bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rigid forceps and excimer laser use for complex inferior cava filter retrieval: a preliminary quantitative analysis of available evidence
Authors: Yu Qian , Tran Patrick , Iyer Deepak , Gutti Subhash , Li Davey , Li Xin , Navuluri Rakesh , Van Ha Thong , Ahmed Osman
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The present study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of advanced inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrieval using laser assistance compared with forceps via systematic review and quantitative aggregation of available data.

Methods

Pubmed and Embase were queried from establishment to September 2021. Original studies with a sample size ≥ 5 that reported at least one primary outcome of patients who underwent laser- or forceps-assisted IVCF retrieval were included. Primary outcomes included technical success and complication rates. Baseline characteristics were extracted: age, sex, presence of filter thrombus, strut penetration, previous retrieval attempt, filter dwell time, fluoroscopy time, and filter type. Complications were categorized by type and severity. Categorical data was pooled and evaluated with chi-square or Fisher exact tests.

Results

From the 16 included studies, a total of 673 and 368 patients underwent laser- and forceps-assisted IVCF retrieval, respectively. Successful retrieval was achieved in 98.1 and 93.7% patients from the laser and forceps groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Major complication rates (1.6 vs 2.1%, p = 0.629) and risk of injury to cava or adjacent organs (1.0 vs 1.4%, p = 0.534) were similar between the two groups. A higher proportion of filters from the laser arm were closed-cell design (75.4 vs 68.1%, p = 0.020).

Conclusion

Based on limited available evidence, forceps- and laser-assisted complex IVCF retrievals were equally safe. The use of laser sheath is associated with a higher retrieval rate than forceps alone, though the baseline characteristics of two cohorts were not controlled. Future large-scale case-controlled comparative studies with longer clinical follow-up are warranted.
Cultural Memory and the Epic in Early Chinese Literature: The Case of Qu Yuan 屈原 and theLisao離騷
Authors: Kern Martin
Published: July 2022

The present essay combines the theory of Cultural Memory with ideas about textual repertoires, composite text, and distributed authorship that in recent years have been advanced in studies of early and medieval Chinese literature. In its first part, the essay introduces in detail the historical development and key features of Cultural Memory theory. In its second part, it applies this theory to the study of Qu Yuan 屈原 and the Lisao 離騷, the greatest poem of early China. Through detailed philological analysis, the Lisao is described not as a single text by a single author but as a composite, authorless artifact that participates in a larger Qu Yuan discourse distributed across multiple texts in both prose and poetry. This distributed “Qu Yuan Epic” is an anthology of distinct characteristics attributed to the quasi-mythological Qu Yuan persona—a persona that itself emerges as a composite textual configuration into which are inscribed the nostalgic ideals and shifting aspirations of Han imperial literati. This Han social imaginaire recollects the noble exemplar of the old Chu aristocracy; the dual prophecy of the fall of Chu to Qin and of Qin's subsequent collapse; the religious, historical, mythological, and literary traditions of Chu; the embodied paradigm of the ruler-minister relationship; and the gradual formation of the ideal of authorship through the transformation of poetic hero into heroic poet.
Nutritional Considerations for the Power Athlete
Authors: Payne Jennifer , Welshans McKenna , Seeland Shannon , Nielsen Meagan
Published: July 2022

Nutrition is a significant factor in a power athlete's ability to achieve hypertrophy, strength, lean body mass, and overall performance goals. Optimizing an athlete's macronutrient balance, timing of intake, and hydration is essential for advancing performance and should be fluid as the athlete transitions between cycles of training, matching nutrient requirements to intensity of training throughout periodization. Supplement use can help athletes meet their performance and nutrition goals when used as an adjunct to a well-chosen diet, both by direct ergogenic effect and by reducing risk of illness or injury. Educating athletes and coaches on an optimal nutrition plan to support training, performance, and health is critical to prevent the negative effects that may come from poor diet, dangerous weight cutting practices, and relative energy deficiency in sport.
Macro-economic determinants of the IPO waves: An assessment of G-7 countries
Authors: ÖZYEŞİL MUSTAFA , Benhür Aktürk Esin
Published: July 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to reveal the macroeconomic determinants that companies take into account when scheduling initial public offerings (IPOs).

Methods: For this purpose, the relationship between the frequency of the IPOs and the selected macroeconomic indicators in the stock market of the G-7 countries for the period 1999-2020 was examined by panel data analysis method. A random effect model was used as econometric model in the analysis, and the Driscoll-Kraay resistant standard estimator developed against deviations was used in the application of the model.

Results: According to the results of the analysis, it was determined that stock market returns have a positive and significant effect on the volume of public offerings.

Conclusions: Based on our findings, it can be concluded that companies take into account the periods when stock market returns are relatively high for timing the IPO.
Tackling Root Causes Upstream of Unhealthy Urban Development (TRUUD): Protocol of a five-year prevention research consortium
Authors: Black Daniel , Ayres Sarah , Bondy Krista , Brierley Rachel , Campbell Rona , Carhart Neil , Coggon John , Eaton Eleanor , Fichera Eleonora , Gibson Andy , Hatleskog Eli , Hickman Matthew , Hicks Ben , Hunt Alistair , Pain Kathy , Pearce Nick , Pilkington Paul , Rosenberg Ges , Scally Gabriel
Published: July 2022

Poor quality urban environments substantially increase non-communicable disease. Responsibility for associated decision-making is dispersed across multiple agents and systems: fast growing urban authorities are the primary gatekeepers of new development and change in the UK, yet the driving forces are remote private sector interests supported by a political economy focused on short-termism and consumption-based growth. Economic valuation of externalities is widely thought to be fundamental, yet evidence on how to value and integrate it into urban development decision-making is limited, and it forms only a part of the decision-making landscape. Researchers must find new ways of integrating socio-environmental costs at numerous key leverage points across multiple complex systems. This mixed-methods study comprises of six highly integrated work packages. It aims to develop and test a multi-action intervention in two urban areas: one on large-scale mixed-use development, the other on major transport. The core intervention is the co-production with key stakeholders through interviews, workshops, and participatory action research, of three areas of evidence: economic valuations of changed health outcomes; community-led media on health inequalities; and routes to potential impact mapped through co-production with key decision-makers, advisors and the lay public. This will be achieved by: mapping system of actors and processes involved in each case study; developing, testing and refining the combined intervention; evaluating the extent to which policy and practice changes amongst our target users, and the likelihood of impact on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) downstream. The integration of such diverse disciplines and sectors presents multiple practical/operational issues. The programme is testing new approaches to research, notably with regards practitioner-researcher integration and transdisciplinary research co-leadership. Other critical risks relate to urban development timescales, uncertainties in upstream-downstream causality, and the demonstration of impact.
Regular smoking of male ancestors in adolescence and fat mass in young adult grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Authors: Gregory Steven , Suderman Matthew , Northstone Kate , Pembrey Marcus , Watkins Sarah , Iles-Caven Yasmin , Golding Jean
Published: July 2022

Background: Previous studies using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) have shown that if men commenced smoking prior to the onset of puberty their sons, their granddaughters and great-granddaughters were more likely to have excess fat (but not lean) mass during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. In this study we assess associations between ancestral smoking during adolescence (ages 11–16 years) with fat and lean mass of subsequent generations at two ages.

Methods: We analysed data on exposures of grandparents and great-grandparents collected by ALSPAC. The outcomes were the fat masses of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren measured at ages 17 and 24. Measures of lean mass were used as controls. Adjustment was made for 8–10 demographic factors using multiple regression.

Results: We found associations between adolescent smoking of the paternal grandfathers and the adjusted fat mass of their grandchildren, but no associations with the grandchildren’s lean mass. Grandchildren at age 17 had an average excess fat mass of +1.65 [95% CI +0.04, +3.26] Kg, and at age 24 an average excess of +1.55 [95% CI -0.27, +3.38] Kg. Adolescent smoking by the maternal grandfather showed similar, but weaker, associations: at 17 an average excess fat mass of +1.02 Kg [95% CI -0.20, +2.25] Kg, and at 24 an average excess of +1.28 [95% CI -0.11, +2.66] Kg. There were no pronounced differences between the sexes of the children. For the great-grandparents there were few convincing results, although numbers were small.

Conclusions: We have shown associations between grandfathers’ smoking in adolescence and increased fat (but not lean) mass in their children. Confirmation of these associations is required, either in a further data set or by demonstrating the presence of supportive biomarkers.
ROLE OF QUALITATIVE ENDODONTIA IN THE SCHEME OF INTERDISCIPLINARY TREATMENT OF MAXILLARY ODONTOGENIC SINUSITIS
Authors: Marugina Tatyana L. , Levenets Anatolij A. , Kiprin Dmitry V. , Cherevatenko Anna I.
Published: July 2022

In the treatment of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, the removal of causative teeth is actively used, although the tooth removal indications are not always clearly defined. Modern endodontic approaches and technologies, in most cases, help preserve the tooth in the oral cavity with the elimination of the chronic infection focus, thus restoring the integrity of the maxillary sinus.

Background. Improve the effectiveness in the treatment of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis while preserving the causative teeth.

Materials and methods. The study involved 50 patients aged 18 to 45 years. All patients had clinical signs of maxillary odontogenic sinusitis and signs of failed endodontic treatment of teeth with a dark, radiolucent focus in the apex region. Radiological parameters and quality of obturation was assessed using CBCT; the presence of symptoms of inflammation was assessed clinically during examination. The results were evaluated after 6, 12 and 24 months. The treatment effectiveness and the quality of obturation was assessed in accordance with the directives of the European Society of Endodontology.

Results. High-quality endodontic treatment resolved clinical signs of odontogenic sinusitis in all patients, restored the bone tissue of the alveolar process and restored the mucous membrane of the maxillary sinus after 12 months in 96% of cases. In 2 cases, additional microsinusotomy was required.

Conclusion. Improving the quality of endodontics in the first treatment or retreatment of the upper jaw teeth can significantly reduce the number of dental extractions in odontogenic maxillary sinusitis
Therapy with vitamin D metabolits of structural and functional changes in bone tissue of working postmenopausal women with ostearcopenia
Authors: Ignatiev O. , Turchin M. , Ermolenko T. , Panyuta O.
Published: July 2022

The prevalence of osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency in postmenopausal women working under harmful labour conditions has been examined. Reduced bone mineral density was revealed in 85% of the persons under observation, the incidence of OP was 35%, sarcopenia (SP) - 35%. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 91.3% of the workers, at the same time severe VD deficiency was observed in 32.9%, VD deficiency - in 7.5%, and the optimal level of vitamin D was observed in 1.2% of cases. 79 PM women with OP aged 50 - 60 y. o. (mean age - (55.7 ± 0.9) years), working at harmful  conditions of the working environment with an average length of service 26.14 ± 0.91 years have been examined. Clinical group A (n = 30) received cholecalciferol at a dose of 2000 IU (4 drops) per day and alfacalcidol 1 μg (1 capsule) once a day for a year. This resulted in a positive effect on the level of 25(OH)D. The complex appointment of cholecalciferol and alfacalcidol reduced the level of PTH and confirmed the role of VD deficiency in the progress of secondary hyperparathyroidism. The data obtained revealed a slowing of the effect of VD on osteoclastogenesis. Decrease of bone resorption marker CTx in the women under examination confirmed the latter.
Basic laboratory tests in patients with hypertension
Authors: Kowalik Marcin
Published: July 2022

The aim of the study was to assess the reactivity basic laboratory tests in patients with well-controlled arterial hypertension (AH). The analysis included 44 patients with well-controlled AH aged 23 to 74 years. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of disease duration on the level of eGFR and NT-proBNP. The longer the disease duration, the lower the eGFR and the higher the NT-proBNP.
The use of physiotherapy methods such as iontophoresis and phontophoresis in the treatment of scars
Authors: Gałuszka Aleksandra
Published: July 2022

Scars are perceived as marring the body. Sometimes having a scar increases the feeling of shame and difference. There are people who are ashamed of their scars so much that they do not go to the swimming pool, gym or other places where it is necessary to expose the scar. In summer or on warm days, they cover their body to hide the scar. Sometimes, however, people consider having a scar as normal and function as they did before a scar was formed. The situational context of the scar formation is of particular importance, eg a traumatic event, a traffic accident, etc. Then, having a scar may cause psychological consequences in a person and then it is worth seeking help from a psychologist to reconcile with having a scar.

Physiotherapy and cosmetology help people with unacceptable or functional disorders. Thanks to the use of many methods in these areas, it is possible to obtain partial removal of scars or their complete elimination, possibly minimizing the visibility of the lesion.
Estimating Effects of Incentive Contracts in Online Labor Platforms
Authors: Kaynar Nur , Siddiq Auyon
Published: July 2022

The design of performance-based incentives—commonly used in online labor platforms—can be naturally posed as a moral hazard principal-agent problem. In this setting, a key input to the principal’s optimal contracting problem is the agent’s production function: the dependence of agent output on effort. Although agent production is classically assumed to be known to the principal, this is unlikely to be the case in practice. Motivated by the design of performance-based incentives, we present a method for estimating a principal-agent model from data on incentive contracts and associated outcomes, with a focus on estimating agent production. The proposed estimator is statistically consistent and can be expressed as a mathematical program. To circumvent computational challenges with solving the estimation problem exactly, we approximate it as an integer program, which we solve through a column generation algorithm that uses hypothesis tests to select variables. We show that our approximation scheme and solution technique both preserve the estimator’s consistency and combine to dramatically reduce the computational time required to obtain sound estimates. To demonstrate our method, we conducted an experiment on a crowdwork platform (Amazon Mechanical Turk) by randomly assigning incentive contracts with varying pay rates among a pool of workers completing the same task. We present numerical results illustrating how our estimator combined with experimentation can shed light on the efficacy of performance-based incentives.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization.

Supplemental Material: The data files and e-companion are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4450 .
Managing Queues with Different Resource Requirements
Authors: Zychlinski Noa , Chan Carri W. , Dong Jing
Published: July 2022

In many service systems, customers from different classes may have very different resource requirements. These differences include not only the duration of the service but also the units of resource required. This is especially prominent in healthcare settings, where patients with different severity levels can require a different level of medical attention/supervision translating into varying demands of nurse staffing capacity. Motivated by these applications, in “Managing Queues with Different Resource Requirements,” Zychlinski, Chan, and Dong study the optimal scheduling policy of a multiserver queue in which customers from different classes may require different units of servers. When customers have heterogeneous resource requirements, in addition to the cost of waiting and resource requirement, we also need to take policy-induced idleness into account. A good policy needs to carefully balance the myopic cost reduction rate and the more forward-looking system throughput. An index-based policy, referred to as the idle-avoid [Formula: see text] rule, is developed to balance these factors. Theoretical analysis along with numerical experiments provide support for good and robust performance of the proposed policy.
Endogenous Inverse Demand Functions
Authors: Bichuch Maxim , Feinstein Zachary
Published: July 2022

Endogenous Inverse Demand Functions

Buying or selling assets in a financial market impacts the prices upward or downward. Quantifying these price impacts is fundamental to many problems within finance (e.g., optimal liquidation and systemic risk). In “Endogenous Inverse Demand Functions,” Bichuch and Feinstein construct an equilibrium risk sharing problem that results in an endogenous inverse demand function. This is taken in contrast to the often assumed exogenous linear or exponential forms for the inverse demand functions. The authors determine sufficient joint properties for the financial market and assets to replicate these common exogenous forms. The properties of the general endogenous inverse demand functions, found via the equilibrium risk sharing problem, are investigated; the authors deduce that price cross-impacts, which are often assumed to be zero, naturally arise in this equilibrium setting.
Remarkable range extension of the genus Nordeniella Lelej, 2005 (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae: Smicromyrmini): Description of a new species from Sumbawa, Indonesia
Authors: OKAYASU JURIYA
Published: July 2022

The genus Nordeniella Lelej, 2005 had been known from India and Sri Lanka. Recently, this genus was discovered from Southern Thailand in 2019. A new species N. sumbawaensis Okayasu sp. nov. (♀) is described from Sumbawa, extending the geographical range of Nordeniella beyond Wallace Line. This new species is most similar to the Thai species N. maleeae Williams in Williams et al., 2019, but can be separated based on morphology. The occurrence of Nordeniella in an Indonesian island suggests wider distribution of this genus in the eastern Oriental Region.
Liquid Swine Manure Application Variability: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Dougherty Brian W. , Andersen Daniel Steven , Helmers Matthew J.
Published: July 2022

Highlights

Variability of manure N content on the day of application was a major contributor to plot-to-plot N rate variability.

Using the average of previous years’ manure samples is a valid strategy to improve the accuracy of P application.

Estimated economic losses from missing target manure N rates averaged $34.27 ha-1 year-1 ($13.87 ac-1 year-1).

Improving N rate accuracy with real-time N sensing provided an estimated value of $7 to $44 ha-1 ($3 to $18 ac-1).

Abstract. Liquid livestock manure application presents both opportunities for replacing commercial fertilizer and challenges to doing so accurately. This study demonstrated the challenges in achieving a target N application rate using liquid swine manure on eighteen 0.4 ha research plots at the Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm (NERF) near Nashua, Iowa. Differences between the nutrient analyses of manure from a pre-application sample and samples taken on the day of application, equipment adjustments, field conditions, and changing manure nutrient content during pit pumping contributed to variability in the actual N rate applied. The coefficient of variability (CV) of manure N during manure pumping ranged from 2.7 to 13.6, with an 8-year average of 6.5. A weighted-average CV for applied manure volume ranged from 1.5 to 4.7, with an 8-year average CV of 3.2, suggesting that plot-to-plot variability in manure volume was less of an issue for achieving the target N rate than was the variability of manure N on the day of application. A separate analysis of manure from six Iowa swine farms showed that using the average of the previous years’ manure samples improved accuracy for phosphorus at Farm 2, whereas using a single sample from the application year improved accuracy for potassium at Farm 5. Averaged across the six farms, using the average of the previous years’ manure samples resulted in less error for phosphorus than using a single sample from the application year. For nitrogen, there was no significant difference between the two approaches within or across farms (p < 0.1). The average economic loss from missing the target N rate in the NERF study was $34.27 ± $32.49 ha-1 year-1 ($13.87 ± $13.15 ac-1 year-1). The estimated economic value from using real-time nutrient sensing to improve N rate accuracy ranged from $7.56 to $32.03 ha-1 ($3.06 to $12.96 ac-1) in a corn-soybean rotation and from $10.38 to $44.41 ha-1 ($4.20 to $17.97 ac-1) in continuous corn. This study illustrates the need for new technologies for real-time manure nutrient sensing and on-the-go rate adjustment. The economic analysis can serve as a guide for manure applicators when evaluating the feasibility of manure nutrient-sensing systems. Keywords: Manure application, Manure management, Manure nutrient content, Manure nutrient sensing, Manure rate calibration.
Trip durations of daily and seasonal foraging activities in Mischocyttarus nomurae (Richards) (Hymenoptera, Vespidae)
Authors: Silva Ramona Soares , Da Rocha Agda Alves , Giannotti Edilberto
Published: July 2022

The study of foraging activity in wasps is important to understand the social organization and its evolutionary success. We examined aspects of the daily and seasonal foraging activities of Mischocyttarus nomurae Richards wasps, in terms of individual trip durationin the collection of different resources. The study was undertaken in two areas in the municipality of Rio de Contas, Bahia State, Brazil. Observations were done for 10 colonies of M. nomurae in their post-emergence phase under natural conditions, five during the rainy period and five during the dry period. The amplitudes of the activity hours were similar between the two periods. The foraging efficiency index was higher (80.56%) during the rainy period than during the dry period (74.42%), with greater percentages of returns with all foraged items (with the exception of prey captures). Temperature influenced positively and significantly the number of trips performed during the rainy period, while temperature and luminosity positively influenced the number of trips performed during the dry period. The mean duration of trips for diferente resources were greater during the dry period (with the exception of wood pulp), although those differences were not statistically significant. Wasps spent the most part of their time nectar (83.60 min), followed by prey (21.06 min), and wood Pulp (1.40 min). We observed that 52.56% of the foraging individuals of M. nomurae collected only a single resource type.
Tuberculosis of the Shoulder Joint: A Series of Three Cases
Authors: Kulkarni Shrihari L , Mannual Sunil , Patil Naveenkumar , Daragad Manjunath , Nuhman Mohammed
Published: July 2022

Introduction:Tuberculosis (TB) involving the shoulder joint is rare. Early diagnosis is difficult but essential to prevent severe joint damage. In this report, we present variable presentation and management of TB of shoulder joint in three patients. Case Report:This report includes three patients. First patient was a 58-year-old male with severe muscle wasting around the shoulder with restriction of all movements had dry form of TB. Second patient was 55-year-old female with pain and swelling in the shoulder had wet form of TB with submuscular bursitis with rice bodies. A 50-year-old female presented with pain in the right shoulder with restricted active movements only was diagnosed with mobile form of TB was our third patient. Shoulder TB was diagnosed on the basis of histopathological examination in all three patients and was treated with 12 months of anti-tubercular therapy (ATT). All patients had good recovery and were back to their routine activities. Conclusion:TB of the shoulder has variable presentation; histopathological examination is the gold standard for diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment with ATT help in prevention of the severe joint damage. Keywords:Skeletal tuberculosis, shoulder joint, histopathology, anti-tubercular therapy.
La emigración cubana hacia los Estados Unidos, Parte 2, de 1990 a 2019: un análisis estadístico y comparativo
Authors: Lamrani Salim
Published: July 2022

In the United States in particular, but also in Western countries, since 1959, Cuban emigration has been the subject of two consensuses. First, the Cuban Revolution would have resulted in a significant migratory movement towards the United States. Then, this would reflect the rejection of the process of social transformation structured around a one-party political system put in place by Fidel Castro. The migration statistics of the US authorities, available for the period from 1860 to 2019, will shed light on this question by comparing the various flows from Cuba at different times (1860–1959, 1960–1989, 1990–2019). Likewise, a comparative analysis of migratory flows emitted by the countries of the region will assess the relevance of these two hypotheses.
Integration of Fourier ptychography with machine learning: an alternative scheme
Authors: Chen Yiwen , Xu Tingfa , Sun Haixin , Zhang Jizhou , Huang Bo , Zhang Jinhua , Li Jianan
Published: July 2022

As the core task of the reconstruction in conventional ptychography (CP) and Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM), the meticulous design of ptychographical iterative engine (PIE) largely affects the performance of reconstruction algorithms. Compared to traditional PIE algorithms, the paradigm of combining with machine learning to cross a local optimum has recently achieved significant progress. Nevertheless, existing designed engines still suffer drawbacks such as excessive hyper-parameters, heavy tuning work and lack of compatibility, which greatly limit their practical applications. In this work, we present a complete set of alternative schemes comprised of a kind of new perspective, a uniform design template, and a fusion framework, to naturally integrate Fourier ptychography (FP) with machine learning concepts. The new perspective, Dynamic Physics, is taken as the preferred tool to analyze a path (algorithm) at the physical level; the uniform design template, T-FP, clarifies the physical significance and optimization part in a path; the fusion framework follows two workable guidelines that are specially designed to keep convergence and make later localized modification for a new path, and further establishes a link between FP iterations and the gradient update in machine learning. Our scheme is compatible with both traditional FP paths and machine learning concepts. By combining ideas in both fields, we offer two design examples, MaFP and AdamFP. Results for both simulations and experiments show that designed algorithms following our scheme obtain better, faster (converge at the early stage after a few iterations) and more stable recovery with only minimal tuning hyper-parameters, demonstrating the effectiveness and superiority of our scheme.
Efficient mode (de)multiplexer with two cascaded horizontal polymer waveguide directional couplers
Authors: zhang Ruhuan , Deng Chuanlu , Huang Yi , Zhang Fang , Zhang Xiaobei , Wang Tingyun
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we present an efficient polymer two-mode (de)multiplexer with two cascaded horizontal waveguide asymmetric directional couplers (ADCs). Through extensive simulations, the optimized waveguide core dimensions were determined, and the distance L from the starting position of the first ADC to the cascaded position was 35300 µm. With the cascaded ADCs, the

E

21

x

mode of the wider waveguide was coupled into the

E

11

x

mode of the narrower waveguide with a coupling ratio of 96.73% at 1550 nm when the separation between the waveguide cores was 5 µm. The coupling ratio and extinction ratio of the fabricated (de)multiplexer reached a maximum of 96.12% and 14.21 dB at 1540 nm, respectively. The coupling ratios were greater than 90% in the wavelength range 1533–1565 nm with a minimum insertion loss of 9.75 dB. The influence of different cascaded positions on the mode coupling ratio, mainly caused by the large phase difference between the modes owing to the slowly varying envelope approximation, is analyzed theoretically and verified experimentally. The proposed cascaded two-mode (de)multiplexer can reduce the preparation process requirements and increase the channel capacity of optical communication systems.
Accurate extraction of the +1 term spectrum with spurious spectrum elimination in off-axis digital holography
Authors: Zhang Jifan , Huang Liu , Chen Benyong , Yan Liping
Published: July 2022

In off-axis digital holography, spatial filtering is a key problem limiting the quality of reconstructed image, especially in the case of spurious spectrum generated by coherent noise in the hologram spectrum. In this paper, a new spatial filtering method with spurious spectrum elimination is proposed. Side band centering judgment is firstly implemented to locate the center point of the +1 term in the hologram spectrum. Then by roughly recognizing the region of +1 term spectrum, most of the -1 term, 0 term and the spurious spectral components are eliminated. Finally, Butterworth filtering is performed to extract the +1 term spectrum as enough as possible without introducing the spurious spectrum. Simulated hologram of E-shaped specimen with the spurious spectrum is generated to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. Experimental data of USAF 1951 resolution target, ovarian slice and microlens array are adopted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method is able to accurately extract the +1 term spectrum with spurious spectrum elimination and achieve a relatively good balance between the structural detail characterization and noise suppression.
Coherent Fourier scatterometry nanoparticle detection enhanced by synthetic optical holography
Authors: Yin Haoyang , Kolenov Dmytro , Pereira Silvania F.
Published: July 2022

We demonstrate that the sensitivity of nanoparticle detection on surfaces can be substantially improved by implementing synthetic optical holography (SOH) in coherent Fourier scatterometry (CFS), resulting in a phase-sensitive confocal differential detection technique that operates at very low power level (P = 0.016 mW). The improvement in sensitivity is due to two reasons: first, the boost in the signal at the detector due to the added reference beam; and second, the reduction of background noise caused by the electronics. With this new system, we are able to detect a 60-nm polystyrene latex (PSL) particle at a wavelength of 633 nm (∼λ/10) on a silicon wafer with an improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of approximately 4 dB.
Bandwidth-enhanced LFM waveform generator based on dynamic control of an optically injected semiconductor laser
Authors: Zhou Pei , Zhu Jian , Zhang Renheng , Li Nianqiang
Published: July 2022

A bandwidth-enhanced linear frequency-modulated (LFM) waveform generation scheme is proposed and demonstrated based on dynamic control of an optically injected semiconductor laser (OISL). The OISL operates at the period-one (P1) oscillation state under proper injection conditions. After photodetection, a tunable microwave signal is obtained with its frequency determined by the optical injection strength and the detuning frequency between the master and slave lasers. For a fixed detuning frequency, an LFM waveform can be generated by introducing an electrical control signal S(t) with a quasi-sawtooth profile to dynamically manipulate the injection strength of the OISL. Then, to overcome the bandwidth limitation by the achievable P1 frequency range under a given detuning frequency, both the injection strength and the detuning frequency are dynamically controlled to achieve a synthesized P1 frequency range, thus generating LFM waveforms with enhanced bandwidths. In our demonstration, LFM waveforms with a synthesized bandwidth of 8 GHz (12–20 GHz) and 24.8 GHz (12.6–37.4 GHz) are generated in the experiment and simulation, respectively.
Numerical modeling of an integrated non-volatile reflector switch and mode converter switch based on a low loss phase change material (Sb2Se3) in SiN platforms
Authors: Ghosh Rajib Ratan , Dhawan Anuj
Published: July 2022

Programmable integrated photonics is an emerging research field due to its range of applications, from data processing to computing. Phase change materials (PCMs) on waveguides provide enormous flexibility for programmable integrated photonics. These materials show a large contrast in the optical properties (such as refractive index and optical loss) between the two stable states (i.e., amorphous to crystalline) of the PCM. These states are reversible and reproducible with an external stimuli which could be optical, thermal or electrical. Their non-volatile behavior allows PCMs to serve as an active layer for programmable photonics. In this work, we investigate hybrid device architectures utilizing the non-volatile properties of PCMs for integrated programmable photonics in a Si3N4 platform. FDTD modeling was carried out to design two configurations of non-volatile reconfigurable switches: (1) A non-volatile reconfigurable reflector switch consisting of a photonic crystal (PhC) slab waveguide and having a thin layer of Sb2Se3 on top of the waveguide and (2) 1×2 mode converter switch. In the case of a non-volatile reconfigurable reflector switch, the reflectivity of the waveguides is controlled by shifting the mode-gap of the photonic crystal slab waveguide by changing the phase of the PCM. It has applications as a reconfigurable reflective filter in the optical communication system and on-chip smart Bragg mirror. Non-volatile broadband directional switches provide a new paradigm for designing programmable multifunctional nanophotonics, which works in the same way as electronic field-programmable gate arrays. A 1×2 mode converter switch — based on Sb2Se3 as a clad layer on a coupling waveguide of a directional coupler — is proposed. The optical switches proposed in this paper offer very low optical insertion loss (∼ 0.5 dB), low coupling length (∼ 12 µm), broadband operation (∼ 80 nm), small cross talk (∼ 16 dB), and zero static power consumption.
“Like a wake-up call for humankind”: Views, challenges, and coping strategies related to public health measures during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Thailand
Authors: Naemiratch Bhensri , Schneiders Mira Leonie , Poomchaichote Tassawan , Ruangkajorn Supanat , Osterrieder Anne , Pan-ngum Wirichada , Cheah Phaik Yeong
Published: July 2022

Following the first Thai COVID-19 case in January 2020, the Thai government introduced several non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in March 2020 (e.g., contact tracing, travel restrictions, closure of businesses, curfews, stay at home orders) to control COVID-19 transmissions. This study aimed to understand the views and experiences of a small number of Thai residents related to public health measures implemented during the first COVID-19 wave in Thailand. A total of 28 remote in-depth interviews with Thai residents (18–74 years old) were conducted between 8 May and 21 July 2020. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis based on the Framework Method. Our results describe participants’ views, challenges, and coping strategies relating to COVID-19 restrictions. Most participants expressed support for the introduction of strict public health measures, while some criticized lacking enforcement or rational of certain measures. Participants identified four major challenges, namely financial hardship; social isolation and loneliness; stigma and shaming; and fear of COVID-19 infection. Strategies adopted to address these challenges included practical coping strategies (e.g., reducing risks and fear of COVID-19 infection; mitigating financial, social, and mental health impacts), and embedded socio-cultural ways of coping (e.g., turning to religion; practicing acceptance; kindness, generosity and sharing (‘Namjai’); ‘making merit’ (‘Tham-bun’)). The challenges identified from this study, in particular the role of stigma and discrimination, may be relevant to other infectious disease outbreaks beyond COVID-19. Findings from this study underscore the need for policies and interventions that mitigate the negative impacts of NPIs on the public, particularly on vulnerable groups, and highlight the importance of considering socio-cultural context to support community resilience in times of crisis. Our findings remain relevant in light of low COVID-19 vaccine availability and the potential need to implement further public health restrictions in Thailand and elsewhere against COVID-19 or future infectious disease threats.
Catch the star! Spatial information activates the manual motor system
Authors: Miklashevsky A.
Published: July 2022

Previous research demonstrated a close bidirectional relationship between spatial attention and the manual motor system. However, it is unclear whether an explicit hand movement is necessary for this relationship to appear. A novel method with high temporal resolution–bimanual grip force registration–sheds light on this issue. Participants held two grip force sensors while being presented with lateralized stimuli (exogenous attentional shifts, Experiment 1), left- or right-pointing central arrows (endogenous attentional shifts, Experiment 2), or the words "left" or "right" (endogenous attentional shifts, Experiment 3). There was an early interaction between the presentation side or arrow direction and grip force: lateralized objects and central arrows led to a larger increase of the ipsilateral force and a smaller increase of the contralateral force. Surprisingly, words led to the opposite pattern: larger force increase in the contralateral hand and smaller force increase in the ipsilateral hand. The effect was stronger and appeared earlier for lateralized objects (60 ms after stimulus presentation) than for arrows (100 ms) or words (250 ms). Thus, processing visuospatial information automatically activates the manual motor system, but the timing and direction of this effect vary depending on the type of stimulus.
Enzymatic incorporation of an isotope-labeled adenine into RNA for the study of conformational dynamics by NMR
Authors: Feyrer Hannes , Gurdap Cenk Onur , Marušič Maja , Schlagnitweit Judith , Petzold Katja
Published: July 2022

Solution NMR spectroscopy is a well-established tool with unique advantages for structural studies of RNA molecules. However, for large RNA sequences, the NMR resonances often overlap severely. A reliable way to perform resonance assignment and allow further analysis despite spectral crowding is the use of site-specific isotope labeling in sample preparation. While solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis has several advantages, RNA length and availability of isotope-labeled building blocks are persistent issues. Purely enzymatic methods represent an alternative and have been presented in the literature. In this study, we report on a method in which we exploit the preference of T7 RNA polymerase for nucleotide monophosphates over triphosphates for the 5’ position, which allows 5’-labeling of RNA. Successive ligation to an unlabeled RNA strand generates a site-specifically labeled RNA. We show the successful production of such an RNA sample for NMR studies, report on experimental details and expected yields, and present the surprising finding of a previously hidden set of peaks which reveals conformational exchange in the RNA structure. This study highlights the feasibility of site-specific isotope-labeling of RNA with enzymatic methods.
Dementia risk and dynamic response to exercise: A non-randomized clinical trial
Authors: Vidoni Eric D. , Morris Jill K. , Palmer Jacqueline A. , Li Yanming , White Dreu , Kueck Paul J. , John Casey S. , Honea Robyn A. , Lepping Rebecca J. , Lee Phil , Mahnken Jonathan D. , Martin Laura E. , Billinger Sandra A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Physical exercise may support brain health and cognition over the course of typical aging. The goal of this nonrandomized clinical trial was to examine the effect of an acute bout of aerobic exercise on brain blood flow and blood neurotrophic factors associated with exercise response and brain function in older adults with and without possession of the Apolipoprotein epsilon 4 (APOE4) allele, a genetic risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s. We hypothesized that older adult APOE4 carriers would have lower cerebral blood flow regulation and would demonstrate blunted neurotrophic response to exercise compared to noncarriers.

Methods

Sixty-two older adults (73±5 years old, 41 female [67%]) consented to this prospectively enrolling clinical trial, utilizing a single arm, single visit, experimental design, with post-hoc assessment of difference in outcomes based on APOE4 carriership. All participants completed a single 15-minute bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. The primary outcome measure was change in cortical gray matter cerebral blood flow in cortical gray matter measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) arterial spin labeling (ASL), defined as the total perfusion (area under the curve, AUC) following exercise. Secondary outcomes were changes in blood neurotrophin concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Results

Genotyping failed in one individual (n = 23 APOE4 carriers and n = 38 APOE4 non-carriers) and two participants could not complete primary outcome testing. Cerebral blood flow AUC increased immediately following exercise, regardless of APOE4 carrier status. In an exploratory regional analyses, we found that cerebral blood flow increased in hippocampal brain regions, while showing no change in cerebellum across both groups. Among high inter-individual variability, there were no significant changes in any of the 3 neurotrophic factors for either group immediately following exercise.

Conclusions

Our findings show that both APOE4 carriers and non-carriers show similar effects of exercise-induced increases in cerebral blood flow and neurotrophic response to acute aerobic exercise. Our results provide further evidence that acute exercise-induced increases in cerebral blood flow may be regional specific, and that exercise-induced neurotrophin release may show a differential effect in the aging cardiovascular system. Results from this study provide an initial characterization of the acute brain blood flow and neurotrophin responses to a bout of exercise in older adults with and without this known risk allele for cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Trial registration

Dementia Risk and Dynamic Response to Exercise (DYNAMIC); Identifier:NCT04009629.
A novel bi-level programming model for structure sustainability optimization of passenger transport corridor
Authors: Wang Xu , Song Jingni , Wu Qunqi , Bao Yifeng , Wang Yiping
Published: July 2022

The transportation industry has entered a new stage from quantity expanding to structure optimization, quality and efficiency improvement, and from respective governance to integrative development. This indicates that the traditional corridor mode allocation dominated by quantity equilibrium can no longer meet the requirements of the new stage. In this paper, we propose a multi-entity programming model based on the economic equilibrium between supply and demand. It not only ensures the economic equilibrium in the market, but also maximizes the social benefits of the whole system, thereby realizing the sustainable development of the transportation system. Also, the Globalsearch algorithm and intlinprog algorithm are designed to solve the problem. The actual case of Beijing-Shanghai corridor shows that the model and algorithms are effective, providing decision support for the optimal allocation of regional transport network resources.
Magnetic alignment in free-ranging Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)
Authors: Yosef Reuven , Kumbhojkar Swapnil , Gurjar Bablu , Kosicki Jakub Z.
Published: July 2022

The earth’s geomagnetic field (GMF) is known to influence the behaviour of a wide range of species, but remains one of the most enigmatic of animal senses. Animals are known to utilize the GMF for a wide range of survival capabilities such as navigation and orienteering, migration, territoriality, homing, etc. Despite a lot of study in this regard on vertebrates, little is known about the effects of GMF on felids. Hence, we analyzed the body alignment of the Indian Leopard during defecation, and walking along the trails in the Jhalana Reserve Forest in India. Using circular statistics, we found that the leopards aligned their bodies on the north-south axis during defecation (mean azimuth -176.4°), while no such preference was found when walking (mean azimuth 52.9°). Thus we prove that leopards are sensitive to the GMF during basic physiological activities and in this context show similar behaviour to other vertebrates studied to date.