bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poetry Will Not Optimize; or, What Is Literature to AI?
Authors: Elam Michele
Published: March 2023

Literature, poetry, and other forms of noncommercial creative expression challenge the techno-instrumentalist approaches to language, the predictive language generation, informing NLP (large natural language processing models) such as GPT-3 or -4 as well as, more generally, generative AI (text to image, video, audio). Claims that AI systems automate and expedite creativity reflect industry and research priorities of speed, scale, optimization, and frictionlessness driving much artificial intelligence design and application. But poetry will not optimize; the creative process cannot be reduced to a prompt. Some have noted that literary creations generated or augmented by artificial intelligence at best can offer form without meaning; using a GPT creation prompted by Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” as a case study, this essay argues that NLP’s predictive language generation and what I call algorithmic ahistoricity can also, more disturbingly, render meaning senseless. In doing so, GPT-3’s literary experiments are not “failed” because they do not meet some moving target of a literary standard, nor because of technological insufficiency, but because it can make it harder for people to name and navigate their realities. The coda explores an example of AI as literary interlocutor and creative engagement beyond optimization.
Cell state transitions: catch them if you can
Authors: Miroshnikova Yekaterina A. , Shahbazi Marta N. , Negrete Jose , Chalut Kevin J. , Smith Austin
Published: March 2023

The Company of Biologists’ 2022 workshop on ‘Cell State Transitions: Approaches, Experimental Systems and Models’ brought together an international and interdisciplinary team of investigators spanning the fields of cell and developmental biology, stem cell biology, physics, mathematics and engineering to tackle the question of how cells precisely navigate between distinct identities and do so in a dynamic manner. This second edition of the workshop was organized after a successful virtual workshop on the same topic that took place in 2021.
Recognition and Non-Recognition of a State Resulting from Secession: Case Studies of Annulled Status of the Turkish Cypriot Entity after its Declaration as "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" and Kosovo
Authors: Kanellopoulos Anastasios Nikolaos
Published: March 2023

This paper approaches the situation of a state’s recognition or non-recognition, in cases arising from secession. In particular, the international law will be presented, regarding the recognition of states that come from secession and have been created, either on the occasion of prohibited violence use, or for the sake of rehabilitation due to human rights violations. After that, the cases of the Turkish Cypriot annulled status entity after its declaration as the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” and Kosovo will be examined. The overview and legal evaluation of these two cases, can provide useful conclusions regarding the legalization of a state recognition that has resulted from secession.
Προς μια Ισχυρότερη Διακυβέρνηση της ΕΕ για την Υγεία: Απειλές μετά την Πανδημία COVID-19
Authors: Δερεδάκης Νίκος
Published: March 2023

H COVID-19, μια ασθένεια που προκαλείται από έναν νέο κορωνοϊό γνωστό ως SARS-CoV-2, εμφανίστηκε στα τέλη του 2019 σε αγορά της Γουχάν στην Κίνα και εξαπλώθηκε γρήγορα σε όλο τον κόσμο, συμπεριλαμβανομένων της Ευρώπης και των ΗΠΑ, λαμβάνοντας πανδημικές διαστάσεις. Στην Ευρώπη, παρά τον αρχικό αιφνιδιασμό, η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση (ΕΕ) ως σημαντικός υπερεθνικός θεσμός κατάφερε, σε σχετικά σύντομο χρονικό διάστημα, να αντιδράσει ενεργοποιώντας τα θεσμικά της όργανα και προσπαθώντας να ανταπεξέλθει στη νέα ζοφερή πραγματικότητα. Η παρούσα μελέτη στοχεύει στην ανάλυση των πολιτικών που ακολουθήθηκαν σε επίπεδο ΕΕ για την αντιμετώπιση της πανδημίας της COVID-19, ώστε να αναδειχθούν οι συνέπειες σε επίπεδο πρόληψης και προστασίας αλλά και η αναγκαιότητα ευρωπαϊκού συντονισμού για την αποτελεσματική αντιμετώπιση παρόμοιων μελλοντικών κρίσεων.
Measuring the needs of dementia patients' caregivers: An assessment study from King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: almugti Hani , Alatram Hussain , Alkhaldi Amani , Fadhel Abdulaziz , Almalki Khalid , Aldhamen Khlood , Alghamdi Rokaya , Al Zhrani Somaya , Alenizi Athbi , Altamimi Ahoud , Baawad Faris , Bin Afif Waad , Mkrshy Ahmed , Al Suliman Amal , Alotaibi Arwa
Published: March 2023

Background: Globally, dementia is estimated to become more prevalent as the population is aging. Patients with dementia are demanding on the long-term care from their caregivers. In order to maintain their well-being and minimize the impacts of long-term care, caregivers need comprehensive and supportive health services. This study aimed to improve and redesign the current healthcare service by assessing the needs of Saudi dementia patients' caregivers using carers' needs assessment for dementia (CNA-D).

Methods:  Through a cross-sectional design and convenient sampling technique (non-probability Sampling), this study was carried out in two Saudi home care centers. The caregivers who fulfilled the inclusion criteria (n=276) were enrolled in the study and completed the interview questionnaire. Data collection lasted for two months (September and October 2022). A Chi-square test was performed to determine the statistical significance between participants' responses and their demographic data

Results: The majority of caregivers were females (76%). Their mean age was 38 years, ranging from 21 to 67 years. Two-thirds of caregivers spent more than one year on direct caregiving. About 60% of patients were male, and half were grandparents. Most caregivers (71%) did not live with their patients in the same household. Although caregivers rated all the addressed 13 needs in the present study as important, knowing more about the diseases was most important among caregivers of high education level. Further, long-term care gave caregivers more experience and reduced the need for practical support services.

Conclusion: The results show that the principal caregiver in Saudi families were females, and a large proportion of dementia patients were males. There were variations in rating the importance of the addressed needs, which were associated with caregivers' demographic characteristics. The findings of this survey demonstrate the importance of assessing the needs of family caregivers when developing social and healthcare services.
Gradient-Based Simulation Optimization Algorithms via Multi-Resolution System Approximations
Authors: Xu Jingxu , Zheng Zeyu
Published: March 2023

We propose gradient-based simulation-optimization algorithms to optimize systems that have complicated stochastic structure. The presence of complicated stochastic structure, such as the involvement of infinite-dimensional continuous-time stochastic processes, may cause the exact simulation of the system to be costly or even impossible. On the other hand, for a complicated system, one can sometimes construct a sequence of approximations at different resolutions, where the sequence has finer and finer approximation resolution but higher and higher cost to simulate. With the goal of optimizing the complicated system, we propose algorithms that strategically use the approximations with increasing resolution and higher simulation cost to construct stochastic gradients and perform gradient search in the decision space. To accommodate scenarios where approximations cause discontinuities and lead path-wise gradient estimators to have an uncontrollable bias, stochastic gradients for the proposed algorithms are constructed through finite difference. As a theory support, we prove algorithm convergence, convergence rate, and optimality of algorithm design under the assumption that the objective function for the complicated system is strongly convex, whereas no such assumptions are imposed on the approximations of the complicated system. We then present a multilevel version of the proposed algorithms to further improve convergence rates, when in addition the sequence of approximations can be naturally coupled.

History: Accepted by Bruno Tuffin, Area Editor for Simulation.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.1279 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2021.0289 ) at ( http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7485443 ).
Cloud Computing Value Chains: Research from the Operations Management Perspective
Authors: Chen Shi , Moinzadeh Kamran , Song Jing-Sheng , Zhong Yuan
Published: March 2023

Problem definition: Cloud computing is recognized as a critical driver of information technology–enabled innovations. The operations management (OM) community, however, has not been exposed enough to the essential operations problems that arise from the management of cloud value chains. Academic/practical relevance: In this paper, we examine recent research on cloud value chains and explore future research opportunities from an OM perspective. In particular, we focus on major operations management challenges facing a cloud provider in three problem domains: (1) cloud computing resource management, (2) pricing in the cloud computing marketplaces, and (3) capacity planning and management of cloud supply chains. Methodology: We describe prevalent business models and management practices in the cloud value chains, discuss recent research from OM that falls into each of the three problem domains mentioned, and point out opportunities for future research. Results: We note that cloud computing operations are driven by demand that exhibits distinct characteristics, including complex workflow, demand redundancy, multifeatured characteristics, multidimensional resource requirement, and nonstationarity. On the supply side, cloud computing operations also exhibit distinct characteristics, including heterogeneous resources, packing constraints, preconfigured (“bundled”) supply, technology risks, and cost uncertainty. These characteristics of demand and supply are not all prevalent in other operations. Managerial implications: Cloud computing operations not only share many features with classic OM problems, but also bring new challenges and innovative business models. Thus, OM tools and research have the potential to provide vital insights into cloud computing operations and impact management practices in the cloud industry, which, in turn, can stimulate much innovative research from the OM perspective.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1178 .
Snowballing
Authors: Brayford Paula
Published: March 2023

Paula Brayford recalls the unexpected outcomes of joining BSG committees
Cryopreserved amniotic membrane in the treatment of limb skin defects of aplasia cutis congenita: a case study
Authors: Su Jing , Ye Danyan , Yang Lujun
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To report the efficacy and long-term outcomes of treating the skin defects of aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) with cryopreserved amniotic membrane (AM).

Method:

Human amnion was obtained from the caesarean delivery of a full-term healthy pregnancy and processed in a sterile laminar flow hood, and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. The structure of the AM was investigated histologically and the viability of the epithelial cells was assessed after cryopreservation and compared with fresh AM and with AM preserved in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 4°C. The cryopreserved AM was applied onto the lower limb skin defects of a one-month old baby with ACC. Timely AM changes were performed as necessary until the wounds healed.

Results:

The structure of the cryopreserved AM was intact, with little visible difference compared with fresh AM. The viability of the epithelial cells was partially lost but still much better retained than in those preserved in PBS at 4°C. The limb skin defects were gradually re-epithelialised upon application of the AM and were completely healed after one month. The 4-month and 2-year follow-ups presented good skin texture and colour, without hypertrophic scar formation.

Conclusion:

In this case study, cryopreservation of AM presented a well preserved stromal compartment and viable epithelial layer. It also offered features such as pain relief, good attachment and adhesiveness, improved wound healing and suppressed scar formation in the treatment of ACC skin defects.
A Unique Patellar Tendon Rupture and Small Tibial Avulsion fracture in a Post-Menopausal Patient
Authors: Musallam Baraa , Romano Victor
Published: March 2023

Introduction:This study highlights the case of a 75-year-old female patient with a history of bilateral knee replacements who presented with a subacute patellar tendon rupture that occurred after falling on her left knee. Case Report: The patient had a left total knee replacement one year previously and came in for her one-year follow-up. She presented 3 weeks after her injury with a high-riding patella and a small tibial tubercle avulsion fracture on X-ray, yet she did not experience much pain nor any loss of active extension of her left knee. Despite the severity and subacute presentation of the patient’s patellar tendon injury, conservative measures that included physical and occupational therapy was recommended instead of surgery due to her paradoxical retention in gross function of her left knee. Conclusion: Showcasing this patient’s case may provide further understanding of patellar tendon ruptures and tibial avulsion fractures, specifically factors that allow the patient to retain strength and extensor function in her knee to curb the need for surgery.
The Use of External Fixator and Iliac Crest Bone Graft in Traumatic Metacarpal Bone Defect
Authors: Korkmaz Oguzhan , Abourdan Joud , Birinci Murat , Bostanci Bilal , Kara Adnan
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Metacarpal bone fractures often lead to significant shortening in the phalanges; it can be caused by variable conditions, ranging from idiopathic, and infective to traumatic causes. There are very rare reports of metacarpals shortening in idiopathic primary hypoparathyroidism cases in the literature. Traumatic metacarpal shortening differs from congenital agenesis [2]. This condition leads to both functional and cosmetic limitations which affect the patient’s quality of life. Case Report: A 22-year-old male patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic with a traumatic left-hand fracture that caused a bone defect in the second metacarpal shaft leading to bone loss, shortening and flexion limitation in the second finger of the left hand, and a flexion contracture in the first metacarpophalangeal joint. For the treatment plan, an external fixator was set on the second metacarpal of the left hand for a 23 mm elongation over a period of 58 days, elongation rate was organized as 1 mm/day. After achieving the planned elongation, another operation was planned for the reconstruction of the bone defect that has occurred due to trauma in the second metacarpal bone. An osteotomy was performed for extracting an iliac crest graft and inserting it into the bone defect after debridement of scar tissue. For the first metacarpophalangeal joint, an arthrodesis was performed through the use of plate and screws. Multiple studies have showed a common complication of pin tract infections, which were controlled with oral antibiotics and local wound care [10,11]. Proper alignment and union were achieved with early, stable fracture fixation of low-velocity gunshot wounds of the metacarpal. With early rehabilitation, treatment was provided without an increase in morbidity. [11]. Conclusion: It is possible to obtain acceptable surgical results when the method of fixation of the defect with autograft is used after lengthening with external fixator in pseudoarthrosis with metacarpal defect.
Bosworth Ankle Injuries – Treatment Challenges in Late and Neglected Presentations
Authors: Chokkalingam Sitsabesan , Samer M Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Bosworth ankle injuries (BAIs) are rare talocrural dislocations with bi or trimalleolar fractures. Attempted closed reduction fails due to incarcerated fibular fracture behind the distal tibia. The diagnostic delay and failed attempts to restore anatomical reduction result in significant ankle swelling, compromised skin, and imminent compartment syndrome. In neglected cases with unreduced dislocation over months, capsular and tendo-Achilles contracture, additional disuse osteoporosis, adds to the complexity of surgical management. In chronic and neglected cases, literatures have no clear consensus of opinion on the type of surgical intervention and on the extent of optimization. In acute BAI, open reduction is recommended but the soft-tissue swelling may warrant staged internal fixation, after temporary external fixation. Case study: In this retrospective study we present the clinico-radiological outcome of surgically treated delayed presentation of BAI. The primary fixation in delayed cases and the role of reverse talar dome osteotomy for fusion in the chronic neglected case will be discussed. Patients were aged between 25 and 62 years, presented with isolated closed ankle injuries. Initial X-rays were consistent with BAI. The delay in presentation ranges from 2 to 49 days. All had open reduction and stabilization of the ankle. Chronic neglected case with 7 months delay had “Reverse talar dome osteotomy” for reduction of the neglected dislocation and proceeded for the primary fusion. Patients gained back their full weight-bearing mobility at an average of 12 weeks following delayed fixation. Fused ankle gained full weight-bearing mobility at 5 months post-operative period. ConclusionBosworth type of ankle dislocations are difficult injuries for closed reduction. Early diagnosis and recognition of fibular impingement require open reduction of the joint. In cases of delayed presentation, it could be challenging. Even after open reduction, a staged procedure may be warranted based on the soft tissue status. Osteotomy for joint reduction and primary fusion remains a viable option in neglected cases with an ultimate aim to regain plantigrade foot for mobility. Keywords: Bosworth ankle fracture, Irreducible ankle dislocation, Neglected ankle fracture, Primary ankle fusion, Reverse talar dome osteotomy.
Analysis of Functional Outcomes Following Surgical Management of Neglected Multiple Carpometacarpal Dislocations: A Series of 4 four Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Kamble Prashant , Prabhu Rudra MangeshM , Mohanty Shubhranshu S , Ariwala Dipen , Yadav Vinod Kumar
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Dislocation of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a rare injury that results following high-velocity trauma. Although there are a few anecdotal reports of isolated CMC joint dislocations, there is scarce literature concerning dislocations involving multiple joints, especially those that are neglected and present late after injury. The injury is often missed when the patient presents to the surgeon since the swelling obscures the characteristic deformity, and the fracture may not be apparent on radiographs. When missed at the initial presentation, they can frequently result in pain, swelling, reduced grip strength, and arthritis. Such injuries require surgical management, along with prompt post-operative physiotherapy to enable the patient to regain satisfactory grip strength and range of motion. Case Presentation: We retrospectively analyzed four cases of multiple CMC joint dislocations that were managed surgically at our tertiary apex centere. The average duration between injury and presentation to our centere was five weeks. We used the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores and the maximum handgrip strength to assess the functional outcomes and the visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the pain at regular intervals. All patients showed an improvement in the Quick DASH scores, VAS scores, and the handgrip strength at the latest follow-up. All patients were able to return to their occupation. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and stabilization followed by early mobilization is the key to managing multiple CMC dislocations. The cases that present late are generally associated with contracted soft- tissue structures that prevent the relocation of the injury. Such cases require open reduction, along with a release of the contracted structures and internal fixation. Supervised physiotherapy in the post-operative period is essential to regain a satisfactory range of motion and grip strength. Keywords: Multiple, carpometacarpal, dislocation, fracture, neglected, open reduction
Against bifurcation: why it’s in the best interests of convict criminology to be international in scope and not a collection of individual country level organisations
Authors: Aresti Andy , Darke Sacha , Ross Jeffrey Ian
Published: March 2023

Since its founding, Convict Criminology (CC) has evolved into an international approach, group, organisation, and network with a relatively coherent set of objectives. Although little thought was put into CC’s development beyond the US, the original intent of CC was primarily to develop a network of individuals who were united around its core ideas. Due to both the constraints of international travel for ex-convicts and the financial burden for people to travel, originally it made best sense for people interested in the CC perspective to meet at the local level. Over time, because of advances in telecommunication platforms like Facetime, Skype, and Zoom, members of the CC network realised that meeting face-to-face on a regular basis was not necessary. Thus, the importance of local or even national approaches to CC were not necessary. This paper briefly examines the international components of CC and the authors’ views that, while individual country groups of CC members may have been advantageous in the early stages of CC, it is no longer necessary, if not counterproductive.
Harvey–Shack theory for a converging–diverging Gaussian beam
Authors: Ma Zhanpeng , Hansen Poul-Erik , Wang Hu , Karamehmedović Mirza , Chen Qinfang
Published: March 2023

The scattering characteristics of random rough surfaces illuminated with a 3D converging–diverging Gaussian beam are investigated by applying the conventional Harvey–Shack theory in conjunction with 2D plane-wave decomposition. The Gaussian beam is assumed to have an arbitrary angle of incidence and to be linearly s-polarized. Using data obtained from laser BRDF measurements on isotropic random rough surfaces with low surface roughness, we demonstrate that the Gaussian beam Harvey–Shack theory is in better accordance with the experimental data than the conventional Harvey–Shack theory. The two models become identical for a large beam waist radii but are significantly different for smaller ones.
Emission peak shifted incoherent random laser through the combined effects of coupling of surface plasmons in a triangular shaped silver nanostructure, microbubbles, and the waveguiding mechanism
Authors: Dey Arindam , Pramanik Ashim , Mondal Koushik , Biswas Subrata , Chatterjee Udit , Kumbhakar Pathik
Published: March 2023

The random laser (RL) is now becoming an essential tool for various photonics applications, and a plethora of research advancements in RL coupled with developments in the field of techniques of syntheses of various nanostructured materials is taking place. But the realization of tuning the peak emission wavelength of RL is still very challenging. However, in this report we have demonstrated an emission peak shifted tunable low threshold incoherent RL in the visible region in a gain medium of a commercially available dye laser material and by employing the rarely used scatterer materials of triangular silver nanoparticles (TSN), microbubbles, and the waveguiding mechanism. The scattering properties of trapped microbubbles, along with the localized surface plasmon resonance property of TSN of appropriate concentration within waveguided thin films composed of glass substrates, have been methodically investigated to demonstrate the reduction in lasing threshold and tunability in the peak emission wavelength. A two-fold reduction in RL threshold by addition of TSN in the disordered system, along with a considerable narrowing down of the emission spectra to a few nanometers, are obtained. Furthermore, the peak emission wavelength shift of 6 nm is reported by suitably changing the system configuration by the addition of an optimum concentration of TSN along with trapped microbubbles. The as-developed system shows high-quality laser performance with the maximum value of η=0.64, a quantity describing the ratio of the number of stimulated radiative photons within RL and the total number of emissive photons. We propose that the total internal reflections from the microbubble surface, along with plasmonic enhancement and scattering from the TSN, mediate the waveguided RL to achieve the low threshold. Therefore, this report is an early step towards demonstrating efficient RL in a ternary scattering system. Many more avenues for investigating this developing research issue may be helpful for the future development of affordable and robust optoelectronic devices.
Ultrashort pulse generation in erbium-doped fiber lasers in South America: a historical review
Authors: de Souza E. A. Thoroh , Steinberg David , Saito Lucia A. M. , Rosa Henrique G. , Zapata Juan D. , de Matos Christiano J. S. , Fragnito Hugo L. , Brito Cruz Carlos H.
Published: March 2023

This paper reviews the scientific contributions of the last 30 years on erbium-doped fiber laser ultrashort pulse generation in South America. The focus is on contributions authored in South American institutions. It reveals a wide variety of laser cavities, ranging in length from a few centimeters to tens of kilometers, and optical pulses, from tens of femtoseconds to nanoseconds, with fully controlled average and peak powers. Furthermore, different approaches for ultrashort pulse generation using active (synchronous and asynchronous) and/or passive mode-locking techniques are discussed, as well as the employment of nonlinear optical phenomena (Kerr effect) and several two-dimensional nanomaterials as saturable absorbers, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite, graphene oxide, reduced-graphene oxide, semiconductor transition metal dichalcogenides, and black phosphorus. Finally, the paper revisits and discusses several advances, important milestones, and records on ultrashort pulse generation in erbium-doped fiber lasers, with many essential outcomes attesting to the high quality of research carried out in South America in the field of ultrafast fiber lasers.
Design tradeoffs between traditional hexagonal and emerging cubic InXGa(1–X)N/GaN-based green light-emitting diodes
Authors: Lee Jaekwon , Leburton Jean-Pierre , Bayram Can
Published: March 2023

Here, we report on the design tradeoffs between traditional hexagonal and emerging cubic InXGa(1−X)N/GaN-based green (520nm≤λ≤550nm) light-emitting diodes with special emphasis on the electron blocking layer, number of quantum wells, and thicknesses of quantum wells and barriers. We identified three crucial design rules for cubic green light-emitting diodes: (1) no need for an electron blocking layer; (2) use of a wide quantum well; and (3) choice of thin quantum barriers in multi-quantum well light-emitting diode designs. These design rules increase the internal quantum efficiency of cubic green light-emitting diodes by ∼30.5% under 100A/cm2 injection with respect to traditional designs. Overall, the design rules of cubic light-emitting diodes and their differentiating nature from the traditional, hexagonal ones are crucial for the advent of next-generation cubic light-emitting diodes.
Directional dark-field retrieval with single-grid x-ray imaging
Authors: Croughan Michelle K. , How Ying Ying , Pennings Allan , Morgan Kaye S.
Published: March 2023

Directional dark-field imaging is an emerging x-ray modality that is sensitive to unresolved anisotropic scattering from sub-pixel sample microstructures. A single-grid imaging setup can be used to capture dark-field images by looking at changes in a grid pattern projected upon the sample. By creating analytical models for the experiment, we have developed a single-grid directional dark-field retrieval algorithm that can extract dark-field parameters such as the dominant scattering direction, and the semi-major and -minor scattering angles. We show that this method is effective even in the presence of high image noise, allowing for low-dose and time-sequence imaging.
Hybrid energy and angle dispersive X-ray diffraction computed tomography
Authors: Ajeer Ashkan , Khong Jia C. , Wilson Matthew D. , Moss Robert M.
Published: March 2023

Pixelated energy resolving detectors enable acquisition of X-ray diffraction (XRD) signals using a hybrid energy- and angle- dispersive technique, potentially paving the way for the development of novel benchtop XRD imaging or computed tomography (XRDCT) systems, utilising readily available polychromatic X-ray sources. In this work, a commercially available pixelated cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector, HEXITEC (High Energy X-ray Imaging Technology), was used to demonstrate such an XRDCT system. Specifically, a novel fly-scan technique was developed and compared to the established step-scan technique, reducing the total scan time by 42% while improving the spatial resolution, material contrast and therefore the material classification.
Radiation-balanced lasing in Yb3+:YAG and Yb3+:KYW
Authors: Cheng Long , Andre Laura B. , Rytz Daniel , Rand Stephen C.
Published: March 2023

Radiation-balanced lasing and thermal profiling is reported in two Yb-doped laser crystals at room temperature. In 3% Yb3+:YAG a record efficiency of 30.5% was achieved by frequency-locking the laser cavity to the input light. Both the average excursion and axial temperature gradient of the gain medium were maintained within 0.1 K of room temperature at the radiation balance point. By including saturation of background impurity absorption in the analysis, quantitative agreement was obtained between theory and the experimentally measured laser threshold, radiation balance condition, output wavelength, and laser efficiency with only one free parameter. Radiation-balanced lasing was also achieved in 2% Yb3+:KYW with an efficiency of 2.2% despite high background impurity absorption, losses from Brewster end faces that were not parallel, and non-optimal output coupling. Our results confirm that relatively impure gain media can be operated as radiation-balanced lasers, contrary to earlier predictions which ignored background impurity properties.
High average power amplification of femtosecond pulses based on the Yb:CaYAlO4 crystal
Authors: Bai Chuan , Wang Geyang , Tian Wenlong , Zheng Li , Tian Xuan , Yu Yang , Xu Xiaodong , Wei Zhiyi , Zhu Jiangfeng
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we demonstrated the direct amplification of femtosecond pulses with the Yb:CaYAlO4 crystal for the first time. A compact and simple two-stage amplifier delivered amplified pulses with the average powers of 55.4 W for σ-polarization and 39.4 W for π-polarization at the center wavelengthes of 1032 nm and 1030 nm, corresponding to 28.3% and 16.3% optical-to-optical efficiencies, respectively. These are to the best of our knowledge the highest value achieved with a Yb:CaYAlO4 amplifier. Upon using a compressor consisting of prisms and GTI mirrors, a pulse duration of 166-fs was measured. Thanks to the good thermal management, the beam quality (M2) parameters <1.3 along each axis were maintained in each stage.
Simple and accurate dispersion measurement of GaN microresonators with a fiber ring
Authors: He Zhaoqin , Sun Changzheng , Xiong Bing , Wang Jian , Hao Zhibiao , Wang Lai , Han Yanjun , Li Hongtao , Gan Lin , Luo Yi
Published: March 2023

The dispersion characteristics of a microresonator are important for applications in nonlinear optics, and precise measurement of the dispersion profile is crucial to device design and optimization. Here we demonstrate the dispersion measurement of high-quality-factor gallium nitride (GaN) microrings by a single-mode fiber ring, which is simple and convenient to access. Once the dispersion parameters of the fiber ring have been determined by the opto-electric modulation method, the dispersion can be obtained from the microresonator dispersion profile by polynomial fitting. To further verify the accuracy of the proposed method, the dispersion of the GaN microrings is also evaluated with frequency comb-based spectroscopy. Dispersion profiles obtained with both methods are in good agreement with simulations based on the finite element method.
Double-sided computer-generated holography
Authors: Suda Ryutaro , Nishizaki Yohei , Naruse Makoto , Horisaki Ryoichi
Published: March 2023

We present a method for computer-generated holography (CGH) in which different images are reproduced on both sides of a hologram with a single illumination source. In the proposed method, we use a transmissive spatial light modulator (SLM) and a half mirror (HM) located downstream of the SLM. The light modulated by the SLM is partially reflected by the HM, and the reflected light is modulated again by the SLM for the double-sided image reproduction. We derive an algorithm for double-sided CGH and experimentally demonstrate it.
High-power, multi-junction, 905 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser with an AlGaAsSb electron-blocking layer
Authors: Yun Zhao Fei , Yan Li , Ting Tang Zhi , Bo Ren Ao , Jiang Wu
Published: March 2023

We report high-power multi-junction vertical-cavity surface-emitting
lasers (VCSELs) with a significantly suppressed carrier leakage issue
under high injection current and temperature. By carefully optimizing
the energy band structure of quaternary AlGaAsSb, we obtained a
12-nm-thick AlGaAsSb electron-blocking layer (EBL) with a high
effective barrier height (∼122 meV), a low compressive strain
(∼0.99%), and a reduced electronic leakage current. The resulting
three-junction (3J) 905 nm VCSEL with the proposed EBL exhibits an
improved maximum output power (∼46.4 mW) and power conversion
efficiency (PCE; ∼55.4%) during room-temperature operation. Also, it
was found from thermal simulation that the optimized device shows more
advantages over the original device during high-temperature operation.
The type-II AlGaAsSb EBL provided an excellent electron-blocking
effect and would be a promising strategy for multi-junction VCSELs to
realize high-power applications.
Background suppression for CARS thermometry in highly luminous flames using an electro-optical shutter
Authors: Senior William C. B. , Gejji Rohan M. , Gai Tianyu , Slabaugh Carson D. , Lucht Robert P.
Published: March 2023

An electro-optical shutter (EOS), comprising a Pockels cell located between crossed-axis polarizers, is integrated into a nanosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) system. The use of the EOS enables thermometry measurements in high-luminosity flames through significant reduction of the background resulting from broadband flame emission. A temporal gating ≤100 ns along with an extinction ratio >10,000:1 are achieved using the EOS. Integration of the EOS enables the use of an unintensified CCD camera for signal detection, improving upon the signal-to-noise ratio achievable with inherently noisy microchannel plate intensification processes previously employed for short temporal gating. The reduction in background luminescence afforded by the EOS in these measurements allows the camera sensor to capture CARS spectra at a broad range of signal intensities and corresponding temperatures, without saturation of the sensor, thus enhancing the dynamic range of these measurements.
10-Gbps visible light communication in a 10-m free space based on violet series-biased micro-LED array and distance adaptive pre-equalization
Authors: Jin Zuxin , Yan Lintao , Zhu Shijie , Cui Xugao , Tian Pengfei
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we fabricated a 3×3 violet series-biased micro-LED array with high-output optical power and applied it in high-speed and long-distance visible light communication. By employing the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing modulation scheme, distance adaptive pre-equalization, and a bit-loading algorithm, record data rates of 10.23 Gbps, 10.10 Gbps, and 9.51 Gbps were achieved at 0.2 m, 1 m, and 10 m, respectively, below the forward error correction limit of 3.8×10−3. To the best of our knowledge, these are the highest data rates achieved by violet micro-LEDs in free space and the first communication demonstration beyond 9.5 Gbps at 10 m using micro-LEDs.
Optical imprinting subwavelength-period liquid crystal polarization gratings with dual-twist templates
Authors: Ye Xianglin , Zeng Tibin , Liu Shang , Fan Fan , Wen Shuangchun
Published: March 2023

In this Letter, we report a dual-twist template imprinting method to fabricate subwavelength-period liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs). In other words, the period of the template must be reduced to 800 nm–2 µm, or even smaller. To overcome the inherent problem that the diffraction efficiency shrinks as the period decreases, the dual-twist templates were optimized by rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA). With the help of the rotating Jones matrix to measure the twist angle and thickness of the LC film, the optimized templates were fabricated eventually, and the diffraction efficiencies were up to 95%. Therefore, subwavelength-period LCPGs with a period of 400–800 nm were imprinted experimentally. Our proposed dual-twist template provides the possibility for fast, low-cost, and mass fabrication of large-angle deflectors and diffractive optical waveguides for near-eye displays.
FPM image enhancement with bi-modal deep learning
Authors: Bouchama Lyes , Gottesman Yaneck , Dorizzi Bernadette , Klossa Jacques , THELLIER Marc
Published: March 2023

Digital pathology based on whole slide imaging system is about to permit major breakthrough in automated diagnosis for a rapid and highly sensitive disease detection. High-resolution FPM (Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy) slide scanners delivering rich information on the sample such as intensity and its complementary phase image are becoming available. They allow new effective bi-modal data exploitation strategies that can be useful for more efficient automated diagnosis.
However, when the thickness of the sample becomes comparable or greater than the microscope depth of field, we report observation of undesirable contrast change of sub-cellular compartments in phase images around optimal focus plan, reducing their usability. In this article, an U-Net artificial neural network is trained to reinforce specifically targeted sub-cellular compartments contrast (for both intensity and phase images). The procedure used to construct a reference database with virtual z-stacking calculations is detailed. It is obtained exploiting FPM reconstruction algorithm to explore images around optimal focus plane (virtual Z-stacking) and select those with adequate contrast and focus. Furthermore intensity and phase images are advantageously
exploited in a bi-modal deep-neural network architecture.
By construction and once trained, the U-Net is able to simultaneously reinforce targeted cell compartments visibility and to compensate any focus imprecision. It is efficient over a large field of view at high resolution. The interest of the approach is illustrated considering the use-case of
Plasmodium falciparum detection in blood smear where improvement in the detection sensitivity is demonstrated without degradation of the specificity.
Post-reconstruction FPM image processing with such U-Net and its training procedure is general and applicable to demanding biological screening applications.
PCB: A pseudotemporal causality-based Bayesian approach to identify EMT-associated regulatory relationships of AS events and RBPs during breast cancer progression
Authors: Sun Liangjie , Qiu Yushan , Ching Wai-Ki , Zhao Pu , Zou Quan
Published: March 2023

During breast cancer metastasis, the developmental process epithelial-mesenchymal (EM) transition is abnormally activated. Transcriptional regulatory networks controlling EM transition are well-studied; however, alternative RNA splicing also plays a critical regulatory role during this process. Alternative splicing was proved to control the EM transition process, and RNA-binding proteins were determined to regulate alternative splicing. A comprehensive understanding of alternative splicing and the RNA-binding proteins that regulate it during EM transition and their dynamic impact on breast cancer remains largely unknown. To accurately study the dynamic regulatory relationships, time-series data of the EM transition process are essential. However, only cross-sectional data of epithelial and mesenchymal specimens are available. Therefore, we developed a pseudotemporal causality-based Bayesian (PCB) approach to infer the dynamic regulatory relationships between alternative splicing events and RNA-binding proteins. Our study sheds light on facilitating the regulatory network-based approach to identify key RNA-binding proteins or target alternative splicing events for the diagnosis or treatment of cancers. The data and code for PCB are available at:http://hkumath.hku.hk/~wkc/PCB(data+code).zip.
Large and small financial incentives may motivate COVID-19 vaccination: A randomized, controlled survey experiment
Authors: Fishman Jessica , Mandell David S. , Salmon Mandy K. , Candon Molly
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Experts continue to debate how to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates. Some experts advocate for financial incentives. Others argue that financial incentives, especially large ones, will have counterproductive psychological effects, reducing the percent of people who want to vaccinate. Among a racially and ethnically diverse U.S. sample of lower income adults, for whom vaccine uptake has lagged compared with higher income adults, we empirically examine such claims about relatively large and small guaranteed cash payments.

Methods

In 2021, we conducted a randomized, controlled experiment among U.S. residents with incomes below $80,000 who reported being unvaccinated against COVID-19. Study participants were randomized to one of four study arms. In two arms, respondents first learned about a policy proposal to pay $1,000 or $200 to those who received COVID-19 vaccination and were then asked if, given that policy, they would want to vaccinate. In the two other arms, respondents received either an educational message about this vaccine or received no vaccine information and were then asked if they wanted to vaccinate for COVID-19. The primary analyses estimated and compared the overall percentage in each study arm that reported wanting to vaccinate for COVID-19. In other analyses, we estimated and compared these percentages for subgroups of interest, including gender, race/ethnicity, and education.

Main results

Among 2,290 unvaccinated adults, 79.7% (95%CI, 76.4–83.0%) of those who learned about the proposed $1,000 payment wanted to get vaccinated, compared with 58.9% (95%CI, 54.8–63.0%) in the control condition without vaccine information, a difference of 20 percentage points. Among those who learned of the proposed $200 payment, 74.8% (95% CI, 71.3–78.4%) wanted to vaccinate. Among those who learned only about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, 68.9% (95% CI, 65.1–72.7%) wanted to vaccinate. Findings were consistent across various subgroups.

Discussion

Despite several study limitations, the results do not support concerns that the financial incentive policies aimed to increase COVID-19 vaccination would have counterproductive effects. Instead, those who learned about a policy with a large or small financial incentive were more likely than those in the control condition to report that they would want to vaccinate. The positive effects extended to subgroups that have been less likely to vaccinate, including younger adults, those with less education, and racial and ethnic minorities. Financial incentives of $1,000 performed similarly to those offering only $200.
Staphylococcus aureus binding to Seraph® 100 Microbind® Affinity Filter: Effects of surface protein expression and treatment duration
Authors: Seffer Malin-Theres , Weinert Martin , Molinari Gabriella , Rohde Manfred , Gröbe Lothar , Kielstein Jan T. , Engelmann Susanne
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Extracorporeal blood purification systems represent a promising alternative for treatment of blood stream infections with multiresistant bacteria.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyse the binding activity of S. aureus to Seraph affinity filters based on heparin coated beads and to identify effectors influencing this binding activity.

Results

To test the binding activity, we used gfp-expressing S. aureus Newman strains inoculated either in 0.9% NaCl or in blood plasma and determined the number of unbound bacteria by FACS analyses after passing through Seraph affinity filters. The binding activity of S. aureus was clearly impaired in human plasma: while a percent removal of 42% was observed in 0.9% NaCl (p-value 0.0472) using Seraph mini columns, a percent removal of only 10% was achieved in human plasma (p-value 0.0934). The different composition of surface proteins in S. aureus caused by the loss of SarA, SigB, Lgt, and SaeS had no significant influence on its binding activity. In a clinically relevant approach using the Seraph® 100 Microbind® Affinity Filter and 1000 ml of human blood plasma from four different donors, the duration of treatment was shown to have a critical effect on the rate of bacterial reduction. Within the first four hours, the number of bacteria decreased continuously and the reduction in bacteria reached statistical significance after two hours of treatment (percentage reduction 64%, p-value 0.01165). The final reduction after four hours of treatment was close to 90% and is dependent on donor. The capacity of Seraph® 100 for S. aureus in human plasma was approximately 5 x 108 cells.

Conclusions

The Seraph affinity filter, based on heparin-coated beads, is a highly efficient method for reducing S. aureus in human blood plasma, with efficiency dependent on blood plasma composition and treatment duration.
Augmented Legal Services
Authors: Beresford Daniel , Krebs Jens H
Published: March 2023

This article considers the opportunities of LegalTech in law firms. It assesses the long-term benefits of a commoditization of legal services and the progress that the industry has made in achieving this. It will become clear that the sector is still operating traditionally, mostly ignoring technological advancements. Thus, there ought to be an analysis of what is holding back the sector and individual firms. The focal points of this analysis will be connected systems, LegalTech providers and the risks of stasis. Finally, heed will be paid to the potential incentives which might assist in the greater adoption of LegalTech.

Keywords: LegalTech; law in practice; access to justice; legal services; augmentation.