bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Foxi3 transcription factor is necessary for the fate restriction of placodal lineages at the neural plate border
Authors: Thawani Ankita , Maunsell Helen R. , Zhang Hongyuan , Ankamreddy Harinarayana , Groves Andrew K.
Published: September 2023

The Foxi3 transcription factor, expressed in the neural plate border at the end of gastrulation, is necessary for the formation of posterior placodes and is thus important for ectodermal patterning. We have created two knock-in mouse lines expressing GFP or a tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase to show that Foxi3 is one of the earliest genes to label the border between the neural tube and epidermis, and that Foxi3-expressing neural plate border progenitors contribute primarily to cranial placodes and epidermis from the onset of expression, but not to the neural crest or neural tube lineages. By simultaneously knocking out Foxi3 in neural plate border cells and following their fates, we show that neural plate border cells lacking Foxi3 contribute to all four lineages of the ectoderm – placodes, epidermis, crest and neural tube. We contrast Foxi3 with another neural plate border transcription factor, Zic5, the progenitors of which initially contribute broadly to all germ layers until gastrulation and gradually become restricted to the neural crest lineage and dorsal neural tube cells. Our study demonstrates that Foxi3 uniquely acts early at the neural plate border to restrict progenitors to a placodal and epidermal fate.
Caudal Fgfr1 disruption produces localised spinal mis-patterning and a terminal myelocystocele-like phenotype in mice
Authors: Maniou Eirini , Farah Faduma , Marshall Abigail R. , Crane-Smith Zoe , Krstevski Andrea , Stathopoulou Athanasia , Greene Nicholas D. E. , Copp Andrew J. , Galea Gabriel L.
Published: September 2023

Closed spinal dysraphisms are poorly understood malformations classified as neural tube (NT) defects. Several, including terminal myelocystocele, affect the distal spine. We have previously identified a NT closure-initiating point, Closure 5, in the distal spine of mice. Here, we document equivalent morphology of the caudal-most closing posterior neuropore (PNP) in mice and humans. Closure 5 forms in a region of active FGF signalling, and pharmacological FGF receptor blockade impairs its formation in cultured mouse embryos. Conditional genetic deletion of Fgfr1 in caudal embryonic tissues with Cdx2Cre diminishes neuroepithelial proliferation, impairs Closure 5 formation and delays PNP closure. After closure, the distal NT of Fgfr1-disrupted embryos dilates to form a fluid-filled sac overlying ventrally flattened spinal cord. This phenotype resembles terminal myelocystocele. Histological analysis reveals regional and progressive loss of SHH- and FOXA2-positive ventral NT domains, resulting in OLIG2 labelling of the ventral-most NT. The OLIG2 domain is also subsequently lost, eventually producing a NT that is entirely positive for the dorsal marker PAX3. Thus, a terminal myelocystocele-like phenotype can arise after completion of NT closure with localised spinal mis-patterning caused by disruption of FGFR1 signalling.
Sodium butyrate does not protect spinal motor neurons from AMPA-induced excitotoxic degeneration in vivo
Authors: Prior-González Mara , Lazo-Gómez Rafael , Tapia Ricardo
Published: September 2023

Motor neuron (MN) loss is the primary pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) is one of several factors involved in nerve–muscle communication during MN loss, hindering muscle reinnervation, as shown in humans and in animal models of ALS, and may explain the differential progression observed in patients with ALS – rapid versus slow progression. In this work, we inhibited HDAC4 activity through the administration of a pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor, sodium butyrate, in an in vivo model of chronic spinal MN death induced by AMPA-mediated excitotoxicity. We infused AMPA into the spinal cord at low and high doses, which mimic the rapid and slow progression observed in humans, respectively. We found that muscle HDAC4 expression was increased by high-dose infusion of AMPA. Treatment of animals with sodium butyrate further decreased expression of muscle HDAC4, although non-significantly, and did not prevent the paralysis or the MN loss induced by AMPA infusion. These results inform on the role of muscle HDAC4 in MN degeneration in vivo and provide insights for the search for more suitable therapeutic strategies.
Histochemical Studies of Lipids in Oocytes: I. Lipids in the Oogenesis ofColumba livia
Authors: Guraya Sardul Singh
Published: September 2023

Judging from their sizes and histochemical reactions, three types of lipid bodies in the form of granules and spheres have been observed in the early stages of oogenesis. The minute granules (L,), belonging to the first type appear to consist of phospholipids, triglycerides, and fatty acids, but the presence of proteins cannot be ruled out. They correspond to the so-called granular mitochondria of other authors of papers on the oogenesis of birds. The second type of lipids (L2) are of medium size and they contain phospholipids and a certain amount of triglycerides. They resemble the so-called ‘Golgi bodies’ of earlier authors in appearance and react like them with osmium tetroxide and silver nitrate. They seem to originate from the granules of the first category (LI). The third type of lipids (Lf) are the AH-negative spheres consisting of triglycerides and cholesterol and its esters. They correspond to the ‘fatty yolk’ of earlier authors. Their origin appears to be from the second type of lipid bodies (L2), as intermediate bodies (ini) of varying chemical composition between the L2 and L3 have been observed. The ‘peripheral lipid bodies’ (pl) found in association with vacuoles are larger than the second type of AH-positive bodies (L2), but they seem to contain different types of phospholipids, triglycerides, and some other substances also. Besides these lipid bodies, a mass of lipoprotein bodies has also been observed. At the time of their origin, the yolk globules of the advanced oocytes do not contain lipids but later on they develop triglycerides and phospholipids. The lipid bodies of the follicular cells correspond very closely to the first two categories of sudanophil AH-positive bodies (L1 and L2) of the oocyte proper.
What do molecular laws of life mean for species: absolute restrictions or mere suggestions?
Authors: Brzęk Paweł
Published: September 2023

Evolutionary biologists are interested in finding universal patterns of covariation between macroscopic and molecular traits. Knowledge of such laws of life can be essential for understanding the course of evolutionary processes. Molecular parameters are presumably close to fundamental limits set to all organisms by laws of physics and chemistry. Thus, laws of life that include such parameters are hypothesized to be similar at both wide interspecific levels of variation and narrower levels of intraspecific and intraindividual variation in different species. In this Commentary, I discuss examples where the significance or direction of such molecular laws of life can be compared at different levels of biological variation: (1) the membrane pacemaker theory of metabolism, (2) the correlation between variation in metabolic rate and mitochondrial efficiency and (3) the allometric scaling of metabolism. All three examples reveal that covariations within species or individuals that include molecular parameters do not always follow patterns observed between species. I conclude that limits set by molecular laws of life can be circumvented (at least to some degree) by changes in other traits, and thus, they usually do not impose strict limitations on minor within-species evolutionary changes (i.e. microevolution). I also briefly discuss some of the most promising perspectives for future studies on the universality of molecular laws of life.
The Economic Origins of Government
Authors: Allen Robert C. , Bertazzini Mattia C. , Heldring Leander
Published: September 2023

We test between cooperative and extractive theories of the origins of government. We use river shifts in southern Iraq as a natural experiment, in a new archeological panel dataset. A shift away creates a local demand for a government to coordinate because private river irrigation needs to be replaced with public canals. It disincentivizes local extraction as land is no longer productive without irrigation. Consistent with a cooperative theory of government, a river shift away led to state formation, canal construction, and the payment of tribute. We argue that the first governments coordinated between extended households which implemented public good provision. (JEL D72, H11, H41, N45, N55, Q15)
An early Indian experience with benralizumab - A compendium on severe asthma cases: a case series
Authors: Talwar Deepak , Yadav Manoj , Maturu Nagarjuna , Sharma Rahul , Meshram Priti , Das Soumya
Published: September 2023

Background: Severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA), one of the phenotypes of asthma that is characterized by elevated blood eosinophil counts, is a common cause of uncontrolled asthma. Patients with SEA often experience severe persistent symptoms and have frequent exacerbations despite optimal inhaler therapy. They also have poor lung function and quality of life (QoL). Benralizumab (Fasenra), a monoclonal antibody, has been approved for managing cases of SEA. This series of six cases, the first of its kind from India, aims to add to the real-world evidence of benralizumab in India.

Methods: Benralizumab 30 mg (once in four weeks for the first three doses followed by a dose every eight weeks for two years) was administered in six patients with symptoms of cough, breathlessness on exertion, and wheezing, diagnosed with SEA. The following were the endpoints assessed: (i) overlap between high immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophilic asthma; (ii) reduction of exacerbations; (iii) withdrawal of oral corticosteroids; and (iv) improvement in lung function and QoL.

Results: In all cases, management with benralizumab resulted in optimal clinical and functional improvement, a decline in systemic steroid use, and improved QoL.

Conclusions: The cases presented here are the first of their kind in the Indian asthmatic population with all SEA patients demonstrating significant improvement in symptoms with the use of benralizumab.
Comparison of vitreous/retinal pigment epithelium relative intensity in proliferative vitreoretinopathy and uveitis
Authors: Djatikusumo Ari , Victor Andi Arus , Harahap Alida Roswita , Wibowo Heri , La Distia Nora Rina , Setiabudy Rianto , Sovani Iwan , Edwar Lukman , Permadi Annisa Citra , Ardhia Seruni Hanna
Published: September 2023

Background: Quantitative measurements of vitreous inflammation using vitreous/retinal pigment epithelium-relative intensity (VIT/RPE-Relative Intensity) have been described recently. In proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis, inducing retinal fibrosis and contraction. However, no attempts have yet to be made to analyze the severity of inflammation in PVR progression.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing OCT image sets obtained from patients divided into four groups: (1) proliferative vitreoretinopathy, (2) intermediate and posterior uveitis, (3) panuveitis, (4) normal healthy eyes in Cipto Mangunkusumo Kirana Eye Hospital between April 2021 – December 2021. OCT images were then analyzed in the ImageJ software for VIT/RPE-relative intensity.

Results: A total of 19 PVR eyes, 12 intermediate-posterior uveitis eyes, 16 panuveitis eyes, and 28 normal healthy eyes were recruited for this study.  The VIT/RPE-Relative Intensity was significantly higher in PVR eyes (0.415±0.178) than in intermediate-posterior uveitis (0.236±0.043, p=0.002) and panuveitis eyes (0.30±0.07, p=0.023). Compared to the normal eyes, PVR and both uveitis groups have significantly higher VIT/RPE relative intensity (p = <0.001 in each group). 

Conclusions: VIT/RPE-relative intensity may offer quantitative measurements of vitreous inflammation in the role of the pathogenesis of PVR. Comparison with cellular inflammation in the vitreous is required to validate this finding.
Pathophysiology of risk factors for post operative complications
Authors: Gharde Pankaj , Manekk Roshani S , Gharde Pramita Muntode , Koul Shalinder
Published: September 2023

Postoperative complications lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality, increase in hospital length of stay and costs for health care. Understanding the pathophysiology of various risk factors causing post-operative complications, helps in better understanding of the subject and perioperative patient assessment.

The risk factors selected for the purpose of the study include modifiable risk factors and includes results from various single centre and multi-centre cohort studies, and systematic reviews and data from various meta-analysis by various authors on different subjects.

The importance of optimizing the modifiable risk factors like hypoalbuminemia, anemia, obesity and smoking can be understood from the above study. It is important to remember that morbidity is multifactorial and taking into account only a single risk factor will not improve the outcomes. This signifies the importance of multidisciplinary approach when treating the patient.
Analysis of time-domain indices, frequency domain measures of heart rate variability derived from ECG waveform and pulse-wave-related HRV among overweight individuals: an observational study
Authors: Kumar Sinha Mukesh , Vaishali K. , Maiya G. Arun , Shivashankar K.N. , Shashikiran U.
Published: September 2023

Background: Research on the compatibility of time domain indices, frequency domain measurements of heart rate variability obtained from electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms, and pulse wave signal (pulse rate variability; PRV) features is ongoing. The promising marker of cardiac autonomic function is heart rate variability. Recent research has looked at various other physiological markers, leading to the emergence of pulse rate variability. The pulse wave signal can be studied for variations to understand better changes in arterial stiffness and compliance, which are key indicators of cardiovascular health.

Methods: 35 healthy overweight people were included. The Lead II electrocardiogram (ECG) signal was transmitted through an analog-to-digital converter (PowerLab 8/35 software, AD Instruments Pty. Ltd., New South Wales, Australia). This signal was utilized to compute Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and was sampled at a rate of 1024 Hz. The same AD equipment was also used to capture a pulse signal simultaneously. The right index finger was used as the recording site for the pulse signal using photoplethysmography (PPG) technology.

Results: The participants' demographic data show that the mean age was 23.14 + 5.27 years, the mean weight was 73.68 +  7.40 kg, the mean body fat percentage was 32.23  +  5.30, and the mean visceral fat percentage was 4.60  +  2.0. The findings revealed no noticeable difference between the median values of heart rate variability (HRV) and PRV. Additionally, a strong correlation was observed between HRV and PRV. However, poor agreement was observed in the measurement of PRV and HRV.

Conclusion: All indices of HRV showed a greater correlation with PRV. However, the level of agreement between HRV and PRV measurement was poor. Hence, HRV cannot be replaced with PRV and vice-versa.
Correlation of age with the size of subcortical nuclei of the brain and its implication in degenerative disease: A magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Dhamija Aditij , Andrade Lydia S. , K. Prakashini , Gupta Chandni
Published: September 2023

Background: Aging is a non-modifiable risk factor for neurodegenerative disease. It is well established that the brain undergoes physiological atrophy with age. So, this study was conducted to analyse the correlation between the age of the person and the size of the various subcortical nuclei of the brain and whether these measurements can serve as a useful indicator for physiological atrophy leading to degenerative disease in clinical practice.

Methods: A total of 600 MRI scans from healthy individuals were examined and the measurements of subcortical nuclei were taken and subsequently analysed.

Results: A statistically significant difference between the genders was observed in the sizes of the axial diameters of caudate nucleus, putamen and globus pallidus. Caudate nucleus transverse diameter showed a moderate negative correlation with age in males. Globus pallidus axial diameter with age showed weak positive correlation for males. Globus pallidus transverse diameter showed weak positive correlation with age for both males and females, but it was stronger for males compared to females.

Conclusions: These results will help neurologists and neurosurgeons in analysing various early degenerative diseases and treat them accordingly.
Case Report: A successful surgical approach towards rare congenital left diaphragmatic hernia associated with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Potdukhe Ashwini , Wanjari Mayur , Sharma Ranjana , Ankar Ruchira , Raut Arati , Alone Anjali
Published: September 2023

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a life-threatening condition. It happens when the fetal diaphragm does not develop normally during pregnancy. In CDH, the diaphragm breach permits abdominal contents to leak into the thoracic cavity. Pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary vascular disease are present in varying degrees of CHD syndrome. Typically leads to pulmonary hypertension, due to anatomical and functional pulmonary vascular abnormalities.

Case presentation: Here we report a case of a 5-day-old male neonate born with respiratory distress. After undergoing radiological examination patient was diagnosed with CDH. Transabdominal surgical management was given. The prognosis was good. 

Conclusion: Transabdominal surgical approach was effective in the case of CDH management.
Identification of high-performing antibodies for tyrosine-protein kinase SYK for use in Western Blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence
Authors: Alshafie Walaa , Fotouhi Maryam , Ayoubi Riham , Southern Kathleen , Laflamme Carl ,   NeuroSGC/YCharOS collaborative group
Published: September 2023

Tyrosine-protein kinase SYK, encoded by theSYKgene, is a non-receptor type protein kinase which mediates immune signal transduction through immunoreceptors. Tyrosine-protein kinase SYK expression has been associated with the development of various inflammatory diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. The reproducibility of tyrosine-protein kinase SYK research would help elucidate the mechanism in which it causes neuroinflammation as well as its potential as a novel target to treat Alzheimer’s disease. This would be facilitated with the availability of high-quality tyrosine-protein kinase SYK.  In this study, we characterized thirteen tyrosine-protein kinase SYK commercial antibodies for Western Blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. We identified many high-performing antibodies and encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibody for their specific needs.
Clinical neuropsychological characteristics of bipolar disorder, with a focus on cognitive and linguistic pattern: a conceptual analysis
Authors: Gkintoni Evgenia
Published: September 2023

Neuropsychology is an academic discipline that investigates the intricate interplay between the brain, mind, and behavior. It accomplishes this by examining the underlying structure and activities of the brain, with a particular focus on psychological phenomena such as language, motivation, memory, attention, thinking, consciousness, learning, and efficacy. The assessment of neuropsychological changes in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder has received limited attention in comparison to other psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, for instance. Nevertheless, there has been a growing interest in the etiological implications, therapies, preventions, and prognostic factors related to social competence and the quality of life of patients. The objective of this review is to compile and analyze the existing research conducted thus far on the association between cognitive abnormalities and bipolar disorder. This study has examined research conducted across many stages of the condition, including depression and mania. Additionally, it has explored comparative studies involving people with schizophrenia, as well as the potential impact of psychopharmaceutical interventions.
Can Blockchain Technology Help Overcome Contractual Incompleteness? Evidence from State Laws
Authors: Chen Mark A. , Hu Shuting Sophia , Wang Joanna , Wu Qinxi
Published: September 2023

Real-world contractual agreements between firms are often incomplete, leading to suboptimal investment and loss of value in supply chain relationships. To what extent can blockchain technology help alleviate problems arising from contractual incompleteness? We examine this issue by exploiting a quasi-natural experiment based on the staggered adoption of U.S. state laws that increased firms’ in-state ability to develop, adopt, and use blockchain technology. We find that, after exposure to a pro-blockchain law, firms with greater asset specificity exhibit more positive changes to Tobin’s Q, research and development, and blockchain-related innovation. Also, such firms appear to rely less on vertical integration, form more strategic alliances, and shift their emphasis to less geographically proximate customers. Overall, our results suggest that blockchain technology can help firms remedy constraints and inefficiencies arising from contractual incompleteness.

This paper was accepted by Will Cong, Special Section of Management Science: Blockchains and Crypto Economics.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.04139 .
Tick Size and Earnings Guidance in Small-Cap Firms: Evidence from the SEC’s Tick Size Pilot Program
Authors: Chen Yangyang , Ng Jeffrey , Ofosu Emmanuel , Yang Xin
Published: September 2023

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s 2016 Tick Size Pilot Program was a natural experiment that imposed increases in tick size for randomly selected small-cap firms. Using a difference-in-differences research design, we examine the effect of this increase in tick size on earnings guidance. We find that after initiation of the program, treatment firms provide significantly less earnings guidance. We provide further evidence that this decrease is driven by increases in investors’ fundamental information acquisition and in firms’ financial reporting quality, consistent with firms reducing earnings guidance when investors are already more informed. The decrease is stronger for firms with higher proprietary costs of disclosure, consistent with firms being more likely to reduce costly disclosure when investors are more informed. In contrast, the decrease is weaker for firms with greater external financing needs, consistent with these firms continuing to seek the benefits of disclosure, even when investors are more informed. Taken together, our results suggest that an increase in tick size makes investors more informed, which, in turn, reduces the need for firms to provide earnings guidance, though the extent of the reduction depends on the costs and benefits of providing earnings guidance.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4930 .
Comparison of prehospital stroke care at private homes and residential care settings
Authors: Finney Owen , McClelland Graham , Shaw Lisa , Price Chris
Published: September 2023

Background:

Suspected stroke is a common scenario among care home residents, who are typically older and have more complex health needs than the general population.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to describe the care of suspected stroke patients according to their residential status.

Methods:

Retrospective secondary analysis was carried out using a clinical record dataset from a UK ambulance service that described the care of patients labelled as having a suspected stroke between December 2021 and April 2022.

Findings:

Care home patients were older (median age 86 (interquartile range (IQR) 79–91) years) than those in their own homes (median age 75 (IQR 63–83) years; P≤0.001), with more comorbidities (median of five (IQR 3–6) versus median of three (IQR 2–5); P≤0.001) and taking more medications (median of six (IQR 4–9) versus median of four (IQR 1–7); P≤0.001). They were more likely to have difficulties completing the face, arms, speech, time test (17/170 (10%) versus 39/1305 (3%); P≤0.001) and present with facial droop (85/153 (55.6%) versus 506/1266 (40%); P≤0.001). Ambulance on-scene time was longer at care homes (median 41 (IQR 32–49.5) minutes versus median 35 (IQR 27–45) minutes; P≤0.001).

Conclusion:

Clinician awareness of characteristics associated with residential settings may be important for delivering emergency stroke care. Research is needed to optimise ambulance assessment for care home patients.
Preparing pregistration students for lifelong learning and practice
Authors: Paterson Samantha
Published: September 2023

In 2020, five Scottish Universities were contracted to deliver BSc Paramedic Science in partnership with regional NHS health boards and the Scottish Ambulance Service. Each university developed their practice-based learning curriculum in their distinct geographical region. Due to the differing needs of each region, the five programmes had similar aims and constraints in delivery but little alignment. A short-life working group was formed of members from each university to develop a national practice assessment document (PAD). The aim was to develop a document that could be used by all five universities and allow for alignment in this core area of preregistration education. This article will describe this process and how this work has gone on to shape work by the College of Paramedics in developing a UK-wide portfolio of practice-based learning (PPBL).
What's new in ketosis in dairy cows?
Authors: Renney David , Charles David
Published: September 2023

Over the last twenty years, much has been learned about ketosis as a disease of dairy cattle. Its aetiology has been found to be more complex than it was previously thought to be, with new factors coming to light–such as the discovery that the disease actually begins in the weeks before calving – and the exploration of the risk factors and genetics of insulin resistance. The importance of abnormalities other than hyperketonaemia has been demonstrated, and a better understanding of its treatment and prevention has been gained, including the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and the most suitable gluconeogenic precursors, and the selection of replacement heifers with a lower genetic predisposition to ketosis.
Q fever and coxiellosis: implications for livestock and human health in the UK
Authors: Wheelhouse Nick , Vazquez Richard , Viora Lorenzo , Halliday Jo E. B.
Published: September 2023

Q fever is a disease which can cause an acute self-limiting infection or long-term chronic condition in people exposed to the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. Most human cases in the UK are associated with livestock, particularly small ruminants, which act as a source of the bacteria. This occurs especially around abortion, which is a common symptom of livestock infection where large numbers of organisms are shed into the environment. While the bacteria is endemic in UK livestock, reported clinical cases of human and, indeed, livestock disease remain relatively uncommon, with sporadic outbreaks reported. Vaccination of livestock remains an effective One Health strategy for reducing environmental contamination and therefore exposure to the infection; however, it remains essential that appropriate precautions are taken, including wearing personal protective equipment, when handling the birth products of ruminant livestock.
Virtual fencing systems: balancing production and welfare outcomes
Authors: Waterhouse Tony
Published: September 2023

Virtual fencing systems are having rapid commercial uptake. A geographical navigation satellite system (GNSS)-locating collar provides sound warning alerts to each animal when in close proximity to virtual fencelines set on the stock manager's app. These are followed by an electric shock if the animal proceeds forward, but no further shock/warnings when reversing or turning away. Many research reports show that through associative learning, the livestock quickly understand the system and adapt to virtual paddocks with low numbers of electric shocks. Escapees usually return to the main group quickly. Practical applications for extensive systems include keeping stock away from danger areas which would be difficult or expensive to fence. Combining physical inspections, more easily achieved through live locations, with virtual inspections offers opportunities to improve stock management, though there are risks that the number of physical inspections may decrease. Highly flexible and rapidly modified grassland management, together with other combined sensors for health and reproduction, provide opportunities for further farm management gains.
Enhancing the quantum entanglement and EPR steering of a coupled optomechanical system with a squeezed vacuum field
Authors: Wu Shao-Xiong , Bai Cheng-Hua , Li Gang , Yu Chang-shui , Zhang Tiancai
Published: September 2023

Quantum entanglement and Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) steering are valuable resources in quantum information processing. How to enhance the quantum entanglement and EPR steering of coupled optomechanical systems with a weak squeezed vacuum field is studied when the displacement of detuning induced by the mechanical mode is considered. Compared with the condition that the system interacts with a vacuum environment, the quantum entanglement and EPR steering are stronger when the squeezed vacuum field is applied. A squeezed vacuum field with a large degree is not beneficial to enhance the quantum entanglement and EPR steering. Rather than the squeezing parameter of the squeezed vacuum field, the reference phase plays a vital role in this model.
Experimental studies on the core-structure dependence of backward Brillouin gain in solid-core photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Ji Guoqing , Huang Zhiyuan , He Wenbin , Yin Ruochen , Zheng Yu , Kumar Vikas , Jiang Xin , Leng Yuxin , Pang Meng
Published: September 2023

Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in solid-core photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) differs significantly from that in standard optical fibers due to the tight confinement of both optical and acoustic fields in their µm-sized fiber cores, as resultantly evident in their Brillouin gain spectra. Despite many theoretical studies based on either simplified models or numerical simulations, the structural dependency of Brillouin gain spectra in small-core PCFs has not been characterized comprehensively using PCFs with elaborated parameter controls. In this work we report a comprehensive characterization on the core-structure dependences of backward SBS effects in solid-core PCFs that are drawn with systematically varied core-diameter, revealing several key trends of the fiber Brillouin spectrum in terms of its gain magnitude, Brillouin shift and multi-peak structure, which have not been reported in detail previously. Our work provides some practical guidance on PCF design for potential applications like Brillouin fiber lasers and Brillouin fiber sensing.
Universal design method for bright quantum light sources based on circular Bragg grating cavities
Authors: Shih Ching-Wen , Rodt Sven , Reitzenstein Stephan
Published: September 2023

We theoretically develop an efficient and universal design scheme of quantum light sources based on hybrid circular Bragg grating (CBG) cavity with and without electrical contact bridges. As the proposed design scheme strongly alleviates the computational cost of numerical simulation, we present high-performance CBG designs based on the GaAs/SiO2/Au material system for emission wavelengths ranging from 900 nm to 1600 nm, covering the whole telecom O-band and C-band. All designs achieve remarkable Purcell factors surpassing a value of 26 and extraction efficiencies (into a numerical aperture of 0.8) exceeding 92% without contact bridges and 86% with contact bridges. Additionally, we show that our design approach easily deals with realistic structural constraints, such as preset thicknesses of a semiconductor membrane or SiO2 layers or with a different material system. The high design flexibility greatly supports the experimental deterministic fabrication approaches, allowing one to perform in-situ design adaptation and to integrate single quantum emitters of an inhomogeneously broadened ensemble on the same chip into wavelength-adapted structures without spectral constraints, which highly increase the yield of quantum device fabrication.
Analyses of BER-referred noise-to-signal ratio in online measurements of high-baud-rate coherent receivers
Authors: Itoh Toshihiro , Honda Kentaro , Ikuma Yuichiro , Kawamura Yuriko , Kikuchi Kiyofumi , Takahashi Masayuki , Yamada Takashi , Yamanaka Shogo , Nasu Yusuke
Published: September 2023

Digital coherent transmission features a very large transmission bandwidth and has played a main role in core optical transmission networks. With the progress of semiconductor technologies, practical coherent transceivers with rates over 100 Gbaud are becoming feasible. With such advances, the transceiver components must have lower power consumption and lower costs, and it becomes important to know how each component contributes to the overall transmission performance. Here, to decompose the effects of noise factors in high-baud-rate DP-16QAM transmissions, we used the theoretical relationship between the bit error rate (BER) and noise-to-signal ratio (NSR) and performed linear analyses. The NSR could be decomposed into individual noise contributions according to dependences on the inverse signal and local photocurrents. The obtained parameters were shown to be useful for predicting required optical signal-to-noise ratio (ROSNR) characteristics.
Gradient polarization volume grating with wide angular bandwidth for augmented reality
Authors: Yan Xudong , Wang Jiawei , Zhang Wei , Liu Yanjun , Luo Dan
Published: September 2023

Angular bandwidth, which is critical to field-of-view, plays important role in diffractive optical waveguide augmented reality display. However, design and fabrication of large angular bandwidth is still a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a liquid crystal reflective gradient polarization volume grating with three-dimensional gradient periodic structure for waveguide near-eye display. Two-beam polarization interference with special designed periodic gradient photomask are applied to chiral-dopant reactive mesogens doped with ultraviolet dye for generating gradient three-dimensional configuration of liquid crystals, resulting in gradient polarization volume grating with extended angle bandwidth of 61° while keeping 80% diffraction efficiency, with peak efficiency near 100%. The proposed gradient polarization volume grating provides an effective method to broaden the angular bandwidth in waveguide for wide field-of-view augmented reality display.
Broadband unidirectional surface plasmon polaritons with low loss
Authors: Yan Jinhua , Shen Qian , Zhang Hang , Li Senpeng , Tang Haiwei , Shen Linfang
Published: September 2023

Unidirectional surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) have been proven to truly exist at an interface between a magnetized semiconductor and an opaque isotropic material, however, they suffer rather serious leakage loss (with propagation length shorter than two wavelengths) caused by nonlocality. In this work, we investigate an alternative category of unidirectional SPPs existing on a nonreciprocal plasmonic platform with a cladding composed of a dielectric heterostructure transversely terminated by metal. This unidirectional SPP mode exists for small wavenumbers within the entire upper bulk-mode bandgap of the magnetized semiconductor, hence it is robust against nonlocal effects over a broad band. In contrast to previous unidirectional SPPs, the leakage loss of the present unidirectional SPPs is significantly reduced by more than five times, since the portion of modal energy distributed in the cladding is substantially increased. A similar reduction in absorption losses associated with semiconductor dissipation is observed. Though the nonlocality induces a backward-propagating SPP with extremely large wavenumbers, it can be suppressed even at very small level of dissipation. Therefore, our proposed plasmonic waveguide actually exhibits exceptional unidirectional characteristics.
Traditional surveys versus ecological momentary assessments: Digital citizen science approaches to improve ethical physical activity surveillance among youth
Authors: Ibrahim Sheriff Tolulope , Hammami Nour , Katapally Tarun Reddy
Published: September 2023

The role of physical activity (PA) in minimizing non-communicable diseases is well established. Measurement bias can be reduced via ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) deployed via citizen-owned smartphones. This study aims to engage citizen scientists to understand how PA reported digitally by retrospective and prospective measures varies within the same cohort. This study used the digital citizen science approach to collaborate with citizen scientists, aged 13–21 years over eight consecutive days via a custom-built app. Citizen scientists were recruited through schools in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada in 2018 (August 31—December 31). Retrospective PA was assessed through a survey, which was adapted from three validated PA surveys to suit smartphone-based data collection, and prospective PA was assessed through time-triggered EMAs deployed consecutively every day, from day 1 to day 8, including weekdays and weekends. Data analyses included paired t-tests to understand the difference in PA reported retrospectively and prospectively, and linear regressions to assess contextual and demographic factors associated with PA reported retrospectively and prospectively. Findings showed a significant difference between PA reported retrospectively and prospectively (p = 0.001). Ethnicity (visible minorities: β = - 0.911, 95% C.I. = -1.677, -0.146), parental education (university: β = 0.978, 95% C.I. = 0.308, 1.649), and strength training (at least one day: β = 0.932, 95% C.I. = 0.108, 1.755) were associated with PA reported prospectively. In contrast, the number of active friends (at least one friend: β = 0.741, 95% C.I. = 0.026, 1.458) was associated with retrospective PA. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of mortality globally, which requires accurate monitoring to inform population health interventions. In this digital age, where ubiquitous devices provide real-time engagement capabilities, digital citizen science can transform how we measure behaviours using citizen-owned ubiquitous digital tools to support prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases.
Waist circumference and glycaemia are strong predictors of progression to diabetes in individuals with prediabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: 4-year prospective cohort study in Malawi
Authors: Nakanga Wisdom P. , Crampin Amelia C. , Mkandawire Joseph , Banda Louis , Andrews Rob C. , Hattersley Andrew T. , Nyirenda Moffat J. , Rodgers Lauren R.
Published: September 2023

Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to have the highest increase in the number of people with diabetes worldwide. However, the drivers of diabetes in this region have not been clearly elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of diabetes and the predictors of progression in a population-based cohort with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in Malawi. We used data from an extensive rural and urban non-communicable disease survey. One hundred seventy-five, of 389 individuals with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at baseline, age 48 ±15 years and body mass index 27.5 ±5.9 kg/m2 were followed up for a median of 4.2 years (714 person-years). Incidence rates were calculated, and predictors of progression to diabetes were analysed using multivariable logistic regression models, with overall performance determined using receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves. The median follow-up was 4.2 (IQR 3.4–4.7) years. Forty-five out of 175 (26%) progressed to diabetes. Incidence rates of diabetes were 62.9 per 1000 person-years 95% CI, 47.0–84.3. The predictors of progression were higher; age (odds ratio [OR] 1.48, P = 0.046), BMI (OR 1.98, P = 0.001), waist circumference (OR 2.50,P<0.001), waist-hip ratio (OR 1.40, P = 0.03), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.56, P = 0.01), fasting plasma glucose (OR 1.53, P = 0.01), cholesterol (OR 1.44, P = 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.80, P = 0.002). A simple model combining fasting plasma glucose and waist circumference was predictive of progression to diabetes (ROC area under the curve = 0.79). The incidence of diabetes in people with IFG is high in Malawi and predictors of progression are like those seen in other populations. Our data also suggests that a simple chart with probabilities of progression to diabetes based on waist circumference and fasting plasma glucose could be used to identify those at risk of progression in clinical settings in sub-Saharan Africa.
Persuasive COVID-19 vaccination campaigns on Facebook and nationwide vaccination coverage in Ukraine, India, and Pakistan
Authors: Winters Maike , Christie Sarah , Lepage Chelsey , Malik Amyn A. , Bokemper Scott , Abeyesekera Surangani , Boye Brian , Moini Midhat , Jamil Zara , Tariq Taha , Beresh Tamara , Kazymyrova Ganna , Palamar Liudmyla , Paintsil Elliott , Faller Alexandra , Seusan Andreea , Bonnevie Erika , Smyser Joe , Khan Kadeem , Gulaid Mohamed , Francis Sarah , Warren Joshua L. , Thomson Angus , Omer Saad B.
Published: September 2023

Social media platforms have a wide and influential reach, and as such provide an opportunity to increase vaccine uptake. To date, there is no large-scale, robust evidence on the offline effects of online messaging campaigns. We aimed to test whether pre-tested, persuasive messaging campaigns from UNICEF, disseminated on Facebook, influenced COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Ukraine, India, and Pakistan. In Ukraine, we deployed a stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial (RCT). Half of the 24 oblasts (provinces) received five weeks of the intervention, the other half ten weeks of the intervention. In India, an RCT with an augmented synthetic control was conducted in five states (Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan), whereby 40 out of 174 districts were randomized to receive six weeks of intervention. In Pakistan we deployed a pre-post design, whereby 25 city districts received six weeks of the intervention. Weekly COVID-19 vaccination data was sourced through government databases. Using Poisson regression models, the association between the intervention and vaccine uptake was estimated. In Ukraine we conducted a survey among Facebook users at three time points during the RCT, to ascertain vaccination intentions and trust in vaccines. The campaigns reached more than 110 million Facebook users and garnered 2.9 million clicks. In Ukraine, we found that the intervention did not affect oblast-level vaccination coverage (Relative Risk (RR): 0.93, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.86–1.01). Similarly, in India and Pakistan we found no effect of our intervention (India: RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70–1.04; Pakistan: RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.01–29.9). The survey among Facebook users in Ukraine showed that trust in vaccines and information sources was an important predictor of vaccination status and intention to get vaccinated. Our campaigns on Facebook had a wide reach, which did not translate in shifting behaviours. Timing and external events may have limited the effectiveness of our interventions.
Tackling a global epidemic threat: Nipah surveillance in Bangladesh, 2006–2021
Authors: Satter Syed Moinuddin , Aquib Wasik Rahman , Sultana Sharmin , Sharif Ahmad Raihan , Nazneen Arifa , Alam Muhammad Rashedul , Siddika Ayesha , Akther Ema Fateha , Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Amin , Alam Ahmed Nawsher , Rahman Mahmudur , Klena John D. , Rahman Mohammed Ziaur , Banu Sayera , Shirin Tahmina , Montgomery Joel M.
Published: September 2023

Human Nipah virus (NiV) infection is an epidemic-prone disease and since the first recognized outbreak in Bangladesh in 2001, human infections have been detected almost every year. Due to its high case fatality rate and public health importance, a hospital-based Nipah sentinel surveillance was established in Bangladesh to promptly detect Nipah cases and respond to outbreaks at the earliest. The surveillance has been ongoing till present. The hospital-based sentinel surveillance was conducted at ten strategically chosen tertiary care hospitals distributed throughout Bangladesh. The surveillance staff ensured that routine screening, enrollment, data, and specimen collection from suspected Nipah cases were conducted daily. The specimens were then processed and transported to the reference laboratory of Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) and icddr,b for confirmation of diagnosis through serology and molecular detection. From 2006 to 2021, through this hospital-based surveillance platform, 7,150 individuals were enrolled and tested for Nipah virus. Since 2001, 322 Nipah infections were identified in Bangladesh, 75% of whom were laboratory confirmed cases. Half of the reported cases were primary cases (162/322) having an established history of consuming raw date palm sap (DPS) or tari (fermented date palm sap) and 29% were infected through person-to-person transmission. Since the initiation of surveillance, 68% (218/322) of Nipah cases from Bangladesh have been identified from various parts of the country. Fever, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and increased salivation were the most common symptoms among enrolled Nipah patients. Till 2021, the overall case fatality rate of NiV infection in Bangladesh was 71%. This article emphasizes that the overall epidemiology of Nipah virus infection in Bangladesh has remained consistent throughout the years. This is the only systematic surveillance to detect human NiV infection globally. The findings from this surveillance have contributed to early detection of NiV cases in hospital settings, understanding of Nipah disease epidemiology, and have enabled timely public health interventions for prevention and containment of NiV infection. Although we still have much to learn regarding the transmission dynamics and risk factors of human NiV infection, surveillance has played a significant role in advancing our knowledge in this regard.