bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissimilar donuts in the sky? Effects of a pressure singularity on the circular photon orbits and shadow of a cosmological black hole
Authors: Odintsov S. D. , Oikonomou V. K.
Published: August 2022

The black hole observations obtained so far indicate one thing: similar “donuts” exist in the sky. But what if some of the observed black hole shadows that will be obtained in the future are different from the others? In this work the aim is to show that a difference in the shadow of some observed black holes in the future might explain the H
0-tension problem. In this letter we investigate the possible effects of a pressure cosmological singularity on the circular photon orbits and the shadow of galactic supermassive black holes at cosmological redshifts. Since the pressure singularity is a global event in the Universe, the effects of the pressure singularity will be imposed on supermassive black holes at a specific redshift. As we show, the pressure singularity affects the circular photon orbits around cosmological black holes described by the McVittie metric, and specifically, for some time before the time instance that the singularity occurs, the photon orbits do not exist. We discuss the possible effects of the absence of circular photon orbits on the shadow of these black holes. Our idea indicates that if a pressure singularity occurred in the near past, then this could have a direct imprint on the shadow of supermassive galactic black holes at the redshift corresponding to the time instance that the singularity occurred in the past. Thus, if a sample of shadows is observed in the future for redshifts

, and for a specific redshift differences are found in the shadows, this could be an indication that a pressure singularity occurred, and this global event might resolve the H
0-tension as discussed in previous work. However, the observation of several shadows at redshifts

is a rather far future task.
Convolutional Neural Network for Predicting Thyroid Cancer Based on Ultrasound Elastography Image of Perinodular Region
Authors: Hu Lei , Pei Chong , Xie Li , Liu Zhen , He Nianan , Lv Weifu
Published: August 2022

We aimed to develop deep learning models based on perinodular regions’ shear-wave elastography (SWE) images and ultrasound (US) images of thyroid nodules (TNs) and determine their performances in predicting thyroid cancer. A total of 1747 American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting & Data System 4 (TR4) thyroid nodules (TNs) in 1582 patients were included in this retrospective study. US images, SWE images, and 2 quantitative SWE parameters (maximum elasticity of TNs; 5-point average maximum elasticity of TNs) were obtained. Based on US and SWE images of TNs and perinodular tissue, respectively, 7 single-image convolutional neural networks (CNN) models [US, internal SWE, 0.5 mm SWE, 1.0 mm SWE, 1.5 mm SWE, 2.0 mm SWE of perinodular tissue, and whole SWE region of interest (ROI) image] and another 6 fusional-image CNN models (US + internal SWE, US + 0.5 mm SWE, US + 1.0 mm SWE, US + 1.5 mm SWE, US + 2.0 mm SWE, US + ROI SWE) were established using RestNet18. All of the CNN models and quantitative SWE parameters were built on a training cohort (1247 TNs) and evaluated on a validation cohort (500 TNs). In predicting thyroid cancer, US + 2.0 mm SWE image CNN model obtained the highest area under the curve in 10 mm < TNs ≤ 20 mm (0.95 for training; 0.92 for validation) and TNs > 20 mm (0.95 for training; 0.92 for validation), while US + 1.0 mm SWE image CNN model obtained the highest area under the curve in TNs ≤ 10 mm (0.95 for training; 0.92 for validation). The CNN models based on the fusion of SWE segmentation images and US images improve the radiological diagnostic accuracy of thyroid cancer.
The Politics of Vibration
Authors: Boon Marcus
Published: August 2022

In The Politics of Vibration Marcus Boon explores music as a material practice of vibration. Focusing on the work of three contemporary musicians—Hindustani classical vocalist Pandit Pran Nath, Swedish drone composer and philosopher Catherine Christer Hennix, and Houston-based hip-hop musician DJ Screw—Boon outlines how music constructs a vibrational space of individual and collective transformation. Contributing to a new interdisciplinary field of vibration studies, he understands vibration as a mathematical and a physical concept, as a religious or ontological force, and as a psychological determinant of subjectivity. Boon contends that music, as a shaping of vibration, needs to be recognized as a cosmopolitical practice—in the sense introduced by Isabelle Stengers—in which what music is within a society depends on what kinds of access to vibration are permitted, and to whom. This politics of vibration constitutes the hidden ontology of contemporary music because the organization of vibration shapes individual music scenes as well as the ethical choices that participants in these scenes make about how they want to live in the world.
Continuous Microdebrider-Based Dynamic Subcortical Motor Mapping: A Technical Advance in Tubular Retractor–Assisted Surgery
Authors: Gallagher Mathew J. , Lavrador Jose P. , Coelho Pedro , Mirallave-Pescador Ana , Bleil Cristina , Gullan Richard , Ashkan Keyoumars , Vergani Francesco , Bhangoo Ranjeev
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Transsulcal minimally invasive parafasicular (TsMIP) approaches to brain tumor resection use tubular retractors to minimize iatrogenic brain injury. Dynamic cortical and subcortical continuous neurophysiological mapping facilitates safer resection of motor-eloquent tumors.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a new technique to address the challenge of combining TsMIP with tubular retractors and dynamic subcortical mapping using a single electrified stimulating microdebrider instrument.

METHODS:

We adapted the NICO Myriad microdebrider with continuous monopolar stimulation electrification using high-frequency stimulation with the train-of-5 technique. We performed continuous subcortical mapping using this device and compared it with standard dynamic monopolar subcortical mapping using a suction stimulation device. We found no significant difference in recorded stimulation response.

RESULTS:

Using a single operating instrument that provides synchronous tumor resection and monopolar subcortical mapping with the NICO Brainpath tubular retractor, we observed increased degrees of movement, faster surgical resection times with an enlarged working channel down the retractor, and improved safety because the stimulating probe sits 2 mm deep to the resection window.

CONCLUSION:

We show that the adapted device is reliable and provides similar stimulation response as conventional subcortical mapping. We advocate the use of our adapted microdebrider in TsMIP tubular retractor approaches.
Stereotactic-Guided Transcerebellar Cisternoperitoneal Shunt Placement for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Cho Steve S. , Wakim Andre A. , Teng Clare W. , Sarris Christina E. , Smith Kris A.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) can cause debilitating symptoms and optic nerve ischemia if untreated. Cerebrospinal fluid diversion is often necessary to reduce intracranial pressure; however, current ventriculoperitoneal and lumboperitoneal shunting techniques have high failure rates in patients with IIH.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe our experience treating IIH with a novel stereotactic-guided transcerebellar cisternoperitoneal shunt (SGTC-CPS) technique that places the proximal shunt catheter in the posterior cisterna magnum.

METHODS:

Retrospective perioperative and postoperative data from all patients who underwent SGTC-CPS placement for IIH from March 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020, were analyzed. Patients were positioned as for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement but with the head turned farther laterally to adequately expose the retrosigmoid space. Using neuronavigation, an opening was made near the transverse-sigmoid junction, and the proximal catheter was inserted transcerebellarly into the posterior foramen magnum.

RESULTS:

Thirty-two patients underwent SGTC-CPS placement (29 female; mean body mass index, 36.0 ± 7.5; 14 with prior shunt failures). The mean procedure time for shunt placement was 145 minutes. No intraoperative complications occurred, and all patients were discharged uneventfully. At the 6-month follow-up, 81% of patients (21 of 26) had relief of their presenting symptoms. Shunt survival without revision was 86% (25 of 29) at 1 year and 67% (10 of 15) at 3 years, with no infections.

CONCLUSION:

The SGTC-CPS offers an alternative solution for cerebrospinal fluid diversion in patients with IIH and demonstrates a lower failure rate and more durable symptom relief compared with ventriculoperitoneal or lumboperitoneal shunt placement. Using proper techniques and equipment promotes safe and facile placement of the proximal catheter.
Complications Associated With Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Using Stereotactic Navigation and Abdominal Laparoscopy: A Single-Institution Case Series
Authors: Golubovsky Joshua L. , Liao James , Hogue Olivia , Pucci Francesco , Rammo Richard , Lipman Jeremy , Aminian Ali , Nagel Sean J.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is characterized by cerebral ventriculomegaly and the triad of magnetic gait, urinary incontinence, and cognitive impairment. Treatment includes ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate complication rates in a cohort of patients undergoing VP shunt surgery with stereotactic proximal catheter navigation and laparoscopic distal catheter placement.

METHODS:

This study was a retrospective consecutive cohort analysis of 117 patients with NPH undergoing VP shunt placement using both stereotactic navigation and laparoscopy from 2015 to 2020. Patients with obstructive hydrocephalus and those with central nervous system infection, intraventricular hemorrhage, Ommaya reservoirs, or undergoing shunt revision at initial encounter were excluded. Variables included demographics and comorbidities, NPH symptoms, operative details, radiographic outcomes, and rates of complications, readmissions, and reoperations within 1, 3, and 12 months. Impact of demographics and comorbidities on complication rates was assessed using Fisher exact tests.

RESULTS:

Zero patients required reoperation within 30 days. One intracranial hemorrhage was detected on immediate postoperative head computed tomography. Four patients ultimately required revision: 2 for catheter repositioning to alleviate abdominal pain, 1 ligation for a colectomy, and 1 removal for shunt infection. Patients with cardiac or other neurological comorbidities had higher rates of readmission and complications. Systemic complications totaled 12% in the first 30 days.

CONCLUSION:

The combination of intraoperative stereotactic navigation and laparoscopic assistance leads to low rates of serious complications and reoperations for VP shunt implantation in patients with NPH. These changes to surgical technique are easy to implement and may reduce the risk for this common operation.
Robot-Assisted Deep Brain Stimulation: High Accuracy and Streamlined Workflow
Authors: Giridharan Nisha , Katlowitz Kalman A. , Anand Adrish , Gadot Ron , Najera Ricardo A. , Shofty Ben , Snyder Rita , Larrinaga Christopher , Prablek Marc , Karas Patrick J. , Viswanathan Ashwin , Sheth Sameer A.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

A number of stereotactic platforms are available for performing deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead implantation. Robot-assisted stereotaxy has emerged more recently demonstrating comparable accuracy and shorter operating room times compared with conventional frame-based systems.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the accuracy of our streamlined robotic DBS workflow with data in the literature from frame-based and frameless systems.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed 126 consecutive DBS lead placement procedures using a robotic stereotactic platform. Indications included Parkinson disease (n = 94), essential tremor (n = 21), obsessive compulsive disorder (n = 7), and dystonia (n = 4). Procedures were performed using a stereotactic frame for fixation and the frame pins as skull fiducials for robot registration. We used intraoperative fluoroscopic computed tomography for registration and postplacement verification.

RESULTS:

The mean radial error for the target point was 1.06 mm (SD: 0.55 mm, range 0.04-2.80 mm) on intraoperative fluoroscopic computed tomography. The mean operative time for an asleep, bilateral implant without implantable pulse generator placement was 238 minutes (SD: 52 minutes), and skin-to-skin procedure time was 116 minutes (SD: 42 minutes).

CONCLUSION:

We describe a streamlined workflow for DBS lead placement using robot-assisted stereotaxy with a comparable accuracy profile. Obviating the need for checking and switching coordinates, as is standard for frame-based DBS, also reduces the chance for human error and facilitates training.
Practical Use of Augmented Reality Modeling to Guide Revision Spine Surgery: An Illustrative Case of Hardware Failure and Overriding Spondyloptosis
Authors: Mozaffari Khashayar , Foster Chase H. , Rosner Michael K.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Augmented reality (AR) is a novel technology with broadening applications to neurosurgery. In deformity spine surgery, it has been primarily directed to the more precise placement of pedicle screws. However, AR may also be used to generate high fidelity three-dimensional (3D) spine models for cases of advanced deformity with existing instrumentation. We present a case in which an AR-generated 3D model was used to facilitate and expedite the removal of embedded instrumentation and guide the reduction of an overriding spondyloptotic deformity.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A young adult with a remote history of a motor vehicle accident treated with long-segment posterior spinal stabilization presented with increasing back pain and difficulty sitting upright in a wheelchair. Imaging revealed pseudoarthrosis with multiple rod fractures resulting in an overriding spondyloptosis of T6 on T9. An AR-generated 3D model was useful in the intraoperative localization of rod breaks and other extensively embedded instrumentation. Real-time model thresholding expedited the safe explanation of the defunct system and correction of the spondyloptosis deformity.

CONCLUSION:

An AR-generated 3D model proved instrumental in a revision case of hardware failure and high-grade spinal deformity.
Topological properties accurately predict cell division events and organization of shoot apical meristem in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Matz Timon W. , Wang Yang , Kulshreshtha Ritika , Sampathkumar Arun , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: August 2022

Cell division and the resulting changes to the cell organization affect the shape and functionality of all tissues. Thus, understanding the determinants of the tissue-wide changes imposed by cell division is a key question in developmental biology. Here, we use a network representation of live cell imaging data from shoot apical meristems (SAMs) in Arabidopsis thaliana to predict cell division events and their consequences at the tissue level. We show that a support vector machine classifier based on the SAM network properties is predictive of cell division events, with test accuracy of 76%, which matches that based on cell size alone. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the combination of topological and biological properties, including cell size, perimeter, distance and shared cell wall between cells, can further boost the prediction accuracy of resulting changes in topology triggered by cell division. Using our classifiers, we demonstrate the importance of microtubule-mediated cell-to-cell growth coordination in influencing tissue-level topology. Together, the results from our network-based analysis demonstrate a feedback mechanism between tissue topology and cell division in A. thaliana SAMs.
An interview with Emma Rawlins
Authors: Zenner Helen L.
Published: August 2022

Emma Rawlins is a senior Group Leader at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, where her research focuses on lung development and regeneration. This year, Emma was the recipient of the BSDB Cheryll Tickle Medal, which is awarded to a mid-career female scientist for outstanding achievements in developmental biology. We talked to Emma about her research career, mentorship and how she felt about receiving the Cheryll Tickle Medal.
Patient-associated mutations in Drosophila Alk perturb neuronal differentiation and promote survival
Authors: Pfeifer Kathrin , Wolfstetter Georg , Anthonydhason Vimala , Masudi Tafheem , Arefin Badrul , Bemark Mats , Mendoza-Garcia Patricia , Palmer Ruth H.
Published: August 2022

Activating anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) mutations occur in pediatric neuroblastoma and are associated with poor prognosis. To study ALK-activating mutations in a genetically controllable system, we employed CRIPSR/Cas9, incorporating orthologs of the human oncogenic mutations ALKF1174L and ALKY1278S in the Drosophila Alk locus. AlkF1251L and AlkY1355S mutant Drosophila exhibited enhanced Alk signaling phenotypes, but unexpectedly depended on the Jelly belly (Jeb) ligand for activation. Both AlkF1251L and AlkY1355S mutant larval brains displayed hyperplasia, represented by increased numbers of Alk-positive neurons. Despite this hyperplasic phenotype, no brain tumors were observed in mutant animals. We showed that hyperplasia in Alk mutants was not caused by significantly increased rates of proliferation, but rather by decreased levels of apoptosis in the larval brain. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified perturbations during temporal fate specification in AlkY1355S mutant mushroom body lineages. These findings shed light on the role of Alk in neurodevelopmental processes and highlight the potential of Alk-activating mutations to perturb specification and promote survival in neuronal lineages.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Kctd7 deficiency induces myoclonic seizures associated with Purkinje cell death and microvascular defects
Authors: Liang Justine H. , Alevy Jonathan , Akhanov Viktor , Seo Ryan , Massey Cory A. , Jiang Danye , Zhou Joy , Sillitoe Roy V. , Noebels Jeffrey L. , Samuel Melanie A.
Published: August 2022

Mutations in the potassium channel tetramerization domain-containing 7 (KCTD7) gene are associated with a severe neurodegenerative phenotype characterized by childhood onset of progressive and intractable myoclonic seizures accompanied by developmental regression. KCTD7-driven disease is part of a large family of progressive myoclonic epilepsy syndromes displaying a broad spectrum of clinical severity. Animal models of KCTD7-related disease are lacking, and little is known regarding how KCTD7 protein defects lead to epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction. We characterized Kctd7 expression patterns in the mouse brain during development and show that it is selectively enriched in specific regions as the brain matures. We further demonstrate that Kctd7-deficient mice develop seizures and locomotor defects with features similar to those observed in human KCTD7-associated diseases. We also show that Kctd7 is required for Purkinje cell survival in the cerebellum and that selective degeneration of these neurons is accompanied by defects in cerebellar microvascular organization and patterning. Taken together, these results define a new model for KCTD7-associated epilepsy and identify Kctd7 as a modulator of neuron survival and excitability linked to microvascular alterations in vulnerable regions.
The mutual interaction of glycolytic enzymes and RNA in post-transcriptional regulation
Authors: Wegener Melanie , Dietz Karl-Josef
Published: August 2022

About three decades ago, researchers suggested that metabolic enzymes participate in cellular processes that are unrelated to their catalytic activity, and the term “moonlighting functions” was proposed. Recently developed advanced technologies in the field of RNA interactome capture now unveil the unexpected RNA binding activity of many metabolic enzymes, as exemplified here for the enzymes of glycolysis. Although for most of these proteins a precise binding mechanism, binding conditions, and physiological relevance of the binding events still await in-depth clarification, several well explored examples demonstrate that metabolic enzymes hold crucial functions in post-transcriptional regulation of protein synthesis. This widely conserved RNA-binding function of glycolytic enzymes plays major roles in controlling cell activities. The best explored examples are glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, enolase, phosphoglycerate kinase, and pyruvate kinase. This review summarizes current knowledge about the RNA-binding activity of the ten core enzymes of glycolysis in plant, yeast, and animal cells, its regulation and physiological relevance. Apparently, a tight bidirectional regulation connects core metabolism and RNA biology, forcing us to rethink long established functional singularities.
Internet Governance Through Site Shutdowns: The Impact of Shutting Down Two Major Commercial Sex Advertising Sites
Authors: Zeng Helen Shuxuan , Danaher Brett , Smith Michael D.
Published: August 2022

In the two weeks after the U.S. Congress passed a package of anti-sex trafficking bills on March 21, 2018, two of the largest online commercial sex advertising platforms ceased operation. On March 23, Craigslist voluntarily removed their personals section, which had been dominated by advertisements for commercial sex. And on April 6, the Department of Justice seized Backpage.com, the largest online platform for commercial sex advertisements. Our research examines the impact of these shutdowns on a variety of important outcome variables, notably prostitution arrests and violence against women—variables that the prior literature has shown were impacted by the introduction of commercial sex advertising platforms. We employ a generalized difference-in-differences model by exploiting cross-city variation in the preshutdown usage of the two shuttered sites. We find no causal effect of the shutdowns on any of the outcome variables we measure. Further analysis suggests that these null results are likely due to the fluidity of online markets. Our data show that the majority of advertisers and users of Backpage and Craigslist’s personals quickly moved to other (often off-shore) commercial sex advertising portals. Our results highlight the challenges that governments face in reducing online sex trafficking, as the market for commercial sex advertising appears agile enough to quickly disperse to offshore sites after a few popular domestic sites are shut down. Our results have general implications for the governance of other illegal activities online.

This paper was accepted by D. J. Wu, information systems.

Supplemental Material: Data and the online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4498 .
Analytical design of inhomogeneous flat lenses for high gain applications in an arbitrary direction
Authors: Nasrollahi Hossein , Taskhiri Mohammad Mahdi , Keshtkar Asghar
Published: August 2022

To the best of our knowledge, in this paper, a new technique is presented for designing and analyzing inhomogeneous flat lenses. The technique is based on the critical angle theorem. Slab and wedge lenses are presented in this manuscript. The designed lenses are frequency independent, so they operate in the broadband frequency bandwidth. The method presented here can be generalized to all inhomogeneous structures, and the input and output layers of the proposed flat lenses are impedance-matched to the circumference. The proposed lenses are validated with COMSOL multiphysics.
Geometric manifestation led optical beam shaping in one-dimensional photonic crystals
Authors: Mondal Abhishek , Sharma Shailja , Das Ritwick
Published: August 2022

The transmission of light through a periodically stratified medium such as a photonic crystal (PC) results in acquiring a “quantized” geometric phase, which is also known as a “topological phase.” This gives rise to the possibility of structuring optical beams through an appropriate experimental design. In addition, the broad transmission spectral bands of a PC provides a versatile platform for structuring optical beams over broad spectral bandwidth. Here, we present a simple and flexible route to generate first-order Hermite–Gaussian, i.e., 

H
G

01

or

H
G

10

, beams utilizing the light transmitted from conventional one-dimensional PCs and provide a theoretical insight using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)-based simulations. We also show that the technique could be employed for achieving beam structuring in reflected light beams, and consequently, it provides a plausible route for wavefront shaping involving high optical power.
Color-speckle assessment in multi-primary laser-projection systems based on a 3D Jzazbz color space
Authors: Deng Linxiao , Yao Binghui , Yang Yuhua , Zhu Liquan , Wang Guan , Gu Chun , Xu Lixin
Published: August 2022

We propose and demonstrate a color-speckle assessment method based on a three-dimensional Jzazbz color space, which is appropriate for both three-primary and multi-primary systems. In the proposed scheme, new physical quantities are defined to describe the color-speckle characteristics, which provides a general and intuitive color-speckle evaluation for different laser projectors. Experimental verification is also performed using three-primary and six-primary laser projectors. The simulation and measurement results are consistent.
Spectral beam combining of diode lasers extended into the non-SBC direction
Authors: Zhang Jun , Peng Hangyu , Zhang Jiye , Wang Jingbo , Han Jinliang , Lei Yuxin , Qin Li , Wang Lijun
Published: August 2022

An extended spectral beam combining (SBC) configuration that folds the optical path of the combining laser into the non-SBC direction and doubly narrows the SBC spectrum by introducing a right angular prism is proposed. Similar combined power and beam quality but half of the spectral width and a smaller size are demonstrated by comparing the standard SBC with the proposed SBC of the same 800nm laser bar. It provides an effective way to miniaturize the SBC size, improve the SBC stability and compress the SBC spectrum simultaneously. As far as we know, this study is also the first to report on folding the SBC optical path to the non-SBC direction, which provides a new idea for the SBC source.
Cooling neutral atoms into maximal entanglement in the Rydberg blockade regime
Authors: Mu Wei-Lin , Li Xiao-Xuan , Shao Xiao-Qiang
Published: August 2022

We propose a cooling scheme to prepare stationary entanglement of neutral atoms in the Rydberg blockade regime by the combination of periodically collective laser pumping and dissipation. In each cycle, the controlled unitary dynamics process can selectively pump atoms away from the nontarget state while keeping the target state unchanged. The subsequent dissipative process redistributes the populations of ground states through the engineered spontaneous emission. After a number of cycles, the system will eventually be stabilized into the desired steady state, independent of the initial state. This protocol does not rely on coherent addressing of individual neutral atoms or fine control of Rydberg interaction intensity, which can, in principle, greatly improve the feasibility of experiments in related fields.
Ultra-high-linearity integrated lithium niobate electro-optic modulators
Authors: Feng Hanke , Zhang Ke , Sun Wenzhao , Ren Yangming , Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Wenfu , Wang Cheng
Published: August 2022

Integrated lithium niobate (LN) photonics is a promising platform for future chip-scale microwave photonics systems owing to its unique electro-optic properties, low optical loss, and excellent scalability. A key enabler for such systems is a highly linear electro-optic modulator that could faithfully convert analog electrical signals into optical signals. In this work, we demonstrate a monolithic integrated LN modulator with an ultra-high spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of

120.04
  
dB
·

Hz

4
/
5

at 1 GHz, using a ring-assisted Mach–Zehnder interferometer configuration. The excellent synergy between the intrinsically linear electro-optic response of LN and an optimized linearization strategy allows us to fully suppress the cubic terms of third-order intermodulation distortions (IMD3) without active feedback controls, leading to

∼
20
  
dB

improvement over previous results in the thin-film LN platform. Our ultra-high-linearity LN modulators could become a core building block for future large-scale functional microwave photonic integrated circuits by further integration with other high-performance components like low-loss delay lines, tunable filters, and phase shifters available on the LN platform.
Si-substrate vertical-structure InGaN/GaN micro-LED-based photodetector for beyond 10  Gbps visible light communication
Authors: Shi Jianyang , Xu Zengyi , Niu Wenqing , Li Dong , Wu Xiaoming , Li Ziwei , Zhang Junwen , Shen Chao , Wang Guangxu , Wang Xiaolan , Zhang Jianli , Jiang Fengyi , Yu Shaohua , Chi Nan
Published: August 2022

Visible light communication (VLC) has emerged as a promising communication method in 6G. However, the development of receiving devices is much slower than that of transmitting devices, limited by materials, structures, and fabrication. In this paper, we propose and fabricate an InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well-based vertical-structure micro-LED-based photodetector (μPD) on a Si substrate. A comprehensive comparison of the photoelectrical performance and communication performance of three sizes of μPDs, 10, 50, and 100 μm, is presented. The peak responsivity of all three μPDs is achieved at 400 nm, while the passband full-widths at half maxima are 87, 72, and 78 nm for 10, 50, and 100 μm μPDs, respectively. The

−
20
  
dB

cutoff bandwidth is up to 822 MHz for 50 μm μPD. A data rate of 10.14 Gbps is experimentally demonstrated by bit and power loading discrete multitone modulation and the proposed digital pre-equalizer algorithm over 1 m free space utilizing the self-designed

4
×
4

50 μm μPD array as a receiver and a 450 nm laser diode as a transmitter. This is the first time a more than 10 Gbps VLC system has been achieved utilizing a GaN-based micro-PD, to the best of our knowledge. The investigation fully demonstrates the superiority of Si substrates and vertical structures in InGaN/GaN μPDs and shows its great potential for high-speed VLC links beyond 10 Gbps.
Acceptability and associated factors of indoor residual spraying for malaria control by households in Luangwa district of Zambia: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Aongola Maureen , Kaonga Patrick , Michelo Charles , Zgambo Jessy , Lupenga Joseph , Jacobs Choolwe
Published: August 2022

The global burden of malaria has increased from 227 million cases in 2019 to 247 million cases in 2020. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) remains one of the most effective control strategies for malaria. The current study sought to measure the acceptability level and associated factors of indoor residual spraying. A cross sectional study was conducted from October to November 2020 in sixteen urban and rural communities of Luangwa district using a cluster sampling method, Multilevel analysis was used to account for the hierarchical structure of the data. The acceptability level of indoor residual spraying among household heads was relatively high at 87%. Individuals who felt the timing was not appropriate were associated with decreased odds of accepting IRS (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.20–0.86). Positive attitude was associated with increased odds of accepting IRS (AOR = 29.34, 95% CI: 11.14–77.30). High acceptability level was associated with unemployment (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.07–3.44). There were no associations found between acceptability levels and community-level factors such as information, education, communication dissemination, awareness achieved through door-to-door sensitization, and public address system. Acceptability level of indoor residual spraying was relatively high among households of Luangwa District suggesting that the interventions are more acceptable which is essential in reaching malaria elimination by 2030. Finding that community factors known to influence acceptability such as information, education and communication as well as awareness were not important to influencing acceptability suggests need for reinforcing messages related to indoor residual spraying and redefining the community sensitization approaches to make indoor residual spraying more acceptable.
Establishment of an early diagnosis model of colon cancerous bowel obstruction based on 1H NMR
Authors: Zeng Jie , Peng Jin , Jiang Hua , Deng Pengchi , Li Kexun , Long Daolin , Wang Kai
Published: August 2022

Objective

To prospectively establish an early diagnosis model of acute colon cancerous bowel obstruction by applying nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy(1H NMR) technology based metabolomics methods, combined with machine learning.

Methods

In this study, serum samples of 71 patients with acute bowel obstruction requiring emergency surgery who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from December 2018 to November 2020 were collected within 2 hours after admission, and NMR spectroscopy data was taken after pretreatment. After postoperative pathological confirmation, they were divided into colon cancerous bowel obstruction (CBO) group and adhesive bowel obstruction (ABO) control group. Used MestReNova software to extract the two sets of spectra bins, and used the MetaboAnalyst5.0 website to perform partial least square discrimination (PLS-DA), combining the human metabolome database (HMDB) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to find possible different Metabolites and related metabolic pathways.

Results

22 patients were classified as CBO group and 30 were classified as ABO control group. Compared with ABO group, the level of Xanthurenic acid, 3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid, Gentisic acid, Salicyluric acid, Ferulic acid, Kynurenic acid, CDP, Mandelic acid, NADPH, FAD, Phenylpyruvate, Allyl isothiocyanate, and Vanillylmandelic acid increased in the CBO group; while the lecel of L-Tryptophan and Bilirubin decreased. There were significant differences between two groups in the tryptophan metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism and synthesis pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan (all P<0.05). Tryptophan metabolism pathway had the greatest impact (Impact = 0.19). The early diagnosis model of colon cancerous bowel was established based on the levels of six metabolites: Xanthurenic acid, 3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid, Gentisic acid, Salicylic acid, Ferulic acid and Kynurenic acid (R2 = 0.995, Q2 = 0.931, RMSE = 0.239, AUC = 0.962).

Conclusion

This study firstly used serum to determine the difference in metabolome between patients with colon cancerous bowel obstruction and those with adhesive bowel obstruction. The study found that the metabolic information carried by the serum was sufficient to discriminate the two groups of patients and provided the theoretical supporting for the future using of the more convenient sample for the differential diagnosis of patients with colon cancerous bowel obstruction. Quantitative experiments on a large number of samples were still needed in the future.
The Global Network Socioeconomic Status Index as a predictor of stillbirths, perinatal mortality, and neonatal mortality in rural communities in low and lower middle income country sites of the Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Health Research
Authors: Patel Archana B. , Bann Carla M. , Kolhe Cherryl S. , Lokangaka Adrien , Tshefu Antoinette , Bauserman Melissa , Figueroa Lester , Krebs Nancy F. , Esamai Fabian , Bucher Sherri , Saleem Sarah , Goldenberg Robert L. , Chomba Elwyn , Carlo Waldemar A. , Goudar Shivaprasad , Derman Richard J. , Koso-Thomas Marion , McClure Elizabeth M. , Hibberd Patricia L.
Published: August 2022

Background

Globally, socioeconomic status (SES) is an important health determinant across a range of health conditions and diseases. However, measuring SES within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can be particularly challenging given the variation and diversity of LMIC populations.

Objective

The current study investigates whether maternal SES as assessed by the newly developed Global Network-SES Index is associated with pregnancy outcomes (stillbirths, perinatal mortality, and neonatal mortality) in six LMICs: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Pakistan, and Zambia.

Methods

The analysis included data from 87,923 women enrolled in the Maternal and Newborn Health Registry of the NICHD-funded Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Health Research. Generalized estimating equations models were computed for each outcome by SES level (high, moderate, or low) and controlling for site, maternal age, parity, years of schooling, body mass index, and facility birth, including sampling cluster as a random effect.

Results

Women with low SES had significantly higher risks for stillbirth (p < 0.001), perinatal mortality (p = 0.001), and neonatal mortality (p = 0.005) than women with high SES. In addition, those with moderate SES had significantly higher risks of stillbirth (p = 0.003) and perinatal mortality (p = 0.008) in comparison to those with high SES.

Conclusion

The SES categories were associated with pregnancy outcomes, supporting the validity of the index as a non–income-based measure of SES for use in studies of pregnancy outcomes in LMICs.
The effects of maternal fish oil supplementation rich in n-3 PUFA on offspring-broiler growth performance, body composition and bone microstructure
Authors: Tompkins Yuguo H. , Chen Chongxiao , Sweeney Kelly M. , Kim Minjeong , Voy Brynn H. , Wilson Jeanna L. , Kim Woo Kyun
Published: August 2022

This study evaluated the effects of maternal fish oil supplementation rich in n-3 PUFA on the performance and bone health of offspring broilers at embryonic development stage and at market age. Ross 708 broiler breeder hens were fed standard diets containing either 2.3% soybean oil (SO) or fish oil (FO) for 28 days. Their fertilized eggs were collected and hatched. For a pre-hatch study, left tibia samples were collected at 18 days of incubation. For a post-hatch study, a total of 240 male chicks from each maternal treatment were randomly selected and assigned to 12 floor pens and provided with the same broiler diets. At 42 days of age, growth performance, body composition, bone microstructure, and expression of key bone marrow osteogenic and adipogenic genes were evaluated. One-way ANOVA was performed, and means were compared by student’s t-test. Maternal use of FO in breeder hen diet increased bone mineral content (p < 0.01), bone tissue volume (p < 0.05), and bone surface area (p < 0.05), but decreased total porosity volume (p < 0.01) during the embryonic development period. The FO group showed higher body weight gain and feed intake at the finisher stage than the SO group. Body composition analyses by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed that the FO group had higher fat percentage and higher fat mass at day 1, but higher lean mass and total body mass at market age. The decreased expression of key adipogenic genes in the FO group suggested that prenatal FO supplementation in breeder hen diet suppressed adipogenesis in offspring bone marrow. Furthermore, no major differences were observed in expression of osteogenesis marker genes, microstructure change in trabecular bone, or bone mineral density. However, a significant higher close pores/open pores ratio suggested an improvement on bone health of the FO group. Thus, this study indicates that maternal fish oil diet rich in n-3 PUFA could have a favorable impact on fat mass and skeletal integrity in broiler offspring.
Barriers to water infrastructure investment: Findings from a survey of U.S. local elected officials
Authors: Hansen Katy , Mullin Megan
Published: August 2022

Investment in U.S. drinking water infrastructure is not keeping pace with need, contributing to water service failures that threaten public health, economic development, and community water security. Many explanations for lagging investment focus on the motivations of local elected officials, but those explanations are not rooted in research on elected officials’ own expressed views. We surveyed a representative nationwide sample of approximately 500 city and county officeholders about their perceptions of need for investment and barriers to meeting that need. Analysis of closed-ended and open-ended question responses reveals that the main barriers to investment are financial: incumbents weigh the cost of capital projects against the debt burden and affordability challenge created by those investments. Their concern about public opposition to rate increases is an important constraint on decisions to invest in water infrastructure. Our results also demonstrate disparities across communities in the perceived fiscal burden of water infrastructure. The great majority of elected officials expressed little concern about the condition of infrastructure in their own communities, but concern about infrastructure condition was positively correlated with concern about making investments, pointing to the financial stress for decision makers who bear the expense of deteriorating water systems.
A Candida gombák szájüregi laphámsejtes karcinóma progressziójára gyakorolt hatásának vizsgálata
Authors: Vadovics Máté
Published: August 2022

A szájüregi laphámsejtes karcinóma (OSCC) komoly egészségügyi kihívásokat jelent világszerte, amely az összes tumoros megbetegedés 2-4%-át teszi ki. Korábbi tanulmányok kimutatták, hogy OSCC esetén több és többféle élesztőgomba található a betegek szájüregében, mint az egészséges szájban, valamint a tumor felszínén is több gomba él, mint az egészséges felszínen. Legnagyobb mértékben a tumorterápia, valamint a megváltozott tumor-immun mikrokörnyezet megváltozása az oka a gombák túlzott elszaporodásának. Emellett tanulmányok azt is bizonyították, hogy a Candida gombák hozzájárulnak a szájüregi tumorok kialakulásához különböző karcinogének termelése által. Ezek alapján elmondható, hogy pozitív korreláció van a Candida gombák és az OSCC kialakulása között, azonban a kölcsönhatás pontos mechanizmusa még nem ismert. Munkánk során ezért célul tűztük ki, hogy megvizsgáljuk az orális candidiasis OSCC progressziójára gyakorolt hatását. In vitro eredményeink alapján elmondható, hogy hőinaktivált Candidák, zimozán és élő Candida parapsilosis jelenlétében nem, vagy enyhe változás történik, azonban élő Candida albicans hatására jelentősen megnő az OSCC sejtek szekretált mátrix metalloproteináz aktivitása, onkometabolit termelése, valamint az OSCC progressziójában szerepet játszó szignalizációs utak aktiválódnak, és megnövekszik számos ebben a folyamatban érintett gén expressziója is. Munkánk során sikeresen létrehoztunk egy új in vivo xenograft egérmodellt, amely alkalmas az orális candidiasis OSCC progressziójára gyakorolt hatásának vizsgálatára. In vivo eredményeink alapján elmondható, hogy az orális candidiasis növeli az OSCC progressziót a C. albicans indukálta gyulladás (infiltráló immunsejtek) révén. Továbbá azonosítottunk orális candidiasis hatására aktiválódó metasztázisban szerepet játszó géneket, valamint olyan markerek (E-cadherin, vimentin, p63) expressziójának növekedését vagy csökkenését figyeltük meg, amelyeknek szerepe van az epiteliális-mezenchimális tranzícióban (EMT), ezáltal a tumorprogresszióban. Mindent összegezve elmondható, hogy az opportunista humánpatogén C. albicans részt vesz az OSCC progresszió komplex folyamatában, emiatt szükséges tovább tanulmányozni ezt a jelenséget, és új terápiás célpontokat keresni.
The Association Between Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Exacerbations: A True Association or Residual Bias?
Authors: Cohen-Mekelburg Shirley , Van Tony , Wallace Beth , Berinstein Jeff , Yu Xianshi , Lewis James , Hou Jason , Dominitz Jason A. , Waljee Akbar K.
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Studies suggest that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exacerbations. We examined whether variation in the likelihood of IBD exacerbations is attributable to NSAID.

METHODS:

In a cohort of patients with IBD (2004–2015), we used 3 analytic methods to examine the likelihood of an exacerbation after an NSAID exposure. First, we matched patients by propensity for NSAID use and examined the association between NSAID exposure and IBD exacerbation using an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model. To assess for residual confounding, we estimated a previous event rate ratio and used a self-controlled case series analysis to further explore the relationship between NSAID and IBD exacerbations.

RESULTS:

We identified 15,705 (44.8%) and 19,326 (55.2%) IBD patients with and without an NSAID exposure, respectively. Findings from the Cox proportional hazards model suggested an association between NSAID and IBD exacerbation (hazard ratio 1.24; 95% confidence interval 1.16–1.33). However, the likelihood of an IBD exacerbation in the NSAID-exposed arm preceding NSAID exposure was similar (hazard ratio 1.30; 95% confidence interval 1.21–1.39). A self-controlled case series analysis of 3,968 patients who had both an NSAID exposure and IBD exacerbation demonstrated similar exacerbation rates in the 1 year preceding exposure, 2–6 weeks postexposure, and 6 weeks to 6 months postexposure, but a higher incidence in 0–2 weeks postexposure, suggesting potential confounding by reverse causality.

DISCUSSION:

While we see an association between NSAID and IBD exacerbations using traditional methods, further analysis suggests this may be secondary to residual bias. These findings may reassure patients and clinicians considering NSAID as a nonopioid pain management option.
An Endoscopic and Histologic Study on Healing of Radiofrequency Ablation Wounds in Patients With Barrett's Esophagus
Authors: Konda Vani , Souza Rhonda F. , Dunbar Kerry B. , Mills Jason C. , Kim Daniel S. , Odze Robert D. , Spechler Stuart J.
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of Barrett's esophagus (BE) inflicts a wound spanning 3 epithelial types (stratified squamous, Barrett's metaplasia, gastric epithelium), yet the esophageal injury heals almost completely with squamous epithelium. Knowledge of how this unique wound heals might elucidate mechanisms underlying esophageal metaplasia. We aimed to prospectively and systematically characterize the early endoscopic and histologic features of RFA wound healing.

METHODS:

Patients with nondysplastic BE had endoscopy with systematic esophageal photographic mapping, biopsy, and volumetric laser endomicroscopy performed before and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after RFA.

RESULTS:

Seven patients (6 men; mean age 56.1 ± 10.9 years) completed this study. Squamous re-epithelialization of RFA wounds did not only progress exclusively through squamous cells extending from the proximal wound edge but also progressed through islands of squamous epithelium sprouting throughout the ablated segment. Volumetric laser endomicroscopy revealed significant post-RFA increases in subepithelial glandular structures associated with the squamous islands. In 2 patients, biopsies of such islands revealed newly forming squamous epithelium contiguous with immature-appearing squamous cells arising from esophageal submucosal gland ducts. Subsquamous intestinal metaplasia (SSIM) was found in biopsies at 2 and/or 4 weeks after RFA in 6 of 7 patients.

DISCUSSION:

RFA wounds in BE are re-epithelialized, not just by squamous cells from the proximal wound margin but by scattered squamous islands in which esophageal submucosal gland duct cells seem to redifferentiate into the squamous progenitors that fuel squamous re-epithelialization. SSIM can be found in most patients during the healing process. We speculate that this SSIM might underlie Barrett's recurrences after apparently successful eradication.