bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential diagnosis of unipolar versus bipolar depression by GSK3 levels in peripheral blood: a pilot experimental study
Authors: Rosso Gianluca , Maina Giuseppe , Teobaldi Elena , Balbo Ilaria , Di Salvo Gabriele , Montarolo Francesca , Rizzo Pesci Nicola , Tempia Filippo , Hoxha Eriola
Published: October 2023

Background

The differential diagnosis of patients presenting for the first time with a depressive episode into unipolar disorder versus bipolar disorder is crucial to establish the correct pharmacological therapy (antidepressants vs mood stabilizers), but no biological markers are currently available. Several lines of evidence indicate an involvement of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK3) in the pathophysiology of depression. However, previous reports about GSK3 in peripheral blood were incomplete or inconsistent, so a specific marker is not yet available. The aim was to search for consistent differences in GSK3α and GSK3β or of their phosphorylated forms in samples of peripheral blood from patients with unipolar and bipolar depression.

Methods

Mononucleate peripheral blood cells (PBMCs) of samples from patients presenting with a depressive episode were analyzed with the western blot technique.

Results

The total amount of GSK3β in PBMCs was significantly lower in patients with bipolar disorder than in patients with unipolar depression. The sensitivity based on GSK3β was 85%. GSK3α was not significantly different but allowed a correct detection of 57% of BD patients. The combination in series of GSK3β and GSK3α yields a sensitivity of about 100%, but with 26.7% false negatives.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that PBMC GSK3β could be a candidate biomarker for the differential diagnosis of bipolar disorder versus unipolar depression. This finding may help in implementing the still limited panel of peripheral biomarkers for differential diagnosis between unipolar and bipolar disorder in patients presenting with a depressive episode.
Management of Metastatic Renal Clear Cell Cancer: ASCO Guideline Rapid Recommendation Update
Authors: Singer Eric A. , Rumble R. Bryan , Rathmell W. Kimryn , Van Veldhuizen Peter J. ,   for the Management of Metastatic Renal Clear Cell Cancer Guideline Expert Panel, Kimryn Rathmell W. , Van Veldhuizen Peter J. , Bryan Rumble R. , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat , Emamekhoo Hamid , Hauke Ralph J. , Louie Alexander V. , Milowsky Matthew I. , Molina Ana M. , Rose Tracy L. , Siva Shankar , Zaorsky Nicholas G. , Zhang Tian , Qamar Rubina , Kungel Terry M. , Lewis Bryan , Singer Eric A.
Published: October 2023

ASCO Rapid Recommendation Updates highlight revisions to select ASCO guideline recommendations as a response to the emergence of new and practice-changing data. The rapid updates are supported by an evidence review and follow the guideline development processes outlined in the ASCO Guideline Methodology Manual . The goal of these articles is to disseminate updated recommendations, in a timely manner, to better inform health practitioners and the public on the best available cancer care options. See the Appendix for disclaimers and other important information ( Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 , online only).
Posterior Interhemispheric Transtentorial Subsplenial Approach for Posterior Thalamic Tumors: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Doğruel Yücel , Rahmanov Serdar , Güngör Abuzer , Türe Uğur
Published: October 2023

INDICATIONS: CORRIDOR AND LIMITS OF EXPOSURE:

The posterior interhemispheric transtentorial subsplenial approach provides a direct corridor to posterior thalamic lesions without a cortical or callosal incision.
1

ANATOMIC ESSENTIALS: NEED FOR PREOPERATIVE PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT:

This corridor is through the posterior interhemispheric fissure along the medial surface of the cuneus and allows the subsplenial region to be explored. Evaluating the tumor's size and extension is crucial to determining the suitability of this approach. The deep venous system may be displaced from mass effect, requiring preoperative venous examination.

ESSENTIALS STEPS OF THE PROCEDURE:

A 34-year-old male patient was admitted elsewhere with blurred vision and imbalance. MRI revealed a right-sided posterior thalamic tumor with heterogeneous contrast enhancement. The patient was followed-up after placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Seven months later, he was admitted to our clinic because the tumor had grown. The patient underwent surgical intervention. The patient was placed in the prone oblique position. After dural opening, the quadrigeminal cistern was opened to release cerebrospinal fluid, allowing significant gravity relaxation of the ipsilateral hemisphere. The tentorium was cut and retracted to achieve the necessary exposure.

PITFALLS/AVOIDANCE OF COMPLICATIONS:

The most serious complications of this approach occur from vascular injuries. Gravitational retraction of the occipital lobe protects the optic radiation, and anatomic landmarks help the surgeon maintain anatomic orientation.

VARIANTS AND INDICATIONS FOR THEIR USE:

The perimedian supracerebellar transtentorial approach is an alternative to the posterior interhemispheric transtentorial subsplenial approach for lesions in this area; however, the indications and limits of these approaches have some differences.

The patient consented to the procedure and to the publication of his/her image.

Images at 0:29 reused from Serra et al,
1
with permission from Elsevier.
Expression of Wnt5a and ROR2, Components of the Noncanonical Wnt-Signaling Pathway, is Associated with Tumor Differentiation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wakizaka Kazuki , Kamiyama Toshiya , Kakisaka Tatsuhiko , Orimo Tatsuya , Nagatsu Akihisa , Aiyama Takeshi , Shichi Shunsuke , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: October 2023

Background

Wnt5a is the key ligand of the noncanonical Wnt pathway, and receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) is a receptor associated with Wnt5a. The association between the noncanonical Wnt-signaling pathway and carcinogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. This study investigated the significance of ROR2 expression in HCC.

Methods

The study examined ROR2 expression in liver cancer cell lines. Immunohistochemical staining of ROR2 was performed on 243 resected HCC specimens. The study investigated ROR2 expression and its association with clinicopathologic factors and prognosis.

Results

Findings showed that ROR2 was expressed in well-differentiated Huh7 and HepG2 cells, but not in poorly differentiated HLE and HLF cells. Expression of ROR2 was positive in 147 (60.5%) and negative in 96 (39.5%) HCC specimens. A significant association was shown between ROR2 negativity and high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (P = 0.006), poor differentiation (P = 0.015), and Wnt5a negativity (P = 0.024). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate for the ROR2-negative group (64.2 %) tended to be worse than for the ROR2-positive group (73.8%), but the difference was not significant (P = 0.312). The 5-year OS rate was 78.7% for the ROR2+Wnt5a+ group, 71.3 % for the ROR2+Wnt5a− group, 80.8% for the ROR2−Wnt5a+ group, and 60.5 % for the ROR2−Wnt5a− group. The OS in the ROR2−Wnt5a− group was significantly poorer than in the ROR2+Wnt5a+ group (P = 0.030). The multivariate analysis showed that Wnt5a−ROR2− was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 2.058; 95% confidence interval, 1.013–4.180; P = 0.045).

Conclusions

The combination of ROR2 and Wnt5a may be a prognostic indicator for HCC. The Wnt5a/ROR2 signal pathway may be involved in the differentiation of HCC. This pathway may be a new therapeutic target for HCC.
Gemcitabine with Cisplatin Versus Hepatic Arterial Infusion Pump Chemotherapy for Liver-Confined Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Franssen Stijn , Holster Jessica J. , Jolissaint Joshua S. , Nooijen Lynn E. , Cercek Andrea , D’Angelica Michael I. , Homs Marjolein Y. V. , Wei Alice C. , Balachandran Vinod P. , Drebin Jeffrey A. , Harding James J. , Kemeny Nancy E. , Kingham T. Peter , Klümpen Heinz-Josef , Mostert Bianca , Swijnenburg Rutger-Jan , Soares Kevin C. , Jarnagin William R. , Groot Koerkamp Bas
Published: October 2023

Background

A post-hoc analysis of ABC trials included 34 patients with liver-confined unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) who received systemic chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin (gem-cis). The median overall survival (OS) was 16.7 months and the 3-year OS was 2.8%. The aim of this study was to compare patients treated with systemic gem-cis versus hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy for liver-confined unresectable iCCA.

Methods

We retrospectively collected consecutive patients with liver-confined unresectable iCCA who received gem-cis in two centers in the Netherlands to compare with consecutive patients who received HAIP chemotherapy with or without systemic chemotherapy in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Results

In total, 268 patients with liver-confined unresectable iCCA were included; 76 received gem-cis and 192 received HAIP chemotherapy. In the gem-cis group 42 patients (55.3%) had multifocal disease compared with 141 patients (73.4%) in the HAIP group (p = 0.023). Median OS for gem-cis was 11.8 months versus 27.7 months for HAIP chemotherapy (p < 0.001). OS at 3 years was 3.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0–13.6%) in the gem-cis group versus 34.3% (95% CI 28.1–41.8%) in the HAIP chemotherapy group. After adjusting for male gender, performance status, baseline hepatobiliary disease, and multifocal disease, the hazard ratio (HR) for HAIP chemotherapy was 0.27 (95% CI 0.19–0.39).

Conclusions

This study confirmed the results from the ABC trials that survival beyond 3 years is rare for patients with liver-confined unresectable iCCA treated with palliative gem-cis alone. With HAIP chemotherapy, one in three patients was alive at 3 years.
Editorial
Authors: Coelho Arnaldo Fernandes Matos , Weersma Laodicéia Amorim
Published: October 2023

A edição 2022-1 da Revista Gestão em Análise – ReGeA traz, como fio condutor, a partilha-colaboração, diante da parceria na forma de Fast Track dos artigos apresentados no Encontro de Gestão e Negócios da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia - EGEN, por meio da Faculdade de Gestão e Negócios (FAGEN/UFU). O EGEN é um evento para debate científico, divulgação de pesquisas e práticas empresariais, integração entre a graduação e a pós-graduação dos cursos de Gestão e Negócios, facilitando a discussão de ideias, disseminação de experiências e informações sobre os campos de conhecimento em inovação, tecnologia e gestão (BARBOZA, 2017). [...].
Editorial
Authors: Weersma Laodicéia Amorim , Coelho Arnaldo Fernandes Matos
Published: October 2023

Em meio ao contexto socioambiental que tende a se tornar cada vez mais complexo, novos modelos de produção e distribuição de bens materiais e simbólicos afloram nos debates acadêmicos e empresariais; em especial, as questões relacionadas à ruptura de modelos pautados basicamente pela lógica concorrencial e individualista. Nesse aspecto, acreditamos que as práticas colaborativas passam a ser um dos pilares para ultrapassarmos as fronteiras limitadoras, gerando soluções para diversos problemas e, assim, obtendo ganhos de eficiência e eficácia que permitem frutos de bem-estar social, vis-à-vis a equidade e a sustentabilidade ambiental. Segundo Ferreira (2018), a colaboração caracteriza-se como um processo recursivo em que duas ou mais pessoas ou organizações trabalham juntas para realizar objetivos comuns, pelo compartilhamento de conhecimento, aprendizagem e construção de consenso. Os avanços tecnológicos potencializaram essa atividade de tal forma que permitem um raio de alcance extraordinário entre os profissionais que a realizam. [...]
Characterization of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) and taro (Colocasia esculenta) flours with potential application in the preparation of both gluten-free and high protein foods.
Authors: Narváez Cadena Ruby Aracely , Salas Zambrano Angie Paola , Bravo Gómez Jesús Eduardo , Muñoz Pabon Karen Sofia , Roa-Acosta Diego Fernando
Published: October 2023

Background: Interest in alternative sources of tubers and legumes has increased in recent years because of the constant search for raw materials that provide bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential benefits for consumers. The functionality of new raw materials is sought through physical and/or chemical modifications to develop and innovate new foods. The objective of this study was to characterize taro (TF) (Colocasia esculenta) and sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) flours, obtained by the wet (SIF-WM) and defatted method (SIF-DM), as an alternative for the formulation of new functional foods.

Methods: The free polyphenols of the different mixtures were analyzed, and the antioxidant properties of the extracts obtained were measured using ABTS.* (2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid). The ABTS radical method, which reacts with the phenolic compounds of the food matrix, using Trolox as a standard.

The blends were subjected to pasting analysis, flow profile tests, determination of viscoelastic properties (temperature sweep). Characterization of common microorganisms in these foods was performed.

Results: The highest protein value was obtained in the sacha inchi flour obtained by the defatted method (72.62). The majority of components in taro were carbohydrates (85.4%). About antioxidant and determination of free polyphenols, taro flour obtained values of 2.71 µmol ET/g and 7.47 mg EAG/g, higher than Sacha inchi flours. In the rheological analysis (pasting properties, flow profile, and viscoelasticity), we observed that adding taro flour in different mixtures increases the viscosity peak and a lower breakdown, while there was an increase in setback. Except for defatted sacha flour, the others presented a flow index >1 before heating, showing a dilatant fluid behavior. The presence of Taro flour improves gel formation and stability. Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella were present in the taro flour.

Conclusions: The flours analyzed represent a raw material with great potential for the development of gluten-free foods with functional properties.
Case Report: A prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta in a patient with a novel pathogenic variant in COL1A2
Authors: Peláez Chomba Melissa Sindy , Vásquez Gómez Guillermo Raúl , Sullcahuaman Allende Yasser Ciro , Mendoza Fernández Julio Cesar , Purizaca Rosillo Nelson David , Zevallos Alejandra , Cruzate Cabrejos Vicente Leandro
Published: October 2023

Osteogenesis imperfecta is considered a rare genetic condition which is characterized by bone fragility. In 85% of cases, it is caused by mutations in COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes which are essential to produce type I collagen. We report the case of a female neonate delivered to a 27-year-old women at San Bartolomé Teaching Hospital with a family history of clavicle fracture. A prenatal control with ultrasound was performed to the mother at 29 weeks. A fetus with altered morphology and multiple fractures was found. Therefore, a prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta was performed. The neonate was born with a respiratory distress syndrome and an acyanotic congenital heart disease. Therefore, she remained in NICU until her death. We highlight the importance of prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling and a multidisciplinary evaluation in this type of pathologies and report a new probably pathogenic variant in the COL1A2 gene detected by exomic sequencing in amniotic fluid.
Economic effects of the war in Ukraine and recession
Authors: korriku belisa , TARTARAJ AZETA
Published: October 2023

Background: The current situation from economic effects of war, as political uncertainty, geographic proximity,and the impact of new sanctions against Russia,has led to negative reactions in European stock markets.Previous research has shown that economic crises can have significant impacts on consumer financial behaviors and attitudes.

Methods:The purpose of the study was to examine how consumer attitudes and behaviors change during periods of recession and to identify the implications for financial education and management during challenging economic times.Demographic data and financial management behavior data were collected from a sample 428 respondents.By examining consumer attitudes and behaviors during a recession,this study can provide insights into how financial education and management can be improved to support consumers during challenging economic times.A survey was conducted to investigate the financial attitudes and behaviors of individuals during a recessionary period from January 15th to February 28th,2023 and included questions about age, financial education level,savings behavior,attitudes towards debt,gender and financial management behavior,age and financial education, and income and savings behavior.Data were analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA. 

Results:Participants with higher income levels had higher levels of savings and investing behaviors than those with lower income levels. Participants with a higher level of formal education in finance had higher levels of budgeting and investing behaviors than those with a lower level of formal education in finance. Participants who reported higher levels of self-rated financial knowledge had higher levels of all financial management behaviors compared to those with lower self-rated financial knowledge. 

Conclusions:The findings suggest that financial education and management programs should target individuals with lower income levels and less formal education in finance. Promoting self-rated financial knowledge may be a useful strategy for improving financial management behaviors. Future research could explore the effectiveness of different financial education and management programs on improving financial attitudes and behaviors during recessionary periods.
Effect of enzymatic maceration and homogenization by shear on the stability of pumpkin suspension (Cucúrbita maxima) incorporating its vegetable co-products (peel and seed)
Authors: Caballero Gutiérrez Birina Luz , Márquez Cardozo Carlos Julio , Ciro Velázquez Héctor José , Cortés Rodríguez Misael
Published: October 2023

Background: Pumpkin fruits have worldwide agro-industrial importance and are rich in carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals. However, during processing, their peels and seeds, which have a high nutrient content, are generally discarded as solid waste. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of the processes of enzymatic maceration and homogenization by shear on the stability of a suspension of the pumpkin (pulp+seed+peel).

Methods: A centralized composite design was used considering the enzyme dose (X1) with filter paper units (FPU) (21, 31, 42/g dry basis (db)) of substrate, hydrolysis time (X2) (2, 3.5, 5 h), and homogenization time (X3) (5.0, 7.5, 10.0 min), and the following  variables were measured: zeta potential (ζ), particle size, apparent viscosity (µ), spectral absorption R index, total carotenoid, and antioxidant capacity by DPPH⸳ (2,2-diphenyl -1-picrylhidrazyl radical) and ABTS•+ (2,2´-azinobis- (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate). A theoretical optimization and experimental validation were performed using the desirability approach with multiple responses.

Results: The optimization had a desirability function (79.9%), X1: 42 FPU/g db, X2: 4.68 h, and X3: 8.54 min. The ζ and the antioxidant capacity by ABTS•+ were not affected by the independent variables, nor by their interactions. Particle size D [4;3], R index, and antioxidant capacity by DPPH⸳ were mainly affected by X3, while D [3;2], and total carotenoid content were significantly affected by the interaction of X1 and X2. The optimal suspension achieved µ: 369.5 ±59.8 mPa.s, ζ: -28.2±0.6 mV, D[3;2]: 51.18±2.2 μm, D[4;3]: 333±17.4 μm, R Index: 0.43±0.02, total carotenoid: 127.9±9.3 mg/100g db, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH⸳:1083.9±23.9 and ABTS•+: 1485.1±27.1 µmol Trolox Eq/ 100g db).

Conclusions: The process of enzymatic maceration and homogenization by shear made it possible to obtain an integral suspension of pumpkin with physicochemical stability and functional attributes, promoting a product with optimal conditions for its potential use in technological applications such as spray drying.
An assessment of the factors contributing to the unavailability of drugs at outpatient pharmacy of tertiary care hospital: an observational study
Authors: Bakare Abhishek , Bhargav Aditya
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Throughout history and up until the present, there has been a medicine shortage. In the early 1920s, there was a shortage of insulin, which is when drug scarcity first appeared in the records. Drug shortages are now more prevalent globally than they were back then.

The goal of this essay is to pinpoint the key components that make up a definition for medication shortages and to pinpoint the circumstances that should be considered when reporting drug shortages in databases. Understanding the factors that led certain organizations to create their own definition of a medicine shortage was crucial for achieving these goals.

The pharmaceutical regulatory environment can be connected to several reasons why there are medication shortages, including parallel trading, quality standards, and business choices to halt or reduce manufacturing. The many rules governing medicine shortages have not yet been the subject of a thorough investigation. This protocol’s objective is to analyze the pertinent legislative and regulatory frameworks in the European pharmaceutical system that affect medication shortages. The objectives of the study will be the non–availability of drugs at an outpatient pharmacy and to analyze the reason of non–availability of drugs.

Methods

An observational study will be adopted in this study. It includes a collection of data from the patient coming to the outpatient pharmacy of AVBRH Sawangi (Meghe) Wardha.   

Expected result

It can lead to delayed treatment for patients seeking alternative medication. It can also lead to increased healthcare costs if patients seek alternative treatments that are more expensive or require additional medical care. The unavailability of drugs can also lead to frustration and anxiety for patients who need medication to manage their health condition. It can also negatively impact the reputation of the hospital.
Identification of high-performing antibodies for tyrosine-protein kinase SYK for use in Western Blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence
Authors: Alshafie Walaa , Fotouhi Maryam , Ayoubi Riham , Southern Kathleen , Laflamme Carl ,   NeuroSGC/YCharOS collaborative group
Published: October 2023

Tyrosine-protein kinase SYK, encoded by the SYK gene, is a non-receptor type protein kinase which mediates immune signal transduction through immunoreceptors. Tyrosine-protein kinase SYK expression has been associated with the development of various inflammatory diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. The reproducibility of tyrosine-protein kinase SYK research would help elucidate the mechanism in which it causes neuroinflammation as well as its potential as a novel target to treat Alzheimer’s disease. This would be facilitated with the availability of high-quality tyrosine-protein kinase SYK.  In this study, we characterized thirteen tyrosine-protein kinase SYK commercial antibodies for Western Blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. We identified many high-performing antibodies and encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibody for their specific needs.
Case Report: Maternal death due to frontal lobe meningioma mimicking postpartum depression
Authors: Lema Alemayehu Shiferaw , Aklilu Emiru Tilahun
Published: October 2023

Meningiomas are among the most frequent primary brain tumors. Meningiomas can present with psychiatric manifestations such as depression in the absence of any neurological signs and symptoms. This case illustrates a rare and fatal complication of frontal lobe meningioma that finally mimicked postpartum depression in a woman who relied on non-professional sources of help and died without proper diagnosis and treatment.

The case reported here highlights the significance of considering frontal lobe meningioma as a possible cause of psychiatric symptoms in postpartum women and recommends performing a thorough neurological examination and neuroimaging if necessary. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility and perform neuroimaging studies in patients with postpartum depression who have atypical features such as persistent headaches. Overall, this paper emphasizes the significance of early diagnosis and intervention of frontal lobe meningiomas to improve patient outcomes and prevent fatal complications.
CONHECIMENTOS GEOMÉTRICOS MOBILIZADOS NA PRÁTICA DO PROFESSOR: KNOWLEDGE QUARTET COMO FERRAMENTA DE ANÁLISE
Authors: Da Silva Franciele , Pazuch Vinícius
Published: October 2023

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo identificar y comprender los conocimientos geométricos movilizados por profesorasde matemática, al abordar conceptos de geometría para estudiantes de los años finales de la Enseñanza Fundamental. Con ese propósito, se utiliza la herramienta teórica Knowledge Quartet (KQ) para identificar y analizar las dimensiones del conocimiento que se revelan en las acciones llevadas a cabo por dos profesoras en el aula de clases. El contexto de la investigación se dio en un proceso de formación continua en geometría, en un grupo con características colaborativas. Los datos fueron producidos por medio de la transcripción de grabaciones en audio y vídeo. Se seleccionaron eventos críticos representativos del ambiente investigado. Además de ser una herramienta teórica que identifica conocimientos matemáticos y didácticos del profesor en la práctica, según los resultados el KQ contribuyó para la identificación de lagunas asociadas a las dificultades del profesor ante las contingencias que se presentan en el contexto de la enseñanza de la geometría.
UMA CARACTERIZAÇÃO DO CONHECIMENTO ESPECIALIZADO DO PROFESSOR DE MATEMÁTICA DA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL E ANOS INICIAIS EM TÓPICOS DE MEDIDA
Authors: Policastro Milena , Ribeiro Miguel
Published: October 2023

En este estudio consideramos las dimensiones matemáticas y pedagógicas del conocimiento del profesor como especializadas, con el objetivo de caracterizar el contenido de este conocimiento, específicamente asociado a los temas de Medidas. Empleando el marco del Mathematics Teacher’s Specialised Knowledge (MTSK), exploramos y describimos el contenido del conocimiento  especializado revelado por un grupo de profesores de Educación Primaria en el Brasil mientras abordan una tarea para la formación,  en un curso de desarrollo profesional. Los resultados aportan un refinamiento de la categorización del conocimiento  docente asociado a los temas (KoT), considerando por separado el detalle del contenido de este conocimento relativo a definiciones,  propiedades y fundamentos. Además, el estudio presenta un conjunto de descriptores de conocimiento que resaltan las particularidades y especificidades de este componente del conocimiento docente relacionado con los temas de Medida,  permitiendo una especie de mapeo de los elementos estructurales y estructurantes de este conocimiento.
Customer Scheduling in Large Service Systems Under Model Uncertainty
Authors: Chai Shiwei , Sun Xu , Abouee-Mehrizi Hossein
Published: October 2023

In the realm of many-server service systems, scheduling often necessitates the use of simplifying assumptions regarding service times to facilitate model development. However, empirical observations indicate that these assumptions may not accurately mirror real-world situations. In their paper titled “Customer Scheduling in Large Service Systems Under Model Uncertainty,” Chai, Sun, and Abouee-Mehrizi introduce an innovative approach to assist decision makers in devising high-quality scheduling policies for large service systems. This approach involves optimizing against an imaginary adversary through a robust control framework that is based on a manageable and simplified model. The imaginary adversary’s role is to exploit the potential vulnerabilities of a scheduling rule by dynamically perturbing the simplified model within an uncertainty set. This uncertainty set can be estimated using data-driven methods. Extensive numerical experiments, including a case study utilizing a data set from a U.S. call center, provide substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of our framework.
Deep learning on photoacoustic tomography to remove image distortion due to inaccurate measurement of the scanning radius
Authors: Mondal Sudeep , Paul Subhadip , Singh Navjot , Saha Ratan K
Published: October 2023

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is a non-invasive, non-ionizing hybrid imaging modality that holds great potential for various biomedical applications and the incorporation with deep learning (DL) methods has experienced notable advancements in recent times. In a typical 2D PAT setup, a single-element ultrasound detector (USD) is used to collect the PA signals by making a 360° full scan of the imaging region. The traditional backprojection (BP) algorithm has been widely used to reconstruct the PAT images from the acquired signals. Accurate determination of the scanning radius (SR) is required for proper image reconstruction. Even a slight deviation from its nominal value can lead to image distortion compromising the quality of the reconstruction. To address this challenge, two approaches have been developed and examined herein. The first framework includes a modified version of dense U-Net (DUNet) architecture. The second procedure involves a DL-based convolutional neural network (CNN) for image classification followed by a DUNet. The first protocol was trained with heterogeneous simulated images generated from three different phantoms to learn the relationship between the reconstructed and the corresponding ground truth (GT) images. In the case of the second scheme, the first stage was trained with the same heterogeneous dataset to classify the image type and the second stage was trained individually with the appropriate images. The performance of these architectures has been tested on both simulated and experimental images. The first method can sustain SR deviation up to approximately 6% for simulated images and 5% for experimental images and can accurately reproduce the GTs. The proposed DL-approach extends the limits further (approximately 7% and 8% for simulated and experimental images, respectively). Our results suggest that classification-based DL method does not need a precise assessment of SR for accurate PAT image formation.
Practical methods for allocating and assessing resources in flexgrid networks
Authors: Chouman Hussein , Alahdab Luay , Colares Rafael , Gravey Annie , Gravey Philippe , Kerivin Hervé , Morvan Michel
Published: October 2023

This paper focuses on quantifying the efficiency of different methods used to allocate resources in flexgrid optical networks. These methods are based on a recently proposed integer linear programming formulation of the routing and spectrum assignment (RSA) problem that takes into account all possible paths and thus theoretically yields optimal solutions, whatever be the objective function. The paper advocates using a metric-based approach for assessing RSA methods preferably to the classical approach based on the blocking probability of dynamic demands because of the long lifetime of optical paths and of the necessity of evaluating an operational network’s state early enough before congestion. The main existing fragmentation metrics are extended to the network level, and a family of network remaining capacity metrics, more suited to assess congestion levels, is introduced. When demands are incrementally mapped, the latter decrease quite linearly, with a slope reflecting the quality of the RSA method. Remaining capacity values are used to compare several off-line methods where the demand sets are mapped either globally or one by one with a suitable ordering. In both on- and off-line cases, using the sum of the demands’ maximum spectrum slice index (an original objective function proposed here), provides the best performance. Finally a method to anticipate a possible congestion, based on a combination of metrics computed on the actual and a reference network instance, is presented.
Controlling beam dynamics with spectral quadratic phase modulation in the fractional Schrödinger equation
Authors: Jiao Caoyi , Huang Xianwei , Bai Yanfeng , Fu Xiquan
Published: October 2023

The propagation dynamics of Gaussian beams and finite energy Airy beams with spectral quadratic phase modulation (QPM) modeled by the fractional Schrödinger equation (FSE) are numerically investigated. Compared with beam propagation in the standard Schrödinger equation, the focusing property of beams under FSE is influenced by the QPM coefficient and the Lévy index. For symmetric Gaussian beams, the focusing position increases and the focusing intensity decreases for the larger QPM coefficient or smaller Lévy index. For asymmetric Airy beams, multiple focusing positions occur, and the tendency of focusing intensity is opposite to that of Gaussian beams. Our results show the promising application of the FSE system for optical manipulation and optical splitting by controlling the QPM.
Exploring the EM-wave diffusion capabilities of axicon coding metasurfaces for stealth applications
Authors: Taher Al-Nuaimi Mustafa K. , Whittow William G. , Huang Guan-Long , Chen Rui-Sen , Shao Qiang
Published: October 2023

Coding metasurfaces for diffusion scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves are important for stealth applications and have recently attracted researchers in physics and engineering communities. Typically, the available design approaches of coding metasurfaces lack a coding sequence design formula and sometimes cannot simultaneously ensure uniform diffusion and low reflected power intensity without extensive computational optimization. To the authors’ best knowledge, the diffusion and radar-cross-section reduction (RCSR) of 2D axicon metasurfaces for cloaking and stealth applications have not been explored before. This article presents a single-layer coding metasurface design that exhibits an axicon phase mask on its aperture for efficient diffusion of EM-waves and RCSR of metallic objects. The proposed approach is robust and ensures greater than 10 dB of RCSR for normal incidence and a wide-range of off-normal incident angles. Theoretical calculations, numerical simulations, and experimental validations of the proposed axicon coding metasurface demonstrate that the 10 dB RCSR covers the frequency range of 15 to 35 GHz (fractional bandwidth is 80%) under normal incidence. Under off-normal incidence, the RCSR and the diffusive scattering behavior are preserved up to 60° regardless of the polarization of the far-field incident radar wave. Compared to other available approaches, the presented design approach is fast, robust, and can achieve more uniform diffusive scattering patterns with remarkable RCSR, which makes it very attractive for potential stealth applications.
Topology-optimized source shifter for optical location camouflaging
Authors: Fujii Garuda
Published: October 2023

Through engineering the emission features emanating from a light source, source illusions enable the generation of illusions in which observers viewing at a distance misperceive the actual state of the source. However, those few efforts are significantly limited to the source transformation and metamaterials used. This limitation makes high-performance camouflaging of source emissions difficult to achieve. Even with basic functionalities such as source shifters camouflaging, source location remains difficult because the illusion is of low quality. Here, we demonstrate a way to improve substantially the camouflaging performance of a light-source shifter using topology optimization. Its scheme, objective function, and a few constraints are proposed. Generating an optimal topology for an all-dielectric light-source shifter is attempted for optical location camouflaging. Moreover, we succeed in designing very simple but high-performing source shifters despite several difficult properties such as multimodality. Our proposal extends the distance between the actual and virtual source locations that can be camouflaged and generates a broad band of frequencies for optical location camouflaging.
Supergrowth and sub-wavelength object imaging
Authors: Karmakar Tathagata , Chakraborty Abhishek , Vamivakas A. Nick , Jordan Andrew N.
Published: October 2023

We further develop the concept of supergrowth [Quantum Stud.: Math. Found. 7, 285 (2020)10.1007/s40509-019-00214-5], a phenomenon complementary to superoscillation, defined as the local amplitude growth rate of a function higher than its largest wavenumber. We identify a canonical oscillatory function's superoscillating and supergrowing regions and find the maximum values of local growth rate and wavenumber. Next, we provide a quantitative comparison of lengths and relevant intensities between the superoscillating and the supergrowing regions of a canonical oscillatory function. Our analysis shows that the supergrowing regions contain intensities that are exponentially larger in terms of the highest local wavenumber compared to the superoscillating regions. Finally, we prescribe methods to reconstruct a sub-wavelength object from the imaging data using both superoscillatory and supergrowing point spread functions. Our investigation provides an experimentally preferable alternative to the superoscillation-based superresolution schemes and is relevant to cutting-edge research in far-field sub-wavelength imaging.
Discrete dynamics of light in an anti-parity-time symmetric photonic lattice in atomic vapors
Authors: Yu Qingsong , Yuan Jiaqi , Liu Zhenzhi , He Ruidong , Liang Shun , Zhang Yanpeng , Zhang Zhaoyang
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate the realization of an anti-parity-time (PT)-symmetric photonic lattice in a coherent three-level Λ-type 85Rb atomic system both experimentally and theoretically. Such an instantaneously reconfigurable anti-PT-symmetric photonic lattice is “written” by two one-dimensional coupling fields, which are arranged alternately along the x direction and can modulate the refractive index of the atomic vapor in a spatially periodical manner via controllable atomic coherence. By properly adjusting the relevant atomic parameters, the phase shift between two adjacent lattice channels occurs in the constructed non-Hermitian photonic system. Such a readily reconfigurable anti-PT-symmetric photonic lattice may open the door for demonstrating the discrete characteristics of the optical waves in periodic anti-PT-symmetric photonic systems.
Femtosecond laser multibeam parallel processing for variable focal-length optofluidic chips
Authors: Lei Panke , Zhang Jianguo , Shangguan Shiyong , Wang Zhenghao , Cao Weilong , Qi Dongfeng , Zheng Hongyu
Published: October 2023

Optofluidic chips are frequently utilized in applications such as biological observation, chemical detection, dynamic displays, imaging, holography, and sensing. Yet, developing continuously zoomable technology has been challenging in the production of optical devices. Using a spatial light modulator to shape a femtosecond laser to achieve multibeam parallel pulse punching, we propose an easy-to-fabricate, stable, and reliable tuning technique in this Letter. We then propose the addition of a liquid medium with a continuously variable refractive index to achieve controllable zooming without changing the position and morphology of the microlens. By pumping various concentrations of the liquid medium into the optofluidic chip, continuous tunability of the device was experimentally verified.
All dielectric reflective metalens based on multilayer meta-atoms
Authors: Carlos Basilio-Ortiz J. , Moreno Ivan
Published: October 2023

While transmission-mode metalenses have been extensively studied, reflection-mode metalenses remain almost unexplored, presenting advantages in terms of improved efficiency and reduced complexity. In this Letter, we investigate a multilayer dielectric metalens operating in reflection mode at visible wavelengths without a metallic layer. Simulations and analysis demonstrate the performance of the metalens, with an 84% reflectivity the metalens proves its efficacy in reflection mode. At a numerical aperture of 0.15, the metalens achieves a 33% focusing efficiency, which is approximately twice that of similar reflective metalenses, facilitating efficient light manipulation and subwavelength resolution. Additionally, the metalens exhibits a well-defined focal spot with a full width at half maximum of 2.03 µm, approaching the diffraction limit.
GaN/Ga2O3 avalanche photodiodes with separate absorption and multiplication structure
Authors: Wang Rui , Shao Zhenguang , Xu Kaicheng , Zhi Ting , Gao Chunrong , Xue Junjun , Wang Jin
Published: October 2023

This article proposes a new, to the best of our knowledge, separate absorption and multiplication (SAM) APD based on GaN/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction with high gains. The proposed APD achieved a high gain of 1.93 × 104. We further optimized the electric field distribution by simulating different doping concentrations and thicknesses of the transition region, resulting in the higher avalanche gain of the device. Furthermore, we designed a GaN/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction instead of the single Ga2O3 homogeneous layer as the multiplication region. Owing to the higher hole ionization coefficient, the device offers up to a 120% improvement in avalanche gain reach to 4.24 × 104. We subsequently clearly elaborated on the working principle and gain mechanism of GaN/β-Ga2O3 SAM APD. The proposed structure is anticipated to provide significant guidance for ultraweak ultraviolet light detection.
Speckle reduction in Digital Holography by Fast Logistic Adaptive Non-local Means filtering
Authors: Fu Yiping , Leng Junmin , Xu Zhenqi
Published: October 2023

Digital holography is a promising imaging technology. However, there is speckle noise in the reconstructed image of a digital hologram. Speckle degrades the quality of the reconstructed image. Suppression of speckle noise is a challenging problem in digital holography. A novel method is proposed to reduce speckle by a fast Logistic adaptive Non-Local Means (NLM) algorithm. In the proposed method, the Logistic function is incorporated into the weight calculation of NLM algorithm to account for multiplicative speckle noise. Filtering parameters are dynamically adjusted according to the statistical property of speckle in the reconstructed image. To enhance computational efficiency, the proposed algorithm takes advantage of integral image technique to speed up the calculation of the similarity between image patches. Simulation and experiment are made to verify the proposed method. Results show that the speckle noise is effectively suppressed in the digital holography. The proposed method is efficient and feasible, which can be applied to such fields as three-dimensional display, holographic measurement, medical diagnosis and so on.
A high-power narrow-linewidth microlaser based on active-passive lithium niobate photonic integration
Authors: Fang Zhiwei , Yu Shupeng , Zhou Yuan , ZHU YIRAN , HUANG QINFEN , Ma Yu , Liu jian , Zhang Haisu , Wang Min , Cheng Ya
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate an on-chip integrated Fabry-Perot (FP) resonator laser with high output power and narrow linewidth. The laser chip is fabricated on monolithically integrated active (i.e., Er3+-doped) and passive (i.e., non-doped) thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) substrate in which the laser cavity is constructed with two Sagnac loop reflectors fabricated on the passive TFLN. The monolithically integrated FP resonator laser achieves an output power of 126.35 μW and a linewidth of 33.6 kHz.
Pan-cancer characterization of ncRNA synergistic competition uncovers potential carcinogenic biomarkers
Authors: Zhang Junpeng , Liu Lin , Wei Xuemei , Zhao Chunwen , Li Sijing , Li Jiuyong , Le Thuc Duy
Published: October 2023

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) act as important modulators of gene expression and they have been confirmed to play critical roles in the physiology and development of malignant tumors. Understanding the synergism of multiple ncRNAs in competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation can provide important insights into the mechanisms of malignant tumors caused by ncRNA regulation. In this work, we present a framework, SCOM, for identifying ncRNA synergistic competition. We systematically construct the landscape of ncRNA synergistic competition across 31 malignant tumors, and reveal that malignant tumors tend to share hub ncRNAs rather than the ncRNA interactions involved in the synergistic competition. In addition, the synergistic competition ncRNAs (i.e. ncRNAs involved in the synergistic competition) are likely to be involved in drug resistance, contribute to distinguishing molecular subtypes of malignant tumors, and participate in immune regulation. Furthermore, SCOM can help to infer ncRNA synergistic competition across malignant tumors and uncover potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of malignant tumors. Altogether, the SCOM framework (https://github.com/zhangjunpeng411/SCOM/) and the resulting web-based database SCOMdb (https://comblab.cn/SCOMdb/) serve as a useful resource for exploring ncRNA regulation and to accelerate the identification of carcinogenic biomarkers.
Mechanistic modelling of within-mosquito viral dynamics: Insights into infection and dissemination patterns
Authors: Lord Jennifer S. , Bonsall Michael B.
Published: October 2023

Vector or host competence can be defined as the ability of an individual to become infected and subsequently transmit a pathogen. Assays to measure competence play a key part in the assessment of the factors affecting mosquito-borne virus transmission and of potential pathogen-blocking control tools for these viruses. For mosquitoes, competence for arboviruses can be measured experimentally and results are usually analysed using standard statistical approaches. Here we develop a mechanistic approach to studying within-mosquito virus dynamics that occur during vector competence experiments. We begin by developing a deterministic model of virus replication in the mosquito midgut and subsequent escape and replication in the hemocoel. We then extend this to a stochastic model to capture the between-individual variation observed in vector competence experiments. We show that the dose-response of the probability of mosquito midgut infection and variation in the dissemination rate can be explained by stochastic processes generated from a small founding population of virions, caused by a relatively low rate of virion infection of susceptible cells. We also show that comparing treatments or species in competence experiments by fitting mechanistic models could provide further insight into potential differences. Generally, our work adds to the growing body of literature emphasizing the importance of intrinsic stochasticity in biological systems.