bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Millimeter-wave joint radar and communication system based on photonic frequency-multiplying constant envelope LFM-OFDM
Authors: Bai Wenlin , Li Peixuan , Zou Xihua , Zhou Zhengchun , Pan Wei , Yan Lianshan , Luo Bin , Fang Xuming , Jiang Lingming , Chen Liang
Published: June 2022

The joint radar and communication (JRC) system providing both large-capacity transmission and high-resolution ranging will play a pivotal role in the next-generation wireless networks (e.g., 6G and beyond) and defense applications. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel photonics-assisted millimeter-wave (mm-wave) JRC system with a multi-Gbit/s data rate for communication function and centimeter-level range resolution for radar function. The key is the design of the intermediate-frequency (IF) JRC signal through the angle modulation of the linear frequency modulation (LFM) radar carrier using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signal, inspired by the idea of constant-envelope OFDM (CE-OFDM). This IF angle-modulated waveform facilitates the broadband photonic frequency (phase)-multiplying scheme to generate mm-wave JRC signal with multiplied instantaneous bandwidth and phase modulation index for high-resolution LFM radar and noise-robust CE-OFDM communication. It is with fixed low power-to-average power ratio to render robustness against the nonlinear distortions. In proof-of-concept experiments, a 60-GHz JRC signal with an instantaneous bandwidth over 10-GHz is synthesized through a CE-LFM-OFDM signal encoded with a 2-GBaud 16-QAM OFDM signal. Consequently, a 1.5-cm range resolution of two-dimension imaging and an 8-Gbit/s data rate are achieved for both radar and communication functions, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed JRC system is able to achieve higher radar range resolution and better anti-noise communication, when using higher-order photonic frequency multiplying.
Ductile machining of optical micro-structures on single crystal germanium by elliptical vibration assisted sculpturing
Authors: Wang Aibo , Zhao Qingliang , Wu Tao , Qi Chunliang , Zhang Qinghe
Published: June 2022

Microstructure surfaces are widely and deeply applied in optical fields to decrease the volume of an optical system and realize sophisticated optical requirements. This paper studies the machining of optical micro-structures with micro-scale height on single crystal germanium by elliptical vibration assisted sculpturing (EVAS) method in which two vibration amplitudes keep constant. Due to the superimposition of low-frequency sculpture path and high-frequency elliptical locus, the investigations are focused on cutting plane to describe motion trajectory of the tool tip of cutting tool for desired complex motion path and to calculate the sculpture path of elliptical vibration cutting device to make corresponding path of tool tip be the envelope of target profile. A comparative experiment is firstly conducted to verify that elliptical locus would deteriorate machining accuracy without accurate compensation for the ellipse. Following that, 2D and 3D sinusoidal surfaces and a picture, whose structural heights are all not less than 2.0µm, are experimentally machined on single crystal germanium. Satisfying experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of EVAS method for fabricating optical micro-structures on germanium.
Demonstration of constant-cladding tapered-core Yb-doped fiber for mitigating thermally-induced mode instability in high-power monolithic fiber amplifiers
Authors: Ye Yun , Lin Xianfeng , Xi Xiaoming , Zhang Hanwei , Yang Baolai , Shi Chen , Wang Xiaolin , Li Jinyan , Xu Xiaojun
Published: June 2022

In this work, a large-mode-area (LMA) step-index constant-cladding tapered-core (CCTC) Yb-doped fiber with a cladding diameter of ∼600 µm is successfully fabricated. The CCTC fiber has a small-core region (diameter of ∼20 µm) at both ends and a large-core region (diameter of ∼36 µm) in the middle. To prove the laser performance of the CCTC fiber, a detailed comparison experiment with conventional uniform fiber with the same effective core diameter is carried out in a multi-kW all-fiber MOPA configuration. The experimental results show that employing the CCTC fiber can effectively mitigate the thermally-induced transverse mode instability (TMI) in both co-pump and counter-pump schemes, and realize high slope efficiency and single-mode beam quality (M2∼1.30). Under the counter-pump scheme, the TMI threshold of the CCTC fiber is observed at ∼2.49 kW with a slope efficiency of 86.2%, while the uniform fiber amplifier exhibits a TMI threshold of ∼2.05 kW. The theoretical analysis based on a semi-analytical model indicates this CCTC fiber can effectively improve the TMI threshold owing to a stronger gain saturation. Our results verify the great potential of such an LMA CCTC fiber to mitigate thermal-induced TMI effect and achieve single-mode operation without sacrifice of laser efficiency in high power monolithic fiber lasers, and the further power scaling is expected by optimizing the fiber design.
On-chip mid-IR octave-tunable Raman soliton laser
Authors: Li Zhao , Han Fengbo , Dong Zhipeng , Du Qingyang , Luo Zhengqian
Published: June 2022

Photonic chip-based continuously tunable lasers are widely recognized as an indispensable component for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Specifically, mid-infrared (mid-IR) laser sources are of paramount importance in applications such as photonic sensing and spectroscopy. In this article, we theoretically investigate the propagation dynamics of mid-IR Raman soliton in Ge28Sb12Se60 chalcogenide glass waveguide. By carefully engineer the waveguide dispersion and nonlinear interaction, we propose a suspended chalcogenide glass waveguide device that allows an octave-tuning, from 1.96 µm to 3.98 µm, Raman soliton source. The threshold pump energy is in the low pico-Joule range. Our result provides a solution to continuously tunable on-chip mid-IR ultrafast laser sources.
Highly efficient Ce: Lu(Mg,Al)2(Si,Al)3O12 phosphor ceramics for high-power white LEDs/LDs
Authors: Zhang Xiyue , Zhang Le , Hou Chen , Kang Jian , Li Yanbin , Sun Bingheng , Li Yang , Chen Hao
Published: June 2022

Lu3Al5O12: Ce3+ (LuAG: Ce3+) phosphor ceramics (PCs) with high quantum efficiency and excellent thermal stability are incredibly promising color converters for high-power white light emitting diodes (LEDs)/ laser diodes (LDs) lighting. However, the greenish emission of LuAG:Ce3+ PCs does not allow to reach white light emission upon pumping by a blue LED/ LD without an additional red luminescent material. In this work, a series of (Ce0.003Lu0.997)3(Mg
x
Al1−2xSi
x
)5O12 (LCMASG) (x = 0–0.15) PCs were fabricated by solid state reaction method. Impressively, the as-prepared PCs exhibited a distinct red-shift (513→538nm) and a 17% increase of the color index (CRI) of high-power white LED(58.4→70.4). Particularly, Ce: Lu(Mg, Al)2(Si, Al)3O12 PC with 15 at.% substitution concentration showed only 8% luminescent intensity loss at 150 °C and high internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 82%, exhibiting desirable optical thermal stability. By combining with a 460 nm blue chip or a 455 nm laser source, white LED/LD devices based on the LCMASG PCs in a remote excitation mode were constructed. The optimized luminous efficiency of Ce: Lu(Mg, Al)2(Si, Al)3O12 PC with 15 at.% Mg2+/Si4+ doping up to 176.4 lm/W was obtained as the power density of the blue laser increased to 6.52 W/mm2. Also, a 4053K CCT of the warm white light emission was realized. Therefore, this work proves that the LCMASG PCs are promising to serve as color converters for high power LEDs/LDs lighting in the future.
Inverse design of a dual-mode 3-dB optical power splitter with a 445 nm bandwidth
Authors: Xu Jiefeng , Liu Yingjie , Guo Xiaoyuan , Song Qinghai , Xu Ke
Published: June 2022

Optical power splitters are fundamental blocks for photonic integrated circuits. Conventional 3-dB power splitters are either constrained to single-mode regime or to the limited optical bandwidth. In this paper, an alternative design approach is proposed via combined method of topology optimizations on both analog and digital meta-structure. Based on this approach, a dual-mode power splitter is designed on silicon-on-insulator with an ultra-broad bandwidth from 1588 nm - 2033nm and an ultra-compact footprint of only 5.4 µm × 2.88 µm. The minimum feature size is 120 nm which can be compatible with silicon photonic foundry process. The simulated excess loss and crosstalk over this wavelength range for the two lowest TE modes are lower than 0.83 dB and -22 dB, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is a record large optical bandwidth for an integrated dual-mode 3-dB power splitter on silicon.
Guiding-mode-assisted double-BICs in an all-dielectric metasurface
Authors: Liao Zixuan , Ma Qichang , Wang Longxiao , Yang Zhi , Li Meiqi , Deng Fu , Hong Weiyi
Published: June 2022

The electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) effect realized in a metasurface is potential for slow light applications for its extreme dispersion variation in the transparency window. Herein, we propose an all-dielectric metasurface to generate a double resonance-trapped quasi bound states in the continuum (BICs) in the form of EIT or Fano resonance through selectively exciting the guiding modes with the grating. The group delay of the EIT is effectively improved up to 2113 ps attributing to the ultrahigh Q-factor resonance carried by the resonance-trapped quasi-BIC. The coupled harmonic oscillator model and a full multipole decomposition are utilized to analyze the physical mechanism of EIT-based quasi-BIC. In addition, the BIC based on Fano and EIT resonance can simultaneously exist at different wavelengths. These findings provide a new feasible platform for slow light devices in the near-infrared region.
Fano effect induced giant and robust enhancement of photon correlations in cavity QED systems
Authors: Lu Yu-Wei , Liu Jing-Feng , Li Runhua , Tan Haishu , Li Yongyao
Published: June 2022

The Fano effect arising from the interference between two dissipation channels of the radiation continuum enables tuning of the photon statistics. Understanding the role of the Fano effect and exploiting it to achieve strong photon correlations are of both fundamental and applied significance. We present an analytical description of Fano-enhanced photon correlations based on cavity quantum electrodynamics to show that the Fano effect in atom–cavity systems can improve the degree of antibunching by over four orders of magnitude. The enhancement factors and the optimal conditions are explicitly given, and found to relate to the Fano parameter q. Remarkably, the Fano enhancement manifests robustness against the decoherence processes and can survive in the weak coupling regime. We expect our work to provide insight to tuning the photon statistics through the Fano effect, which offers a new, to the best of our knowledge, route to enhance the photon correlations, as well as the possibility of generating nonclassical light in a wider diversity of systems without the need of a strong light–matter interaction.
Phase retrieval using hologram transformation with U-Net in digital holography
Authors: Nagahama Yuki
Published: June 2022

Digital holography is a method of recording light waves emitted from an object as holograms and then reconstructing the holograms using light wave propagation calculations to observe the object in three dimensions. However, a problem with digital holography is that unwanted images, such as conjugate images, are superimposed as the hologram is reconstructed to create an observed image. In particular, the superimposition of conjugate light on the observed image is caused by the imaging device’s ability to record just the intensity distribution of light rather than the phase distribution of light. In digital holography, it has been shown that unwanted light can be eliminated by the phase-shift method. However, it is difficult to apply the phase-shift method to digital holographic microscopy (DHM), which takes only one shot of light intensity. Alternatively, machine learning methods called deep learning have been actively studied in recent years for image-related problems, with image transformation as an example. Furthermore, a method that combines digital holography and deep learning has been proposed to perform image transformation to remove conjugate images using deep learning on the reconstructed image of a hologram. In this study, we generated a pair of holograms with only light intensity distribution and holograms with complex amplitude by simulating light wave propagation, trained U-Net to perform image transformation that adds phase information to the hologram with only light intensity distribution, and proposed a method for phase retrieval and conjugate image removal for holograms using the learned U-Net. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, we evaluated the image quality of the reconstructed image of holograms before and after processing by U-Net. Results showed that the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) increased by 8.37 [dB] in amplitude and 9.06 [dB] in phase. The amplitude and phase of the structural similarity index (SSIM) increased by 0.0566 and 0.0143, respectively. Furthermore, the results of applying the proposed method to holograms captured by actual digital holography optics showed the effectiveness of the proposed method in eliminating conjugate images in the reconstructed images. These results show that the proposed method is capable of phase retrieval of holograms in a single shot without the need for a complex optical system. This is expected to contribute to the field of portable DHMs and other applications that require compact and simple optical systems.
PrimSeq: A deep learning-based pipeline to quantitate rehabilitation training
Authors: Parnandi Avinash , Kaku Aakash , Venkatesan Anita , Pandit Natasha , Wirtanen Audre , Rajamohan Haresh , Venkataramanan Kannan , Nilsen Dawn , Fernandez-Granda Carlos , Schambra Heidi
Published: June 2022

Stroke rehabilitation seeks to accelerate motor recovery by training functional activities, but may have minimal impact because of insufficient training doses. In animals, training hundreds of functional motions in the first weeks after stroke can substantially boost upper extremity recovery. The optimal quantity of functional motions to boost recovery in humans is currently unknown, however, because no practical tools exist to measure them during rehabilitation training. Here, we present PrimSeq, a pipeline to classify and count functional motions trained in stroke rehabilitation. Our approach integrates wearable sensors to capture upper-body motion, a deep learning model to predict motion sequences, and an algorithm to tally motions. The trained model accurately decomposes rehabilitation activities into elemental functional motions, outperforming competitive machine learning methods. PrimSeq furthermore quantifies these motions at a fraction of the time and labor costs of human experts. We demonstrate the capabilities of PrimSeq in previously unseen stroke patients with a range of upper extremity motor impairment. We expect that our methodological advances will support the rigorous measurement required for quantitative dosing trials in stroke rehabilitation.
Chromatin interaction maps identify Wnt responsive cis-regulatory elements coordinating Paupar-Pax6 expression in neuronal cells
Authors: Pavlaki Ioanna , Shapiro Michael , Pisignano Giuseppina , Jones Stephanie M. E. , Telenius Jelena , Muñoz-Descalzo Silvia , Williams Robert J. , Hughes Jim R. , Vance Keith W.
Published: June 2022

Central nervous system-expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are often located in the genome close to protein coding genes involved in transcriptional control. Such lncRNA-protein coding gene pairs are frequently temporally and spatially co-expressed in the nervous system and are predicted to act together to regulate neuronal development and function. Although some of these lncRNAs also bind and modulate the activity of the encoded transcription factors, the regulatory mechanisms controlling co-expression of neighbouring lncRNA-protein coding genes remain unclear. Here, we used high resolution NG Capture-C to map the cis-regulatory interaction landscape of the key neuro-developmental Paupar-Pax6 lncRNA-mRNA locus. The results define chromatin architecture changes associated with high Paupar-Pax6 expression in neurons and identify both promoter selective as well as shared cis-regulatory-promoter interactions involved in regulating Paupar-Pax6 co-expression. We discovered that the TCF7L2 transcription factor, a regulator of chromatin architecture and major effector of the Wnt signalling pathway, binds to a subset of these candidate cis-regulatory elements to coordinate Paupar and Pax6 co-expression. We describe distinct roles for Paupar in Pax6 expression control and show that the Paupar DNA locus contains a TCF7L2 bound transcriptional silencer whilst the Paupar transcript can act as an activator of Pax6. Our work provides important insights into the chromatin interactions, signalling pathways and transcription factors controlling co-expression of adjacent lncRNAs and protein coding genes in the brain.
Genomic landscape of pathogenic mutation of APC, KRAS, TP53, PIK3CA, and MLH1 in Indonesian colorectal cancer
Authors: Marbun Vania Myralda Giamour , Erlina Linda , Lalisang Toar Jean Maurice
Published: June 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) needs several mutations to occur in various genes, and can vary widely in different individuals; hence it is essential to be discovered in a specific population. Until recently, there has been no known study describing APC, TP53, PIK3CA, KRAS, and MLH1 of CRC in Indonesian population. This study describes the nature and location of mutation in CRC patients treated at three different hospitals in Jakarta.

Methods

This descriptive study was conducted on CRC patients who underwent neoadjuvant, surgical, and adjuvant therapy at RSCM, RSKJ, and MRCCC in 2017–2018. DNA analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing and aligned against GRCh38. The pathogenic variant was identified using ACMG classification and FATHMM score. Data related to behavior and survival were collected from medical records.

Results

Twenty-two subjects in which APC, TP53, and PIKCA were mutated. KRAS mutation occurred in 64%, while MLH1 in 45%. There were five mutation types: nonsense, missense, frameshift, splice-site, and silent mutation. There are four groups of co-occurring mutations: APC, TP53, PIK3CA (triple mutation/TM) alone; TM+KRAS; TM+MLH1; and TM+KRAS+MLH1, presenting different nature and survival.

Conclusion

Indonesia has a distinct profile of pathogenic mutation, mainly presenting with locally-advanced stage with various outcomes and survival rate.
The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic by persons with ASD: Social aspects
Authors: Błeszyński Jacek , Rumińska Aleksandra , Hamerlińska Agnieszka , Stefańska-Klar Renata , Warszawa Agnieszka
Published: June 2022

While causing a variety of social restrictions, the COVID-19 pandemic has also precipitated the digitalisation of public services and official procedures, reducing many, until recently necessary, immediate social interactions. This study has been conducted to investigate their perception of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their current and future social interactions. To this end, semi-structured narrative interviews were conducted. Ten adults on the autism spectrum participated in the study. The phenomenological analysis of the narratives focused on categories related to the social functioning of the study participants. The interpretation of the narratives has shown that autistic people can experience a sense of loss due to the lack of direct contact. On the other hand, we also talked to the participants who expressed their satisfaction with the situation of obligatory social distance. The respondents also discussed the subject of changing the form of interaction in some areas of public life to one that is more adjusted to the needs of people with their condition. The study concludes with a suggestion that autistic people might benefit from technological progress in institutions and the availability of the option to prefer online contact for interactions that are not strictly necessary.
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells expressing a BCMA—Specific chimeric antigen receptor inhibit multiple myeloma xenograft growth
Authors: Zhang Xi , Ng Yu Yang , Du Zhicheng , Li Zhendong , Chen Can , Xiao Lin , Chng Wee Joo , Wang Shu
Published: June 2022

Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are immune effector cells capable of killing multiple myeloma (MM) cells and have been tested in clinical trials to treat MM patients. To enhance the MM cell killing function of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, we introduced a BCMA-specific CAR into ex vivo expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells through electroporation of the CAR-encoding mRNA. The modified Vγ9Vδ2 T cells displayed a high cytolytic activity against BCMA-expressing MM cell lines in vitro, while sparing BCMA-negative cells, including normal B cells and monocytes. Subsequently, we intravenously injected KMS-11 human MM cells to generate a xenograft mouse model. The treatment of the tumor-bearing mice with Zometa and anti-BCMA CAR- Vγ9Vδ2 T cells resulted in a significant reduction of tumor burden in the femur region, as well as the overall tumor burden. In association with the decrease in tumor burden, the survival of the MM cell-inoculated mice was markedly prolonged. Considering the potential of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to be used as off-the-shelf products, the modification of these cells with a BCMA-specific CAR could be an attractive option for cancer immunotherapy against bone marrow cancer MM.
Identifying connectivity for two sympatric carnivores in human-dominated landscapes in central Iran
Authors: Rezaei Sahar , Mohammadi Alireza , Bencini Roberta , Rooney Thomas , Naderi Morteza
Published: June 2022

Central Iran supports a diversity of carnivores, most of which are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Carnivore conservation requires the identification and preservation of core habitats and ensuring connectivity between them. In the present study, we used species distribution modeling to predict habitat suitability and connectivity modeling to predict linkage (resistant kernel and factorial least-cost path analyses) for grey wolf and golden jackal in central Iran. For grey wolf, elevation, topographic ruggedness, and distance to Conservation Areas (CAs) were the strongest predictors; for golden jackal, distance to human settlements, dump sites and topographic ruggedness were the most influential variables in predicting the occurrence of this species. Our results also indicated a high potential for large parts of the landscape to support the occurrence of these two canid species. The largest and the most crucial core habitats and corridor paths for the conservation of both species are located in the southern part of the study landscape. We found a small overlap between golden jackal corridor paths and core habitats with CAs, which has important implications for conservation and future viability of the golden jackal populations. Some sections of core areas are bisected by roads, where most vehicle collisions with grey wolf and golden jackal occurred. To minimize mortality risk, we propose that successful conservation of both species will necessitate integrated landscape-level management, as well as conservation of core areas and corridors and development of mitigation strategies to reduce vehicle collisions.
Impact of COVID-19 on gynecologic and obstetrical services at two large health systems
Authors: Liang Angela L. , Turner Lindsay C. , Voegtline Kristen M. , Olson Sarah B. , Wildey Brian , Handa Victoria L.
Published: June 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted medical care in the US, leading to a significant drop in utilization of some types of health services. We sought to quantify how the pandemic influenced obstetrics and gynecology care at two large health care organizations.

Materials and methods

Comparing 2020 to 2019, we quantified changes to obstetrics and gynecology care at two large health care organizations in the United States, Allegheny Health Network (in western Pennsylvania) and Johns Hopkins University (in Maryland). The analysis considered the numbers of surgical encounters, in-person visits, and telemedicine visits. For each system, we quantified temporal changes in surgical volume, in-person and telemedicine visits, and financial impact related to professional fee revenues. We used segmented regression to evaluate longitudinal effects.

Results

At both institutions, the volume of care was similar in the first few months of 2020 compared to 2019 but dropped precipitously in March 2020. From April to June 2020, surgical volumes were 67% of the same period in 2019 at Allegheny Health and 48% of the same period in 2019 at Johns Hopkins. During that same interval, televisits accounted for approximately 21% of all ambulatory care at both institutions. Although surgical and ambulatory volumes recovered in the second half of 2020, annual surgical volumes in 2020 were significantly lower than 2019 at both institutions (p<0.05) and 2020 ambulatory volumes remained significantly lower at Johns Hopkins (p = .0006). Overall, revenues in 2020 were 91% of 2019 revenues for both institutions.

Conclusions

Obstetrical and gynecologic ambulatory visits and gynecologic surgeries were sharply reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although care volumes returned to 2019 levels in late 2020, we observed an overall reduction in the volume of care provided and a 9% reduction in professional revenue for both institutions.
Incidence of hypothyroidism after treatment for breast cancer: A Korean population-based study
Authors: Park Jongmoo , Kim Choongrak , Ki Yongkan , Kim Wontaek , Nam Jiho , Kim Donghyun , Park Dahl , Jeon Hosang , Kim Dong Woon , Joo Ji Hyeon
Published: June 2022

This Korean population-based study aimed to describe the patterns of hypothyroidism after adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) in patients with breast cancer. The Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database was searched for patients with invasive breast carcinomas. We calculated the cumulative incidence and incidence rates per 1,000 person-years of subsequent hypothyroidism and compared them using the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Between 2007 and 2018, 117,135 women diagnosed with breast cancer with a median follow-up time of 4.6 years were identified. The 8-year incidence of hypothyroidism was 9.3% in patients treated with radiation and 8.6% in those treated without radiation (p = 0.002). The incidence rates per 1,000 person-years in the corresponding treatment groups were 6.2 and 5.7 cases, respectively. The hazard ratio (HR) in patients receiving RT was 1.081 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.013–1.134; p = 0.002). After mastectomy, RT showed a trend toward a higher risk of hypothyroidism (HR = 1.248; 95% CI, 0.977–1.595; p = 0.076). Our study provides one of the largest population-based data analyses regarding the risk of hypothyroidism among Korean patients with breast cancer. The adjusted risk for patients treated with RT exceeded that for patients with breast cancer treated without RT. The effect was evident immediately after treatment and lasted up to approximately 9 years.
Exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders on the design and delivery of a cognitive rehabilitation intervention for people post-stroke
Authors: O’ Donoghue Mairéad , Boland Pauline , Leahy Siobhan , Galvin Rose , McManus John , Lisiecka Dominika , Hayes Sara
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite the prevalence and associated burden of post-stroke cognitive impairment, there is uncertainty regarding optimum interventions to improve cognitive function in people post-stroke. The aim of this study is to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders on the design and development of a multidisciplinary intervention to rehabilitate cognitive deficits in people post-stroke.

Materials and methods

Audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews were employed with people post-stroke, caregivers, healthcare professionals and academics. All transcribed interviews were exported to NVivo software and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Thirty interviews were conducted across stakeholder groups including people post-stroke (n = 10), caregivers (n = 5), healthcare professionals (n = 14) and academics (n = 1). Four themes relevant to the design and development of the intervention were identified (i) engagement in the intervention must be meaningful, (ii) the point of readiness to engage, (iii) a familiar but flexible setting is key (iv) pragmatics of intervention delivery.

Conclusions

These findings present new perspectives across stakeholder groups on the design and delivery of an intervention to rehabilitate cognitive deficits in people post-stroke. Taken together with existing quantitative evidence, these findings will inform the development of a feasibility trial, examining patient and process outcomes, to rehabilitate cognitive deficits post-stroke.
Successful outcomes with low–threshold intervention for cannabis use disorders in Norway - an observational study
Authors: Vederhus John-Kåre , Rørendal Malin , Skårdal Madelene , Næss Marianne Otterstad , Clausen Thomas , Kristensen Øistein
Published: June 2022

Aims

Cannabis is the most commonly used regulated drug by European youths. Yet, few cannabis-specific interventions have been examined in Europe. The Cannabis Cessation Program (CCP) was developed in Sweden in the 1990s and has been implemented in some Norwegian municipalities. The present study aimed to examine outcomes of this intervention in the Norwegian setting.

Method

The respondents (N = 102) were recruited in four community-based CCPs in Norway. We examined their changes in cannabis use, other substance use, mental distress, well-being, sense of coherence (SoC), and social networks, from baseline (T0) to post-treatment (T1) and up to a 3-month follow-up period (T2). Changes were evaluated with pair-wise t-tests.

Result

Seventy-six participants (75%) completed the 8-week program, according to plan. All participants reported a significant reduction in cannabis use at T1 (average reduction ~16 days per month) and at T2 (N = 59; ~13 days per month). Among those that completed the program, 67% was abstinent from cannabis at T1 and 37% was abstinent at T2. An intention-to-treat analysis showed that 50% (51/102) and 22% (22/102) were abstinent from cannabis use at T1 and T2, respectively. In parallel to abstinence, we observed a substantial reduction in mental distress and an increase in well-being and SoC. Respondents socialized with fewer friends with current substance use, but drug-free social networks were not expanded.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that the CCP was a valuable, low-threshold manual-based intervention for cannabis use disorders. It showed considerable potential for reducing individuals’ cannabis use.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT04989205. Registered 12 July 2021, i.e., the study was retrospectively registered.
Clinical study of ultrasonic evaluation of T/N staging of differentiated thyroid carcinoma using AJCC 8th staging criteria
Authors: Liang Yu , Huang Xingxiang , Song Zhe , Yang Yang , Lei Ju , Ren Mei , Tan Li , Zhang Hui
Published: June 2022

Objective

To explore the value of ultrasound in evaluating T/N staging of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).

Methods

The clinical data of 1206 patients with DTC in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Cervical ultrasound was performed before surgery, and the standard ultrasound images of thyroid nodules and cervical lymph nodes I to VII were retained. According to the 8th TNM staging guidelines of AJCC DTC, the T/N stages were assessed by preoperative ultrasonic data. Then, the sensitivity, specificity, negative predicted value, positive predicted value (PPV), and diagnostic value of ultrasound T/N staging were assessed using postoperative pathological staging as the reference.

Results

Ultrasonic T-stage had good consistency to pathological T stage in T4a and T4b tumors (kappa value>0.75), and moderate consistency to pathological T stage in T1, T2 and T3a tumors (kappa value between 0.4 and 0.75). ultrasonic T-stage had a sensitivity higher than 66%, except in T3b assessment (13/44, 29.5%, 95%CI: 16.1%-43.0%). All ultrasonic T-stage had specificity higher than 93%, except in T1b assessment (734/889, 82.6%, 95%CI: 80.1%-85.1%). The PPV of ultrasonic T1a to T4b was 94.3% (494/524), 61.0% (242/397), 54.4% (87/160), 34.3% (12/35), 20.3% (13/64), 100% (22/22) and 100% (4/4), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy values were 83% in T1a, 81% in T1b, 91% in T2, 98% in T3a, 93% in T3b, 99% in T4a and 100% in T4b. Nltrasonic N-stage had poor consistency to pathological N stage in any N stages (kappa value<0.3). The PPV of ultrasonic N0, N1, N1a and N1b was 61.0% (542/889), 55.2% (37/67), 48.2% (53/110), and 24.3% (34/140), respectively.

Conclusion

Ultrasound has a good consistency and high accuracy in assessing the T-stage of DTC. However, the consistency and accuracy were poor in N-staging. It has a certain reference value in reducing excessive surgical treatment of DTC.
Multichannel transcranial direct current stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may modulate the induction of secondary hyperalgesia, a double-blinded cross-over study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Steyaert Arnaud , Lenoir Cédric , Lavand’homme Patricia , van den Broeke Emanuel N. , Mouraux André
Published: June 2022

Background

Central sensitization is thought to play a critical role in the development of chronic pain, and secondary mechanical hyperalgesia is considered one of its hall-mark features. Consequently, interventions capable of modulating its development could have important therapeutic value. Non-invasive neuromodulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has shown potential to reduce pain, both in healthy volunteers and in patients. Whether it can modulate the induction of central sensitization, however, is less well known.

Objective

To determine whether multifocal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the left DLPFC affects the development of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia.

Methods

In this within-subjects, cross-over, double-blinded study, eighteen healthy volunteers participated in three experimental sessions. After 20 minutes of either anodal, cathodal, or sham multichannel tDCS over the left DLPFC, secondary mechanical hyperalgesia was induced using high-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of the volar forearm. We assessed intensity of perception to 128 mN mechanical pinprick stimuli at baseline and up to 240 minutes after HFS. We also mapped the area of mechanical hyperalgesia.

Results

HFS resulted in a robust and unilateral increase in the intensity of perception to mechanical pinprick stimuli at the HFS arm, which was not different between tDCS stimulation conditions. However, the area of hyperalgesia was reduced after anodal tDCS compared to sham.

Conclusion

Anodal tDCS over the left DLPFC modestly modulates the size of the HFS-induced area of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia, suggesting that non-invasive neuromodulation targeting the left DLPFC may be a potential intervention to limit the development of central sensitization.
Self-care self-efficacy and depression associated with quality of life among patients undergoing hemodialysis in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thuy Nga , Liang Shu-Yuan , Liu Chieh-Yu , Chien Ching-Hui
Published: June 2022

Background

Hemodialysis impacts the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease. Particularly, depression is the most common psychological condition among patients. Self-care self-efficacy might play an important role in quality of life of patients with hemodialysis.

Objective

This study was designed to explore the relationships among self-care self-efficacy, depression, and quality of life. The second aim was to explore the extent to which self-care self-efficacy and depression explain the variance in quality of life of patients on hemodialysis.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 127 patients receiving hemodialysis and used the Short Form 36 Health Survey, the Strategies Used by People to Promote Health, and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 to evaluate quality of life, self-care self-efficacy, and depression. Data was analyzed using independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation and hierarchical multiple regression.

Results

The findings indicated that self-care self-efficacy was significantly positively correlated (PCSr= .533,p < 0.001, MCSr= .47,p < .001) and depression was significantly negatively correlated (PCSr= −.446,p < .001, MCSr= −.605,p < .001) with the two quality of life components. Self-care self-efficacy and depression were significant predictors of the physical (R2inc= 0.09,β= -0.38,p<0.001,R2inc= 0.12,β =-0.22,p<0.001) and mental (R2inc= 0.04%,β= -0.25,p<0.001,R2inc= 0.33,β= -0.51,p<0.001) quality of life of hemodialysis patients.

Conclusions

Health professionals may target improving self-care self-efficacy and reducing depressive symptoms to enhance patient quality of life.
Characteristics of postintubation dysphagia in ICU patients in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak: A report of 920 cases from a Brazilian reference center
Authors: Sassi Fernanda Chiarion , Ritto Ana Paula , de Lima Maíra Santilli , Valente Junior Cirley Novais , Cardoso Paulo Francisco Guerreiro , Zilberstein Bruno , Saldiva Paulo Hilário Nascimento , de Andrade Claudia Regina Furquim
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this research was to identify risk factors that were independently related to the maintenance of a swallowing dysfunction in patients affected by critical COVID-19. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of critical patients with COVID-19, who were admitted to a COVID-19 dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) and required prolonged orotracheal intubation (≥48 hours). Demographic and clinical data were collected at ICU admission and/or at hospital discharge or in-hospital death. Swallowing data was based on The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and was collected at two distinct moments: initial swallowing assessment and at patient outcome. Patients were divided into two groups according to their FOIS level assigned on the last swallowing assessment: in-hospital resolved dysphagia–patients with FOIS levels 6 and 7; non-resolved dysphagia at hospital outcome–patients with FOIS levels 1 to 5. Nine hundred and twenty patients were included in our study. Results of the multivariate logistic regression model for the prediction of non-resolved dysphagia at hospital outcome in critical COVID-19 patients. indicated that increasing age (p = 0.002), severity at admission (p = 0.015), body mass index (p = 0.008), use of neuromuscular blockers (p = 0.028), presence of neurologic diseases (p = 0.038), presence of Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0.043) and lower FOIS levels on the initial swallowing assessment (p<0.001) were associated with higher chances of presenting dysphagia at hospital outcome. Critical patients with COVID-19 may experience post-acute COVID-19 dysphagia, indicating the need to prepare for the care/rehabilitation of these patients.
RANBP2 and USP9x regulate nuclear import of adenovirus minor coat protein IIIa
Authors: Ismail Ashrafali M. , Saha Amrita , Lee Ji S. , Painter David F. , Chen Yinghua , Singh Gurdeep , Condezo Gabriela N. , Chodosh James , San Martín Carmen , Rajaiya Jaya
Published: June 2022

As intracellular parasites, viruses exploit cellular proteins at every stage of infection. Adenovirus outbreaks are associated with severe acute respiratory illnesses and conjunctivitis, with no specific antiviral therapy available. An adenoviral vaccine based on human adenovirus species D (HAdV-D) is currently in use for COVID-19. Herein, we investigate host interactions of HAdV-D type 37 (HAdV-D37) protein IIIa (pIIIa), identified by affinity purification and mass spectrometry (AP-MS) screens. We demonstrate that viral pIIIa interacts with ubiquitin-specific protease 9x (USP9x) and Ran-binding protein 2 (RANBP2). USP9x binding did not invoke its signature deubiquitination function but rather deregulated pIIIa-RANBP2 interactions. In USP9x-knockout cells, viral genome replication and viral protein expression increased compared to wild type cells, supporting a host-favored mechanism for USP9x. Conversely, RANBP2-knock down reduced pIIIa transport to the nucleus, viral genome replication, and viral protein expression. Also, RANBP2-siRNA pretreated cells appeared to contain fewer mature viral particles. Transmission electron microscopy of USP9x-siRNA pretreated, virus-infected cells revealed larger than typical paracrystalline viral arrays. RANBP2-siRNA pretreatment led to the accumulation of defective assembly products at an early maturation stage. CRM1 nuclear export blockade by leptomycin B led to the retention of pIIIa within cell nuclei and hindered pIIIa-RANBP2 interactions. In-vitro binding analyses indicated that USP9x and RANBP2 bind to C-terminus of pIIIa amino acids 386–563 and 386–510, respectively. Surface plasmon resonance testing showed direct pIIIa interaction with recombinant USP9x and RANBP2 proteins, without competition. Using an alternative and genetically disparate adenovirus type (HAdV-C5), we show that the demonstrated pIIIa interaction is also important for a severe respiratory pathogen. Together, our results suggest that pIIIa hijacks RANBP2 for nuclear import and subsequent virion assembly. USP9x counteracts this interaction and negatively regulates virion synthesis. This analysis extends the scope of known adenovirus-host interactions and has potential implications in designing new antiviral therapeutics.
The Ottoman archive and methodological Ottomanism in the history of Iraq
Authors: Cole Camille Lyans
Published: June 2022

This article explores how Ottoman sources can help us reconsider geographies of belonging in the history of Iraq. Focusing on two figures often excluded from conventional histories of Iraq – Mubārak al-Ṣabāḥ of Kuwait, and Khaz‘al bin Jābir of Muḥammara – it investigates how late imperial belonging was tied to the consolidation of property in land and how the political economy of land was tied to an emerging international system. The article reads these sources alongside non-state sources to understand how competing conceptions of Ottoman space and identity together shaped political and economic belonging in the ‘Gulf of Basra’. At the same time, the article argues that historians should be wary of the pitfalls of ‘methodological Ottomanism’ in using the Ottoman past to rewrite the histories of Ottoman Iraq. The ‘Ottoman’ should be treated as an open question, and bringing together multiple Ottoman archives is one way to do that.
The repatriation of Iraqi Ba‘th Party archives: Ethical and practical considerations
Authors: Walter Alissa
Published: June 2022

The displacement of millions of Iraqi archival records to the United States in the 1990s and early 2000s generated considerable controversy about the legality and ethics of moving a country’s archival records to another country, especially during wartime. Since 2020, however, most of these records have been returned to Iraq, though digital copies remain accessible in the United States in many cases. How does the repatriation of Iraqi archival documents impact the ethical arguments for and against researchers using the digitized copies of previously displaced archives? And now that records have been returned to Iraq, how can researchers continue to safeguard the identities of individuals named within these papers? This article summarizes the history of the legal and ethical controversies surrounding displaced Iraqi archives and proposes ethical considerations for researchers of Iraq to keep in mind while engaging in scholarship.
Return to Ruin: Iraqi Narratives of Exile and Nostalgia, Zainab Saleh (2020)
Authors: Olsen Pelle Valentin
Published: June 2022

Review of: Return to Ruin: Iraqi Narratives of Exile and Nostalgia, Zainab Saleh (2020)

Stanford: Stanford University Press, 280 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-50361-411-6, p/bk, $25.00
Psicoanálisis e Historia: una aproximación interdisciplinaria a la agresividad durante los preparativos del plebiscito fallido de Tacna y Arica, 1925-1926
Authors: Soto Lara José Julián , Castaño Peñuela Ángela María
Published: June 2022

La violencia nacionalista entre chilenos y peruanos acaecida antes de la votación plebiscitaria que definiría la soberanía de Tacna y Arica es única en la historia de América Latina. Su singularidad radica en la larga espera que esos habitantes padecieron para resolver un aspecto crucial en la conformación de sus identidades nacionales, pues de acuerdo con el Tratado de Ancón de 1883 que puso fin a la Guerra del Pacífico, la elección debía haberse efectuado en 1894. Por esas razones este artículo analiza la agresividad nacionalista entre chilenos y peruanos durante 1925-1926 en Tacna y Arica enfatizando en la practicada por el último grupo, puesto que la historiografía no ha destacado con claridad la utilización de ese recurso político peruano. El objetivo es contextualizar las causas de dicha agresividad y analizarla desde el psicoanálisis. Para ello se utilizaron fuentes gubernamentales, criminales y periodísticas a las que se practicó un análisis documental e indiciario vinculado con la teoría psicoanalítica. Se concluye que la agresividad se ejerció de manera similar por chilenos y peruanos, y que ésta fue legitimada por instituciones sociales que justificaron la violencia durante las elecciones. En ese sentido es fundamental sugerir como un hallazgo de la investigación que durante la fase estudiada es posible distinguir un «narcisismo de las pequeñas diferencias», concepto tomado del psicoanálisis para hacer una lectura sobre la rivalidad especular entre chilenos y peruanos, que se cimentó sobre elementos diferenciales que pasaron por alto los rasgos comunes que unían a dichos pueblos.
Review on Public Health Effects of Aflatoxins in Milk and Milk-Based Foodstuffs of Dairy Cow
Authors: Abadura Sadik Zakir , Jilo Sufian Abdo , Abdurahman Mukarim
Published: June 2022

Aflatoxins are toxigenic metabolites that are definitely occurring by lethal strains of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus that commonly dwell and colonize in feed components and various nutritive foodstuffs particularly milk and milk based products. This Review has three main objectives; those are causes of aflatoxin, effects and methods of control in milk and milk products. Drinking of cow milk polluted with aflatoxin may overwhelm immunity and subsidize to stunting in young children, as the young children are not immune-competent during early stage. It has been internationally assessed that aflatoxin is possibly accountable for 30% of the annual cases of liver cancer. Generally, control approaches of aflatoxin can be applied during pre-harvest, cautious management in the time of harvest and postharvest decontamination. Moreover, choosing breed for aflatoxin impervious crop diversities, prevention of aflatoxin production through biological decontamination by microorganisms and their metabolites, rejection of aflatoxin by physical means in addition to inactivation by chemicals are the typical approaches that have been described in different studies. For the reason that cow milk is the most important and principal diet of children, but the risk of exposed to the cancer are more in infants. In addition, according to various investigations it also well thought that young animals are also found to be more vulnerable to aflatoxin than adults. Thus; the contamination of cow milk and milk products by AFM1 should understood as undesirable for young human and animals.