bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Connectivity to Competence: The Crucial Role of Tutors in Promoting Communication Quality, Student Autonomy, and Learning Effectiveness in Open and Distance Education
Authors: Xanthopoulou Panagiota , Sahinidis Alexandros , Solomou Persefoni , Lappa Cristalo
Published: September 2024

Η παρούσα μελέτη αποσκοπεί στη διερεύνηση των παραγόντων που συμβάλλουν στην ποιότητα της επικοινωνίας μεταξύ διδασκόντων και εκπαιδευομένων στην ανοικτή και εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση. Η μελέτη χρησιμοποίησε μια μικτή ερευνητική προσέγγιση με σύνθεση ποσοτικών και ποιοτικών μεθόδων. Το συνολικό δείγμα αποτελούνταν από 120 φοιτητές του Ελληνικού Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου (ΕΑΠ), οι οποίοι απάντησαν σε ηλεκτρονικό ερωτηματολόγιο και 73 από αυτούς συμμετείχαν σε συμπληρωματική δομημένη συνέντευξη. Τα ευρήματα έδειξαν ότι οι εκπαιδευόμενοι χρειάζονται τον καθηγητή να είναι ενθαρρυντικός και να συμμετέχει ενεργά στη διαδικασία της μάθησης και της ανάπτυξης της κριτικής τους σκέψης. Ωστόσο, η έρευνα υπογράμμισε επίσης την πεποίθηση των εκπαιδευομένων ότι μέσω μιας τηλεδιάσκεψης δεν υπάρχει υψηλή συχνότητα αλληλεπίδρασης. Τα ευρήματα συμβάλλουν στην αποτελεσματική επικοινωνία μεταξύ διδασκόντων και εκπαιδευομένων και στην περαιτέρω σωστή καθοδήγηση και υποστήριξη των σπουδαστών στην ανοικτή και εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση.
{MFPP(R). An R package for matrix-based flexible project planning
Authors: Kosztyán Zsolt Tibor , Saghir Aamir
Published: September 2024

Project planning and scheduling are essential parts of project management. While project planning and scheduling tools are already available to support traditional project management approaches, flexible project management approaches, such as agile, extreme, and hybrid project planning, are less well supported by software tools, especially freely available software packages. To our knowledge, no existing R package for project planning and scheduling can support flexible projects. This paper aims to fill this gap by introducing and describing the R package mfpp for matrix-based flexible project planning/scheduling. This package includes a comprehensive set of tools for project managers to schedule both traditional and flexible project plans. The use of the package is illustrated through examples.
Comparison of histopathological and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride test in diagnosing myocardial infarction: An autopsy study
Authors: Krishna B Varun , Gupta Chandni , Palimar Vikram , S Anitha , Nayak M Deepak
Published: September 2024

Background Sudden and unexpected deaths are increasing drastically. The main cause of sudden death is cardiovascular disease, out of which coronary artery disease predominates forming 80% of the cases. Most of the time, detecting early changes in myocardial infarction during the autopsy is challenging since gross infarct changes do not appear until after 24 to 48 hours of myocardial ischemia injury. So, the aim of this study was to compare two test to detect early changes of Myocardial Infarction one by using Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining of the myocardial tissue, during autopsy and other by histopathological examination. Methods The sample size of 60 hearts taken from all the sudden deaths cases brought to Mortuary with suspected cause of death due to cardiac origin. The heart was obtained from the deceased by standard post-mortem technique. Serial full-thickness transverse sections of the heart were taken at 2 cm intervals from the apex to the atrioventricular groove. All the serial slices of heart are taken for histochemical staining and TTC staining. Results In histopathological examination 34 hearts were diagnosed with myocardial infarction and 26 hearts reported non myocardial infarction. With TTC 40 hearts remained unstained suggestive of myocardial infarction and 20 hearts were stained suggestive of non-infarcted hearts. TTC staining in our study shows an accuracy of 88.33%. Conclusion The result of this study shows that the Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride test, a histochemical staining technique of heart, is reliable approach for forensic pathologists to diagnose early myocardial infarction during the post-mortem examination.
Geriatric interprofessional education for enhancing students’ interest in treating older people
Authors: Teuwen Carolyn Joyce , Vorstermans Karlijn , Kusurkar Rashmi A. , Schreurs Hermien , Daelmans Hester E.M. , Peerdeman Saskia M.
Published: September 2024

Interprofessional education is one of the interventions used to increase health care students’ motivation for working with older patients. Previous research about such interventions has been conducted without the use of control groups and has given inconclusive results. The objective of the present curricular resource was: Does geriatric paper-based interprofessional education influence students’ interest in treating older people? During a one-year period, undergraduate fourth-year medical and third-year nursing students wrote four health care plans for four different paper-based older patient cases. In the intervention group students were paired up in interprofessional couples. In the control group students made the assignment alone. Interest for working with older patients was measured on a 5-point Likert scale before and one year after the intervention. In both groups, no significant change was found. Before-interest score of the interprofessional group was relatively high (3.8) so the non-significant results may be due to a ceiling effect. Nursing students’ interest in treating older people at the start of the research was higher than medical students’ interest.
Educação empreendedora social
Authors: Pereira Murad Elisa , Meirelles Andrade Daniela
Published: September 2024

A pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar artigos sobre educação empreendedora social (EES), destacando o processo de aprendizagem e impactos advindos, por meio de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Foram analisados 21 artigos, a partir das categorias: contexto; metodologias e processo de aprendizagem; e impacto da EES. Identificou-se o fomento ao ensino do empreendedorismo social e a necessidade de processos de aprendizagem que possibilitem a experiência baseada na prática. Diante disso, são apresentados elementos buscando contribuir com o desenvolvimento de novas abordagens educacionais. Conclui-se que é importante ampliar essa discussão para além das escolas de negócios, contemplando diferentes níveis de educação.
Physical Exercise as a Strategy for Prevention and Management of Alzheimer’s Disease Progression
Authors: Haber Mateusz , Kula Paula , Juśkiewicz Adam , Grelewicz Olga , Kucy Natalia , Servaas Elwira , Czachor Adrianna , Kotula Alicja , Siemiątkowski Robert
Published: September 2024

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD, Alzheimer's Disease) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease that is a major cause of dementia in the elderly. Current drug therapies have limited effectiveness, prompting the search for alternative and complementary treatments. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that regular physical activity may play a key role in preventing and slowing the progression of AD by affecting brain fitness
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the available scientific evidence and examine the impact of physical activity on the progression, course and prevention of AD. We analyze how regular exercise may affect cognitive function, brain structure and neurodegenerative biomarkers associated with AD.
Material and methods: The review was based on the analysis of materials collected in the databases "Pubmed", Google Scholar, ResearchGate, books and other scientific articles. The search was conducted using keywords: “Alzheimer’s Disease”, “physical activity”, “impact of PA on AD”, “prevention”
Results: A review of the literature has shown that regular physical activity can help improve cognitive function and delay the progression of AD through a variety of biological mechanisms, including increased neurogenesis, improved cerebral blood flow and reduced inflammation.
Conclusions: The results suggest that regular physical activity may play an important role in the prevention and progression of AD, offering potential cognitive and neuroprotective benefits. These findings the importance of promoting physical activity as a non-pharmacological strategy to counteract AD. Based on these findings, further research should focus on determining the optimal types and intensities of exercise and the mechanisms behind their effects.
Knowledge of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among students – A narrative review
Authors: Snopkowska Aleksandra , Mężyk Julia , Gołda Joanna , Gacka Piotr , Dołęga Marcin , Dróżdż Olgierd , Musialska Dominika , Wójcik Paulina , Kuderska Natalia
Published: September 2024

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has been a global epidemic since the 1980s, with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) aiming to eliminate it as a public health threat by 2030. As of 2017, 36.9 million individuals were living with HIV worldwide, making HIV infection a leading cause of death globally. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective biomedical prevention method that can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by over 90% when taken consistently. This review examines the awareness and knowledge of PrEP among students, focusing on variations across gender, race, sexual orientation, study type, university type, and country of residence. A literature search conducted in the MEDLINE database between February and March 2024 identified 26 relevant studies published in the last ten years. Findings reveal significant disparities in PrEP awareness and knowledge, influenced by factors such as field of study and geographic location. While healthcare students generally show higher awareness levels, gaps remain, particularly among non-healthcare students and in different regions. Targeted educational initiatives are crucial to enhance PrEP acceptance and utilization. Addressing these gaps is essential for improving HIV prevention efforts and ultimately achieving UNAIDS' 2030 objective.
Code and Data Repository for Correlation Clustering Problem Under Mediation
Authors: Ales Zacharie , Engelbeen Céline , Figueiredo Rosa
Published: September 2024

The goal of this software is to solve the correlation clustering problem under mediation with the methods presented in the article.
Code and Data Repository for An Efficient Global Optimal Method for Cardinality Constrained Portfolio Optimization
Authors: Xu Wei , Tang Jie , Yiu Ka Fai Cedric , Peng Jian Wen
Published: September 2024

This archive is distributed in association with the INFORMS Journal on Computing under the GNU General Public License v3.0. This repository contains supporting material for the paper An Efficient Global Optimal Method for Cardinality Constrainted Portfolio Optimization by W. Xu, J. Tang, K. F. C. Yiu and J. W. Peng.
A Dynamic Matching Mechanism for College Admissions: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Gong Binglin , Liang Yingzhi
Published: September 2024

Market design provides managerial insights into the success and failure of various market institutions in allocating scarce resources. We investigate a dynamic matching mechanism used in real-world college admissions, where students share a common priority ranking. Theoretically, we prove that efficient and stable matching occurs with an arbitrarily high probability, assuming sufficient revision opportunities and rationality. This predicts that the dynamic mechanism is less stable than the deferred acceptance mechanism and less efficient than the Boston mechanism. We confirm this prediction in a low-complexity laboratory setting. However, in a high-complexity setting, the dynamic mechanism matches the stability of the deferred acceptance and the efficiency of the Boston mechanism, as both underperform in this setting. This finding indicates that the dynamic mechanism is more resilient to increased complexity. We attribute this resilience to its belief-independent characterization of rationalizable strategies. Beyond college admissions, the dynamic mechanism has potential applications in housing assignments, job allocations, and ascending auctions.

This paper was accepted by Axel Ockenfels, decision analysis.

Funding: B. Gong gratefully acknowledges financial support from National Science Foundation of China [Grant 72373041], Major Project of Shanghai Education Commission’s Research and Innovation Program [Grant 2023ZKZD05-79]; Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [Grant 2022QKT004]. Y. Liang is particularly thankful for the Barbour Scholarship’s financial support during her doctoral studies at the University of Michigan while working on this paper.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.00871 .
A Study on the Relations of Alcohol Dependance, Depression and Anxiety of Rental Apartment Residents
Authors: Kim Yoon-Hee , Kim Jung-Sug
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The study was to examine the correlations among alcohol dependance, depression, and anxiety of rental apartment residents in J-Gu, Seoul. Methods: The subjects of this study consisted of 106 rental apartment residents who were appropriate to the standard of this study in J-gu, Seoul. The data was collected through personal interviews from April to December of 2004 using questionnaires. The research tools included alcohol dependance scale modified by Kim et al.(1991), depression scale modified by Hahn et al.(1986) and anxiety scale modified by Kim(1978). The data was analyzed by the SPSS 11.0 computer program, and it included descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, the pearson correlation coefficient, Duncan's Multiple Range test. Results: 1) The mean level of alcohol dependance, depression, and anxiety were 11.00 for alcohol dependance, 16.74 for depression, 51.14 for state anxiety, and 51.22 for trait anxiety. 2) The level of alcohol dependance were mild dependance 57.6%, moderate 26.4%, and alcoholism 16.0%. 3) There was a significant difference in alcohol dependance according to depression(F=3.078, P=.050)，state anxiety(F=5.657, P=.005), and trait anxiety(F=6.794, P=.002). 4) There were a significant difference in alcohol dependance according to therapy history of depression(F=3.906, P=.023), and a significant difference in depression according to age(F=3.665, P= 015), therapy history of depression(F=3.315, P=.040). There were a significant difference in state anxiety according to age(F=4.006, P= 010), level of education(F=2.650, P=.038), present job(F=7.529, P=.000)» total income of family(F=2.696, P=.050), marital status(F=4.04, P=.009), and a significant difference in trait anxiety according to age(F=2.754, P=.046), present job(F=3.686, P=.008), marital status(F=2.701, P=.050), therapy history of depression(F=7.211, P=.001). 5) There was a significant positive correlation among alcohol dependance, depression, and anxiety(r=,245 ~ .856). Conclusions: The results of this study will be used as a basis for further study to develop program for community-based mental health services. Therefore, strategies and interventions to decrease alcohol dependance, depression, and anxiety could be carried out in the community setting.
Activities of living, 9: mobilising and mobility
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: September 2024

Mobility is the ability to move and maintain a range of postures, including standing, walking and changing positions; mobilising is considered one of the 12 activities of living. This article discusses mobilising, alongside concepts such as lifespan, independence, dependence and influential factors that affect mobility. The article also offers further insight into the activity of living to help the healthcare assistant (HCA) and assistant practitioner (AP) offer care and support that is holistic and patient centred.
A Comprehensive Guide to Removable Partial Dentures. Part 2: Impressions, Laboratory Procedures, Insertion and Case Studies
Authors: Nooji Deviprasad , Lambourn Guy , Aggarwal Himanshi , Salian Kiran Kumar Krishnappa , McColl Ewen , Eachempati Prashanti
Published: September 2024

This two-part series provides a comprehensive guide to fabricating definitive metal partial dentures, addressing the challenges dental practitioners face in mastering prosthesis design. It aims to equip dental professionals with a thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations and clinical methods for effective metal partial denture fabrication. Part 2 covers removable partial denture (RPD) design philosophies, tooth preparation, secondary impressions, laboratory procedures, trial and final insertions, as well as post-insertion complications and their management. Additionally, four case scenarios are included to help readers apply the knowledge gained from both parts to design a metal partial denture.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This series provides essential knowledge and practical techniques for designing and fabricating effective metal partial dentures.
Semiconductor laser collimation and shaping design based on the combination of a rotationally symmetrical lens and a cylindrical lens
Authors: Zhong Liang , Li Yunlong , Fu Shuaikang , Qin Yan , Liu Jianing , Jiang Ping , Yang Huajun
Published: September 2024

A dual-lens collimation and shaping system which is composed of a rotationally symmetric lens and an aspherical cylindrical lens is proposed in this paper. The system design method is discussed in detail, and the divergent elliptical laser beams are finally converted into collimated circular beams. The simulation results show that the maximum divergence angle of the beams can be collimated to 2.58 µrad, the standard deviation of the edge beam radius samples (SDRS) can be decreased from the original 4.227 to 0.135 mm, and the ratio of beam waist (RBW) drops from 1.554 to 1.0093 in the case of the output beam radius of 40 mm. The effects of transmission distance, astigmatism, wavelength deviation, light source offset, and lens offset on the collimation shaping effect are discussed. The collimation system can be widely used in long-distance optical communication systems and the design method in this paper can provide some new ideas for optical design researchers.
High-spatial-resolution quasi-distributed acoustic sensing with phase noise suppression based on φ-OFDR
Authors: Zhong Huajian , Peng Zhenwei , Kong Yuhao , Chen Guanfeng , Meng Yanjie , Shi Yabo , Liang Wenfa , Xiao Shuai , Shan Rongyi , Zhang Zhicai , Liao Changrui , He Jun , Fu Cailing , Wang Yiping
Published: September 2024

A quasi-distributed acoustic sensor with high-spatial-resolution based on phase-sensitive optical frequency domain reflectometry (φ-OFDR) was demonstrated. The source of noise that affects the accuracy of phase demodulation was analyzed. Two low noise linear frequency sweeps (LFSs) with different sweep ranges obtained by injection-locking method were used to achieve high-spatial-resolution and long-distance sensing. The phase noise caused by laser, intensity and fading noises was effectively suppressed by further combining a femtosecond-laser-inscribed weak reflector array (WRA) and a phase index method (PIM). Vibration signals located a long distance of over 1 km were successfully demodulated with a spatial resolution of 2 cm through the use of 12 GHz LFS and a WRA with an interval of 2 cm. In addition, the 5 mm ultra-high spatial resolution capability of the system had been demonstrated through the use of 52 GHz LFS and a WRA with an interval of 5 mm.
In-situ observation of heavy ion beam-induced luminescence of Al2O3 (Cr3+) in a 0 - 10 T magnetic field background
Authors: Zhang Jinfu , Shi Lulin , Zhou Zexian , Cheng Rui , Wang Guodong , Wang Zhao , Chen Yupeng , Chen Yanhong , Jin Xuejian , Lei Yu , Wu Xiaoxia , Wang Yuyu , Zhang Yanshi , Chen Liangwen , Yang Jie
Published: September 2024

High energy density physics driven by intense heavy ion beams will be an important new project for the high intensity heavy-ion accelerator facility and the Dongjiang Laboratory. This paper presents an experimental investigation of ion beam-induced luminescence in a strong magnetic field background at HIRFL. The experiment utilizes a 430 MeV/u 84Kr26+ ion beam with a pulse duration of 300 ns to bombard an Al2O3 (Cr3+) solid target. The results show that the characteristic emission spectrum of the Cr3+ ion's 2E→4A2 transition is observed, and spectrum parameters significantly change with the magnetic field of the background. We present the experimental data on the shifts of the peak center (Δσave) and the broadening of full width at half maximum (WG). The changes in parameters related to the intensity of the magnetic field are discussed using atomic models. This work demonstrates the potential application of diagnosing magnetic fields by measuring characteristic spectra.
Photonics-assisted high-precision free space RF synchronization technology
Authors: Li Guangyuan , Li Shangyuan , Xue Xiaoxiao , Zheng Xiaoping
Published: September 2024

In this paper, a high-precision frequency synchronization scheme in free space based on microwave photonic architecture is proposed, which can be used between multi-nodes in relative motion or in a motionless state. The reference frequency is modulated to high frequency through microwave photon up-conversion, and the reference signal is recovered at the receiver through photonics self-mixing technology. The experiment over free space in the laboratory in 4m, shows that the performance of Allen variance is s under the noise floor is s, and it is better than that of the electrical generation method with the Allen variance is s. The impact of system signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on frequency stability is analyzed, and the experimental results are consistent with the theoretical value. At the same time, a functional experiment based on free space RF synchronization is conducted, compared to the direct synchronization method, the phase degradation of this method is only 0.25 rad, and the degradation of peak side lobe ratio (PLSR) of pulse compression loss is 0.29 dB. The good, coherent result further verifies the correctness of this synchronization method.
Design of an equal-power dual-peak Brillouin gain spectrum based on M-shaped optical fibers transitioning from ring to circular core for temperature and curvature sensing
Authors: Sheng Donghe , Han Zhe , Dong Tianpei , Liu Yuanyuan , Tian Huiping
Published: September 2024

Here we design a simple M-shaped optical fiber to generate equal-power dual Brillouin gain peaks, and numerically simulate bending loss-resistant temperature and curvature sensing. By investigating the M-shaped fibers transitioning from ring-core to circular-core, we examine the Brillouin gain spectrum evolution from a single peak to dual peaks and back to a single peak. During this fiber transition and spectral evolution, we find that the calculated Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) and Brillouin gain exhibit unique developments based on acoustic-optic coupling theory, providing a methodology for designing and optimizing a desirable Brillouin gain spectrum in M-shaped optical fibers. These theoretical advances enable the generation of equal-power dual peaks with an appropriate peak frequency interval for temperature and curvature sensing. Furthermore, by simulation, this sensor has temperature sensitives of 1.086 and 1.100 MHz/°C and curvature sensitivities of 453.6153 and 459.5102 MHz/cm, with resistance to bending loss. By comparison, we improve the curvature sensitivity by more than 1.5-fold and reduce the bending-induced birefringence by more than 2.5-fold. Overall, the proposed design has advantages in curvature sensitivity, is more resistant to bending loss, and suffers less bending-induced birefringence, offering a competitive option for Brillouin-based temperature and curvature sensors.
Research on multi-optical axis online compensation alignment method for space environment simulation system
Authors: Zhang Jierui , Liu Shi , Peng Yutian , Chen Siwen , Yang Jianhua , Zhao Xinhui , Meng Yao , Xu Da , Sun Gaofei , Zhang Ran
Published: September 2024

Aiming at the problem that the error of multi-optical axis alignment is difficult to control in the simulation calibration test, a multi-optical axis dynamic compensation alignment method for the space environment simulation system is proposed. The effect of optical axis disturbance on the signal detection link was analyzed to obtain the alignment accuracy requirements, the optical axis alignment error compensation mechanism was established, the target simulation system with long pupil distance was designed, the alignment error transfer model based on topology structure was constructed, and the test prototype was built. The test results show that the static attitude alignment resolution is better than 3" and the position alignment resolution is better than 11µm. After online compensation, the position error is better than 11.04µm, and the energy error is better than 3.2%, which realizes the online monitoring and compensation of the optical axis alignment error of the ground space environment simulation system.
Direction-switchable transverse optical torque on a dipolar phase-change nanoparticle
Authors: Ding Ping , Lu Menglong , Lu Liangchen , Wen Jiquan , Gong Xue , Zheng Hongxia , Chen Huajin
Published: September 2024

We propose that a transition from positive optical torque (OT) to negative OT occurs in a dipolar nanoparticle subjected to a simple optical field composed of two circularly polarized plane waves. This phenomenon can be observed in a phase-change nanoparticle comprising insulating and metallic phases. The analytical expression based on the multipole expansion theory reveals that the positive OT in the metallic phase originates from the electric response during light–matter interaction. However, in the insulating phase, the magnetic response is excited, leading to a significant negative OT due to the contribution of the magnetic field–magnetic dipole interaction. It is noted that the phenomenon of reversible transverse OT is robust to the angle between two constituent plane waves, ensuring its practical application.
Squeezing enhancement by suppression of noise through a resonant interferometric coupler
Authors: Viola Alice , Malaspina Francesco , Liscidini Marco
Published: September 2024

We propose an integrated resonant structure to enhance squeezing by dual-pump spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM) while simultaneously suppressing parametric noise due to parasitic processes. The structure relies on a resonant interferometric coupler that allows one to engineer the field enhancement on-demand in the spectral region of interest. We analyze the different configurations in which the structure can operate, and we calculate the generated squeezing. We show that our device can overcome the intrinsic squeezing limit of a single-ring resonator.
Bias-aided DD-LMS equalizer for optical multipath-interference-impaired high-speed PAM4 transmission systems
Authors: Cheng Chen , Zhang Mingming , Chen Junda , Zhao Zhijin , Li Weihao , Zhao Can , Tang Ming
Published: September 2024

Multipath interference (MPI) noise induces drastic fluctuations in high-speed 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) intensity modulation direct detection (IMDD) systems, severely degrading the transmission performance. Here, we propose a bias-aided decision-directed least mean square (DD-LMS) equalizer to eliminate the MPI noise. In the simulation, the proposed bias-aided DD-LMS equalizer could adeptly track and compensate the MPI-impaired PAM4 signal, markedly improving the bit error rate (BER) performance under different MPI levels and laser linewidths. Within a 112 Gbps PAM4 transmission system, the proposed equalizer achieves a MPI tolerance over 4 dB at the KP4-forward error correction (FEC) threshold (2.4 × 10−4), outperforming existing MPI suppression techniques.
Analogical atomic effects of graphene nanostructure induced by nonlinearity
Authors: Wang Qimeng , Zeng Xiaodong
Published: September 2024

A scheme to construct analogical atoms using graphene nanostructures via quantum nonlinearity is proposed. Due to the strong field localization capability of graphene plasmons and the significant intrinsic nonlinearity of graphene, a strong nonlinear optical response can be realized even with single-photon excitation. In this process, the quantum vacuum localized plasmonic mode plays a crucial role in achieving the third-order multi-photon nonlinear effect. The eigenfrequency of the nanostructure can shift by an amount tens of times larger than the decay rate, causing the nanostructure cavity to exhibit atomic-like behaviors. Furthermore, multilevel atoms can be constructed through the interaction of composite graphene nanostructures. The parameters of these atoms can be manipulated by adjusting the nanostructure size, Fermi energy, and other parameters. This research holds significant potential for applications in highly integrated, controllable nanophotonics.
Extending mid-infrared wavelength to 6.84 μm in oxide nonlinear optical crystal via birefringence dispersion management
Authors: Gu Hongxu , Lu Dazhi , Cui Chen , Liang Fei , Wu Kui , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin
Published: September 2024

Extending lasing wavelengths to the mid-infrared (MIR) spectrum is vital for both civilian and military applications; however, it remains challenging when employing oxide nonlinear optical crystals. In this study, we report the generation of MIR nanosecond pulses via difference frequency generation (DFG) with a near-IR pump using a newly designed langasite (LGS) crystal, La3(Nb0.6Ta0.4)0.5Ga5.5O14 (LGNT0.4), which incorporates birefringence dispersion management techniques with La3Ga5.5Nb0.5O14 (LGN) as a template. Due to the improved effective nonlinear coefficients and the maintained IR cutoff relative to LGN, the tunable DFG laser in LGNT0.4 extended from 4.24 to 6.84 μm, delivering a maximum pulse energy of 16.3 μJ at 5.02 μm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known oxide material capable of generating tunable nanosecond pulsed lasers beyond 6 μm at μJ-level energies, demonstrating promising potential for high-intensity MIR laser systems owing to its high laser damage threshold.
All-fiber miniature non-contact photoacoustic probe based on photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy for vascular imaging in vivo
Authors: Tang Xingye , Zhou Jiasheng , Liang Siqi , Zhang Jitong , Xiong Junjie , Ma Lin , Chen Sung-Liang
Published: September 2024

Photoacoustic (PA) remote sensing (PARS) microscopy represents a significant advancement by eliminating the need for traditional acoustic coupling media in PA microscopy (PAM), thereby broadening its potential applications. However, current PARS microscopy setups predominantly rely on free-space optical components, which can be cumbersome to implement and limit the scope of imaging applications. In this study, we develop an all-fiber miniature non-contact PA probe based on PARS microscopy, utilizing a 532-nm excitation wavelength, and showcase its effectiveness in in vivo vascular imaging. Our approach integrates various fiber-optic components, including a wavelength division multiplexer, a mode field adaptor, a fiber lens, and an optical circulator, to streamline the implementation of the PARS microscopy system. Additionally, we have successfully developed a miniature PA probe with a diameter of 4 mm. The efficacy of our imaging setup is demonstrated through in vivo imaging of mouse brain vessels. By introducing this all-fiber miniature PA probe, our work may open up new opportunities for non-contact PAM applications.
Design of a polarization-insensitive broadband achromatic metalens for mid-wave infrared detector
Authors: Long Meng Fan , Le Liu Jia , Xin Yue Jia , Qin Le , Yu Zhang Jin , Li Xinxin , Xia Song Cai , Shan Zhang Zhong , Chen Hong , Chun Chang Yu , Deng Zhen
Published: September 2024

Metalenses, boasting outstanding focusing efficiency and high-resolution imaging capabilities, have generated widespread usage in fields such as integrated optics, achromatic imaging, and optical holography. In this study, we have developed a broadband achromatic metalens within the detection range from 3 to 5 µm, and it has a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.71 with a remarkable maximum focusing efficiency of 63.8% at the focal plane within the specified bandwidth. We have further delved into the dispersion control mechanism that combines the geometric and transmission phases and optimized the constructed phase response simulation database using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, ensuring a precise phase matching between the actual wavefront and the ideal focusing wavefront. This metalens with its ability to expand the array size has the potential to create a compact infrared imager, which holds significant importance in achieving efficient detection and integration within infrared detectors.
Additive and subtractive hybrid manufacturing assisted by femtosecond adaptive optics
Authors: Jia Erse , Xie Chen , Yang Yue , Ma Xinyu , Sun Shixian , Li Yanfeng , Zhang Xueqian , Hu Minglie
Published: September 2024

Advanced micro–nano devices commonly require precise three-dimensional (3D) fabrication solutions for pre-designing and integrating 0D to 3D configurations. The additive–subtractive hybrid manufacturing strategy dominated by femtosecond laser direct writing has become an increasingly interesting technical route for material processing. In this study, a novel approach termed femtosecond adaptive optics-assisted hybrid manufacturing was proposed, which integrates subtractive (femtosecond laser ablation) and additive (two-photon polymerization) fabrication. In this hybrid manufacturing method, the introduction of adaptive optics offers parallel direct writing and wide-area material processing capabilities. To demonstrate the validity of the hybrid approach, on-chip surface plasmon polariton waveguides with strong sub-wavelength field confinement and enhanced functionality were successfully fabricated. In comparison with the terahertz-wave devices fabricated based on the focused ion beam technique, the functional tests in terahertz near-field microscopy show a rival performance fabricated with our hybrid approach. Besides, our cost-effective solution also dramatically reduces the fabricating time of excitation regions by a factor >16. Our work provides a new inspiration in integrated photonics.
Anisotropic programmable metasurfaces with individually controllable 2-bit elements
Authors: Zhang Xin Ge , Hu Qiu Cen , Li Qi Yang , Huang Zhixiang , Xu Liang , Quan Yi , Zhu Qian , Wang Bo Yuan , Chen Xiao Xiao , Cui Tie Jun , Jiang Wei Xiang
Published: September 2024

Programmable metasurfaces capable of manipulating electromagnetic (EM) waves in real time provide new opportunities for various exciting applications. However, most previous programmable metasurfaces only work in a single polarization mode and their elements are controlled in a whole or one-dimensional way, which limits functionality and adaptability to complex environments. Here, an anisotropic programmable metasurface with individually controllable elements is proposed to realize real-time and independent dual-polarized EM control in the two-dimension direction. The anisotropic metasurface element is designed using the ingenious cross-over resonant structure integrated with two sets of varactors to achieve 2-bit phase modulation in the respective polarization direction. As a demonstration, an anisotropic programmable metasurface prototype with 21×20 such elements is simulated, fabricated, and measured. Real-time beam scanning and vortex wave generation are verified respectively under two different polarized wave incidences, which indicates that the realized anisotropic programmable metasurface can achieve totally distinct functionalities for two orthogonal polarizations. Our work could push programmable metasurfaces one step closer towards more advanced information devices and complicated applications in communication and imaging.
The transcription factor RUNT-like regulates pupal cuticle development via promoting a pupal cuticle protein transcription
Authors: Jin Ke-Yan , Wang Xiao-Pei , Di Yu-Qin , Zhao Yu-Meng , Wang Jin-Xing , Zhao Xiao-Fan
Published: September 2024

Holometabolous insects undergo morphological remodeling from larvae to pupae and to adults with typical changes in the cuticle; however, the mechanism is unclear. Using the lepidopteran agricultural insect Helicoverpa armigera, cotton bollworm, as a model, we revealed that the transcription factor RUNT-like (encoded by Runt-like) regulates the development of the pupal cuticle via promoting a pupal cuticle protein gene (HaPcp) expression. The HaPcp was highly expressed in the epidermis and wing during metamorphosis and was found being involved in pupal cuticle development by RNA interference (RNAi) analysis in larvae. Runt-like was also strongly upregulated in the epidermis and wing during metamorphosis. Knockdown of Runt-like produced similar phenomena, a failure of abdomen yellow envelope and wing formation, to those following HaPcp knockdown. The insect molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysonen (20E) upregulated HaPcp transcription via RUNT-like. 20E upregulated Runt-like transcription via nuclear receptor EcR and the transcription factor FOXO. Together, RUNT-like and HaPCP are involved in pupal cuticle development during metamorphosis under 20E regulation.
Subfunctionalization of NRC3 altered the genetic structure of the Nicotiana NRC network
Authors: Huang Ching-Yi , Huang Yu-Seng , Sugihara Yu , Wang Hung-Yu , Huang Lo-Ting , Lopez-Agudelo Juan Carlos , Chen Yi-Feng , Lin Kuan-Yu , Chiang Bing-Jen , Toghani AmirAli , Kourelis Jiorgos , Wang Chun-Hsiung , Derevnina Lida , Wu Chih-Hang
Published: September 2024

Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins play crucial roles in immunity against pathogens in both animals and plants. In solanaceous plants, activation of several sensor NLRs triggers their helper NLRs, known as NLR-required for cell death (NRC), to form resistosome complexes to initiate immune responses. While the sensor NLRs and downstream NRC helpers display diverse genetic compatibility, molecular evolutionary events leading to the complex network architecture remained elusive. Here, we showed that solanaceous NRC3 variants underwent subfunctionalization after the divergence of Solanum and Nicotiana, altering the genetic architecture of the NRC network in Nicotiana. Natural solanaceous NRC3 variants form three allelic groups displaying distinct compatibilities with the sensor NLR Rpi-blb2. Ancestral sequence reconstruction and analyses of natural and chimeric variants identified six key amino acids involved in sensor-helper compatibility. These residues are positioned on multiple surfaces of the resting NRC3 homodimer, collectively contributing to their compatibility with Rpi-blb2. Upon activation, Rpi-blb2-compatible NRC3 variants form membrane-associated punctate and high molecular weight complexes, and confer resistance to the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. Our findings revealed how mutations in NRC alleles lead to subfunctionalization, altering sensor-helper compatibility and contributing to the increased complexity of the NRC network.
Common pediatric surgical conditions and associated health-seeking behaviors in Pakistan: An urban and rural comparative assessment
Authors: Qazi Saqib Hamid , Meerza Syed Saqlain Ali , Lakhani Sohail , Dogar Sohail Asghar , Padhani Zahra Ali , Mirani Mushtaq , Jamali Muhammad Khan , Muhammad Sajid , Anwar Muhammad , Islam Saleem , Khan Sadaf , Abbas Anjum , Khan Zahid Ali , Khatoon Sana , Sheikh Imtiaz , Bux Rasool , Ali Rafey , Naqvi Hassan , Rizvi Arjumand , Chahudary Imran Ahmed , Rashid Rizwan Haroon Ur , Abbas Syed Akbar , Memon Abdul Sami , Tabassum Sadia , Bhatti Zara , Rehman Abdur , Soofi Sajid , Das Jai K.
Published: September 2024

Approximately five billion people do not have access to necessary surgical treatment globally and up to 85% of children in LMICs are affected with conditions requiring surgical care by the age of 15 years. It is crucial to identify common surgical conditions in children in Pakistan to inform healthcare professionals and policymakers for effective resource allocation. This representative cross-sectional household survey conducted on children aged 5–10 years assessed existing surgical diseases and healthcare-seeking behaviors in the two largest provinces (Sindh and Punjab) of Pakistan. The data was collected through a validated cross-sectional survey tool [Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS)]. Caregivers were asked about their child’s recent and past surgical conditions in six distinct anatomical regions and pictures were taken of identified conditions after appropriate consent for further diagnosis. Health-seeking behaviors including the kind of treatment sought, the nature of care received, and the reasons for not receiving care were noted. 13.5% of children surveyed reported a surgical condition, with a similar distribution across urban (13.2%) and rural (13.7) areas and the most common cause was trauma. The greatest number of surgical conditions were found to be on the head and neck region (57.7%), while the back accounted for the least number of conditions (1.7%). Our results outline a need for organizing all entities (governmental, non-governmental, and private) involved in child health to ensure efficient resource allocation to cater to existing surgical problems.
Wolbachia and mosquitoes: Exploring transmission modes and coevolutionary dynamics in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Zang Chuanhui , Wang Xuejun , Liu Yan , Wang Haifang , Sun Qintong , Cheng Peng , Zhang Ye , Gong Maoqing , Liu Hongmei
Published: September 2024

Vector-borne diseases leave a large footprint on global health. Notable culprits include West Nile virus (WNV), St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), all transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. Chemical insecticides have been widely used to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Still, mosquitoes are becoming more and more resistant to most chemical insecticides which cause particular harm to the ecology. Wolbachia belongs to the family Ehrlichiaceae in the order Rickettsiales and is a matrilineally inherited endosymbiont present in 60% of insects in nature. Wolbachia is capable of inducing a wide range of reproductive abnormalities in its hosts, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, and can alter mosquito resistance to pathogen infection. Wolbachia has been proposed as a biological alternative to chemical vector control, and specific research progress and effectiveness have been achieved. Despite the importance of Wolbachia, this strategy has not been tested in Culex pipiens pallens, the most prevalent mosquito species in Shandong Province, China. Little is known about how the mass release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes may impact the genetic structure of Culex pipiens pallens, and how the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia interacts with mitochondria during host mosquito transmission. Based on the population genetic structure of Culex pipiens pallens in Shandong Province, this study investigated the infection rate and infection type of Wolbachia in Shandong Province and jointly analysed the evolutionary relationship between the host mosquito and the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia. Our study showed that Wolbachia naturally infected by Culex pipiens pallens in Shandong Province was less homologous to Wolbachia infected by Aedes albopictus released from mosquito factory in Guangzhou. Our results also show that Culex pipiens pallens is undergoing demographic expansion in Shandong Province. The overall Wolbachia infection rate of Culex pipiens pallens was 92.8%, and a total of 15 WSP haplotypes were detected. We found that the genetic diversity of Wolbachia was low in Culex pipiens pallens from Shandong Province, and the mosquitoes were infected only with type B Wolbachia. Visualizing the relationship between Culex pipiens pallens and Wolbachia using a tanglegram revealed patterns of widespread associations. A specific coevolutionary relationship exists between the host mosquito and Wolbachia. Knowledge of this mosquito–Wolbachia relationship will provide essential scientific information required for Wolbachia-based vector control approaches in Shandong Province and will lead to a better understanding of the diversity and evolution of Wolbachia for its utility as a biocontrol agent.
The discovery of novel variants reveals the genetic diversity and potential origin of Seoul orthohantavirus
Authors: Kuang Guopeng , Wang Jing , Feng Yun , Wu Weichen , Han Xi , Xin Genyang , Yang Weihong , Pan Hong , Yang Lifen , Wang Juan , Shi Mang , Gao Zihou
Published: September 2024

Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV) has been identified as one of the main causative agents of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in China. The virus was found circulating in rodent populations in almost all provinces of the country, reflecting the wide distribution of HFRS. Here, using the direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) approach, we performed screening in 1784 small mammals belonging to 14 species of three orders captured in the main areas of HFRS endemicity in Yunnan province (southwestern China) and identified 37 SEOV-positive rats (36 Rattus norvegicus and 1 Rattus tanezumi). A 3-year surveillance of HFRS epidemics and dynamics of rodent reservoir density and virus prevalence implied a potential correlation between them. The subsequent meta-transcriptomic sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed three SEOV variants, among which two are completely novel. The ancestral character state reconstruction (ACSR) analysis based on both novel variants and documented strains from 5 continents demonstrated that SEOV appeared to originate near the southwestern area (Yunnan-Kweichow Plateau) of China, then could spread to other regions and countries by their rodent carriers, resulting in a global distribution today. In summary, these data furthered the understanding regards genetic diversity and the potential origin for SEOV. However, the expanding endemic foci in the province suggest that the virus is spreading over a wider region and is much more diverse than previous depicted, which means that increased sampling is necessary.
Antivirals for monkeypox virus: Proposing an effective machine/deep learning framework
Authors: Hashemi Morteza , Zabihian Arash , Hajsaeedi Masih , Hooshmand Mohsen
Published: September 2024

Monkeypox (MPXV) is one of the infectious viruses which caused morbidity and mortality problems in these years. Despite its danger to public health, there is no approved drug to stand and handle MPXV. On the other hand, drug repurposing is a promising screening method for the low-cost introduction of approved drugs for emerging diseases and viruses which utilizes computational methods. Therefore, drug repurposing is a promising approach to suggesting approved drugs for the MPXV. This paper proposes a computational framework for MPXV antiviral prediction. To do this, we have generated a new virus-antiviral dataset. Moreover, we applied several machine learning and one deep learning method for virus-antiviral prediction. The suggested drugs by the learning methods have been investigated using docking studies. The target protein structure is modeled using homology modeling and, then, refined and validated. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first work to study deep learning methods for the prediction of MPXV antivirals. The screening results confirm that Tilorone, Valacyclovir, Ribavirin, Favipiravir, and Baloxavir marboxil are effective drugs for MPXV treatment.