bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative modeling of lenticulostriate arteries on 7-T TOF-MRA for cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Li Zhixin , Sun Dongbiao , Ling Chen , Bai Li , Zhang Jinyuan , Wu Yue , Yuan Yun , Wang Zhaoxia , Wang Zhe , Zhuo Yan , Xue Rong , Zhang Zihao
Published: November 2024

Background

We developed a framework for segmenting and modeling lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) on 7-T time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography and tested its performance on cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) patients and controls.

Methods

We prospectively included 29 CADASIL patients and 21 controls. The framework includes a small-patch convolutional neural network (SP-CNN) for fine segmentation, a random forest for modeling LSAs, and a screening model for removing wrong branches. The segmentation performance of our SP-CNN was compared to competitive networks. External validation with different resolution was performed on ten patients with aneurysms. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff distance (HD) between each network and manual segmentation were calculated. The modeling results of the centerlines, diameters, and lengths of LSAs were compared against manual labeling by four neurologists.

Results

The SP-CNN achieved higher DSC (92.741 ± 2.789, mean ± standard deviation) and lower HD (0.610 ± 0.141 mm) in the segmentation of LSAs. It also outperformed competitive networks in the external validation (DSC 82.6 ± 5.5, HD 0.829 ± 0.143 mm). The framework versus manual difference was lower than the manual inter-observer difference for the vessel length of primary branches (median -0.040 mm, interquartile range -0.209 to 0.059 mm) and secondary branches (0.202 mm, 0.016–0.537 mm), as well as for the offset of centerlines of primary branches (0.071 mm, 0.065–0.078 mm) and secondary branches (0.072, 0.064–0.080 mm), with p < 0.001 for all comparisons.

Conclusion

Our framework for LSAs modeling/quantification demonstrated high reliability and accuracy when compared to manual labeling.

Trial registration

NCT05902039 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05902039?cond=NCT05902039).

Relevance statement

The proposed automatic segmentation and modeling framework offers precise quantification of the morphological parameters of lenticulostriate arteries. This innovative technology streamlines diagnosis and research of cerebral small vessel disease, eliminating the burden of manual labeling, facilitating cohort studies and clinical diagnosis.

Key Points

The morphology of LSAs is important in the diagnosis of CSVD but difficult to quantify.

The proposed algorithm achieved the performance equivalent to manual labeling by neurologists.

Our method can provide standardized quantitative results, reducing radiologists’ workload in cohort studies.

Graphical Abstract
Modeling local scour around complex bridge supports using CFD and a shear-stresses-based simplified approach
Authors: Abdelalim Sama M. , Gad Mohamed A. , El-Molla Doaa A.
Published: November 2024

This study presents a simplified numerical modeling approach that estimates the local scour depths around bridge supports based on the bed shear stresses. It is developed using 3D computational fluid dynamics and coding through ANSYS workbench scripting along with C++ language. The proposed model is called SCFDS (Simplified Computational Fluid Dynamics Scour). The model’s main idea is to lower the bed bathymetry at the locations affected by flow obstruction until the shear stresses reach stable target values. The developed model is assessed by applying it to a complex pier of a real bridge over the Nile-River, and its scour data is calculated using the Hec-18 empirical equations. The outcomes of the model’s assessment show that it can depict the local scour around complex bridge supports. The developed approach is a novel and efficient tool that can help the designers in simulating local scour in the vicinity of flow obstructions. However, more verification studies are necessary to reach a generalized conclusion.
A numerical investigation on rheological turbulent flow through a 90° mixing elbow
Authors: Banerjee Arka , Mazumdar Joydeep
Published: November 2024

Mixing elbows are widely used in various industrial processes to mix two different Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluids under turbulent flow conditions. This study numerically investigates the fluid flow and mixing characteristics in 90-degree elbows with different bend curvatures (curvature ratios of 3, 6, and 9) and Reynolds numbers ranging from 1 × 104 to 5 × 105 for both fluid types. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations are solved using the turbulent k-epsilon model in ANSYS Fluent. Results show that the bend curvature creates an adverse pressure gradient that drives secondary flows, which become more pronounced with higher Reynolds numbers and lower curvature ratios. Higher Reynolds numbers improve mixing quality, as indicated by velocity and temperature variations quantified using standard deviations. For Reynolds numbers in the range of 104, velocity fluctuations initially increase, but at higher values (~ 105), they decrease, even by up to 64% as the Reynolds number rises from 1 × 105 to 5 × 105. Similarly, increasing the curvature ratio enhances mixing efficiency, with a 32% reduction in velocity fluctuations when the curvature ratio increases from 6 to 9. Furthermore, shear-thinning fluids ($$n = 0.6$$

n
=
0.6

) exhibit superior mixing performance, with a standard deviation of velocity fluctuations at the outlet of 0.32, compared to 0.54 for shear-thickening fluids ($$n = 1.4$$

n
=
1.4

). In terms of temperature fluctuations also, a similar trend is observed. These findings are valuable for optimizing mixing and fluid transport in industries such as chemical processing and food production, where effective mixing of complex fluids is critical. This study provides insights for improving the design of mixing systems that handle fluids with various rheological characteristics.
Gender differences in the relationship between depressive symptoms and diabetes associated with cognitive-affective symptoms
Authors: Meshkat Shakila , Tassone Vanessa K. , Dunnett Sarah , Pang Hilary , Wu Michelle , Boparai Josheil K. , Jung Hyejung , Lou Wendy , Bhat Venkat
Published: November 2024

Background

Despite the frequent co-occurrence of depression and diabetes, gender differences in their relationship remain unclear.

Aims

This exploratory study examined if gender modifies the association between depressive symptoms, prediabetes and diabetes with cognitive-affective and somatic depressive symptom clusters.

Method

Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on 29 619 participants from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Depressive symptoms were measured by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between depressive symptoms and diabetes. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse the relationship between depressive symptom clusters and diabetes.

Results

The odds of having depressive symptoms were greater in those with diabetes compared to those without. Similarly, total symptom cluster scores were higher in participants with diabetes. Statistically significant diabetes–gender interactions were found in the cognitive-affective symptom cluster model. Mean cognitive-affective symptom scores were higher for females with diabetes (coefficient = 0.23, CI: 0.10, 0.36, P = 0.001) than males with diabetes (coefficient = −0.05, CI: −0.16, 0.07, P = 0.434) when compared to the non-diabetic groups.

Conclusions

Diabetes was associated with higher cognitive-affective symptom scores in females than in males. Future studies should examine gender differences in causal pathways and how diabetic states interact with gender and influence symptom profiles.
Modelling quiescence exit of neural stem cells reveals a FOXG1-FOXO6 axis
Authors: Ferguson Kirsty M. , Blin Carla , Garcia-Diaz Claudia , Bulstrode Harry , Bardini Bressan Raul , McCarten Katrina , Pollard Steven M.
Published: November 2024

The molecular mechanisms controlling the balance of quiescence and proliferation in adult neural stem cells (NSCs) are often deregulated in brain cancers such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Previously, we reported that FOXG1, a forebrain-restricted neurodevelopmental transcription factor, is frequently upregulated in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) and limits the effects of cytostatic pathways, in part by repression of the tumour suppressor Foxo3. Here, we show that increased FOXG1 upregulates Foxo6, a more recently discovered FOXO family member with potential oncogenic functions. Although genetic ablation of Foxo6 in proliferating NSCs had no effect on the cell cycle or entry into quiescence, we found that Foxo6-null NSCs could no longer efficiently exit quiescence following FOXG1 elevation. Increased Foxo6 resulted in the formation of large acidic vacuoles, reminiscent of Pak1-regulated macropinocytosis. Consistently, Pak1 expression was upregulated by FOXG1 overexpression and downregulated upon FOXO6 loss in proliferative NSCs. These data suggest a pro-oncogenic role for FOXO6, downstream of GBM-associated elevated FOXG1, in controlling quiescence exit, and shed light on the potential functions of this underexplored FOXO family member.
Definition and Predictors of Early Recurrence in Neoadjuvantly Treated Esophageal and Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: a Dual-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rompen Ingmar F. , Billeter Adrian T. , Crnovrsanin Nerma , Sisic Leila , Neuschütz Kerstin J. , Musa Julian , Bolli Martin , Fourie Lana , Kraljevic Marko , Al-Saeedi Mohammed , Nienhüser Henrik , Müller-Stich Beat P.
Published: November 2024

Abstarct

Background

Early recurrence after esophagectomy is often used as a surrogate for aggressive tumor biology and treatment failure. However, there is no standardized definition of early recurrence, and predictors for early recurrence are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to define an evidence-based cutoff to discriminate early and late recurrence and assess the influence of neoadjuvant treatment modalities for patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal-junction adenocarcinoma (EAC).

Patients and Methods

This dual-center retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent esophagectomy for stage II–III EAC after neoadjuvant treatment with chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT) or radiochemotherapy according to the Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer followed by Surgery Study (CROSS) protocol from 2012 to 2022. The optimal cutoff for early versus late recurrence was calculated by using the most significant difference in survival after recurrence (SAR). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with early recurrence.

Results

Of 334 included patients, 160 (47.9%) were diagnosed with recurrence. Most patients had systemic (60.5%) or multiple sites of recurrence (21.1%), whereas local-only recurrence (9.2%) and carcinomatosis (9.2%) were rare. The optimal interval between surgery and recurrence for distinguishing early and late recurrence was 18 months (median SAR: 9.1 versus 17.8 months, p = 0.039) with only 24% of recurrences diagnosed after the calculated cutoff. Advanced pathologic tumor infiltration (ypT3–4, p = 0.006), nodal positivity (p = 0.013), poor treatment response (>10% residual tumor, p = 0.015), and no adjuvant treatment (p = 0.048) predicted early recurrence.

Conclusion

Early recurrence can be defined as recurrent disease within 18 months. Hallmarks for early recurrence are poor response to neoadjuvant therapy with persisting advanced disease. In those patients, adjuvant therapy and closer follow-up should be considered.
Πολλαπλή σκλήρυνση και εμβολιασμοί
Authors: Μαράντος Θεόδωρος
Published: November 2024

Εισαγωγή. Η ανοσογονικότητα των εμβολίων γρίπης και πνευμονιοκόκκου είναι κυμαινόμενη και απαιτεί περαιτέρω διερεύνηση σε ασθενείς με Πολλαπλή Σκλήρυνση (ΠΣ) υπό αγωγή με ανοσοτροποιητικές θεραπείες (DMTs). Μια τέτοια προσπάθεια πραγματοποιήθηκε σε αυτή τη μελέτη.Μέθοδοι Στην μελέτη έλαβαν μέρος ενήλικες ασθενείς με ΠΣ, οι οποίοι δέχτηκαν να εμβολιαστούν μετά από σύσταση των θεραπόντων. Όλοι έλαβαν μια εφάπαξ δόση του αδρανοποιημένου τετραδύναμου εμβολίου της γρίπης και μια εφάπαξ δόση του 23-δύναμου εμβολίου για τον πνευμονιόκοκκο. Συλλέχθηκαν δείγματα αίματος πριν και 4 εβδομάδες μετά τον εμβολιασμό για τη μέτρηση αντισωμάτων κατά της γρίπης Α, Β και του πνευμονιοκόκκου. Οι ασθενείς παρακολουθήθηκαν για 12 μήνες για τυχόν ανεπιθύμητες ενέργειες (ΑΕ). Αποτελέσματα 172 ασθενείς (65,7% γυναίκες, μέση ηλικία 42 ± 13 έτη, μέση διάρκεια ΠΣ 7,6 ± 7,2 έτη, 81,4% υπό DMT) έλαβαν μέρος στη μελέτη από τον Νοέμβριο 2019 ως τον Μάρτιο 2020. Μετρήσεις αντισωμάτων πραγματοποιήθηκαν σε 151 ασθενείς. Σε σύγκριση με την έναρξη, 56 (37,1%) ασθενείς εμφάνισαν αντισώματα 4 εβδομάδες μετά τον εμβολιασμό με το 23-δύναμο εμβόλιο για τον πνευμονιόκοκκο (pMcNemar > 0,99). Διαπιστώθηκε σημαντική αύξηση της απόλυτης τιμής του τίτλου των αντισωμάτων μετά τον εμβολιασμό για τη γρίπη Α και τη Β (p<0,001). Για τη γρίπη Α, ορομετατροπή διαπιστώθηκε σε 57 ασθενείς (37,7%) μετά τον εμβολιασμό, σε σύγκριση με 19 ασθενείς (12,6%) με θετικά αντισώματα στην έναρξη (pMcNemar <0,001). Για τη γρίπη Β, παρατηρήθηκε ορομετατροπή σε 110 ασθενείς (72,8%) μετά τον εμβολιασμό σε σύγκριση με 12 ασθενείς (7,9%) με θετικά αντισώματα στην έναρξη (pMcNemar <0,001). Η ιντερφερόνη και ο φουμαρικός διμεθυλεστέρας δεν επηρέασαν την ορομετατροπή για την γρίπη ενώ η ριτουξιμάμπη συσχετίστηκε με χαμηλότερους τίτλους αντισωμάτων. Ήπιες τοπικές ΑΕ (πόνος, οίδημα) παρατηρήθηκαν στο 23,8% των ασθενών. Δεν αναφέρθηκε σοβαρή ΑΕ. Σε 33 ασθενείς (19,8%) παρουσιάστηκε υποτροπή της νόσου κατά τη διάρκεια της παρακολούθησης, καμία όμως δεν αποδόθηκε στον εμβολιασμό. Συμπεράσματα. Σε ασθενείς με ΠΣ παρατηρήθηκε σημαντική ανοσογονικότητα του εμβολίου της γρίπης, κυρίως για την γρίπη Β, κάτι που δεν επιβεβαιώθηκε και για το 23-δύναμο εμβόλιο για τον πνευμονιόκοκκο. Η ριτουξιμάμπη επηρέασε το ύψος των ανοσολογικών αποκρίσεων. Σε αυτή την ομάδα ασθενών απαιτείται καλύτερη εμβολιαστική κάλυψη.
Could Anemia Impact the Severity of Infections? COVID-19 as an Example
Authors: ZainAlAbdin Sham , Aburuz Salahdein , Akour Amal , Beiram Rami , Alnajjar Munther , Abdel-Qader Derar , Arafat Mosab , Jarab Anan , Aburuz Mohammed , AlAshram Sara , AlJabi Sara , AlSalama Fatima , Al Hajjar Mohammed
Published: November 2024

Background The association between anemia and severity of infection as well as mortality rates among patients infected with COVID-19 has scarcely been studied. This is the first study from the UAE aimed to assess the influence of anemia on COVID-19 severity, ICU admission, and mortality rate. Methods A retrospective chart review of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was conducted in a large COVID-19 referral hospital in UAE. The study included adult patients with confirmed COVID-19. Clinical and laboratory data, severity of the disease, ICU admissions, and mortality rates were analyzed and correlated to the presence of anemia among the patients. Results A total of 3092 patients were included. 362 patients (11.7%) were anemic and most of the cases were between asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 (77.4%, n=2393). Among patients with anemia, 30.1% (n=109) had moderate to severe COVID-19. Statistically, anemia was associated significantly with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcome compared to nonanemic patients (AOR:1.59, 95% CI:1.24-2.04, p<0.001). Intensive care unit (ICU) admission was almost 3 times higher among anemic patients compared to nonanemic (AOR:2.83,95% CI:1.89-4.25, p<0.001). In addition, the overall mortality rate of 2.8% (n=87) was 2.5-fold higher in anemic than nonanemic patients (OR:2.56, CI: 1.49-4.06, p<0.001). Moreover, older age (≥48-year-old) and male gender were independent predictors for severe illness (Age: OR=1.26, CI:1.07-1.51, p=0.006; Gender: OR:1.43,CI:1.15-1.78, p<0.001)) and ICU admission (Age: OR:2.08, CI:1.47-2.94, p<0.001; Gender: OR: 1.83, CI:1.12-3.00, p=0.008) whereas only age ≥48 years old contributed to higher mortality rate (OR:1.60, CI:1.04-2.46, p=0.034). Conclusion Anemia was a major risk factor for severe COVID-19, ICU admission and mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Thus, healthcare providers should be aware of monitoring the hematological parameters among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and anemia to reduce the risk of disease complications and mortality. This association should also be considered in other infectious diseases.
A global overview of the use of cone beam computed tomography in dentistry: a bibliometric review focusing on paediatric patients
Authors: Alves Rigo Danielle Cristina , de Oliveira Rocha Aurélio , Menezes dos Anjos Lucas , Silveira Santos Pablo , Ramos Isabela , Cristina Goebel Michely , Maldonado Garcia Julia , Beatriz Rigo Wietzkoski Gabriela , Miranda Santana Carla , Cardoso Mariane
Published: November 2024

Background Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has improved diagnosis and treatment planning in paediatric dentistry, but no bibliometric studies have examined the research landscape. This study provides an overview of CBCT in paediatric dentistry. Methods A bibliometric review was conducted using articles from the Web of Science database up to February 2024. Conference papers and editorials were excluded. Data extracted included citation counts, publication dates, journals, impact factors, study designs, topics, geographical and institutional affiliations, authors, and keywords. Collaborative networks were visualised using VOSviewer, and Spearman’s correlation assessed the relationship between citation counts and other variables. Results The review analysed 517 articles, with the most cited receiving 557 citations. Publication dates ranged from 2005 to 2024, with a peak in 2023. Observational studies were the most common, particularly on maxillary expansion. The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics was the most cited journal, and the USA was a major contributor. Jacobs R authored the most articles (n=19), and the University of Alberta led in institutional output. Spearman’s correlation showed a weak positive correlation between citation count and journal impact factor (rho=0.272, p<0.001) and a strong negative correlation with publication year (rho=-0.762, p<0.001). Conclusions This bibliometric review provides an overview of the use of CBCT in paediatric dentistry, particularly in maxillary expansion. The findings suggest that more specific imaging protocols may improve safety and clinical outcomes, and that further investigation of long-term outcomes may provide valuable insights.
The genome sequence of a braconid wasp, Microplitis deprimator (Fabricius, 1798)
Authors: King Hannah , Broad Gavin R. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female braconid wasp, Microplitis deprimator (Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Braconidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 233.20 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.12%) is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.62 kilobases in length.
Filozofia matematyki i logiki w Polsce międzywojennej
Authors: Murawski Roman
Published: November 2024

Filozofia matematyki i logiki w Polsce międzywojennej to monografia będąca prezentacją i analizą koncepcji filozoficznych dotyczących matematyki i logiki formułowanych przez polskich logików, matematyków i filozofów w latach 1918-1939. Był to szczególny okres w historii nauki polskiej - to wtedy powstały i rozwijały się lwowsko-warszawska szkoła filozoficzna i związana z nią warszawska szkoła logiczna oraz polska szkoła matematyczna. Główne pytanie, na które poszukuje się odpowiedzi w książce, to pytanie o to, czy temu burzliwemu i intensywnemu rozwojowi logiki i matematyki towarzyszyła, i w jakim stopniu, refleksja filozoficzna oraz czy miała ona jakiś wpływ - i jeśli tak, to jaki - na kierunki prowadzonych badań i uzyskiwane wyniki. W książce rozważa się poglądy i koncepcje takich uczonych, jak: Wacław Sierpiński, Zygmunt Janiszewski, Hugo Steinhaus, Leon Chwistek, Jan Łukasiewicz, Stanisław Leśniewski, Zygmunt Zawirski, Tadeusz Kotarbiński, Kazimierz Ajdukiewicz, Alfred Tarski, Andrzej Mostowski, Henryk Mehlberg, Jan Sleszyński, Stanisław Zaremba czy Witold Wilkosz. Mówi się też o ich poprzednikach: Janie Śniadeckim, Józefie Marii Hoene-Wrońskim, Samuelu Dicksteinie i Edwardzie Stammie. Monografia uzupełnia lukę w polskim piśmiennictwie historyczno-filozoficznym, stanowiąc uzupełnienie książki Jana Woleńskiego Filozoficzna szkoła lwowsko-warszawska.
Green Disposable Packaging and Communication: The Implications of Bring-Your-Own-Container
Authors: Peng Yunlong , Gao Fei , Chen Jian
Published: November 2024

Problem definition: A growing number of firms are encouraging consumers to participate in “bring-your-own-container” (BYOC) behavior in which consumers bring their own reusable packaging to purchase and consume products, thus reducing single-use packaging waste. In this paper, we study the environmental implications of a firm’s BYOC implementation when considering its disposable packaging choice and communication strategy. Methodology/results: We build a stylized model to study a firm’s joint decisions on BYOC, disposable packaging choice, and communication and their implications on the environment. Our main results follow. First, allowing BYOC reduces the firm’s incentive to make fraudulent green claims about its disposable product packaging; however, BYOC implementation may harm the overall environment while improving the firm’s profit, thereby creating a new form of greenwashing. Second, the adoption of third-party certification for green disposable packaging is an effective remedy to mitigate the negative environmental impact of BYOC. In addition, the environmental implications of adopting third-party certification (either voluntarily or because of government mandates) depend on the relationship between the environmental qualities of green disposable packaging and reusable packaging. Whereas it always benefits the environment when the firm’s green disposable packaging has better environmental performance, adopting certification may negatively impact the environment if consumers’ reusable packaging is greener. Furthermore, we find numerically that offering a price discount for BYOC may encourage the firm to adopt certification because of increased profitability, thereby leading to the aforementioned environmental implications. Managerial implications: We offer operational insights on how firms should make joint decisions on BYOC, disposable packaging choice, and communication. We also generate insights on how governments should regulate firms’ green claims when firms start to allow BYOC.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.0605 .
Representations of Gender and Sexual Diversity in Life Orientation Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Authors: Rossouw Jane
Published: November 2024

A critical discourse analysis of South Africa’s Life Orientation Comprehensive Sexuality Education Scripted Lesson Plans for grades 8 to 12 reveals its complicity in perpetuating epistemic ignorance (Alcoff, 2007) regarding gender and sexual diversity. Epistemic ignorance refers to the active production of ignorance by dominant groups as a mechanism for perpetuating oppression and marginalisation of non-normative identities and knowledges (Tuana, 2006). Despite claiming inclusivity, the curriculum systematically erases, distorts, and excludes representations of non-cisgender, non-heterosexual identities and experiences. Simultaneously, it reproduces heteronormative narratives and hegemonic gender ideologies that serve to maintain patriarchal power structures and the subordination of girls and women (Steyn, 2015). The findings uncover how the curriculum upholds cisheteronormative dominance and gender/sexual inequalities through: (1) incessant framing of content within the male/female binary; (2) representations of biological processes and contraceptives that position femininity as passive and subservient; and (3) superficial inclusion of LGBTQIA identities that lack substantive engagement with their lived realities. Overall, the text exemplifies how institutionalised curricula can perpetuate epistemic ignorance by actively producing “unknowings” (Tuana, 2006) that marginalise oppressed groups and uphold inequitable power relations, even under the guise of promoting inclusion.
Nonlinear techniques for few-mode wavefront sensors
Authors: Lin Jonathan , Fitzgerald Michael P.
Published: November 2024

We present several nonlinear wavefront sensing techniques for few-mode sensors, all of which are empirically calibrated and agnostic to the choice of wavefront sensor. The first class of techniques involves a straightforward extension of the linear phase retrieval scheme to higher order; the resulting Taylor polynomial can then be solved using the method of successive approximations, though we discuss alternate methods such as homotopy continuation. In the second class of techniques, a model of the WFS intensity response is created using radial basis function interpolation. We consider both forward models, which map phase to intensity and can be solved with nonlinear least-squares methods such as the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, as well as backwards models, which directly map intensity to phase and do not require a solver. We provide demonstrations for both types of techniques in simulation using a quad-cell sensor and a photonic lantern wavefront sensor as examples. Next, we demonstrate how the nonlinearity of an arbitrary sensor may be studied using the method of numerical continuation, and apply this technique both to the quad-cell sensor and a photonic lantern sensor. Finally, we briefly consider the extension of nonlinear techniques to polychromatic sensors.
Microfluidics-based automatic immunofluorescence staining for single-molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Dong Jun , Kuang Weibing , Shi Bing , Huang Zhen-li
Published: November 2024

Full automation of single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) is crucial for large-scale and high-throughput cellular imaging. It is well-known that SMLM typically consists of three major steps: immunofluorescence (IF) staining, optical imaging, and image processing. Currently, automation in optical imaging and image processing is almost complete; however, the automation of IF staining has been slow to advance, probably due to its complicated experimental operations. Here we present a low-cost automated method for IF staining, called super-resolution immunofluorescence staining by microfluidics (SRIF-fluidics). This method is suitable for both adherent and suspension cells and supports single-color and multi-color IF staining for SMLM. Our results show that SRIF-fluidics reduces antibody consumption by about 75% and shortens the sample preparation time from 5.6 hours (manual operation) to 2.5 ∼ 4.4 hours, depending on the sample types. Importantly, this method provides a satisfactory consistency of imaging results without sacrificing sample labeling quality. We believe that the method proposed in this paper is a necessary supplement to achieving fully automated SMLM and facilitating high-throughput SMLM in the near future.
Non-contact confocal calcium imaging of in vivo murine corneal nerves
Authors: McPheeters Matthew T. , Blackburn Brecken J. , Lu Eric Y. , Widjaja-Adhi Made Airanthi K. , Rollins Andrew M. , Golczak Marcin , Dupps William J. , Jenkins Michael W.
Published: November 2024

Abnormal corneal nerve function and associated disease is a significant public health concern. It is associated with prevalent ocular surface diseases, including dry eye disease. Corneal nerve dysfunction is also a common side effect of refractive surgeries, as well as a symptom of diseases that cause peripheral neuropathies. Here, we demonstrate in vivo calcium imaging of mouse corneal nerves expressing GCaMP6f, a genetically encoded calcium indicator. A custom fluorescence imaging and stereotactic system was designed, allowing for non-contact imaging of the mouse cornea with an air objective. Dynamic imaging of neuronal activity is demonstrated in the various layers of the cornea and in response to local anesthetic administration. This approach demonstrates a less invasive means of assessing corneal nerve function than has been previously used, and has significant potential for studying the effects of ocular diseases, refractive surgeries, and peripheral neuropathies on corneal nerve function, as well as the effectiveness of various therapies to treat corneal nerve dysfunction.
Approximate analytical description of the structured laser beam in the far zone
Authors: Polak Krystof , Dusek Martin , Sulc Miroslav , Gayde Jean-Christophe
Published: November 2024

In the last few years, new ways of structuring light have emerged, with the potential to be used in a wide variety of applications, including materials processing, micro-particle manipulation and charged particle acceleration. One of these techniques is the structured laser beam (SLB). The important advantages of this beam are the simple generation principle using spherical aberration and the potentially infinite propagation range. This makes the SLB a good candidate for use in alignment over long distances or in free space optical communication. However, understanding the distribution of the optical field in such a beam is not trivial and a full analytical description of the SLB is still missing. This paper proposes an approximate analytical scalar description of the SLB complex amplitude, which characterizes the optical field in the far zone with sufficient accuracy for applications such as alignment or optical communication. The proposed approach has been successfully validated through simulations and experimental measurements.
Manipulation of nonreciprocal microwave photon transmission with low-pump magnetostriction
Authors: Ullah Muhib , Mikki Said
Published: November 2024

Nonreciprocity in a material arises when time-reversal symmetry is broken due to the material’s inherent nonlinearity. In a cavity magnomechanical system, this symmetry is disrupted by the magneto-optic effect and magnetostriction, which influence the phase of the intracavity fields. In this work, we demonstrate careful manipulations of nonreciprocity through the phenomenon of nonlinear magnetostrictive interaction within a ferrimagnetic material (YIG sphere) enclosed in a microwave photonic cavity system. We propose a system comprising two microwave cavities, a YIG sphere, and a phononic mode. It is noteworthy that a low-pump magnetic drive field can generate phonon modes inside the YIG sphere, while Kerr nonlinearities can be omitted here due to the application of low pumping. The magnon mode interacts with the phonon mode through nonlinear magnetostrictive coupling and with the microwave cavity photons via magnetic dipole moments. By tuning the system parameters, we reveal the conversion of reciprocal to nonreciprocal signal transfer and its manipulation through magnetic dipole moments and magnetostrictive interactions. Our findings in this hybrid magnomechanical microwave cavity system can be utilized in various devices such as microwave isolators, filters, circulators, and other microwave communication systems.
Low hardware-complexity IQ skew tolerant finite field and time domain hybrid adaptive equalization for 400G/800G-ZR coherent transmission
Authors: Liu Jingpeng , Cui Sheng , Shen Kangyue , Xu MengHong , Yao Tianhang , Han Jianfeng , Dai Jing , Tang Ming
Published: November 2024

In 400G/800G-ZR transmission systems afflicted by substantial inter-symbol interference (ISI) stemming from chromatic dispersion (CD), frequency-domain adaptive equalizers (FD-AEQs) are preferred to time-domain AEQs (TD-AEQs) as the former have relatively lower computation load. However, the reliance of FD-AEQs on computationally expensive fast Fourier transform (FFT)/inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) operations poses a major obstacle in the development of low-power 400G/800G-ZR digital coherent transceivers. Furthermore, to mitigate the significant performance degradation due to receiver in-phase and quadrature (IQ) skew, the employment of twice the number of filters becomes imperative to enable individual adjustments of the I and Q tributaries, nearly doubling the number of necessary FFT/IFFT operations and computation load. This prohibitively high computation load poses a formidable obstacle to the realization of low-power and cost-effective transceivers. To address this issue, we introduce a novel low hardware-complexity IQ skew tolerant finite field (FF) and TD hybrid AEQ for 400G/800G-ZR coherent transmission. By optimizing the AEQ design and the Fermat number transform (FNT) based linear convolution scheme, the proposed hybrid AEQ can achieve a remarkable reduction in hardware complexity by more than 70%, compared with the existing IQ skew tolerant FD-AEQ, while preserving the same receiver sensitivity. Both numerical simulations and experiments demonstrate that the performance of the low complexity hybrid AEQ is the same as the FD-AEQ with much higher complexity. The proposed comprehensive and hardware efficient hybrid AEQ scheme is very appealing for 400G/800G-ZR coherent receivers which need to compensate for large ISI and IQ skew under stringent power constraints.
Four-level diffractive photon sieves by deep-UV femtosecond laser ablation
Authors: Stonyte Dominyka , Jukna Vytautas , Lukosiunas Ignas , Zakarauskas Paulius , Huang Hsin-Hui , Katkus Tomas , Zheng Nan , Le Nguyen Hoai An , Juodkazis Saulius , Gailevicius Darius , Paipulas Domas
Published: November 2024

A growing demand for complex light manipulation and miniaturization of optics necessitates advanced optical elements, operating on light diffraction phenomena, capable not only of reshaping the intensity distribution but also integrating many optical functions in a compact, durable device. The prevailing fabrication methods for these elements often involve multi-step lithographic processes. In contrast, direct laser ablation offers a single-step, cost-effective, and maskless alternative. However, using solid-state laser systems’ fundamental wavelength (in the IR range) for ablation lacks the precise depth control required for multi-level diffractive optical element fabrication. In this paper, we present the first experimental proof that femtosecond direct laser ablation in the UV spectral range is a reliable method for fabricating diffractive optical elements. We demonstrate the high-quality production of compact photon sieve focusing elements with the shortest focal length ever reported at 9 mm. Furthermore, we report an efficiency of 3.3%, which, to our knowledge, is the highest for elements with such a small focal length and not far from the theoretical efficiency limit of 4.46% (considering perfect cylindrical ablated pits). Moreover, our fabricated elements focus light to a 2.3% smaller focal spot if compared to the refractive lens with the same parameters. This fabrication method shows great promise for advanced applications that require precise depth control in wide band gap materials, such as the fused quartz used in this study.
Diffraction managed vortex soliton in competing cubic-quintic nonlinear media
Authors: Jiang Yumin , Ge Lijuan , Shen Ming
Published: November 2024

We study analytically and numerically vortex solitons in competing cubic-quintic nonlinear media with normal and anomalous fourth order diffraction (FOD). Bifurcated solutions of vortex solitons are obtained with variational (Lagrangian) approach. Propagation dynamics are demonstrated with split-step Fourier transform, which show that normal (anomalous) FOD can weaken (enhance) the stable propagation distance of vortex solitons. Furthermore, stability of vortex solitons is determined by Vakhitov-Kolokolov (VK) criteria. The upper branch of vortex solitons is unstable, whereas, the lower branch of vortex solitons is robust against perturbations.
Efficient multidimensional quantum random number generator using a CMOS SPAD array
Authors: Li Xingjian , Hu Jianyong , Wang Bingkun , Liu Jianqiang , Zhang Liwen , Wu Shuxiao , Feng Guosheng , Chen Ruiyun , Zhang Guofeng , Qin Chengbing , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: November 2024

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) can generate true random numbers and have significant applications in quantum communication, numerical computation, and model simulation. However, the rate of random number generation based on photon detection is constrained by the maximum count rate of a single-photon detector. Therefore, improving the efficiency of random number generation for individual photon detection events becomes an optional way to increase the rate of random number generation. In this paper, multidimensional photon detection is implemented to enhance single-photon detection events, thereby providing a new, to the best of our knowledge, technical development strategy for high-speed random number generators. The temporal and spatial coherence of coherent-state photons is utilized as a valuable quantum resource, enabling us to achieve the simultaneous extraction of time–space measurement collapsed randomness for single-photon detection events using a chip-scale CMOS-integrated single-photon avalanche diode array. The efficiency of random number generation for single-photon detection events is effectively improved. In our experiments, up to 20 bits can be extracted from an individual photon detection event, and the rate of random number generation reaches up to 2.067 Gbps.
Precise wavelength alignment of second-harmonic generation in thin-film lithium niobate resonators
Authors: Briggs Ian , Chen Paokang , Fan Linran
Published: November 2024

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) plays a significant role in modern
photonic technology. Integrated photonic resonators fabricated with
thin-film lithium niobate can achieve ultrahigh efficiencies by
combining small mode volumes with high material nonlinearity.
Cavity-enhanced SHG requires accurate phase and frequency matching
conditions, where fundamental and second-harmonic wavelengths are both
on resonance. However, this double-resonance condition can typically
be realized only at a fixed random wavelength due to the high
sensitivity of photonic resonances to the device geometry and
fabrication variations. Here, we propose a novel method that can
achieve the double-resonance condition over a large wavelength range.
We combine thermal-optic and electro-optic (EO) effects to realize the
separate tuning of fundamental and second-harmonic resonances. We
demonstrated that the optimum SHG efficiency can be maintained over a
wavelength range that exceeds the limit achievable with only thermal
tuning. With this flexible tuning capability, we further show the
precise alignment of SHG wavelengths of two separate thin-film lithium
niobate resonators without sacrificing efficiencies.
Single-exposure beam quality analysis via lens-free coherent amplitude modulation imaging
Authors: Zou Chunyu , Veetil Suhas P. , Jiang Zhilong , Liu Cheng , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: November 2024

A single-exposure method for complex amplitude reconstruction in beam quality analysis is proposed, utilizing lens-free coherent amplitude modulation imaging (LF-CAMI). This approach leverages a partially saturated diffraction pattern to reconstruct the complex amplitude of a measured laser beam. The corresponding intensity images near the beam waist along the axial direction are determined directly via the Fresnel diffraction formula. Spatial beam parameters, including the beam quality factor M2, are then calculated following the ISO 11146-1 standard. The feasibility of the proposed method is validated through theoretical analysis and experiments, targeting both static and dynamic laser beams. Experimental results demonstrate that this method yields results consistent with those obtained using commercial beam quality analysis instruments while reducing the total measurement time by approximately 80%. The proposed method is compact, cost-effective, and immune to aberrations and offers a fast and accurate measurement process, making it particularly suitable for beam quality analysis in various laser systems, especially pulsed laser systems.
Logical Weaknesses in Classical Geometry Model of Deriving Math Formular of Double Slit Experiment
--- A New Geometry Model Avoids Logical Weakness
Authors: Peng Hui
Published: November 2024

The double slit experiment is one of the fundamental experiments in the physical optics. In this article we show that there are logical weaknesses in the textbook geometry model of deriving the classical math formular describing the double slit experiment. Then, we propose a new geometry model and derive a new math formular for describing the double slit experiment without logical weakness. We also show that it is a challenge to interpret the phenomena of the comprehensive double slit experiment.
Self-supervised constrained super-resolution fast coded spectral imaging system
Authors: Zhao Zhuang , yan Zhang , Han Jing , Bai Lianfa , lu jun , Xiong Fengchao , Gong Shuaifeng , Ke Xin , xuan jiang
Published: November 2024

Current coded aperture spectral imaging techniques suffer from slow imaging speeds and poor image quality at low sampling rates. To address these issues, we propose a physically guided super-resolution coded aperture spectral imaging system. Our method greatly improves the sampling rate and allows the acquisition of high-resolution hyperspectral images. The spectral imaging system in this study, known as the discrete cosine transform spectrometer (DCTS), leverages the energy concentration property of the discrete cosine transform (DCT). It uses the DCT matrix as a coding mask to modulate spectral signals, thereby retaining more image information under undersampling conditions. Furthermore, inspired by U-Net, we design a spectral image super-resolution network: the SSAM-Unet, which obtains high-resolution hyperspectral images (HR-HSI) by fusing low-resolution hyperspectral images (LR-HSI) and high-resolution multispectral images (HR-MSI). Furthermore, we designed a self-supervised learning framework which is based on the physical process of spectral imaging and can significantly improve the generalization ability of the model. Experimental results show that our proposed method can achieve good imaging results at very low sampling rates.
Photonic quantum generative adversarial networks for classical data
Authors: Sedrakyan Tigran , Salavrakos Alexia
Published: November 2024

In generative learning, models are trained to produce new samples that follow the distribution of the target data. These models were historically difficult to train, until proposals such as generative adversarial networks (GANs) emerged, where a generative and a discriminative model compete against each other in a minimax game. Quantum versions of the algorithm have since been designed for the generation of both classical and quantum data. While most work so far has focused on qubit-based architectures, in this article we present a quantum GAN based on linear optical circuits and Fock-space encoding, which makes it compatible with near-term photonic quantum computing. We demonstrate that the model can learn to generate images by training the model end-to-end experimentally on a single-photon quantum processor.
In situ spontaneous emission control of MoSe2-WSe2 interlayer excitons with high quantum yield
Authors: Han Bo , Palekar Chirag C. , Lohof Frederik , Stephan Sven , Mitryakhin Victor N. , Drawer Jens-Christian , Steinhoff Alexander , Lackner Lukas , Silies Martin , Rosa Bárbara , Esmann Martin , Eilenberger Falk , Gies Christopher , Reitzenstein Stephan , Schneider Christian
Published: November 2024

Optical resonators are a powerful platform to control the spontaneous emission dynamics of excitons in solid-state nanostructures. We study a MoSe2-WSe2 heterostructure that is integrated in a cryogenic open optical microcavity to gain insights into fundamental optical properties of the emergent interlayer excitons. First, we utilize a low-quality-factor planar open cavity and investigate the modification of the excitonic lifetime as on- and off-resonance conditions are met with consecutive longitudinal modes. Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements revealed a periodic tuning of the interlayer exciton lifetime by 220 ps, which allows us to extract a 0.5 ns free-space radiative lifetime and a quantum efficiency as high as 81.4%±1.4%. We subsequently engineer the local density of optical states by spatially confined and spectrally tunable Tamm-plasmon resonances. The dramatic redistribution of the local optical modes allows us to encounter a significant inhibition of the excitonic spontaneous emission rate by a factor of 3.2. Our open cavity is able to tune the cavity resonances accurately to the emitters to have a robust in situ control of the light-matter coupling. Such a powerful characterization approach can be universally applied to tune the exciton dynamics and measure the quantum efficiencies of more complex van der Waals heterostructures and devices.
Integrated optical switches based on Kerr symmetry breaking in microresonators
Authors: Zhang Yaojing , Zhang Shuangyou , Ghosh Alekhya , Pal Arghadeep , Ghalanos George N. , Bi Toby , Yan Haochen , Zhang Hao , Zhuang Yongyong , Hill Lewis , Del’Haye Pascal
Published: November 2024

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things and big data, integrated optical switches are gaining prominence for applications in on-chip optical computing, optical memories, and optical communications. Here, we propose a novel approach for on-chip optical switches by utilizing the nonlinear optical Kerr effect induced spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB), which leads to two distinct states of counterpropagating light in ring resonators. This technique is based on our first experimental observation of on-chip symmetry breaking in a high-Q (9.4×106) silicon nitride resonator with a measured SSB threshold power of approximately 3.9 mW. We further explore the influence of varying pump powers and frequency detunings on the performance of SSB-induced optical switches. Our work provides insights into the development of new types of photonic data processing devices and provides an innovative approach for the future implementation of on-chip optical memories.