bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antipsychotic continuation during pregnancy and risk of postpartum relapse in women with schizophrenia: nationwide register-based study
Authors: Kang Sunghyuk , Yang Ji Su , Yun Bo Hyon , Gelaye Bizu , An Suk Kyoon , Jung Sun Jae
Published: January 2025

Background

Women with schizophrenia frequently discontinue antipsychotic medications during pregnancy. However, evidence on the risk of postpartum relapse associated with antipsychotic use during pregnancy is lacking.

Aims

To investigate the within-individual association between antipsychotic continuation during pregnancy and postpartum relapse in women with schizophrenia.

Method

This retrospective cohort study used data of women with schizophrenia who gave live birth between 2007 and 2018 identified from the National Health Information Database of South Korea. Women were classified according to antipsychotic use patterns during the 12 months before delivery as non-users, discontinuers and continuers. Relapse was defined as admission for psychosis (ICD-10, F20–29). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for admission for psychosis in the 6-month postpartum period was estimated using conditional Poisson regression, with the reference period set between 2 and 1 years before delivery. Additionally, we calculated the relative risk ratios (RRRs) for the IRRs of different antipsychotic use patterns.

Results

Among the 3026 women included in the analysis (median age 34 years, interquartile range 31–37), the within-individual risk of admission for psychosis in the 6-month postpartum period was 0.56 times (RRR, 95% CI 0.36–0.87) lower in continuers (IRR = 1.31, 95% CI 0.89–1.72) than in discontinuers (IRR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.87–2.91). Among discontinuers, the IRRs of admission for psychosis in the 6-month postpartum period did not change significantly with the timing of discontinuation (trend P = 0.946).

Conclusions

Antipsychotic continuation during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of postpartum relapse in women with schizophrenia. Continuing antipsychotics during pregnancy would be recommended after a risk–benefit assessment.
Defining and Measuring Financial Toxicity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Raptis Stephanie G. , Shkabari Brian , Banday Saquib , Gyawali Bishal
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE

Financial toxicity (FT) of cancer treatment likely affects more patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); however, most of the research on FT comes from high-income countries, which may not apply to LMICs. The causes and consequences of FT in patients with cancer in LMICs remain understudied.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL for FT literature in cancer originating from LMICs from inception until the end of 2023, and documented the different definitions used to define FT in LMICs, and the magnitude of FT documented using those definitions. LMIC was defined using the World Bank Country and Lending Group classification.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies on FT in cancer originating from LMICs have increased in recent years (>75% studies published 2020 onward) and used varying criteria to define FT, broadly categorized into five themes. Majority of the studies defined FT in terms of catastrophic health expenditure (45%) or household impoverishment (10%), while 26% of the studies used the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity tool, developed and validated in US patients, to measure FT in LMIC settings. Twenty-six percent of the studies defined FT in terms of coping mechanisms and 10% in terms of subjective financial burden. The magnitude of FT in patients with cancer was substantial irrespective of the definitions used.

CONCLUSION

This review synthesizes the different definitions of FT for LMICs that have been used in the literature so far. We conclude that the definitions that capture the coping mechanisms or hardships might reflect the magnitude of FT better than absolute dollar values or relative percentages of expenditures. Future studies can use our results to devise locally tailored definitions of FT.
Models of computational biomarkers in neuroinformatics
Authors: Σκολαρίκη Κωνσταντίνα
Published: January 2025

Η διαταραχή μετατραυματικού στρες (PTSD) είναι μια ψυχική διαταραχή που μπορεί να αναπτυχθεί μετά από τραυματικά γεγονότα. Η μελέτη αυτή χωρίζεται σε τρία μέρη. Το πρώτο μέρος εστιάζει στη δημιουργία ενός μοντέλου για την πρόβλεψη της πιθανότητας ανάπτυξης PTSD. Για να επιτευχθεί αυτό, εντοπίστηκαν οι παράγοντες που χαρακτηρίζουν τις τραυματικές εμπειρίες. Προσδιορίστηκαν πέντε παράγοντες που συμβάλλουν στο μοντέλο: η ένταση, τα αισθητήρια όργανα, η εγγύτητα, οι καταλυτικοί παράγοντες και η τραυματική κλίμακα. Στη συνέχεια δημιουργήθηκε μια μαθηματική συνάρτηση για κάθε έναν από αυτούς τους παράγοντες. Χρησιμοποιώντας ένα σύστημα βαθμολόγησης που βασίζεται στην υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία υπολογίστηκε μια τιμή κατωφλίου που υποδεικνύει τον κίνδυνο ανάπτυξης PTSD. Το δεύτερο μέρος αυτής της μελέτης επικεντρώνεται στη διερεύνηση του ρόλου των γονιδίων και των γενετικών παραλλαγών στην ανάπτυξη και την εξέλιξη της PTSD. Μέσω τριών μεθοδολογικών προσεγγίσεων προσδιορίστηκαν 122 γονίδια και 184 Πολυμορφισμοί Μεμονωμένων Νουκλεοτιδίων (SNPs) που σχετίζονται με PTSD και εξετάστηκαν περαιτέρω μέσω δικτυακής και λειτουργικής ανάλυσης. Αυτό αποτέλεσε τη βάση της δεύτερης πτυχής αυτής της μελέτης, η οποία στόχευε στην πρόταση μιας αποτελεσματικής θεραπείας για το PTSD με τη διερεύνηση μεθόδων επαναπροσδιορισμού φαρμάκων. Για να επιτευχθεί αυτό, χρησιμοποιήθηκε το σύνολο γονιδίων που σχετίζεται με το PTSD και ακολουθήθηκαν δύο προσεγγίσεις για τον εντοπισμό πιθανών ενώσεων φαρμάκων που θα μπορούσαν να επαναχρησιμοποιηθούν. Οι κορυφαίες 16 υποψήφιες ενώσεις αξιολογήθηκαν περαιτέρω για τη βιοδιαθεσιμότητά τους και τα χαρακτηριστικά τους. Η τελευταία πτυχή αυτής της εργασίας επικεντρώθηκε στον σχεδιασμό ενός πρωτοκόλλου για μια βιοτράπεζα βασισμένη σε AI αφιερωμένη στην έρευνα και την επικύρωση μοντέλων. Αυτή η ψηφιακή βιοτράπεζα θα χρησιμεύσει ως πηγή, για ερευνητές που μελετούν τους υποκείμενους μηχανισμούς και τους βιοδείκτες που σχετίζονται με το PTSD. Οι τεχνικές πτυχές και απαιτήσεις χαρτογραφήθηκαν, αναλύθηκαν και προτάθηκαν φιλικές προς το χρήστη διεπαφές.
Objectivité et modélisation
Authors: Δασκαλάκης Αλέξανδρος
Published: January 2025

Ποια είναι η λειτουργία της Αντικειμενικότητας, δηλαδή του Μηχανισμού, του Χημισμού και της Τελεολογίας στην εγελιανή Επιστήμη της Λογικής; Για ποιο λόγο η Αντικειμενικότητα ανήκει στη Λογική κι όχι σε ό,τι αποκαλεί ο Χέγκελ φιλοσοφία της πραγματικότητας (Realphilosophie); Αυτά είναι τα δύο θεμελιώδη ερωτήματα που θα μας επιτρέψουν να προσεγγίσουμε το συγκεκριμένο κεφάλαιο. Για να προσπαθήσουμε να δώσουμε μια ικανοποιητική απάντηση σ’ αυτά, θα πρέπει να αναδείξουμε τη βασική μεθοδολογική αρχή πάνω στην οποία στηρίζεται ο ετερόδοξος χαρακτήρας της Επιστήμης της λογικής: για τον Χέγκελ η λογική δεν είναι η επιστήμη των αφηρημένων λογικών μορφών κατ’ αντιδιαστολή προς τα αντικείμενα της εμπειρίας, αλλά η επιστήμη που εξετάζει τη σχέση που υφίσταται ανάμεσα στο λόγο (Diskurs) και στο αντικείμενό του. Αυτή είναι η υπόθεση που θα μας οδηγήσει στην κατανόηση του ιδιαίτερου καθεστώτος που έχει το αντικειμένο (Objekt) στη Λογική, ότι είναι δηλαδή ένα αντικείμενο του λόγου, ήτοι ένα μοντέλο. Η εγελιανή θεωρία του Είναι, καθώς και ο ιδιαίτερος χαρακτήρας με τον οποίο συλλαμβάνει το λογικό ορισμό (Bestimmung) μας οδηγούν στην υπόθεση ότι το αντικείμενο το λόγου είναι ένα υποκατάστατο του Είναι. Πράγματι, το πρόβλημα τίθεται από την αρχή της Λογικής αφού αποκλείεται κάθε απόπειρα να μιλήσουμε με άμεσο τρόπο για το Είναι. Για να το πετύχουμε χρειαζόμαστε τη μεσολάβηση ενός ορισμού. Όμως κάθε ορισμός είναι για τον Χέγκελ μια μορφή άρνησης. Συνεπώς μπορούμε να γνωρίσουμε το Είναι μόνο με τη μεσολάβηση ενός άλλου πράγματος το οποίο το υποκαθιστά. Ο Χέγκελ ονομάζει αυτό το πράγμα: αντικείμενο. Μέσα από την εξέταση του συγκεκριμένου κεφαλαίου θα προσπαθήσουμε να δείξουμε ότι η δομή και η λειτουργία αυτού του αντικειμένου μας νομιμοποιεί να μιλήσουμε για το μοντέλο, καθώς αυτό εντάσσεται στον πυρήνα της συγκρότησης του επιστημονικού λόγου. Έτσι ο ευρετικός πλούτος αυτού το όρου εγγράφεται απολύτως στο πρόγραμμα μια λογικής. Από τη μία, αυτή η προοπτική μας επιτρέπει να περιγράψουμε με ακρίβεια τα επιστημολογικά ζητήματα που θίγονται στην Αντικειμενικότητα, δηλαδή να δούμε ποιες είναι οι προϋποθέσεις και οι αναγκαιότητες που επιβάλει η λειτουργία του μοντέλου. Από την άλλη, μας επιτρέπει να ορίσουμε με ακρίβεια το πεδίο του Είναι στο οποίο εφαρμόζεται το μοντέλο. Αυτός ο περιορισμός εκφράζεται μέσα από μία τυπολογία διαφορετικών αντικειμένων, οι στιγμές των οποίων μπορούν να αναλυθούν και να οριστούν με ακρίβεια. Έτσι ο Μηχανισμός περιγράφει δύο πιθανά μοντέλα: αυτό της κλασικής μηχανικής (Γαλιλαίος, Ντεκάρτ) και στη συνέχεια αυτό της νευτώνειας μηχανικής· ενώ ο Χημισμός περιγράφει ένα άλλο είδος σχέσεων οι οποίες προσεγγίζουν, σε γενικές γραμμές, την επιστήμη της χημείας. Αντίθετα η Τελεολογία, παρά την παραδοσιακή της σχέση με τη Βιολογία, αναφέρεται κυρίως στην εφαρμογή αυτών των μοντέλων στα πλαίσια της πειραματικής επιβεβαίωσης μιας επιστημονικής θεωρίας ή στα πλαίσια μιας τεχνικής εφαρμογής.
The round sardinella (Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847) from the NW Mediterranean: a healthy and safe choice for human consumption
Authors: MUNS-PUJADAS LAURA , CONSTENLA MARIA , DALLARÉS SARA , SOLER-MEMBRIVES ANNA , PADRÓS FRANCESC , SALA ROSER
Published: January 2025

The round sardinella (Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847) is a common pelagic species in the NW Mediterranean, with a low economic value. To evaluate its potential as a resource, a comprehensive study including the nutritional status (proximate and fatty acid composition), zoonotic parasites and heavy metals of fish captured off the coast of Barcelona (NW Mediterranean) was carried out. Thus, 200 specimens were seasonally caught aboard commercial purse seiner fishing vessels between 2022 and 2023. Present results indicate that round sardinella should be considered a lean fish given its low total lipid content, varying seasonally, being higher in spring (1.69%) and lower in summer (0.30-0.62%). Interestingly, during summer (spawning period) and autumn, a high proportion of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (46.7-53.7% of the total fatty acids) was observed whereas palmitic acid (C16:0) (45.8% of total fatty acids) was predominant in winter. These variations, probably linked to diet composition, reproductive period and breeding strategy, are discussed. Consuming a daily meal portion of 100 g of round sardinella in summer and autumn provides 206 to 290 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+DHA, fitting inside the recommended levels. Similarly, the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices from this period remained within the optimal range. Moreover, the absence of zoonotic parasites and low levels of heavy metals detected indicate that its consumption, especially in autumn, is both healthy and safe for human health. Promoting this fish in autumn would also enhance sustainable fishery by distributing fishing pressure across various pelagic fish species, given the current decline in these populations.
Διδακτική παρέμβαση για τη διδασκαλία των κλασμάτων με την αξιοποίηση περιβάλλοντος ψηφιακού παιχνιδιού σε μαθητές Γ’ Δημοτικού
Authors: Λαβίδας Κωνσταντίνος , Γεωργούλια Βασιλική , Κόμης Βασίλειος , Βουτσινά Λαμπρινή
Published: January 2025

Περιορισμένα εμπειρικά δεδομένα έχουν παρουσιαστεί για τη διδασκαλία των κλασμάτων ιδιαίτερα σε μαθητές Γ΄ Δημοτικού. Η παρούσα έρευνα αποτελεί μία οιονεί πειραματική διαδικασία με στόχο να εξετάσει την αποτελεσματικότητα μιαςδιδακτικής παρέμβασης για τη διδασκαλία των κλασμάτων στη Γ΄ Δημοτικού στην οποία συμπεριλαμβάνεται και η αξιοποίηση διαδικτυακού περιβάλλοντος τύπου ψηφιακού παιχνιδιού. Συγκεκριμένα, μελετήθηκε κυρίως κατά πόσο οι μαθητές μπορούν να εξοικειωθούν με τη σύνδεση της εικονικής με τη συμβολική αναπαράσταση του κλάσματος αλλά και με τη σύγκριση κλασμάτων. Συνολικά, συμμετείχαν 15 μαθητές της Γ΄ τάξης ενός ιδιωτικού Δημοτικού σχολείου της Πάτρας. Τα ευρήματα της έρευνας έδειξαν ότι ο συνδυασμός της παραδοσιακής διδασκαλίας και του περιβάλλοντος ψηφιακού παιχνιδιού συμβάλλει στην εξοικείωση των μαθητών τόσο με τη σύνδεση της συμβολικής με την εικονική αναπαράσταση του κλάσματος όσο και με τη σύγκριση κλασμάτων. Επίσης, παρατηρήθηκε ενίσχυση της ενεργής συμμετοχής στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασίακαι βελτίωση του κλίματος στην τάξη. Στη βάση των ευρημάτων παρουσιάζονται περιορισμοί και προτάσεις.
Integrated Fire Management and Closer to Nature Forest Management at the Landscape Scale as a Holistic Approach to Foster Forest Resilience to Wildfires
Authors: Kalapodis Nikolaos , Sakkas Georgios
Published: January 2025

Unprecedented wildfires are expected to remain a major challenge for Europe in the coming years due to their increasing frequency and intensity. However, there is currently no standardized framework for managing wildfire risk, with no common definition of integrated wildfire risk management, and lack of consensus within sustainable forest management, with over 20 synonyms and semi-synonyms used for Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF), including among others, close-to-nature forest management. This open letter examines and highlights the importance of implementing two key approaches, the Integrated Fire Management (IFM) and the EU’s proposed approach of Closer-To-Nature Forest Management (CTNFM) with temporal and spatial connectivity in the face of climate change. The document discusses relevant management options to address wildfire risk challenges, and their associated impacts such as forest degradation and biodiversity loss. It emphasizes the urgent need for action by EU Member States in light of a bottom-up approach (local to regional and national level), political commitment, and public awareness to address these issues effectively. Key topics covered include wildfire adaptation strategies of plant species, and the impact of climate change and land use on today’s uncharacteristic fire regimes conditions. Silvicultural closer-to-nature practices, where needed and appropriate, such as the promotion of natural forest regeneration with enhancement of broadleaves, mixed stand composition and strategic tree spacing are examined as means to reduce the spread of fires in wildfire-prone areas. It also highlights the benefits of a landscape-scale approach to sustainable forest management that includes wildfire prevention, ecological resilience, habitat conservation and resource management. Options are presented for policy makers and relevant stakeholders to support these strategies through collaboration, enforcement, ecological stewardship, monitoring capabilities, public education, research support, and international cooperation. The integration of IFM and CTNFM can improve wildfire mitigation, preparedness, and adaptive capacity, thereby promoting resilient landscapes and communities in the long-term.
Parterre Ornamentation in the Publications of the 16th–17th Centuries
Authors: Nutt Nele
Published: January 2025

Sixteenth and seventeenth century publications afford a great overview of contemporary park designs. Thanks to the surviving books we are able to study the park design of the end of the Renaissance, the Mannerist period and the beginning of the Baroque. That entire garden design period is characterised by the use of parterres. While plant ornamentation is heavily used throughout the period, we do not find as much animal ornamentation in the designs. Dolphins, as important symbols of love and friendship, were beloved figures in park design. In addition to parterre designs, Dolphins can be found in water feature ensembles, fountain groups and grotto niches.
The Effects of Cigarette Smoking on the Cardiovascular System: Mechanisms of Damage, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
Authors: Janowska Kinga , Szydziak Joanna , Hrapkowicz Aleksandra , Dąbkowska Daria , Szeidl Olga , Rehan Dominika , Mioskowska Agnieszka
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality. Even though the prevalence of cigarette smoking has decreased over the last few decades, it is still one of the most important preventable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, recently, an increasing number of people have been transitioning to e-cigarettes, which also influence blood pressure and the cardiovascular system.
Purpose of the study: The following review analyzes the association between cigarette smoking and both prevalence and development of cardiovascular diseases. It also suggests the management of tobacco addiction.
Materials and methods: A literature review of English language papers was conducted to summarize the latest knowledge on the topic, focusing on the most recent papers. The review was conducted using the PubMed database, with 53 works used and accessed before December 2024.
Conclusions: Tobacco significantly affects the cardiovascular system, with numerous studies highlighting the negative impacts of both active and passive smoking. Although extensive knowledge exists about tobacco smoke's impact on the cardiovascular system, further research is still needed. A better understanding of the link between smoking and the development of cardiovascular diseases, as well as methods for the management of the addiction, is crucial to developing successful treatment and prevention strategies.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome related to severe hypomagnesaemia
Authors: Naya Rosato Martín , Núñez Calvo María Luisa , Barrera López Lucía
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) might be associated with a wide spectrum of symptoms, including irreversible neurological damage. Management is primarily symptomatic and focuses on addressing the underlying causes. Case description: A 65-year-old female with a medical history of smoking, arterial hypertension and dyslipidaemia, was admitted due to dysarthria associated with ataxia, visual disturbances and diarrhoea. The neurological physical examination revealed a mild decreased strength in both legs (4/5), mild dysdiadochokinaesia and mild heel-knee dysmetria. Remarkable laboratory findings showed potassium 2.6 mmol/l and magnesium 0.24 mg/dl. Brain computed tomography (CT) showed no suggestive ischaemic areas. During hospitalisation, potassium and magnesium levels were initially corrected through intravenous supplementation. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed symmetrical cortical alterations in the posterior regions of both cerebellar hemispheres, consistent with a diagnosis of PRES. After the exclusion of other potentially related diseases, the final diagnosis was PRES in the setting of severe hypomagnesaemia. Discussion: PRES pathophysiology is unknown, while its incidence is probably underestimated. It is suggested that rapid increases in blood pressure are thought to overwhelm the self-regulatory capability of cerebral blood flow, especially in the posterior brain regions where the regulatory flow capacity may be weaker. This might result in increased cerebral perfusion leading to oedema due to capillary leakage. PRES has been associated with poorly controlled arterial hypertension, autoimmune diseases, eclampsia and chemotherapy, among others. Conclusion: Hypomagnesaemia represents an uncommon but potentially reversible cause of PRES and should be taken into account for differential diagnosis.
The use of the MK5 Mobility Classes to improve safe patient handling: a reliability study
Authors: Ollevier Aline , Knibbe Nico , Sorel Bram , Buckens Filip , Goderis Tania
Published: January 2025

In health care, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are largely attributed to patient-handling tasks. Reliable assessments of patient mobility are imperative to mitigate the musculoskeletal burden on healthcare providers. This study explores the reliability of MK5 Mobility Classes, a patient mobility classification system. Authentic video material was collected, which enabled many healthcare providers to evaluate patient mobility within a highly realistic practical environment. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A total of 147 raters completed the MK5 assessment for 40 distinct practical cases. Additionally, 75 raters repeated the assessments. The high level of inter-rater reliability, ICC value of 0.82, demonstrates the consistent performance of MK5 in assessing patient mobility across diverse scenarios. Intra-rater reliability results showed moderate agreement, with an average ICC of 0.59. This study confirms the reliability of the MK5 Mobility Classes in assessing patient mobility in healthcare settings.
Allvar Gullstrand
Authors: Clarkson Douglas
Published: January 2025

Dr Douglas Clarkson reminds us that there was much more to Nobel prize winner Allvar Gullstrand than schematic eyes
Win tops off the decade
Authors: Cosby Zoe
Published: January 2025

Zoe Cosby find out how Rachel Murray Eyecare won the Fashion Practice of the Year Award 2023
Breaking down barriers to healthcare
Authors: Patchett Lucy
Published: January 2025

Optegra launched an impact report on current actions outlined to show progress and encourage work between the public and private eye care sector. Lucy Patchett reports
OSA launches new commercial arm
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: January 2025

Karl Jeebaun and Roy Stoner tell Andrew McCarthy-McClean about the OSA's new subsidiary and its work on technology, Dicom and sustainability
Collaboration for the nation
Authors: Singh Jag
Published: January 2025

Jag Singh discusses how collaborative working between optometry and ophthalmology could benefit patients
Learning on the web and face to face
Authors: Arbon-Black Tina
Published: January 2025

Tina Arbon-Black reports from ABDO's clinical conference 2024
Evaluation of growth and yield potential of three varieties of chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) intercropped with maize (Zea mays) at different planting times
Authors: ARTA I MADE SATRIA DWI , CHOZIN MUHAMAD ACHMAD , RITONGA ARYA WIDURA
Published: January 2025

Abstract. Arta IMSD, Chozin MA, Ritonga AW. 2024. Evaluation of growth and yield potential of three varieties of chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) intercropped with maize (Zea mays) at different planting times. Biodiversitas 25: 3985-3994. Chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) is a horticultural crop with high economic value. Land-use change had led to a decrease in the potential chili pepper cultivation area. One way to overcome this problem is to use intercropping, for example by planting chili peppers with maize. The purpose of this study was to determine suitable planting times and varieties for intercropping. This research was conducted with a nested design with two treatment factors. The first factor, cropping treatment, had four levels: control (chili pepper monoculture) and chili peppers planted (intercropped) at 0, 4, and 6 weeks after maize planting (MSJ). The second factor was chili variety: Bonita, Shadiva and Lobita. The sowing, soil preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting methods were the same for each treatment. The results of this study indicate that the 0 MSJ cropping treatment significantly increases plant height, particularly for the Shadiva variety. The Bonita variety was most productive in the 4 MSJ cropping treatment. In contrast, the control exhibited a higher incidence of geminivirus (Geminiviridae) at the same planting time. The optimal selection of planting time, in conjunction with the most suitable varieties, can enhance productivity and suppress the spread of plant diseases.
A Critical Comparison of Cosmic Hierarchies in the Development of Christian and Islamic Mystical Theology
Authors: Masterton Rebecca
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT: The envisioning and use of cosmic hierarchies can be traced back to ancient times. Such hierarchies have been fundamental to the theologies of the Egyptian, Greek, Christian and Islamic traditions, although their actual structures have been adapted to each tradition's concept of God. It is by means of the cosmic hierarchy that God manifests His presence, and it is by means of it that the soul descends from God and ascends back to Him, the nature of that journey depending upon whether the hierarchy reflects a cataphatic or an apophatic theology. Through comparing how prominent mystical theologians and philosophers have incorporated the cosmic hierarchy into their vision of the journey of the soul, it is possible to discern the elements of each tradition which have been interwoven with the next.
Dāwūd al-Rāqqī: A Critical Survey of his Role in the Propagation of Shi'a Teachings
Authors: Hezaveh Amir Momeni , Ahmadvand Abbas , Masroor Saeed Tavoosi
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT: Dāwūd al-Rāqqī was one of the companions of the sixth, seventh, and eighth Imams. Due to a dispute on his credibility some Shi'a biographers accused him of being a heretical exaggerator ( ghālī , pl. ghulāt ). However, many other biographers regarded him as authoritative and his traditions worthy of acceptance. Some biographers even acknowledged Dāwūd as a confidant of the Imams. This study attempts to evaluate what is said in support of Dāwūd by assessing his credibility as a source of authentic teachings, by examining his scholarly activities, and by enumerating the works attributed to him.
Revisiting the Concept of the " Dao " in the Daodejing
Authors: Zhang Rongkun
Published: January 2025

Based on contemplating the original concern of the Daodejing , this paper points out that, on a deep existential and practical level, the Dao signifies a new existential structure (and a new world of meaning), which is framed by the “four conforms.” In essence, Laozi proposes the concept of the Dao to inspire an advisable way of life, which can be achieved by transforming the existential structure from "mind controlling the vital energy" to one shaped by the "four conforms." Moreover, the paper argues that the significance of the Dao ultimately goes hand in hand with the revelation of self-sovereignty and human dignity.
Laser-induced damage thresholds in SiO2-coated aluminum mirrors under various ultrashort pulse widths
Authors: Zhu YongJian , Ma Yunfeng , Cheng Wang , Zhang Zhixi , Kang Wenyun , Bai Fang , Cao ChenXin , Guo Guangyan , Chow Yasong , Zhong Tao , Zhao Tianzhuo , Fan Zhongwei
Published: January 2025

The influence of laser temporal parameters on the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) is particularly complex due to the variation and uncertainty in damage mechanisms associated with different pulse widths, especially in the range that bridges transitional damage mechanisms. Metallic mirrors are ideally suited for ultrashort pulse optical systems owing to their broad spectral range. A comprehensive understanding of the damage behavior of metallic mirrors under ultrashort pulse widths is crucial for optimizing their performance and manufacturing processes. Consequently, a laser damage testing platform was established in the laboratory to conduct 1-on-1 and area-based damage testing method on SiO2-coated aluminum mirrors, covering a pulse width range of 0.2 to 11 ps. The experimental results revealed two transitions in the LIDT from 0.2 to 11 ps. Specifically, within the 0.3 to 8 ps pulse width range, the LIDT inversely correlated with the pulse width, adhering to a power-law relationship. Conversely, for pulse widths below 0.3 ps and between 8 and 11 ps, the LIDT positively correlated with the pulse width. Observations using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exhibited the damage morphology at different pulse widths, which indicated that damage initially occurred in the SiO2 dielectric film on the sample surface, demonstrating a transition in the laser damage mechanism across the experimental pulse width range.
Optimizing light pattern curvature to improve the performance of optoelectronic tweezers in micromanipulation
Authors: Xu Bingrui , Li Gong , Zheng Lixiang , Dong Wenbo , Song Pengfei , Guo Zongliang , Li Zonghao , Liu Haobing , Ma Ziang , Xie Hainan , Xie Wei , Li Hang , Fu Rongxin , Lu Yao , Liu Na , Xie Huikai , Zhang Shuailong
Published: January 2025

Optoelectronic tweezers (OET) offer a versatile, programmable, and contactless method for manipulating microscale objects. While factors like AC voltage and light intensity have been extensively studied, the role of light pattern curvature in the performance of OET manipulation remains underexplored. This study investigates how the curvature of light patterns affects the movement of polystyrene microparticles under negative dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces in an OET system. Experimental results show that as the curvature decreases, the maximum velocity of microparticles first increases to a peak and then gradually decreases. Numerical simulations reveal that light pattern curvature significantly influences the horizontal and vertical DEP forces, altering equilibrium positions and maximum velocities. By defining the optimal curvature (χ, the ratio of microparticle diameter to the inner diameter of the light pattern), we found that microparticles achieve maximum velocity and stability at this optimal ratio regardless of the sizes. These findings offer key insights into optimizing OET for improved manipulation performance, facilitating more precise and efficient applications in micromanipulation, micro-assembly, microfabrication, and beyond.
Incoherent beam combining of laser array on extended areas based on a gradient light intensity trap and optimization algorithm
Authors: Pan Likang , Li Ziqiang , Yu Jinjin , Jiang Jiali , Lin Mingyan , Geng Chao , Li Xinyang
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes a method for incoherent beam combining on extended areas (or extended targets) based on a gradient light intensity trap, which is effectively created through intensity weighted modulation, and with the help of a proper optimization algorithm, light spots will be guided into this trap to achieve beam combination. A physical model of this method is established, which determines the optimal surface profile of the gradient light intensity trap, thereby aiding in achieving ideal results for multi-channel beams in both modulation and non-modulation. Subsequently, the feasibility of the method is verified in the laboratory, where tip/tilt aberrations are corrected by adaptive fiber-optics collimators during the beam-combining process. This study provides what we believe to be a new approach to the problems of beam pointing and combining on an extended area (or extended target).
Aperiodic optical phased array with wide field of view and high sidelobe suppression ratio based on SiN-on-SOI platform
Authors: Wang Jinyu , Hu Heming , Yang Dong , Wang Weipeng , Wang Shuxiao , Wang Chenxi , Wang Qing , Yue Wencheng , Cai Yan
Published: January 2025

This paper presents an aperiodic optical phased array (OPA) based on a dual-layer emission grating on a SiN-on-SOI platform. The dual-layer grating offers advantages in terms of integration process feasibility and large process tolerance. A particle swarm optimization algorithm was employed to optimize the emission array. The proposed OPA demonstrates a wide field of view (FOV) and high sidelobe suppression ratio (SLSR). Experimental verification was performed on an 8-inch silicon photonics integration manufacturing platform capable of industrial production, and the device performance matched well with simulation results. The test results indicate that the OPA achieved a FOV of 150° × 16° with a divergence angle of 0.022° × 0.060°. The overall optimal SLSR was 10.3 dB, with a minimum SLSR of 3.7 dB across the entire field of view. Furthermore, the OPA was used in frequency modulation continuous wave system to achieve a distance measurement of 40 m.
Single-layer multiplexed metasurfaces with on-demand polarization encoding based on a symmetric Jones matrix
Authors: Li Hui , Nan Tong , Xu Wenhui , Xu Hang , Li Jie , Zheng Chenglong , Tan Qi , Song Chunyu , Zhang Yan , Yao Jianquan
Published: January 2025

Waveplates provide precise control over the state of polarization and are essential components in various technologies and scientific disciplines, greatly enhancing the performance of optical systems. Recently, advancements in metasurface technology have enabled the miniaturization of bulky optical components that manipulate polarization states while mitigating insertion loss. Nevertheless, generating vortex beams with specific topological charges within the desired polarization channels remains a significant challenge when utilizing versatile metasurface-based wave plates. This work presents a generalized design strategy for multifunctional metasurfaces, demonstrated through simulations and experiments, by varying the parametric conditions that facilitate the spin decoupling mechanism. Independent encoding of spin-polarized channels is achieved by integrating both geometric and propagation phase profiles into silicon pillar designs that exhibit birefringent effects. Meta-waveplates designed for operator computational mechanisms can effectively exhibit the behavior of orbital coupling from spin angular momentum (SAM) to orbital angular momentum (OAM) within a predetermined polarization channel. Also, OAM beams with topological charge evolution behavior in the longitudinal direction are further demonstrated, effectively enhancing the design freedom of multifunctional meta-waveplates. This research paves the way for developing multifunctional, high-performance, and ultra-compact terahertz meta-devices.
Self-supervised constrained super-resolution fast coded spectral imaging system
Authors: Zhao Zhuang , Zhang Yan , Han Jing , Bai Lianfa , Xiong Fengchao , Lu Jun , Gong Shuaifeng , Ke Xin , Jiang Shaoxuan
Published: January 2025

Current coded aperture spectral imaging techniques suffer from slow imaging speeds and poor image quality at low sampling rates. To address these issues, we propose a self-supervised constrained super-resolution fast coded spectral imaging system by combining a physical process of spectral imaging with image fusion super-resolution techniques. We constructed a discrete cosine transform spectrometer (DCTS) and successfully acquired low-resolution hyperspectral images (LR-HSI) and high-resolution multispectral images (HR-MSI). In order to enhance the resolution of hyperspectral images, we designed a self-supervised spectral image super-resolution network based on the physical process of spectral imaging: SSAM-Unet. This network successfully reconstructs the HR-HSI by fusing the LR-HSI with the HR-MSI. We verified the performance and generalization ability of this method through extensive experiments. Experimental results show that our proposed method can achieve good imaging results at very low sampling rates.
Fully integrated Kerr-lens mode-locked ceramic laser
Authors: Zhang Tong , Shi Qiaoya , Yu Jia , Wang Chen , Li Jing , Hu Rongxin , Feng Ye , Wang Yishan
Published: January 2025

A 2.4 GHz Kerr-lens mode-locked laser, employing Yb:Y2O3 ceramic as the gain medium, has been fully integrated into a compact 61 mL volume. By optimizing the pump structure, all optical components of the laser are confined within a 34 × 78 mm2 area, enabling effective temperature control. Owing to the temperature control, the repetition-rate drift of the laser in free-running mode can be as low as ∼10−8 with a timing jitter of 13 fs. Furthermore, this laser operates with a low electrical power consumption of only 4 W. All these attributes make this Kerr-lens mode-locked laser a portable low-noise signal source. In addition, the laser operates around the central wavelength of 1075 nm and has a spectral width of 11.2 nm. The relative power stability of the laser in 2 h is within 0.4%.
Efficient marching solver for the three-dimensional Helmholtz equation in the cuboid waveguide
Authors: Zhu Jianxin , Hu Yufei
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a marching solver designed for the computation of wave propagation is developed within a class of open three-dimensional waveguides. For the wave propagation model, a three-dimensional scalar and frequency-domain Helmholtz equation is effectively adopted. Specifically, the boundary value problem is converted into an initial value problem by the Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DtN) mapping. Then, with the solving domain restricted to a class of cuboid waveguides, a numerical marching method based on DtN mapping is well established. Besides, when a class of open waveguides is included in the solving domain, the perfectly matched layer (PML) can be used to change the open domain into the bounded form (cuboid waveguide). Finally, the original Helmholtz equation now is equivalent to a complex differential equation with the second order, whose corresponding numerical marching method is also triggered. Numerical comparisons show that the marching method based on the DtN mapping is more efficient and feasible than the one-way method (that is, the beam propagation method (BPM)) when solving the three-dimensional Helmholtz equation.
Using pseudo-random sequence phase modulation method to control the effective coherence length in fiber optical hydrophone: model and application
Authors: Hu Qihao , Wang Wujie , Shang Fan , Ma Lina , Song Junqiang , Leng Hongze
Published: January 2025

Interferometric Fiber Optic Hydrophones (IFOHs) are highly sensitive for underwater acoustic detection but face challenges owing to the trade-off between laser monochromaticity and coherence length. In this study, we propose a pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) phase modulation method to control the laser coherence length. For the first time, we establish a clear theoretical model that quantitatively linked the PRBS modulation parameters to the laser coherence length and IFOH noise. Our findings indicate that interference visibility, which represents the coherence length, is approximately proportional to the PRBS bit period, with a coefficient of 0.14. Moreover, both theory and experiments demonstrate that the amplitude of the noise introduced into IFOH due to insufficient coherence length is inversely proportional to the coherence length. This study provides a comprehensive theoretical and experimental solution to the long-standing contradiction between high laser monochromaticity, stability and appropriate coherence length. The proposed method is not only applicable to hydrophone fields but also to fiber gyroscopes, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and other related fields.
Si/Si3N4/Ag hybrid nanocavity: a platform for enhancing light-matter interaction
Authors: Peng Tianqi , Wang Zhuo , Li Shulei , Zhou Lidan , Liu Shimei , Mao Yuheng , Panmai Mingcheng , He Weichen , Lan Sheng
Published: January 2025

High-index dielectric nanoparticles supporting strong Mie resonances, such as silicon (Si) nanoparticles, provide a platform for manipulating optical fields at the subwavelength scale. However, in general, the quality factors of Mie resonances supported by an isolated nanoparticle are not sufficient for realizing strong light-matter interaction. Here, we propose the use of dielectric-metal hybrid nanocavities composed of Si nanoparticles and silicon nitride/silver (Si3N4/Ag) heterostructures to improve light-matter interaction. First, we demonstrate that the nonlinear optical absorption of the Si nanoparticle in a Si/Si3N4/Ag hybrid nanocavity can be greatly enhanced at the magnetic dipole resonance. The Si/Si3N4/Ag nanocavity exhibits luminescence burst at substantially lower excitation energy (∼20.5  pJ) compared to a Si nanoparticle placed on a silica substrate (∼51.3  pJ). The luminescence intensity is also enhanced by an order of magnitude. Second, we show that strong exciton-photon coupling can be realized when a tungsten disulfide (WS2) monolayer is inserted into a Si/Si3N4/Ag nanocavity. When such a system is excited by using s-polarized light, the optical resonance supported by the nanocavity can be continuously tuned to sweep across the two exciton resonances of the WS2 monolayer by simply varying the incident angle. As a result, Rabi splitting energies as large as ∼146.4  meV and ∼110  meV are observed at the A- and B-exciton resonances of the WS2 monolayer, satisfying the criterion for strong exciton-photon coupling. The proposed nanocavities provide, to our knowledge, a new platform for enhancing light-matter interaction in multiple scenarios and imply potential applications in constructing nanoscale photonic devices.
High-efficiency tunable lasers hybrid-integrated with silicon photonics at 2.0  μm
Authors: Xie Yuxuan , McDonald Corey A. , Morin Theodore J. , Zhou Zhican , Peters Jonathan , Bowers John E. , Wan Yating
Published: January 2025

We present hybrid tunable lasers at 2.0-μm wavelength, seamlessly integrated within silicon photonic circuits for advanced biomedical applications. Leveraging III/V semiconductor materials for gain and silicon ring resonators for tuning, the laser achieves a tuning range of 25 nm, precise adjustments below 0.1 nm, and a side-mode suppression ratio of 40 dB. This advancement contributes to the progress in photonic integrated circuits beyond the telecommunication wavelength range, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions for enhanced spectroscopic systems within the 2.0-μm wavelength range.
Dominant Expression of Chromogranin B in Pituitary Corticotrophs and Its Putative Role in Interaction With Secretogranin III
Authors: Kikuchi Shota , Odashima Koki , Yasui Tadashi , Torii Seiji , Hosaka Masahiro , Gomi Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Summary

Previous studies have suggested that chromogranin A (CgA) is a partner molecule of secretogranin III (SgIII). In mouse pituitary corticotroph-derived AtT-20 cells, SgIII plays a role in sorting CgA/hormone aggregates into secretory granules (SGs). Although CgA expression is equivocal, CgB is clearly detectable in the rat pituitary corticotrophs. Therefore, we hypothesized that CgB shares a function with CgA in pituitary corticotrophs. In the binding assays, CgB, similar to CgA, showed binding activity to SgIII under weakly acidic conditions and in the presence of Ca2+. Considering the differences in animal species, the different abilities of antibodies, and the conditions of tissue fixation and thin sectioning in immunofluorescence histochemistry, we found that CgA was expressed in a small population (approximately 10%), and its expression intensity was weaker than that of CgB (>98%) in rodent pituitary corticotrophs. In addition, similar to CgA, CgB and SgIII were colocalized in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) granules. The labeling of CgA and CgB was not completely consistent, and CgB colocalized with SgIII in many granules. These results suggest that there are multiple sorting systems for ACTH granules in pituitary corticotrophs and that the SgIII/CgB complex behaves more dominantly than the SgIII/CgA complex, which has somewhat different properties:
A robust transfer learning approach for high-dimensional linear regression to support integration of multi-source gene expression data
Authors: Pan Lulu , Gao Qian , Wei Kecheng , Yu Yongfu , Qin Guoyou , Wang Tong
Published: January 2025

Transfer learning aims to integrate useful information from multi-source datasets to improve the learning performance of target data. This can be effectively applied in genomics when we learn the gene associations in a target tissue, and data from other tissues can be integrated. However, heavy-tail distribution and outliers are common in genomics data, which poses challenges to the effectiveness of current transfer learning approaches. In this paper, we study the transfer learning problem under high-dimensional linear models with t-distributed error (Trans-PtLR), which aims to improve the estimation and prediction of target data by borrowing information from useful source data and offering robustness to accommodate complex data with heavy tails and outliers. In the oracle case with known transferable source datasets, a transfer learning algorithm based on penalized maximum likelihood and expectation-maximization algorithm is established. To avoid including non-informative sources, we propose to select the transferable sources based on cross-validation. Extensive simulation experiments as well as an application demonstrate that Trans-PtLR demonstrates robustness and better performance of estimation and prediction when heavy-tail and outliers exist compared to transfer learning for linear regression model with normal error distribution.

Data integration, Variable selection, T distribution, Expectation maximization algorithm, Genotype-Tissue Expression, Cross validation.
Situational analysis of malaria in Cabo Verde: From endemic control to elimination, history, cases data and challenges ahead
Authors: DePina Adilson José , Lopes Gomes Jonas António , Moreira António Lima , Niang El Hadji Amadou
Published: January 2025

On 12 January 2024, Cabo Verde was officially certified by the WHO as a malaria-free country after six consecutive years without local transmission. This study analysed the malaria history of Cabo Verde from 1953 to certification in 2024, highlighted the valuable lessons learned, and discussed challenges for prevention reintroduction. Malaria data from the last 35 years (1988–2022) were analysed using descriptive analyses, and cases were mapped using the USGS National Map Viewer. From 1988 to 2022, 3,089 malaria cases were reported, 2.381 (77.1%) locally and 708 (22.9%) imported. Imported cases were reported nationwide except on Brava Island. Six municipalities did not report any cases, while local cases were restricted to Santiago and Boavista, with 2.360 and 21 cases, respectively. Malaria history in the country revealed six remarkable steps and three periods of interruption in the transmission of local malaria cases. The last local cases were reported in Boavista in 2015 and Santiago in 2017. Since 2018, introduced cases have been recorded from time to time. Disease lethality was low, with ten malaria deaths from 2010 to 2023, and the highest value of 8.3% (3/36) recorded in 2011. With this certification, Cabo Verde became a reference in Africa for its health sector organisation, multisectoral, and partnership in malaria control. However, maintaining the certification presents several sustainability challenges for the country. Additionally, robust epidemiological and entomological surveillance, continued investigations, and ongoing research are crucial.