bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Recurrence-Free Survival Prediction Model for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zhou Yehan , He Wenwu , Guo Peng , Zhou Chengmin , Luo Min , Liu Ying , Yang Hong , Qin Sheng , Leng Xuefeng , Huang Zongyao , Liu Yang
Published: September 2023

Background

A recurrence-free survival (RFS) prediction model was developed and validated for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in combination with surgery.

Patients and Methods

We included 282 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) combined with surgery, constructed three models incorporating pathological factors, investigated the discrimination and calibration of each model, and compared the clinical utility of each model using the net reclassification index (NRI) and the integrated discrimination index (IDI).

Results

Multivariable analysis showed that pathologic complete response (pCR) and lymph node tumor regression grading (LN–TRG) (p < 0.05) were independent prognostic factors for RFS. LASSO regression screened six correlates of LN-TRG, vascular invasion, nerve invasion, degree of differentiation, platelet grade, and a total diameter of residual cancer in lymph nodes to build model three, which was consistent in terms of efficacy in the training set and validation set. Kaplan–Meier (K–M) curves showed that all three models were able to distinguish well between high- and low-risk groups (p < 0.01). The NRI and IDI showed that the clinical utility of model 2 was slightly better than that of model 1 (p > 0.05), and model 3 was significantly better than that of model 2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Clinical prediction models incorporating LN-TRG factors have high predictive efficacy, can help identify patients at high risk of recurrence after neoadjuvant therapy, and can be used as a supplement to the  AJCC/TNM staging system while offering a scientific rationale for early postoperative intervention.
Etching of TiO2(110) Single-crystal Surface with Aniline for Step Direction Control
Authors: Takahari Mami , Goto Taiga , Yoshimoto Soichiro , Kondo Toshihiro
Published: September 2023

After subjecting a hydrofluoric acid treated and annealed TiO2(110) single-crystal substrate to immersion in an ethanol solution of aniline, a uniform step structure in the [001] direction was observed on the TiO2(110) surface without aniline. Since this finding is considered to control the step direction on the TiO2(110) surface, the formed surface was discussed in detail and a model of the step line formation process was proposed.
Cardiac imaging with photon counting CT
Authors: Flohr Thomas , Schmidt Bernhard , Ulzheimer Stefan , Alkadhi Hatem
Published: September 2023

CT of the heart, in particular ECG-controlled coronary CT angiography (cCTA), has become clinical routine due to rapid technical progress with ever new generations of CT equipment. Recently, CT scanners with photon-counting detectors (PCD) have been introduced which have the potential to address some of the remaining challenges for cardiac CT, such as limited spatial resolution and lack of high-quality spectral data. In this review article, we briefly discuss the technical principles of photon-counting detector CT, and we give an overview on how the improved spatial resolution of photon-counting detector CT and the routine availability of spectral data can benefit cardiac applications. We focus on coronary artery calcium scoring, cCTA, and on the evaluation of the myocardium.
Early life stress and the role of environmental and molecular moderators in the ontology of pathological and resilient behavioral phenotypes
Authors: Collins Nicholas J. , Campbell Taylor S. , Donoghue Katelyn M. , Ghosh Urmi , Smith Jessica N. , O'Shea Maeve C. , Nelson Christina M. , Bigham Olivia K. , Roth Tania L.
Published: September 2023

Early life stress (ELS) in the form of trauma or caregiver abuse and neglect is often associated with psychopathology. However, not everyone exposed to ELS develops a pathology; others display resilience, or the ability to adapt and persevere despite ongoing adversity. Several molecular moderator variables between ELS and behavioral phenotypes have been proposed, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and epigenetic markers. Specifically, several SNPs and aberrant methylation or expression of genes associated with neurotransmitter systems and brain-derived neurotrophic factor have been associated with anxiety, depression or schizophrenia. The present review seeks to explore the relationship between SNPs, epigenomics and disease, and offer data to suggest several SNPs may also predict specific treatment efficacy and psychological resilience. Due to these different mental health outcomes as a function of ELS, it is critical that environmental moderators be equally considered in determining the ontology of resilient or pathological phenotypes; this includes the infant-caregiver relationship, and the degree of control, magnitude, and type of the stressor experienced. Finally, we will offer evidence to suggest that several intervention strategies, including drug treatment, environmental enrichment, or exercise can ameliorate many of the psychological, biological, and molecular consequences of ELS exposure, and help shift one toward a resilient phenotype.
Diverse novel Wolbachia bacteria strains and genera-specific co-infections with Asaia bacteria in Culicine mosquitoes from ecologically diverse regions of Cameroon
Authors: Mercant Osuna Aina , Gidley Alexandra , Mayi Marie Paul Audrey , Bamou Roland , Dhokiya Vishaal , Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe , Jeffries Claire Louise , Walker Thomas
Published: September 2023

Background: The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia infects numerous species of insects and Wolbachia transinfection of Aedes mosquito species is now being used for biocontrol programs as Wolbachia strains can both inhibit arboviruses and invade wild mosquito populations. The discovery of novel, resident Wolbachia strains in mosquito species warrants further investigation as potential candidate strains for biocontrol strategies.

Methods: We obtained mosquito specimens from diverse Culicine mosquitoes from Cameroon including ecologically diverse locations in the Central and West Regions. Wolbachia prevalence rates were assessed in addition to the environmentally acquired bacterial species Asaia in major Culicine genera. PCR-based methods were also used with phylogenetic analysis to confirm identities of host mosquito species and Wolbachia strains were classified using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST).

Results: We report high Wolbachia prevalence rates for Culicine species, including in a large cohort of Aedes africanus collected from west Cameroon in which 100% of mono-specific pools were infected. Furthermore, co-infections with Asaia bacteria were observed across multiple genera, demonstrating that these two bacteria can co-exist in wild mosquito populations.  Wolbachia strain MLST and phylogenetic analysis provided evidence for diverse Wolbachia strains in 13 different mosquito species across seven different genera.  Full or partial MLST profiles were generated from resident Wolbachia strains in six Culex species (quinquefasciatus, watti, cinerus, nigripalpus, perexiguus and rima), two Aedes species (africanus and denderensis) and in Mansonia uniformis, Catageiomyia argenteopunctata, Lutzia tigripes, Eretmapodites chrysogaster and Uranotaenia bilineata.

Conclusions: Our study provides further evidence that Wolbachia is widespread within wild mosquito populations of diverse Culicine species and provides further candidate strains that could be investigated as future options for Wolbachia-based biocontrol to inhibit arbovirus transmission.
Indications of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Dermatology
Authors: Berner Aleksandra , Stencel Katarzyna , Pękała Maciej , Olszewska Anna , Stelmaszak Karina , Polak Paulina , Polaszek Monika , Bogowska Marta , Matyja Karolina , Marczyk Klaudia
Published: September 2023

Introduction: PRP is an autologous serum containing high concentrations of platelets and growth factors. It is used in dermatology for a variety of purposes, including hair growth, skin renewal, the removal of acne scars, dermal augmentation, and the treatment of striae distensae. The origins of PRP trace back to the 1970s, originating within the field of hematology as a treatment for patients grappling with thrombocytopenia. The subsequent decades, specifically the 1980s and 1990s, witnessed the integration of PRP into surgical procedures, notably in maxillofacial and plastic surgeries. The rationale underlying the employment and therapeutic potential of a concentrated platelet solution hinges upon their remarkable ability to furnish elevated levels of vital growth factors, thus instigating a regenerative impetus that facilitates repair in tissues characterized by limited innate healing capabilities. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted facets of PRP, encompassing mechanisms of action, prevailing indications, existing clinical substantiation, safety considerations, and the burgeoning spectrum of potential applications within the domain of skin condition treatments.

Aim of the study: To review the current literature on the use of PRP in the field of dermatology

Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in PubMed, using the key words “platelet rich plasma”, “prp”, “autologous platelet rich plasma”, “alopecia”, “anti-aging”

Results: PRP has a lot of potential in dermatology and its therapeutic uses are growing. Future research should standardize PRP therapy procedures for particular reasons.

Summary: The versatile action of PRP has made it the subject of intense research. However, the reports in the literature to date on its use require further studies on larger groups of people to confirm its effects.
“Can’t intubate can’t oxygenate” situation in an elective patient in suspected sarcoidosis: a case report
Authors: Gerli Veronica , Koetsier Eva , Ledingham Nicola , Maino Paolo
Published: September 2023

Anaesthetists and pulmonologists are well trained to follow the “can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate” (CICO) protocol but the procedure is rarely practised. This case report concerns an elective patient scheduled for endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy (EBUS) because of suspected sarcoidosis. Based on known medical history, anaesthesia for EBUS procedure was initiated with a laryngeal mask. The airway turned out to be difficult and the patient was not ventilable despite several efforts including curarization and orotracheal intubation. Rapid desaturation imposed to apply the CICO protocol with emergency cricothyroidotomy as extreme measure but also failed. 6-handed face mask ventilation was continued. Eventually, introduction of a microlaryngeal tube of the 3rd generation laryngeal mask, placed on the fibrescope, allowed endotracheal intubation. The patient fell into pulseless electrical activity, and the CICO protocol was started. Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation totally recovered vital functions. In the post-operative follow-up, no temporary or permanent cardiological and neurological sequels were found, but new medical history such as inconstant use of C-PAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and a significant weight gain since the last notable difficult intubation were uncovered, which explained the patient’s compromised airways. Had this information been available prior to the scheduled operation, it would have indicated awake intubation with a local anaesthesia of the oropharynx and appropriate sedation of the patient.
A multidisciplinary approach to retaining support staff
Authors: White Hazel L , Robinson Jessica L
Published: September 2023

Healthcare assistants are a vital part of the nursing team, but turnover rates are high. Implementation of a multidisciplinary approach could increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.
Economics of heifer rearing on dairy farms
Authors: Sherwin Ginny
Published: September 2023

Heifer rearing is a fundamental part of the dairy industry, which represents a significant economic investment by the farmer into the future of the herd, with studies reporting that it contributes to approximately 20% of the overall expenditure of a dairy farm; the target is less than 10%. Research from the UK reported the mean rearing cost of a heifer was approximately £1900, with large variation between farms. The payback time for these costs has been reported to be around second lactation. It is important for farmers and veterinary surgeons to consider the economics of heifer rearing, as well as the health, welfare and longevity of heifers when implementing a rearing plan.
Pandemi Döneminde Öğretmen Adaylarının Uzaktan Eğitim Sürecindeki Teknoloji Kullanımlarının İncelenmesi
Authors: TOPRAKLIKOĞLU Kıvanç , DİKKARTIN ÖVEZ Filiz Tuba , ÖZTÜRK Gülcan
Published: September 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı, öğretmen adaylarının uzaktan eğitim ortamlarının kullanımına yönelik tutumlarını, teknoloji kabul ve kullanım düzeyleri ile çevrim içi teknolojilere yönelik olarak algıladıkları öz yeterliklerini incelemektir. İlişkisel tarama modeli kullanılarak gerçekleştirilen araştırmada, kolay ulaşılabilir örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. 2020-2021 bahar döneminde Türkiye’nin batısında bulunan bir üniversitedeki 141 öğretmen adayı ile çalışılmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri toplanırken, Uzaktan Eğitim Ortamlarının Kullanımına İlişkin Tutum Ölçeği, Teknoloji Kabul ve Kullanım Birleştirilmiş Modeli-2 Ölçeği, Çevrim İçi Teknolojilere Yönelik Öz Yeterlik Algısı Ölçeği ve Kişisel Bilgi Formu kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada katılımcıların uzaktan eğitim ortamlarının kullanımına yönelik tutumlarının akademik not ortalaması ve ders işleme tercihi değişkenlerine göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark gösterdiği, teknoloji kabul ve kullanım düzeylerinin öğrenim görülen sınıf düzeyi, akademik not ortalaması ve ders işleme tercihi değişkenlerine göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark gösterdiği, çevrim içi teknolojilere yönelik olarak algıladıkları öz yeterliklerinin ise öğrenim görülen sınıf düzeyi ve ders işleme tercihi değişkenlerine göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı biçimde farklılaştığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Access to Contraceptive Services Among Adolescents in Uganda During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Makumbi Fredrick , Kibira Simon Peter Sebina , Giibwa Lilian , Polis Chelsea , Giorgio Margaret , Segawa Patrick , Namakula Lillibet , Mimbela Ricardo
Published: September 2023

Key Points The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions raised concerns that adolescents in Uganda may face barriers to receiving family planning commodities and services. Public and private service statistics data reveal that Uganda experienced smaller and shorter pandemic-related disruptions in adolescent access to sexual and reproductive health services than were initially anticipated. A temporary dip in service visits during April 2020 was followed by a return to previous levels and even an increase in family planning visits among adolescent women during the remainder of 2020. These results speak to the resilience of the health system, which continued to provide services, and the impact of actions by partners to support access to reproductive health supplies and services. The Ministry of Health and other stakeholders should take the following steps to ensure adolescents’ continued access to sexual and reproductive health services throughout the remainder of the pandemic: Document and foster the adaptions and processes that helped ensure continuity of services during the COVID-19 restrictions, so that similar measures may be adopted in future crises. Promote meaningful participation of young people in COVID-19 task forces, to ensure that relevant policies are gender-inclusive and respond to young people’s sexual and reproductive health needs. Classify contraceptive care as an essential service, integrate it with COVID-19 response interventions and ensure that it remains fully operational and open before, during and after any future lockdowns.
Single-shot measurement of the Jones matrix for anisotropic media using four-channel digital polarization holography
Authors: Qiu Yunping , Wang Zisheng , Weng Zhe , Ren Zhi-Cheng , Wang Xi-Lin , Ding Jianping , Wang Hui-Tian
Published: September 2023

Dynamic measurement of the Jones matrix is crucial in investigating polarization light fields, which have wide applications in biophysics, chemistry, and mineralogy. However, acquiring the four elements of the Jones matrix instantly is difficult, hindering the characterization of random media and transient processes. In this study, we propose a single-shot measurement method of the Jones matrix for anisotropic media called “four-channel digital polarization holography” (FC-DPH). The FC-DPH system is created by a slightly off-axis superposition of reference light waves, which are modulated by a spatial light modulator (SLM), and signal light waves that pass through a Ronchi grating. The SLM enables flexible adjustment of the spatial carrier frequency, which can be adapted to different anisotropic media. The four elements of the Jones matrix can be obtained from the interferogram through the inverse Fourier transform. Optical experiments on anisotropic objects validate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method.
Inverse design of an ultra-compact and large-bandwidth bent subwavelength grating wavelength demultiplexer
Authors: Wu Zhengwei , Wen Jin , Zhang Hui , Wang Qian , Yu Huimin , Pan Yu , Zhang Ying , Liu Zhanzhi
Published: September 2023

Inverse design has attracted significant attention as a method to improve device performance and compactness. In this research, we employed a combination of forward design and the inverse algorithm using particle swarm optimization (PSO) to design a bent ultra-compact 1310/1550 nm broadband wavelength demultiplexer assisted by a subwavelength grating (SWG). Through the phase matching at 1550 nm and the phase mismatch at 1310 nm, we rapidly designed the width parameters of SWG in the forward direction. Then the PSO algorithm was used to optimize the SWG parameters in a certain range to achieve the best performance. Additionally, we introduced a new bent dimension significantly reducing the device length while maintaining low insertion loss (IL) and high extinction ratios (ERs). It has been verified that the length of the device is only 7.8 µm, and it provides a high ER of 24 dB at 1310 nm and 27 dB at 1550 nm. The transmitted spectrum shows that the IL values at both wavelengths are below 0.1 dB. Meanwhile, the 1 dB bandwidth exceeds 150 nm, effectively covering the entire O-band and C-band. This approach has been proven successful in enhancing performance and significantly reducing the device footprint.
Verification of different Fizeau fringe analysis algorithms based on airborne wind lidar data in support of ESA’s Aeolus mission
Authors: Witschas Benjamin , Vaughan Michael , Lux Oliver , Lemmerz Christian , Nikolaus Ines , Reitebuch Oliver
Published: September 2023

The Aeolus mission by the European Space Agency was launched in August 2018 and stopped operations in April 2023. Aeolus carried the direct-detection Atmospheric LAser Doppler INstrument (ALADIN). To support the preparation of Aeolus, the ALADIN Airborne Demonstrator (A2D) instrument was developed and applied in several field campaigns. Both ALADIN and A2D consist of so-called Rayleigh and Mie channels used to measure wind from both molecular and particulate backscatter signals. The Mie channel is based on the fringe-imaging technique, which relies on determining the spatial location of a linear interference pattern (fringe) that originated from multiple interference in a Fizeau spectrometer. The accuracy of the retrieved winds is among others depending on the analytic algorithm used for determining the fringe location on the detector. In this paper, the performance of two algorithms using Lorentzian and Voigt fit functions is investigated by applying them to A2D data that were acquired during the AVATAR-I airborne campaign. For performance validation, the data of a highly accurate heterodyne detection wind lidar (2-µm DWL) that was flown in parallel are used as a reference. In addition, a fast and non-fit-based algorithm based on a four-pixel intensity ratio approach (R4) is developed. It is revealed that the Voigt-fit-based algorithm provides 50% more data points than the Lorentzian-based algorithm while applying a quality control that yields a similar random error of about 1.5 m/s. The R4 algorithm is shown to deliver a similar accuracy as the Voigt-fit-based algorithms, with the advantage of a one to two orders of magnitude faster computation time. Principally, the R4 algorithm can be adapted to other spectroscopic applications where sub-pixel knowledge of the location of measured peak profiles is needed.
U-shaped fusion convolutional transformer based workflow for fast optical coherence tomography angiography generation in lips
Authors: Liao Jinpeng , Zhang Tianyu , Li Chunhui , Huang Zhihong
Published: September 2023

Oral disorders, including oral cancer, pose substantial diagnostic challenges due to late-stage diagnosis, invasive biopsy procedures, and the limitations of existing non-invasive imaging techniques. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) shows potential in delivering non-invasive, real-time, high-resolution vasculature images. However, the quality of OCTA images are often compromised due to motion artifacts and noise, necessitating more robust and reliable image reconstruction approaches. To address these issues, we propose a novel model, a U-shaped fusion convolutional transformer (UFCT), for the reconstruction of high-quality, low-noise OCTA images from two-repeated OCT scans. UFCT integrates the strengths of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformers, proficiently capturing both local and global image features. According to the qualitative and quantitative analysis in normal and pathological conditions, the performance of the proposed pipeline outperforms that of the traditional OCTA generation methods when only two repeated B-scans are performed. We further provide a comparative study with various CNN and transformer models and conduct ablation studies to validate the effectiveness of our proposed strategies. Based on the results, the UFCT model holds the potential to significantly enhance clinical workflow in oral medicine by facilitating early detection, reducing the need for invasive procedures, and improving overall patient outcomes.
Electrical characterization of optical resonance effects in laterally-nanostructured organic photodetectors
Authors: Schardt Jan , Gerken Martina
Published: September 2023

Optoelectronic devices based on organic semiconductor materials are on the rise for sensing applications due to their integrability with a variety of substrates – including flexible substrates for wearables. For sensing applications often narrowband absorption is desired with suppression of light at other wavelengths. Here, we investigate narrowband absorption enhancement of organic photodetectors (OPD) with an integrated lateral nanostructure. We show with finite-element simulations, that resonant excitation of low absorbing wavelength regimes allow for up to 3 times the absolute absorption at wavelengths on resonance compared to wavelengths off resonance. We present experimental results for CuPc/C60 OPDs fabricated on grating nanostructures with periods of 350 nm and 400 nm and a grating depth of 140 nm as well as a grating period of 370 nm and grating depths of 30 nm. Angle-resolved transmission spectra clearly show the optical resonance effects. In order to evaluate the electrical resonance effects a measurement system is introduced based on angular laser excitation. An angular resolution of 0.1° is achieved in the analysis of the OPD photocurrent response. Using the measurement setup an increase of the photocurrent by up to 50% is observed for the TE-resonance. It is demonstrated that the resonance wavelength is tuned simply by adjusting the grating period without changes in the layer thicknesses. This opens up new opportunities in realizing pixels of different wavelength response next to each other employing a single active stack design.
Improving optical coherence of light-emitting diodes by surface plasmons via shallow-etched conic pit array
Authors: Zhang Mingyin , Tian Zhenhuan , Wang Xuzheng , Li Feng , Zhang Qifan , Li Qiang , Li YuFeng , Yun Feng
Published: September 2023

We propose the coupling of multiple quantum wells and surface plasmons can improve coherence of light emitted from LED wafers, as evidenced herein by a shallow-etched conic pit array with evaporated Ag (V-Ag) on a GaN-based LED wafer. The improvement in spatial coherence is critically verified by angle-resolved spectra. The temporal coherence length of the V-Ag wafer is 1.4 times larger than that of the plain wafer. The coherence-enhanced wafer achieves anisotropic and deflective emission in micro area and at far field by diffraction. This research provides a novel perspective on research of plasmonic LEDs and a new straightforward architecture to acquire partially coherent light from LEDs.
Satellite-to-ground optical downlink model using mode mismatching multi-mode photonic lanterns
Authors: Guo Wenjie , Li Yan , Chen Junjie , Jin Tiecheng , Jiao Suping , Wu Jian , Qiu Jifang , Guo Hongxiang
Published: September 2023

Photonics lanterns (PLs) provide an effective mode diversity solution to mitigate atmospheric turbulence interference in free-space optical communications (FSOC). This paper presents mode-mismatching multimode photonic lanterns (MM-PLs) for diversity receiver in satellite-to-ground downlink scenarios. Our study evaluates the coupling characteristics of the mode-selective PLs (MSPLs) and non-mode-selective PLs (NSPLs) for the influence of strong-to-weak turbulence and confirms that MSPLs outperform NSPLs under weak turbulence conditions. The research further explores the impact of fiber position error (FPE) on the spatial light-to-fiber coupling, including the optimal focal length deviation and lateral offset of receiving fiber devices. We have calculated and compared the coupling power and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of few-mode PLs (FM-PLs) and MM-PLs for various turbulence intensities. The results indicate that the optimal focal length tolerance, which corresponds to a decrease of approximately 1 dB in the average coupling power, is 2-3 m and 5-6 m for FM-PLs and MM-PLs, respectively. Furthermore, regardless of whether it is strong or weak turbulence, MM-PL exhibits a lateral offset tolerance exceeding 12 µm for a 0.5 dB drop in the mean coupled power, whereas the lateral offset tolerance of FM-PL is only 3 µm under weak turbulence. Additionally, the decrease in the average SNR of MM-PLs is gentle, only 0.67-1.16 dB at a 12 µm offset under weak turbulence, whereas there is a significant reduction of 6.50-8.49 dB in the average SNR of FM-PLs. These findings demonstrate the superiority of MM-PLs over FM-PLs in turbulence resistance and fiber position tolerance in the satellite-ground downlink.
Gain optimization of an erbium-ytterbium co-doped amplifier via a Si3N4 photonic platform
Authors: Dong Ziming , Zhao Yuqing , Wang Yitong , Wei Wei , Ding Lei , Tang Liqin , Li Yigang
Published: September 2023

Erbium-doped waveguide amplifiers enable the integration of various active functions on a silicon platform. Er3+ can provide the basis for efficient optical amplification of photonic integrated circuits, but the gain is limited by cooperative upconversion leading to doping concentration limitations and insufficient optimization of the waveguide structure. In this paper, an erbium-ytterbium co-doped Al2O3 amplifier has been innovatively implemented on a low loss Si3N4 waveguide by careful design and optimization with the finite difference method. A more accurate and comprehensive theoretical model of erbium-ytterbium co-doping is established, with consideration of upconversions, energy transfer, amplified spontaneous radiation and propagation loss to perform optimization of the high-gain erbium-ytterbium co-doped waveguide amplifier. The optimized waveguide amplifier achieves a small-signal gain of more than 36 dB at 1550 nm under Er3+ concentration of 3 × 1020 cm-3 and Yb3+ concentration of 3 × 1021 cm-3. Endowing Si3N4 photonic integrated circuits with gain can enable the miniaturization of various on-chip based active devices.
Broadband linear frequency modulation signal compression based on a spectral Talbot effect
Authors: Xie Xiangzhi , Li Jilong , Xu Kun , Capmany José , Dai Yitang
Published: September 2023

Broadband linear frequency modulation (LFM) signals with a long duration are widely used in radar and broadband communication systems. The LFM signals are compressed to a Fourier-transform-limited pulse train after matched filtering, which effectively improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of detection. Quadratic phase response is the key component of matched filtering, which can be achieved by phase filters or dispersion elements. Suffering from the limited resolution of phase filters and complex equivalent large dispersion structures, pulse compression of broadband LFM signals with a long duration remains an open challenge. In this paper, LFM signal compression based on the spectral Talbot effect is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, where ultra-large equivalent dispersion (around 1.7  ×  109 ps/nm) is realized by a simple optical filter ring. Experimentally, the LFM signal with a bandwidth of 12 GHz and a duration of 163 µs is compressed into a Fourier-transform-limited pulse train, which improves the SNR by 24 dB. Moreover, the proposed method also measures the delay difference between two LFM signals, ranging from 0 to 110 ns.
Fixation dynamics on hypergraphs
Authors: Liu Ruodan , Masuda Naoki
Published: September 2023

Hypergraphs have been a useful tool for analyzing population dynamics such as opinion formation and the public goods game occurring in overlapping groups of individuals. In the present study, we propose and analyze evolutionary dynamics on hypergraphs, in which each node takes one of the two types of different but constant fitness values. For the corresponding dynamics on conventional networks, under the birth-death process and uniform initial conditions, most networks are known to be amplifiers of natural selection; amplifiers by definition enhance the difference in the strength of the two competing types in terms of the probability that the mutant type fixates in the population. In contrast, we provide strong computational evidence that a majority of hypergraphs are suppressors of selection under the same conditions by combining theoretical and numerical analyses. We also show that this suppressing effect is not explained by one-mode projection, which is a standard method for expressing hypergraph data as a conventional network. Our results suggest that the modeling framework for structured populations in addition to the specific network structure is an important determinant of evolutionary dynamics, paving a way to studying fixation dynamics on higher-order networks including hypergraphs.
Notch pathway mutants do not equivalently perturb mouse embryonic retinal development
Authors: Bosze Bernadett , Suarez-Navarro Julissa , Cajias Illiana , Brzezinski IV Joseph A. , Brown Nadean L.
Published: September 2023

In the vertebrate eye, Notch ligands, receptors, and ternary complex components determine the destiny of retinal progenitor cells in part by regulating Hes effector gene activity. There are multiple paralogues for nearly every node in this pathway, which results in numerous instances of redundancy and compensation during development. To dissect such complexity at the earliest stages of eye development, we used seven germline or conditional mutant mice and two spatiotemporally distinct Cre drivers. We perturbed the Notch ternary complex and multiple Hes genes to understand if Notch regulates optic stalk/nerve head development; and to test intracellular pathway components for their Notch-dependent versus -independent roles during retinal ganglion cell and cone photoreceptor competence and fate acquisition. We confirmed that disrupting Notch signaling universally blocks progenitor cell growth, but delineated specific pathway components that can act independently, such as sustained Hes1 expression in the optic stalk/nerve head. In retinal progenitor cells, we found that among the genes tested, they do not uniformly suppress retinal ganglion cell or cone differentiation; which is not due differences in developmental timing. We discovered that shifts in the earliest cell fates correlate with expression changes for the early photoreceptor factor Otx2, but not with Atoh7, a factor required for retinal ganglion cell formation. During photoreceptor genesis we also better defined multiple and simultaneous activities for Rbpj and Hes1 and identify redundant activities that occur downstream of Notch. Given its unique roles at the retina-optic stalk boundary and cone photoreceptor genesis, our data suggest Hes1 as a hub where Notch-dependent and -independent inputs converge.
Tracing spatiotemporal changes in agricultural and non-agricultural trade networks of India
Authors: Kulkarni Sujata , Dave Raviraj , Bhatia Udit , Kumar Rohini
Published: September 2023

The evolving international economic instability and international trade relationship demand a nation to move towards a self-reliant integrated system at a sub-national scale to address the growing human needs. Given India’s role in the global trade network, it is critical to explore the underlying extensive complex trade network at the domestic scale. The potential advantages of complex interaction among the different commodities remain unexplored despite the known importance of trade networks in maintaining food security and industrial sustainability. Here we perform a comprehensive analysis of agricultural flows in contrast with non-agricultural commodities across Indian states. The spatio-temporal evolution of the networks from 2010–2018 was studied by evaluating topological network characteristics of consistent spatially disaggregated trade data. Our results show an increase in average annual trade value by 23.3% and 15.4% for agriculture and non-agriculture commodities, respectively, with no significant increase in connectivity observed in both networks. However, they depict contrasting behavior concerning the spatio-temporal changes, with non-agriculture trade becoming more dependent on production hubs and the agriculture trade progressing toward self-reliance, which signifies the evolution of the diversification in the existing agrarian trade network. Our findings could serve as an important element in deepening the knowledge of practical applications like resilience and recovery by devising design appropriate policy interventions for sustainable development.
Reflections on the impact and response to the Peruvian 2017 Coastal El Niño event: Looking to the past to prepare for the future
Authors: Yglesias-González Marisol , Valdés-Velásquez Armando , Hartinger Stella M. , Takahashi Ken , Salvatierra Guillermo , Velarde Rodrigo , Contreras Alvaro , Santa María Hugo , Romanello Marina , Paz-Soldán Valerie , Bazo Juan , Lescano Andrés G.
Published: September 2023

Climate-related phenomena in Peru have been slowly but continuously changing in recent years beyond historical variability. These include sea surface temperature increases, irregular precipitation patterns and reduction of glacier-covered areas. In addition, climate scenarios show amplification in rainfall variability related to the warmer conditions associated with El Niño events. Extreme weather can affect human health, increase shocks and stresses to the health systems, and cause large economic losses. In this article, we study the characteristics of El Niño events in Peru, its health and economic impacts and we discuss government preparedness for this kind of event, identify gaps in response, and provide evidence to inform adequate planning for future events and mitigating impacts on highly vulnerable regions and populations. This is the first case study to review the impact of a Coastal El Niño event on Peru’s economy, public health, and governance. The 2017 event was the third strongest El Niño event according to literature, in terms of precipitation and river flooding and caused important economic losses and health impacts. At a national level, these findings expose a need for careful consideration of the potential limitations of policies linked to disaster prevention and preparedness when dealing with El Niño events. El Niño-related policies should be based on local-level risk analysis and efficient preparedness measures in the face of emergencies.
Towards a potent and rapidly reversible Dexmedetomidine-based general anesthetic
Authors: Xie Zheng , Fong Robert , Fox Aaron P.
Published: September 2023

Clinically useful anesthetics are associated with delirium and cognitive decline in the elderly. Dexmedetomidine (Dex), an α2 adrenergic receptor agonist, is an intravenous sedative with analgesic properties. Dex is associated with a lower incidence of delirium in the elderly. In this study, we first assessed whether a high dose of Dex alone was a clinically useful anesthetic. Finding that it was not, we sought to determine whether supplementation of Dex with low doses of two common anesthetics, propofol or sevoflurane, created an effective general anesthetic. Rats were sedated with a bolus followed by a continuous infusion of Dex and a low dose of a second agent—propofol, or sevoflurane. A strong noxious stimulus was applied every 15 minutes while monitoring vital signs. A combination of the α2 competitive antagonist, atipamezole, and caffeine was administered to reverse the anesthesia. Abdominal surgery was used to validate the efficacy of these dosing regimens. The animals responded to noxious stimuli when receiving Dex alone. Supplementing Dex with either a low dose of propofol or sevoflurane completely suppressed responses to the noxious stimulus and allowed the rats to tolerate abdominal surgery with complete immobility and no alterations in vital signs, suggesting that the drug combinations were effective anesthetics. EEG recordings showed suppression of high frequency activity suggesting that awareness and memory were impaired. Previously we found that combination of atipamezole and caffeine rapidly and completely reversed the sedation and bradycardia elicited by Dex. In this study, atipamezole and caffeine accelerated the time to emergence from unconsciousness by >95% in Dex supplemented with either propofol or sevoflurane.

In conclusion

Our results suggest that Dex supplemented with a low dose of a second agent creates a potent anesthetic that is rapidly reversed by atipamezole and caffeine.
The development of a safe opioid use agreement for surgical care using a modified Delphi method
Authors: Iroz Cassandra B. , Schäfer Willemijn L. A. , Johnson Julie K. , Ager Meagan S. , Huang Reiping , Balbale Salva N. , Stulberg Jonah J. ,   on behalf of the Opioid Agreement Delphi Group
Published: September 2023

Background

Opioids prescribed to treat postsurgical pain have contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic. While opioid prescribing practices have improved, most patients do not use all their pills and do not safely dispose of leftovers, which creates a risk for unsafe use and diversion. We aimed to generate consensus on the content of a “safe opioid use agreement” for the perioperative settings to improve patients’ safe use, storage, and disposal of opioids.

Methods

We conducted a modified three-round Delphi study with clinicians across surgical specialties, quality improvement (QI) experts, and patients. In Round 1, participants completed a survey rating the importance and comprehensibility of 10 items on a 5-point Likert scale and provided comments. In Round 2, a sub-sample of participants attended a focus group to discuss items with the lowest agreement. In Round 3, the survey was repeated with the updated items. Quantitative values from the Likert scale and qualitative responses were summarized.

Results

Thirty-six experts (26 clinicians, seven patients/patient advocates, and three QI experts) participated in the study. In Round 1, >75% of respondents rated at least four out of five on the importance of nine items and on the comprehensibility of six items. In Round 2, participants provided feedback on the comprehensibility, formatting, importance, and purpose of the agreement, including a desire for more specificity and patient education. In Round 3, >75% of respondents rated at least four out of five for comprehensibility and importance of all 10 updated item. The final agreement included seven items on safe use, two items on safe storage, and one item on safe disposal.

Conclusion

The expert panel reached consensus on the importance and comprehensibility of the content for an opioid use agreement and identified additional patient education needs. The agreement should be used as a tool to supplement rather than replace existing, tailored education.
Simple and flexible sign and rank-based methods for testing for differential abundance in microbiome studies
Authors: Kodalci Leyla , Thas Olivier
Published: September 2023

Microbiome data obtained with amplicon sequencing are considered as compositional data. It has been argued that these data can be analysed after appropriate transformation to log-ratios, but ratios and logarithms cause problems with the many zeroes in typical microbiome experiments. We demonstrate that some well chosen sign and rank transformations also allow for valid inference with compositional data, and we show how logistic regression and probabilistic index models can be used for testing for differential abundance, while inheriting the flexibility of a statistical modelling framework. The results of a simulation study demonstrate that the new methods perform better than most other methods, and that it is comparable with ANCOM-BC. These methods are implemented in an R-package ‘signtrans’ and can be installed from Github (https://github.com/lucp9827/signtrans).
Potential present and future distributions of the genus Atta of Mexico
Authors: Gómez-Díaz Jorge A. , Baena Martha L. , González-Zamora Arturo , Delfín-Alfonso Christian A.
Published: September 2023

Temperature and precipitation influence insect distribution locally and drive large-scale biogeographical patterns. We used current and future climate data from the CHELSA database to create ensemble species distribution models for three Atta leaf-cutting ant species (Atta cephalotes, A. mexicana, and A. texana) found in Mexico. These models were used to estimate the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of these species in the future. Our results show that bioclimatic variables influence the distribution of each Atta species occupying a unique climatic niche: A. cephalotes is affected by temperature seasonality, A. mexicana by isothermality, and A. texana by the minimum temperature of the coldest month. Atta texana and A. mexicana are expected to decline their range by 80% and 60%, respectively, due to rising temperatures, decreased rainfall, and increased drought. Due to rising temperatures and increased humidity, Atta cephalotes is expected to expand its range by 30%. Since Atta species are important pests, our coexistence with them requires knowledge of their ecological functions and potential future distribution changes. In addition, these insects serve as bioindicators of habitat quality, and they can contribute to the local economy in rural areas since they are eaten as food for the nutritional value of the queens. In this sense, presenting a future perspective of these species’ distribution is important for forest and crop management. Education programs also are necessary to raise awareness of the importance of these ants and the challenges they face because of climate change. Our results offer a perspective of climate change studies to define conservation and adaptation strategies for protecting vulnerable areas such as high-elevation remnant forests.
Critical Approaches to Horror Comic Books: Red Ink in the Gutter, Fernando Gabriel, Pagnoni Berns and John Darowski (eds) (2022)
Authors: Goodrum Michael
Published: September 2023

Review of: Critical Approaches to Horror Comic Books: Red Ink in the Gutter, Fernando Gabriel, Pagnoni Berns and John Darowski (eds) (2022)

London: Routledge, 251 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-03219-570-4, h/bk, £130
ANÁLISE DA SUSTENTABILIDADE DE DESTINOS TURÍSTICOS: UMA PROPOSTA TEÓRICA DE ADEQUAÇÃO DO MODELO DE CICLO DE VIDA DE ÁREAS TURÍSTICAS ÀS DIMENSÕES DA SUSTENTABILIDADE
Authors: Falcão Mariana Cavalcanti , Gómez Carla Regina Pasa
Published: September 2023

O TALC (Tourism Areas Life Cycles) proposto por Butler (1980) é um exemplo de estudos que se preocuparam em criar parâmetros para avaliar a durabilidade da atividade turística de uma área em função do número de visitantes. Contudo, verifica-se em estudos como o de Rodríguez, López e Estévez (2007), a necessidade de adequar o TALC aos princípios do desenvolvimento sustentável, pois o mesmo é considerado ineficiente quando se trata do conceito de sustentabilidade de uma localidade. Assim, é objetivo deste estudo propor a adequação do TALC às dimensões da sustentabilidade para que quando aplicados à áreas turísticas obtenha-se um resultado integrado entre os estágios do ciclo de vida e o retrato da sustentabilidade. Esse trabalho se caracteriza como ensaio teórico resultante de pesquisa bibliográfica. A partir da construção do arcabouço teórico discutiu-se o modelo teórico em questão (TALC), a sustentabilidade de uma localidade assim como a caracterização de suas seis dimensões e seus possíveis indicadores e critérios de análise. Finalmente, o resultado se apresenta como um modelo de indicadores tanto para identificação de cada estágio do ciclo de vida, assim como um conjunto de16 indicadores de sustentabilidade e 43 critérios de análise estabelecidos para avaliação de seis dimensões da sustentabilidade.
Segregation in Ostdeutschland
Authors: Bernt Matthias , Volkmann Anne
Published: September 2023

30 Jahre nach der Wiedervereinigung sind ostdeutsche Städte von starker sozialer Segregation geprägt. Matthias Bernt und Anne Volkmann gehen der Frage nach, wie es dazu kommen konnte. Am Beispiel der Stadt Halle (Saale) analysieren sie »Weichenstellungen« für die Stadtentwicklung und ihre Bedeutung für das Wohnverhalten unterschiedlicher Haushaltstypen. Im Fokus stehen dabei drei exemplarische Segregationsprozesse: die Gentrifizierung von Gründerzeitvierteln, der Wandel der Großwohnsiedlungen sowie die Suburbanisierung und Abwanderung in das Umland. So entsteht ein komplexes Bild über die Spezifika ostdeutscher Städte.
Fantasies of Agelessness and Age Hierarchies in Mary Poppins Returns
Authors: Castelli-Rosa Mariana
Published: September 2023

In my chapter, I investigate how aging and the passing of time are depicted in the film Mary Poppins Returns (2018) and how they shape the narrative and give it ageist undertones. As a sequence to the 1964 Mary Poppins original film, the 2018 film hints at the passing of time which is evident in the age of the Banks children who have grown up. However, time has not passed for Mary Poppins as she is portrayed by a young actor (Emily Blunt). I explore how this casting choice affects the film and which ideas it reveals about aging, and especially, women aging in Hollywood. I also focus on Mary Poppins' role in the domestic realm organizing intergenerational relations and its effect on the film plot. Lastly, I connect the casting of Mary Poppins as a young woman to the erasure of older people in film and the childhood nostalgia promoted by Disney, the producer of the film.