bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of a Saudi Arabian version of the Positive Mental Health (PMH) scale
Authors: Almubaddel Abdulmohsen
Published: September 2022

The Positive Mental Health (PMH) scale has been shown to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing positive mental health and well-being in different languages and cultures. However, the PMH scale has not yet been translated into Arabic and validated for the Saudi Arabian population. Therefore, the current study aimed to translate the English version of the PMH scale into Arabic for the Saudi Arabian context and validate the translated scale. A total of 1148 adult participants from Saudi public universities took part in the study. Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in different subsamples, the results of the current study revealed that the unifactorial model satisfactorily fits the data. Additionally, the Arabic version of the PMH scale demonstrated sufficient levels of reliability and had a high negative correlation with the Beck Depression Inventory-II, indicating convergent validity. Taken together, the findings of the current study suggest that the Arabic version of the PMH scale has appropriate levels of validity and reliability for the Saudi Arabian population.
High-grade transformation of adenoid cystic carcinoma of parotid gland with isolated intratemporal facial nerve involvement: a case report and literature review
Authors: Balakrishnan Manu Coimbatore , Bhatia Abhijeet , Lyngdoh Bifica Sofia , Harris Caleb , Lynser Donboklang , Kalita Pranjal
Published: September 2022

Background

High-grade transformation Adenoid cystic carcinoma (HGT-AdCC) of the parotid gland is a rare transformation noted in slow growing low grade AdCC. Perineural invasion and spread is an important feature of this tumor. Temporal bone involvement is rare. A total of only 10 cases of HGT-AdCC in parotid gland has been reported in literature so far predominantly in the elderly with peak incidence in 5th–6th decade.

Case presentation

We present a young lady of HGT-AdCC of right parotid gland with temporal bone involvement in the form of isolated perineural invasion (PNI) of facial nerve till the tympanic segment. She underwent right radical parotidectomy with modified radical neck dissection with modified lateral temporal bone resection and pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction. Histopathological examination revealed both low- and high-grade areas. Sections from facial nerve showed tumor invasion.

Conclusion

The radiological features of isolated perineural spread in intratympanic part of facial nerve can be easily missed if not specifically looked for. Every attempt should be made preoperatively and intraoperatively to determine the complete extent of the tumor for adequate disease clearance. A combined clinico-radiological approach aided by histopathology examination helps in early detection of this carcinoma and in better patient management.
Team Science Principles Enhance Cancer Care Delivery Quality Improvement: Interdisciplinary Implementation of Breast Cancer Screening Shared Decision Making
Authors: Burnside Elizabeth S. , Schrager Sarina , DuBenske Lori , Keevil Jon , Little Terry , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Rolland Betsy , Shah Dhavan , Alagoz Oguzhan
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE:

Implementing shared decision making (SDM), recommended in screening mammography by national guidelines for women age 40-49 years, faces challenges that innovations in quality improvement and team science (TS) are poised to address. We aimed to improve the effectiveness, patient-centeredness, and efficiency of SDM in primary care for breast cancer screening.

METHODS:

Our interdisciplinary team included primary and specialty care, psychology, epidemiology, communication science, engineering, and stakeholders (patients and clinicians). Over a 6-year period, we executed two iterative cycles of plan-do-study-act (PDSA) to develop, revise, and implement a SDM tool using TS principles. Patient and physician surveys and retrospective analysis of tool performance informed our first PDSA cycle. Patient and physician surveys, toolkit use, and clinical outcomes in the second PDSA cycle supported SDM implementation. We gathered team member assessments on the importance of individual TS activities.

RESULTS:

Our first PDSA cycle successfully generated a SDM tool called Breast Cancer Risk Estimator, deemed valuable by 87% of patients surveyed. Our second PDSA cycle increased Breast Cancer Risk Estimator utilization, from 2,000 sessions in 2017 to 4,097 sessions in 2019 while maintaining early-stage breast cancer diagnoses. Although TS activities such as culture, trust, and communication needed to be sustained throughout the project, shared goals, research/data infrastructure support, and leadership were more important earlier in the project and persisted in the later stages of the project.

CONCLUSION:

Combining rigorous quality improvement and TS principles can support the complex, interdependent, and interdisciplinary activities necessary to improve cancer care delivery exemplified by our implementation of a breast cancer screening SDM tool.
Oncologists' Perspectives on Individualizing Dose Selection for Patients With Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Jimenez Rachel B. , Schenkel Caroline , Levit Laura A. , Hu Bonnie , Lei Xiudong Jennifer , Harvey R. Donald , Morrison Vicki A. , Pollastro Teri , Waterhouse David , Weekes Colin , Williams Grant R. , Bruinooge Suanna , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Peppercorn Jeffrey
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE:

Treatment goals for patients with metastatic cancer include prolongation and maintenance of quality of life. Patients and oncologists have questioned the current paradigm of initial dose selection for systemic therapy; however, data on oncologists' dose selection strategies and beliefs are lacking.

METHODS:

We conducted an electronic international survey of medical oncologists who treat patients with breast and/or gastrointestinal cancers. Survey questions addressed experiences with, and attitudes toward, dose reduction at initiation (DRI) of a new systemic therapy for patients with metastatic cancer.

RESULTS:

Among 3,099 eligible oncologists, 367 responded (response rate 12%). Most (52%) reported using DRI at least 10% of the time to minimize toxicities. Gastrointestinal specialists were more likely to report DRI ≥ 10% of the time (72% v 50% of generalists and 51% of breast specialists, P < .005). Of those who dose reduced ≥ 10% of the time, 89% reported discussing potential tradeoffs between efficacy and toxicity with patients. Overall, 65% agreed it is acceptable to lower starting doses to reduce side effects even if it compromises efficacy; younger clinicians were more likely to agree ( P < .005). There was strong support (89%) for future trials to determine optimal effective, rather than maximum tolerated, dose.

CONCLUSION:

Oncology practice varies with regard to discussion and individualized selection of starting doses in the metastatic setting. This study demonstrates a need for consideration of shared decision making regarding initial dose selection and strong support among oncologists for clinical studies to define optimal dosing and best practices for individualizing care.
C. elegans srGAP is an α-catenin M domain-binding protein that strengthens cadherin-dependent adhesion during morphogenesis
Authors: Serre Joel M. , Lucas Bethany , Martin Sterling C. T. , Heier Jonathon A. , Shao Xiangqiang , Hardin Jeff
Published: September 2022

The cadherin-catenin complex (CCC) is central to embryonic development and tissue repair, yet how CCC binding partners function alongside core CCC components remains poorly understood. Here, we establish a previously unappreciated role for an evolutionarily conserved protein, the slit-robo GTPase-activating protein SRGP-1/srGAP, in cadherin-dependent morphogenetic processes in the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. SRGP-1 binds to the M domain of the core CCC component, HMP-1/α-catenin, via its C terminus. The SRGP-1 C terminus is sufficient to target it to adherens junctions, but only during later embryonic morphogenesis, when junctional tension is known to increase. Surprisingly, mutations that disrupt stabilizing salt bridges in the M domain block this recruitment. Loss of SRGP-1 leads to an increase in mobility and decrease of junctional HMP-1. In sensitized genetic backgrounds with weakened adherens junctions, loss of SRGP-1 leads to late embryonic failure. Rescue of these phenotypes requires the C terminus of SRGP-1 but also other domains of the protein. Taken together, these data establish a role for an srGAP in stabilizing and organizing the CCC during epithelial morphogenesis by binding to a partially closed conformation of α-catenin at junctions.
LATS1/2 control TGFB-directed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the murine dorsal cranial neuroepithelium through YAP regulation
Authors: Martínez Traverso Idaliz M. , Steimle Jeffrey D. , Zhao Xiaolei , Wang Jun , Martin James F.
Published: September 2022

Hippo signaling, an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade involved in organ size control, plays key roles in various tissue developmental processes, but its role in craniofacial development remains poorly understood. Using the transgenic Wnt1-Cre2 driver, we inactivated the Hippo signaling components Lats1 and Lats2 in the cranial neuroepithelium of mouse embryos and found that the double conditional knockout (DCKO) of Lats1/2 resulted in neural tube and craniofacial defects. Lats1/2 DCKO mutant embryos had microcephaly with delayed and defective neural tube closure. Furthermore, neuroepithelial cell shape and architecture were disrupted within the cranial neural tube in Lats1/2 DCKO mutants. RNA sequencing of embryonic neural tubes revealed increased TGFB signaling in Lats1/2 DCKO mutants. Moreover, markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were upregulated in the cranial neural tube. Inactivation of Hippo signaling downstream effectors, Yap and Taz, suppressed neuroepithelial defects, aberrant EMT and TGFB upregulation in Lats1/2 DCKO embryos, indicating that LATS1/2 function via YAP and TAZ. Our findings reveal important roles for Hippo signaling in modulating TGFB signaling during neural crest EMT.
The oncogenic transcription factor FOXQ1 is a differential regulator of Wnt target genes
Authors: Pizzolato Giulia , Moparthi Lavanya , Söderholm Simon , Cantù Claudio , Koch Stefan
Published: September 2022

The forkhead box transcription factor FOXQ1 contributes to the pathogenesis of carcinomas. In colorectal cancers, FOXQ1 promotes tumour metastasis by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells. FOXQ1 may exacerbate cancer by activating the oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. However, the role of FOXQ1 in the Wnt pathway remains to be resolved. Here, we report that FOXQ1 is an activator of Wnt-induced transcription and regulator of β-catenin target gene expression. Upon Wnt pathway activation, FOXQ1 synergises with the β-catenin nuclear complex to boost the expression of major Wnt targets. In parallel, we find that FOXQ1 controls the differential expression of various Wnt target genes in a β-catenin-independent manner. Using RNA sequencing of colorectal cancer cell lines, we show that Wnt signalling and FOXQ1 converge on a transcriptional programme linked to EMT and cell migration. Additionally, we demonstrate that FOXQ1 occupies Wnt-responsive elements in β-catenin target gene promoters and recruits a similar set of co-factors to the β-catenin-associated transcription factor Tcf7l1. Taken together, our results indicate a multifaceted role of FOXQ1 in Wnt/β-catenin signalling, which may drive the metastasis of colorectal cancers.
Characterization of two novel ammonia transporters, Hiat1a and Hiat1b, in the teleost model system Danio rerio
Authors: Zhouyao Haonan , Zimmer Alex M. , Fehsenfeld Sandra , Liebenstein Thomas , Richter David O. , Begemann Gerrit , Eck Peter , Perry Steve F. , Weihrauch Dirk
Published: September 2022

Ammonia excretion in fish excretory epithelia is a complex interplay of multiple membrane transport proteins and mechanisms. Using the model system of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae, here we identified three paralogues of a novel ammonia transporter, hippocampus-abundant transcript 1 (DrHiat1), also found in most vertebrates. When functionally expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, DrHiat1a and DrHiat1b promoted methylamine uptake in a competitive manner with ammonia. In situ hybridization experiments showed that both transporters were expressed as early as the 4-cell stage in zebrafish embryos and could be identified in most tissues 4 days post-fertilization. Larvae experiencing morpholino-mediated knockdown of DrHiat1b exhibited significantly lower whole-body ammonia excretion rates compared with control larvae. Markedly decreased site-specific total ammonia excretion of up to 85% was observed in both the pharyngeal region (site of developing gills) and the yolk sac (region shown to have the highest NH4+ flux). This study is the first to identify DrHiat1b/DrHIAT1 in particular as an important contributor to ammonia excretion in larval zebrafish. Being evolutionarily conserved, these proteins are likely involved in multiple other general ammonia-handling mechanisms, making them worthy candidates for future studies on nitrogen regulation in fishes and across the animal kingdom.
Antisense pairing and SNORD13 structure guide RNA cytidine acetylation
Authors: Thalalla Gamage Supuni , Bortolin-Cavaillé Marie-Line , Link Courtney , Bryson Keri , Sas-Chen Aldema , Schwartz Schraga , Cavaillé Jérôme , Meier Jordan L
Published: September 2022

N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) is an RNA nucleobase found in all domains of life. Establishment of ac4C in helix 45 (h45) of human 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) requires the combined activity of the acetyltransferase NAT10 and the box C/D snoRNA SNORD13. However, the molecular mechanisms governing RNA-guided nucleobase acetylation in humans remain unexplored. After applying comparative sequence analysis and site-directed mutagenesis to provide evidence that SNORD13 folds into three main RNA helices, we report two assays that enable the study of SNORD13-dependent RNA acetylation in human cells. First, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of SNORD13 rescues h45 in a SNORD13 knockout cell line. Next, we show mutant snoRNAs can be used in combination with nucleotide resolution ac4C sequencing to define structure and sequence elements critical for SNORD13 function. Finally, we develop a second method that reports on the substrate specificity of endogenous NAT10-SNORD13 via mutational analysis of an ectopically-expressed pre-rRNA substrate. By combining mutational analysis of these reconstituted systems with nucleotide resolution ac4C sequencing, our studies reveal plasticity in the molecular determinants underlying RNA-guided cytidine acetylation that is distinct from deposition of other well-studied rRNA modifications (e.g. pseudouridine). Overall, our studies provide a new approach to reconstitute RNA-guided cytidine acetylation in human cells as well as nucleotide resolution insights into the mechanisms governing this process.
Detection of mecA gene and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from milk and risk factors from farms in Probolinggo, Indonesia
Authors: Rafif Khairullah Aswin , Rehman Saifur , Agus Sudjarwo Sri , Helmi Effendi Mustofa , Chasyer Ramandinianto Sancaka , Aega Gololodo Maria , Widodo Agus , Hendriana Priscilia Riwu Katty , Ayu Kurniawati Dyah
Published: September 2022

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found in dairy cows and is a source of contamination in milk. S. aureus that are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics (especially cefoxitin) are referred to as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The spread of MRSA cannot be separated from sanitation management during milking; it can originate from milk collected from the udder or from the hands of farmers during the milking process. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of MRSA contamination in dairy cow's milk and farmer's hand.

Methods: A total of 109 samples of dairy cow’s milk and 41 samples of farmer’s hand swabs were collected at a dairy farm in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia. Samples were cultured and purified using mannitol salt agar (MSA). The profile of S. aureus resistance was established by disk diffusion test using a disk of beta-lactam antibiotics, namely oxacillin and cefoxitin.

Results: The S. aureus isolates that were resistant to oxacillin and cefoxitin antibiotics were then tested for oxacillin resistance screening agar base (ORSAB) as a confirmation test for MRSA identity. S. aureus isolates suspected to be MRSA were then tested genotypically by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to detect the presence of the mecA gene. The results of the isolation and identification found 80 isolates (53.33%) of S. aureus. The results of the resistance test found that 42 isolates (15%) of S. aureus were resistant to oxacillin and 10 isolates (12.5%) were resistant to cefoxitin. The ORSAB test found as many as 20 isolates (47.62%) were positive for MRSA. In PCR testing to detect the presence of the mecA gene, three isolates (30%) were positive for the mecA gene.

Conclusions: This study shows that several S. aureus isolates were MRSA and had the gene encoding mecA in dairy farms.
Genetic and environmental perturbations alter the rhythmic expression pattern of a circadian long non-coding RNA, Per2AS, in mouse liver
Authors: Miao Lin , Batty Kyle R. , Jackson Ayana N. , Pieno Heather A. , Rhoades Maisy W. , Kojima Shihoko
Published: September 2022

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a wide variety of biological roles without encoding a protein. Although the functions of many lncRNAs have been uncovered in recent years, the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA expression is still poorly understood despite that the expression patterns of lncRNAs are much more specific compared to mRNAs. Here, we investigated the rhythmic expression of Per2AS, a novel lncRNA that regulates circadian rhythms. Given that Per2AS expression is antiphasic to Period2 (Per2), a core circadian clock gene, and transcribed from the antisense strand of Per2, we hypothesized that the rhythmic Per2AS expression is driven either by its own promoter or by the rhythmic Per2 transcription via transcriptional interference.

Methods: We leveraged existing circadian RNA-seq datasets and analyzed the expression patterns of Per2AS and Per2 in response to the genetic or environmental disruption of the circadian rhythm in mouse liver. We tested our hypotheses by comparing the changes in the expression patterns of Per2AS and Per2.

Conclusions: We found that, in some cases, Per2AS expression is independently controlled by other circadian transcription factors. In other cases, the pattern of expression change is consistent with both transcriptional interference and independent regulation hypotheses. Although additional experiments will be necessary to distinguish these possibilities, findings from this work contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanism of how the expression of lncRNA is regulated.
Bio-oil production from biogenic wastes, the hydrothermal conversion step
Authors: Haarlemmer Geert , Roubaud Anne
Published: September 2022

Background: Food wastes are an abundant resource that can be effectively valorised by hydrothermal liquefaction to produce bio-fuels. The objective of the European project WASTE2ROAD is to demonstrate the complete value chain from waste collection to engine tests. The principle of hydrothermal liquefaction is well known but there are still many factors that make the science very empirical. Most experiments in the literature are performed on batch reactors. Comparison of results from batch reactors with experiments with continuous reactors are rare in the literature.

Methods: Various food wastes were transformed by hydrothermal liquefaction. The resources used and the products from the experiments have been extensively analysed. Two different experimental reactors have been used, a batch reactor and a continuous reactor. This paper presents a dataset of fully documented experiments performed in this project, on food wastes with different compositions, conditions and solvents. The data set is extended with data from the literature. The data was analysed using machine learning analysis and regression techniques.

Results: This paper presents experimental results on various food wastes as well as modelling. Aqueous phase recycling allows the re-use of some of the solubilised organics, but this paper shows that after some recycles, the yield is principally in the char yield and not so much in the oil yield. The experimental results were further used to attempt to establish a link between batch and continuous experiments. The molecular weight of bio-oil from continuous experiments appear higher than that of batch experiments. This may be due to the configuration of our reactor.

Conclusions: This paper shows how the use of regression models help with understanding the results, and the importance of process variables and resource composition.  A novel data analysis technique gives an insight on the accuracy that can be obtained from these models.
An Epimorphism between Fine and Ferguson’s Matrices for Angell’s AC
Authors: Zach Richard
Published: September 2022

Angell’s logic of analytic containment AC has been shown to be characterized by a 9-valued matrix NC by Ferguson, and by a 16-valued matrix by Fine. It is shown that the former is the image of a surjective homomorphism from the latter, i.e., an epimorphic image. Some candidate 7-valued matrices are ruled out as characteristic of AC. Whether matrices with fewer than 9 values exist remains an open question. The results were obtained with the help of the MUltlog system for investigating finite-valued logics; the results serve as an example of the usefulness of techniques from computational algebra in logic. A tableau proof system for NC is also provided.
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Best Response Intersection: An Optimal Algorithm for Interdiction Defense
Authors: Mastin Andrew , Baxter Arden , Musselman Amelia , Watson Jean-Paul
Published: September 2022

We define the interdiction defense problem as a game over a set of targets with three stages: a first stage where the defender protects a subset of targets, a second stage where the attacker observes the defense decision and attacks a subset of targets, and a third stage where the defender optimizes a system using only the surviving targets. We present a novel algorithm for optimally solving such problems that uses repeated calls to an attacker’s best response oracle. For cases where the defender can defend at most k targets and the attacker can attack at most z targets, we prove that the algorithm makes at most [Formula: see text] calls to the oracle. In application to the direct current optimal power flow problem, we present a new mixed integer programming formulation with bounded big-M values to function as a best response oracle. We use this oracle along with the algorithm to solve a defender-attacker-defender version of the optimal power flow problem. On standard test instances, we find solutions with larger values of k and z than shown in previous studies and with runtimes that are an order of magnitude faster than column and constraint generation.

Funding: This work was sponsored in part by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity’s Advanced Grid Modeling (AGM) program. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory [Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344].
Okul Öncesi Çalışanlarının Olumsuz Çocukluk Yaşantılarına Dair Farkındalık Düzeyleri ve Müdahale Stratejileri
Authors: OLCAY Aydın , ÖZGÜN Özkan
Published: September 2022

Erken çocukluk eğitimi alanında çalışan öğretmen, okul yöneticisi ve destek personelinin olumsuz çocukluk yaşantılarına (OÇY) ilişkin farkındalık düzeylerini, OÇY saptama yeterliklerini ve OÇY müdahale stratejilerini inceleyen bu araştırma nedensel karşılaştırma, betimsel ve ilişkisel tarama desenleri kullanılarak yürütülmüştür. Araştırmanın örneklemi, seçkisiz olmayan örnekleme yöntemlerinden ulaşılabilir/uygun örneklemeyle seçilen, Adıyaman il merkezinde çalışan okul öncesi öğretmeni (n = 78), okul yöneticisi (n = 23) ve destek personelinden (n = 40) oluşmuştur. Veriler, demografik bilgi formu, OÇY saptama yeterliği anketi, OÇY müdahale anketi ve öğretmen mesleki yetkinlik ölçeği kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Öğretmenlerin ve okul yöneticilerinin OÇY farkındalık düzeyleri ile OÇY saptama yeterliğinde kendilerini yeterli algıladığı, destek personelinin ise kendilerini yetersiz algıladığı belirlenmiştir. OÇY bildiriminde bulunulması gereken durumlarda, öğretmenler ve destek personelinin okul yönetimini, okul yöneticilerinin ise Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı tarafından oluşturulmuş Alo 183’ü tercih ettikleri görülmüştür. Okulda OÇY saptanması durumunda tüm katılımcılar olaya müdahale edeceklerini, bu kapsamda öncelikli olarak okul rehberlik servisini sürece dahil edeceklerini belirtmişlerdir. Bunlara ek olarak, öğretmen mesleki öz yetkinlik düzeyi ile OÇY saptama yeterliği arasında pozitif yönlü ilişki olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Hand-eye calibration for an unfocused light-field camera
Authors: Wang Jie , Ye Siwen , Shi Shengxian , New T. H.
Published: September 2022

A calibration framework is established for an unfocused light-field camera and a robotic arm. With Gaussian optics and light-field imaging principles, the mapping relationship between a point light source and its corresponding plenoptic disc feature is established, and the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the unfocused light-field camera are calculated through nonlinear optimization. Transformation matrices for eye-to-hand and eye-in-hand configurations are subsequently solved and are validated by applying them to an industrial light-field camera-robotic arm system. With the proposed calibration method, 3D reconstruction for calibration board in different poses is demonstrated and calibration uncertainty is discussed in detail.
Influence of multiphoton events on the quantum enhanced phase estimation
Authors: Zhang Mingran , Huang Long , Liu Yang , Zhao Wei , Wang Weiqiang
Published: September 2022

Quantum metrology can approach measurement precision of Heisenberg Limit using an ideal quantum source, which has attracted a great interest in fundamental physical studies. However, the quantum metrology precision is impressionable to the system noise in experiments. In this paper, we analyze the influence of multiphoton events on the phase estimation precision when using a nondeterministic single photon source. Our results show there are an extra bias and quantum enhanced region restriction due to multiphoton events, which declines the quantum phase estimation precision. A limitation of multiphoton probability is obtained for quantum enhanced phase estimation accuracy under different experimental model. Our results provide beneficial suggestions for improving quantum metrology precision in future experiments.
Multi-band orbital angular momentum mode-division multiplexing by a compact set of microstrip ring-shaped resonator antenna
Authors: He Zuxian , Wang Yuetian , Wang Xiaolong , Kupriianov Anton S. , Tuz Vladimir R. , Fesenko Volodymyr I.
Published: September 2022

Optical beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) have received much attention due to the prospects of their use in terahertz communications, biomedical engineering, and imaging. Here we propose an antenna design for the generation of multiple beams carrying OAM with different topological states at the same frequency. The proposed OAM generator is based on a compact set of microstrip ring-shaped resonators. An analytical solution for the radiated field of a single circular ring resonator antenna is derived involving the cavity model and the magnetic current approach. To verify our theoretical description, the numerical full-wave simulation is performed for an actual size OAM generator with the use of the ANSYS HFSS electromagnetic solver, and an antenna prototype operating in the microwave band is fabricated and tested. Conditions of the antenna operation in the combined OAM and mode-division multiplexing (OAM-MDM) regimes are discussed. Obtained results prove that the proposed antenna can be used as a compact and low-cost generator of multiple beams with different OAM states.
Stability analysis of mode-coupling-assisted microcombs in normal dispersion
Authors: Yang Zong-Ren , Wang Pei-Hsun
Published: September 2022

We theoretically study the stability of mode-coupling-assisted frequency comb generation in normal-dispersion microresonators. With the aid of mode coupling, quantitative analysis of the modulational instability is explored in the parameter space of pump power and detuning. By exploring the coupled mode number, dispersion, and coupling strength in the normalized Lugiato-Lefever model, the modulational stability gain exists and yields extended spatial structures within the regime of eigenvalue bifurcations. Moreover, the dynamics and efficiency of microcombs are discussed, providing the accessibility of high-efficient, stable, and controllable combs. This work offers universal guidelines for operating mode-coupling-assisted combs in a normal-dispersion system.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of waveguided plasmonic surface lattice resonances
Authors: Ugulen Håvard S. , Flatabø Ranveig , Sultan Mansoor A. , Hastings Jeffrey T. , Greve Martin M.
Published: September 2022

Plasmonic nanostructures are good candidates for refractive index sensing applications through the surface plasmon resonance due to their strong dependence on the surrounding dielectric media. However, typically low quality-factor limits their application in sensing devices. To improve the quality-factor, we have experimentally and theoretically investigated two-dimensional gold nanoparticle gratings situated on top of a waveguide. The coupling between the localized surface plasmon and waveguide modes results in Fano-type resonances, with high quality-factors, very similar to plasmonic surface lattice resonances. By combining plasmonic surface lattice resonance and waveguide theory, we present a theoretical framework describing the structures. By immersing the fabricated samples in three different media we find a sensitivity of ∼50 nm/RIU and figure of merit of 8.9, and demonstrate good agreement with the theory presented. Further analysis show that the sensitivity is very dependent on the waveguide parameters, grating constant and the dielectric environment, and by tuning these parameters we obtain a theoretical sensitivity of 887 nm/RIU.
Offset double sideband carrier assisted differential detection with field recovery at low carrier-to-signal power ratio
Authors: Qin Peng , Bai Chenglin , Wang Zhiguo , Xu Hengying , Yang Lishan , Zhang YiNing , Ge Peiyun , Luo Xueyuan
Published: September 2022

Four system frameworks based on carrier assisted differential detection (CADD) receivers for offset double sideband (DSB) signal transmission, including offset DSB asymmetric CADD (offset DSB A-CADD), offset DSB symmetric CADD (offset DSB S-CADD), offset DSB parallel double delay asymmetric CADD (offset DSB PDD-A-CADD), and offset DSB parallel double delay symmetric CADD (offset DSB PDD-S-CADD) are proposed to reduce the requirement for carrier-to-signal power ratio (CSPR) and improve the spectral efficiency (SE) of the self-coherent detection. These frameworks accommodate signal-signal beat interference (SSBI) and efficiently solve the noise enhancement by placing a frequency gap as wide as the signal bandwidth in the middle of the left and right sideband signal. Massive theoretical derivation and simulation verification illustrated that compared with previous interleaved A-CADD, our system achieve field recovery under the condition of 0 dB CSPR with the improvement of SE by 5%, and the OSNR sensitivity is improved by 4.5 dB with 20% forward error correction (FEC) threshold. In addition, due to the devices’ limited bandwidth (BW), the information-bearing signal is attenuated at the high-frequency region. And since SSBI has less influence on the signal in the high-frequency region, the frequency gap of the four offset DSB CADD schemes are compressed to utilize as much low-frequency resource as possible and improve the SE. Efficient compression of the frequency gap from 50% to 32.3% with 20% FEC threshold and 50% to 37.7% with 7% FEC threshold at 0 dB CSPR is achieved, and only a slight performance degradation is observed. At this time, the SE is improved by 22.7% and 17.3% with different FEC thresholds, respectively, compared with the 5% frequency gap interleaved A-CADD.
Coherent high-spectral-resolution lidar for the measurement of the atmospheric Mie–Rayleigh–Brillouin backscatter spectrum
Authors: Chen Xiangcheng , Dai Guangyao , Wu Songhua , Liu Jintao , Yin Bin , Wang Qichao , Zhang Zhiyu , Qin Shengguang , Wang Xitao
Published: September 2022

In this study, a 1550 nm coherent high-spectral-resolution lidar (CHSRL) is developed to measure the optical properties of aerosols and atmospheric wind profiles in the atmospheric boundary layer. To determine the optical properties, a coherent frequency discriminator based on the fast Fourier transform is designed in the CHSRL to separate the Mie and the Rayleigh–Brillouin backscatter spectra to fulfill the needs of high-spectral measurements. The atmospheric wind velocity is retrieved using the simultaneously measured Doppler shift. This non-optical frequency discriminator is a feasible and low-cost solution compared to a narrow-bandwidth optical filter, such as a Fabry–Perot interferometer or an atomic filter. However, shot, amplifier spontaneous emission, and detector noise interfere with the Rayleigh–Brillouin spectrum. Therefore, a spectrum correction algorithm is proposed to recover the interfered Rayleigh–Brillouin spectrum, and the measurement results of the spectral line agree well with those modeled with Tenti S6 at different central frequencies. Finally, field observations for comparison are conducted with the co-located CHSRL, Raman lidar, and coherent Doppler wind lidar. The comparison results indicate that the correlation coefficient of the aerosol backscatter coefficient is 0.84. The correlation coefficient and standard deviation of wind velocity are 0.98 and 0.13 m · s−1, respectively.
Dynamic single-photon 3D imaging with a sparsity-based neural network
Authors: Yao Gongxin , Chen Yiwei , Jiang Chen , Xuan Yixin , Hu Xiaomin , Liu Yong , Pan Yu
Published: September 2022

Deep learning is emerging as an important tool for single-photon light detection and ranging (LiDAR) with high photon efficiency and image reconstruction quality. Nevertheless, the existing deep learning methods still suffer from high memory footprint and low inference speed, which undermine their compatibility when it comes to dynamic and long-range imaging with resource-constrained devices. By exploiting the sparsity of the data, we proposed an efficient neural network architecture which significantly reduces the storage and computation overhead by skipping the inactive sites with no photon counts. In contrast with the state-of-the-art deep learning methods, our method supports one-shot processing of data frames with high spatial resolution, and achieves over 90% acceleration in computation speed without sacrificing the reconstruction quality. In addition, the speed of our method is not sensitive to the detection distance. The experiment results on public real-world dataset and our home-built system have demonstrated the outstanding dynamic imaging capability of the algorithm, which is orders of magnitude faster than the competing methods and does not require any data pruning for hardware compatibility.
Subwavelength dichroic demultiplexer based on double Fabry–Perot cavities
Authors: Li Feng , Yang Zhen-yu , Shi Jun-jun , He Xiao-bo
Published: September 2022

Plasmonic demultiplexers hold promise for the realization of the subwavelength and high-splitting ratio dichroic splitter and have a wide range of applications from optical communication, and manipulation to ultrafast data treatment. However, this vision has not been realized for a long time due to lacking the suitable splitting structure design, which limits its further development of integrated photonic circuits. Here, we demonstrate a plasmonic demultiplexer with subwavelength feature size (0.54 µm) and broadband spectral (620-870 nm) range, and high-splitting ratio (17 dB in experiments and 20 dB in calculations). It consists of two adjacent Fabry–Perot cavities (covered by PMMA polymer) and coupling gratings, which are integrated with the Au waveguide. The relatively simple double cavities design of our device has a simple theoretical analysis and fabrication process. Our work has relevance for various optical applications, such as multiple wavelength photodetectors and optical multichannel interconnects.
Measurement of dispersion and index of refraction of 1-decanol with spectrally resolved white light interferometry
Authors: Drouillard Nathan G. , Hammond T. J.
Published: September 2022

The high density, high nonlinearity, and stability of liquids make them an attractive medium for spectral broadening and supercontinuum generation in ultrafast experiments. To understand ultrashort pulse propagation in these media, their indices of refraction and dispersions must be characterized. We employ a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to generate a series of interferograms, which we refer to as a spectrogram, to develop a new method of using spectrally resolved white light interferometry to determine the refractive indices of materials. We determine the indices of refraction of BK7, sapphire, ethanol, and 1-decanol at 24°C across the visible and near infrared. To our knowledge, this is the first reported dispersion and index of refraction measurement of 1-decanol.
CBP/p300 activation promotes axon growth, sprouting, and synaptic plasticity in chronic experimental spinal cord injury with severe disability
Authors: Müller Franziska , De Virgiliis Francesco , Kong Guiping , Zhou Luming , Serger Elisabeth , Chadwick Jessica , Sanchez-Vassopoulos Alexandros , Singh Akash Kumar , Eswaramoorthy Muthusamy , Kundu Tapas K. , Di Giovanni Simone
Published: September 2022

The interruption of spinal circuitry following spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts neural activity and is followed by a failure to mount an effective regenerative response resulting in permanent neurological disability. Functional recovery requires the enhancement of axonal and synaptic plasticity of spared as well as injured fibres, which need to sprout and/or regenerate to form new connections. Here, we have investigated whether the epigenetic stimulation of the regenerative gene expression program can overcome the current inability to promote neurological recovery in chronic SCI with severe disability. We delivered the CBP/p300 activator CSP-TTK21 or vehicle CSP weekly between week 12 and 22 following a transection model of SCI in mice housed in an enriched environment. Data analysis showed that CSP-TTK21 enhanced classical regenerative signalling in dorsal root ganglia sensory but not cortical motor neurons, stimulated motor and sensory axon growth, sprouting, and synaptic plasticity, but failed to promote neurological sensorimotor recovery. This work provides direct evidence that clinically suitable pharmacological CBP/p300 activation can promote the expression of regeneration-associated genes and axonal growth in a chronic SCI with severe neurological disability.
An in-silico analysis of experimental designs to study ventricular function: A focus on the right ventricle
Authors: Colebank Mitchel J. , Chesler Naomi C.
Published: September 2022

In-vivo studies of pulmonary vascular disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH) have provided key insight into the progression of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Additional in-silico experiments using multiscale computational models have provided further details into biventricular mechanics and hemodynamic function in the presence of PH, yet few have assessed whether model parameters are practically identifiable prior to data collection. Moreover, none have used modeling to devise synergistic experimental designs. To address this knowledge gap, we conduct a practical identifiability analysis of a multiscale cardiovascular model across four simulated experimental designs. We determine a set of parameters using a combination of Morris screening and local sensitivity analysis, and test for practical identifiability using profile likelihood-based confidence intervals. We employ Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques to quantify parameter and model forecast uncertainty in the presence of noise corrupted data. Our results show that model calibration to only RV pressure suffers from practical identifiability issues and suffers from large forecast uncertainty in output space. In contrast, parameter and model forecast uncertainty is substantially reduced once additional left ventricular (LV) pressure and volume data is included. A comparison between single point systolic and diastolic LV data and continuous, time-dependent LV pressure-volume data reveals that at least some quantitative data from both ventricles should be included for future experimental studies.
The cell cortex-localized protein CHDP-1 is required for dendritic development and transport in C. elegans neurons
Authors: Zhao Ting , Guan Liying , Ma Xuehua , Chen Baohui , Ding Mei , Zou Wei
Published: September 2022

Cortical actin, a thin layer of actin network underneath the plasma membranes, plays critical roles in numerous processes, such as cell morphogenesis and migration. Neurons often grow highly branched dendrite morphologies, which is crucial for neural circuit assembly. It is still poorly understood how cortical actin assembly is controlled in dendrites and whether it is critical for dendrite development, maintenance and function. In the present study, we find that knock-out of C. elegans chdp-1, which encodes a cell cortex-localized protein, causes dendrite formation defects in the larval stages and spontaneous dendrite degeneration in adults. Actin assembly in the dendritic growth cones is significantly reduced in the chdp-1 mutants. PVD neurons sense muscle contraction and act as proprioceptors. Loss of chdp-1 abolishes proprioception, which can be rescued by expressing CHDP-1 in the PVD neurons. In the high-ordered branches, loss of chdp-1 also severely affects the microtubule cytoskeleton assembly, intracellular organelle transport and neuropeptide secretion. Interestingly, knock-out of sax-1, which encodes an evolutionary conserved serine/threonine protein kinase, suppresses the defects mentioned above in chdp-1 mutants. Thus, our findings suggest that CHDP-1 and SAX-1 function in an opposing manner in the multi-dendritic neurons to modulate cortical actin assembly, which is critical for dendrite development, maintenance and function.
Low antithrombin levels are associated with low risk of cardiovascular death but are a risk factor for cancer mortality
Authors: Iacoviello Licia , de Laat-Kremers Romy , Costanzo Simona , Yan Qiuting , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , van der Vorm Lisa , De Curtis Amalia , Ninivaggi Marisa , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Laat Bas ,   on behalf of the Moli-sani Investigators
Published: September 2022

Background

Thrombosis is common in subjects suffering from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer. Hypercoagulation plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of thrombosis. Therefore, the inactivation of thrombin, the key enzyme in coagulation, is tightly regulated via antithrombin (AT). AT deficiency is related to thrombosis and cardiovascular death. In this study we investigated the association between AT levels and mortality, in particularly cardiovascular-related and cancer-related death in the general population.

Methods

We studied the association of AT levels and mortality in a prospective cohort sampled from the general Italian population (n = 19,676). AT levels were measured in the baseline samples, and mortality was recorded during a median follow-up period of 8.2 years. Cox regression was performed to investigate the association of all-cause, CVD-related and cancer-related mortality with variations in AT levels.

Results

In total, 989 subjects died during follow-up, of which 373 subjects of CVD and 353 of cancer-related causes. Cox analysis revealed that, after adjustment for age, sex, current smoking, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, history of cardiovascular disease, history of cancer, vitamin K antagonists, antiplatelet medication, heparin and oral contraceptives AT levels were not associated with all-cause mortality (HRQ1vsQ5: 0.92, 95% CI:0.74–1.15). Interestingly, the risk of CVD-related mortality was reduced in subjects with low AT levels compared to subjects with higher AT levels, after adjustment for age and sex and other confounders did not change the association (HRQ1vsQ5: 0.64, 95% CI:0.44–0.91). Moreover, low AT levels were associated with increased cancer mortality in a fully adjusted model (HRQ1vsQ2-5: 1.26, 95% CI:0.88–1.81).

Conclusions

Low AT levels are associated to a lower risk of fatal cardiovascular events in the general population, regardless of age, sex and medication use. In contrast, low AT levels are associated with lower cancer survival. For the first time we show that AT levels lower than the normal range in the general population, even before the development or diagnosis of cancer, are associated with an elevated risk of cancer death.
Pollen preferences of stingless bees in the Amazon region and southern highlands of Ecuador by scanning electron microscopy and morphometry
Authors: Ocaña-Cabrera Joseline Sofía , Liria Jonathan , Vizuete Karla , Cholota-Iza Cristina , Espinoza-Zurita Fernando , Saegerman Claude , Martin-Solano Sarah , Debut Alexis , Ron-Román Jorge
Published: September 2022

Stingless bees are effective pollinators of native tropical flora. Their environmental service maintains flow of pollen through pollination, increase reproductive success and influence genetic structure in plants. The management of stingless bees “meliponiculture”, is an activity limited to the countryside in Ecuador. The lack of knowledge of their managers about pollen resources can affect the correct maintenance/production of nests. The objective is to identify botanical families and genera of pollen grains collected by stingless bees by morphological features and differentiate potential species using geometric morphometry. Thirty-six pot pollen samples were collected from three Ecuadorian provinces located in two climatically different zones. Pollen type identification was based on the Number, Position, Character system. Using morphological features, the families and genera were established. Morphometry landmarks were used to show variation for species differentiation. Abundance, diversity, similarity and dominance indices were established by counting pollen grains, as well as spatial distribution relationships by means of Poisson regression. Forty-six pollen types were determined in two study areas, classified into 27 families and 18 genera. In addition, it was possible to identify more than one species, classified within the same family and genus, thanks to morphometric analysis. 1148 ± 799 (max 4211; min 29) pollen grains were counting in average. The diversity showed a high richness, low dominance and similarity between pollen resources. Families Melastomataceae and Asteraceae, generaMiconiaandBidens, were found as the main pollen resources. The stingless bee of this study are mostly generalist as shown the interaction network. The results of the present survey showed that stingless bees do not collect pollen from a single species, although there is evidence of a predilection for certain plant families. The diversity indexes showed high richness but low uniformity in the abundance of each family identified. The results of the study are also meaningful to the meliponiculture sector as there is a need to improve management practices to preserve the biodiversity and the environment.