bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The local diagnostic reference levels for breast screening using digital mammography at Songklanagarind Hospital
Authors:   The Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla Province, Thailand, Songsaeng Chatsuda , Chanwetwirot Phatthanan ,   The Division of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla Province, Thailand, Kaewkum Unthika ,   The Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla Province, Thailand, Thiangsook Wasinee ,   The Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla Province, Thailand
Published: March 2022

Introduction: This work aimed to determine local diagnostic reference levels (local DRLs) for screening mammography at Songklanagarind Hospital on digital mammography. Materials and methods: Retrospective data of screening mammography were collected from 400 patients from Songklanagarind Hospital, 200 patients from Tanyawej Breast Center and 200 patients from Premium Diagnostic Imaging Center. The patients were women aged between 40-75 years old with compressed breast thickness between 41-65 mm. and undertaken screening mammogram during 1st January 2019 – 31st October 2020. Patient data and exposure parameters collected were as follows: average glandular dose (AGD), entrance surface air kerma (ESAK), compressed breast thickness (CBT), compression force (CF), peak kilovoltage (kVp), tube current-time (mAs), target and filter (W/Rh, W/Al), and patient age. Results: The result showed that the average glandular dose of FFDM (2D mode) and DBT (3D mode) for compressed breast thickness 41-65 mm were 1.41±0.43 and 1.68±0.39 mGy, respectively and the 75th percentile of FFDM (2D mode) and DBT (3D mode) were 1.65 mGy and 1.89 mGy, respectively. The average ESAK were 4.93±1.96 mGy in FFDM (2D mode) and 5.31±1.55 mGy in DBT (3D mode), respectively. The 75th percentile of ESAK in FFDM (2D mode) and DBT (3D mode) were 6.03 and 6.17 mGy, respectively. There were 24.88 % and 24.63% received the average glandular dose over the 75th percentile in FFDM (2D mode) and DBT (3D mode). Conclusion: Local Diagnostic Reference Levels for FFDM (2D mode) and DBT (3D mode) at Songklanagarind Hospital were 1.65 mGy and 1.89 mGy. The Local DRLs in our study was safe and lower than the standard reference levels reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency at 3 mGy/view.
Rapid detection of FLT3-ITD (exon14-15) gene mutations analysis in acute myelogenous leukemia patients by High Resolution Melting analysis
Authors:   Division of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Kongta Ratana , Thanomwongkhan Kiattisak ,   Division of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Panyasit Noppamas ,   Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, Duangmano Suwit ,   Division of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Published: March 2022

Background: Molecular genetic characterization allows prognostic stratification and can potentially alter treatment choices in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Activating mutations of the Fsm-like tyrosine kinase3 (FLT3) gene, especially FLT3-ITD mutations, have been associated with an adverse prognosis in AML. Therefore, FLT3 mutation detection becomes essential for AML patients. High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis is an alternative method for the rapid and affordable detection of gene mutations. Objectives:To establish and evaluate a rapid and affordable method for detecting mutations of FLT3-ITD (exon14-15) gene in acute myeloid leukemia by High Resolution Melting analysis. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients with newly diagnosed AML from Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital were included in this study. FLT3-ITD mutation screening was performed by HRM analysis, and the results were compared with the data obtained using conventional PCR with gel electrophoresis and direct sequencing. Results: Among the 35 AML patients studied, 6 patients were scored positively for FLT3-ITD mutation in the conventional PCR, whereas HRM analysis identified 7 out of 35 patients who were positive for FLT3-ITD mutation, which was concordant with direct sequencing results. Interestingly, one sample that was positive by HRM analysis was scored by conventional PCR as negative. Therefore, HRM analysis is more sensitive than conventional PCR. Conclusion: HRM analysis is a rapid and promising screening method for FLT3-ITD mutation, enabling the real-time evaluation of AML progression, which is significant for decision-making regarding treatment. Our results showed that HRM analysis could be a useful clinical tool for the rapid and affordable screening of FLT3-ITD mutation in AML patients.
Psychometric properties of the apraxia of speech rating scale Thai version
Authors:   Communication Disorders Program, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Kripanan Nicha , Rattakorn Phuanjai ,   Communication Disorders Program, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Chinchai Supaporn ,   Communication Disorders Program, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Published: March 2022

Background: Thai speech-language pathologists lack appropriate tools to describe apraxia of speech (AOS) characteristics in Thai patients. Objectives: This study aimed to translate and adapt the most recent version of the Apraxia of Speech Rating Scale (ASRS) 3.3, the ASRS 3.3, into a Thai version and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Thai version (ASRS-Thai). Materials and methods: The original ASRS 3.3 has been translated into Thai using the backward-translation approach. The original developer was also included in the translation process to improve the translation accuracy. The resulting tool, ASRS-Thai, was administered to 28 adults with neurological speech or language disorders, along with another AOS test available in Thai, Apraxia Test for Thai Adults (ATTA). The recordings were rated independently by 5 experienced speech-language pathologists at different hospitals. The clinical assessment of patients’ performance on the ATTA was used as the reference standard to measure the sensitivity and specificity of ASRS-Thai for AOS diagnosis. Concurrent validity and reliability measures were also examined. Reliability was examined by evaluating intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. Results: Moderate-to-strong negative correlations were found between the ATTA and the ASRS-Thai (-0.575 to -0.900). Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity of the ASRS-Thai at a cut-off score of 16 were 100% and 86.7%, respectively. Reliability was computed by measuring the intraclass correlation (ICC) values. The intra-rater ICCs were 0.96, 0.968, and 0.976, and the inter-rater ICC was 0.927 for the total score. Conclusion: The ASRS-Thai is a reliable, valid instrument to describe the presence and severity of AOS characteristics in clinical settings and research. Additional data collection by testing a larger sample size with diverse severities, including cases of pure AOS, is warranted in future studies
CONHECENDO O PIOLHO HUMANO: UMA PROPOSTA DE INTERVENÇÃO LÚDICA NO CONTEXTO DAS METODOLOGIAS ATIVAS DE ENSINO PARA ESTUDANTES DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Borges-Moroni Raquel , Brandão Justiniano Silvia Cássia , Tonissi Moroni Fábio
Published: March 2022

A pediculose é uma infestação causada por piolhos em humanos, a qual infesta, principalmente, crianças em idade escolar. Desse modo, a permanência de conceitos inadequados sobre a morfologia, biologia e controle da pediculose é um importante fator que contribui para manter essas infestações infantis. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é sugerir uma forma de intervenção lúdica, no contexto das metodologias ativas de ensino, mediante aplicação de jogo educacional de perguntas e respostas sobre pediculose, intitulado “Conhecendo o piolho humano”. Esse é aplicado pelos professores para pequenos grupos de estudantes do ensino fundamental. O mesmo dura o período de 30 minutos e vence o estudante que compartilhar maior número de respostas corretas com seus colegas. O desenho desse jogo mescla várias metodologias ativas de ensino, com aprendizado baseado em problemas e sala de aula invertida, e visa desenvolver, além das habilidades cognitivas, aquelas interpessoais nos participantes.
A EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA ESCOLAR “COM” A EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: APROXIMAÇÕES COM PAULO FREIRE
Authors: De Siqueira Farias Uirá , Teixeira Maldonado Daniel , Aline Nogueira Valdilene , Massoli Rodrigues Graciele
Published: March 2022

O objetivo desse estudo foi apresentar uma experiência político-pedagógica de Educação Física Escolar “COM” a Educação Infantil, que tematizou a ginástica se aproximando de elementos freirianos para dialogar “COM” as crianças. A organização apoiou-se na pesquisa qualitativa crítica. O projeto relatado aconteceu durante um trimestre em uma escola pública da cidade de Santo André – SP. O estudo evidenciou que, ao se tratar da Educação Infantil, somos convocados a brincar e criar “COM” as crianças. Como seres no mundo, as crianças, quando não oprimidas, se expressam politicamente, exigindo seus direitos. É a teimosia curiosa e criativa de falarem suas próprias palavras, ao ponto de convocarem seu ato de resistência por um mundo mais brincante, humano e amoroso. Aproximar a Educação Física das obras de Paulo Freire é reconhecer a possibilidade de um reposicionamento para a função social do componente curricular, além de um avanço epistemológico pautado na Educação Libertadora.
ESTRESSE EM PROFESSORES DE EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: UM ESTUDO BIBLIOMÉTRICO
Authors: Amaral Garcia Luciana , Ferreira Holanda Ramos Maély , Cunha da Silva Jamille Gabriela
Published: March 2022

Apesar dos significativos avanços em prol da qualidade no ensino da Educação Infantil, as condições de trabalho e saúde do docente estão sendo negligenciadas. O objetivo da pesquisa foi levantar dados a respeito da produção acadêmica sobre Estresse e Professores de Educação Infantil entre os anos de 2008 e 2018. A pesquisa é bibliométrica e possui abordagem quanti-qualitativa, utilizando da técnica de revisão da literatura e da análise de redes de coautoria e conexões entre termos-chave. Os resultados revelaram que há um grupo de pesquisadores que se relaciona e publica sobre a referida temática e estabelece tímidas relações com outros grupos de pesquisadores.  A rede de palavras-chave aponta que o descritor “educação infantil”  exerce e recebe influência de grupos de igual e diferentes áreas. Considera-se relevante que a temática tenha pesquisas mais aprofundadas, por meio de novas parcerias entre pesquisadores, e a expansão das conexões com outras áreas da ciência.
Ring core few-mode fiber sensor for curvature measurement
Authors: Zhang Fan , Su Baijin , Zhong Lixi , Qi Beibei , Xu Ou , Qin Yuwen
Published: March 2022

An all-fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) using ring core few-mode fiber (RC-FMF) for curvature sensing is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The MZI was fabricated by splicing a segment of RC-FMF between two pieces of single-mode fiber (SMF). With the benefit of a RC of the central axis of the RC-FMF, the sensor is more sensitive to curvature compared to other fiber sensors based on ordinary SMF or FMF. Curvature measurement can be achieved by monitoring the wavelength shift of interference dips. Experimental results have shown that the sensitivity of curvature sensing can reach up to

−

4.370

n
m

/

m

−
1

, within the range of

1.199

−

1.549

m

−
1

. Also, the temperature sensing characteristics of the sensor are measured, and the maximum temperature sensitivity is 57.6 pm/°C, ranging from 25°C to 45°C. The proposed MZI sensor has excellent potential for curvature measurement of building structural health monitoring, bridge engineering, and more.
Design and demonstration of a six-channel multiresolution imaging
system
Authors: Belay Gebirie Yizengaw , Bollhorst Rolf , Vervaeke Michael , Thienpont Hugo , Van Erps Jürgen
Published: March 2022

Multichannel imaging systems consist of multiple channels that have different imaging characteristics (fields-of-view and angular resolutions). We design and demonstrate a six-channel multiresolution imaging system that can achieve a relative magnification ratio of up to 10 times between the channels and, at the same time, result in different depths-of-field. The imaging system consists of two double-sided lens arrays made of PMMA material, a baffle to eliminate possible cross talk between neighboring channels, and a Sony full-frame image sensor. The imaging system was tested by capturing images of stationary and moving objects. The acquired images exhibit different resolutions, fields-of-view, and levels of blur proving our concept.
Optimization of a plastic optical fiber based sensor for dye sensing coupled with an adapted neuro-fuzzy inference system
Authors: Petkovic Dalibor , Denić Nebojša , Ilić Ivana D. , Zlatković Dragan , Ilić Sinisa , Kojić Nenad , Stojanović Jelena
Published: March 2022

In this study, estimation capacities and optimization of a dye concentration sensing model by an adapted neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) as well as central composite design coupled with response surface methodology using a plastic optical fiber (POF) based sensor were investigated. Various diameters

d

of POF were used for sensing different concentrations of Remazol Black B (RBB), which acts as a sensing medium of the process. The efficiency of sensing was studied as a function of three independent variables: diameter of POF, concentration of RBB dye, and initial temperature of the solution. First, the independent parameters were fed as inputs to an ANFIS, and the output of the system was the output intensity of dye ratio to output the intensity of distilled water. ANFIS showed that this established model is reliable for a dye concentration sensing process and is mainly influenced by its diameter.
Simultaneous generation of a broadband MIR and NIR frequency comb in a GaP microring
Authors: Wang Yi , Shi Lei , Wu Wei , Ming Xianshun , Sun Qibing , Wang Leiran , Zhao Wei
Published: March 2022

Midinfrared (MIR) optical frequency combs are of great significance as broadband coherent light sources used in extensive areas such as coherent communications and molecule detections. Conventional MIR combs are usually restricted in size and power, while most microcombs are focused in the near-infrared (NIR) region because of the limited accessible

Q

-factor of microrings and the poor performances of available pumps. In this paper, we numerically demonstrate the simultaneous generation of a broadband MIR and NIR comb in a GaP microring with an additive waveguide. The achieved octave-spanning (1890–4050 nm) MIR microcomb at a low pump power of 34 mW can be effectively converted to the second-harmonic NIR comb covering 1120–1520 nm with separate dispersion optimization of the ring cavity and straight waveguide. The proposed system has the advantage of simple structure and low power threshold, which could find potential in highly integrated MIR optical sources and related applications.
Mach–Zehnder modulator condition for a low chirp factor versus DC bias
Authors: Bui Lam Anh
Published: March 2022

An analysis of the Mach–Zehnder modulator’s chirp factor

α

versus DC bias is presented. Unlike the well-known belief that

α

is infinite at 0 and

π

biases, it is shown that

α

can be zero at these biases under a careful balance of the modulations in the two modulator arms. Derivation of the condition to achieve this effect is given, and practical verifications are presented, where an excellent agreement with the theory is obtained. It is shown that modulators with a low residual chirp over a wide range of DC bias are achieved by designing the RF driving such that

α

would be minimized at zero bias instead of at quadrature bias as used currently in the modulator design.
Cryptoanalysis on the optical image encryption scheme based on full phase encoding and equal modulus decomposition
Authors: Xiong Y. , Wang Y.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the security of a security-enhanced optical cryptosystem based on full phase encoding and equal modulus decomposition (EMD) is evaluated. Compared to the original EMD-based image scheme in which plaintext is the amplitude information of the spectrum to generate two complex-valued masks with equal moduli, phase-encoded plaintext is regarded as the input of EMD-based structure to generate masks in the full phase encoding and EMD combined cryptosystem. It seems that the security strength has been improved by decreasing the number of constraints in the iterative attack; however, it is found that this scheme is still under security risk. Thus, we propose two iterative attacks based on normalization operator and phase-retrieval techniques with different constraints to break the security-enhanced scheme. Numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed attacks.
In vivo evaluation of endometrium through dual-modality intrauterine endoscopy
Authors: Zhang Jinke , Du Meng , Fang JInghui , Lv Shengmiao , Lou Wenjin , Xie Zhihua , Chen Zhiyi , Gong Xiaojing
Published: March 2022

Female infertilities are highly associated with poor endometrial receptivity. A receptive endometrium is generally characterized by the normal uterine cavity, intact endometrial surface, appropriate endometrial thickness, and echo pattern. Acquiring comprehensive structural information is the prerequisite of endometrium assessment, which is beyond the ability of any single-modality imaging method. In this paper, we introduce a custom-made intrauterine dual-modality (OCT/ultrasound) endoscopic imaging system and achieve in vivo imaging of rabbit uteri, for the first time to our knowledge. The endometrial features of the injured uteri in both ultrasonic and OCT images are consistent with their corresponding pathology. The quantified parameters, including uterine thickness and endometrial surface roughness, show the correlation with the endometrial injury degree but with poor performance for injury classification. The combination of these parameters was proved to assess the degrees of endometrial injury more accurately. Our work shows the potential of the dual-modality system to be translated into a clinical tool, providing multiple quantitative imaging information and helping evaluate the endometrial receptivity and diagnose infertility.
Trusted distributed marketplace for virtual passive optical network sharing
Authors: Afraz Nima , Ruffini Marco
Published: March 2022

Infrastructure sharing has always been a core aspect of telecommunications networks, especially in the access. The move towards resource-demanding services, which are part of the 5G evolution, further exacerbates its necessity, as the cost of ownership is often not matched by an increase in revenue. In parallel, the recent emergence of network function virtualization is creating new business opportunities and business models that challenge conventional centralized network ownership. In this work, we address the issue of optical access network sharing, addressing the challenging scenario of the untrusted broadband market. We propose, for the first time, to our knowledge, a distributed market scheme for capacity sharing that makes use of permissioned blockchain technology in multi-tenant passive optical networks. The blockchain is used as a verification mechanism that runs in parallel to shared, market-based capacity scheduling operations. To study the feasibility and performance of the proposed verification layer, we have developed a smart contract (chaincodes) using the Hyperledger Fabric permissioned blockchain platform that solves the high transaction cost and energy consumption concerns associated with permissionless blockchain solutions used in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Disaggregation and cloudification of metropolitan area networks: enabling technologies and impact on architecture, cost, and power consumption [Invited]
Authors: Quagliotti Marco , Serra Laura , Pagano Annachiara , Groumas Panos , Bakopoulos Paraskevas , Avramopoulos Hercules
Published: March 2022

The deployment of the new 5G system and ultra-broadband access networks, on one side, and the advent of network disaggregation and cloudification paradigms, on the other, are producing disruptive changes in metropolitan area networks (MANs). The new central offices will be more like small data centers than traditional Telco-type central offices. The presence of general-purpose servers, in partial or total replacement of specialized equipment or cards, and also hosting new functions and services, significantly changes the way the central office is organized and how the equipment internetworks. After having defined a reference architecture named cloudified-MAN, the paper briefly introduces the enabling technologies that include information technology (IT) systems, packet switches, and optical equipment. A disaggregated model is applied to all layers and systems. In the optics field, special insight on high data rate (up to 1.6 Tb/s) transceiver technology developed by the TERIPHIC project is provided as an example of low-cost and low-power technology. Through a quantitative techno-economic case study on a realistic network scenario aimed at short-term and medium-term time horizons, the paper provides indications on what could be the impact of the new architecture on costs and energy consumption. The main outcome of the study is that the IT and optical parts are those with the highest fractions of overall cost, and specifically for the optics, the cost of wavelength division multiplexing transceivers increases significantly in the medium term due to the demand for high-capacity connections (

>

400

G
b

/

s

), while the line system cost (reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer) decreases in percentage. Another significant result is that in terms of energy consumption, the IT component has been found to be the dominant one (70%–75% of the total), followed by packet devices (about 20%–25%) and optical systems, the latter with significantly lower percentage values (less than 5%) in all cases analyzed.
Quasi-phase matching of high harmonics driven by mid-IR: toward the efficiency drop compensation
Authors: Stremoukhov Sergey
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a detailed investigation of the high-order harmonics generation quasi-phase matching in a series of gas jets interacting with a two-color laser field formed by the fundamental and the second harmonics of a mid-IR laser source. A quadratic growth of the enhanced harmonics efficiency as a function of a laser wavelength is presented. A power growth of the enhanced harmonics efficiency as a function of the width of the gas jets is also demonstrated. A simple relation connecting the position of the enhanced harmonics and the macroparamaters of the gas jets is introduced. Physical mechanisms lying behind the observed phenomena are also discussed.
Ultrahigh scan-rate quasi-distributed acoustic sensing system using array match interrogation
Authors: Arbel Nadav , Tomarov David , Abadi Alon , Tur Moshe , Eyal Avishay
Published: March 2022

Inspired by compressed sensing techniques, a method for significantly enhancing the maximum allowable scan rate in quasi-distributed acoustic sensing (Q-DAS) is described and studied. Matching the scan parameters to the interrogated array facilitates orders of magnitude improvement in the scan rate and a corresponding increase in the maximum slew rate (SR) of differential phase variations which can be measured without ambiguity. The method is termed array matched interrogation (AMI). To improve the method’s SNR, maximum number of sensing sections and maximum range, the interrogation pulse can be replaced by a perfect periodic autocorrelation (PPA) code. This version of the method is referred to as coded array matched interrogation (C-AMI). The implementation of C-AMI is not trivial and requires special design rules which are derived and tested experimentally. The design rules ensure that the ‘folding’ of the returning peaks of the Q-DAS array into a scan period, which is much shorter than the fiber's roundtrip time, will not lead to overlaps. The method demonstrated a scan rate of 20 times higher than the common limit and measurement of unprecedented slew-rate of 10.5 ×106 rad/s.
Aspherical liquid crystal lenses based on a variable transmission electrode
Authors: Bennis N. , Jankowski T. , Morawiak P. , Spadlo A. , Zografopoulos D. C. , Sánchez-Pena J. M. , López-Higuera J. M. , Algorri J. F.
Published: March 2022

In this work, a technique to generate aspherical liquid crystal lenses with positive and negative optical power is experimentally demonstrated. The main enabling element is a micro-metric electrode with variable spatial size. This produces a decreasing resistance towards the lens centre that generates the desired voltage/phase profiles. Then, the voltage is homogeneously distributed across the active area of the lens by micro-metric concentric electrodes. As it is demonstrated, the phase shift can be controlled with voltages from 0 to 4.5 VRMS. As a result, parabolic profiles are obtained both for negative and positive optical powers. Furthermore, this approach avoids some disadvantages of previous techniques; parabolic profiles can be obtained with only one lithographic step and one or two voltage sources. Other complex aspherical profiles could be fabricated using the same technique, such as elliptical or hyperbolic ones.
Discrete-modulation measurement-device-independent continuous-variable quantum key distribution with a quantum scissor: exact non-Gaussian calculation
Authors: Jafari Khatereh , Golshani Mojtaba , Bahrampour Alireza
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we study non-Gaussian discrete-modulated measurement-device-independent continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocol equipped with a proposed quantum scissor at the receiver side. Our suggested scissor truncates all multiphoton number states with four or more photons and amplifies remaining photon number states in a probabilistic way. Using exact non-Gaussian calculation, we find that quantum scissor meliorates the fidelity and entanglement between two legitimate parties Alice and Bob, at long distances. Therefore, quantum scissor enhances the continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocol range. Examination of the system for different values of the excess noise reveals that this improvement disappears at high noisy channels.
High-dimensional discrete Fourier transform gates with a quantum frequency processor
Authors: Lu Hsuan-Hao , Lingaraju Navin B. , Leaird Daniel E. , Weiner Andrew M. , Lukens Joseph M.
Published: March 2022

The discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is of fundamental interest in photonic quantum information, yet the ability to scale it to high dimensions depends heavily on the physical encoding, with practical recipes lacking in emerging platforms such as frequency bins. In this article, we show that d-point frequency-bin DFTs can be realized with a fixed three-component quantum frequency processor (QFP), simply by adding to the electro-optic modulation signals one radio-frequency harmonic per each incremental increase in d. We verify gate fidelity

F

W

>
0.9997

and success probability

P

W

>
0.965

up to d = 10 in numerical simulations, and experimentally implement the solution for d = 3, utilizing measurements with parallel DFTs to quantify entanglement and perform tomography of multiple two-photon frequency-bin states. Our results furnish new opportunities for high-dimensional frequency-bin protocols in quantum communications and networking.
Inverse design of sub-wavelength convergent grating based on the “stepped particle swarm algorithm”
Authors: Huang Junjing , Zhang Enge , Yuan Weifang , Duan Xiaofeng , Yang Yisu , Liu Kai , Huang Yongqing , Ren Xiaomin
Published: March 2022

In this Letter, a novel “stepped particle swarm optimization” (SPSO) based on field intensity adjustment is proposed. After that, we used this algorithm to design a sub-wavelength converging grating that could be integrated with the detector on the back. Firstly, the advantages of reverse design in the process of two-dimensional or multi-element grating pattern design were summarized by comparing the theory of forward and reverse design. Then, the common “particle swarm optimization” (PSO) and our proposal were compared in the reverse design process; we found that the field strength at the focal point obtained by the improved algorithm was approximately twice of the conventional PSO, and the SPSO had higher computational efficiency and better global convergence. The value of the SPSO had been steadily enlarged, which significantly improved the performance of the sub-wavelength convergent grating. Finally, the property of the sub-wavelength converging grating was simulated, and we found that the grating could achieve good convergence in the focal length range of 100–150 µm, and had a strong ability to compensate for the position deviation of the incident light. In actual optical communications, this sub-wavelength converging grating will play an important role in alleviating the bandwidth and quantum efficiency, improving the performance of the detectors.
High-energy Q-switched 16-core tapered rod-type fiber laser system
Authors: Aleshire Christopher , Steinkopff Albrecht , Klenke Arno , Jáuregui César , Kuhn Stefan , Nold Johannes , Haarlammert Nicoletta , Schreiber Thomas , Limpert Jens
Published: March 2022

High-energy Q-switched master oscillator power amplifier systems based on rod-type 4 × 4 multicore fibers are demonstrated, achieving energy up to 49 mJ in ns-class pulses. A tapered fiber geometry is tested that maintains low mode order in large multimode output cores, improving beam quality in comparison to a similar fiber with no taper. The tapered fiber design can be scaled both in the number of amplifying cores and in the dimensions of the cores themselves, providing a potential route toward joule-class fiber lasers systems.
Stimulating at the right time to recover network states in a model of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic circuit
Authors: West Timothy O. , Magill Peter J. , Sharott Andrew , Litvak Vladimir , Farmer Simon F. , Cagnan Hayriye
Published: March 2022

Synchronization of neural oscillations is thought to facilitate communication in the brain. Neurodegenerative pathologies such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) can result in synaptic reorganization of the motor circuit, leading to altered neuronal dynamics and impaired neural communication. Treatments for PD aim to restore network function via pharmacological means such as dopamine replacement, or by suppressing pathological oscillations with deep brain stimulation. We tested the hypothesis that brain stimulation can operate beyond a simple “reversible lesion” effect to augment network communication. Specifically, we examined the modulation of beta band (14–30 Hz) activity, a known biomarker of motor deficits and potential control signal for stimulation in Parkinson’s. To do this we setup a neural mass model of population activity within the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic (CBGT) circuit with parameters that were constrained to yield spectral features comparable to those in experimental Parkinsonism. We modulated the connectivity of two major pathways known to be disrupted in PD and constructed statistical summaries of the spectra and functional connectivity of the resulting spontaneous activity. These were then used to assess the network-wide outcomes of closed-loop stimulation delivered to motor cortex and phase locked to subthalamic beta activity. Our results demonstrate that the spatial pattern of beta synchrony is dependent upon the strength of inputs to the STN. Precisely timed stimulation has the capacity to recover network states, with stimulation phase inducing activity with distinct spectral and spatial properties. These results provide a theoretical basis for the design of the next-generation brain stimulators that aim to restore neural communication in disease.
PIN3 positively regulates the late initiation of ovule primordia in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hu Li-Qin , Chang Jin-Hui , Yu Shi-Xia , Jiang Yu-Tong , Li Rong-Han , Zheng Ji-Xuan , Zhang Yan-Jie , Xue Hong-Wei , Lin Wen-Hui
Published: March 2022

Ovule initiation determines the maximum ovule number and has great impact on seed number and yield. However, the regulation of ovule initiation remains largely elusive. We previously reported that most of the ovule primordia initiate asynchronously at floral stage 9 and PINFORMED1 (PIN1) polarization and auxin distribution contributed to this process. Here, we further demonstrate that a small amount of ovule primordia initiate at floral stage 10 when the existing ovules initiated at floral stage 9 start to differentiate. Genetic analysis revealed that the absence ofPIN3function leads to the reduction in pistil size and the lack of late-initiated ovules, suggestingPIN3promotes the late ovule initiation process and pistil growth. Physiological analysis illustrated that, unlike picloram, exogenous application of NAA can’t restore these defective phenotypes, implying that PIN3-mediated polar auxin transport is required for the late ovule initiation and pistil length. qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression ofSEEDSTICK(STK) is up-regulated under auxin analogues treatment while is down-regulated inpin3mutants. Meanwhile, overexpressingSTKrescuespin3phenotypes, suggestingSTKparticipates in PIN3-mediated late ovule initiation possibly by promoting pistil growth. Furthermore, brassinosteroid influences the late ovule initiation through positively regulatingPIN3expression. Collectively, this study demonstrates thatPIN3promotes the late ovule initiation and contributes to the extra ovule number. Our results give important clues for increasing seed number and yield of cruciferous and leguminous crops.
Effect of cryopreservation on A172 and U251 glioma cells infected with lentiviral vectors designed for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated aquaporin-8 knock-out
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhu Shujuan , Xing Yu , Liu Qian , Guo Zhen , Cai Ziling , Shen Zihao , Xia Qingqian , Sheng Huajun
Published: March 2022

Among the three existing targeted gene editing technologies, zinc-finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated 9 (CRISPR-Cas9), the latter is widely used owing to its simplicity, efficiency, and low cost. Here, we routinely infected A172 and U251 cells with lentiviral vectors, in which aquaporin-8 (AQP8) was knocked out using CRISPR/Cas9. Our results indicated that cryopreservation did not significantly alter the viral infection efficiency, but influenced AQP8 expression in the infected cells at both protein and mRNA levels compared with the non-cryopreserved samples. Further, AQP8 expression at protein and mRNA levels in recovered cryopreserved infected cells did not significantly differ from those in the blank and negative controls, indicating that the lentivirus was still infectious at low temperatures. However, it failed to release the AQP8-targeting guide RNA in the infected cells, or the guide RNA was released, but underwent changes that caused it to malfunction in the cells with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated AQP8 knock-out. Our findings possibly provide some insights into the reliability of lentiviruses as CRISPR/Cas9 vectors.
Risk of hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 in people with obesity: An analysis of data from a Brazilian state
Authors: Reis Erika Cardoso dos , Rodrigues Phillipe , Jesus Tatielle Rocha de , de Freitas Monteiro Elma Lúcia , Virtuoso Junior Jair Sindra , Bianchi Lucas
Published: March 2022

The aim of this article is to assess the odds ratio of hospitalization and mortality due to COVID-19 in people with obesity using data from residents of Espírito Santo, Brazil. An observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study was carried out from the database available on the official channel of the State Health Secretariat of Espírito Santo. Crude odds ratio estimates (ORs) referring to the association between variables were calculated, as well as adjusted odds ratios (adjusted odds ratios—OR adj.) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI 95%). The results indicate that men, non-white, no education or with lower education level and age over 40 years old were more likely to be hospitalized and died of COVID-19. People with obesity are at risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 54% and 113% higher than people who do not have obesity. People with obesity had a higher chance of hospitalization when they were over 40 years old, had breathing difficulty, and the comorbidities diabetes (2.18 higher) and kidney disease (4.10 higher). The odds ratio of death for people with obesity over 60 years old was 12.51 higher, and those who were hospitalized was 17.9 higher compared to those who were not hospitalized.
Sharing pain: Using pain domain transfer for video recognition of low grade orthopedic pain in horses
Authors: Broomé Sofia , Ask Katrina , Rashid-Engström Maheen , Haubro Andersen Pia , Kjellström Hedvig
Published: March 2022

Orthopedic disorders are common among horses, often leading to euthanasia, which often could have been avoided with earlier detection. These conditions often create varying degrees of subtle long-term pain. It is challenging to train a visual pain recognition method with video data depicting such pain, since the resulting pain behavior also is subtle, sparsely appearing, and varying, making it challenging for even an expert human labeller to provide accurate ground-truth for the data. We show that a model trained solely on a dataset of horses with acute experimental pain (where labeling is less ambiguous) can aid recognition of the more subtle displays of orthopedic pain. Moreover, we present a human expert baseline for the problem, as well as an extensive empirical study of various domain transfer methods and of what is detected by the pain recognition method trained on clean experimental pain in the orthopedic dataset. Finally, this is accompanied with a discussion around the challenges posed by real-world animal behavior datasets and how best practices can be established for similar fine-grained action recognition tasks. Our code is available at https://github.com/sofiabroome/painface-recognition.
Whole-genome sequencing for the characterization of resistance mechanisms and epidemiology of colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Hahm Chorong , Chung Hae-Sun , Lee Miae
Published: March 2022

Background

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is an important causal pathogen of healthcare-associated infections, and colistin-resistant strains have recently emerged owing to the increased use of colistin. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a single whole-genome sequencing (WGS) protocol can identify and type pathogens, analyze genetic relationships among different pathogens, predict pathogenic transmissions, and detect antibiotic resistance genes. However, only a few studies have applied NGS in studying the resistance mechanism and epidemiology of colistin-resistant A. baumannii. This study aimed to elucidate the resistance mechanism of colistin-resistant A. baumannii and analyze its molecular epidemiology through WGS.

Materials and methods

The subjects in this study were patients who visited a university hospital between 2014 and 2018. Thirty colistin-resistant strains with high minimum inhibitory concentrations were selected from various patient samples, and WGS was performed. Comparative genomic analysis was performed for the 27 colistin-resistant A. baumannii strains using a colistin-susceptible strain as the reference genome.

Results

The WGS analysis found no mutation for lpxA, lpxC, lpx D, pmrA, pmrB, and mcr1, the genes known to be associated with colistin resistance. Fifty-seven coding sequences (CDS) showed differences; they included 13 CDS with known names and functions that contained 21 genes. From the whole-genome multi-locus sequence typing (wgMLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses, two major clusters were found for the colistin-resistant A. baumannii strains. However, no differences were observed by the time of detection for each cluster, the samples, the pattern of antibiotic resistance, or the patient characteristics. In the conventional MLST following the Oxford scheme, the typing result showed ST1809, ST451, ST191, ST1837, and ST369 in the global clone 2 (GC2), without any relation with the results of wgMLST and SNP analyses.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the resistance gene analysis through WGS and comparative genomic analysis, the potential genes associated with colistin-resistance or CDS were examined. Furthermore, the analysis of molecular epidemiology through WGS regarding colistin-resistant A. baumannii may prove helpful in preventing infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria and controlling healthcare-associated infections.
Thyroid dysfunction in Greece: Results from the national health examination survey EMENO
Authors: Voulgari Paraskevi V. , Venetsanopoulou Aliki I. , Kalpourtzi Natasa , Gavana Magda , Vantarakis Apostolos , Hadjichristodoulou Christos , Chlouverakis Grigoris , Trypsianis Grigoris , Alamanos Yannis , Touloumi Giota ,   on behalf of the EMENO study group
Published: March 2022

Background

Nationwide data on thyroid disease prevalence in Greece is lacking. Using the national health examination survey EMENO data resources, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and associated risk factors in adults living in Greece.

Methods

A random sample of the adults (≥18 years) living in Greece was drawn by multi-stage stratified random sampling based on the 2011 census. During home visits, trained interviewers administered a standardized questionnaire to study participants. All participants answered questions concerning demographic parameters (e.g., age, sex, degree of urbanization, income) and questions concerning smoking habits, alcohol, dietary habits and psychological parameters such as anxiety and thyroid disease. Weighted logistic regression models were fitted to assess factors associated with thyroid disease.

Results

In total, 6006 individuals were recruited in the Greek Health Examination Survey EMENO (response rate 72%) of whom 5981 were eligible for this study. The prevalence of thyroid disease was 9%, where 0.4% was related to hyperthyroidism and 8.6% to hypothyroidism. The prevalence of thyroid disease was higher in women (14.9%) than men (2.7%) (p<0.001). The highest rates of thyroid disease were observed in former iodine-deficient areas. A decrease in the prevalence of thyroidopathies with increasing alcohol consumption was found. Thyroid disease was associated with anxiety in men. Multivariable regression analysis showed that age, geographic area, and smoking were related to thyroid disease.

Conclusion

The prevalence of thyroid disease in Greece is higher in women. Age, habits, and characteristics of geographic areas determine the distribution of thyroidopathies in Greece.
A theoretical analysis of complex armed conflicts
Authors: Rinaldi Sergio , Gragnani Alessandra , Moro Francesco Niccolò , Della Rossa Fabio
Published: March 2022

The introduction and analysis of a simple idealized model enables basic insights into how military characteristics and recruitment strategies affect the dynamics of armed conflicts, even in the complex case of three or more fighting groups. In particular, the model shows when never ending wars (stalemates) are possible and how initial conditions and interventions influence a conflict’s fate. The analysis points out that defensive recruitment policies aimed at compensating for suffered losses lead to conflicts with simple dynamics, while attack groups sensitive to the damages they inflict onto their enemies can give rise to conflicts with turbulent behaviours. Since non-governmental groups often follow attack strategies, the conclusion is that the evolution of conflicts involving groups of that kind can be expected to be difficult to forecast.
Investigational medicinal products, related costs and hospital pharmacy services for investigator-initiated trials: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Taji Heravi Ala , Henn Anne , Deuster Stefanie , McLennan Stuart , Gloy Viktoria , Mitter Vera Ruth , Briel Matthias ,   for the MAking Randomized Trials Affordable (MARTA) Group
Published: March 2022

Background

Conducting high quality investigator-initiated trials (IITs) is challenging and costly. The costs of investigational medicinal products (IMPs) in IITs and the role of hospital pharmacies in the planning of IITs are unclear. We conducted a mixed-methods study to compare planned and actual costs of IMPs in Swiss IITs, to examine potential reasons for differences, and to gather stakeholder views about hospital services for IITs.

Methods

We included all IITs with IMP services from the Basel hospital pharmacy invoiced between January 2014 and June 2020 (n = 24). We documented trial and IMP characteristics including planned and actual IMP costs. Our working definition for a substantial cost difference was that the actual IMP costs were more than 10% higher than the planned IMP costs in a trial. We conducted semi-structured interviews with investigators, clinical trials unit and hospital pharmacy staff, and qualitatively analyzed transcribed interviews.

Results

For 13 IITs we observed no differences between planned and actual costs of IMPs (median, 11’000 US$; interquartile range [IQR], 8’882–16’302 US$), but for 11 IITs we found cost increases from a median of 11’000 US$ (IQR, 8’922–36’166 US$) to a median over 28’000 US$ (IQR, 13’004–49’777 US$). All multicenter trials and 10 of 11 IITs with patients experienced substantial cost differences. From the interviews we identified four main themes: 1) Patient recruitment and organizational problems were identified as main reasons for cost differences, 2) higher actual IMP costs were bearable for most investigators, 3) IMP services for IITs were not a priority for the hospital pharmacy, and 4) closer collaboration between clinical trial unit and hospital pharmacy staff, and sufficient staff for IITs at the hospital pharmacy could improve IMP services.

Conclusions

Multicenter IITs enrolling patients are particularly at risk for higher IMP costs than planned. These trials are more difficult to plan and logistically challenging, which leads to delays and expiring IMP shelf-lives. IMP services of hospital pharmacies are important for IITs in Switzerland, but need to be further developed.