bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forearm compartment syndrome after a trans-ulnar coronary intervention in a patient with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Del Rio-Pertuz Gaspar , Rogers Brandon , Lahoti Ankush , Jenkins Leigh
Published: April 2023

Compartment syndrome is a very rare but possibly devastating complication of coronary angiography when a trans-radial approach is used. The trans-ulnar approach is an attractive option in cases with anatomic variations of the radial artery or weak radial pulses. Even though it is expected that the trans-ulnar approach has a similar risk of developing compartment syndrome like trans-radial approach, the literature does not have many case reports describing this complication. Here we report a case of a woman who developed forearm compartment syndrome after trans-ulnar coronary intervention in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Neuromuscular blocker agents in mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS
Authors: Ramos Jose
Published: April 2023

The clinical use of neuromuscular blocker agents (NMBAs) in patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a controversial topic in critical care medicine. Of the two classes of NMBAs, the most widely used are the non-depolarizing agents including cisatracurium. Some of the benefits attributed to this class of medications for patients with ARDS include a decreased inflammatory response, prevention of ventilator dyssynchrony, and improved oxygenation. The mortality benefit of this intervention was recently studied by two main trials, ACURASYS and ROSE, which showed improved patient outcomes, but no mortality benefit was obtained. The decision to use NMBAs in the clinical practice has to be made in a case-by-case basis taking in consideration different scenarios.
Using lung ultrasound to guide PEEP determination in mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: York Jesse , Nugent Kenneth
Published: April 2023

Supportive care with mechanical ventilation is the cornerstone of management for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is often applied in mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS to improve oxygenation; however, determining the optimal PEEP level—the pressure that maximizes clinical benefit while minimizing risks of ventilator-induced lung injury and other harms—for each patient can be challenging. Recently, transthoracic lung ultrasonography (also called lung ultrasound) has been proposed as a tool to guide PEEP determination in patients with ARDS. This paper reviews the history of use of lung ultrasound as a method to guide PEEP determination and the four published studies which compared it to other techniques of PEEP determination, such as the oxygenation and PV-curve methods.
There is Power in the Past
Authors: Halmhofer Stephanie , Fitzpatrick Alex
Published: May 2023

Heritage (and by extension, archaeology) is an important part of the Star Wars universe. Both the Jedi and the Sith share teachings revolving around sites and artifacts important to their heritage and identities, and archaeologists like Dr. Chelli Aphra have played important roles in the development and maintenance of such heritage. However, the politicization of sites and artifacts by many groups and individuals has also served as motivation behind significant schisms, battles, imperialism, and resistance. As professional archaeologists, we have become familiar with the ways these themes are also appearing within our real-world discipline. This paper will broadly examine the roles that archaeology and heritage play in the Star Wars universe. Using examples from both canon media and expanded universe (now referred to as Legends) lore, this paper will explore the ways in which political factions manipulate and weaponize heritage and archaeology to their benefit. These examples will then be discussed within real world contexts to illustrate how Star Wars is ultimately a perfect encapsulation of the political powers inherent in archaeology and heritage studies, and the resistance to the manipulation of these fields.
Method Optimization for Quantification of GABA and Isoflavone Aglycones in Germinated Soybean
Authors: T Tran Dinh , Thi Vu Huyen , Tzompa-Sosa Daylan A. , Thi Nguyen Thuy Anh , Dewettinck Koen
Published: April 2023

Germinated soybean is rich in bioactive compounds such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), polyphenols, and flavonoids. Thus, quantification of these components is critical for assessing nutritional value of soybean after germination and processing. In the current research, methods for determination of GABA, daidzein, genistein, and glycitein in germinated soybeans using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet-visible detector (HPLC-UV-VIS) were optimized. Then, soybean germination time was optimized in ‘DT84’ and ‘DT51’, two Vietnamese soybean cultivars. These cultivars were soaked for 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, and 5 h with water-to-bean ratio of 1:5 at 26 - 28 ºC to initiate germination. After being soaked, the seeds were germinated, dried, and ground into powder for quantification of GABA and isoflavone aglycones. The highest concentration of GABA, daidzein and genistein were reached after 1 h of bean soaking. Further, germinated ‘DT51’ had higher GABA and lower genistein and daidzein content than germinated ‘DT84’.Previous studies had reported the extraction and quantification of GABA and isoflavone aglycones in various food matrices. However, in this study we performed optimization of these procedures in a soybean matrix and showed potential of germination as a low-cost processing to boost the nutritional quality of soybean.
Sappan Heartwood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) Extract as a Natural Antimicrobial used in Beetroot Juice by Accelerated Solvent Extraction
Authors: Muangrat Rattana , Thipsuwan Yaowares
Published: April 2023

After accelerated solvent extraction using ethanol-water solvent (at a weight ratio of 3 to 1) at extraction temperatures of 60C, 120C, and 180C for 5 min under 1500 psi extraction pressure, the brazilin content in the extracts was determined and also the obtained sappan heartwood extracts (SHE) were used to inhibit some pathogenic bacteria in food, including B. cereus, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. Typhimurium, using agar disc diffusion method. According to the findings of this study, the average yield of SHE using ethanol-water solvent at different extraction temperatures of 60C, 120C, and 180C was 9.16, 13.64 and 16.81%, respectively, providing that the brazilin compound was found in the extracts to be approximately 3.36, 2.69 and 2.68%, respectively. SHE samples were found to be antibacterial against all bacteria tested. These extracts' minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) at 37°C for E. coli were 3.91 and 5.64-6.51 mg/ml, respectively; S. aureus, 3.69-3.91 and 3.69-3.91 mg/ml, respectively; B. cereus, 0.150.16 and 0.20 mg/ml, respectively, and S. Typhimurium, 0.96 and 1.31-1.96 mg/ml, respectively. SHE obtained at 120C extraction temperature were suitable and selected for addition into beetroot juice stored at 4C for 7 days and 37C for 24 hr, with the lowest SHE concentrations found to completely and simultaneously kill B. cereus, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. Typhimurium in beetroot juice being 11.73 and 3.91 mg/ml, respectively.
Predictive value of post-void residual volume as an adjunctive tool in the clinical evaluation of cauda equina syndrome
Authors: Boktor Joseph , Wong Fabian , Joseph Vinay M. , Alshahwani Awf , Banerjee Purnajyoti , Morris Keith , Lewis Peter M. , Ahuja Sashin
Published: May 2023

Aims

The early diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome (CES) is crucial for a favourable outcome. Several studies have reported the use of an ultrasound scan of the bladder as an adjunct to assess the minimum post-void residual volume of urine (mPVR). However, variable mPVR values have been proposed as a threshold without consensus on a value for predicting CES among patients with relevant symptoms and signs. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis and systematic review of the published evidence to identify a threshold mPVR value which would provide the highest diagnostic accuracy in patients in whom the diagnosis of CES is suspected.

Methods

The search strategy used electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and AMED) for publications between January 1996 and November 2021. All studies that reported mPVR in patients in whom the diagnosis of CES was suspected, followed by MRI, were included.

Results

A total of 2,115 studies were retrieved from the search. Seven fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These included 1,083 patients, with data available from 734 being available for meta-analysis. In 125 patients, CES was confirmed by MRI. The threshold value of mPVR reported in each study varied and could be categorized into 100 ml, 200 ml, 300 ml, and 500 ml. From the meta-analysis, 200 ml had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with 82% sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 0.90) and 65% specificity (95% CI 0.70 to 0.90). When compared using summative receiver operating characteristic curves, mPVR of 200 ml was superior to other values in predicting the radiological confirmation of CES.

Conclusion

mPVR is a useful tool when assessing patients in whom the diagnosis of CES is suspected. Compared with other values a mPVR of 200 ml had superior sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. In a patient with a suggestive history and clinical findings, a mPVR of > 200 ml should further raise the suspicion of CES. Caution is recommended when considering the mPVR in isolation and using it as an ‘exclusion tool’, and it should only be used as an adjunct to a full clinical assessment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):487–495.
Robotic-navigated assistance in spine surgery
Authors: Abel Frederik , Avrumova Fedan , Goldman Samuel N. , Abjornson Celeste , Lebl Darren R.
Published: May 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of pedicle screw placement, as well as intraoperative factors, radiation exposure, and complication rates in adult patients with degenerative disorders of the thoracic and lumbar spines who have undergone robotic-navigated spinal surgery using a contemporary system.

Methods

The authors reviewed the prospectively collected data on 196 adult patients who had pedicle screws implanted with robot-navigated assistance (RNA) using the Mazor X Stealth system between June 2019 and March 2022. Pedicle screws were implanted by one experienced spinal surgeon after completion of a learning period. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement was determined using intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy.

Results

A total of 1,123 pedicle screws were implanted: 1,001 screws (89%) were placed robotically, 63 (6%) were converted from robotic placement to a freehand technique, and 59 (5%) were planned to be implanted freehand. Of the robotically placed screws, 942 screws (94%) were determined to be Gertzbein and Robbins grade A with median deviation of 0.8 mm (interquartile range 0.4 to 1.6). Skive events were noted with 20 pedicle screws (1.8%). No adverse clinical sequelae were noted in the 90-day follow-up. The mean fluoroscopic exposure per screw was 4.9 seconds (SD 3.8).

Conclusion

RNA is highly accurate and reliable, with a low rate of abandonment once mastered. No adverse clinical sequelae occurred after implanting a large series of pedicle screws using the latest generation of RNA. Understanding of patient-specific anatomical features and the real-time intraoperative identification of risk factors for suboptimal screw placement have the potential to improve accuracy further.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):543–550.
Anteroposterior pelvic radiograph findings correlate with sagittal spinopelvic motion
Authors: Mills Emily S. , Talehakimi Arad , Urness Matthew , Wang Jennifer C. , Piple Amit S. , Chung Brian C. , Tezuka Taro , Heckmann Nathanael D.
Published: May 2023

Aims

It has been well documented in the arthroplasty literature that lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) contributes to abnormal spinopelvic motion. However, the relationship between the severity or pattern of hip osteoarthritis (OA) as measured on an anteroposterior (AP) pelvic view and spinopelvic biomechanics has not been well investigated. Therefore, the aim of the study is to examine the association between the severity and pattern of hip OA and spinopelvic motion.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Plain AP pelvic radiographs were reviewed to document the morphological characteristic of osteoarthritic hips. Lateral spine-pelvis-hip sitting and standing plain radiographs were used to measure sacral slope (SS) and pelvic femoral angle (PFA) in each position. Lumbar disc spaces were measured to determine the presence of DDD. The difference between sitting and standing SS and PFA were calculated to quantify spinopelvic motion (ΔSS) and hip motion (ΔPFA), respectively. Univariate analysis and Pearson correlation were used to identify morphological hip characteristics associated with changes in spinopelvic motion.

Results

In total, 139 patients were included. Increased spinopelvic motion was observed in patients with loss of femoral head contour, cam deformity, and acetabular bone loss (all p < 0.05). Loss of hip motion was observed in patients with loss of femoral head contour, cam deformity, and acetabular bone loss (all p < 0.001). A decreased joint space was associated with a decreased ΔPFA (p = 0.040). The presence of disc space narrowing, disc space narrowing > two levels, and disc narrowing involving the L5–S1 segment were associated with decreased spinopelvic motion (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Preoperative hip OA as assessed on an AP pelvic radiograph predicts spinopelvic motion. These data suggest that specific hip osteoarthritic morphological characteristics listed above alter spinopelvic motion to a greater extent than others.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):496–503.
Depression and anxiety are associated with an increased risk of infection, revision, and reoperation following total hip or knee arthroplasty
Authors: Harmer Joshua R. , Wyles Cody C. , Duong Stephanie Q. , Morgan III Robert J. , Maradit-Kremers Hilal , Abdel Matthew P.
Published: May 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders prior to total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to assess their impact on the rates of any infection, revision, or reoperation.

Methods

Between January 2000 and March 2019, 21,469 primary and revision arthroplasties (10,011 THAs; 11,458 TKAs), which were undertaken in 15,504 patients at a single academic medical centre, were identified from a 27-county linked electronic medical record (EMR) system. Depressive and anxiety disorders were identified by diagnoses in the EMR or by using a natural language processing program with subsequent validation from review of the medical records. Patients with mental health diagnoses other than anxiety or depression were excluded.

Results

Depressive and/or anxiety disorders were common before THA and TKA, with a prevalence of 30% in those who underwent primary THA, 33% in those who underwent revision THA, 32% in those who underwent primary TKA, and 35% in those who underwent revision TKA. The presence of depressive or anxiety disorders was associated with a significantly increased risk of any infection (primary THA, hazard ratio (HR) 1.5; revision THA, HR 1.9; primary TKA, HR 1.6; revision TKA, HR 1.8), revision (THA, HR 1.7; TKA, HR 1.6), re-revision (THA, HR 2.0; TKA, HR 1.6), and reoperation (primary THA, HR 1.6; revision THA, HR 2.2; primary TKA, HR 1.4; revision TKA, HR 1.9; p < 0.03 for all). Patients with preoperative depressive and/or anxiety disorders were significantly less likely to report “much better” joint function after primary THA (78% vs 87%) and primary TKA (86% vs 90%) compared with those without these disorders at two years postoperatively (p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion

The presence of depressive or anxiety disorders prior to primary or revision THA and TKA is common, and associated with a significantly higher risk of infection, revision, reoperation, and dissatisfaction. This topic deserves further study, and surgeons may consider mental health optimization to be of similar importance to preoperative variables such as diabetic control, prior to arthroplasty.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):526–533.
Giant cell tumour of bone
Authors: Aoude Ahmed , Nikomarov David , Perera Jonathan R. , Ibe Izuchukwu K. , Griffin Anthony M. , Tsoi Kim M. , Ferguson Peter C. , Wunder Jay S.
Published: May 2023

Aims

Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) is a locally aggressive lesion that is difficult to treat as salvaging the joint can be associated with a high rate of local recurrence (LR). We evaluated the risk factors for tumour relapse after treatment of a GCTB of the limbs.

Methods

A total of 354 consecutive patients with a GCTB underwent joint salvage by curettage and reconstruction with bone graft and/or cement or en bloc resection. Patient, tumour, and treatment factors were analyzed for their impact on LR. Patients treated with denosumab were excluded.

Results

There were 53 LRs (15%) at a mean 30.5 months (5 to 116). LR was higher after curettage (18.4%) than after resection (4.6%; p = 0.008). Neither pathological fracture (p = 0.240), Campanacci grade (p = 0.734), soft-tissue extension (p = 0.297), or tumour size (p = 0.872) affected the risk of recurrence. Joint salvage was possible in 74% of patients overall (262/354), and 98% after curettage alone (262/267). Of 49 patients with LR after curettage, 44 (90%) underwent repeated curettage and joint salvage. For patients treated by curettage, only age less than 30 years (p = 0.042) and location in the distal radius (p = 0.043) predicted higher LR. The rate of LR did not differ whether cement or bone graft was used (p = 0.753), but may have been reduced by the use of hydrogen peroxide (p = 0.069). Complications occurred in 15.3% of cases (54/354) and did not differ by treatment.

Conclusion

Most patients with a GCTB can undergo successful joint salvage by aggressive curettage, even in the presence of a soft-tissue mass, pathological fracture, or a large lesion, with an 18.4% risk of local recurrence. However, 90% of local relapses after curettage can be treated by repeat joint salvage. Maximizing joint salvage is important to optimize long-term function since most patients with a GCTB are young adults. Younger patients and those with distal radius tumours treated with joint-sparing procedures have a higher rate of local relapse and may require more aggressive treatment and closer follow-up.

Cite this article:Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(5):559–567.
Visualizing drug-induced lipid accumulation in lysosomes of live cancer cells with stimulated Raman imaging
Authors: Yuan Yuhao , Olawode Emmanuel O. , Tumey L. Nathan , Lu Fake
Published: April 2023

The low pH of the lysosomal compartment often results in sequestration of chemotherapeutic agents that contain positively charged basic functional groups, leading to anti-cancer drug resistance. To visualize drug localization in lysosomes and its influence on lysosomal functions, we synthesize a group of drug-like compounds that contain both a basic functional group and a bisarylbutadiyne (BADY) group as a Raman probe. With quantitative stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging, we validate that the synthesized lysosomotropic (LT) drug analogs show high lysosomal affinity, which can also serve as a photostable lysosome tracker. We find that long-term retention of the LT compounds in lysosomes leads to the increased amount and colocalization of both lipid droplets (LDs) and lysosomes in SKOV3 cells. With hyperspectral SRS imaging, further studies find that the LDs stuck in lysosomes are more saturated than the LDs staying out of the lysosomes, indicating impaired lysosomal lipid metabolism by the LT compounds. These results demonstrate that SRS imaging of the alkyne-based probes is a promising approach to characterizing the lysosomal sequestration of drugs and its influence on cell functions.
Integrated lithium niobate photonics: introduction
Authors: Sun Xiankai , Yu Zejie , Yu Mengjie , Tang Hong X.
Published: April 2023

In this introduction, we provide an overview of the papers that were accepted for publication in the JOSA B feature issue on integrated lithium niobate photonics. A total of 13 papers, comprising two review articles and 11 research articles, are included. This feature issue presents cutting-edge research on integrated lithium niobate photonics and highlights recent developments in its applications in photonic and optoelectronic integration.
Accurate measurement and adjustment method for interference fringe direction in a scanning beam interference lithography system
Authors: Li Yubo , Jiang Shan , Chen Xingshuo , Liu Zhaowu , Wang Wei , Song Ying , Bayanheshig
Published: April 2023

To improve the exposure contrast of the scanning beam interference lithography (SBIL) system, a mathematical model of scanning exposure that includes the direction error of the measurement mirror is established. The effect of the angle between the interference fringe direction and the X-axis measurement mirror direction on the exposure contrast is analyzed. An accurate method for interference fringe direction measurement based on the heterodyne interferometry measurement method of the metrology grating and phase shift interferometry is proposed. This method combines the diffraction characteristics of the metrology grating and the phase shift algorithm to calculate the angle between the interference fringe direction and the measurement mirror direction accurately and adjust it. Experiments show that this angle reaches 0.6777 µrad, which meets high-precision grating fabrication requirements. Exposure comparison experiments performed at various angles show that a smaller angle between the interference fringe direction and the measurement mirror direction leads to better grating groove production by scanning exposure, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis. The accuracy of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the interference fringe direction adjustment method are verified, laying a foundation for high-quality grating fabrication by the SBIL system.
12.7 W intra-cavity pumped Ho:YAG laser with near-diffraction-limited beam quality
Authors: Gao Jimeng , Long Qunlong , Han Qingwen , Wang Lei , Xu Zhaopeng , Mao Yefei
Published: April 2023

We demonstrated a compact and efficient Ho:YAG slab laser intra-cavity pumped by a Tm:YLF slab laser for the first time. In the Tm:YLF laser operation, the maximum power of 32.1 W with optical-to-optical efficiency of 52.8% was obtained. In the intra-cavity pumped Ho:YAG laser operation, the output power of 12.7 W at 2122 nm was obtained. The beam quality factors M2 in the vertical and horizontal directions were 1.22 and 1.11, respectively. The RMS instability was measured to be lower than 0.1%. To the best of our knowledge, this was the maximum power for the Tm-doped laser intra-cavity pumped Ho-doped laser with near-diffraction-limited beam quality.
Optical vortex induced spatio-temporally modulated superconductivity in a high-Tc cuprate
Authors: Toda Yasunori , Tsuchiya Satoshi , Yamane Keisaku , Morita Ryuji , Oda Migaku , Kurosawa Tohru , Mertelj Tomaz , Mihailovic Dragan
Published: May 2023

We report an experimental approach to produce spatially localized photoinduced superconducting state in a cuprate superconductor using optical vortices with ultrafast pulses. The measurements were carried out using coaxially aligned three-pulse time-resolved spectroscopy, in which an intense vortex pulse was used for coherent quenching of superconductivity and the resulting spatially modulated metastable states were analyzed by the pump-probe spectroscopy. The transient response after quenching shows a spatially localized superconducting state that remains unquenched at the dark core of the vortex beam for a few picoseconds. Because the quenching is instantaneously driven by photoexcited quasiparticles, the vortex beam profile can be transferred directly to the electron system. By using the optical vortex-induced superconductor, we demonstrate spatially resolved imaging of the superconducting response and show that the spatial resolution can be improved using the same principle as that of super-resolution microscopy for fluorescent molecules. The demonstration of spatially controlled photoinduced superconductivity is significant for establishing a new method for exploring novel photoinduced phenomena and applications in ultrafast optical devices.
Fully adiabatic polarization rotator-splitter based on thin-film lithium niobate platform
Authors: Song Liyuan , Zhao Jieru , Dai Xiangyang , Lu Mingzhi , Lu Qiaoyin , Guo Weihua
Published: April 2023

A Polarization Rotator-Splitter (PRS) based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) is demonstrated in this work. The PRS consists of a partially etched polarization rotating taper and an adiabatic coupler, which enables the input TE0 and TM0 to be output as TE0 from two ports, respectively. The fabricated PRS using standard i-line photolithography achieved large polarization extinction ratios (PERs) of > 20 dB across the whole C-band. Excellent polarization characteristics are maintained when the width is changed by ±150 nm. The on-chip insertion losses of TE0 and TM0 are less than 1.5 dB and 1 dB, respectively.
In-situ measurement of the electron spin polarization by controlling its distribution in atomic ensembles
Authors: Liu Xuejing , Li Yang , Zhang Chenhui , Hu Yanhui
Published: April 2023

The determination of electron spin polarization by controlling the atomic population distributions of ground states has been proposed. The polarization could be deduced by generating different population symmetries by polarized lights. The polarization of the atomic ensembles was decoded from optical depth in different transmissions of linearly and elliptic polarized lights. The feasibility of the method has been validated theoretically and experimentally. Moreover, the influences of relaxation and magnetic fields are analyzed. The transparency induced by high pump rates are investigated experimentally, and the influences of ellipticity of lights are also discussed. The in-situ polarization measurement was achieved without changing optical path of atomic magnetometer, which provides a new way to interrogate the performance of atomic magnetometer and in-situ monitoring the hyperpolarization of nuclear spins for atomic co-magnetometer.
Polarization dynamics of vector solitons in a fiber laser
Authors: Lan Hengwen , Chen Fanglin , Wang Yutian , Klimczak Mariusz , Buczynski Ryszard , Tang Xiahui , Tang Ming , Zhu Haiyong , Zhao Luming
Published: April 2023

We investigate the polarization dynamics of vector solitons in a fiber laser mode-locked by a saturable absorber (SA). Three types of vector solitons were obtained in the laser, including group velocity locked vector solitons (GVLVS), polarization locked vector solitons (PLVS), and polarization rotation locked vector solitons (PRLVS). Their polarization evolution during intracavity propagation is discussed. Pure vector solitons are obtained from the continuous wave (CW) background by soliton distillation, and the characteristics of the vector solitons without and with distillation are analyzed, respectively. Numerical simulations suggest that the features of vector solitons in a fiber laser could be assemble to those generated in fibers.
Time-resolved absorption spectroscopy in electron beam melting with blue vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers
Authors: Beuting Matthias , Escano Luis I. , Chen Lianyi , Sanders Scott T.
Published: May 2023

This paper addresses the challenge of understanding the dynamics of the interaction between partially evaporated metal and the liquid metal melt pool in electron beam melting (EBM), an additive manufacturing technology. Few contactless, time-resolved sensing strategies have been applied in this environment. We used tunable diode-laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) to measure vanadium vapor in the EBM of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy at 20 kHz. Our study includes, to our knowledge, the first-time use of a blue GaN vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) for spectroscopy. Our results reveal a plume that is roughly symmetrical with a uniform temperature. Moreover, we believe this work presents the first application of TDLAS for time-resolved thermometry of a minor alloying element in EBM.
Optical computation of the Laplace operator at oblique incidence using a multilayer metal-dielectric structure
Authors: Doskolovich Leonid L. , Kashapov Artem I. , Bezus Evgeni A. , Golovastikov Nikita V. , Bykov Dmitry A.
Published: April 2023

We investigate the possibility of the optical computation of the Laplace operator in the oblique incidence geometry using a layered structure consisting of a set of homogeneous thin films. For this, we develop a general description of the diffraction of a three-dimensional linearly polarized optical beam by a layered structure at oblique incidence. Using this description, we derive the transfer function of a multilayer structure consisting of two three-layer metal-dielectric-metal structures and possessing a second-order reflection zero with respect to the tangential component of the wave vector of the incident wave. We show that under a certain condition, this transfer function can coincide up to a constant multiplier with the transfer function of a linear system performing the computation of the Laplace operator. Using rigorous numerical simulations based on the enhanced transmittance matrix approach, we demonstrate that the considered metal-dielectric structure can optically compute the Laplacian of the incident Gaussian beam with the normalized root-mean-square error of the order of 1%. We also show that this structure can be effectively utilized for optical edge detection of the incident signal.
Coexistence of Dirac points and nodal chains in photonic metacrystal
Authors: Yang Jie , Long Sheng , Wang Hanyu , Yu Zhide , Yang Biao , Guo Qinghua , Xiang Yuanjiang , Xia Lingbo , Zhang Shuang
Published: April 2023

Gapless topological phases, i.e. topological semimetals, come in various forms such as Weyl/Dirac semimetals, nodal line/chain semimetals, and surface-node semimetals. However, the coexistence of two or more topological phases in a single system is still rare. Here, we propose the coexistence of Dirac points and nodal chain degeneracies in a judiciously designed photonic metacrystal. The designed metacrystal exhibits nodal line degeneracies lying in perpendicular planes, which are chained together at the Brillouin zone boundary. Interestingly, the Dirac points, which are protected by nonsymmorphic symmetries, are located right at the intersection points of nodal chains. The nontrivial Z2 topology of the Dirac points is revealed by the surface states. The Dirac points and nodal chains are located in a clean frequency range. Our results provide a platform for studying the connection between different topological phases.
Chromium oxide film for Q-switched and mode-locked pulse generation
Authors: Li Lu , Cheng Jiawei , Zhao Qiyi , Zhang Jinniu , Yang Huiran , Zhang Yaming , Hui Zhanqiang , Zhao Feng , Liu Wenjun
Published: April 2023

Chromium oxide (Cr2O3) is a promising material used in the applications such as photoelectrochemical devices, photocatalysis, magnetic random access memory, and gas sensors. But, its nonlinear optical characteristics and applications in ultrafast optics have not been studied yet. This study prepares a microfiber decorated with a Cr2O3 film via magnetron sputtering deposition and examines its nonlinear optical characteristics. The modulation depth and saturation intensity of this device are determined as 12.52% and 0.0176 MW/cm2. Meanwhile, the Cr2O3-microfiber is applied as a saturable absorber in an Er-doped fiber laser, and stable Q-switching and mode-locking laser pulses are successfully generated. In the Q-switched working state, the highest output power and shortest pulse width are measured as 12.8 mW and 1.385 µs, respectively. The pulse duration of this mode-locked fiber laser is as short as 334 fs, and its signal-to-noise ratio is 65 dB. As far as we know, this is the first illustration of using Cr2O3 in ultrafast photonics. The results confirm that Cr2O3 is a promising saturable absorber material and significantly extend the scope of saturable absorber materials for innovative fiber laser technologies.
Electrical polarization control of VCSELs based on an orthogonal switching liquid crystal layer
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Cui Ning , Liu Yudong , Wen Yan , Wang Hongzhuo , Guan Baolu
Published: April 2023

Stable polarization has been regarded as a key element for improving the beam quality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). However, gain isotropy in the active layer of VCSELs ineluctably leads to the uncertainty of the polarization direction. In this paper, a liquid crystal (LC)-VCSEL laser with polarization control characteristics is designed and fabricated based on the optical rotation effect and electrically controlled birefringence characteristics of orthogonal LC. The experimental results show that, electrically controlled LC could flexibly realize the scheme of polarization stable output and the switching ratio of polarization output could reach 164:1. Based on the electrically controlled birefringence characteristics of LC, the linear polarization angle of VCSEL is further regulated by applying a deflection voltage, and the polarization angle tuning range is between 0° and 90°.
A multi-lab experimental assessment reveals that replicability can be improved by using empirical estimates of genotype-by-lab interaction
Authors: Jaljuli Iman , Kafkafi Neri , Giladi Eliezer , Golani Ilan , Gozes Illana , Chesler Elissa J. , Bogue Molly A. , Benjamini Yoav
Published: May 2023

The utility of mouse and rat studies critically depends on their replicability in other laboratories. A widely advocated approach to improving replicability is through the rigorous control of predefined animal or experimental conditions, known as standardization. However, this approach limits the generalizability of the findings to only to the standardized conditions and is a potential cause rather than solution to what has been called a replicability crisis. Alternative strategies include estimating the heterogeneity of effects across laboratories, either through designs that vary testing conditions, or by direct statistical analysis of laboratory variation. We previously evaluated our statistical approach for estimating the interlaboratory replicability of a single laboratory discovery. Those results, however, were from a well-coordinated, multi-lab phenotyping study and did not extend to the more realistic setting in which laboratories are operating independently of each other. Here, we sought to test our statistical approach as a realistic prospective experiment, in mice, using 152 results from 5 independent published studies deposited in the Mouse Phenome Database (MPD). In independent replication experiments at 3 laboratories, we found that 53 of the results were replicable, so the other 99 were considered non-replicable. Of the 99 non-replicable results, 59 were statistically significant (at 0.05) in their original single-lab analysis, putting the probability that a single-lab statistical discovery was made even though it is non-replicable, at 59.6%. We then introduced the dimensionless “Genotype-by-Laboratory” (GxL) factor—the ratio between the standard deviations of the GxL interaction and the standard deviation within groups. Using the GxL factor reduced the number of single-lab statistical discoveries and alongside reduced the probability of a non-replicable result to be discovered in the single lab to 12.1%. Such reduction naturally leads to reduced power to make replicable discoveries, but this reduction was small (from 87% to 66%), indicating the small price paid for the large improvement in replicability. Tools and data needed for the above GxL adjustment are publicly available at the MPD and will become increasingly useful as the range of assays and testing conditions in this resource increases.
Selective control of synaptic plasticity in heterogeneous networks through transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)
Authors: Pariz Aref , Trotter Daniel , Hutt Axel , Lefebvre Jeremie
Published: April 2023

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) represents a promising non-invasive treatment for an increasingly wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The ability to use periodically oscillating electric fields to non-invasively engage neural dynamics opens up the possibility of recruiting synaptic plasticity and to modulate brain function. However, despite consistent reports about tACS clinical effectiveness, strong state-dependence combined with the ubiquitous heterogeneity of cortical networks collectively results in high outcome variability. Introducing variations in intrinsic neuronal timescales, we explored how such heterogeneity influences stimulation-induced change in synaptic connectivity. We examined how spike timing dependent plasticity, at the level of cells, intra- and inter-laminar cortical networks, can be selectively and preferentially engaged by periodic stimulation. Using leaky integrate-and-fire neuron models, we analyzed cortical circuits comprised of multiple cell-types, alongside superficial multi-layered networks expressing distinct layer-specific timescales. Our results show that mismatch in neuronal timescales within and/or between cells—and the resulting variability in excitability, temporal integration properties and frequency tuning—enables selective and directional control on synaptic connectivity by tACS. Our work provides new vistas on how to recruit neural heterogeneity to guide brain plasticity using non-invasive stimulation paradigms.
The MOV10 RNA helicase is a dosage-dependent host restriction factor for LINE1 retrotransposition in mice
Authors: Guan Yongjuan , Gao Hongyan , Leu N. Adrian , Vourekas Anastassios , Alexiou Panagiotis , Maragkakis Manolis , Kang Zhenlong , Mourelatos Zissimos , Liang Guanxiang , Wang P. Jeremy
Published: May 2023

Transposable elements constitute nearly half of the mammalian genome and play important roles in genome evolution. While a multitude of both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms exist to silence transposable elements, control of transposition in vivo remains poorly understood. MOV10, an RNA helicase, is an inhibitor of mobilization of retrotransposons and retroviruses in cell culture assays. Here we report that MOV10 restricts LINE1 retrotransposition in mice. Although MOV10 is broadly expressed, its loss causes only incomplete penetrance of embryonic lethality, and the surviving MOV10-deficient mice are healthy and fertile. Biochemically, MOV10 forms a complex with UPF1, a key component of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway, and primarily binds to the 3′ UTR of somatically expressed transcripts in testis. Consequently, loss of MOV10 results in an altered transcriptome in testis. Analyses using a LINE1 reporter transgene reveal that loss of MOV10 leads to increased LINE1 retrotransposition in somatic and reproductive tissues from both embryos and adult mice. Moreover, the degree of LINE1 retrotransposition inhibition is dependent on the Mov10 gene dosage. Furthermore, MOV10 deficiency reduces reproductive fitness over successive generations. Our findings demonstrate that MOV10 attenuates LINE1 retrotransposition in a dosage-dependent manner in mice.
Home working and social and mental wellbeing at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: Evidence from 7 longitudinal population surveys
Authors: Wels Jacques , Wielgoszewska Bożena , Moltrecht Bettina , Booth Charlotte , Green Michael J. , Hamilton Olivia KL , Demou Evangelia , Di Gessa Giorgio , Huggins Charlotte , Zhu Jingmin , Santorelli Gillian , Silverwood Richard J. , Kopasker Daniel , Shaw Richard J. , Hughes Alun , Patalay Praveetha , Steves Claire , Chaturvedi Nishi , Porteous David J. , Rhead Rebecca , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Ploubidis George B.
Published: April 2023

Background

Home working has increased since the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic’s onset with concerns that it may have adverse health implications. We assessed the association between home working and social and mental wellbeing among the employed population aged 16 to 66 through harmonised analyses of 7 UK longitudinal studies.

Methods and findings

We estimated associations between home working and measures of psychological distress, low life satisfaction, poor self-rated health, low social contact, and loneliness across 3 different stages of the pandemic (T1 = April to June 2020 –first lockdown, T2 = July to October 2020 –eased restrictions, T3 = November 2020 to March 2021 –second lockdown) using modified Poisson regression and meta-analyses to pool results across studies. We successively adjusted the model for sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, sex), job characteristics (e.g., sector of activity, pre-pandemic home working propensities), and pre-pandemic health. Among respectively 10,367, 11,585, and 12,179 participants at T1, T2, and T3, we found higher rates of home working at T1 and T3 compared with T2, reflecting lockdown periods. Home working was not associated with psychological distress at T1 (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.79 to 1.08) or T2 (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.88 to 1.11), but a detrimental association was found with psychological distress at T3 (RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.30). Study limitations include the fact that pre-pandemic home working propensities were derived from external sources, no information was collected on home working dosage and possible reverse association between change in wellbeing and home working likelihood.

Conclusions

No clear evidence of an association between home working and mental wellbeing was found, apart from greater risk of psychological distress during the second lockdown, but differences across subgroups (e.g., by sex or level of education) may exist. Longer term shifts to home working might not have adverse impacts on population wellbeing in the absence of pandemic restrictions but further monitoring of health inequalities is required.
Phylogenetic analysis of the origin and spread of plague in Madagascar
Authors: Esquivel Gomez Luis Roger , Savin Cyril , Andrianaivoarimanana Voahangy , Rahajandraibe Soloandry , Randriantseheno Lovasoa Nomena , Zhou Zhemin , Kocher Arthur , Didelot Xavier , Rajerison Minoarisoa , Kühnert Denise
Published: May 2023

Background

Plague is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, highly prevalent in the Central Highlands, a mountainous region in the center of Madagascar. After a plague-free period of over 60 years in the northwestern coast city of Mahajanga, the disease reappeared in 1991 and caused several outbreaks until 1999. Previous research indicates that the disease was reintroduced to the city of Mahajanga from the Central Highlands instead of reemerging from a local reservoir. However, it is not clear how many reintroductions occurred and when they took place.

Methodology/Principal findings

In this study we applied a Bayesian phylogeographic model to detect and date migrations of Y. pestis between the two locations that could be linked to the re-emergence of plague in Mahajanga. Genome sequences of 300 Y. pestis strains sampled between 1964 and 2012 were analyzed. Four migrations from the Central Highlands to Mahajanga were detected. Two resulted in persistent transmission in humans, one was responsible for most of the human cases recorded between 1995 and 1999, while the other produced plague cases in 1991 and 1992. We dated the emergence of the Y. pestis sub-branch 1.ORI3, which is only present in Madagascar and Turkey, to the beginning of the 20th century, using a Bayesian molecular dating analysis. The split between 1.ORI3 and its ancestor lineage 1.ORI2 was dated to the second half of the 19th century.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results indicate that two independent migrations from the Central Highlands caused the plague outbreaks in Mahajanga during the 1990s, with both introductions occurring during the early 1980s. They happened over a decade before the detection of human cases, thus the pathogen likely survived in wild reservoirs until the spillover to humans was possible. This study demonstrates the value of Bayesian phylogenetics in elucidating the re-emergence of infectious diseases.
Using mechanistic models to highlight research priorities for tick-borne zoonotic diseases: Improving our understanding of the ecology and maintenance of Kyasanur Forest Disease in India
Authors: Hassall Richard M. J. , Burthe Sarah J. , Schäfer Stefanie M. , Hartemink Nienke , Purse Bethan V.
Published: May 2023

The risk of spillover of zoonotic diseases to humans is changing in response to multiple environmental and societal drivers, particularly in tropical regions where the burden of neglected zoonotic diseases is highest and land use change and forest conversion is occurring most rapidly. Neglected zoonotic diseases can have significant impacts on poor and marginalised populations in low-resource settings but ultimately receive less attention and funding for research and interventions. As such, effective control measures and interventions are often hindered by a limited ecological evidence base, which results in a limited understanding of epidemiologically relevant hosts or vectors and the processes that contribute to the maintenance of pathogens and spillover to humans. Here, we develop a generalisable next generation matrix modelling framework to better understand the transmission processes and hosts that have the greatest contribution to the maintenance of tick-borne diseases with the aim of improving the ecological evidence base and framing future research priorities for tick-borne diseases. Using this model we explore the relative contribution of different host groups and transmission routes to the maintenance of a neglected zoonotic tick-borne disease, Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFD), in multiple habitat types. The results highlight the potential importance of transovarial transmission and small mammals and birds in maintaining this disease. This contradicts previous hypotheses that primates play an important role influencing the distribution of infected ticks. There is also a suggestion that risk could vary across different habitat types but currently more research is needed to evaluate this relationship. In light of these results, we outline the key knowledge gaps for this system and future research priorities that could inform effective interventions and control measures.