bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling Technologies for Space-based Lasercom§
Authors: Caplan D. O. , Darling Z. J.
Published: November 2022

We present power-efficient waveform generation and low-loss matched WDM optical filtering capabilities that can support a variety of time-frequency-based hybrid-orthogonal modulation options. When combined with photon-counting detection, robust and widely-extensible high-sensitivity performance can be achieved.
Deep Neural Networks for the Topological Optimization of Metasurfaces
Authors: Gahlmann Timo , Tassin Philippe
Published: November 2022

We show that a modified CGAN machine learning method that balances the accuracy of desired optical properties with experimental feasibility can solve the free-form inverse design of nanophotonic matasurfaces.
Gradual Refractive Index Changes in OrmoComp by Three-Dimensional Additive Femtosecond Laser Manufacturing
Authors: Rüschenbaum Matthias , Burczyk Naja , Denz Cornelia
Published: November 2022

Microstructures with a refractive index gradient are polymerized in OrmoComp by an additive, femtosecond laser-based nanoscale manufacturing process. The refractive index is controlled by varying laser intensity or writing velocity, respectively, and measured by the respective phase change by digital holographic microscopy.
Direct laser writing of submicron photonic arrays for vapor-responsive sensing
Authors: Qian Jing , Delaney Colm , Zhang Xia , Florea Larisa , Bradley A. Louise
Published: November 2022

A two photon polymerization technique was used to fabricate 2D photonic crystals based on a vapor-responsive hydrogel. By testing their vapor sensing performance, these photonic arrays were found to exhibit dynamic stimulus responses and show excellent structural and color reversibility.
Large Reversible Plasmon Shift with Au Nanodisc Dimers on Thin film VO2
Authors: Cunningham Stephen , Bradley A. Louise
Published: November 2022

By coupling Au dimer nanostructures to an underlying thin film of phase change material, vanadium dioxide, significant shifts in the plasmonic scattering spectra are observed, allowing for dynamic tuning within the visible spectral range.
Nanoparticle enabled optical fibers to side-emit germicidal ultraviolet light for biofilm control in water
Authors: Westerhoff Paul , Zhao Zhe , Shapiro Nora
Published: November 2022

Silica nanoparticle coating on 250 to 1000 um flexible quartz optical fiber facilitates side-emission of germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C), which shows promise for disinfection of contaminated air, water, and surfaces. This work aims to develop an understanding of light interactions with the silica nanoparticles to allow more uniform side-emission of germicidal light along longer lengths of optical fibers. Two forms of light energy (refracted light and evanescent waves) are transmitted through optical fibers.
Chirality and Complexity of Phootonically Active Nanostructures
Authors: Kotov Nicholas A.
Published: November 2022

Nanoscale chirality is a rapidly emerging field in science and engineering. The early observation of strong circular dichroism for individual nanoparticles (NPs) and their assemblies have developed into a rapidly expanding research area on chiral inorganic nanostructures. They encompass a large family of mirror-asymmetric constructs from metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and nanocarbons with multiple chiral geometries with characteristic scales from Ångströms to microns (Figure 1).
Degree of Polarization of the Light Reflected by a Fractal Thin Film
Authors: Udaundo Steven Francis F. , Ayala Cyrus , Simon Rhenish
Published: November 2022

We show that unique optical system properties such as the angular position of the maximum degree of polarization of the reflected light and crossing angle vary with the dimension of the fractal thin film.
Hydro-Photonic-Advantaged Computing Machine by Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Caramazza Piergiorgio , Marcucci Giulia
Published: November 2022

We apply the theory of nonlinear waves in optics and hydrodynamics to the design of a neuromorphic computer. In our device, light-water interaction is the leading phenomenon, and the electronics is limited to the detection.
Demonstration of Brillouin Lasing in a Silica Microsphere at 2 µm
Authors: Pathak Kanad , Pant Ravi
Published: November 2022

We report the first demonstration of a 2 µm Brillouin laser in a silica micro-sphere. We achieve a lasing threshold of 55 mW and a maximum intracavity laser power of 18 µW.
Modelling nonlinear processes in nanophotonic structures: a comparative study
Authors: Allayarov I. , Baxter J. , Thompson J. , Ramunno L. , Calà Lesina A.
Published: November 2022

There are several approaches for the simulation of nonlinear nanophotonic devices such as the nonlinear polarization method, the hydrodynamic model, and the non-linear scattering theory. We compare and discuss these techniques for plasmonic structures using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method.
Frequency Control of Laser Cavity Solitons for Metrological Applications
Authors: Cutrona Antonio , Rowley Maxwell , Bendahmane Abdelkrim , Hanzard Pierre-Henry , Peters Luke , Cecconi Vittorio , Olivieri Luana , Little Brent E. , Chu Sai T. , Morandotti Roberto , Moss David J. , Totero-Gongora Juan Sebastian , Peccianti Marco , Pasquazi Alessia
Published: November 2022

We show the free-running frequency stability and the frequency control of a micro-comb system comprising a micro-ring nested into an amplifying fibre cavity.
Square pulse switched operations in long L-band fiber laser
Authors: Semaan Georges , Nady Ahmed , Kemel Meriem , Salhi Mohamed , Sanchez François
Published: November 2022

We observe the generation of two- and three-square shaped pulses in a fiber oscillator. By studying the pulses’ characteristics and evolution, we demonstrate the universality of multiple square pulse generation regardless the laser setup.
Thermodynamics of multimode fiber systems revealed by holographic mode decomposition
Authors: Mangini Fabio , Ferraro Mario , Gervaziev Mikhail , Kharenko Denis S. , Zitelli Mario , Sun Yifan , Couderc Vincent , Podivilov Evgeniy V. , Babin Sergey A. , Wabnitz Stefan
Published: November 2022

Our theory and experiments show that Kerr nonlinearity leads to the thermalization of multimode optical beams carrying orbital angular momentum. We describe the connection with spatial beam self-cleaning in graded-index fibers.
Detection of Forward Brillouin Scattering in Optical Fibers through Optical Whispering-Gallery Modes
Authors: Sánchez L. A. , Delgado-Pinar M. , Díez A. , Andrés M. V.
Published: November 2022

A new technique for the observation of forward Brillouin scattering in the cladding of optical fibers is reported. The method consists on exciting optical whispering gallery modes whose effective indexes are modulated by acoustic resonances.
Infrared Photon-Pair Generation via Four-Wave Mixing in a CS2-Filled Microstructured Optical Fiber
Authors: Afsharnia Mina , Junaid Saher , Saravi Sina , Pertsch Thomas , Schmidt Markus A. , Setzpfandt Frank
Published: November 2022

We experimentally demonstrate frequency nondegenerate photon-pair generation via spontaneous four-wave mixing in a CS2-filled microstructured optical fiber. This allows to generate idler photons in the infrared region, suitable for applications in quantum spectroscopy.
Characterization of Optical Chaos in Mid-Infrared Interband Cascade Lasers: Towards High-Speed Free-Space Applications
Authors: Spitz O. , Zhao S. , Díaz-Thomas D. A. , Cerutti L. , Baranov A. N. , Rontani D. , Grillot F.
Published: November 2022

We analyze the dynamics features of 4.1 µm optical chaos generated experimentally bya Fabry-Perot interband cascade laser. The numerical simulations we perform with the Lang-Kobayashi model are in good agreement with the experimental findings.
Photo-induced temperature in optical interference coatings
Authors: Rouquette P. , Amra C. , Zerrad M. , Grèzes-Besset C. , Krol H.
Published: November 2022

The photo-induced temperature in multilayer systems is calculated using an original analytical model based on optical/thermal analogies. Various illumination regimes are considered, ranging from ps pulses to a continuous regime, while taking into account a variable repetition rate. The temporal and spatial (3D) resolutions are quantified, and the distributions of temperature and stationary optical field are compared. The temperature spectra are given as a function of the illumination wavelength. Thermal and electromagnetic damage thresholds are compared. Lastly, the thermal fringes resulting from structured optical illumination are studied.
Diffraction model-informed neural network for unsupervised layer-based computer-generated holography
Authors: Shui Xinghua , Zheng Huadong , Xia Xinxing , Yang Furong , Wang Weisen , Yu Yingjie
Published: November 2022

Learning-based computer-generated holography (CGH) has shown remarkable promise to enable real-time holographic displays. Supervised CGH requires creating a large-scale dataset with target images and corresponding holograms. We propose a diffraction model-informed neural network framework (self-holo) for 3D phase-only hologram generation. Due to the angular spectrum propagation being incorporated into the neural network, the self-holo can be trained in an unsupervised manner without the need of a labeled dataset. Utilizing the various representations of a 3D object and randomly reconstructing the hologram to one layer of a 3D object keeps the complexity of the self-holo independent of the number of depth layers. The self-holo takes amplitude and depth map images as input and synthesizes a 3D hologram or a 2D hologram. We demonstrate 3D reconstructions with a good 3D effect and the generalizability of self-holo in numerical and optical experiments.
FBG array based wavelength calibration scheme for Fourier domain mode-locked laser with pm resolution and hourly stability
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Jia Muxin , Xiao Gui , Chai Quan , Zhou Renlai , Romashko Roman V. , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: November 2022

We demonstrate a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) array based wavelength calibration scheme for Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) laser. The wavelength interval and the temperature feedback module of the FBG array are designed to ensure the reference stability of the wavelength calibration scheme. Combined with the calibration scheme, the FDML laser with a tunable wavelength range of ∼60 nm, a center wavelength of 1300 nm and a sweep frequency of 39.63 kHz is built up to demonstrate its feasibility. The FBG wavelength demodulation based on the calibrated FDML laser system shows a wavelength resolution of 2.76 pm and hourly stability of 10.22 pm.
Single-layer near-zero refractive index metamaterial lens based on non-complete periodic arrays
Authors: Jiang Yannan , Sun Shuo , Wang Jiao
Published: November 2022

In this study, an electric inductive-capacitive (ELC) resonator with a refractive index of around 0.08+i0.08 at 5.8 GHz serves as the unit cell. Based on the ELC unit cell, together with the electromagnetic wave (EMW) single knife-edge diffraction model, a near-zero refractive index metamaterial (NZIM) lens with a non-complete periodic array and small dimension of 0.8λ02 is proposed to weaken the blocking of feed source radiation, and bring more significant gain enhancement compared to that with a complete periodic array. To demonstrate the proposed lens performance, the lens-loaded antenna formed by the proposed NZIM lens and a rectangular microstrip patch antenna (MPA) operating at the center frequency of 5.8GHz is provided. The measured results show that the relative bandwidth (RBW) of the lens-loaded antenna is 9.83% (5.51-6.08 GHz), which is expanded by 3.6 times contrasted with that of MPA (2.75%). Moreover, the average and maximum gains enhancement of 4.77 dB and 6.88 dB are obtained. Due to improving the radiation characteristic, this work can be used to drive the application of MPAs in wireless communication systems.
Four-quadrant retarder array imaging spectropolarimeter for the full Stokes vector spectrum
Authors: Gao Peng , Han Zhongyi , Ai Jingjing , Bai Zhaoming , Liu Gongju , Xiao Hanlin , Yang Jiaheng
Published: November 2022

Aiming at the major demand for polarization information gap in earth observation and space exploration, we proposed a four-quadrant retarder array imaging spectropolarimeter (FQRAISP) in view of the existing technical problem of the spectral resolution degradation along with spectral aliasing crosstalk. The optical schematic diagram of the FQRAISP together with its interference model was conceptually described, and the effectiveness of the scheme was validated through the experimental simulation, which demonstrated the competitive efficiency and accuracy in the proposed FQRAISP. The FQRAISP could restore the incident Stokes vector spectrum without any errors, and the inversion accuracy was increased by seven times, avoiding the spectrum aliasing and channel filtering in the channel modulation. In order to evaluate the influences of the alignment deviation of four-partition phase retarder component, together with its thickness deviation on the reconstructed Stokes parameters, the numerical simulations were carried out, and the results showed that the alignment deviations had a relatively weak effect on the reconstructed Stokes spectra, while the thickness deviations had an obvious influence. Therefore, the alignment deviations controlled in a range of

[

−

0.43
∘

,
+

0.43
∘

]

and

[

−

0.22
∘

,

 + 

0.22
∘

]

together with the thickness deviations in a range of [ − 0.03µm, + 0.03µm] were an optimal choice for the engineering implementation of the FQRAISP. This research provided a novel method for the hardware realization of the accurate acquisition of all-optical information, having broad application prospects in remote sensing (deep space exploration), biomedicine and other fields.
Control of the VCSEL spectrum by dual microwave frequency modulation
Authors: Bogatov Alexander P. , Drakin Alexander E. , Vaskovskaya Maria I. , Chuchelov Dmitry S. , Sabakar Kirill M. , Tsygankov Eugene A. , Vassiliev Vitaly V. , Velichansky Vladimir L. , Zibrov Sergey A.
Published: November 2022

We propose and investigate a method for controlling the spectrum of the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser by simultaneous modulation of the injection current at single and doubled frequencies. We experimentally demonstrate the ability to control the power asymmetry of the first-order sidebands and to suppress the carrier by the proposed method. These possibilities are beneficial to improve frequency stability of atomic clocks based on the effect of coherent population trapping.
Spectral Tailoring Using Solid-State Lighting Phosphors
Authors: Menkara Hisham
Published: November 2022

Various phosphor systems are demonstrated to provide unique and un-matched spectral tailoring for human-centric lighting and for a wide range of spectroscopy and instrumentation across the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared parts of the spectrum.
High CRI white light LED using laser sintered surface PiG composite of YAG:Ce and CASN phosphors
Authors: Ali Javed , Madsen Christi
Published: November 2022

High CRI white light using surface PiG fabricated from a mixture of YAG:Ce and CASN phosphors and borosilicate glass powder is demonstrated. Surface PiG is fabricated using pulsed CO2 laser sintering on borosilicate glass wafer.
Stimulated Emission at Low Current Density in Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Nelson Mitchell C
Published: November 2022

We observe stimulated emission from OLEDS at current densities as low as 20 uA/cm2 in a high Q cavity formed between the Ag cathode and exit surface of the substrate. In this regime, inversion is dependent on Boltzman population of vibrational levels serving as the ground state resulting in spectral dynamics on the time scale of thermalization.
Coupled-core optical fiber sensing
Authors: Villatoro Joel
Published: November 2022

The use of optical fibers with coupled cores is proposed for sensing applications. The interrogation of coupled-core fiber sensors is simple, fast and inexpensive as the parameter being sensed can be detected as intensity changes.
Thulium Ion Pair enriched Saturable Absorber Fibres for high-power Self-Mode-Locking
Authors: Kirsch D. C. , Vařák P. , Honzátko P. , Peterka P. , Chernysheva M.
Published: November 2022

The impact of thulium ions clustering on saturable absorption of active fibres is investigated. The self-mode-locked thulium-doped laser demonstrates 350-fs solitons at 45-MHz repetition rate with 80-mW average power, making this an affordable, durable, and all-fibre integrated instrumentation.
Theoretical Study of Continuous Wave Multi-kWs Fiber Laser Source
Authors: Abbouab Clara , Malleville Marie-Alicia , Leconte Baptiste , Jamier Raphael , Morin Philippe , Bauge Vincent , Roy Philippe
Published: November 2022

Different high-power fiber laser designs based on commercially available components are compared using a free software. The MOPA architectures have the potential to reach up to 4 kW but are limited by TMI and SRS.
Highly Dispersive yet Low Loss Hollow Core Fibers by Using a Combination of Anti-resonant and Resonant Elements
Authors: Naghdi Behnam , Wang Lixian , Sharma Manish , Jiang Zhiping
Published: November 2022

To achieve a dispersive fiber, we propose and numerically investigate an approach based on adding resonant elements to anti-resonant hollow core fibers (AR-HCF). Dispersion as large as 17,600 ps.nm
−
1.km
−
1 is obtained along with < 21dB.km
−
1 confinement loss.
Shift-and-Add Realization Trade-Offs for Chromatic Dispersion Compensation FIR Filters
Authors: Gustafsson Oscar , Bae Cheolyong
Published: November 2022

Approaches to shift-and-add realization of time-domain chromatic dispersion compensation FIR filters are considered. The coefficient word length has larger impact than filter length on both BER penalty and adder complexity.
Investigation of Chromatic Dispersion in Multi-Homodyne Coherent Detection
Authors: Attia Ido , Wohlgemuth Eyal , Shalom Hamutal , Sadot Dan
Published: November 2022

An analytic model for the chromatic dispersion (CD) effect in coherent broad-band optical transmission, involving mixing of two mode-locked semiconductor lasers, is proposed and analyzed. The severe effects of CD and the temporal signal-LO misalignment are simulated and quantified.
Experimental Demonstration of Nonlinear Equalizer for Self-Homodyne Detection Using Indirect Learning Digital Pre-Distorter and Neural Networks
Authors: Zheng Shuo , Yang Min , Yan Guofeng , Zhu Yanjun , Zhang Hua , Yao Chaonan , Shao Yuchen , Wang Jian
Published: November 2022

Indirect learning digital pre-distorter is employed for self-homodyne detection of high-order QAM, showing significant performance gain in an offline experiment. Benefit of the neural networks based nonlinear post-equalizer is also evaluated and compared.
Channel Model of a Ground to Satellite Optical Link Pre-compensated by Adaptive Optics
Authors: Lognoné Perrine , Conan Jean-Marc , Paillier Laurie , Védrenne Nicolas , Rekaya Ghaya
Published: November 2022

We propose a pseudo-analytical channel model of an adaptive optics pre-compensated ground to geostationary satellite optical link, by exploiting uplink/downlink channel reciprocity. The channel model is validated by end-to-end simulation.
Compensation of linear inter-mode cross talk in multiplexed continuous-variable quantum communication
Authors: Usenko Vladyslav C. , Kovalenko Olena , Filip Radim
Published: November 2022

We analyze degradation of multimode entanglement and quantum key distribution in the presence of cross talk. As countermeasures we suggest optimization of initial entangled resource or cross talk compensation by additional coupling between the modes.
India may need an additional metric to assess the endemicity of malaria in low surveillance districts
Authors: Yadav Chander Prakash , Gupta Sanjeev , Bharti Praveen K. , Rahi Manju , Faizi Nafis , Sharma Amit
Published: November 2022

India’s National Framework for malaria elimination is essentially dependent on Annual Parasite Incidence (API). API is the primary criterion for classifying states and districts into different categories: intensified control, pre-elimination, elimination, prevention and re-establishment of malaria. However, API’s validity is critically dependent on multiple factors, one such important factor is Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER) and is often considered as indicator of operational efficiency. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether the API is a sufficiently good malaria index to assess malaria endemicity in India. An in-depth analysis of malaria data (2017–19) was done to determine the appropriateness of API as a sole indicator of malaria endemicity. We stratified the Indian districts into three strata based on Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER): <5, 5.0–5.0, >15, further APIs was compared with Slide Positivity Rates (SPRs) using sign rank test, independently in each stratum. API and SPR were found comparable (p-value 0.323) in stratum 2 only. However, in the case of lower ABER (<5%, strata 1), the API was significantly lower than the SPR, and higher ABER (>15%), the API was found substantially higher than the SPR. Thus, ABER tunes the validity of API and should avoid to use as a single indicator of malaria endemicity. API is an appropriate measure of malaria endemicity in high and moderate transmission areas where surveillance is good (ABER≥5%). However, it is vitally dependent upon surveillance rate and other factors such as population size, the selection of individuals for malaria testing. Therefore, where surveillance is poor (<5%), we propose that API should be complemented with SPR and the number of cases. It will significantly aid the design and deployment of interventions in India.
Capturing Russian drinking patterns with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: An exploratory interview study in primary healthcare and narcology centers in Moscow
Authors: Neufeld Maria , Ferreira-Borges Carina , Bunova Anna , Gornyi Boris , Fadeeva Eugenia , Koshkina Evgenia , Nadezhdin Alexey , Tetenova Elena , Vujnovic Melita , Yurasova Elena , Rehm Jürgen
Published: November 2022

Background

Despite a considerable reduction in alcohol consumption, Russia has one of the highest levels of alcohol-attributable burden of disease worldwide due to heavy episodic drinking patterns. Further improvement of alcohol control measures, including early provision of screening and brief interventions (SBI), is needed. The legislative framework for delivering SBI in Russia was introduced in 2013. As part of the creation and validation of a Russian version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the present contribution explored challenges in using the AUDIT in Russia to inform a subsequent validation study of the tool.

Methods

Qualitative in-depth expert interviews with patients and healthcare professionals from four primary healthcare and narcology facilities in Moscow. A total of 25 patients were interviewed, 9 from a preventive medicine hospital, 8 from a polyclinic, and 9 from narcology clinics. Also, 12 healthcare professionals were interviewed, 5 of whom were primary healthcare doctors and 7 were narcologists.

Results

Patients and healthcare professionals expressed difficulties in dealing with the concept of a “standard drink” in the AUDIT, which is not used in Russia. Various patients struggled with understanding the meaning of “one drinking occasion” on the test, mainly because Russian drinking patterns center around festivities and special occasions with prolonged alcohol intake. Narcology patients had specific difficulties because many of them experienced zapoi–a dynamic drinking pattern with heavy use and a withdrawal from social life, followed by prolonged periods of abstinence. Surrogate alcohol use was described as a common marker of alcohol dependence in Russia, not accounted for in the AUDIT.

Conclusions

The provided analyses on the perception of the Russian AUDIT in different patient and professional groups suggest that a series of amendments in the test should be considered to capture the specific drinking pattern and its potential harms.
Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphisms with risk of hypertension among the Ethiopian population
Authors: Birhan Tsegaye Adane , Molla Meseret Derbew , Abdulkadir Mohamed , Tesfa Kibur Hunie
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Although the pathophysiological mechanism of hypertension is not fully elucidated yet, a large number of pieces of evidence have shown that genetic alterations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system play a central role. However, the association of insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene with essential hypertension is controversial yet, and there is a limited number of publications among the Ethiopian population. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association of ACE gene I/D polymorphism with the risk of hypertension among essential hypertension patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

A case-control study was conducted from October 07, 2020, to June 02, 2021, among hypertensive patients and normotensive control groups at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and anthropometric measurements. Five milliliters of blood were drawn from each of the randomly selected 64 hypertensive and 64 normotensive participants for molecular test analysis. Genetic polymorphism of the ACE gene was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0 software. The strength of association between the genotype and hypertension was estimated through the calculation of adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals using logistic regression. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

The distribution of DD genotypes and D allele of the ACE gene were 48.4% and 63% in essential hypertensive patients, respectively, while it were 29.7% and 42.2% in control subjects respectively. The ACE DD genotype (p-value = 0.005) and D allele (p-value = 0.001) were more frequent among hypertensive patients as compared to controls.

Conclusion

The present study found that the DD genotype and D allele of the ACE gene has had a strong association with a high risk of hypertension in the study population.
Sarcasm use in Turkish: The roles of personality, age, gender, and self-esteem
Authors: Banasik-Jemielniak Natalia , Kałowski Piotr , Akkaya Büşra , Siemieniuk Aleksandra , Abayhan Yasemin , Kandemirci-Bayız Duygu , Dryll Ewa , Branowska Katarzyna , Olechowska Anna , Glenwright Melanie , Zajączkowska Maria , Rowicka Magdalena , Pexman Penny M.
Published: November 2022

This study examined how self-reported sarcasm use is related to individual differences in non-Western adults. A sample of 329 Turkish speakers of high socioeconomic status completed an online survey including measures of self-reported sarcasm use, personality traits, positive and negative affect, self-presentation styles, self-esteem, as well as age and gender. Participants who reported being more likely to use sarcasm in social situations had scores indicating that they were less agreeable, less conscientious, and less emotional stable (i.e., more neurotic). Also, those who reported using sarcasm more often tended to be younger and had lower self-esteem. Self-reported sarcasm use was also positively related to both the self-promoting and the self-depreciating presentation styles. In addition to highlighting the complex relationship between individual differences and language production, these findings underscore the importance of expanding sarcasm research to include non-Western samples.
Quaternion to Euler angles conversion: A direct, general and computationally efficient method
Authors: Bernardes Evandro , Viollet Stéphane
Published: November 2022

Current methods of the conversion between a rotation quaternion and Euler angles are either a complicated set of multiple sequence-specific implementations, or a complicated method relying on multiple matrix multiplications. In this paper a general formula is presented for extracting the Euler angles in any desired sequence from a unit quaternion. This is a direct method, in that no intermediate conversion step is required (no quaternion-to-rotation matrix conversion, for example) and it is general because it works with all 12 possible sequences of rotations. A closed formula was first developed for extracting angles in any of the 12 possible sequences, both “Proper Euler angles” and “Tait-Bryan angles”. The resulting algorithm was compared with a popular implementation of the matrix-to-Euler angle algorithm, which involves a quaternion-to-matrix conversion in the first computational step. Lastly, a single-page pseudo-code implementation of this algorithm is presented, illustrating its conciseness and straightforward implementation. With an execution speed 30 times faster than the classical method, our algorithm can be of great interest in every aspect.
In WAZE we trust? GPS-based navigation application users’ behavior and patterns of dependency
Authors: Laor Tal , Galily Yair
Published: November 2022

Functional technological applications have become an integral part of our lives changing our patterns of reasoning and behavior. The current study examines whether, how and why use of WAZE app, a popular GPS-based navigation application, demonstrate behaviors and patterns which resemble those of technological dependency. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 50 WAZE users. The questions took inspiration from the model of IT addiction, which identifies six behavioral parameters: withdrawal, conflict, mood modification, relapse, tolerance, and saliency. The novelty of the study lies in the evidence of patterns and behaviors which resemble technological dependency on the WAZE app. The findings indicate that WAZE app satisfies users’ needs driven by functionality. Four behavioral characteristics associated with IT addiction are applicable to WAZE users: mood modification, conflict, relapse, and withdrawal. The study concludes that functional technological applications may trigger behavioral indicators of technological addiction.
Subsequent AS01-adjuvanted vaccinations induce similar transcriptional responses in populations with different disease statuses
Authors: Coccia Margherita , Burny Wivine , Demoitié Marie-Ange , Gillard Paul , van den Berg Robert A. , van der Most Robbert
Published: November 2022

Transcriptional responses to adjuvanted vaccines can vary substantially among populations. Interindividual diversity in levels of pathogen exposure, and thus of cell-mediated immunological memory at baseline, may be an important determinant of population differences in vaccine responses. Adjuvant System AS01 is used in licensed or candidate vaccines for several diseases and populations, yet the impact of pre-existing immunity on its adjuvanticity remains to be elucidated. In this exploratory post-hoc analysis of clinical trial samples (clinicalTrials.gov: NCT01424501), we compared gene expression patterns elicited by two immunizations with the candidate tuberculosis (TB) vaccine M72/AS01, between three groups of individuals with different levels of memory responses to TB antigens before vaccination. Analyzed were one group of TB-disease-treated individuals, and two groups of TB-disease-naïve individuals who were (based on purified protein derivative [PPD] skin-test results) stratified into PPD-positive and PPD-negative groups. Although TB-disease-treated individuals displayed slightly stronger transcriptional responses after each vaccine dose, functional gene signatures were overall not distinctly different between groups. Considering the similarities with the signatures found previously for other AS01-adjuvanted vaccines, many features of the response appeared to be adjuvant-driven. Across groups, cell proliferation-related signals at 7 days post-dose 1 were associated with increased anti-M72 antibody response magnitudes. These early signals were stronger in the TB-disease-treated group as compared to both TB-disease-naïve groups. Interindividual homogeneity in gene expression levels was also higher for TB-disease-treated individuals post-dose 1, but increased in all groups post-dose 2 to attain similar levels between the three groups. Altogether, strong cell-mediated memory responses at baseline accelerated and amplified transcriptional responses to a single dose of this AS01-adjuvanted vaccine, resulting in more homogenous gene expression levels among the highly-primed individuals as compared to the disease-naïve individuals. However, after a second vaccination, response heterogeneity decreased and was similar across groups, irrespective of the degree of immune memory acquired at baseline. This information can support the design and analysis of future clinical trials evaluating AS01-adjuvanted vaccines.
Efficient training approaches for optimizing behavioral performance and reducing head fixation time
Authors: Nasr Anna , Dominiak Sina E. , Sehara Keisuke , Nashaat Mostafa A. , Sachdev Robert N. S. , Larkum Matthew E.
Published: November 2022

The use of head fixation has become routine in systems neuroscience. However, whether the behavior changes with head fixation, whether animals can learn aspects of a task while freely moving and transfer this knowledge to the head fixed condition, has not been examined in much detail. Here, we used a novel floating platform, the “Air-Track”, which simulates free movement in a real-world environment to address the effect of head fixation and developed methods to accelerate training of behavioral tasks for head fixed mice. We trained mice in a Y maze two choice discrimination task. One group was trained while head fixed and compared to a separate group that was pre-trained while freely moving and then trained on the same task while head fixed. Pre-training significantly reduced the time needed to relearn the discrimination task while head fixed. Freely moving and head fixed mice displayed similar behavioral patterns, however, head fixation significantly slowed movement speed. The speed of movement in the head fixed mice depended on the weight of the platform. We conclude that home-cage pre-training improves learning performance of head fixed mice and that while head fixation obviously limits some aspects of movement, the patterns of behavior observed in head fixed and freely moving mice are similar.
Long-range axonal projections of transplanted mouse embryonic stem cell-derived hypothalamic neurons into adult mouse brain
Authors: Kawata Miho , Kodani Yu , Ohkuma Mahito , Miyachi Ei-ichi , Kaneko Yoko S. , Nakashima Akira , Suga Hidetaka , Kameyama Toshiki , Saito Kanako , Nagasaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

The hypothalamus is comprised of heterogenous cell populations and includes highly complex neural circuits that regulate the autonomic nerve system. Its dysfunction therefore results in severe endocrine disorders. Although recent experiments have been conducted for in vitro organogenesis of hypothalamic neurons from embryonic stem (ES) or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, whether these stem cell-derived hypothalamic neurons can be useful for regenerative medicine remains unclear. We therefore performed orthotopic transplantation of mouse ES cell (mESC)-derived hypothalamic neurons into adult mouse brains. We generated electrophysiologically functional hypothalamic neurons from mESCs and transplanted them into the supraoptic nucleus of mice. Grafts extended their axons along hypothalamic nerve bundles in host brain, and some of them even projected into the posterior pituitary (PPit), which consists of distal axons of the magnocellular neurons located in hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. The axonal projections to the PPit were not observed when the mESC-derived hypothalamic neurons were ectopically transplanted into the substantia nigra reticular part. These findings suggest that our stem cell-based orthotopic transplantation approach might contribute to the establishment of regenerative medicine for hypothalamic and pituitary disorders.
Who develops pandemic fatigue? Insights from Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Taylor Steven , Rachor Geoffrey S. , Asmundson Gordon J. G.
Published: November 2022

According to the World Health Organization, pandemic fatigue poses a serious threat for managing COVID-19. Pandemic fatigue is characterized by progressive decline in adherence to social distancing (SDIS) guidelines, and is thought to be associated with pandemic-related emotional burnout. Little is known about the nature of pandemic fatigue; for example, it is unclear who is most likely to develop pandemic fatigue. We sought to evaluate this issue based on data from 5,812 American and Canadian adults recruited during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Past-year decline in adherence to SDIS had a categorical latent structure according to Latent Class Analysis, consisting of a group adherent to SDIS (Class 1: 92% of the sample) and a group reporting a progressive decline in adherence to SDIS (i.e., pandemic fatigue; Class 2: 8% of the sample). Class 2, compared to Class 1, was associated with greater pandemic-related burnout, pessimism, and apathy about the COVID-19 pandemic. They also tended to be younger, perceived themselves to be more affluent, tended to have greater levels of narcissism, entitlement, and gregariousness, and were more likely to report having been previously infected with SARSCOV2, which they regarded as an exaggerated threat. People in Class 2 also self-reported higher levels of pandemic-related stress, anxiety, and depression, and described making active efforts at coping with SDIS restrictions, which they perceived as unnecessary and stressful. People in Class 1 generally reported that they engaged in SDIS for the benefit of themselves and their community, although 35% of this class also feared they would be publicly shamed if they did not comply with SDIS guidelines. The findings suggest that pandemic fatigue affects a substantial minority of people and even many SDIS-adherent people experience emotionally adverse effects (i.e., fear of being shamed). Implications for the future of SDIS are discussed.
Pathways to reduced overnight hospitalizations in older adults: Evaluating 62 physical, behavioral, and psychosocial factors
Authors: Nakamura Julia S. , Oh Jean , VanderWeele Tyler J. , Kim Eric S.
Published: November 2022

As our society ages and healthcare costs escalate, researchers and policymakers urgently seek potentially modifiable predictors of reduced healthcare utilization. We aimed to determine whether changes in 62 candidate predictors were associated with reduced frequency, and duration, of overnight hospitalizations. We used data from 11,374 participants in the Health and Retirement Study—a national sample of adults aged >50 in the United States. Using generalized linear regression models with a lagged exposure-wide approach, we evaluated if changes in 62 predictors over four years (between t0;2006/2008 and t1;2010/2012) were associated with subsequent hospitalizations during the two years prior to t2 (2012–2014 (Cohort A) or 2014–2016 (Cohort B)). After robust covariate-adjustment, we observed that changes in some health behaviors (e.g., those engaging in frequent physical activity had 0.80 the rate of overnight hospital stays (95% CI [0.74, 0.87])), physical health conditions (e.g., those with cancer had 1.57 the rate of overnight hospital stays (95% CI [1.35, 1.82])), and psychosocial factors (e.g., those who helped friends/neighbors/relatives 100–199 hours/year had 0.73 the rate of overnight hospital stays (95% CI [0.63, 0.85])) were associated with subsequent hospitalizations. Findings for both the frequency, and duration, of hospitalizations were mostly similar. Changes in a number of diverse factors were associated with decreased frequency, and duration, of overnight hospitalizations. Notably, some psychosocial factors (e.g., informal helping) had effect sizes equivalent to or larger than some physical health conditions (e.g., diabetes) and health behaviors (e.g., smoking). These psychosocial factors are mostly modifiable and with further research could be novel intervention targets for reducing hospitalizations.
Optimal timing of steroid initiation in response to CTLA-4 antibody in metastatic cancer: A mathematical model
Authors: Siewe Nourridine , Friedman Avner
Published: November 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, introduced in recent years, have revolutionized the treatment of many cancers. However, the toxicity associated with this therapy may cause severe adverse events. In the case of advanced lung cancer or metastatic melanoma, a significant number (10%) of patients treated with CTLA-4 inhibitor incur damage to the pituitary gland. In order to reduce the risk of hypophysitis and other severe adverse events, steroids may be combined with CTLA-4 inhibitor; they reduce toxicity, but they also diminish the anti-cancer effect of the immunotherapy. This trade-off between tumor reduction and the risk of severe adverse events poses the following question: What is the optimal time to initiate treatment with steroid. We address this question with a mathematical model from which we can also evaluate the comparative benefits of each schedule of steroid administration. In particular, we conclude that treatment with steroid should not begin too early, but also not very late, after immunotherapy began; more precisely, it should start as soon as tumor volume, under the effect of CTLA-4 inhibitor alone, begins to decrease. We can also compare the benefits of short term treatment of steroid at high doses to a longer term treatment with lower doses.
Characteristics of gut microbiota in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome in Northern China
Authors: Li Yuyuan , Li Zhi , Sun Wenying , Wang Meiling , Li Ming
Published: November 2022

This study analyzes and compares the structure and diversity of gut microbiota in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) in Northern China to healthy individuals to identify clinical features associated with dysbiosis. We included 60 Chinese pSS patients and 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. DNA was extracted from stool samples and subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis (V3-V4) for intestinal dysbiosis. In addition, patients were examined for laboratory and serological pSS features. A Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to assess correlations between individual bacteria taxa and clinical characteristics. The alpha-diversity (Chao1 and Shannon Index) and beta-diversity (unweighted UniFrac distances) of the gut microbiota differed significantly between pSS patients and healthy controls. Further analysis showed that several gut opportunistic pathogens (Bacteroides, Megamonas, and Veillonella) were significantly more abundant in pSS patients and positively correlated with their clinical indicators. In contrast, some probiotic genera (Collinsella, unidentified_Ruminococcaceae, Romboutsia, and Dorea) were significantly decreased in pSS patients and negatively correlated with their clinical indicators. Therefore, pSS patients in Northern China showed a dysbiotic intestinal microbiome enriched for potentially pathogenic genera that might be associated with autoimmune disease.
Hamstring muscle architecture assessed sonographically using wide field of view: A reliability study
Authors: Cronin Kevin , Foley Shane , Cournane Seán , De Vito Giuseppe , Delahunt Eamonn
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To assess the intra-rater reliability of static wide field of view ultrasound to quantify the architectural characteristics of the hamstring muscles.

Methods

Twenty amateur male athletes were recruited. Their left hamstring muscles were assessed using static wide field of view ultrasound on two separate occasions. Static ultrasound images were acquired by a single sonographer using a 92mm linear transducer. The architectural characteristics (muscle length, fascicle length, pennation angle and muscle thickness) from two distinct locations of the bicep femoris long head and semimembranosus were evaluated. Muscle length and thickness of the bicep femoris short head and semitendinosus muscle were also evaluated. Intraclass correlation coefficient analyses were performed to determine the intra-rater reliability of the performed measurements.

Results

Both muscle (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99; standard error of measurement = 4.3 to 6.6mm) and fascicle (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92 to 0.98; standard error measurement = 1.1 to 2.4mm) length were measured with excellent intra-rater reliability. Muscle thickness was measured with excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.9 to 0.96; standard error of measurement = 0.91mm to 1.4mm) for all hamstring muscles except for the proximal segments of the bicep femoris short head (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85; standard error of measurement = 0.84mm) and semitendinosus (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.88; standard error of measurement = 0.82mm), which were measured with good reliability. Pennation angle was measured with good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.77 to 0.87; standard error of measurement = 1 to 1.6°).

Conclusion

The architectural characteristics of the hamstring muscles of male amateur athletes can be reliably quantified using static wide field of view ultrasound.
Prognostic comparison of COVID-19 outpatients and inpatients treated with Remdesivr: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zamani Shokoofeh , Alizadeh Mohammad , Shahrestanaki Ehsan , Mohammadpoor Nami Sahar , Qorbani Mostafa , Aalikhani Maryam , Hassani Gelsefid Saeed , Mohammadian Khonsari Nami
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Since the late COVID-19, many countries have faced various surges and peaks within the number of infected. Iran was one of the countries that faced many surges and peaks within these years and faced many inadequacies and shortages of resources and hospital beds. Hence the healthcare system started using in-hospital medication such as Remdesivir in outpatients to reduce the load of patients admitted to the hospital. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the reported signs, symptoms, and outcomes of COVID-infected hospitalized and out-patients receiving Remdesivir.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 214 patients (121 outpatient and 93 hospitalized) with moderate levels of Covid infection between October 2021 and February 2022 were studied. Both groups were treated with 200mg of Remdesivir, followed by 100 mg daily intravenous injections for five days; signs and symptoms, such as pain, shortness of breath, cough, fever and etc., of patients at the initiation and the end of treatment were recorded. Moreover, the patients’ blood oxygen saturation was assessed two to three times a day, and the mean of the recorded measures was considered as the daily oxygen saturation. The outpatient group had to visit the hospital daily for treatment and assessment. At the treatment’s end, mortality rates, disease signs, and symptoms alleviations were compared between the groups.

Results

The outpatient and hospitalized group’s mean age was 40.30 ± 12.25 and 37.70 ± 12.00 years, and 51.2% and 55.9% were males, respectively. There was no statistical difference between baseline and clinical characteristics in the outpatients and hospitalized groups. After adjusting for oxygen saturation at baseline and gender in the multivariable Cox regression analysis, the risk of death did not statistically differ between the hospitalized and outpatient group (hazard ratio: 0.99, 95% confidence interval: 0.39–2.50)) at the end of the study.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, the outcome, signs, and symptoms of inpatient and outpatient Remdesivir treatment groups did not differ significantly. Hence in COVID-19 surges where we have limitations in admitting patients, outpatient Remdesivir treatment for those without any underlying diseases can be a proper management method.