bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lichen planus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Garbacz Karolina , Maciąg Maria , Pasztelan Małgorzata , Pulikowski Jarosław , Słaboń Małgorzata , Sobczyk Maciej , Muca Aleksandra , Marczak Aleksandra , Krawczuk vel Walczuk Julia , Baran Joanna
Published: February 2024

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic skin, mucous membrane, and nail disease. Lichen planus is a rare skin condition occurring in less than 1% of the general population, affecting both children and adults. Oral lichen planus (OLP) involvement is much more common. It is an autoimmune disease  caused by T lymphocytes, with epigenetic factors playing a significant role in the development of autoimmune skin diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a group of non-coding RNAs, play a substantial role in regulating the immune response.1 The etiology of lichen planus in not fully understood. It can be triggered by antihypertensive drugs, beta-blockers, infections, viral hepatitis, psychological stress, and others. Cases of lichen planus appearing after recovering from COVID-19 have been reported, as well as a significant increase in cases after COVID-19 vaccination.2–5 Diagnosis is based on clinical presenstation and characteristic histopathological findings. The disease is often self-limiting, accompanied by persistent itching and painful erosions of the mucous membrane, affecting the patient’s quality of life and mental well-being. First-line treatments inculde topical corticosteroids and/or oral corticosteroids. There are reports of new potential treatments, such as biologic drugs (anti-IL12/13, anti-IL17) and Janus kinase inhibitors. Consequently, a dramatic change in lichen planus treatment can be expected in the near future. The majority of patients suffering from lichen planus develop metabolic syndrome which is the cause of other diseases. This article provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge about lichen planus and its variants.
Finding Regions of Counterfactual Explanations via Robust Optimization
Authors: Maragno Donato , Kurtz Jannis , Röber Tabea E. , Goedhart Rob , Birbil Ş. İlker , den Hertog Dick
Published: February 2024

Counterfactual explanations (CEs) play an important role in detecting bias and improving the explainability of data-driven classification models. A CE is a minimal perturbed data point for which the decision of the model changes. Most of the existing methods can only provide one CE, which may not be achievable for the user. In this work, we derive an iterative method to calculate robust CEs (i.e., CEs that remain valid even after the features are slightly perturbed). To this end, our method provides a whole region of CEs, allowing the user to choose a suitable recourse to obtain a desired outcome. We use algorithmic ideas from robust optimization and prove convergence results for the most common machine learning methods, including decision trees, tree ensembles, and neural networks. Our experiments show that our method can efficiently generate globally optimal robust CEs for a variety of common data sets and classification models.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms—Discrete.

Funding: This work was supported by the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek [Grant OCENW.GROOT.2019.015, Optimization for and with Machine Learning (OPTIMAL)].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0153 .
Mapping U.S.–China Technology Decoupling: Policies, Innovation, and Firm Performance
Authors: Han Pengfei , Jiang Wei , Mei Danqing
Published: February 2024

We develop measures of technology decoupling and dependence between the United States and China based on combined patent data. The first two decades of the century witnessed a steady increase in technology integration (or less decoupling), but China’s dependence on the United States increased (decreased) during the first (second) decade. Firms covered by China’s Strategic Emerging Industries policies became less decoupled with the United States, gained cash flows, and gained valuation, but they saw no improvement in either innovation output/quality or productivity. Post-U.S. sanctions, firms in sanctioned sectors and their downstream suffered in performance but also became less decoupled with the United States. However, firms in the upstream of the sanctioned sectors improved productivity and produced more high-quality innovations.

This paper was accepted by William Cong, finance.

Funding: P. Han acknowledges financial support from China’s Natural Science Foundation [Grant 72103003]. W. Jiang acknowledges financial support from the Chazen Institute of Global Business at Columbia Business School. D. Mei acknowledges financial support from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Research Initiative [grant with Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business and Singapore Management University].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02057 .
Minimax Regret Robust Screening with Moment Information
Authors: Wang Shixin , Liu Shaoxuan , Zhang Jiawei
Published: February 2024

Problem definition: We study a robust screening problem where a seller attempts to sell a product to a buyer knowing only the moment and support information of the buyer’s valuation distribution. The objective is to maximize the competitive ratio relative to an optimal hindsight policy equipped with full valuation information. Methodology/results: We formulate the robust screening problem as a linear programming problem, which can be solved efficiently if the support of the buyer’s valuation is finite. When the support of the buyer’s valuation is continuous and the seller knows the mean and the upper and lower bounds of the support for the buyer’s valuation, we show that the optimal payment is a piecewise polynomial function of the valuation with a degree of at most two. Moreover, we derive the closed-form competitive ratio corresponding to the optimal mechanism. The optimal mechanism can be implemented by a randomized pricing mechanism whose price density function is a piecewise inverse function adjusted by a constant. When the mean and variance are known to the seller, we propose a feasible piecewise polynomial approximation of the optimal payment function with a degree of at most three. We also demonstrate that the optimal competitive ratio exhibits a logarithmic decay with respect to the coefficient of variation of the buyer’s valuation distribution. Managerial implications: Our general framework provides an approach to investigating the value of moment information in the robust screening problem. We establish that even a loose upper bound of support or a large variance can guarantee a good competitive ratio.

Funding: The research of S. Wang is partially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72394395]. The research of S. Liu is partly supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant NSFC-72072117].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0072 .
Cognitive Economy and Product Categorization
Authors: Piazzai Michele , Liu Min , Montauti Martina
Published: February 2024

In mediated markets, the categorization of products by mediators is critical to efficient interaction between producers and consumers. As organizational research tends to focus on the consequences of categorization rather than its antecedents, however, we know relatively little about why mediators assign one category label or another to a product. In this study, we argue that two informational properties of labels, specificity and distinctiveness, determine the outcomes of mediators’ categorization decisions. Our analysis of product categorization decisions made by members of an online music community, 2000–2020, supports this argument. We find that a label’s odds of being assigned to a product increase (a) if this label encodes information that is neither too similar nor too different from that which is encoded by a superordinate label, that is, it has moderate specificity; and (b) if it encodes information that differs as much as possible from that which is encoded by horizontally related labels, that is, it has maximal distinctiveness. These findings persist after controlling for other possible determinants of mediators’ categorization decisions, including producers’ claims to labels, products’ typicality, and mediators’ expertise.

Funding: M. Piazzai received funding from the Community of Madrid [EPUC3M12, VPRICIT] and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation [RYC2021-032325-I]. M. Liu received funding from Durham University Business School.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.15751 .
Practice tutors' readiness to support nursing students who require reasonable adjustments for clinical placement
Authors: King Liz
Published: February 2024

Background:

Preregistration nursing students (trainee nursing associates and student nurses) may have a disability or impairment that requires reasonable adjustments while they are on clinical placement. At The Open University, practice tutors support nursing students on clinical placement, which includes overseeing the facilitation of any such reasonable adjustments. However, they may not feel prepared to provide this support.

Method:

A qualitative approach with a broad interpretivist paradigm was adopted. Data were collected from three focus groups that included a total of 10 nursing practice tutors. Audio data were transcribed and analysed using complete coding followed by thematic analysis.

Findings:

Three main themes were identified – it's complex; impact of engagement; and a cohesive approach – along with associated subthemes.

Conclusion:

Despite their clear interest in helping nursing students who require reasonable adjustments for practice-based learning, practice tutors can be hindered by barriers resulting from a lack of both training and guidelines. The complexity of the practice tutor role and student issues can compound this. Consistency in practice tutor training is recommended, as well as regular access to peer support to address these difficulties and develop the skills and knowledge.
A narrative review of patients' lived experience of having a pressure injury
Authors: Ibeh Chioma , Hambridge Kevin
Published: February 2024

Aim:

To explore patients' experiences of living with pressure injuries.

Design:

A qualitative narrative review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research studies.

Data sources:

Six electronic databases were searched: Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar (for grey literature). The search was conducted between October 2022 and April 2023. Setting: Acute, community and care home settings across the UK, France, Belgium and the US.

Review methods:

The PRISMA checklist for reporting systematic reviews was used. The included studies were evaluated for quality using the CASP tool. The Joanna Briggs Institute data extraction tool was used to extract data from the included studies. Thematic synthesis was used to identify themes to present a coherent and nuanced understanding of patients' experiences of living with pressure injuries.

Results:

Nine studies involving 244 participants, aged 21 to 101, with pressure injuries, met the inclusion criteria. Three key themes emerged using thematic analysis: physiological, emotional and psychological, and social effects. Within these themes, subthemes such as endless pain and discomfort, loss of mobility and independence, and social isolation were dominant in all aspects of the lives of patients living with pressure injuries.

Conclusions:

This narrative review gives clear and multifaceted insight into the impact of pressure injuries on individuals' lives, emphasising the necessity for patient-centred care and the integration of evidence-based tools for effective pain management and risk assessment. The impact of pain on emotional and psychological wellbeing was significant, and the financial implications are scarcely known. Future research is needed to explore the experiences of younger adults and the financial consequences of living with pressure injuries.
Diversity of horseflies (Diptera: Tabanidae) of highly protected nature areas in Croatia: an overview
Authors: KRČMAR STJEPAN , PEZZI MARCO
Published: February 2024

In Croatia, 55 taxa of Tabanidae (species and subspecies) were recorded in 17 of 22 highly protected nature categories, including Strict Reserves, National Parks and Nature Parks. These taxa amounted to 70.51% of the Tabanidae fauna of Croatia. New records were discovered for the following 22 species in all three protected nature categories: Silvius alpinus (Scopoli, 1763); Chrysops caecutiens (Linnaeus, 1758); Hybomitra distinguenda (Verrall, 1909); Hybomitra muehlfeldi (Brauer in Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1880); Hybomitra pilosa (Loew, 1858); Hybomitra solstitialis (Meigen, 1820) nec Lyneborg (1959); Tabanus autumnalis Linnaeus, 1761; Tabanus bovinus Linnaeus, 1758; Tabanus bromius Linnaeus, 1758; Tabanus cordiger Meigen, 1820; Tabanus exclusus Pandellé, 1883; Tabanus glaucopis Meigen, 1820; Tabanus maculicornis Zetterstedt, 1842; Tabanus shannonellus Kröber, 1936; Tabanus sudeticus Zeller, 1842; Tabanus tergestinus Egger, 1859; Tabanus unifasciatus Loew, 1858; Haematopota grandis Meigen, 1820; Haematopota italica Meigen, 1804; Haematopota pandazisi (Kröber, 1936); Haematopota pluvialis (Linnaeus, 1758) and Dasyrhamphis ater (Rossi, 1790). Similarities among Tabanidae fauna in four Nature Parks (Kopački rit, Lonjsko polje, Medvednica and Papuk) located in continental Croatia ranged from 55.81% to 74.41%. Nature Parks (Biokovo, Dinara, Učka and Vransko Lake) in Mediterranean part of Croatia had similarities ranging from 0% to 57.14%. In National Parks, the highest similarity (47.61%) was recorded between the Plitvice Lakes and Krka.
My Experiences as a Researcher
Authors: Linnenkamp Brad
Published: February 2024

My name is Brad Linnenkamp and, in this article, I will share about my lived experience as a researcher, including my experience transitioning from an advocate to a researcher. I currently work as a paid researcher at the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD) and have a long history of engagement in disability advocacy. I think it’s been really important as a person with a disability to be involved in the research and being a researcher gives me an opportunity to shape what is happening and educate individuals with and without disabilities and also teach them how to communicate in a way that is easier for others to understand. I also share about barriers I have faced, especially when getting started and various projects I have worked on. All the research in its own way really means something to me, and it means something to me to be a part of all parts of research.
Pauline Bosma’s Tips on How to Be a Good Research Ally
Authors: Bosma Pauline
Published: February 2024

My name is Pauline Bosma and in this article I share my lived experience as a researcher. I have worked on projects that support people with disabilities to recognize, respond to, and report abuse. I am now leading a research study with other self-advocates to interview LGBT adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities about their lives. I have also worked on projects with the Social Security Administration. I like doing research because it helps people. In this article, I also offer recommendations for other research teams who want to practice inclusive research.
HIV Viral Suppression Among Psychiatric Inpatients with Schizophrenia in San Francisco: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Riano Nicholas S. , Wesson Paul , Vittinghoff Eric , Cournos Francine , Dilley James , Mangurian Christina
Published: February 2024

Abstract: People with schizophrenia are at increased risk for contracting HIV and face higher mortality rates compared with the general population. Viral suppression is key to HIV care, yet little is known about this metric among people with HIV and schizophrenia. A chart review was conducted among people with HIV/AIDS and schizophrenia living in San Francisco who had received inpatient mental health services between 2010 and 2016. Demographic, laboratory, medication, encounter, and discharge data were collected, and were compared with all people living with HIV in San Francisco (PLWH-SF). Among 153 people living with HIV and comorbid schizophrenia, 77% were virally suppressed, compared to 67% for all PLWH-SF. Viral suppression for people with comorbid HIV and schizophrenia living in San Francisco appears higher than PLWH-SF. Further research is needed to confirm the association and mechanisms behind better treatment outcomes for people living with HIV and comorbid schizophrenia.
Trusted Communicators: The Role of Navigation Support in Improving Health and Health Care Access for American Indian Elders
Authors: Jaramillo Elise Trott , Haozous Emily A. , Brechtel Hannah , Willging Cathleen E.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Navigating health care and insurance systems presents significant challenges for American Indian (AI) Elders. Access to culturally congruent assistance with decision-making, scheduling, transportation, and communication can bridge the gap between AI Elders and health systems. This study uses qualitative interviews with professionals providing navigation services to American Indian Elders in a Southwestern state to understand the skills, experiences, and challenges involved in delivering this support. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 professionals providing navigation support to AI Elders between November 2018 and August 2020 and used a constant comparative approach to identify themes. Participants' descriptions of their work centered on the themes of (1) respect for Elders; (2) wide-ranging responsibilities; (3) acting as a trusted communicator; (4) developing trust; and (5) challenges to providing navigation support for AI Elders. Efforts to achieve health equity for AI Elders must include supporting individuals such as these within communities and advocating for a just health care system for American Indian people.
"We're Trained to Survive.": Veterans' Experiences Seeking Food Assistance
Authors: Kamdar Nipa , Haltom Trenton , Epshteyn Gabriella , Wohlford Chasity , Smith John , Celardo Caitlin , True Gala
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Purpose. Food insecurity threatens veterans' health, yet little is known about their experiences seeking food assistance. Thus, we studied veterans' experiences as they navigated from food insecurity to food assistance. Methods. We built a journey map using thematic analysis of interviews with 30 veterans experiencing food insecurity. Findings. The map focuses on: (1) identifying contributing circumstances, (2) recognizing food insecurity, (3) finding help, and (4) obtaining assistance. Contributing circumstances included unemployment/under-employment, mental health challenges, and interpersonal violence. Veterans did not recall being screened for food insecurity. Military training also inhibited some veterans from recognizing their own food insecurity. Locating and accessing food assistance was a struggle. While many veterans applied for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, few qualified. Food pantries were a last resort. Conclusions. Opportunities to help veterans include (1) addressing contributing circumstances, (2) improving identification, (3) sharing knowledge of resources, and (4) reexamining sufficiency of food assistance programs.
Latinx Youth's Mental Health Needs and Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Service Utilization
Authors: Giraldo-Santiago Natalia , Bjugstad Arlene , Cardoso Jodi Berger , Chen Tzuan A. , Brabeck Kalina , López Ruth M.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This study examined mental health needs and risk factors associated with service use among Latinx high school students in two cities in the United States. We explored how socioeconomic characteristics, school location, youth and parental nativity, and self-perceived clinical needs were associated with the odds of youths seeing a mental health provider. Data were collected from 306 Latinx youths during the 2018–19 school year. Most youths (78%) self-reported symptoms of anxiety, trauma, or depression above the clinical range. None of these clinical needs predicted service utilization. Youth experiencing less economic hardship and having a mother from South America were almost five times more likely to use services than their counterparts. Similarly, males and older respondents were more likely to be underserved than females and younger respondents. Implications to ensure equitable access to services among older, low-income Latinx youth, particularly those from Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico, are discussed.
A Review of Disparities in Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients with Limited English Proficiency: The Importance of Nursing Resources
Authors: Sliwinski Kathy , Kutney-Lee Ann , McHugh Matthew D. , Lasater Karen B.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Language barriers significantly affect communication between patients and health care staff and are associated with receipt of lower-quality care. Registered nurses are well positioned members of the health care team to reduce and eliminate disparities for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). Current evidence recommends nurses use interpreters or translation devices to overcome language barriers; however, these recommendations fail to recognize that structural system-level factors, such as unsupportive work environments and poor nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, reduce nurses' ability to implement these recommendations. The Quality Health Outcomes Model (QHOM) is a useful framework for understanding relationships between hospital systems, the delivery of care interventions, and patient outcomes. The goal of this manuscript is to use the QHOM and existing empirical evidence to present a new perspective on the long-standing clinical challenge of reducing language-related health outcome disparities by considering the context in which nurses deliver patient care.
Nonstationary optics: tutorial
Authors: Koivurova Matias , Laatikainen Jyrki , Friberg Ari T.
Published: February 2024

Over the past several decades, nonstationary optics has risen as a key enabling technology for a multitude of novel applications. These include areas of research such as micromachining and ultrafast optics, as well as the Nobel awarded research in femtochemistry, optical frequency combs, and attosecond physics. This tutorial aims to present some of the main concepts required to analyze nonstationary fields, with an emphasis on pulsed beams. The work begins from the fundamental building blocks of such fields, and builds up to some of their main properties. The spatiotemporal properties and stability of such fields are discussed in length, and some common measurement schemes are reviewed.
Propagation dynamics of the Hermite–Gaussian beam in the fractional Schrödinger equation with different potentials
Authors: Tan Chao , Liang Yong , Zou Min , Lei Tong , Tang Pinghua , Liu Mingwei
Published: February 2024

We have studied the propagation dynamics of the Hermite–Gaussian (HG) beam in the fractional Schrödinger system with linear, parabolic, and Gaussian potentials. The results show that the splitting of the beam without an external potential is influenced by the Lévy index. The splitting phenomenon disappears and a periodic evolution of the HG beam occurs when a linear potential is added to the equation. A shorter evolution period is shown with a larger linear potential coefficient, and its sign affects the laser beam’s deflection direction. The transverse amplitude of HG beams is proportional to the Lévy index. When taking into account a parabolic potential, the beam exhibits an autofocus effect during propagation. For a larger Lévy index, the focusing speed gets faster and the focal intensity is weakened. In addition, the transverse amplitude is smaller and the focusing speed is faster with a larger parabolic potential coefficient. In a Gaussian potential, the diffraction effect of the beam grows more pronounced as the Lévy index increases, which leads to a chaotic phenomenon in the beam. The propagation of HG beams is controlled by regulating the Gaussian potential height, potential width, and position of the potential. It is also found that the total reflectivity of the Gaussian potential barrier is stronger than the potential well for the same parameters. These features are significant for applications of optical communications, optical devices, and laser design.
Dynamic imaging of micro-vibrations with an ultra-wide bandwidth and a femtometer noise using switchable pulsed laser interferometry
Authors: Peng Zhaoliang , Ding Jiaqi , Wu Jiahao , Cheng Jingjie , Liu Yan , Sun Chengliang , Zhang Wenming , Shao Lei
Published: February 2024

Imaging the complex dynamics of micro-vibrations plays a fundamental role in the investigation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). However, it remains a challenge for achieving both a wide bandwidth and a low noise due to the high photodetector noise and electromagnetic interference at GHz frequencies. Here, we propose a pulsed laser interferometry system with an adaptable switch to image GHz vibrations based on stroboscopic mixing, while measuring lower-frequency vibrations based on the homodyne scheme. The noise power spectral density is shown in both regions from DC to 10 GHz with an average noise down to 30.8 fm/√Hz at GHz frequencies, which holds the highest resolution to the best of our knowledge. Vibrational amplitude and phase mappings of a kHz comb-drive resonator, a GHz piezoelectric transducer, and a GHz film bulk acoustic resonator are presented with animated visualizations and k-space analysis, paving a new paradigm for the first time to image and analyze various MEMS devices of a bandwidth spanning 10 orders of magnitude.
Interband cascade lasers grown simultaneously on GaSb, GaAs and Si substrates
Authors: Fagot Maeva , Díaz-Thomas Daniel A. , Gilbert Audrey , Kombila Gad , Ramonda Michel , Rouillard Yves , Baranov Alexei N. , Rodriguez Jean-Baptiste , Tournié Eric , Cerutti Laurent
Published: February 2024

We report on Sb-based interband cascade lasers simultaneously grown on GaSb, GaAs and Si substrates. 8 µm x 2 mm devices exhibited similar threshold currents around 40 mA at 20°C and achieved continuous-wave (CW) operation up to 65°C on GaSb, GaAs and Si substrates despite a dislocation density of ∼ 4.108 cm-2 for both mismatched substrates. In the CW regime the output power of the devices emitting at 3.3 µm exceeded 30 mW/facet at 20°C. ICLs on GaAs and Si were subsequently aged at 50°C with an injection current of 200 mA, i.e. five times the laser-threshold current. No degradation was observed after 500 h of CW operation, demonstrating the high performance of ICLs and their tolerance to dislocations.
Geometric interpretation and experimental test of Leggett inequalities with nonmaximally entangled states
Authors: Zhang Dongkai , Qiu Xiaodong , Chen Lixiang
Published: February 2024

Leggett inequality states that nonlocal hidden-variable models might still be incompatible with the predictions of quantum physics. However, its theoretical and experimental demonstration is only in the scenario of 2-dimensional maximally entangled systems. An open question remains as to whether the Leggett inequality can be violated by nonmaximally entangled states. Here, we answer this question both in theory and experiment. Specifically, from the point of view of geometry, we theoretically map the problem of maximizing the correlation measure in the Leggett inequality to maximizing the sum of an ellipse’s diameter and semi-diameter axes, accordingly, demonstrating that the violation of the Leggett inequality requires a more robust entanglement than that of Bell’s theory. Experimentally, by leveraging the controllable photonic orbital angular momentum entanglement, we demonstrate the violation of Leggett-type inequalities by more than 8.7 and 4.5 standard deviations under concurrence C = 0.95 and 0.9, respectively. Our observations indicate that, the requirement for quantum correlation should be increased to exclude a particular class of non-local hidden variable theories that abide by Leggett’s model, providing insights into the boundaries of quantum correlation and the limitations imposed by non-local hidden variables.
CTH:YAG : from laser medium to luminescent concentrator
Authors: Lopez Lisa , Pichon Pierre , Druon Frédéric , Coumar Sophie , Oriol Clément , Georges Patrick , Balembois François
Published: February 2024

This work presents what we believe is a new way to use a CTH:YAG crystal for spontaneous emission instead of laser emission. The spontaneous emission is collected in one main direction thanks to a luminescent concentrator configuration. The CTH:YAG is indirectly LED-pumped by a Ce:YAG delivering 3.5 ms pulses at 10 Hz with an energy of 2 J in the visible (550-650 nm). In a configuration optimized for light extraction, the CTH:YAG luminescent concentrator provides a broadband emission between 1.8 µm and 2.1 µm with a unique combination of power (1 W) and brightness (21.2 W/cm2/sr) that could be useful for short-wave infrared (SWIR) lighting applications.
Coverage extended MMF-based indoor OWC using overfilled launch and diversity reception
Authors: Shi Jin , Wang Yuzhe , Yan Xinda , Li Zhengying , Tangdiongga Eduward
Published: February 2024

Speckle patterns generated as coherent optical beams are reflected by scattering elements. Multimode fibers (MMFs) can modify the transverse intensity distribution of speckle patterns with macro perturbations, i.e., pressures, providing a simple and low-cost way to achieve equivalent beam-steering for indoor optical wireless communications (OWCs) with divergent optical beams. However, the received optical power (ROP) variance severely limits the mobility of user terminals. In this paper, the issue is alleviated by using the overfilled launch of MMFs and the diversity gain of multi-receivers. By adjusting the axial spatial coupling distance between the MMF and the single mode fiber (SMF) emitting coherent laser, the number of excited modes of MMF can be significantly increased at 1550 nm with negligible coupling and bending losses. In addition, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancement obtained by applying two receivers is theoretically analyzed for the case when either thermal noise or shot noise is dominant. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can efficiently compensate for the ROP inhomogeneity, and at the same time it can extend the achievable full steering angle up to 12° at a 1.5-m free-space distance for bit error rate (BER) values of less than 3.8 × 10−3.
Multiple hyperbolic waves
Authors: Ge Zixun , Zhu Shan , Xiao Wen , Chen Huanyang
Published: February 2024

This study presents a conceptual design for a hyperbolic material utilizing transformation optics. This material is designed to produce multiple hyperbolic wave fields or polaritons excited by a point source. The design dictates key parameters including branch number, propagation range, and overall propagation direction of deflection. Through this approach, the hyperbolic material demonstrates new effects compared to traditional hyperbolic materials. These advancements offer possibilities for the design and applications of photonic devices in other degrees of freedom.
Tunability-selective lithium niobate light modulators via high-Q resonant metasurface
Authors: Liu Xiaoshan , Fu Guolan , Song Shimei , Huang Yikun , Liu Mulin , Liu Guiqiang , Liu Zhengqi
Published: February 2024

Herein, we propose and demonstrate an efficient light modulator by intercalating the nonlinear thin film into the optical resonator cavities, which introduce the ultra-sharp resonances and simultaneously lead to the spatially overlapped optical field between the nonlinear material and the resonators. Differential field intensity distributions in the geometrical perturbation-assisted optical resonator make the high quality-factor resonant modes and strong field confinement. Multiple channel light modulation is achieved in such layered system, which enables the capability for tunability-selective modulation. The maximal modulation tunability is up to 1.968 nm/V, and the figure of merit (FOM) reaches 65.6 V−1, showing orders of magnitude larger than that of the previous state-of-the-art modulators. The electrical switch voltage is down to 0.015 V, the maximal switching ratio is 833%, and the extinction ratio is also up to 9.70 dB. These features confirm the realization of high-performance modulation and hold potential for applications in switches, communication and information, augmented and virtual reality, etc.
Optimized pilot structure for PS-PDM ultrahigh-order QAM coherent optical transmission
Authors: Shi Xin , Gao Mingyi , Huang Xuejing , Fan Jiamin , Han Xinbang , You Xiaodi , Shen Gangxiang
Published: February 2024

We proposed and experimentally demonstrated a general pilot structure for probabilistic shaped (PS)-polarization division multiplexing (PDM) M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (MQAM) coherent optical transmission, where a portion of PS-MQAM symbols is exploited as the pilot symbols with the same information entropy as the transmitted signal. The pilot symbols are simultaneously used in the entire digital signal processing (DSP) modules for polarization de-multiplexing, frequency offset estimation, carrier phase recovery, nonlinear equalization, and linear equalization. Compared to the conventional quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) pilot structure, the proposed MQAM pilot structure can yield the nonlinear properties of the overall signal so that nonlinear equalization can effectively improve the performance of the normalized generalized mutual information. The remarkable performance has been achieved at the shaping parameters of 3.25 and 4.35 for 1024QAM and 4096QAM signals based on the proposed pilot scheme, which corresponds to the raw spectral efficiency of 16.190 and 20.381 bit/s/Hz, respectively. The pilot ratio is optimized to 5% for higher achievable information rates (AIRs).
Selective excitation of high-order modes in two-dimensional cavity resonator integrated grating filters
Authors: Rouxel Antoine , Gauthier-Lafaye Olivier , Monmayrant Antoine , Calvez Stéphane
Published: February 2024

The selective spatial mode excitation of a bi-dimensional grating-coupled micro-cavity called a cavity resonator integrated grating filter (CRIGF) is reported using an incident beam shaped to reproduce the theoretical emission profiles of the device in one and subsequently two dimensions. In both cases, the selective excitation of modes up to order 10 (per direction) is confirmed by responses exhibiting one (respectively two) spectrally narrowband resonance(s) with a good extinction of the other modes, the latter being shown to depend on the parity and order(s) of the involved modes. These results pave the way toward the demonstration of multi-wavelength spatially selective reflectors or fiber-to-waveguide couplers. Also, subject to an appropriate choice of the materials constituting the CRIGF, this work can be extended to obtain mode-selectable laser emission or nonlinear frequency conversion.
Genome scale metabolic network modelling for metabolic profile predictions
Authors: Cooke Juliette , Delmas Maxime , Wieder Cecilia , Rodríguez Mier Pablo , Frainay Clément , Vinson Florence , Ebbels Timothy , Poupin Nathalie , Jourdan Fabien
Published: February 2024

Metabolic profiling (metabolomics) aims at measuring small molecules (metabolites) in complex samples like blood or urine for human health studies. While biomarker-based assessment often relies on a single molecule, metabolic profiling combines several metabolites to create a more complex and more specific fingerprint of the disease. However, in contrast to genomics, there is no unique metabolomics setup able to measure the entire metabolome. This challenge leads to tedious and resource consuming preliminary studies to be able to design the right metabolomics experiment. In that context, computer assisted metabolic profiling can be of strong added value to design metabolomics studies more quickly and efficiently. We propose a constraint-based modelling approach which predicts in silico profiles of metabolites that are more likely to be differentially abundant under a given metabolic perturbation (e.g. due to a genetic disease), using flux simulation. In genome-scale metabolic networks, the fluxes of exchange reactions, also known as the flow of metabolites through their external transport reactions, can be simulated and compared between control and disease conditions in order to calculate changes in metabolite import and export. These import/export flux differences would be expected to induce changes in circulating biofluid levels of those metabolites, which can then be interpreted as potential biomarkers or metabolites of interest. In this study, we present SAMBA (SAMpling Biomarker Analysis), an approach which simulates fluxes in exchange reactions following a metabolic perturbation using random sampling, compares the simulated flux distributions between the baseline and modulated conditions, and ranks predicted differentially exchanged metabolites as potential biomarkers for the perturbation. We show that there is a good fit between simulated metabolic exchange profiles and experimental differential metabolites detected in plasma, such as patient data from the disease database OMIM, and metabolic trait-SNP associations found in mGWAS studies. These biomarker recommendations can provide insight into the underlying mechanism or metabolic pathway perturbation lying behind observed metabolite differential abundances, and suggest new metabolites as potential avenues for further experimental analyses.
Feeding and swallowing outcomes of children receiving long-term ventilation: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Lee Sabrena , Marshall Jeanne , Clarke Michael , Smith Christina H.
Published: February 2024

Background

The last three decades have seen a growth in the number of children requiring long-term ventilation. Children with long-term ventilation present with underlying respiratory and neurological conditions that place them at risk of feeding and swallowing difficulties. To date, a scoping review or systematic review investigating the feeding and swallowing outcomes of children with long-term ventilation needs has not been conducted.

Aims

This paper describes a protocol for a scoping review of the feeding and swallowing outcomes of children receiving long-term ventilation.

Methods

This scoping review protocol will utilize the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology guideline. Our review will focus on the feeding and swallowing outcomes of children aged 0 to 18 years with long-term ventilation needs. A full search strategy initially created by the authors and a research librarian was conducted on the PubMed database. Following this, pilot testing took place to determine discrepancies in eligibility criteria. A full search strategy will be conducted across several databases. A data extraction form has been developed by the authors and will be used during the scoping review process.

Discussion

This protocol has been created to provide a rigorous and comprehensive basis for undertaking a scoping review. All necessary steps have been completed in order to commence the scoping review.

Registration

This scoping review protocol was registered on Open Science Framework on the 26th November 2021 (Registration DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/NQBPD).
Effectiveness of online training in improving primary care doctors’ competency in brief tobacco interventions: A cluster-randomized controlled trial of WHO modules in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Moeteke Nnamdi Stephen , Oyibo Patrick , Ochei Oboratare , Ntaji Maureen Iru , Awunor Nyemike Simeon , Adeyemi Mitchell Oritsewino , Enemuwe Ibobo Mike , Agbatutu Eseoghene , Adesoye Oluwaseun Opeyemi
Published: February 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends that brief tobacco interventions should be routinely offered in primary care. However, medical doctors do not consistently and effectively intervene during their encounters with cigarette smokers. There is a paucity of studies assessing the effect of training on the tobacco intervention competency of primary care doctors in Nigeria.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of online training in improving competency in brief tobacco interventions among primary care doctors in Delta State, Nigeria.

Methods

A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted among eligible doctors working in government-owned facilities. The 22 eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) served as clusters. The intervention group received a WHO six-hour online course on brief tobacco cessation intervention, delivered via Zoom. The control group received no intervention. A structured questionnaire was sent to participants via WhatsApp before and six months after the training. The primary outcome variables were scores for knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practice. Differences in change of scores between intervention and control groups were assessed with t-test. To adjust for clustering, these inter-group differences were further analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression modeling with study condition modeled as a fixed effect, and LGA of practice entered as a random effect.

Results

The intervention group had a significantly higher mean of change in scores for knowledge (effect size 0.344) and confidence (effect size 0.52).

Conclusion

The study shows that training, even online, positively affects clinician competency in brief tobacco intervention. This is important for primary care systems in developing countries. Mandatory in-service training and promotion of the WHO modules are recommended.
The impact of formal care provision on informal care receipt for people over 75 in England
Authors: Saloniki Eirini-Christina , Nizalova Olena , Malisauskaite Gintare , Forder Julien
Published: February 2024

In this study, we examine the relationship between formal care provision and informal care receipt from within the household for people over 75 years old using data from the British Household Panel Survey between 1991 and 2009. To address potential concerns about endogeneity of formal care we use a ‘spatial lag’ instrumental variable. We find a negative and statistically significant effect of formal care provision on informal care receipt from within the household, suggesting a substantial degree of substitutability between these two modes of care. These findings provide grounds for estimates of savings in the cost of informal care enabled by spending on formal care, which is important in light of the effects of the caregiving burden and associated responsibilities on carer’s labour market participation.
The impact of the COVID-19 virus and pandemic on healthcare utilization, access, delivery, experiences, and outcomes in the spinal cord injuries/dysfunction population: A scoping review study
Authors: Senthinathan Arrani , Cimino Stephanie , Jaglal Susan B. , Craven B. Catharine , Tu Karen , Guilcher Sara
Published: February 2024

Background

Individuals with spinal cord injuries or disease (SCI/D) require frequent healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted healthcare. Furthermore, due to secondary health conditions and comorbidities persons with SCI/D are at increased risk of experiencing severe symptoms or outcomes if infected with the COVID-19 virus. It is unclear to what extent research has investigated the pandemic and virus impacts on the SCI/D population.

Objective

To identify and summarize what is reported in the literature on the impact the COVID-19 virus and pandemic had on healthcare, health outcomes, and experiences in the adult SCI/D population.

Methods

Electronic databases and grey literature were searched for articles that included an adult population with a SCI/D and investigated the impact the COVID-19 virus and pandemic had on healthcare-related outcomes and experiences. Articles were double screened, and data were extracted, and synthesized to provide a descriptive summary of the findings.

Results

Twenty-four studies were included in this review with eight qualitative, fifteen quantitative, and one mixed methods study. Sixteen studies investigated healthcare utilization/access; nine investigated care delivery, nine investigated patient outcomes, and eight investigated patient experiences, with multiple studies spanning different categories of investigation. The pandemic was detrimental to healthcare utilization, access, and outcomes, but no studies quantified these changes. Virtual care was well-received by the SCI/D population to maintain continuity of care. The SCI/D population had issues with maintaining caregiving support. It was unclear if the COVID-19 virus infection impacted individuals with SCI/D differently than the general population.

Conclusions

This scoping review found the pandemic negatively impacted multiple aspects of healthcare in individuals with SCI/D, however further investigation on health outcomes is required. More research, particularly large-scale quantitative studies, investigating healthcare access, utilization, and delivery, as well as patient outcomes and experiences is needed to improve care in the SCI/D population post-pandemic onset.
Prospective evaluation of deep learning image reconstruction for Lung-RADS and automatic nodule volumetry on ultralow-dose chest CT
Authors: Yoo Seung-Jin , Park Young Sik , Choi Hyewon , Kim Da Som , Goo Jin Mo , Yoon Soon Ho
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate whether Lung-RADS classification and volumetric nodule assessment were feasible with ultralow-dose (ULD) chest CT scans with deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR).

Methods

The institutional review board approved this prospective study. This study included 40 patients (mean age, 66±12 years; 21 women). Participants sequentially underwent LDCT and ULDCT (CTDIvol, 0.96±0.15 mGy and 0.12±0.01 mGy) scans reconstructed with the adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V 50% (ASIR-V50) and DLIR. CT image quality was compared subjectively and objectively. The pulmonary nodules were assessed visually by two readers using the Lung-RADS 1.1 and automatically using a computerized assisted tool.

Results

DLIR provided a significantly higher signal-to-noise ratio for LDCT and ULDCT images than ASIR-V50 (all P < .001). In general, DLIR showed superior subjective image quality for ULDCT images (P < .001) and comparable quality for LDCT images compared to ASIR-V50 (P = .01–1). The per-nodule sensitivities of observers for Lung-RADS category 3–4 nodules were 70.6–88.2% and 64.7–82.4% for DLIR-LDCT and DLIR-ULDCT images (P = 1) and categories were mostly concordant within observers. The per-nodule sensitivities of the computer-assisted detection for nodules ≥4 mm were 72.1% and 67.4% on DLIR-LDCT and ULDCT images (P = .50). The 95% limits of agreement for nodule volume differences between DLIR-LDCT and ULDCT images (-85.6 to 78.7 mm3) was similar to the within-scan nodule volume differences between DLIR- and ASIR-V50-LDCT images (-63.9 to 78.5 mm3), with volume differences smaller than 25% in 88.5% and 92.3% of nodules, respectively (P = .65).

Conclusion

DLIR enabled comparable Lung-RADS and volumetric nodule assessments on ULDCT images to LDCT images.
Tests of fit for the power function lognormal distribution
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhu He
Published: February 2024

In this study, tests of fit for the power function lognormal distribution is considered. The probability plot, probability plot correlation coefficient, and goodness-of-fit tests—the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS), Cramér–von Mises (CvM), and Anderson–Darling (AD) tests are provided. Tables of critical values are presented by using simulation techniques, and the AD test outperforms KS and CvM tests based on power comparisons. Finally, to illustrate these test procedures, we fit this distribution to the data which represent the survival times of 121 breast cancer patients from one hospital.