bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I Trial of GD2.CART Cells Augmented With Constitutive Interleukin-7 Receptor for Treatment of High-Grade Pediatric CNS Tumors
Authors: Lin Frank Y. , Stuckert Austin , Tat Candise , White Mark , Ruggieri Lucia , Zhang Huimin , Mehta Birju , Lapteva Natalia , Mei Zhuyong , Major Angela , Thakkar Sachin , Shum Thomas , Parikh Kathan , Wu Meng-Fen , Lindsay Holly B. , Scherer Lauren , Shekar Meghan , Baxter Patricia , Wang Tao , Grilley Bambi , Moeller Karen , Hicks John , Roy Angshumoy , Anastas Jamie , Malbari Fatema , Aldave Guillermo , Chintagumpala Murali , Blaney Susan , Parsons D. Williams , Brenner Malcolm K. , Heslop Helen E. , Rooney Cliona M. , Omer Bilal
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

T cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CARTs) have demonstrated efficacy for hematologic malignancies; however, benefit for patients with CNS tumors has been limited. To enhance T cell activity against GD2+ CNS malignancies, we modified GD2-directed CART cells (GD2.CARTs) with a constitutively active interleukin (IL)-7 receptor (C7R-GD2.CARTs).

METHODS

Patients age 1-21 years with H3K27-altered diffuse midline glioma (DMG) or other recurrent GD2-expressing CNS tumors were eligible for this phase I trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04099797 ). All subjects received standard-of-care adjuvant radiation therapy or chemotherapy before study enrollment. The first treatment cohort received GD2.CARTs alone (1 × 107 cells/m2), and subsequent cohorts received C7R-GD2.CARTs at two dose levels (1 × 107 cells/m2; 3 × 107 cells/m2). Standard lymphodepletion with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine was included at all dose levels.

RESULTS

Eleven patients (age 4-18 years) received therapy without dose-limiting toxicity. The GD2.CART cohort did not experience toxicity, but had disease progression after brief improvement of residual neurologic deficits (≤3 weeks). The C7R-GD2.CART cohort developed grade 1 tumor inflammation–associated neurotoxicity in seven of eight (88%) cases, controllable with anakinra. Cytokine release syndrome was observed in six of eight (75%, grade 1 in all but one patient) and associated with increased circulating IL-6 and IP-10 ( P < .05). Patients receiving C7R-GD2.CARTs experienced temporary improvement from baseline neurologic deficits (range, 2 to >12 months), and seven of eight (88%) remained eligible for additional treatment cycles (range 2-4 cycles). Partial responses by iRANO criteria were observed in two of seven (29%) patients with DMG treated by C7R-GD2.CARTs.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous GD2.CARTs with and without C7R were well tolerated. Patients treated with C7R-GD2.CARTs exhibited transient improvement of neurologic deficits and increased circulating cytokines/chemokines. Treatment with C7R-GD2.CARTs represents a novel approach warranting further investigation for children with these incurable CNS cancers.
A Rare Case of Tumor-to-Tumor Metastasis: Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasis to Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Tadisina Shourya , Sami Farhan , Mettman Daniel , Ridella Maricel
Published: May 2024

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid malignancy. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) metastasis to the thyroid, albeit the most common carcinomatous metastasis to the thyroid, is rare, and tumor-to-tumor metastasis of RCC to PTC is even rarer. We present a case of a 65-year-old male with a history of RCC who presented with a thyroid nodule 7 years after left radical nephrectomy. Imaging showed the thyroid nodule predating the kidney tumor. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed and showed 2 distinct cell populations, 1 of which was stained with RCC markers and another that was stained positively for thyroid markers. An interpretation of atypia of undetermined significance was rendered and molecular testing was indeterminate with ThyGeNEXT not detecting mutations and ThyraMIR positive for a level 2 microRNA pattern consistent with low risk for malignancy. The patient elected for active surveillance until follow-up thyroid ultrasound showed continued growth. At this point, a right hemithyroidectomy was performed. Pathology confirmed clear cell RCC metastasis to an infiltrative follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma. This case highlights the possibility of tumor-to-tumor metastasis in patients with a previous history of RCC even years after nephrectomy and in the absence of other metastatic lesions.
Navigated Anterior Full-Endoscopic Transcervical Approach Odontoidectomy for Traumatic Posterior Atlantoaxial Dislocation Without Odontoid Fracture
Authors: Abaunza-Camacho Juan Felipe , Gomez-Niebles Sara , Madrinan-Navia Humberto , Daza-Ovalle Alberto , Guevara-Moriones Natalia , Rodríguez Mario Fernando , Torres Mancera Jorge , Peña Camilo , Riveros-Castillo William Mauricio , Saavedra Javier M.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Complete posterior atlantoaxial dislocation (PAAD) with an unfractured odontoid process is a rare condition where a dislocated but intact odontoid process is positioned ventrally to the anterior arch of C1. This lesion is related to transverse and alar ligament rupture secondary to hyperextension and rotatory traumatic injury and is often associated with neurological deficit. The treatment strategy remains controversial, and in many cases, odontoidectomy is required. Traditional approaches for odontoidectomy (transnasal and transoral) are technically demanding and are related to several complications. This article describes a 360° reduction and stabilization technique through a navigated anterior full-endoscopic transcervical approach (nAFETA) as a novel technique for odontoidectomy and C1-C2 anterior transarticular fixation supplemented with posterior fusion.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 21-year-old man presented to the emergency room by ambulance after a motorcycle accident. On evaluation, incomplete ASIA B spinal cord injury was documented. Imaging revealed a complete PAAD. We performed a two-staged procedure, a nAFETA odontoidectomy plus C1-C2 anterior transarticular fixation followed by posterior C1-C2 wired fusion. At a 2-year follow-up, the patient had a 10-point Oswestry Disability Index score and neurological improvement to ASIA E.

CONCLUSION:

PAAD can be successfully treated through minimally invasive nAFETA. Noteworthy, the risks of the transoral and endonasal routes were avoided through this approach. In addition, nAFETA allows anterior transarticular fixation during the same procedure providing spinal stability. Further studies are required to expand the use of nAFETA in this field.
Sarcomatoid Dedifferentiation as a Predictor of Cancer-Specific Mortality in Surgically Treated Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Incesu Reha-Baris , Morra Simone , Scheipner Lukas , Baudo Andrea , Cano Garcia Cristina , Barletta Francesco , Assad Anis , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Briganti Alberto , Chun Felix K. H. , Carmignani Luca , Ahyai Sascha , Longo Nicola , Tilki Derya , Graefen Markus , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: May 2024

Background

In contemporary surgically treated patients with localized high-grade (G3 or G4) clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), it is not known whether presence of sarcomatoid dedifferentiation is an independent predictor and/or an effect modifier, when cancer-specific mortality (CSM) represents an endpoint.

Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, all surgically treated localized high-grade ccRCC patients treated between 2010 and 2020 were identified. Univariable and multivariable Cox-regression models were used.

Results

In 18,853 surgically treated localized high-grade (G3 or G4) ccRCC patients, 5-year CSM-free survival was 87% (62% vs. 88% with vs. without sarcomatoid dedifferentiation, p < 0.001). Presence of sarcomatoid dedifferentiation was an independent predictor of higher CSM (hazard ratio [HR] 1.8, p < 0.001). In univariable survival analyses predicting CSM, presence versus absence of sarcomatoid dedifferentiation in G3 versus G4 yielded the following hazard ratios: HR 1.0 in absent sarcomatoid dedifferentiation in G3; HR 2.7 (p < 0.001) in absent sarcomatoid dedifferentiation in G4; HR 3.9 (p < 0.001) in present sarcomatoid dedifferentiation in G3; HR 5.1 (p < 0.001) in present sarcomatoid dedifferentiation in G4. Finally, in multivariable Cox-regression analyses, the interaction terms defining present versus absent sarcomatoid dedifferentiation in G3 versus G4 represented independent predictors of higher CSM.

Conclusions

In contemporary surgically treated patients with localized high-grade ccRCC, sarcomatoid dedifferentiation is not only an independent multivariable predictor of higher CSM, but also interacts with tumor grade and results in even better ability to predict CSM.
Understanding Patient Experiences to Inform Future Studies to Optimize Personalization of Treatment for Early Breast Cancer
Authors: McIntosh Stuart A. , Mactier Mhairi , Fairhurst Katherine , Gath Jacqui , Stobart Hilary , Potter Shelley
Published: May 2024

Background

Breast cancer treatment is multimodal, but not all patients benefit from each treatment, and many experience morbidities significantly impacting quality of life. There is increasing interest in tailoring breast cancer treatments to optimize oncological outcomes and reduce treatment burden, but it is vital that future trials focus on treatments that most impact patients. This study was designed to explore patient experiences of treatment to inform future research.

Methods

An online survey was co-developed with patient advocates to explore respondents’ experiences of breast cancer treatment. Questions included simple demographics, treatments received, and views regarding omitting treatments if that is deemed safe. The survey was circulated via social media and patient advocacy groups. Responses were summarized by using simple statistics; free text was analyzed thematically.

Results

Of the 235 participants completing the survey, 194 (82.6%) would choose to omit a specific treatment if safe to do so. The most commonly selected treatments were chemotherapy (n = 69, 35.6%) and endocrine therapy (n = 61, 31.4%) mainly due to side effects. Fewer respondents would choose to omit surgery (n = 40, 20.6%) or radiotherapy (n = 20, 10.3%). Several women commented that survival was their “absolute priority” and that high-quality evidence to support the safety of reducing treatment would be essential.

Conclusions

Patients with breast cancer are individuals who may wish to optimize different components of their treatment. A portfolio of studies co-designed with patients is needed to establish an evidence base for greater treatment personalization with studies focused on reducing avoidable chemotherapy and endocrine therapy a priority.
Depression, anxiety, and stress among urban and rural adolescents in Shivamogga, Karnataka
Authors: Mallya Ajay , Koppad Raghavendraswamy , Kumar Praveen
Published: May 2024

Background: Currently there are 1.3 billion adolescents worldwide, which makes up 16% of the world population. Over 20% of adolescents around the world are thought to have behavioural or mental health issues. Addressing mental health issues is very important for the promotion of positive health in adolescents. Methods: The objective of our study was to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents in urban and rural areas of Shivamogga. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 adolescents aged 16 to 19 years each from urban and rural areas of Shivamogga. Results: Depression, anxiety and stress were found to be 23.1%, 29.4% and 26.6% in urban areas and 19.1%, 24% and 21.1% in rural areas respectively. Conclusions: About a quarter of the adolescent population suffers from depression anxiety and stress. Adopting and implementing better education and health policies are necessary to enhance adolescent mental health.
Evaluation of mental health of students in healthcare education programs at Qatar University
Authors: Hayk Ola , Mansoor Abdulla , Al-Najdi Shahd , Daud Alaa , Shami Rula , Al-Hashimi Najah , Ali Kamran
Published: May 2024

Introduction Mental health issues among undergraduate health-care students are a growing concern. This research aims to explore the frequency of mental health issues among health-care students in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nutrition, biomedical sciences, nursing, and public health at Qatar University. Methods Ethics approval was obtained from the institutional review board. A total of 1,378 health-care students were invited to participate. Data were collected online using two validated questionnaires including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess symptoms of depression, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and two open-ended questions investigating risk factors and recommendations for enhancing institutional support. Results A total of 270 health-care students completed the survey; 227 female, and 43 male students. According to PHQ-9 cut-off values, 37.7% of students had mild depression symptoms, 25.5% moderate, 14.8% moderately severe and 10% severe symptoms. DASS-21 responses revealed 34.7% displayed severe to extremely severe anxiety symptoms, 15.4% severe to extremely severe stress symptoms and 21% severe to extremely severe depression symptoms. Students aged 18–21 years had significantly higher depression (p=0.03) and stress scores (p=0.05). Qatari students had significantly higher anxiety scores (p=0.05). Responses to open-ended questions were categorized into sub-themes and grouped together into broader themes. Most students reported exam stress and workload as key factors contributing to their negative mental health. Participants’ recommendations included reducing academic workload through better curricular planning, providing training to faculty to better support students with mental health issues, and improving mental health services. Conclusion This study showed a significant percentage of respondents reported symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression during undergraduate studies. Participants represent the future healthcare force for the country and there is a need to identify and support students with mental health issues through close monitoring, and work with all stakeholders to improve student support services.
ESPACIO PÚBLICO Y GENIUS LOCI: EL PARQUE DE SANTO DOMINGO DE BONAVAL
Authors: Gilda Martino Maria , Layuno-Rosas Ángeles , Magaz-Molina Jorge
Published: May 2024

El espacio público es el lugar en el cual se concretan los desafíos más complejos de la sociedad actual. En la ciudad, tanto histórica como contemporánea, este sistema desempeña un papel crucial que se asocia cada vez más con la compresión profunda de su entorno en diversas escalas. En su proceso de constante crecimiento y transformación, estos espacios se afirman como parte integral de una estructura urbana que desempeña un papel esencial en la calidad de vida de la ciudadanía. Este artículo profundiza en la experiencia del modelo de desarrollo urbano de Santiago de Compostela entre 1988 y 1999, a partir de la integración del Centro Gallego de Arte Contemporáneo en el área de Bonaval, obra del arquitecto Álvaro Siza, en colaboración con la paisajista Isabel Aguirre. Un recorrido a través del proyecto implicará una serie de reflexiones críticas basadas en los procesos de interacción, conocimiento y análisis de la realidad como continuidad con el lugar y su historia. A través de este caso de estudio, se exploran las estrategias y enfoques que han permitido a este contexto urbano conformar un modelo de reordenación en claves de reestructuración del espacio público periurbano como suma de temporalidades históricas, topográficas y ambientales.
Customer Acquisition via Explainable Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Song Yicheng , Wang Wenbo , Yao Song
Published: May 2024

Effective customer acquisition is crucial for digital platforms, with sequential targeting ensuring that marketing messages are both timely and relevant. The proposed deep recurrent Q-network with attention (DRQN-attention) model enhances this process by optimizing long-term rewards and increasing decision-making transparency. Tested with a data set from a digital bank, the DRQN-attention model has proven to enhance clarity in decision making and outperform traditional methods in boosting long-term rewards. Its attention mechanism acts as a strategic tool for forward planning, pinpointing crucial ad marketing channels that are likely to engage and convert prospects. This capability enables marketers to understand the dynamic targeting strategies of the proposed model that align with customer profiles, dynamic behaviors, and the seasonality of the markets, thereby boosting confidence and effectiveness in their customer acquisition strategies.
Self-Adapting Network Relaxations for Weakly Coupled Markov Decision Processes
Authors: Nadarajah Selvaprabu , Cire Andre A.
Published: May 2024

High-dimensional weakly coupled Markov decision processes (WDPs) arise in dynamic decision making and reinforcement learning, decomposing into smaller Markov decision processes (MDPs) when linking constraints are relaxed. The Lagrangian relaxation of WDPs (LAG) exploits this property to compute policies and (optimistic) bounds efficiently; however, dualizing linking constraints averages away combinatorial information. We introduce feasibility network relaxations (FNRs), a new class of linear programming relaxations that exactly represents the linking constraints. We develop a procedure to obtain the unique minimally sized relaxation, which we refer to as self-adapting FNR, as its size automatically adjusts to the structure of the linking constraints. Our analysis informs model selection: (i) the self-adapting FNR provides (weakly) stronger bounds than LAG, is polynomially sized when linking constraints admit a tractable network representation, and can even be smaller than LAG, and (ii) self-adapting FNR provides bounds and policies that match the approximate linear programming (ALP) approach but is substantially smaller in size than the ALP formulation and a recent alternative Lagrangian that is equivalent to ALP. We perform numerical experiments on constrained dynamic assortment and preemptive maintenance applications. Our results show that self-adapting FNR significantly improves upon LAG in terms of policy performance and/or bounds, while being an order of magnitude faster than an alternative Lagrangian and ALP, which are unsolvable in several instances.

This paper was accepted by Baris Ata, stochastic models and simulation.

Supplemental Material: The electronic companion and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01108 .
A Procedure for Revising Data-Based Priors in a Group
Authors: Alon Shiri , Gayer Gabrielle
Published: May 2024

A group of individuals is interested in predicting the outcome of a current problem. Each individual has access to private data that are used to form a prior probability over possible outcomes. While individuals may be reluctant or unable to disclose their private data, they are willing to publish their priors. We characterize a procedure for revising the individuals’ prior probabilities based on the published priors of others and discuss its implications regarding the formation of a common prior in the group, both in the short and long run.

This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: G. Gayer gratefully acknowledges support from ISF [Grant 1443/20].
The Early Exercise Risk Premium
Authors: Aretz Kevin , Gazi Adnan
Published: May 2024

We study the asset pricing implications of being able to optimally early exercise plain vanilla puts, contrasting expected raw and delta-hedged returns across equivalent American and European puts. Our theory suggests that American puts yield less negative raw but more negative delta-hedged expected returns than equivalent European puts. The raw (delta-hedged) spread widens with a higher early exercise probability as induced through, for example, moneyness, time to maturity, and underlying asset volatility (variance and jump risk premiums). An empirical comparison of single-stock American puts with equivalent synthetic European puts formed from put–call parity supports our theory if and only if we allow for optimal early exercises in our return calculations. More strikingly, allowing for optimal early exercises significantly alters the profitability of 14 out of 15 well-known option anomalies with the average absolute change equal to 33% and five anomalies becoming insignificant.

This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance.

Supplemental Material: The internet appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.00440 .
Attention Focus and New Opportunities: The Moderating Role of Managerial Attention to Alternative Issues
Authors: Eklund John , Raj Manav , Eggers J. P.
Published: May 2024

The strategy literature highlights the critical role that managerial attention plays in shaping firms’ responses to industry change. However, attention to change alone is not sufficient to precipitate action. The context in which this attention is paid is also critical in determining the translation of attention to action as managers generally pay attention to multiple issues within their strategic agendas. We argue that attention to a competing issue and the breadth of managerial strategic attention impair the relationship between attention to a focal issue and related organizational action as these attentional constraints may lead to hesitancy or confusion at an individual level and reduced coordination at an organizational level. Realizing that at an organizational level, firms vary tremendously with respect to their sizes, resources, and by implication their overall attentional capacities, we argue that the negative moderation impacts of attention to a competing issue and the breadth of strategic attention on the attention to a focal issue–subsequent action relationship are larger for smaller firms. Studying the U.S. electric utility industry and the emerging new distributed electricity generation business model, we find broad support for our arguments and also important nuance. By melding theory, important details of our empirical setting, and intriguing empirical results, we develop greater insights into when and how the other strategic issues to which managers pay attention can shape the translation of managerial attention to a new business model into subsequent organizational action.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.15861 .
FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE NA EDUCAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL E TECNOLÓGICA NO BRASIL (2008-2022)
Authors: De Brito Leonardo , Castaman Ana Sara , Da Costa Maria Adelia , Dos Santos Pollyana
Published: May 2024

O estudo objetiva analisar os esforços da Secretaria de Educação Profissional e Tecnológica (SETEC), do Ministério da Educação (MEC) na elaboração e execução efetiva de políticas educacionais direcionadas à formação inicial e continuada de professores na/para a Educação Profissional e Tecnológica (EPT) no Brasil. Recorta-se o período de 2008 a 2022 para, em perspectiva, fazer um apanhado sobre o “estado da arte” das ações voltadas para formação docente para a EPT. O artigo (além da introdução e das considerações finais) está dividido em duas seções: a) constitui-se numa imersão na economia política do Brasil recentíssimo, marcando um paralelo entre os modelos econômicos adotados no período circunscrito e seus impactos na expansão ou retração de ações da SETEC/MEC, na formação docente, para atender a rede de Institutos Federais de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia, criada pela Lei no 11.892; b) trata de um balanço efetivo sobre as ações da SETEC/MEC, apresentando ainda, apontamentos necessários para a efetiva curricularização da docência em EPT nas licenciaturas oferecidas Brasil afora. Constata-se que embora a LDBEN em vigor estabeleça diretrizes claras para a formação de docentes, a implementação destas no contexto da EPT ainda é um desafio a ser superado. Outrossim, a curricularização da docência na EPT em cursos de licenciatura desponta como pilar essencial para a transformação da educação contemporânea, ou seja, formar docentes que, além de serem especialistas em seus campos de atuação, sejam igualmente educadores aptos a compreender e responder às nuances inerentes à educação, especialmente neste caso, a EPT.
VALORES DESUMANOS DO ESPORTE, RACIONALIDADE TÉCNICA E PENSAMENTO UNIDIMENSIONAL
Authors: Malina André , Tiago Quaresma Costa  , Ângela Celeste Barreto de Azevedo  , Leon Ramyssés Vieira Dias  , Jennifer Aline Zanela
Published: May 2024

O esporte é um dos elementos que compõem a cultura corporal humana, sendo um fenômeno da humanidade. Portanto, há um esforço de compreensão do esporte em diferentes frentes que o objetivam, como: o desenvolvimento de capacidades físicas, técnicas e táticas de diferentes modalidades; a elaboração de métodos didáticos para ensina-lo em diferentes segmentos sociais, por exemplo, na escola, e; abrange-lo como parte de um contexto macrossocial ao servir como um indicador para a compreensão das sociedades contemporâneas.
ECG of the month
Authors: Bloe Charles
Published: May 2024

In this issue's ECG of the month, Charles Bloe presents the case of a 19-year-old man with a family history of cardiomyopathy who noticed an irregular heart rhythm on his smartwatch.
Optimising High-Pressure Processing (HPP) for Optimal Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content in Kelulut (Stingless Bee) Honey
Authors:   Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Pagoh Education Hub, KM1, Jalan Panchor, 86400, Panchor Muar, Johor, Malaysia, Razali Muhammad Faiz , Talip Balkis A. ,   Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Higher Education Hub, KM 1, Jalan Panchor, 84600, Panchor Muar, Johor, Adzahan Noranizan Mohd ,   Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia, Sulaiman Alifdalino ,   Department of Process and Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia, Samiun Azeman ,   D’Butik Semanis Madu Enterprise, No. 49, Kampung Telosan, 16800 Pasir Putih, Kelantan, Fauzi Noor Akhmazillah Mohd ,   Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Pagoh Education Hub, KM1, Jalan Panchor, 86400, Panchor Muar, Johor, Malaysia
Published: May 2024

High-pressure processing (HPP) has the potential to enhance the total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC) in Kelulut honey (KH). However, KH’s inherent variability possesses challenges in optimising these phytochemicals. This study hence explores the optimisation of KH through HPP, focusing on TPC and TFC. The Face-centered Central Composite Design (FC-CCD), involving two factors with three levels each (pressure of 200, 400, and 600 MPa, and time of 5, 10, and 15 min), was applied to investigate two response variables (total phenolic and flavonoid content). The optimisation identified the optimal parameters as 200 MPa for 15 min, with a desirability of 0.986, indicating precise modeling. Compared to other pressures (400 and 600 MPa) at common processing time (15 minutes), 200 MPa recorded higher TPC and TFC with differences of 25.71% to 30.92% and 13.78% to 14.19%, respectively. A verification step revealed that HPP-KH at 200 MPa for 15 minutes yielded a TPC of 15.278 ± 0.525 mg GAE/100 g and a TFC of 38.274 ± 1.980 mg RE/100 g, indicating the precise accuracy of the quadratic modeling. However, this discovery contradicts the consensus that pressures above 500 MPa increase TPC and TFC. Consequently, it underscores the need for tailored high-pressure strategies in KH processing, offering essential insights for industry applications and further research endeavors.
Spatial Imaginaries and Performance of the Villancico de Negro
Authors: Brockmann Bernard Gordillo
Published: May 2024

Abstract: This essay is a reflection on the performance of the villancico de negro in an early modern Ibero-American context as well as on the musical subgenre's contested meaning in present-day concert programs. The first part examines the coro , a privileged space within a viceregal cathedral where ecclesiastical ritual devotion enacted a collective sensorial experience. This was a site where male choristers embodied the performance of villancicos through voice, taking on stock theatrical characters on the margins of empire. The second part explores the villancico de negro "Vengan, que lo plegona la negla," scored for two tiple singers and instrumental accompaniment, which is preserved in a manuscript dated 1704 from the archive of the Bogotá Cathedral. Here, I offer a close reading of the text's construction of Black women's voices and bodies as they participate in the narration and action of a Christmas play. The final section briefly looks at the discourses of silencing in the performance of villancicos de negro in the United States today. This reflection is informed by my experience as a scholar and performer of early modern Iberian and Ibero-American repertoires.
Bidirectional vortex beam and reflective polarization conversion terahertz metasurfaces
Authors: Li Jiu-Sheng , Jiang Ming-Yang , Xiong Ri-Hui
Published: May 2024

We design a terahertz metasurface with the functions of bidirectional vortex beams and reflection polarization conversion. The unit cell of the proposed metasurface consists of a vanadium dioxide metal mixed layer, a dielectric layer, a vanadium dioxide thin film, a dielectric layer, and a metal open ring. At room temperature, when a left-handed circularly polarized wave is incident, the metasurface generates a reflected mode vortex beam with topological charges of l=−1 and l=−2 at frequencies of 0.33 and 0.34 THz. Simultaneously, the metasurface produces transmitted mode vortex beams with topological charges of l=−1 and l=−2 at frequencies of 0.33 and 0.36 THz. When the temperature changes to 68°C and y-polarized waves are incident, the metasurface generates a reflected left-handed circularly polarized wave in the frequency bands of 0.6–0.65 THz and 1.75–1.93 THz, and a right-handed circularly polarized wave in the frequency band of 0.86–0.9 THz, achieving the function of converting linearly polarized waves into circularly polarized waves. This metasurface provides a new method for designing a single metasurface structure to achieve bidirectional multifunctional terahertz devices for transmission and reflection modes. In addition, the designed metasurface achieves a perfect polarization conversion function that can convert linearly polarized waves into circularly polarized waves.
Optical fiber sensor for wearable and accurate human respiratory monitoring
Authors: Shao Min , Yuan Yubo , Wang Manyin , Liu Yinggang , Qiao Xueguang
Published: May 2024

Accurate respiratory monitoring is of great significance in assessing and analyzing physical health, and preventing respiratory diseases. The recently emerged wearable respiratory sensors are confronted with the challenges such as complex fabrication processes, limited accuracy, and stringent wearing requirements. An optical fiber sensor for accurate human respiratory monitoring is proposed and experimentally verified. The sensor head is composed of a piece of seven core fiber sandwiched between two single-mode fibers by two fiber bitapers, which is embedded in a textile sheet and freely worn on the upper body. An efficient signal demodulation system is set up to acquire the respiratory signal, while Fourier transform (FFT) and short-time Fourier transform (STFT) methods are used to analyze the measured signal. Six volunteers are invited to perform the respiratory experiment, and the experimental results demonstrate that the sensor can accurately detect and distinguish respiratory signals under different humans, different states (normal, slow, fast), different body parts (abdomen, chest, back), different postures (standing, sitting, lying), and irregular respiration. The Pearson correlation coefficient of the sensor is higher than 0.9, which is consistent with commercial respiratory sensor. Meanwhile, the instability of the sensor is 0.003 Hz for the same volunteer in 6 months. The sensor has the advantages of high sensitivity, good stability and wearing comfort, showing good potential in healthcare applications.
Benefits of flexibility in current and future IM-DD based TDM-PON [Invited]
Authors: van Veen Doutje , Mahadevan Amitkumar , Straub Michael , Borkowski Robert , Bonk Rene , Houtsma Vincent
Published: May 2024

Due to continuously emerging high bandwidth applications, research and standardization of time division multiplexed passive optical networks (TDM-PONs) have focused on increasing the peak bitrate. However, increasing the bitrate while supporting the stringent optical power budget of a PON becomes increasingly challenging because of the larger chromatic dispersion penalties as well as reduced receiver sensitivity when the bitrate of the intensity modulation with direct-detection (IM-DD) based PON is increased. Also, increasing bitrate generally causes higher power consumption, which leads to more challenging thermal designs and misalignment with environmental targets. In this paper we give an overview of flexible concepts that can help achieve the required optical power budget and support reduced power consumption of a future IM-DD based TDM-PON. We demonstrate that a flexible PON can provide an increased overall throughput or an extended reach and power budget with the use of flexible modulation formats, probabilistic and geometric shaping, and flexible rate forward error correction (FEC). Another dimension of flexibility in the form of a configurable optical distribution network (ODN) is described and its merits and challenges are discussed. Flexible concepts based on interleaving of FEC codewords can align signal processing like FEC decoding and the protocol processing closer to the user-rate of an optical network unit (ONU), which leads to reduced power consumption. Flexibility based on multiple channels based on wavelength multiplexing or spatial multiplexing enables optimization of the power consumption to the amount of traffic on the PON. Several flexible concepts have already been adopted in the PON standards. We highlight flexible gain FEC for upstream 50G PON, the transmitter dispersion eye closure (TDEC) metric, and the flexible split-ratio ODN for power saving. Flexible modulation has not been adopted yet in PON standards, but it is expected that flexibility is more and more needed to support the performance, cost effectiveness, and power conservation of future optical access systems.
Propagation through and characterization of atmospheric and oceanic phenomena: introduction to the joint feature issue in Applied Optics and Journal of the Optical Society of America A
Authors: Avramov-Zamurovic Svetlana , Bos Jeremy , Beason Melissa , Ata Yalcin , Muschinski Andreas , Perez Dario
Published: May 2024

This joint feature issue in Applied Optics and JOSA A collects articles focused on the topic of propagation through and characterization of atmospheric oceanic phenomena. The papers cover a broad range of topics, many of which were addressed at the 2023 Propagation Through and Characterization of Atmospheric Oceanic Phenomena (pcAOP) Topical Meeting at the Optica Imaging Congress in Boston, Massachusetts, 14–17 August 2023. These papers are supplemented by numerous examples of the current state of research in the field. This is the first pcAOP feature issue, with the intention to produce an issue on this topic every two years.
Enhanced frame synchronization and carrier recovery in coherent FSO communication: a pseudo-random and cyclic QPSK approach
Authors: Wang Liqian , Liu Kunfeng , Zhang Siqi , Ding Shuang
Published: May 2024

To alleviate the impact of atmospheric turbulence on receiver carrier recovery in free-space optical communication, this study introduces a novel frame synchronization and carrier recovery method. This method employs a blend of pseudorandom sequences and specific cyclic quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) training sequences, facilitating frame synchronization and frequency offset (FO) estimation. The research designs a time-series metric curve to counteract the effect of side peaks, enhancing the accuracy of frequency offset estimation via QPSK spectrum features. Furthermore, the method incorporates a two-stage frequency offset estimation process, utilizing the inherent sign characteristics of the x and y polarization states. Applied to the quadrature amplitude modulation system under atmospheric turbulence conditions, the proposed algorithm demonstrates high precision under both strong and weak turbulence conditions. Furthermore, we confirmed the universality of the algorithm across multiple modulation formats.
Thin-film lithium niobate circulator-free dispersion compensator in a time-lens system for femtosecond-pulse generation
Authors: Huang Fujin , Xu Mengyue , Wang Jingyi , Zhang Xian , Tan Heyun , Yu Siyuan , Zhang Yanfeng , Cai Xinlun
Published: May 2024

We demonstrate a circulator-free thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) dispersion compensator based on the cascading 2 × 2 multimode interferometer (MMI) and two identical chirped Bragg gratings (CBGs). The cascaded MMI-CBG structure provides a dispersion value of 920 ps/nm/m over a 20 nm bandwidth covering 1537 to 1557 nm, featuring a compact footprint of 1 mm × 0.7 mm. Utilizing this device within a TFLN electro-optic time-lens system, we successfully generate 863-fs pulses at a 37 GHz repetition rate. Our compact, scalable, low-loss, and circulator-free dispersion compensator is the building block for the efficient generation of high-peak-power femtosecond laser pulses.
Optical feedback-induced spatiotemporal patterns with power law spectra in a liquid crystal light valve
Authors: Aguilera-Rojas Pedro J. , Clerc Marcel G. , Navia Simon
Published: May 2024

Pattern formation can be induced by coupling electromagnetic fields to a polarizable and lossy medium. Increasing energy injection patterns can exhibit aperiodic behaviors. We investigate the self-organization of unidimensional aperiodic patterns. Based on a liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) with optical feedback, we observed aperiodic one-dimensional patterns with power laws in the temporal and spatial spectrum density of the light intensity, and their pseudo envelope and phase characteristic of spatiotemporal complexity. Theoretically, a local model describes the system close to nascent bistability and spatial instability. Numerical simulations of this model show chaotic spatiotemporal patterns whose temporal and spatial spectra have exponents similar to those observed experimentally.
Topological Fano-resonance with type-II and type-III corner states
Authors: Medina-Vázquez José A. , González-Ramírez Evelyn Y. , Murillo-Ramírez José G.
Published: May 2024

Topological corner states have been used to develop topologically robust Fano-resonant systems immune to structural perturbations while preserving the ultra-sensitive profiles under external factors. In this work, we have extended the possibility of obtaining Fano-resonant systems by introducing type-II and type-III corner states with a large modal surface to this class of resonance. Through photonic lattices with low symmetry, such as C2, it is easy to obtain type-II and type-III corner states due to the tailoring of long-range interactions. Subsequently, one can combine topological cavities of type-II and type-III corner modes with topological waveguides obtained from a first-order topological insulating phase. Our results may pave the way to generate devices suitable for creating non-classical light applicable in quantum computing and ultra-sensitive sensors employing large-area topological states.
Sonine filters and their applications in fringe pattern analysis
Authors: Ochoa Noé Alcalá
Published: May 2024

This work aims to define Sonine filters and introduce them for digital image processing. Their fundamental properties are described and an optimizing performance procedure is explained, exploiting the unique advantage that this kind of filters possess, which consists of having simple analytical finite Fourier transforms for circular, elliptical and rectangular domains. A comparison with various existing filters is also presented, like Gaussian, Hann, Hamming, Blackmann, etc. Some relations are provided to facilitate their applicability. Also, comprehensive optimized filter designs are provided. Finally, an experimental application for intensity normalization and noise reduction of fringe patterns is described, showing that this kind of filters could be helpful in digital image processing and particularly in the analysis of fringe patterns.
“If I am alive, I am happy”: Defining quality of care from the perspectives of key maternal and newborn health stakeholders in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Faktor Lachlan M. , Wilson Alyce N. , Melepia Pele , Babona Delly , Wapi Pinip , Suruka Rose , Hezeri Priscah , Kabiu Duk Duk , Vallely Lisa M. , Kennedy Elissa , Scoullar Michelle J. L. , Spotswood Naomi , Homer Caroline S. E.
Published: May 2024

Quality maternal and newborn healthcare is essential to improve experiences and health outcomes for mothers and babies. In many low to middle income countries, such as Papua New Guinea, there are initiatives to increase antenatal care attendance and facility births. To develop and implement initiatives that are appropriate, relevant, and contextualised to a community, it is important to understand how quality of care is perceived and defined by different maternal and newborn healthcare stakeholders. The aim of this study was to understand how women, their partners, healthcare professionals, healthcare managers, and provincial health administrators in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea define quality of pregnancy, childbirth, and immediate postnatal care. An exploratory qualitative study underpinned by a partnership-defined quality approach was undertaken. In total, 42 participants from five different healthcare facilities in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, were interviewed. These included women, partners, healthcare professionals, healthcare managers, and provincial health administrators. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, assisted by NVivo computer software. Four themes were identified aligning with the journey a woman takes throughout the health system. These included (I) Ensuring Access: Arriving at the health centre, (II) Experiencing Positive Care: What the staff do, (III) Having the Bare Minimum: Resources available to the service, and (IV) Meeting Expectations: Outcomes of care. Stakeholder groups had significant overlap in how quality of care was defined, however women and partners focussed more on elements relating to experience of care, while clinical stakeholders focussed on elements relating to provision of care. There is a gap in how stakeholders define quality maternal and newborn healthcare, and the quality of the care which is administered and received.
Spatio-Temporal distribution characteristics and driving factors of traditional villages in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Huang Yuehao , Xue Qianming
Published: May 2024

Currently, research on traditional villages mainly focuses on the current development status and evolutionary trends in specific regions, with relatively limited studies from a macroscopic and holistic perspective on the spatiotemporal evolution of traditional villages. Therefore, this study selects traditional villages in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) as the research object. By analyzing the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and driving factors of traditional villages (TVs) in the basin, it aims to further promote high-quality development in the YRB and protect traditional cultural resources. Based on data from 892 village points of the first to sixth batches of TVs in the YRB, ArcGIS 10.8 spatial analysis techniques were employed to analyze the overall spatial pattern of TVs in the YRB. The results indicate: (1) In the basin, TVs are more numerous in the east than the west and more in the south than the north, forming clusters and contiguous distributions, with dense areas primarily in the upstream regions dominated by Qinghai Province and the midstream areas along the Shanxi-Shaanxi coast. (2) The number and scale of TVs in the basin generally exhibit an increasing trend, with imbalanced provincial distribution. More recent years show a more balanced distribution of villages and proportions, with a higher number of villages in the mountainous and plateau regions of the basin. (3) The layout center of TVs within the basin evolves with each batch, showing a migration pattern from north to south, back to north, and finally east to west. (4) The interaction of natural and social factors plays a synergistic role in driving the spatiotemporal distribution pattern of TVs. Among these, natural geographical factors are the primary factors. TVs are more commonly found in regions with low altitude sunny slopes, mild climate, abundant precipitation, proximity to ancient roads and rivers, gentle slopes, and soil predominantly comprising loess, brown earth, and alluvial soils. The cultural environment is a secondary factor, with TVs often located in areas with larger populations, developed economies, and rich cultural heritage.
Prevalence and risk factors of cytomegalovirus reactivation in critically Ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Tassaneeyasin Tanapat , Sungkanuparph Somnuek , Srichatrapimuk Sirawat , Charoensri Attawit , Thammavaranucupt Kanin , Jayanama Kulapong , Kirdlarp Suppachok
Published: May 2024

Backgrounds

In critically ill patients with COVID-19, secondary infections are potentially life-threatening complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of CMV reactivation among critically ill immunocompetent patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients who were admitted to ICU and screened for quantitative real-time PCR for CMV viral load in a tertiary-care hospital during the third wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Thailand. Cox regression models were used to identify significant risk factors for developing CMV reactivation.

Results

A total of 185 patients were studied; 133 patients (71.9%) in the non-CMV group and 52 patients (28.1%) in the CMV group. Of all, the mean age was 64.7±13.3 years and 101 patients (54.6%) were males. The CMV group had received a significantly higher median cumulative dose of corticosteroids than the non-CMV group (301 vs 177 mg of dexamethasone, p<0.001). Other modalities of treatments for COVID-19 including anti-viral drugs, anti-cytokine drugs and hemoperfusion were not different between the two groups (p>0.05). The 90-day mortality rate for all patients was 29.1%, with a significant difference between the CMV group and the non-CMV group (42.3% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.014). Median length of stay was longer in the CMV group than non-CMV group (43 vs 24 days, p<0.001). The CMV group has detectable CMV DNA load with a median [IQR] of 4,977 [1,365–14,742] IU/mL and 24,570 [3,703–106,642] in plasma and bronchoalveolar fluid, respectively. In multivariate analysis, only a cumulative corticosteroids dose of dexamethasone ≥250 mg (HR = 2.042; 95%CI, 1.130–3.688; p = 0.018) was associated with developing CMV reactivation.

Conclusion

In critically ill COVID-19 patients, CMV reactivation is frequent and a high cumulative corticosteroids dose is a significant risk factor for CMV reactivation, which is associated with poor outcomes. Further prospective studies are warranted to determine optimal management.