio signals with a sensitivity of 7.32 nT·Hz−1/2@10 kHz. Our generic approach can be extended to several fields, such as molecular structure determination and biomagnetic field detection, where high-fidelity detection properties across multiple frequency bands are required within small sensing volumes (∼ mm3).
Fabrication of an ultra-high quality MgF2 micro-resonator for a single soliton comb generation
Authors: Qu Zhier , Liu Xianwen , Zhang Cheng , Wang Jin , Wang Yongtian , Pan Yijie , Qu JiFeng
Published: December 2022

Crystalline micro-resonators are attractive for a wide range of applications due to their extremely high quality (Q) factor. In this paper, we develop a semi-automatic method for fabricating ultra-high Q-factor MgF2 crystalline micro-resonators. By utilizing a force feedback sensor and corresponding control, we made a semi-automatic precision grind-and-polishing machine, and successfully fabricated trapezoid MgF2 resonators with diameter of 9.5 mm and a root mean square surface roughness of 0.26 nm. The maximum difference of peaks and valleys is about 1.5 nm. The Q-factor was characterized to be 9.24 × 109at 1550 nm by the cavity ring-down spectroscopy. A single soliton optical frequency comb was generated by pumping the microcavity with 150 mW optical power.
2-µm nonlinear post-compression for generating ∼100-MHz few-cycle laser pulses with watt-level average power
Authors: Shang Jingcheng , Mei Chao , Zhao Shengzhi , Liu Yizhou , Yang Kejian , Wang Chun , Li Tao , Feng Tianli
Published: December 2022

We firstly report a high pulse repetition rate (101.4 MHz) nonlinear post-compression based on the normal dispersion fiber (NDF) operating in 2-µm wavelength region. With only one-stage NDF-based nonlinear pulse compressor, the 2-µm ultrafast laser pulses are compressed from ∼460 fs down to 70 fs, corresponding to ∼10.4 optical oscillation cycle. With two-stage nonlinear pulse compressor, the input ultrafast laser pulses are further compressed to 28.3 fs (∼4.3 optical oscillation cycle). In each case, the average power of the compressed 2-µm laser pulses exceeds 1 W, which is believed to be the highest average power never achieved at ∼100-MHz pulse repetition rate. The efficiencies of the one-stage and two-stage nonlinear pulse compressors are 64% and 47% respectively.
Vacuum-sealed silicon photonic MEMS tunable ring resonator with an independent control over coupling and phase
Authors: Edinger Pierre , Jo Gaehun , Van Nguyen Chris Phong , Takabayashi Alain Yuji , Errando-Herranz Carlos , Antony Cleitus , Talli Giuseppe , Verheyen Peter , Khan Umar , Bleiker Simon J. , Bogaerts Wim , Quack Niels , Niklaus Frank , Gylfason Kristinn B.
Published: December 2022

Ring resonators are a vital element for filters, optical delay lines, or sensors in silicon photonics. However, reconfigurable ring resonators with low-power consumption are not available in foundries today. We demonstrate an add-drop ring resonator with the independent tuning of round-trip phase and coupling using low-power microelectromechanical (MEMS) actuation. At a wavelength of 1540 nm and for a maximum voltage of 40 V, the phase shifters provide a resonance wavelength tuning of 0.15 nm, while the tunable couplers can tune the optical resonance extinction ratio at the through port from 0 to 30 dB. The optical resonance displays a passive quality factor of 29 000, which can be increased to almost 50 000 with actuation. The MEMS rings are individually vacuum-sealed on wafer scale, enabling reliable and long-term protection from the environment. We cycled the mechanical actuators for more than 4 × 109 cycles at 100 kHz, and did not observe degradation in their response curves. On mechanical resonance, we demonstrate a modulation increase of up to 15 dB, with a voltage bias of 4 V and a peak drive amplitude as low as 20 mV.
Two-dimensional scanning of silicon-based focal plane array with field-of-view splicing technology
Authors: Cui Langlin , Wang Pengfei , Zhao Qi , Ma Pengfei , Wang Zheng , Yu Lei , Yang Yibo , Zhang Yejin , Pan Jiaoqing
Published: December 2022

All-solid-state beam scanning chip is ideal for next-generation LiDAR due to its reliability and small size. Here we propose a focal plane array chip for two-dimensional scanning using field-of-view splicing technology on silicon photonics platform. The chip has two rotationally symmetric structures, each including a 1 × 64 antenna array accompanied by a 1 × 64 micro-ring optical switch array. We demonstrate a two-dimensional scanning equivalent to an 8-line LiDAR with a field-of-view of 82° × 32°, a beam divergence angle of 0.07° × 0.07°, and a background suppression ratio of over 20 dB. Our chip works in such a simple way that only one optical switch needs to be turned on each time the beam is emitted. And the chip is scalable that a larger range of two-dimensional scanning can be achieved when using more antennas for field-of-view splicing and cascading more optical switches.
Modular snapshot multispectral-panchromatic imager (MSPI) with customized filter arrays
Authors: Yu Xiaochang , Hao Jia , Zhou Junzhuo , Su Yang , Karim Shahid , Yu Yiting
Published: December 2022

As one of the simplest methods to construct snapshot spectral imagers, multispectral filter array (MSFA) has been applied to commercial miniatured spectral imagers. While most of them have fixed configurations of spectral channels, lacking flexibility and replaceability. Moreover, conventional MSFA only comprises filtering channels but lacks the panchromatic channel which is essential in detecting dim and indistinct objects. Here, we propose a modular assembly method for snapshot imager which can simultaneously acquire the object’s multispectral and panchromatic information based on a customized filter array. The multispectral-panchromatic filter array is batch fabricated and integrated with the imaging senor through a modular mode. Five-band spectral images and a broadband intensity image can be efficiently acquired in a single snapshot photographing. The efficacy and accuracy of the imager are experimentally verified in imaging and spectral measurements. Owing to the modular architecture, our proposed assembly method owns the advantages of compactness, simple assembling, rapid replacement, and customized designing, which overcomes the expensiveness and complexity of scientific-level snapshot spectral imaging systems.
Opportunities of optical and spectral technologies in intraoperative histopathology
Authors: Krafft Christoph , Popp Jürgen
Published: December 2022

Modern optical and spectral technologies represent powerful approaches for a molecular characterization of tissues enabling delineating pathological tissues but also a label-free grading and staging of tumors in terms of computer-assisted histopathology. First, currently used tools for intraoperative tumor assessment are described. Next, the requirements for intraoperative tissue visualization from a medical and optical point of view are specified. Then, optical and spectral techniques are introduced that are already approved or close to being used in standard clinical practice for ex vivo and in vivo monitoring, and proof-of concept studies utilizing linear and nonlinear spectroscopy and imaging modalities are presented. Combining several spectroscopic mechanisms in multi-contrast approaches constitutes further advances. Modern artificial intelligence and deep learning concepts have emerged to analyze spectroscopic and imaging datasets and have contributed to the progress of each technique. Finally, an outlook for opportunities and prospects of clinical translation is given.
An individualized causal framework for learning intercellular communication networks that define microenvironments of individual tumors
Authors: Chen Xueer , Chen Lujia , Kürten Cornelius H. L. , Jabbari Fattaneh , Vujanovic Lazar , Ding Ying , Lu Binfeng , Lu Kevin , Kulkarni Aditi , Tabib Tracy , Lafyatis Robert , Cooper Gregory F. , Ferris Robert , Lu Xinghua
Published: December 2022

Cells within a tumor microenvironment (TME) dynamically communicate and influence each other’s cellular states through an intercellular communication network (ICN). In cancers, intercellular communications underlie immune evasion mechanisms of individual tumors. We developed an individualized causal analysis framework for discovering tumor specific ICNs. Using head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors as a testbed, we first mined single-cell RNA-sequencing data to discover gene expression modules (GEMs) that reflect the states of transcriptomic processes within tumor and stromal single cells. By deconvoluting bulk transcriptomes of HNSCC tumors profiled by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we estimated the activation states of these transcriptomic processes in individual tumors. Finally, we applied individualized causal network learning to discover an ICN within each tumor. Our results show that cellular states of cells in TMEs are coordinated through ICNs that enable multi-way communications among epithelial, fibroblast, endothelial, and immune cells. Further analyses of individual ICNs revealed structural patterns that were shared across subsets of tumors, leading to the discovery of 4 different subtypes of networks that underlie disparate TMEs of HNSCC. Patients with distinct TMEs exhibited significantly different clinical outcomes. Our results show that the capability of estimating individual ICNs reveals heterogeneity of ICNs and sheds light on the importance of intercellular communication in impacting disease development and progression.
The effects of base rate neglect on sequential belief updating and real-world beliefs
Authors: Ashinoff Brandon K. , Buck Justin , Woodford Michael , Horga Guillermo
Published: December 2022

Base-rate neglect is a pervasive bias in judgment that is conceptualized as underweighting of prior information and can have serious consequences in real-world scenarios. This bias is thought to reflect variability in inferential processes but empirical support for a cohesive theory of base-rate neglect with sufficient explanatory power to account for longer-term and real-world beliefs is lacking. A Bayesian formalization of base-rate neglect in the context of sequential belief updating predicts that belief trajectories should exhibit dynamic patterns of dependence on the order in which evidence is presented and its consistency with prior beliefs. To test this, we developed a novel ‘urn-and-beads’ task that systematically manipulated the order of colored bead sequences and elicited beliefs via an incentive-compatible procedure. Our results in two independent online studies confirmed the predictions of the sequential base-rate neglect model: people exhibited beliefs that are more influenced by recent evidence and by evidence inconsistent with prior beliefs. We further found support for a noisy-sampling inference model whereby base-rate neglect results from rational discounting of noisy internal representations of prior beliefs. Finally, we found that model-derived indices of base-rate neglect—including noisier prior representation—correlated with propensity for unusual beliefs outside the laboratory. Our work supports the relevance of Bayesian accounts of sequential base-rate neglect to real-world beliefs and hints at strategies to minimize deleterious consequences of this pervasive bias.
Mesoscopic description of hippocampal replay and metastability in spiking neural networks with short-term plasticity
Authors: Pietras Bastian , Schmutz Valentin , Schwalger Tilo
Published: December 2022

Bottom-up models of functionally relevant patterns of neural activity provide an explicit link between neuronal dynamics and computation. A prime example of functional activity patterns are propagating bursts of place-cell activities called hippocampal replay, which is critical for memory consolidation. The sudden and repeated occurrences of these burst states during ongoing neural activity suggest metastable neural circuit dynamics. As metastability has been attributed to noise and/or slow fatigue mechanisms, we propose a concise mesoscopic model which accounts for both. Crucially, our model is bottom-up: it is analytically derived from the dynamics of finite-size networks of Linear-Nonlinear Poisson neurons with short-term synaptic depression. As such, noise is explicitly linked to stochastic spiking and network size, and fatigue is explicitly linked to synaptic dynamics. To derive the mesoscopic model, we first consider a homogeneous spiking neural network and follow the temporal coarse-graining approach of Gillespie to obtain a “chemical Langevin equation”, which can be naturally interpreted as a stochastic neural mass model. The Langevin equation is computationally inexpensive to simulate and enables a thorough study of metastable dynamics in classical setups (population spikes and Up-Down-states dynamics) by means of phase-plane analysis. An extension of the Langevin equation for small network sizes is also presented. The stochastic neural mass model constitutes the basic component of our mesoscopic model for replay. We show that the mesoscopic model faithfully captures the statistical structure of individual replayed trajectories in microscopic simulations and in previously reported experimental data. Moreover, compared to the deterministic Romani-Tsodyks model of place-cell dynamics, it exhibits a higher level of variability regarding order, direction and timing of replayed trajectories, which seems biologically more plausible and could be functionally desirable. This variability is the product of a new dynamical regime where metastability emerges from a complex interplay between finite-size fluctuations and local fatigue.
Predicting dementia from spontaneous speech using large language models
Authors: Agbavor Felix , Liang Hualou
Published: December 2022

Language impairment is an important biomarker of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly natural language processing (NLP), has recently been increasingly used for early prediction of AD through speech. Yet, relatively few studies exist on using large language models, especially GPT-3, to aid in the early diagnosis of dementia. In this work, we show for the first time that GPT-3 can be utilized to predict dementia from spontaneous speech. Specifically, we leverage the vast semantic knowledge encoded in the GPT-3 model to generate text embedding, a vector representation of the transcribed text from speech, that captures the semantic meaning of the input. We demonstrate that the text embedding can be reliably used to (1) distinguish individuals with AD from healthy controls, and (2) infer the subject’s cognitive testing score, both solely based on speech data. We further show that text embedding considerably outperforms the conventional acoustic feature-based approach and even performs competitively with prevailing fine-tuned models. Together, our results suggest that GPT-3 based text embedding is a viable approach for AD assessment directly from speech and has the potential to improve early diagnosis of dementia.