bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning-based autofocusing regression model for Digital Lensless Holographic Microscopy
Authors: Montoya Manuel , Lopera Maria J. , Trujillo Carlos
Published: December 2022

We propose a convolutional neural network - based model to predict the focus distance of contrast digital lensless holograms. The model predicts the focus distance of holograms with no numerical reconstruction process involved.
Comparison of Simultaneously Captured Transport of Intensity and Digital Holographic Microscopy Retrieved Phases
Authors: Carney Shane , Khoo Ting Chean , Jangjoo Shahab Bahreini , Sharikova Anna , Mahajan Supriya D. , Khmaladze Alexander , Petruccelli Jonathan
Published: December 2022

We detail a setup capable of simultaneous phase measurements by digital holographic microscopy and solution of the transport of intensity equation. Agreement between the retrieved phases is shown for a microlens array.
Deep learning for faster holographic reconstruction processing in microfluidics
Authors: Pirone Daniele , Sirico Daniele G. , Miccio Lisa , Bianco Vittorio , Mugnano Martina , Ferraro Pietro , Memmolo Pasquale
Published: December 2022

The huge amount of phase maps to be numerically retrieved from digital holograms is the actual bottleneck of the high-throughput holographic flow cytometry. An end-to-end neural network is discussed to speed up the holographic processing.
Realizing 3D display through the multidirectional motion of microparticles in air
Authors: Tong Guodong , Xia Jun
Published: December 2022

We propose a novel way to achieve 3D display throng regular and uniform motion of microparticles. A spatial light modulator (SLM) is used to modulate a 532 nm continuous wave laser to generate a one-order Gaussian vortex beam for capturing the particles, and the vortex light is used to successfully transport carbon particles in line or circular motion. the microparticles are transported in air via focused vortex light to make a linear motion of 1 cm and a circular motion with a diameter of 0.4 cm within 12 seconds, and the distance and velocity of movement can be modulated by using lenses and SLM. This design also allows particles to do other regular movements, it is of great theoretical value to achieve the vortex laser beam manipulating the particles in air for future 3D display.
Environmental Noise Impact on Dynamic Speckle Imaging
Authors: Stoykova Elena , Levchenko Mikhail , Blagoeva Blaga , Nazarova Dimana , Nedelchev Lian , Berberova-Buhova Nataliya , Choi Kihong , Park Joongki
Published: December 2022

Environmental noise impact on dynamic speckle visualization of speed of changes in 3D objects with outdoor image capture is estimated. Efficiency of analysis is proved by processing synthetic and experimental data, including also compressed images.
Tomographic Reconstruction of Red Blood Cells from a single de-focused hologram
Authors: Rajora Sunaina , Khare Kedar
Published: December 2022

We demonstrate tomography of RBCs using 2D complex field recovered from a de-focused hologram. The prior information based on amplitude contrast in addition to sparsity is observed to significantly enhance the quality of 3D reconstruction.
Extended depth of field with absolute position detection in multi-wavelength digital holography
Authors: Fratz Markus , Seyler Tobias , Schiller Annelie , Bertz Alexander , Carl Daniel
Published: December 2022

We present a novel approach for detecting the absolute position of surfaces in multi-wavelength holography. We extent the depth of field from ~0.08 mm to ~3 mm and get the absolute position with accuracies better than10 µm.
Holographic 3D Portrait Created by Full-Parallax High-Definition Computer Holography and 3D Face Reconstruction
Authors: Ikeda Sukai , Matsushima Kyoji
Published: December 2022

A technique using the 3D Face Reconstruction technology is proposed to create 3D portrait CGHs from a single 2D portrait image. An actual full-parallax portrait CGH is demonstrated to verify the technique.
Evaluation of Low-Rank Approximation for Spatially-Varying Aberration Correction in Holographic Displays
Authors: Nam Seung-Woo , Kim Dongyeon , Lee Byoungho
Published: December 2022

We introduce a low-rank approximation method for fast calculation of computer-generated hologram that corrects spatially-varying aberration. The proposed method significantly shortens calculation time while reducing artifacts from conventional piece-wise correction and efficient filter flow framework.
Digital holography for the visualization of ZnGeP2 single crystal optical breakdown and prebreakdown processes
Authors: Dyomin V.V. , Yudin N.N. , Zinovev M.M. , Gribenyukov A.I. , Antipov O.L. , Khudoley A.L. , Lei Z. , Yang C. , Polovtsev I.G. , Podzyvalov S.N. , Slyunko E.S.
Published: December 2022

Digital holography was used to study the formation of a breakdown track in ZnGeP2 single crystal. It was shown that dislocations play the role of “embryos” initiating the crystal destruction under the influence of laser radiation.
Wide field of view high-resolution digital holographic microscope using digital micromirror device
Authors: Jung Minwoo , Jeon Hosung , Park Moonseong , Lim Sungjin , Lim Yongjun , Hahn Joonku
Published: December 2022

Digital holographic microscopy(DHM) is a measurement technology based on interferometry. In a microscope, field-of-view(FOV) and resolution are in a trade-off, but we propose a new method improving both of them using a digital mirror device(DMD).
Coupling Self-Written Waveguides within Photopolymer Material
Authors: Cassidy Derek , Sheridan John
Published: December 2022

We create two separate self-written waveguides (SWW) within photopolymer material. The coupling of these two self-written waveguides into a self-written coupling waveguide (SWCW), which are produced through the convergence of two self-written waveguides SWWs.
Displacement derivative analysis using deep learning in digital holographic interferometry
Authors: Vithin Allaparthi Venkata Satya , Ramaiah Jagadesh , Pandey Dhruvam , Gannavarpu Rajshekhar
Published: December 2022

In this article, we present deep learning approach to estimate displacement derivatives in digital holographic interferometry. The results show the capability of the proposed method on noisy experimental fringes.
Dynamic Holographic Image Conversion by Mechanical Translation of Double-layer Metasurface
Authors: Kim Changhyun , Jang Junhyeok , Lee Gun-Yeal , Lee Byoungho
Published: December 2022

We propose a double-layer metasurface system that can dynamically transform holographic images. Three different holographic images can be reconstructed by the lateral displacement of the two metasurfaces.
Colored voxels of laser-excited aerial volumetric display
Authors: Kumagai Kota , Hayasaki Yoshio
Published: December 2022

A volumetric display is capable of creating three-dimensional images in physical space by generating light emission, scattering or absorption points. In this paper, we introduce two coloring methods of femtosecond-laser-excited aerial voxels for a volumetric display. One method extracts an arbitrary color from broadband emission of a voxel using two parabollic mirrors and a liquid-crystal color filter. The other uses scattering light of laser-excited aerial plasma. These methods produce color volumetric images in free-space which have robustness to withstand collision with object.
Limited-memory BFGS Optimisation of Phase-Only Computer-Generated Hologram for Fraunhofer Diffraction
Authors: Sha Jinze , Kadis Andrew , Yang Fan , Wilkinson Timothy D.
Published: December 2022

We implement a novel limited-memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (L-BFGS) optimisation algorithm with cross entropy (CE) loss function, to produce phase-only computer-generated hologram (CGH) for holographic displays, with validation on a binary-phase modulation holographic projector.
Propagating Optical Skyrmions with Space-Time Superoscillatory Resolution
Authors: Shen Yijie , Papasimakis Nikitas , Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: December 2022

We report an extended family of super-toroidal light pulses, the exact solutions of Maxwell’s equations, allowing propagation-robust skyrmionic topologies that can exhibit superoscillatory resolutions simultaneously in space and time.
Speckle-Free CGH Modality for Fully Parallel Circuit Optogenetics
Authors: Madsen Andreas Gejl , Glückstad Jesper
Published: December 2022

The powerful neuroscientific discipline of optogenetics can be described as the branch of biotechnology which combines genetic engineering with optics to observe and control the function of genetically targeted groups of cells with light. Using advanced volumetric laser beam-shaping such as new Deep Learning-based Computer Generated Holography (CGH) makes it possible to take advantage of cutting-edge two-photon technology to develop an unprecedented ‘circuit optogenetics’ platform with both high spatio-temporal selectivity and high penetration depth without disturbing speckle-noise in living neural tissue. We will discuss our most recent CGH-encoding modalities designed for fully parallel circuit optogenetics.
Adaptive Holographic Optogenetic Illumination for Human Neural Network Analysis
Authors: Schmieder F. , Habibey R. , Busskamp V. , Czarske J.W. , Büttner L.
Published: December 2022

A two-wavelength optogenetic stimulation platform with high spatiotemporal resolution and inherent aberration correction is presented. By stimulating single neurons, we investigated the temporal evolution of connectivity in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal networks in-vitro.
Towards two- and three -dimensional, DMD-based holographic targeting of biological samples
Authors: Whiteley Isabell , Rowlands Christopher J
Published: December 2022

Progress in the development of two- and three- dimensional binary amplitude holograms for use in digital micromirror device-based biological targeting experiments is shown. The intended application is high-speed photomodulation of biological processes like neural activity.
Visual Measurement of Inhomogeneous Temperature Field Using Common-Path Off-Axis Digital Holography
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhong Zhi , Liu Lei , Shan Mingguang , Yu Lei
Published: December 2022

A defocus grating common-path off-axis holography is proposed for refractive distribution of inhomogeneous temperature field. The experiment of flame temperature field measurement was conducted to demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach.
Holographic Beam Spot Array Generation based on Multi-level Phase Modulation
Authors: Lei Y. , Zhang X. , Yang H. , Chu D.
Published: December 2022

This paper demonstrated a method to generate beam spot array by using phase-only liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) device. The proposed method is highly flexible and tolerant to the defects within the LCOS device.
Scatterometry of isolated resist pattern by soft X-rays using deep-learning analysis
Authors: Hoshino Tetsuya , Aoki Sadao , Itoh Masahide , Shichiri Motoharu , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: December 2022

When the scattering or absorption is large, the 3D resolution is about 100 wavelengths in holography, but the combination of scatterometry, imaging, and deep learning is a general-purpose method with a resolution of about wavelength.
The Optimization of Random Phase in 3D-CGHs Based on Depth Information
Authors: Wang Haibei , Su Ping , Ma Jianshe
Published: December 2022

A new method is proposed to reduce speckle noise by optimizing the random phase of 3D-CGHs with the angular spectrum algorithm based on depth information. Simulation results show that the method can suppress the reconstructed noise.
Full-field strain characterization of dielectric elastomer actuator for uniaxial deformation based on digital holography
Authors: Li Kaiping , Cai Ping , Gao Chao , Song Jie
Published: December 2022

This paper proposed a holographic measurement method for full-field deformation measurement of cell dielectric elastomer actuator for uniaxial stretching. And the proposed method is used to characterize performance of dielectric elastomer actuator.
3D particle localization and topographic imaging using geometric-phase twin Airy beams
Authors: Zhou Yongzhuang , Zhang Hongshuo , Zuo Shaolong
Published: December 2022

We report a twin-Airy-beam point-spread function generated with geometric phase modulation for 3D particle localization and topographic imaging. The inherent large axial range enables imaging targets with large depth variation. 3D information is obtained in a single snapshot with a simple and robust optical configuration.
Deep learning augmented holographic optical tweezers for 3D autofocusing
Authors: Pangilinan Patricia G. , Improso Wynn Dunn Gil D. , Tapang Giovanni A.
Published: December 2022

We show an augmented holographic optical tweezers (aHOT) with a deep learning model that allows 3D autofocusing under non-ideal imaging conditions which yielded particle location predictions accurate up to 98% and is robust against noise.
Weakly Supervised Learning-based Reconstruction of Planktons in Digital In-line Holography
Authors: Chaudhari Harshal , Kulkarni Rishikesh , Bhuyan M.K.
Published: December 2022

Weakly-supervised learning-based technique is employed for hologram reconstruction of planktons recorded in digital in-line holographic setup. One-level wavelet decomposition of the reconstructed image is computed to generate a mask and subsequently a ground truth image to train the network.
Manipulating nonlinear Ewald sphere for holography multiplexing
Authors: Chen Pengcheng , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2022

We propose the quasi-phase-matching-division multiplexing holography by manipulating nonlinear Ewald sphere. The scheme is capable to enhance the conversion efficiency compared with the traditional scheme and allows high-capacity multi-channel nonlinear multiplexing holography.
Band-limited Iterative Method for Reducing Ringing Artifacts in Lensless Holographic Projection
Authors: Tian Songzhi , Chen Lizhi , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2022

We propose a band-limited iterative algorithm to optimize Fresnel phase hologram with reduced ringing artifacts. The optimized hologram can be used to reconstruct high-quality images in lensless holographic projection.
From cones to color vision: a neurobiological model that explains the unique hues
Authors: Rezeanu Dragos , Neitz Maureen , Neitz Jay
Published: December 2022

The irreducible unique hues—red, green, blue, and yellow—remain one of the great mysteries of vision science. Attempts to create a physiologically parsimonious model that can predict the spectral locations of the unique hues all rely on at least one post hoc adjustment to produce appropriate loci for unique green and unique red, and struggle to explain the non-linearity of the Blue/Yellow system. We propose a neurobiological color vision model that overcomes these challenges by using physiological cone ratios, cone-opponent normalization to equal-energy white, and a simple adaptation mechanism to produce color-opponent mechanisms that accurately predict the spectral locations and variability of the unique hues.
Entanglement mediated by DC current induced nonreciprocal graphene plasmonics
Authors: Berres Jay A. , Hassani Gangaraj S. Ali , Hanson George W.
Published: December 2022

We investigate entanglement mediated by DC current induced nonreciprocal graphene plasmon polaritons. Nonreciprocal systems are ideal for the enhancement, control, and preservation of entanglement due to the potential for unidirectional beam-like wave propagation, i.e., efficiently transporting photons from one emitter to another. Using a quantum master equation and three-dimensional Green’s function analysis, we investigate a system consisting of two two-level emitters dominantly interacting via electric current induced nonreciprocal plasmonic modes of a graphene waveguide. We use concurrence as a measure of entanglement. We show that nonreciprocal graphene plasmon polaritons are a promising candidate to generate and mediate concurrence, where it is shown that there is good enhancement and control of entanglement over vacuum, which is beneficial for the broad applications of entanglement as a quantum resource. We believe our findings contribute to the development of quantum devices, enabling efficient and tunable entanglement between two-level systems, which is a central goal in quantum technologies.
Cavity soliton in a cyclic polarization permutation fiber resonator
Authors: Feng Shijie , Yao Yafeng , Shum Perry Ping , Xu Gang , Pan Jianxing , Xu Chaoyu , Wu Zhichao , Zhang Jing , Li Xiang , Han Lei , Huang Tianye
Published: December 2022

Cavity solitons are shape-preserving waveforms infinitely revolving around a cavity, which have numerous applications from spectroscopy to telecommunications. Although the cavity solitons have been widely studied for their special time-frequency characteristics over the past decade, the spectral flatness will be a large limitation in some applications without any extra filtering process. In this paper, we report on the generation of a distinct cavity soliton in a cyclic polarization permutation fiber resonator. With the simultaneous excitation of two orthogonal polarization modes with equally opposite dispersion, vectorial cavity solitons possessing broader and flatter spectra can be generated. In order to verify the concept, a numerical model of the polarization-maintaining fiber is proposed and the soliton with a flattened spectrum can be formed. The results enrich the soliton dynamics in the vectorial dissipation system.
Simulated wrapped phase optimizes phase retrieval in phase-shifting interferometry
Authors: Zhu Xindong , Lian Liping , Yang Pengcheng , Chang Zehong , Huang Xiaoting , Wang Xian , Yu Zijian , Zhang Pei
Published: December 2022

Phase retrieval is crucial in phase-shifting interferometry and other phase measurement techniques. However, in noisy wrapped phase maps with high steepness, discontinuities arise and cause phase unwrapping errors. To solve this problem, this Letter presents a phase retrieval method based on a simulated wrapped phase. By establishing the correspondence between the simulated and measured interferograms, the difference in wrapped phases between them can be obtained. The difference in wrapped phase map, which has sparse and wide interference fringes, has a higher reliability of phase unwrapping. The proposed method not only possesses high phase retrieval accuracy but it also simplifies the processing of interferograms. Furthermore, the layout of all interferometric systems, the parameters of optical components, and the model of the measured object are known, so the proposed method can be used as a reference for phase retrieval.
Motion-resistant structured illumination microscopy based on principal component analysis
Authors: Lyu Jiaming , Qian Jiaming , Xu Kailong , Huang Yuxia , Zuo Chao
Published: December 2022

Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) has become one of the most significant super-resolution techniques in bioscience for observing live-cell dynamics, thanks to fast full-field imaging and low photodamage. However, artifact-free SIM super-resolution reconstruction requires precise knowledge about variable environment-sensitive illumination parameters. Conventional algorithms typically, under the premise of known and reliable constant phase shifts, compensate for residual parameters, which will be easily broken by motion factors such as environment and medium perturbations, and sample offsets. In this Letter, we propose a robust motion-resistant SIM algorithm based on principal component analysis (mrPCA-SIM), which can efficiently compensate for nonuniform pixel shifts and phase errors in each raw illumination image. Experiments demonstrate that mrPCA-SIM achieves more robust imaging quality in complex, unstable conditions compared with conventional methods, promising a more compatible and flexible imaging tool for live cells.
Digitale Lieferantennetzwerke – Einblicke in die Digitalisierungsfortschritte der Beschaffung
Authors: Hoffmann Marcel André , Wetsch Laura , Lasch Rainer
Published: December 2022

Der Anteil der Wertschöpfung an Produkten durch Lieferanten hat in den vergangenen Jahren stetig zugenommen. Dies bedingt eine hohe Komplexität von Lieferketten und stellt das strategische und operative Beschaffungswesen vor große Herausforderungen. Gleichzeitig steht heute eine Vielzahl an Technologien zur Verfügung, um diese Komplexität zu bewältigen, Informationsasymmetrien abzubauen und transparente, fehlersichere Prozesse zu ermöglichen.

Während die Potenziale digitaler Lieferantennetzwerke weitgehend evident sind, sind digitale Technologien wie Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain oder künstliche Intelligenz (KI) bisher kaum praktisch in Unternehmen implementiert.

Mit Hilfe einer empirischen Fallstudie wurde untersucht, inwieweit die Digitalisierung als strategisches Unternehmensziel verfolgt wird und welche Hindernisse bei der Einführung digitaler Lieferantennetzwerke bestehen. Dazu wurden elf Experten aus der strategischen und operativen Beschaffung von acht Unternehmen des produzierenden Gewerbes in Form einer leitfadengestützten Interviewstudie befragt und deren Erfahrungen ausgewertet.

Die Ergebnisse implizieren, dass in vielen Fällen grundlegende Voraussetzungen für eine erfolgreiche digitale Transformation fehlen und in vielen Unternehmen keine ausreichenden Ressourcen dafür zur Verfügung stehen. Weiterhin wurde festgestellt, dass der Nutzen digitaler Technologien in der Beschaffung häufig sehr einseitig ist und bisher nur selten Netzwerkvorteile genutzt werden. Um dieser zögerlichen Entwicklung entgegenzuwirken, werden Handlungsempfehlungen für eine erfolgreiche Implementierung und stärkere Kooperation in der Lieferkette aufgestellt und weiterer Forschungsbedarf identifiziert.
Ten quick tips for sequence-based prediction of protein properties using machine learning
Authors: Hou Qingzhen , Waury Katharina , Gogishvili Dea , Feenstra K. Anton
Published: December 2022

The ubiquitous availability of genome sequencing data explains the popularity of machine learning-based methods for the prediction of protein properties from their amino acid sequences. Over the years, while revising our own work, reading submitted manuscripts as well as published papers, we have noticed several recurring issues, which make some reported findings hard to understand and replicate. We suspect this may be due to biologists being unfamiliar with machine learning methodology, or conversely, machine learning experts may miss some of the knowledge needed to correctly apply their methods to proteins. Here, we aim to bridge this gap for developers of such methods. The most striking issues are linked to a lack of clarity: how were annotations of interest obtained; which benchmark metrics were used; how are positives and negatives defined. Others relate to a lack of rigor: If you sneak in structural information, your method is not sequence-based; if you compare your own model to “state-of-the-art,” take the best methods; if you want to conclude that some method is better than another, obtain a significance estimate to support this claim. These, and other issues, we will cover in detail. These points may have seemed obvious to the authors during writing; however, they are not always clear-cut to the readers. We also expect many of these tips to hold for other machine learning-based applications in biology. Therefore, many computational biologists who develop methods in this particular subject will benefit from a concise overview of what to avoid and what to do instead.
Women’s lived experiences of preterm birth and neonatal care for premature infants at a tertiary hospital in Ghana: A qualitative study
Authors: Adu-Bonsaffoh Kwame , Tamma Evelyn , Nwameme Adanna Uloaku , Mocking Martina , Osman Kwabena A. , Browne Joyce L.
Published: December 2022

Preterm birth is a leading cause of death in children under five and a major public concern in Ghana. Women’s lived experiences of care following preterm birth in clinical setting represents a viable adjunctive measure to improve the quality of care for premature infants. This qualitative study explored the knowledge and experiences of women who have had preterm birth and the associated challenges in caring for premature infants at a tertiary hospital. A qualitative design using in-depth interviews (IDIs) was conducted among women who experienced preterm birth with surviving infants at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. A thematic content analysis using the inductive analytic framework was undertaken using Nvivo. Thirty women participated in the study. We observed substantial variation in women’s knowledge on preterm birth: some women demonstrated significant understanding of preterm delivery including its causes such as hypertension in pregnancy, and potential complications including neonatal death whilst others had limited knowledge on the condition. Women reported significant social and financial challenges associated with preterm birth that negatively impacted the quality of postnatal care they received. Admission of preterm infants at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) generated enormous psychological and emotional stress on the preterm mothers due to uncertainty associated with the prognosis of their babies, health system challenges and increased cost. Context-specific recommendations to improve the quality of care for prematurely born infants were provided by the affected mothers and include urgent need to expand the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage and more antenatal health education on preterm birth. Mothers of premature infants experienced varied unanticipated challenges during the care for their babies within the hospital setting. While knowledge of preterm birth seems adequate among women, there was a significant gap in the women’s expectations of the challenges associated with the care of premature infants of which the majority experience psychosocial, economic and emotional impact.
Impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions targeted at the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of influenza-like illness in the UK Armed Forces
Authors: Otieno George , Rawlings Ngwa Niba
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as lockdown, social distancing and use of face coverings was adopted by the United Kingdom (UK) Armed Forces (AF) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the impact of the use of NPIs on the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the UK AF.

Methods

A longitudinal study design was adopted, and secondary data was analysed retrospectively. Clinical Read codes for ILI was used to generate data for flu seasons before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (September 2017 to April 2021).

Results

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of reporting ILI was ~ 4% across all flu seasons. The count of ILI was 2.9%, 2.2% and 3.1% during 2017–18, 2018–19 and 2019–20 flu seasons respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, both the rate of reporting ILI (0.6%) and the count of ILI (0.5%) were significantly smaller (p < .001). The rate of reporting ILI was positively correlated with the count of ILI (r (2) = .97, p = .014). Influenza vaccination rate increased by 1.3% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination rate was negatively correlated with the rate of reporting ILI (r (2) = -.52, p = 0.24) and the count of ILI (r (2) = -.61, p = 0.19). However, this correlation was not significant. The use of NPIs was negatively correlated with the rate of reporting ILI (r (2) = -.99, p = < .001) and the count of ILI (r (2) = -.95, p = 0.026). The overall multiple regression performed was statistically significant (R2 = 0.94, F (1, 2) = 33.628, p = 0.028). The rate of reporting ILI significantly predicted the count of ILI (β = 0.609, p = 0.028) while vaccination rate did not significantly predict the count of ILI (β = -0.136, p = 0.677).

Conclusions

The incidence of ILI in the UK AF was significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of NPIs and the rate of reporting ILI significantly reduced the count of ILI. Being vaccinated for influenza did not significantly reduce the count of ILI.
Face masks to prevent transmission of respiratory infections: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on face mask use
Authors: Ollila Hanna M. , Partinen Markku , Koskela Jukka , Borghi John , Savolainen Riikka , Rotkirch Anna , Laine Liisa T.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To examine the use of face mask intervention in mitigating the risk of spreading respiratory infections and whether the effect of face mask intervention differs in different exposure settings and age groups.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis. We evaluated the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool (ROB2).

Data sources

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of face masks on respiratory infections published between 1981 and February 9, 2022. We followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included randomized controlled trials investigating the use of face mask intervention in mitigating the risk of spreading respiratory infections across different exposure settings.

Results

We identified 2,400 articles for screening. 18 articles passed the inclusion criteria for both evidence synthesis and meta-analysis. There were N = 189,145 individuals in the face mask intervention arm and N = 173,536 in the control arm, and the follow-up times ranged from 4 days to 19 months. Our results showed between-study heterogeneity (p < 0.0001). While there was no statistically significant association over all studies when the covariate unadjusted intervention effect estimates were used (RR = 0.977 [0.858–1.113], p = 0.728), our subgroup analyses revealed that a face mask intervention reduced respiratory infections in the adult subgroup (RR = 0.8795 [0.7861–0.9839], p = 0.0249) and in a community setting (RR = 0.890 [0.812–0.975], p = 0.0125). Furthermore, our leave-one-out analysis found that one study biased the results towards a null effect. Consequently, when using covariate adjusted odds ratio estimates to have a more precise effect estimates of the intervention effect to account for differences at the baseline, the results showed that a face mask intervention did reduce respiratory infections when the biasing study was excluded from the analysis (OR = 0.8892 [0.8061–0.9810], p = 0.0192).

Conclusion

Our findings support the use of face masks particularly in a community setting and for adults. We also observed substantial between-study heterogeneity and varying adherence to protocol. Notably, many studies were subject to contamination bias thus affecting the efficacy of the intervention, that is when also some controls used masks or when the intervention group did not comply with mask use leading to a downward biased effect of treatment receipt and efficacy.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42020205523.
Physical and psychological health in intern paramedics commencing shift work: Protocol for an exploratory longitudinal study
Authors: Crowther Meagan E. , Ferguson Sally A. , Adams Robert J. , Kovac Katya , Paterson Jessica L. , Reynolds Amy C.
Published: December 2022

Background

Paramedics are routinely exposed to shift work. Existing research shows that shift work exposure is associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes. However, the current understanding of the impact of commencing shift work in a paramedic role on health is limited. This can be addressed by recruiting new paramedics before they commence shift work, and conducting regular follow-ups of potential biological, psychological and social changes. The present study aimed to examine changes in biological, psychological and social factors relative to pre-shift work baseline in a cohort of paramedics commencing intern employment with an Australian ambulance service.

Method and analysis

This observational, mixed-methods, longitudinal study aims to recruit 40 interns from one Australian ambulance service. Data collection will occur at baseline (standard day schedule for initial training), and subsequently at three months, six months, nine months and twelve months, to measure biological, psychological and social changes relative to baseline measurements. Changes in cardiometabolic markers (cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose), microbiome (self-collected stool samples), sleep and physical activity (actigraphy) will be measured. Interns will also complete a battery of self-report questionnaires, sleep diaries and qualitative interviews to explore various psychological and social variables over time. Statistical analyses will be conducted using mixed effects regression, specifying a random effect of subject on the intercept, allowing participants to vary according to individual baseline levels, as well as tracking progress over time, appropriately accounting for serial correlation. Qualitative study components will be analysed via coding and thematic analysis procedures.

Discussion

The present study protocol is a comprehensive outline of the observational study planned. The study will allow for greater knowledge of any changes in biological, psychological and social factors during a 12-month transition to shift work. The findings from the proposed study will have implications for the development of strategies to support early-career shift workers.
An external focus of attention enhances table tennis backhand stroke accuracy in low-skilled players
Authors: Niźnikowski Tomasz , Łuba-Arnista Weronika , Arnista Paweł , Porter Jared M. , Makaruk Hubert , Sadowski Jerzy , Mastalerz Andrzej , Niźnikowska Ewelina , Shaw Andrew
Published: December 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of internal and external (proximal and distal) attentional focus on table tennis backhand stroke accuracy in low-skilled players. Fifty-one undergraduate physical education (PE) students were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Group G1 (IF) was instructed to focus on the hand holding the paddle, Group G2 (EFP) was instructed to focus on the ball, while Group G3 (EFD) was instructed to focus on targets marked on the tennis table. The experimental groups followed identical instructions except for the instruction about the focus of attention. Participants were asked to score as many points as possible by hitting the ball inside the three smallest targets marked on the tennis table. They were required to do so using a backhand stroke. The practice session consisted of 45 trials in three blocks of backhand (15 trials at each target). A special scoring system was used to determine the accuracy of the strokes. One of the most important findings from the current research was that groups with an external focus of attention revealed significant improvements in accuracy in the post-test, while the group with an internal focus of attention achieved low training effects. No significant difference was observed between G2 (EFP) and G3 (EFD) in the delayed retention test, which indicates that proximal and distal attentional focus had similar effects on table tennis backhand stroke accuracy in low-skilled players.
Ginsenoside protopanaxadiol protects adult retinal pigment epithelial-19 cells from chloroquine by modulating autophagy and apoptosis
Authors: Lee Haesung , Nguyen Hoang Anh Thu , Lee Sook-Jeong
Published: December 2022

Chloroquine often causes serious eye and vision problems, which are mainly mediated by lysosomotropic alteration. In this study, we investigated whether the ginsenoside protopanaxadiol relieves chloroquine-induced retinopathy by restoring lysosomotropic abnormalities in human adult retinal pigment epithelial-19 cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Morphological alterations in autophagosomes of adult retinal pigment epithelial-19 cells was detected using confocal microscopy. Apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry, whereas cellular reactive oxygen species levels were determined by measuring the fluorescence intensity of 5-(and-6)-carboxy-2’-7’-dichlorohydrofluorescein diacetate. Lysosomal function was assessed by measuring lysosomal pH and enzyme activity. Immunoprecipitation and western blotting analyses were performed. Adult retinal pigment epithelial-19 cells accumulated autophagosomes with fusion defects in lysosomes and reactive oxygen species formation following exposure to chloroquine. This effect trapped Beclin-1 and B-cell lymphoma 2 interfering with autophagy initiation and autophagosome development. Protopanaxadiol alleviated chloroquine-induced toxicity by modulating the interaction between Beclin-1 and Bcl-2, which was mediated by the AMP-activated protein kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin signal axis. Furthermore, autophagy and apoptosis were simultaneously controlled by protopanaxadiol via upregulation of autophagy flux and decreased reactive oxygen species formation and apoptotic protein expression. These findings suggest that protopanaxadiol is a promising treatment strategy for chloroquine-mediated retinopathy.
Functional connectivity directionality between large-scale resting-state networks across typical and non-typical trajectories in children and adolescence
Authors: Lund Martina J. , Alnæs Dag , Rokicki Jaroslav , Schwab Simon , Andreassen Ole A. , Westlye Lars T. , Kaufmann Tobias
Published: December 2022

Mental disorders often emerge during adolescence and have been associated with age-related differences in connection strengths of brain networks (static functional connectivity), manifesting in non-typical trajectories of brain development. However, little is known about the direction of information flow (directed functional connectivity) in this period of functional brain progression. We employed dynamic graphical models (DGM) to estimate directed functional connectivity from resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data on 1143 participants, aged 6 to 17 years from the healthy brain network (HBN) sample. We tested for effects of age, sex, cognitive abilities and psychopathology on estimates of direction flow. Across participants, we show a pattern of reciprocal information flow between visual-medial and visual-lateral connections, in line with findings in adults. Investigating directed connectivity patterns between networks, we observed a positive association for age and direction flow from the cerebellar to the auditory network, and for the auditory to the sensorimotor network. Further, higher cognitive abilities were linked to lower information flow from the visual occipital to the default mode network. Additionally, examining the degree networks overall send and receive information to each other, we identified age-related effects implicating the right frontoparietal and sensorimotor network. However, we did not find any associations with psychopathology. Our results suggest that the directed functional connectivity of large-scale resting-state brain networks is sensitive to age and cognition during adolescence, warranting further studies that may explore directed relationships at rest and trajectories in more fine-grained network parcellations and in different populations.
Carbon sequestration characteristics of two plantation forest ecosystems with different lithologies of karst
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Xiang Huiwen , Huang Zongsheng , Zhang Yuanbo , Zou Jun , Fu Yuhong , Qian Changjiang
Published: December 2022

In karst regions, the majority of studies have focused on ecosystem carbon sequestration in the same lithology, but no studies in different lithologies. In this study, actual measurements were used to reveal carbon sequestration characteristics of two plantation forest ecosystems (Bodinieri cinnamon and Cupressus funebris) with different lithologies of karst. The results showed that the tree layer showed the highest vegetation biomass, carbon content, carbon density, and ratio of aboveground biomass to belowground biomass. The carbon density of B. cinnamon plantation and C. funebris plantation was high in dolomite and in limestone respectively. The soil quality and carbon density of bare ground and plantation varied across different lithologies. The carbon density of various ecosystem components was in the order of vegetation>soil>litterfall. The carbon density and net carbon density of plantation varied across different lithologies. In B. cinnamon plantation, the carbon sequestration rate of vegetation and ecosystem was high in dolomite, moderate in limestone, and low in dolomitic sandstone. In Cupressus funebris plantation, the carbon sequestration rate was in the order of limestone>dolomite>dolomitic sandstone. These findings revealed that lithology is an important factor affecting ecosystem carbon pools, and plantation ecosystems have low biomass and low carbon density in karst areas.
Electronically reconfigurable and conformal triband antenna for wireless communications systems and portable devices
Authors: Hussain Musa , Ali Esraa Musa , Awan Wahaj Abbas , Hussain Niamat , Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Virdee Bal S. , Falcone Francisco
Published: December 2022

This paper presents the design of a triband antenna that can be electronically configured to operate at different frequencies. The proposed antenna is design to operate at sub-6GHz bands at 2.45 GHz (ISM, Wi-Fi, and WLAN), 3.3, 3.5 & 3.9 GHz (WiMAX), and 4.1 & 4.9 GHz (4G & 5G). This is achieved by connecting two open-ended stubs to a modified triangular patch radiator using PIN diodes. The antenna’s performance was optimized using a 3D electromagnetic solver and its performance was verified through measurements. Moreover, the conformal analysis done on the antenna shows that the proposed technique can be used in moderately flexible wireless devices without compromising the antenna’s gain, radiation efficiency and radiation patterns. These characteristics makes the proposed antenna applicable for various wireless communication systems and devices.
PNPLA3 allele frequency has no impact on biliary bile acid composition or disease course in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Färkkilä Martti , Kautiainen Hannu , Tenca Andrea , Jokelainen Kalle , Arola Johanna
Published: December 2022

Background and aims

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to bile duct strictures, cholestasis, and biliary cirrhosis. PNPLA3 (patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3), regulates cellular lipid synthesis by converting lysophosphatidic acid into phosphatidic acid. Isoleucine mutation to methionine at position 148 (I148M) causes a loss of this function. Only two studies, with contradictory results, have evaluated the role of PNPLA3 in PSC. The rs738409(G) variant of PNPLA3 has been associated with an increased risk for transplantation in male patients with dominant strictures (DS). The study aimed to evaluate the PNPLA3 allele frequency effect on the clinical outcomes, progression, and prognosis of PSC. Furthermore, we analyzed the impact of PNPLA3 on phospholipid and bile acid composition to evaluate the effect of the PNPLA3 status on UDCA response.

Patients and methods

We recruited 560 patients prospectively and collected clinical and laboratory data as well as liver histology and imaging findings. PNPLA3 (CC, CG, GG) alleles were analyzed with TaqManTM. We also analyzed bile acids (BA), cholesterol and phospholipids and individual BA from a sample aspirated during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC).

Results

Among the recruited patients, 58.4%, 35.7% and 5.9% had the wild (CC), heterozygous (CG) and homozygous (GG) alleles, respectively. The PNPLA3 haplotype did not impact bile composition or individual BA. In addition, we found no differences in age at diagnosis, disease progression, liver fibrosis or survival between the cohorts.

Conclusions

The PNPLA3 I148M variant had no significant impact on on bile composition, including UDCA content, clinical outcomes, progression of liver fibrosis, hepatobiliary cancer risk, liver transplantation, or overall survival.
Addressing people’s current and future states in a reinforcement learning algorithm for persuading to quit smoking and to be physically active
Authors: Albers Nele , Neerincx Mark A. , Brinkman Willem-Paul
Published: December 2022

Behavior change applications often assign their users activities such as tracking the number of smoked cigarettes or planning a running route. To help a user complete these activities, an application can persuade them in many ways. For example, it may help the user create a plan or mention the experience of peers. Intuitively, the application should thereby pick the message that is most likely to be motivating. In the simplest case, this could be the message that has been most effective in the past. However, one could consider several other elements in an algorithm to choose a message. Possible elements include the user’s current state (e.g., self-efficacy), the user’s future state after reading a message, and the user’s similarity to the users on which data has been gathered. To test the added value of subsequently incorporating these elements into an algorithm that selects persuasive messages, we conducted an experiment in which more than 500 people in four conditions interacted with a text-based virtual coach. The experiment consisted of five sessions, in each of which participants were suggested a preparatory activity for quitting smoking or increasing physical activity together with a persuasive message. Our findings suggest that adding more elements to the algorithm is effective, especially in later sessions and for people who thought the activities were useful. Moreover, while we found some support for transferring knowledge between the two activity types, there was rather low agreement between the optimal policies computed separately for the two activity types. This suggests limited policy generalizability between activities for quitting smoking and those for increasing physical activity. We see our results as supporting the idea of constructing more complex persuasion algorithms. Our dataset on 2,366 persuasive messages sent to 671 people is published together with this article for researchers to build on our algorithm.
The use of 3D digital anatomy model improves the communication with patients presenting with prostate disease: The first experience in Senegal
Authors: Diao Babacar , Bagayogo Ndèye Aissatou , Carreras Nayra Pumar , Halle Michael , Ruiz-Alzola Juan , Ungi Tamas , Fichtinger Gabor , Kikinis Ron
Published: December 2022

Objectives

We hypothesized that the use of an interactive 3D digital anatomy model can improve the quality of communication with patients about prostate disease.

Methods

A 3D digital anatomy model of the prostate was created from an MRI scan, according to McNeal’s zonal anatomy classification. During urological consultation, the physician presented the digital model on a computer and used it to explain the disease and available management options. The experience of patients and physicians was recorded in questionnaires.

Results

The main findings were as follows: 308 patients and 47 physicians participated in the study. In the patient group, 96.8% reported an improved level of understanding of prostate disease and 90.6% reported an improved ability to ask questions during consultation. Among the physicians, 91.5% reported improved communication skills and 100% reported an improved ability to obtain patient consent for subsequent treatment. At the same time, 76.6% of physicians noted that using the computer model lengthened the consultation.

Conclusion

This exploratory study found that the use of a 3D digital anatomy model in urology consultations was received overwhelmingly favorably by both patients and physicians, and it was perceived to improve the quality of communication between patient and physician. A randomized study is needed to confirm the preliminary findings and further quantify the improvements in the quality of patient-physician communication.