bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond traditional teaching: a systematic review of innovative pedagogical practices in higher education
Authors: Suyo-Vega Josefina Amanda , Fernández-Bedoya Víctor Hugo , Meneses-La-Riva Monica Elisa
Published: January 2024

Background Pedagogical best practices play a pivotal role in ensuring the academic success of students within the higher education landscape. This study aims to systematically synthesize innovative pedagogical best practices within the university context. Methods We conducted a thorough systematic review using the rigorous PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. Our review involved comprehensive searches of scientific databases, including Eric, Scopus, and Proquest, covering both Spanish and English publications. We strategically employed Boolean operators like AND and OR to create a robust search equation. Our primary research question guiding this investigation was: “What innovative pedagogical practices have been developed in university settings to improve teaching and learning effectiveness?” This central question led us to delve deeply into the strategies utilized, pedagogical approaches adopted, and the noticeable impact achieved after their implementation. Additionally, we carefully established stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to ensure methodological rigor. Results A total of 25 scholarly articles that met the pre-established criteria were meticulously identified and included in this systematic review. The results were thoughtfully categorized into three distinct teaching strategies: the first emphasizing student-centered approaches, the second showcasing the integration of educational technology, and the third highlighting evaluation and feedback methodologies. Conclusions This systematic exploration of pedagogical best practices underscores their paramount importance in driving continuous improvement in teacher training and fostering innovation within the educational arena. Such practices not only create an engaging and effective learning environment but also set the stage for ongoing advancements in the teaching and learning processes.
Establishing the ELIXIR Microbiome Community
Authors: Finn Robert D. , Balech Bachir , Burgin Josephine , Chua Physilia , Corre Erwan , Cox Cymon J. , Donati Claudio , dos Santos Vitor Martins , Fosso Bruno , Hancock John , Heil Katharina F. , Ishaque Naveed , Kale Varsha , Kunath Benoit J. , Médigue Claudine , Pafilis Evangelos , Pesole Graziano , Richardson Lorna , Santamaria Monica , Van Den Bossche Tim , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Zafeiropoulos Haris , Willassen Nils P. , Pelletier Eric , Batut Bérénice
Published: January 2024

Microbiome research has grown substantially over the past decade in terms of the range of biomes sampled, identified taxa, and the volume of data derived from the samples. In particular, experimental approaches such as metagenomics, metabarcoding, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics have provided profound insights into the vast, hitherto unknown, microbial biodiversity. The ELIXIR Marine Metagenomics Community, initiated amongst researchers focusing on marine microbiomes, has concentrated on promoting standards around microbiome-derived sequence analysis, as well as understanding the gaps in methods and reference databases, and solutions to computational overheads of performing such analyses. Nevertheless, the methods used and the challenges faced are not confined to marine studies, but are broadly applicable to all other biomes. Thus, expanding this Community to a more inclusive ELIXIR Microbiome Community will enable it to encompass a broad range of biomes and link expertise across ‘omics technologies. Furthermore, engaging with a large number of researchers will improve the efficiency and sustainability of bioinformatics infrastructure and resources for microbiome research (standards, data, tools, workflows, training), which will enable a deeper understanding of the function and taxonomic composition of the different microbial communities.
Community health worker-led household screening and management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in rural Bangladesh: a cluster randomized control trial protocol
Authors: Foote Eric M. , Jahan Farjana , Rahman Mahbubur , Parvez Sarker Masood , Ahmed Tasnim , Hasan Rezaul , Yeasmin Farzana , Arifeen Shams El , Billah Sk Masum , Hoque Md. Mahbubul , Shahidullah Mohammod , Shariful Islam Muhammad , Bhutani Vinod K , Darmstadt Gary L
Published: January 2024

Background Extreme hyperbilirubinemia leading to neurologic disability and death is disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) such as Bangladesh, and is largely preventable through timely treatment. In LMICs, an estimated half of all newborns are born at home and few receive screening or treatment for hyperbilirubinemia, leading to 6 million newborns per year who need phototherapy treatment for hyperbilirubinemia but are untreated. Household screening and treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with phototherapy administered by a trained community health worker (CHW) may increase indicated treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in comparison to the existing care system in Bangladesh. Methods 530 Bangladeshi women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy from the rural community of Sakhipur, Bangladesh will be recruited for a cluster randomized trial and randomized to the intervention arm — home screening and treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia — or the comparison arm to receive usual care. In the intervention arm, CHWs will provide mothers with two prenatal visits, visit newborns by 2 days of age and then daily for 3 days to measure transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) and monitor for clinical danger signs. Newborns without danger signs but with a TcB above the treatment threshold, but >15 mg/dL will be treated with light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy at home. Newborns with danger signs or TcB ≥15 mg/dL will be referred to a hospital for treatment. Treatment rates for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in each arm will be compared. Conclusion This study will evaluate the effectiveness of CHW-led home phototherapy to increase neonatal hyperbilirubinemia treatment rates in rural Bangladesh. LMICs are expanding access to postnatal care by using CHWs, and our work will give CHWs a curative treatment option for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Similar projects in other LMICs can be pursued to dramatically extend healthcare access to vulnerable newborns with hyperbilirubinemia.
Rationalizing Outcomes: Interdependent Learning in Competitive Markets
Authors: Menon Anoop , Yao Dennis
Published: January 2024

In this article, we use simulation models to explore interdependent learning in competitive markets. Such interactions require attention to both the mental representations held by the management of the focal firm as well as the beliefs of that management about the representations held by rival management. When jointly determined outcomes are the primary input to the learning process, understanding rival beliefs—what we call strategic empathy—becomes a crucial factor driving performance. To illustrate these processes, we focus on mental representations that a manager has regarding market demand. In our simulation models, learning occurs through market observations, which recalibrate a manager’s representation about demand. But the flexibility allowed by this recalibration is also a way through which managers rationalize incorrect representations. We find these processes sometimes lead to distortions of initially correct representations and may result in superior relative performance by the firm whose manager holds less correct representations. Finally, we explore how superior knowledge of a rival’s demand representations can improve own performance through market actions that intentionally shape how a rival learns.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.2018.0083 .
Learning-Based Optimal Admission Control in a Single-Server Queuing System
Authors: Cohen Asaf , Subramanian Vijay , Zhang Yili
Published: January 2024

We consider a long-term average profit–maximizing admission control problem in an M/M/1 queuing system with unknown service and arrival rates. With a fixed reward collected upon service completion and a cost per unit of time enforced on customers waiting in the queue, a dispatcher decides upon arrivals whether to admit the arriving customer or not based on the full history of observations of the queue length of the system. Naor [Naor P (1969) The regulation of queue size by levying tolls. Econometrica 37(1):15–24] shows that, if all the parameters of the model are known, then it is optimal to use a static threshold policy: admit if the queue length is less than a predetermined threshold and otherwise not. We propose a learning-based dispatching algorithm and characterize its regret with respect to optimal dispatch policies for the full-information model of Naor [Naor P (1969) The regulation of queue size by levying tolls. Econometrica 37(1):15–24]. We show that the algorithm achieves an O(1) regret when all optimal thresholds with full information are nonzero and achieves an [Formula: see text] regret for any specified [Formula: see text] in the case that an optimal threshold with full information is 0 (i.e., an optimal policy is to reject all arrivals), where N is the number of arrivals.

Funding: A. Cohen is partially supported by the National Science Foundation [Grant DMS-2006305]. V. Subramanian is supported in part by the NSF [Grants CCF-2008130, ECCS-2038416, CNS-1955777, and CMMI-2240981].
The inbetweeners: a review of the transition from child into adult care for young people with chronic health conditions
Authors: Mahoney Nicholas , Freeth Heather , Michalski Antony , Malbon Katie , Tavaré Alison
Published: January 2024

The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death reviewed the barriers and facilitators in the process of the transition of children and young people with chronic health conditions into adult health services. The report focuses on five issues – developmentally appropriate healthcare, the involvement of children and young people and their parents or carers in transition planning, communication and coordination of care, the organisation of transition services and leadership – and makes recommendations for practice.
Policy expertise in times of crisis
Authors: Aagaard Peter , Easton Marleen , Head Brian W.
Published: January 2024

Policy advisory systems, which provide evidence-informed policy advice to governments, are put under great pressure in times of crisis. Crisis situations may engender conflicting interpretations by stakeholders about how to respond. These conflicts are compounded by inevitable gaps in knowledge and uncertainties about how the crisis might develop. All governments face challenges beyond their control which can take many forms, ranging from financial and political disruptions through to health pandemics, natural disasters, and threats to national security. Such decision-making pressures were especially evident during the COVID-19 crisis and followed different trajectories in different countries. This introductory article frames a group of research studies that brings new insights into various aspects of how governmental policy advisory systems responded to this crisis. Policy advice was formulated against a backdrop of controversies about how to prioritise health outcomes, economic livelihoods and social interaction. These studies analyse policy advisory systems with particular attention to the quality of the available knowledge base, the disciplinary mix of expertise within advisory bodies, the roles of experts as either trusted insiders or as external commentators, as providers or ‘shapers’ of knowledge, and the degree of (in)formality in their relationships with politicians. These issues are also investigated in the context of creeping crises, such as climate change. Taken together, the special issue provides new insights into how knowledge provided through policy advisory systems informs crisis governance. In this way, it advances our knowledge of the relationship between experts in policy advisory systems and political decision-makers in times of crisis.
Bringing ‘Yotkom’ to northern Uganda: translating ‘health’ for those who need it most through a synthesis of clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Yulam Richard , Oroma Mathew , Abonga Charles , Auld Megan , Wright Andrew
Published: January 2024

In resource-poor settings, like northern Uganda, a shortage of trained medical staff and reduced access to evidence-based education or guidelines often leads to an inconsistent approach to medical practice and prescription, and consequent poor patient outcomes. Within this context the application of clinical practice guidelines developed in high-income countries has variable success. Due to the impractical resource and skill requirements of internationally developed guidelines, clinicians in resource-poor contexts are often left depending on traditional practices that are not evidence-based. In this practice paper, we describe the integrated knowledge translation-informed approach to developing a context-specific synthesis of clinical practice guidelines in a northern Ugandan hospital. Using the Knowledge Creation element of the Knowledge to Action cycle as a guide, and strategies from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change framework, we identified the most common conditions relevant to our health context and summarised the current best-practice guidelines for each. These recommendations were then further distilled through the context funnel of (1) health system resources, (2) clinician resources, (3) cultural implications, and (4) patient resources. This has resulted in a synthesis of clinical practice guidelines that are relevant to our context in terms of need and available resources and easy for clinicians to navigate during patient management. We wish to share this experience with clinicians and researchers working in similar resource-limited contexts, and provide a thinking framework for distilling best practice through the context funnel to develop pragmatic recommendations for low-middle income countries.
Talking about needs and rights in inter-agency meetings: interpretive contests in Swedish welfare provision
Authors: Samzelius Tove , Ulmestig Rickard
Published: January 2024

Inter-agency collaboration plays a central role in contemporary Swedish welfare provision and access to social security for citizens that are long-term unemployed and suffer from ill health. Drawing on Nancy Fraser’s theorisation on the ‘politics of needs interpretation’, this article examines how needs and rights are interpreted and contested in inter-agency meetings involving local representatives from national, regional and municipal Swedish welfare agencies. Contextualised against social security reforms that put emphasis on the limitation of access and a ‘work-first’ approach, the article suggests that localised inter-agency meetings of this nature are arenas where perceived injustices are symbolically elaborated and challenged ‘from within’ welfare organisations. Although discourses emphasising self-sufficiency and the importance of work tend to act as depoliticising and normalising, the way they are implemented in practice is not passively accepted by front-line professionals, who question interpretive justifications, as well as harmful consequences for individuals.
Advances in machine learning optimization for classical and quantum photonics
Authors: Sanchez M. , Everly C. , Postigo P. A.
Published: January 2024

The development and optimization of photonic devices and various other nanostructure electromagnetic devices present a computationally intensive task. Much optimization relies on finite-difference time-domain or finite element analysis simulations, which can become very computationally demanding for finely detailed structures and dramatically reduce the available optimization space. In recent years, various inverse design machine learning (ML) techniques have been successfully applied to realize previously unexplored optimization spaces for photonic and quantum photonic devices. In this review, recent results using conventional optimization methods, such as the adjoint method and particle swarm, are examined along with ML optimization using convolutional neural networks, Bayesian optimizations with deep learning, and reinforcement learning in the context of new applications to photonics and quantum photonics.
Linear electro-optical analysis model of a lithium niobate thin film modulator with arbitrary crystal axis orientation
Authors: Li Ye , Hong Lihong , Chen Baoqin , Li Zhi-Yuan
Published: January 2024

We propose an improved model for the electro-optic (EO) properties of a thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) Mach-Zehnder (MZ) electro-optic modulator (EOM) with arbitrary crystal axis orientation. We develop an analytical theory based on second-order nonlinear optics to describe the linear EO effect and establish an approximate calculation method with the aid of coupling theory and perturbation theory. By focusing on the optical and microwave electric fields’ dominant components and disregarding minor ones, we simplify the calculation process for the EO coupling coefficient and half-wave voltage length product (V
π
⋅L). We achieve a 12% increase in the EO coupling coefficient and a 10% reduction in V
π
⋅L by adjusting the crystal axis direction. Our research has significant implications for the design of the TFLN MZ EOM.
Characteristics of broadband OPCPA based on DKDP crystals with different deuterations for the SEL-100 PW laser system
Authors: Wang Aotian , Xue Pukai , Liu Xingyan , Wang Xinliang , Yu Lianghong , Liang Xiaoyan , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin
Published: January 2024

We present the performances of a broadband optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) using partially deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate (DKDP) crystals with deuteration levels of 70% and 98%. When pumped by a Nd:glass double frequency laser, the OPCPA system using the 98% deuterated DKDP crystal achieves a broad bandwidth of 189 nm (full width at 1/e2 maximum) from 836 nm to 1025 nm. For the DKDP crystal with length of 43 mm, the pump-to-signal conversion efficiency reaches 28.4% and the compressed pulse duration is 13.7 fs. For a 70% deuterated DKDP crystal with a length of 30 mm, the amplified spectrum ranges from 846-1021 nm, the compressed pulse duration is 15.7 fs, and the conversion efficiency is 25.5%. These results demonstrate the potential of DKDP crystals with higher deuteration as promising nonlinear crystals for use as final amplifiers in 100 Petawatt (PW) laser systems, supporting compression pulse duration shorter than 15 fs.
Investigation of non-line-of-sight underwater optical wireless communications with wavy surface
Authors: Fang Chengwei , Li Shuo , Wang Yinong , Wang Ke
Published: January 2024

Underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) systems have been widely researched to achieve high-speed and secure wireless communications. The non-line-of-sight (NLOS) UOWC system that uses the water surface to reflect signal light is widely studied to overcome the line-of-sight (LOS) channel limitation, particularly the channel blockage issue by marine biology or complex underwater topography. However, most previous NLOS UOWC studies have assumed a flat water surface or a general sine or cosine surface wave model for simplicity, leading to inaccurate performance estimations. In this paper, we build a theoretical NLOS UOWC framework with the Pierson wave model which considers both spatial correlation and time relativity information of wave incorporating wind speed, and investigate the signal-noise-ratio (SNR) and bit-error-rate (BER) performance. Results show that compared with the previous flat surface, the wavy surface can reduce the probability of achieving a satisfying signal level by up to 70%, affecting the performance of NLOS UOWC systems. Furthermore, we investigate the multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO)-based NLOS UOWC under wavy surfaces. Results show that the MIMO principle can reduce the impact of the wavy surface, where the probability of achieving a satisfying signal level can be increased by up to 50% using the 2 × 4 MIMO configuration. However, results also show that further increasing the number of receivers may not further improve the system performance. The proposed model enables more accurate design and analysis of NLOS UOWC systems by accounting for the overlooked impact of wavy surfaces.
THz spectrum processing method based on optimal wavelet selection
Authors: Ge Hongyi , Sun Zhenyu , Lu Xuejing , Jiang Yuying , Lv Ming , Li Guangming , Zhang Yuan
Published: January 2024

Terahertz spectrum is easily interfered by system noise and water-vapor absorption. In order to obtain high quality spectrum and better prediction accuracy in qualitative and quantitative analysis model, different wavelet basis functions and levels of decompositions are employed to perform denoising processing. In this study, the terahertz spectra of wheat samples are denoised using wavelet transform. The compound evaluation indicators (T) are used for systematically analyzing the quality effect of wavelet transform in terahertz spectrum preprocessing. By comparing the optimal denoising effects of different wavelet families, the wavelets of coiflets and symlets are more suitable for terahertz spectrum denoising processing than the wavelets of fejer-korovkin and daubechies, and the performance of symlets 8 wavelet basis function with 4-level decomposition is the optimum. The results show that the proposed method can select the optimal wavelet basis function and decomposition level of wavelet denoising processing in the field of terahertz spectrum analysis.
Multifunctional emitter based on inverse design for infrared stealth, thermal imaging and radiative cooling
Authors: Nong Jie , Li Ning , Jiang Xinpeng , Wei Xueling , Zhang Yiyi , Zhao Kaixiao , Xian Jiahua , Zhang Zhenfu , Yu Yang , Zhang Zhenrong , Chen Huan , Yang Junbo
Published: January 2024

In contrast to conventional emitters fashioned from traditional materials, tunable thermal emitters exhibit a distinct propensity to fulfill the demands of diverse scenarios, thereby engendering an array of prospects within the realms of communications, military applications, and control systems. In this paper, a tunable thermal emitter without continuous external excitation is introduced using Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) and high-temperature-resistant material Mo. It is automatically optimized by inverse design with genetic algorithm (GA) to switch between different functions according to the object temperature to adapt to diverse scenarios. In “off” mode, the emitter orchestrates a blend of infrared (IR) stealth and thermal management. This is evidenced by average absorptivity values of 0.08 for mid-wave infrared (MIR, 3-5 µm), 0.19 for long-wave infrared (LIR, 8-14 µm), and 0.68 for the non-atmospheric window (NAW, 5-8 µm). Conversely, when confronted with high-temperature entities, the emitter seamlessly transitions to “on” mode, instigating a process of radiative cooling. This transformation is reflected in the augmented emissivity of the dual-band atmospheric window including MIR and LIR, attaining peak values of 0.96 and 0.97. This transition yields a cooling potential, quantified at 64 W/m2 at the ambient temperature of 25°C. In addition, our design employs a layered structure, which avoids complex patterned resonators and facilitates large-area fabrication. The emitter in this paper evinces robust insensitivity to polarization variations and the angle of incidence. We believe that this work will contribute to the development in the fields of dynamic tunability for IR stealth, dynamic radiative cooling systems, and thermal imaging.
Dual interface trapezium liquid prism with beam steering function
Authors: Tun Sandar , Zhao You-Ran , Xu Jin-Bo , Li Xiao-Wei , Liu Chao , Wang Qiong-Hua
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a dual interface trapezium liquid prism with beam steering function is implemented and analyzed. The electrowetting-on-dielectric method is used to perform the desired beam steering function without mechanical moving parts. This work examines deflection angles at different applied voltages to determine the beam steering range. The deflection angle can be experimentally measured from 0° to 3.43°. The proposed liquid prism can be applied in the field of optical manipulation, solar collecting system and so on.
Unveiling out-of-loop attosecond timing jitter precision in Ti:sapphire mode-locked lasers with an optical heterodyne technique
Authors: Wu Haitao , Xu Hao , Zhao Jianye
Published: January 2024

The out-of-loop timing jitter exhibited in free-running Ti:sapphire mode-locked lasers with attosecond resolution is demonstrated using an optical heterodyne technique. To assess the feasibility of the experiment and discrimination signal properties, numerical simulations were conducted for Ti:sapphire mode-locked lasers. For accurately characterizing the genuine phase noise exhibited by Ti:sapphire mode-locked lasers, out-of-loop measurements were conducted, and a straightforward yet improved optical heterodyne setup was employed, allowing simultaneous low-bandwidth locking and out-of-loop timing jitter measurements with two Ti:sapphire mode-locked lasers. The out-of-loop phase noise floor for a single mode-locked laser reaches −203.47 dBc/Hz, assuming a 10 GHz carrier frequency. Additionally, the out-of-loop integrated timing jitter is 11.9 as from 10 kHz to the Nyquist frequency (50 MHz).
Bidirectional electrostatic MEMS-tunable VCSELs
Authors: Simonsen Arnhold , Payandeh Masoud , Engelberth Hansen Søren , Marchevsky Andrey , Cheol Park Gyeong , Kumar Sahoo Hitesh , Semenova Elizaveta , Hansen Ole , Yvind Kresten
Published: January 2024

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are the fastest coherently tunable lasers (nm/ns) due to their unique Doppler-assisted tuning mechanism. However, in standard electrostatic actuation, the response is highly nonlinear and large (>100 V) dynamic voltages are needed for MHz sweep rates. We present a bidirectional MEMS VCSEL as a solution to these challenges where static voltages can be used to enable substantially linear and amplified wavelength tuning with respect to the fast tuning (MEMS) voltage. Using an InP/SOI MEMS bonded structure, we show a tuning range of 54.5 nm (gain limited) centered around 1586 nm at an actuation frequency of 2.73 MHz.
Digital self-aligned focusing schlieren
Authors: Bathel Brett F. , Weisberger Joshua M. , Page Wayne E. , Lalonde Elijah J. , Jones Stephen B.
Published: January 2024

In this Letter, a digital self-aligned focusing schlieren (D-SAFS) system is introduced. This system uses a digital transparent micro liquid crystal display (μLCD), in combination with a linear polarizer, to act on the linear polarization state of light transmitted in both the forward and reverse directions, essentially acting as both the source and cutoff grids. The use of the μLCD display allows for on-the-fly changes to the cutoff pattern type, spatial frequency, and orientation. This eliminates the need to physically access the source/cutoff grid in order to optimize the instrument’s sensitivity, which is necessary with a conventional self-aligned focusing schlieren (SAFS) system.
Tailoring nonuniform local orbital angular momentum density
Authors: Wang Qiang , Xia Zheng-Cong , Zhao Jia-Hao , Zhang Xuan , Tu Cheng-Hou , Li Yong-Nan , Wang Hui-Tian
Published: January 2024

As is well known, a light beam with a helical phase carries an optical orbital angular momentum (OAM), which can cause the orbital motion of trapped microparticles around the beam axis. Usually, the speed of the orbital motion is uniform along the azimuthal direction and depends on the amount of OAM and the light intensity. Here, we present the reverse customized method to tailor the nonuniform local OAM density along the azimuthal direction of the focal field, which has a hybrid polarization distribution and maintains a doughnut-shaped intensity profile. Theoretical analysis and experimental results about the orbital motion of the trapped polystyrene sphere show that the nonuniform local OAM density can be tailored by manipulating the polarization states of the focal field. Our results provide an ingenious way to control the local tangential optical force and the speed of the orbital motion of particles driven by the local OAM density and will promote exciting possibilities for exploring ways to control the mechanical dynamics of microparticles in optical trapping and microfluidics.
Generalized Rayleigh quotient optimization method for inter-channel nonlinearity compensation in coherent optical communication systems
Authors: Lan Tianxiang , Yang Chuanchuan , Fang Xiansong , Zhang Fan , Yu Wenjing , Zhou Weiqin , Chen Zhangyuan
Published: January 2024

Inter-channel nonlinearity compensation plays a crucial role in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems for improving transmission capacity and distance. In this work, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, inter-channel nonlinearity compensation method called generalized Rayleigh quotient optimization (GRQO) method with two different working modes. In an 8 × 64 GBaud 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) experimental system over 1600 km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF), the proposed method shows a 0.40 dB Q2 factor improvement over nonlinear polarization cross talk canceller (NPCC) with a moderately low computational complexity of about 2000 real multiplications per bit (RMb).
Intracavity frequency-doubled yellow laser in an electron–phonon-coupled Nd:YVO4 crystal
Authors: Fu Yu , Hao Hong , Liang Fei , Lu Dazhi , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin
Published: January 2024

An approach to obtain a yellow laser is demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge by the employment of an Nd3+-doped YVO4 crystal and a LBO frequency-doubling crystal. Differing from the previous stimulated self-Raman radiation of Nd:YVO4, a direct 1176 nm lasing, without a high-intensity intracavity 1064 nm laser, was realized by utilizing an electron–phonon coupling effect and amplifying the thermally activated vibronic transitions. Combining with intracavity frequency-doubling, a yellow laser at 588 nm was obtained. At the pump power of 14.3 W, the output power of the yellow laser was 1.17 W, corresponding to a diode-to-visible efficiency of 8.2%. Moreover, for the first time, the yellow laser at 584 nm with output power of 164 mW was realized by tuning the filter, indicating the great potential of such an electron–phonon coupling laser for a wavelength extension in the yellow regime.
Auto-focusing femtosecond laser manufacturing system via acoustic emission technology
Authors: Fu Yanzhe , Su Yao , Wei Jiayong , Wang Bing , Li Jiebo
Published: January 2024

Auto-focusing technology in ultrafast laser processing, especially for non-planar structures, holds paramount importance. The existing methodologies predominantly rely on optical mechanisms, thereby being limited by the original system and material reflectivity. This work proposes an approach that utilizes laser-induced sound as a feedback signal for system control, thereby circumventing the need for optical system adjustments and facilitating almost real-time tracking. We established an ultrafast laser processing system augmented by acoustic emission technology, allowing for focus tracking on inclined planes. This system also exhibits the capability to generate diverse microscopic morphologies, including grooves and differently oriented laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), through the manipulation of the acoustic signal threshold. This method can be easily integrated into existing laser processing systems, offering new capabilities for curved surface processing, microstructure manufacturing, and transparent material processing.
Dry etching of epitaxial InGaAs/InAlAs/InAlGaAs structures for fabrication of photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Nazib Sami A. , Hutchins-Delgado Troy A. , Sharma Aadit , Lee Hosuk , Jamil Erum , Withers Nathan J. , Rotter Thomas J. , Addamane Sadhvikas J. , Nogan John , James Anthony R. , Ross Willard , Pete Douglas V. , Smolyakov Gennady A. , Balakrishnan Ganesh , Osiński Marek
Published: January 2024

A dry etching process to transfer the pattern of a photonic integrated circuit design for high-speed laser communications is described. The laser stack under consideration is a 3.2-µm-thick InGaAs/InAlAs/InAlGaAs epitaxial structure grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The etching was performed using Cl2-based inductively-coupled-plasma and reactive-ion-etching (ICP-RIE) reactors. Four different recipes are presented in two similar ICP-RIE reactors, with special attention paid to the etched features formed with various hard mask compositions, in-situ passivations, and process temperatures. The results indicate that it is possible to produce high-aspect-ratio features with sub-micron separation on this multilayer structure. Additionally, the results of the etching highlight the tradeoffs involved with the corresponding recipes.
Super-resolution mapping in rod photoreceptors identifies rhodopsin trafficking through the inner segment plasma membrane as an essential subcellular pathway
Authors: Haggerty Kristen N. , Eshelman Shannon C. , Sexton Lauren A. , Frimpong Emmanuel , Rogers Leah M. , Agosto Melina A. , Robichaux Michael A.
Published: January 2024

Photoreceptor cells in the vertebrate retina have a highly compartmentalized morphology for efficient phototransduction and vision. Rhodopsin, the visual pigment in rod photoreceptors, is densely packaged into the rod outer segment sensory cilium and continuously renewed through essential synthesis and trafficking pathways housed in the rod inner segment. Despite the importance of this region for rod health and maintenance, the subcellular organization of rhodopsin and its trafficking regulators in the mammalian rod inner segment remain undefined. We used super-resolution fluorescence microscopy with optimized retinal immunolabeling techniques to perform a single molecule localization analysis of rhodopsin in the inner segments of mouse rods. We found that a significant fraction of rhodopsin molecules was localized at the plasma membrane, at the surface, in an even distribution along the entire length of the inner segment, where markers of transport vesicles also colocalized. Thus, our results collectively establish a model of rhodopsin trafficking through the inner segment plasma membrane as an essential subcellular pathway in mouse rod photoreceptors.
Reusable rule-based cell cycle model explains compartment-resolved dynamics of 16 observables in RPE-1 cells
Authors: Lang Paul F. , Penas David R. , Banga Julio R. , Weindl Daniel , Novak Bela
Published: January 2024

The mammalian cell cycle is regulated by a well-studied but complex biochemical reaction system. Computational models provide a particularly systematic and systemic description of the mechanisms governing mammalian cell cycle control. By combining both state-of-the-art multiplexed experimental methods and powerful computational tools, this work aims at improving on these models along four dimensions: model structure, validation data, validation methodology and model reusability.

We developed a comprehensive model structure of the full cell cycle that qualitatively explains the behaviour of human retinal pigment epithelial-1 cells. To estimate the model parameters, time courses of eight cell cycle regulators in two compartments were reconstructed from single cell snapshot measurements. After optimisation with a parallel global optimisation metaheuristic we obtained excellent agreements between simulations and measurements. The PEtab specification of the optimisation problem facilitates reuse of model, data and/or optimisation results.

Future perturbation experiments will improve parameter identifiability and allow for testing model predictive power. Such a predictive model may aid in drug discovery for cell cycle-related disorders.
Plasticity of growth laws tunes resource allocation strategies in bacteria
Authors: Mukherjee Avik , Chang Yu-Fang , Huang Yanqing , Benites Nina Catherine , Ammar Leander , Ealy Jade , Polk Mark , Basan Markus
Published: January 2024

Bacteria like E. coli grow at vastly different rates on different substrates, however, the precise reason for this variability is poorly understood. Different growth rates have been attributed to ‘nutrient quality’, a key parameter in bacterial growth laws. However, it remains unclear to what extent nutrient quality is rooted in fundamental biochemical constraints like the energy content of nutrients, the protein cost required for their uptake and catabolism, or the capacity of the plasma membrane for nutrient transporters. Here, we show that while nutrient quality is indeed reflected in protein investment in substrate-specific transporters and enzymes, this is not a fundamental limitation on growth rate, at least for certain ‘poor’ substrates. We show that it is possible to turn mannose, one of the ‘poorest’ substrates of E. coli, into one of the ‘best’ substrates by reengineering chromosomal promoters of the mannose transporter and metabolic enzymes required for mannose degradation. This result falls in line with previous observations of more subtle growth rate improvement for many other carbon sources. However, we show that this faster growth rate comes at the cost of diverse cellular capabilities, reflected in longer lag phases, worse starvation survival and lower motility. We show that addition of cAMP to the medium can rescue these phenotypes but imposes a corresponding growth cost. Based on these data, we propose that nutrient quality is largely a self-determined, plastic property that can be modulated by the fraction of proteomic resources devoted to a specific substrate in the much larger proteome sector of catabolically activated genes. Rather than a fundamental biochemical limitation, nutrient quality reflects resource allocation decisions that are shaped by evolution in specific ecological niches and can be quickly adapted if necessary.
MEDUSA: A cloud-based tool for the analysis of X-ray diffuse scattering to obtain the bending modulus from oriented membrane stacks
Authors: Himbert Sebastian , Gaboo Dorian , Brookes Emre , Nagle John F. , Rheinstädter Maikel C.
Published: January 2024

An important mechanical property of cells is their membrane bending modulus, κ. Here, we introduce MEDUSA (MEmbrane DiffUse Scattering Analysis), a cloud-based analysis tool to determine the bending modulus, κ, from the analysis of X-ray diffuse scattering. MEDUSA uses GPU (graphics processing unit) accelerated hardware and a parallelized algorithm to run the calculations efficiently in a few seconds. MEDUSA’s graphical user interface allows the user to upload 2-dimensional data collected from different sources, perform background subtraction and distortion corrections, select regions of interest, run the fitting procedure and output the fitted parameters, the membranes’ bending modulus κ, and compressional modulus B.
Dietary intake and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Mbeya, Tanzania
Authors: Killel Erick , Mchau Geofrey , Mbilikila Hamida , Azizi Kaunara , Ngasa Nyamizi , Hancy Adam , Lukindo Tedson , Mwiru Ramadhan , Noor Ramadhan , Sanga Abraham , Codjia Patrick , Leyna Germana H. , Masumo Ray M.
Published: January 2024

Poor dietary intake among pregnant women has serious detrimental consequences for pregnancy and offspring both in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to assess dietary intake and associated risk factors among pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbeya, Tanzania with a sample size of 420 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics to assess the factors associated with dietary intake. Dietary intake was assessed using a piloted questionnaire of the Prime Diet Quality Score. A tested standard questionnaire was also used to collect factors that are associated with dietary intake among pregnant women. The strengths of the associations between the dependent and independent variables were tested using the Pearson chi-square tests and the multivariate log-binomial regression method was performed to calculate the adjusted risk ratios (ARR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The study revealed that out of 420 pregnant women who participated in this study only 12.6% and 29.3% consumed at least four servings of fruits and vegetables per week respectively. Poor dietary intakes were less likely among cohabiting pregnant women [Adjusted RR 0.22 (95% CI 0.09–0.50)] and; those who reported taking Fansidar tablets during the pregnancy [Adjusted RR 0.55 (95% CI 0.31–0.96)]. Further, we found that poor dietary intakes were more likely among pregnant women who were classified as overweight and obesity by the MUAC above 33cm [Adjusted RR 3.49 (95% CI 1.10–11.06)]. The study results affirm that cohabitation and obesity affect dietary intakes among pregnant women differently compared to married women in rural settings of Tanzania. Further research is needed to investigate the social aspects that link dietary intake outcomes for developing a tailored gestational intervention to improve maternal and birth outcomes in sub-Saharan African countries.
A novel Trichinella spiralis serine proteinase disrupted gut epithelial barrier and mediated larval invasion through binding to RACK1 and activating MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Song Yan Yan , Zhang Xin Zhuo , Wang Bo Ning , Cheng Yong Kang , Guo Xin , Zhang Xi , Long Shao Rong , Liu Ruo Dan , Wang Zhong Quan , Cui Jing
Published: January 2024

Background

Gut epithelium is the first natural barrier against Trichinella spiralis larval invasion, but the mechanism by which larval penetration of gut epithelium is not completely elucidated. Previous studies showed that proteases secreted by T. spiralis intestinal infective larvae (IIL) degraded tight junctions (TJs) proteins of gut epithelium and mediated larval invasion. A new T. spiralis serine proteinase (TsSPc) was identified in the IIL surface proteins and ES proteins, rTsSPc bound to the intestinal epithelial cell (IECs) and promoted larval invasion of IECs. The aim of this study was to characterize the interacted proteins of TsSPc and IECs, and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of TsSPc mediating larval invasion of gut mucosa.

Methodology/Principal finding

IIFT results showed natural TsSPc was detected in infected murine intestine at 6, 12 hours post infection (hpi) and 3 dpi. The results of GST pull-down, mass spectrometry (MS) and Co-IP indicated that rTsSPc bound and interacted specifically with receptor for activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1) in Caco-2 cells. rTsSPc did not directly hydrolyze the TJs proteins. qPCR and Western blot showed that rTsSPc up-regulated RACK1 expression, activated MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway, reduced the expression levels of gut TJs (occludin and claudin-1) and adherent protein E-cad, increased the paracellular permeability and damaged the integrity of intestinal epithelial barrier. Moreover, the RACK1 inhibitor HO and ERK1/2 pathway inhibitor PD98059 abolished the rTsSPc activating ERK1/2 pathway, they also inhibited and abrogated the rTsSPc down-regulating expression of occludin, claudin-1 and E-cad in Caco-2 monolayer and infected murine intestine, impeded larval invasion and improved intestinal epithelial integrity and barrier function, reduced intestinal worm burdens and alleviated intestinal inflammation.

Conclusions

rTsSPc bound to RACK1 receptor in gut epithelium, activated MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway, decreased the expression of gut epithelial TJs proteins and disrupted the epithelial integrity, consequently mediated T. spiralis larval invasion of gut epithelium. The results are valuable to understand T. spiralis invasion mechanism, and TsSPc might be regarded as a vaccine target against T. spiralis invasion and infection.
What risk do Brucella vaccines pose to humans? A systematic review of the scientific literature on occupational exposure
Authors: Vives-Soto Manuel , Puerta-García Amparo , Rodríguez-Sánchez Esteban , Pereira José-Luis , Solera Javier
Published: January 2024

Background

Currently, vaccination of livestock with attenuated strains of Brucella remains an essential measure for controlling brucellosis, although these vaccines may be dangerous to humans. The aim of this study was to review the risk posed to humans by occupational exposure to vaccine strains and the measures that should be implemented to minimize this risk.

Methods

This article reviewed the scientific literature indexed in PubMed up to September 30, 2023, following "the PRISMA guidelines". Special emphasis was placed on the vaccine strain used and the route of exposure. Non-occupational exposure to vaccine strains, intentional human inoculation, publications on exposure to wild strains, and secondary scientific sources were excluded from the study.

Results

Nineteen primary reports were found and classified in three subgroups: safety accidents in vaccine factories that led to an outbreak (n = 2), survellaince studies on vaccine manufacturing workers with a serologic diagnosis of Brucella infection (n = 3), and publications of infection by vaccine strains during their administration, including case reports, records of occupational accidents and investigations of outbreaks in vaccination campaigns (n = 14). Although accidental exposure during vaccine manufacturing were uncommon, they could provoke large outbreaks through airborne spread with risk of spread to the neighboring population. Besides, despite strict protection measures, a percentage of vaccine manufacturing workers developed positive Brucella serology without clinical infection. The most frequent type of exposure with symptomatic infection was needle injury during vaccine administration. Prolonged contact with the pathogen, lack of information and a low adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) use in the work environment were commonly associated with infection.

Conclusions

Brucella vaccines pose occupational risk of contagion to humans from their production to their administration to livestock, although morbidity is low and deaths were not reported. Recommended protective measures and active surveillance of exposed workers appeared to reduce this risk. It would be advisable to carry out observational studies and/or systematic registries using solid diagnostic criteria.
Using meta-analysis and machine learning to investigate the transcriptional response of immune cells to Leishmania infection
Authors: Rezaei Zahra , Tahmasebi Ahmad , Pourabbas Bahman
Published: January 2024

Background

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania protozoan affecting millions of people worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The immune response involves the activation of various cells to eliminate the infection. Understanding the complex interplay between Leishmania and the host immune system is crucial for developing effective treatments against this disease.

Methods

This study collected extensive transcriptomic data from macrophages, dendritic, and NK cells exposed to Leishmania spp. Our objective was to determine the Leishmania-responsive genes in immune system cells by applying meta-analysis and feature selection algorithms, followed by co-expression analysis.

Results

As a result of meta-analysis, we discovered 703 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), primarily associated with the immune system and cellular metabolic processes. In addition, we have substantiated the significance of transcription factor families, such as bZIP and C2H2 ZF, in response to Leishmania infection. Furthermore, the feature selection techniques revealed the potential of two genes, namely G0S2 and CXCL8, as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Leishmania infection. Lastly, our co-expression analysis has unveiled seven hub genes, including PFKFB3, DIAPH1, BSG, BIRC3, GOT2, EIF3H, and ATF3, chiefly related to signaling pathways.

Conclusions

These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of immune system cells to Leishmania infection and offer novel potential targets for the therapeutic goals.