bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterotopic Osteotomy for Intrathecal Baclofen Test Dose Administration in a Pediatric Patient With Spinal Fusion: A Technical Note
Authors: Abdelmageed Sunny , Villalba Nicole , Mossner James , Krater Timothy , Raskin Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps are used for the treatment of pediatric movement disorders that are rapidly progressive or do not respond to medical management. An ITB test dose is indicated in patients who have mixed tone, when the family remains unconvinced, or when insurance companies require it. Test doses are typically delivered by lumbar puncture; however, lumbar puncture in patients with heterotopic ossification of the lumbar vertebrae after a previous spinal fusion is not possible. To our knowledge, we present the first technical note describing a heterotopic osteotomy to access the subarachnoid space for a complex ITB test dose in a pediatric patient with a spinal fusion.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

We present a 14-year-old woman with spastic, dystonic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, neuromuscular scoliosis, and previous T3-pelvis posterior spinal fusion. She continued to have significant dystonia and spasticity despite maximal medical management and was offered ITB therapy. A complex ITB test dose through heterotopic osteotomy was performed with excellent clinical results, and the patient will ultimately receive an ITB pump.

CONCLUSION:

Heterotopic ossification following spinal fusion is not a contraindication to an ITB test dose. A heterotopic osteotomy is a feasible surgical approach to administer an ITB test dose in these pediatric patients.
Examining the effects of anxiety and education level on mental health: The role of spiritual intelligence as an intervening variable in post COVID-19 patients in Indonesia
Authors: Ansyori Anis , Yunus Ahmad , Imam Sentot , Peristiowati Yuly
Published: November 2024

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected global health systems and daily life, exacerbating vulnerabilities, particularly in Indonesia. This study investigates the impact of anxiety and education level on mental health, with spiritual intelligence as an intervening variable among post-COVID-19 patients in Indonesia. Methods Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 390 post-COVID-19 patients in Indonesia. Structured questionnaires assessed anxiety, education level, spiritual intelligence, and mental health. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships among these variables. Results The findings indicate that anxiety significantly affects both spiritual intelligence and mental health, with spiritual intelligence acting as a mediating factor. Additionally, higher educational attainment is positively associated with enhanced spiritual intelligence and improved mental health outcomes. Conclusions The study underscores the importance of incorporating spiritual development practices into mental health interventions and educational programs to boost resilience and overall well-being in the post-pandemic era. While these findings are promising, the cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and future research should consider longitudinal studies to examine these relationships over time. These practices can help mitigate the adverse effects of anxiety and educational disparities on mental health.
Ischemic monomelic neuropathy following arteriovenous fistula surgery: a case report
Authors: Kim Da Woon , Jeon You Hyun , Bae Miju , Song Sang Heon
Published: November 2024

Ischemic monomelic neuropathy (IMN) is an uncommon complication of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) surgery that presents with pain, motor weakness, and sensory changes without critical ischemia. This report describes a rare case of successful IMN treatment after AVF surgery. A 61-year-old man with diabetic end-stage kidney disease was admitted for left brachiocephalic AVF surgery. Postoperatively, the patient complained of pain, motor weakness, and numbness in the left hand. However, the radial pulse remained palpable, and the overlying skin remained intact. A nerve conduction study above the wrist revealed reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the left ulnar nerve and no CMAP of the left median nerve. This study also showed the absence of sensory amplitude in both the left median and left ulnar nerves. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with IMN. Proximalization of the arterial inflow surgery was performed to redistribute blood flow while maintaining the AVF. The patient’s neurological symptoms resolved postoperatively. Various conditions can cause hand pain after AVF surgery; however, IMN has rarely been reported. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to avoid this rare complication in patients presenting with hand pain after AVF surgery.
Impact of physical activity on physical function and quality of life after liver transplantation
Authors: Wirkijowski Jakub , Niegowska Wiktoria , Gajek-Flanczewska Wiktoria , Flanczewski Sebastian , Wiklińska Agata , Śliwińska Martyna , Wójtowicz Katarzyna , Walczak Agata , Jaroń Aleksandra , Piątkowska Karolina
Published: November 2024

Introduction and aim of the study: Liver-related diseases are very common in our society, and as a result, the number of people requiring liver transplantation is likewise increasing. In our research, we intended to analyze the topic of increasing survival rates and improving comfort along with the quality of life while waiting for a transplant, as well as in the postoperative period. We determined that we would investigate the impact of physical activity on risk factors that increase hospitalizations after surgery and decrease quality of life. We summarized the effect and type of exercise on sarcopenia, frailty, and their direct relation to the pre- and post-operative period of liver transplantation. In addition, we analyzed possible obstacles and difficulties arising from the implementation of physical activity in liver transplant recipients.
Materials and methods: The authors conducted an extensive review of articles available in PubMed, Google Scholar, UpToDate, Science Direct, and Cochrane databases. The keywords liver transplantation, physical activity, quality of life, sarcopenia, and frailty were the basis of the review. Studies published between 2001 and 2024 were included in the review.
Results: The vast majority of the studies emphasized the positive effects of exercise, particularly aerobic and resistance training, on improving the clinical conditions and well-being of liver transplant patients. The papers with inconsistent results nevertheless underscored the need to delve further into this topic. Thus, the overall evidence supports the inclusion of physical exercise in post-transplant care as a key strategy for improving health and quality of life.
Conclusion: Regular physical activity is beneficial for clinical outcomes and patients’ quality of life after liver transplantation.
Average Case Subquadratic Exact and Heuristic Procedures for the Traveling Salesman 2-OPT Neighborhood
Authors: Lancia Giuseppe , Vidoni Paolo
Published: November 2024

We describe an exact algorithm for finding the best 2-OPT move that, experimentally, was observed to be much faster than the standard quadratic approach for a large part of a best-improvement local search convergence starting at a random tour. To analyze its average-case complexity, we introduce a family of heuristic procedures and discuss their complexity when applied to a random tour in graphs whose edge costs are either uniform random numbers in [0, 1] or Euclidean distances between random points in the plane. We prove that, for any probability p, there is a heuristic in the family that can find the best 2-OPT move with probability at least p in average-time [Formula: see text]) for uniform instances and [Formula: see text] for Euclidean instances. The exact algorithm is then proved to be even faster in the sense that in those instances in which a heuristic finds the best move, the exact algorithm finds it in a smaller time. We give empirical evidence that a slight variant of our algorithm finds the best move in [Formula: see text] time on both types of instances, achieving the best possible performance for this particular problem. Computational experiments are reported to show the effectiveness of our algorithms, both in best-improvement and in first-improvement 2-OPT local search.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design and Analysis of Algorithms: Discrete.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0169 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0169 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Successful Management of High-Risk Pregnancy with TORCH Infection History and Chronic Hypertension
Authors: Karimah Rumman , Fadli Sonny , Eljatin Dwinka Syafira , Indriastuti Endah , Sari Desiana Widityaning , Ridhoi Ahmad
Published: November 2024

A 41-year-old pregnant woman of Javanese ethnicity attended the outpatient clinic of a private hospital, presented with fifth pregnancy and no living children due to a history of ectopic  pregnancy, two times IUFD, and one time neonatal death. The patient also had a history of chronic hypertension and asthma. The examination showed positive IgG Toxoplasma and CMV antibody levels. The patient's blood pressure also never touched the normal limit since the beginning of pregnancy. At the end of pregnancy, she had very high blood pressure and proteinuria. According to WHO Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is still very high, where two of the five highest causes are infection and hypertension in pregnancy. High risk pregnancies require special attention in monitoring during pregnancy and management. In a history of bad obstetrical history it is necessary to screen for infection which can be done by antibody serology testing. A positive IgG indicates immunity to the virus, if possible it is necessary to check IgG Avidity to determine whether therapy is still needed or can rely on the immune system that has been formed. Chronic hypertension (Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) > 140 mmHg and / or Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) > 90 mmHg since < 20 Weeks Gestational Age (WGA) until 42 days after delivery). First-line Labetalol and Nifedipine or second-line Methyldopa and Hydrochlorothiazide should be considered depending on the condition and gestational age. If there are signs of preeclampsia, termination should be done if possible, along with antihypertensives and anticonvulsants such as MgSO4.
Epilepsy or Eclampsia in Differential Diagnosis of Recurrent Seizures in Pregnancy Aisyiyah Bojonegoro Hospital: A Diagnostic Dilemma? A Case Report
Authors: Khaidar Reyfal , Fitri Wafa Sofia , Sania Hen , Rahman Mafida Wida , Modjo Annisa Afiyatushsholihah , Subiantoro Andri , Indriani Ratri Dwi , Zammara Abdurrahman , Ridho Muhammad Ainur Rosyid
Published: November 2024

Seizures in pregnancy can lead to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, often arising from various factors necessitating clear diagnosis for effective therapy. Concurrent occurrence of multiple causative factors can complicate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. We present a case of a 32-week pregnant woman with poorly managed epilepsy who experienced eclampsia and recurrent seizures. Treatment involved multiple medications and emergency cesarean delivery with meticulous blood pressure control. Close monitoring and therapy adjustment were crucial. Managing seizures in such cases poses a dilemma, necessitating initial focus on airway, breathing, and circulation stabilization. Immediate delivery of a viable fetus and maternal health maintenance are paramount. Anesthetic goals encompass seizure and blood pressure control, hemodynamic stability, and intensive care support for potential complications. While eclampsia is a significant factor, seizures in pregnancy may arise from diverse causes, demanding early diagnosis and tailored treatment for optimal patient outcomes.
Traumatic Diaphragmatic Rupture Leading to Tension Gastrothorax: A Critical Case Report and Surgical Insight
Authors: WIlopo Ivor Wiguna Hartanto
Published: November 2024

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR) is a serious but relatively uncommon injury, often resulting from blunt trauma, particularly motor vehicle accidents. Among these, blunt TDR presents with more severe outcomes than penetrating injuries, including higher mortality rates. A life-threatening complication of TDR is gastrothorax, which occurs when the stomach herniates into the thoracic cavity, leading to elevated intrathoracic pressure and potentially fatal consequences such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. This case reported a 23-year-old male who sustained a motor vehicle collision, presenting with progressive shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting 15 hours post-injury. Imaging confirmed a diaphragmatic rupture with associated tension gastrothorax. Immediate intervention with nasogastric tube placement provided symptom relief, followed by exploratory laparotomy to repair the diaphragmatic defect. The patient's recovery was uneventful, demonstrating the critical importance of early diagnosis and timely surgical management in cases of TDR with gastrothorax. Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture occurs in approximately 0.8–1.6% of trauma cases, with motor vehicle accidents being the leading cause. Due to its potential for delayed diagnosis, the rupture is often missed initially, leading to higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Early detection is critical, as it can prevent serious complications such as bowel herniation into the thoracic cavity, respiratory distress, or even death.
Multidisciplinary Treatment on a 69 years-old Male with Kidney Stone and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Prabawati Patricia , Kusuma Raditya
Published: November 2024

Introduction Obstruction by kidney stones is one of the causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Out of all CKD cases, 10.3% are associated with obstruction due to kidney stones. Treatment of kidney stones can restore kidney function, but requires holistic and intense collaboration between urologists to treat the stones, nephrologist to monitor kidney function, and nutritionists to provide proper diet to prevent kidney stone reccurence
Case Presentation A 69-year old male presented to the emergency departement with flank pain since 1 week ago. The patient complained of frequent flank pain since the last year. BOF radiological examination found staghorn stones in the right kidney, and ultrasonography revealed severe hydronephrosis of the right kidney. An impaired kidney function and decreased eGFR related to CKD were also found. The urologist performed bivalve nephrolithotomy on the right kidney. Afterwards, a histopathological examination was done to determine the stone material for further collaborative management with internist and nutritionist. After consultation with nutritionists regarding nutritional needs, monitoring from internist was done to monitor comorbidities and progression of CKD. Kidney function was evaluated after collaborative management and we found improvement on kidney function.
Discussion In patients with CKD caused by obstruction due to kidney stones, it is necessary to treat the kidney stones first to relieve obstruction and restore kidney function. In this case the role of the internist is to control and recover kidney function after urologists have relieved the patient from urinary obstruction. Kidney stones that have been successfully removed are subjected to histopathological examination to determine its composition. After the composition were identified, consultation with a nutritionist is carried out to determine the right diet for the patient. With the right diet, prevention of stone reoccurrence is expected.
Conclusion A history of kidney stones is associated with an increased risk of CKD. Multidisciplinary collaboration between urologists, nephrologist, and nutritionists helps lower the risk of stone recurrence and minimize the need for additional operative procedures through a focus on dietary and medical approaches and improved kidney function.
Building sustainability
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

Andrew McClean explores how a new programme helps practices achieve a net zero rating
Spectacles in space
Authors: Baker David
Published: November 2024

David Baker tells the tale of how a pair of Varilux lenses came to be used on the Mir space station
No regrets for audiology move
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: November 2024

Mike Hale speaks to Emma Walker, hearing care director and chair for audiology (Greater London Division) at Specsavers, about moving into audiology from an optical background
Natural history lessons
Authors: Bennett Chris
Published: November 2024

Chris Bennett casts his eye over the new designs from Luxottica's plethora of eyewear brands
Keeping it close to home
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: November 2024

Mike Hale speaks to experts about the current state of play in the domiciliary eye care sector
CLEAR interactive – 6
Authors: Retallic Neil , Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

Neil Retallic and Bill Harvey offer feedback from the last interactive CPD exercise based upon the BCLA CLEAR publication focusing on orthokeratology. (C104906)
Family foundations
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

As Scotlens celebrates 20 years of Nocturnal, Scott Brown tells Andrew McClean about the company's history
CPD: Reflections on Retinal Photocoagulation
Authors: Clarkson Douglas
Published: November 2024

Dr Douglas Clarkson describes the evolution of laser systems used to treat retinal conditions and highlights the rivalry between single spot and pattern delivery techniques. (C-105500, suitable for logging as one distance learning CPD point by optometrists and therapeutic optometrists)
It's good to talk
Authors: Kirkpatrick Nigel
Published: November 2024

Nigel Kirkpatrick considers the crucial role communication plays within the industry
Going big
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

Andrew McCarthy-McClean speaks to Rodenstock about the company's transformation and its personalised approach
Glaucoma Awareness Week drives for improved services
Authors: Patchett Lucy
Published: November 2024

The optical sector shares glaucoma patient stories and advocates for greater integration of care for glaucoma services. Lucy Patchett reports
Uncompromised total knee arthroplasty function after distal femoral osteotomy
Authors: Clark Sean C. , Pan Xuankang , Saris Daniel B. F. , Taunton Michael J. , Krych Aaron J. , Hevesi Mario
Published: November 2024

Aims

Distal femoral osteotomies (DFOs) are commonly used for the correction of valgus deformities and lateral compartment osteoarthritis. However, the impact of a DFO on subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) function remains a subject of debate. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a unilateral DFO on subsequent TKA function in patients with bilateral TKAs, using the contralateral knee as a self-matched control group.

Methods

The inclusion criteria consisted of patients who underwent simultaneous or staged bilateral TKA after prior unilateral DFO between 1972 and 2023. The type of osteotomy performed, osteotomy hardware fixation, implanted TKA components, and revision rates were recorded. Postoperative outcomes including the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12), Tegner Activity Scale score, and subjective knee preference were also obtained at final follow-up.

Results

A total of 21 patients underwent bilateral TKA following unilateral DFO and were followed for a mean of 31.5 years (SD 11.1; 20.2 to 74.2) after DFO. The mean time from DFO to TKA conversion was 13.1 years (SD 9.7) with 13 (61.9%) of DFO knees converting to TKA more than ten years after DFO. There was no difference in arthroplasty implant systems employed in both the DFO-TKA and TKA-only knees (p > 0.999). At final follow-up, the mean FJS-12 of the DFO-TKA knee was 62.7 (SD 36.6), while for the TKA-only knee it was 65.6 (SD 34.7) (p = 0.328). In all, 80% of patients had no subjective knee preference or preferred their DFO-TKA knee. Three DFO-TKA knees and two TKA-only knees underwent subsequent revision following index arthroplasty at a mean of 12.8 years (SD 6.9) and 8.5 years (SD 3.8), respectively (p > 0.999).

Conclusion

In this self-matched study, DFOs did not affect subsequent TKA function as clinical outcomes, subjective knee preference, and revision rates were similar in both the DFO-TKA and TKA-only knees at mean 32-year follow-up.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(11):1013–1019.
Transport of Antibiotics, Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, and Antibiotic Resistance Genes Through Prairie Strips During Simulated Runoff
Authors: Alt Laura M. , Craig Andrew J. , Congilosi Jena L. , Aga Diana S. , Howe Adina , Soupir Michelle L.
Published: November 2024

Highlights

A physical model system was used to track resistance contaminants through prairie strips.

Resistance contaminants included antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes.

Subsurface filtration caused the highest concentration reduction of resistance contaminants.

Infiltration is highlighted as a key feature in concentration and mass load reductions.

Abstract. Antibiotic use in production animals can drive the development and spread of antibiotic resistance within environmental systems. Transport pathways of resistance contaminants from animals to the environment are known, but there is no regulatory consensus on which specific contaminants should be monitored. Furthermore, there is a need for management practices to combat the transport of these resistance contaminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate Conservation Practice 43 prairie strips for their reduction of three resistance indicators: antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes, from manure-impacted overland flow under varying run-on flow rates. High, medium, and low run-on flow rates were tested with the use of a laboratory-scale flume containing a field-extracted section of prairie strip. Grab samples were collected immediately upstream, downstream, and beneath the prairie strip, representing run-on, runoff, and infiltrated flows, respectively. Percent reductions in the median concentration of each resistance contaminant were calculated for each flow experiment at both the runoff and infiltration sampling locations to demonstrate the impact of the prairie strip. However, in instances where an increase in the median concentration of a contaminant occurred between the run-on sampling location and either the runoff or infiltration sampling locations, a negative percent reduction is reported. Across all flows, the percent reductions in median concentrations at the runoff sampling location ranged from -11.4%–0.8% for antibiotics, 1.2%–28.2% for bacteria, and -4.2%–30.5% for genes. In comparison, the percent reductions in median concentrations at the infiltration sampling location ranged from -23.9%–43.6% for antibiotics, 12.9%–65.5% for bacteria, and -12.6%–43.5% for genes. The dataset from this study supports the use of appropriately designed prairie strips to decrease the concentrations and loads of resistance contaminants that are transported downstream from manured fields and can be used to inform in-field design parameters. Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Flume, Swine manure, Water quality.
Applying the volunteer process model to understand the lived experience of habitual volunteers: during COVID-19
Authors: Adams Andrew , Jones Ian , Deane John
Published: November 2024

This article identifies the volunteer process model (VPM) as a useful umbrella term to situate and understand the lived experience of volunteering of a small sample of habitual volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We use a methodological approach based on interpretive phenomenological analysis to offer granular analysis of lived experiences of committed volunteers. Our analysis suggests, first, that the sample of committed volunteers lived experiences allow critical insights into how a particular user group can establish value and meaning and how these can be interpreted. Second, that the use of the VPM as a unifying concept allows a critical reflection on volunteering as an experiential activity that is wholly humanistic, and that contributes towards an understanding of volunteer engagement beyond the ‘black box’. This article provides an empirical basis for these arguments, offering a framework that can take forward this limited research as useful to provide explanatory rationales and expanded ways of organising and managing volunteer engagement.
The diversity of grandparents in rural China: a new classification based on the shift in grandparents’ ideology and family structure
Authors: Wang Ye
Published: November 2024

The heterogeneity of grandparent caregivers in rural China increases the challenges in exploring and assisting this group. To address this, the study used data from 38 in-depth interviews conducted in three diverse Chinese villages, identifying four ideal types of grandparents: leading, sacrificial, reciprocal and reluctant. These types are based on grandparents’ ideologies and family structures, reflecting different stages of societal change. The findings indicate that the diversity of grandparents and their varied caregiving experiences in rural China reflect the transformation trends of rural families and individuals. Additionally, this study introduced a new analytical tool for future research on rural Chinese grandparents.
Radicalising hope to resist the neoliberalisation of social work
Authors: Zufferey Carole
Published: November 2024

The influence of neoliberalism is taken for granted in social work and has increasingly shaped social work practice, research and education. This article examines hope in social work and the importance of radically theorising hope to challenge the neoliberalisation of social work. Social work has a dual function that both resists and accommodates neoliberal agendas. Hope is a multidimensional concept. Hope is predominantly individualised in social work, but there are also radical and critical notions of hope that align with the broader political struggles of social work. Consistent with ethics of social justice, this article advocates for broadening the use of hope in social work to incorporate radical and critical hope in social work practice, research and education.
Synthesis of CdTe microstructures on p-type silicon (111) using light-modulated electrodeposition
Authors: Cardoso Wilder
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present the results of our electrodeposition experiments of cadmium telluride (CdTe) microstructures on p-type silicon (111) spatially modulated by the incidence of light. This technique has shown itself to be practical and inexpensive, with immediate results. The construction from an adequate microcell to the process and all the required methodologies by such a technique are also shown. Photoelectrodeposition allows the creation of localized microdeposits, since the type of substrate used is activated locally by focalized light incidence. The photoelectrodeposited samples were characterized by optical profilometry and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The profilometry analyses showed that the deposit dimensions are directly proportional to the incident laser power but are not significantly influenced by the exposure time. The SEM has revealed information regarding the size and the concentration of the clusters on the deposited regions. The size of these agglomerates is affected by the laser intensity, showing itself higher on the center of the deposits than on the peripheral regions. Both the size of the clusters and their concentrations increase as the laser exposure time increases. Furthermore, higher concentrations of clusters are seen when linear polarization is used instead of circular polarization, but circular polarization generates larger clusters.
Combined speckle- and propagation-based single shot two-dimensional phase retrieval method
Authors: Leong Andrew F. T. , Hodge Daniel S. , Kurzer-Ogul Kelin , Marchesini Stefano , Pandolfi Silvia , Liu Yanwei , Barber John L. , Li Kenan , Sakdinawat Anne , Galtier Eric C. , Nagler Bob , Lee Hae Ja , Cunningham Eric F. , Carver Thomas E. , Aluie Hussein , Shang Jessica K. , Bolme Cynthia A. , Ramos Kyle J. , Khaghani Dimitry , Sandberg Richard L. , Montgomery David S. , Kozlowski Pawel M. , Gleason Arianna E.
Published: November 2024

Single-shot two-dimensional (2D) phase retrieval (PR) can recover the phase shift distribution within an object from a single 2D x-ray phase contrast image (XPCI). Two competing XPCI imaging modalities often used for single-shot 2D PR to recover material properties critical for predictive performance capabilities are: speckle-based (SP-XPCI) and propagation-based (PB-XPCI) XPCI imaging. However, PR from SP-XPCI and PB-XPCI images are, respectively, limited to reconstructing accurately slowly and rapidly varying features due to noise and differences in their contrast mechanisms. Herein, we consider a combined speckle- and propagation-based XPCI (SPB-XPCI) image by introducing a mask to generate a reference pattern and imaging in the near-to-holographic regime to induce intensity modulations in the image. We develop a single-shot 2D PR method for SPB-XPCI images of pure phase objects without imposing restrictions such as object support constraints. It is compared against PR methods inspired by those developed for SP-XPCI and PB-XPCI on simulated and experimental images of a thin glass shell before and during shockwave compression. Reconstructed phase maps show improvements in quantitative scores of root-mean-square error and structural similarity index measure using our proposed method.
Transition metal ions doped InP/ZnS quantum dots: toward the application of two-photon probes and type-I photosensitizers
Authors: Cui Yanyan , Luo Tai , Jin Hao , He Tingchao
Published: November 2024

Semiconductor colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are technologically important for multiphoton bioimaging and photodynamic therapy applications. However, most semiconductor QDs have intrinsic cytotoxicity and small Stokes shifts, which hinder their applications in diagnosis and treatment. In this work, a series of transition metal ions doped InP/ZnS QDs, including Cu: InP/ZnS and Mn: InP/ZnS QDs, are synthesized, and their optical properties are characterized. Interestingly, these doped InP/ZnS QDs possess strong two-photon absorption cross sections at 700 nm (100 fs, 80 MHz), up to ∼1.5 × 104 GM for Cu: InP/ZnS QDs (0.5% Cu) and ∼8.8 × 103 GM for Mn: InP/ZnS QDs (40% Mn). Importantly, both undoped and doped InP/ZnS QDs can generate electron-hole pairs to produce •OH and O2•− under 800 nm photoexcitation, which can be used as two-photon excited type-I photosensitizers. These findings constitute a comprehensive understanding of the transitional metal ions doped InP/ZnS QDs as the two-photon fluorescence probes and type-I photosensitizers.
Quantum two-way time transfer over a 250 km direct fiber-optic link
Authors: Shi Bingke , Hong Huibo , Xiang Xiao , Quan Runai , Liu Yuting , Liu Tao , Zhang Shougang , Dong Ruifang
Published: November 2024

Utilizing energy-time entangled biphotons as the resource, quantum two-way time transfer (Q-TWTT) has shown superior transfer stability far below 1 picosecond level in numerous experimental demonstrations. In this article, we provide further insights into comparing this method with the classical time transfer method based on intensity modulation-direct detection (IM-DD) regarding their signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance against backscattering noise in long-distance fiber transmission. The exceptional SNR of Q-TWTT indicates its potential to pioneer new avenues for overcoming the transmission distance limitation in single-span fiber. In light of this, a groundbreaking achievement of Q-TWTT is demonstrated over a remarkable 250 km-long direct fiber-optic link. Despite a total transmission loss of 55 dB, time transfer stability of 4.9 ps at an averaging time of 40 s and 0.6 ps at 10240 s is achieved. This marks a significant advancement in the experimental demonstration of long-haul fiber quantum time transfer, which also offers a highly compatible and potentially quantum secure solution for constructing large-scale quantum networks.
Precision compensation method for large-scale measurements based on full-space refractive index field reconstruction with vibratory mirror background oriented schlieren (VMBOS)
Authors: Wu Jun , Zhang Chenping , Pan Zhixiang , Zhang Zhen , Chen Jiusheng , Guo Runxia , Xing Zhiwei
Published: November 2024

With the development of the large-scale equipment manufacturing industry, such as aircraft component assembly, wind turbine rotor blade measurement and large ship assembly the demand for optical measurement accuracy in large-dimensional spaces within industrial environments has become increasingly stringent. However, due to the presence of internal interference sources, light will no longer propagate in a straight line, thereby introducing measurement errors that cannot be ignored. To compensate for the measurement error, the refractive index field distribution within the large-dimensional measurement space must be reconstructed. Therefore, this paper proposed a vibratory mirror background oriented schlieren (VMBOS) based on vibratory scanning. This method scans the measurement space through the rotation of vibratory mirror to obtain light deflection angles at different directions. Subsequently, the refractive index field of the large-dimensional space is reconstructed by using the tomographic reconstruction algorithm. Then the optical path of the light in the optical measurement can be corrected through the Hamiltonian ray tracing algorithm, thereby achieving compensation for the measurement error. Finally, the VMBOS method has been verified through both simulation and experimental methods. The experimental results demonstrated that the method proposed in this paper can be applied to optical path correction and error compensation in large scale spaces.
Integrating high-precision and fringe-scale displacement sensing using heterodyne cavity-tracking
Authors: Chalathadka Subrahmanya Shreevathsa , Darsow-Fromm Christian , Gerberding Oliver
Published: November 2024

We present a heterodyne stabilized cavity-based interferometer scheme that can serve as a compact and high-sensitivity displacement sensor with a fringe-scale operating range. The technique, in principle, can reach a sub-femtometer noise floor and an operating range on the order of one laser wavelength at λ ≈ 1 μm. With our current experimental setup, we achieve a sensitivity of about 260 fm/Hz at 1 Hz and 46 fm/Hz at around 130 Hz. By probing a length actuated cavity, we demonstrate six orders of magnitude of dynamic range for displacement measurement, reaching a maximum motion of 0.15 μm. The tracking bandwidth and displacement range are limited by analog effects in the signal digitization and are extendable in the future.
Effect of the self-aligned etching thin p-GaN layer on the performance of AlGaN-based DUV LEDs with various chip sizes
Authors: Wu Yuling , Jia Tong , Zhai Deyi , Liu Zhaoqiang , Li Wenjie , Chu Chunshuang , Tian Kangkai , Liu Haoyan , Zhang Yonghui , Sun Xiaowei , Zhang Zi-Hui
Published: November 2024

The light extraction efficiency (LEE) for deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) is significantly sacrificed by the absorption of the p-GaN layer. In this work, the self-aligned etching process is employed to laterally over-etched periphery thin p-GaN under the p-electrode by 10 µm to further improve the performance of AlGaN-based LEDs with various chip sizes. We find that when compared with reference devices with chip sizes of 40 × 40 µm2, 60 × 60 µm2 and 100 × 100 µm2, the optical power levels for the proposed DUV LEDs are enhanced by 16.66%, 11.41% and 7%, respectively. The most optical power enhancement can be obtained for the 40 × 40 µm2 DUV micro-LED chip. Hence, it is indicated that the laterally over-etched p-GaN design is more effective in increasing the LEE for DUV LEDs with reduced chip size. This shows the potential of the self-aligned etching p-GaN process in enhancing the LEE of DUV micro-LEDs. In addition, the lateral over-etched thin p-GaN suppresses the carrier diffusion to the device edge, which reduces the diffusion capacitance therein, hence leading to an increased −3 dB bandwidth to 55.4 MHz from 75.9 MHz for the packaged device of 100 × 100 µm2.
Multi-mode interference waveguide spectrometer with optimized performance
Authors: Amin Md Nafiz , Ramollari Helio , Yuzvinsky Thomas D. , Weber Zoe , Adams Tyler J. , Dixon Porter B. , Bundy Kevin , Hawkins Aaron R. , Schmidt Holger
Published: November 2024

Chip-scale integrated imaging spectrometers show significant potential for high-performance spectral analysis due to advancements in fabrication and computational techniques. Many practical applications, such as astronomy and molecular spectroscopy, require analyzing light at sub-nanowatt levels, where inherent enhancement in spectrometer signals can reduce the need for expensive photodetectors or long integration time. Previously, we introduced an integrated spectrometer scheme using machine learning to reconstruct spectra from imaging the wavelength-dependent patterns scattered out of a multimode interference (MMI) waveguide. In this work, we report a signal enhancement of 13.6 dB and an increase of device sensitivity and dynamic range by 15 dB by selective roughening of the waveguide surface via plasma etching. By imaging interference patterns at various points along the waveguide, we determine that the best spectrometer performance is achieved by imaging MMI sections with highest pattern variation. We report accurate spectral measurements using convolutional neural network-based spectral reconstruction with 1 nm resolution at input powers as low as 300 pW for the present experimental configuration, and a scattering coefficient of 1.109 cm-1 from the etched section.
Metasurface-based functional optical splitter for a spatially parallelized dual-polarization coherent modulator
Authors: Ren Chun , Komatsu Kento , Soma Go , Nakano Yoshiaki , Tanemura Takuo
Published: November 2024

We propose a surface-normal dual-polarization in-phase and quadrature modulator (DP-IQM) that employs a thin dielectric metasurface (MS) layer inserted on a high-speed electro-absorptive modulator array. The metasurface provides the functionalities of all the passive components necessary for a DP-IQM, including a polarization beam splitter/combiner and an interferometric circuit, to a normal-incident beam. A dielectric metasurface composed of silicon nanoposts is designed and fabricated to experimentally demonstrate polarization and beam splitting functionalities with a phase error of less than 0.08 rad and a power imbalance of less than 0.9 dB. These small errors correspond to an error-vector magnitude of less than 7% when it is used to generate dual-polarization quaternary phase-shift-keying (DP-QPSK) or 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (DP-16QAM) signals. The surface-normal configuration of our scheme allows scaling to a large two-dimensional (2D) array to generate spatially parallelized DP coherent signals for various applications, including optical communication, computing, and sensing.
Experimental retrieval of metaholographic images via evanescent wave using a single-layer nanostructure for encryption
Authors: Xie Yingxin , Huang Tian , Huang Zhiwei , Zeng Yongquan , Li Zile , Zheng Guoxing
Published: November 2024

Metasurfaces have demonstrated significant potential in optical encryption and anti-counterfeiting due to their incredible capability of manipulating various light properties. However, previous metasurface-encryption methods did not sufficiently explore the spatial frequency aspect, particularly regarding evanescent waves. Here, we propose an encryption scheme by introducing evanescent waves into the encoding and decoding processes. Different parts of the target image are individually encoded at distinct spatial frequencies within the evanescent-wave region. Only when an evanescent wave with a specific transverse wave vector (TWV) serves as the key can the complete target image be retrieved. Our work exemplifies a thorough exploration of the mathematical framework underlying metasurface-based holography. It enables the feasibility of a single metasurface in concealing and retrieving information in the evanescent-wave region, thus opening up a new, to our knowledge, methodology for high-security optical information encryption.
Multi-physics metasurface with reduced characteristic scales simultaneously for microwave, infrared, and acoustic compatibility
Authors: Sun Huiting , Hu Peizhou , Wang Jun , Zhao Jingbo , Zhu Ruichao , Ding Chang , Zhang Jie , Liu Zhaotang , Chu Zuntian , Cui Yina , Wu Fan , Qu Shaobo , Wang Jiafu
Published: November 2024

Devices supporting work in multi-physical environments present new challenges for material design. Due to the wavelength difference, waves from multi-field are difficult to modulate simultaneously, limiting the multi-field functions integration. Inspired by characteristic scale analysis, in this work, a devisable metasurface with characteristic scale compatibility is proposed. Under the reduced characteristic scale, waves in microwave, infrared, and acoustic fields can be modulated simultaneously, which can realize the multi-physics functions compatibility. In the microwave field, the far-field performance can be modulated by designing wavefront phase distribution. In the infrared field, the infrared radiation characteristic can be spatially modulated through noninvasive insetting of infrared devices in the microwave layer. In the acoustic field, the sound wave entering the metasurface can realize high-efficiency loss under the action of the Helmholtz cavity. To verify the design method, a functional sample is simulated and experimented. Three typical functions are effectively verified, which can realize 10 dB backward scattering reduction at 8–10 GHz, digital infrared camouflage with infrared emissivity modulation from 0.4 to 0.8 at 3–14 μm, and sound absorptivity of more than 60% at 160–410 Hz, respectively. The comparable characteristic scale design method paves a new way for individually devisable metasurfaces in multi-physical field integration.
Deep-learning models reveal how context and listener attention shape electrophysiological correlates of speech-to-language transformation
Authors: Anderson Andrew J. , Davis Chris , Lalor Edmund C.
Published: November 2024

To transform continuous speech into words, the human brain must resolve variability across utterances in intonation, speech rate, volume, accents and so on. A promising approach to explaining this process has been to model electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings of brain responses to speech. Contemporary models typically invoke context invariant speech categories (e.g. phonemes) as an intermediary representational stage between sounds and words. However, such models may not capture the complete picture because they do not model the brain mechanism that categorizes sounds and consequently may overlook associated neural representations. By providing end-to-end accounts of speech-to-text transformation, new deep-learning systems could enable more complete brain models. We model EEG recordings of audiobook comprehension with the deep-learning speech recognition system Whisper. We find that (1) Whisper provides a self-contained EEG model of an intermediary representational stage that reflects elements of prelexical and lexical representation and prediction; (2) EEG modeling is more accurate when informed by 5-10s of speech context, which traditional context invariant categorical models do not encode; (3) Deep Whisper layers encoding linguistic structure were more accurate EEG models of selectively attended speech in two-speaker “cocktail party” listening conditions than early layers encoding acoustics. No such layer depth advantage was observed for unattended speech, consistent with a more superficial level of linguistic processing in the brain.
Accuracy of immunological tests on serum and urine for diagnosis of Taenia solium neurocysticercosis: A systematic review
Authors: Van Acker Lisa , Toribio Luz , Chachage Mkunde , Zeng Hang , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Garcia Héctor H. , Gabriël Sarah ,   on behalf of the NeuroSolve Consortium
Published: November 2024

Background

Taenia solium neurocysticercosis is a zoonotic neglected tropical disease, for which adequate diagnostic management is paramount, especially in patients with active cysts for whom improved and timely management could prove beneficial. Immunodiagnosis can potentially partially mitigate the necessity for neuroimaging, shortening the diagnostic -and treatment- pathway. An up-to-date review of immunological test performance is however lacking.

Methodology/Principal findings

Searches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus (up to January 2024), with included records fitting the review scope, i.e. accuracy evaluation of an antibody-/or antigen-detecting immunological test, using serum or urine of humans confirmed via reference standard (i.e. neuroimaging or surgery/biopsy). Record data was assessed, with classification of descriptive data on cyst localization and stage according to a developed confidence scale, and with selection of tests evaluated on a sufficiently high sample size. A QUADAS-2 risk of bias assessment was performed. After screening, 169 records were included for data collection, with 53 records—corresponding to 123 tests- selected for analysis. Absence of data and large data heterogeneity complicated result interpretation. The lentil lectin-bound glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunoelectrotranfser blot seems to fulfill high accuracy standards regarding detection of parenchymal active multiple cysts; also antigen-detecting tests on serum and urine performed well, additionally in detection of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis. A novel multi-antigen print immunoassay is highly promising, with sensitivity for detection of extraparenchymal and parenchymal active single and multiple cysts of 100.0%, and specificity of 98.5%. Point-of-care tests showed promising results, however require further evaluation in targeted resource-poor settings.

Conclusions/Significance

The review highlights the importance of transparent and unambiguous data reporting. With promising immunological tests in development, the challenge before usage in targeted settings will be to perform large-scale evaluations whilst holding into account both optimized test performance and ease of use. Accessibility to validated tests and feasibility of implementation should also be considered.