bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solitary lung adenocarcinoma: follow-up CT, pathological-molecular characteristics, and surgical prognosis for different morphological classifications
Authors: Liao Hong-fan , Huang Xing-tao , Li Xian , Lv Fa-jin , Luo Tian-you , Li Qi
Published: November 2023

Objective

To investigate the dynamic changes during follow-up computed tomography (CT), histological subtypes, gene mutation status, and surgical prognosis for different morphological presentations of solitary lung adenocarcinomas (SLADC).

Materials and methods

This retrospective study compared dynamic tumor changes and volume doubling time (VDT) in 228 patients with SLADC (morphological types I–IV) who had intermittent growth during follow-ups. The correlation between the morphological classification and histological subtypes, gene mutation status, and surgical prognosis was evaluated.

Results

Among the 228 patients, 66 (28.9%) were classified as type I, 123 (53.9%) as type II, 16 (7%) as type III, and 23 (10.1%) as type IV. Type I had the shortest VDT (254 days), followed by types IV (381 days) and III (501 days), and then type II (993 days) (p < 0.05 each). Type I had a greater proportion of solid/micropapillary-predominant pattern than type II, and the lepidic-predominant pattern was more common in type II and III than in type I (p < 0.05 each). Furthermore, type II and IV SLADCs were correlated with positive epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (p < 0.05 each). Lastly, the Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the disease-free survival was longest for patients with type II tumors, followed by those with type III and IV tumors, and then those with type I tumors (p < 0.001 each).

Conclusion

A good understanding of the natural progression and pathological-molecular characteristics of different morphological SLADC types can help make accurate diagnoses, develop individual treatment strategies, and predict patient outcomes.

Critical relevance statement

A good understanding of the natural progression and pathological-molecular characteristics of different morphological solitary lung adenocarcinoma types can help make accurate diagnoses, develop individual treatment strategies, and predict patient outcomes.

Key points

• Type I–IV solitary lung adenocarcinomas exhibit varying natural progression on serial CT scans.

• Morphological classification of solitary lung adenocarcinomas predicts histological subtype, gene status, and surgical prognosis.

• This classification of solitary lung adenocarcinomas may help improve diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognosticating abilities.

Graphical Abstract
NMR shift prediction from small data quantities
Authors: Rull Herman , Fischer Markus , Kuhn Stefan
Published: November 2023

Prediction of chemical shift in NMR using machine learning methods is typically done with the maximum amount of data available to achieve the best results. In some cases, such large amounts of data are not available, e.g. for heteronuclei. We demonstrate a novel machine learning model that is able to achieve better results than other models for relevant datasets with comparatively low amounts of data. We show this by predicting $$^{19}F$$

19

F

and $$^{13}C$$

13

C

NMR chemical shifts of small molecules in specific solvents.

Graphical Abstract
Deciphering tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells in the single-cell era
Authors: Huang Qingyu , Wang Fuhao , Hao Di , Li Xinyu , Li Xiaohui , Lei Tianyu , Yue Jinbo , Liu Chao
Published: November 2023

Dendritic cells (DCs) serve as a pivotal link connecting innate and adaptive immunity by processing tumor-derived antigens and activating T cells. The advent of single-cell sequencing has revolutionized the categorization of DCs, enabling a high-resolution characterization of the previously unrecognized diversity of DC populations infiltrating the intricate tumor microenvironment (TME). The application of single-cell sequencing technologies has effectively elucidated the heterogeneity of DCs present in the tumor milieu, yielding invaluable insights into their subpopulation structures and functional diversity. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge regarding DC subtypes in the TME, drawing from single-cell studies conducted across various human tumors. We focused on the categorization, functions, and interactions of distinct DC subsets, emphasizing their crucial roles in orchestrating tumor-related immune responses. Additionally, we delve into the potential implications of these findings for the identification of predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Enhanced insight into the intricate interplay between DCs and the TME promises to advance our comprehension of tumor immunity and, in turn, pave the way for the development of more efficacious cancer immunotherapies.
Binge-eating adolescent treatment (BEAT) – findings from a pilot study on effects and acceptance of a blended treatment program for youth with loss of control eating
Authors: Forrer Felicitas , Rubo Marius , Meyer Andrea H. , Munsch Simone
Published: November 2023

Background

Loss of Control Eating (LOC) is the most prevalent form of eating disorder pathology in youth, but research on evidence-based treatment in this group remains scarce. We assessed for the first time the effects and acceptance of a blended treatment program for youth between 14 and 24 years with LOC (Binge-eating Adolescent Treatment, BEAT).

Methods

Twenty-four youths (mean age 19.1 years) participated in an active treatment of nine-weeks including three face-to-face workshops and six weekly email-guided self-help sessions, followed by four email guided follow-up sessions, one, three, six and 12 months after the active treatment. All patients completed a two-weeks waiting-time period before treatment begin (within-subject waitlist control design).

Results

The number of weekly LOC episodes substantially decreased during both the waiting-time (effect size d = 0.45) and the active treatment (d = 1.01) period and remained stable during the subsequent 12-months follow-up (d = 0.20). The proportion of patients with full-threshold binge-eating disorder (BED) diagnoses decreased and transformed into LOC during the study course, while the abstainer rate of LOC increased. Values for depressive symptoms (d = 1.5), eating disorder pathology (d = 1.29) and appearance-based rejection sensitivity (d = 0.68) all improved on average from pretreatment to posttreatment and remained stable or further improved during follow-up (d between 0.11 and 0.85). Body weight in contrast remained constant within the same period. Treatment satisfaction among completers was high, but so was the dropout rate of 45.8% at the end of the 12-months follow-up.

Conclusions

This first blended treatment study BEAT might be well suited to decrease core symptoms of LOC, depressive symptoms and appearance-based rejection sensitivity. More research is needed to establish readily accessible interventions targeted more profoundly at age-salient maintaining factors such as appearance-based rejection sensitivity, while at the same time keeping dropout rates at a low level.

Trial registration

The trial was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (ID: DRKS00014580; registration date: 21/06/2018).
Extracellular matrix: the critical contributor to skeletal muscle regeneration—a comprehensive review
Authors: Ahmad Khurshid , Shaikh Sibhghatulla , Chun Hee Jin , Ali Shahid , Lim Jeong Ho , Ahmad Syed Sayeed , Lee Eun Ju , Choi Inho
Published: November 2023

The regenerative ability of skeletal muscle (SM) in response to damage, injury, or disease is a highly intricate process that involves the coordinated activities of multiple cell types and biomolecular factors. Of these, extracellular matrix (ECM) is considered a fundamental component of SM regenerative ability. This review briefly discusses SM myogenesis and regeneration, the roles played by muscle satellite cells (MSCs), other cells, and ECM components, and the effects of their dysregulations on these processes. In addition, we review the various types of ECM scaffolds and biomaterials used for SM regeneration, their applications, recent advances in ECM scaffold research, and their impacts on tissue engineering and SM regeneration, especially in the context of severe muscle injury, which frequently results in substantial muscle loss and impaired regenerative capacity. This review was undertaken to provide a comprehensive overview of SM myogenesis and regeneration, the stem cells used for muscle regeneration, the significance of ECM in SM regeneration, and to enhance understanding of the essential role of the ECM scaffold during SM regeneration.
Erythrocytosis Is Rare With Exogenous Testosterone in Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
Authors: Krishnamurthy Nithya , Slack Daniel J , Kyweluk Moira , Cullen Olivia , Kirkley Jerrica , Safer Joshua D
Published: November 2023

Context

Studies have found a variable incidence of erythrocytosis among people using testosterone as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT).

Objective

To examine the effect of using exogenous testosterone as GAHT on hematocrit in a large North American cohort.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of testosterone and hematocrit laboratory values in 6670 patients who were prescribed testosterone through Plume, a national provider of GAHT. The prevalence of erythrocytosis, the mean hematocrit at predetermined testosterone thresholds and with varying routes of testosterone administration were assessed.

Results

Among 6670 individuals, 560 (8.4%) had a hematocrit ≥50%, 182 ≥ 52% (2.7%), and 60 ≥ 54% (0.9%). There was significant variation (P < .001) in hematocrit between different clinically relevant testosterone thresholds (T < 50 vs T 50-299 vs T 300-999 vs T ≥ 1000 ng/dL) and when comparing serum testosterone in increments of 50 ng/dL within the target range for males (300-1000 ng/dL) (P < .001). Mean hematocrit ranged from 41.84% (T < 50 ng/dL) to 45.68% (T 900-949 ng/dL). Patients on intramuscular testosterone had a higher mean hematocrit than those on transdermal testosterone (44.96% vs 43.41%, P < .001). Both route of administration (P < .001) and testosterone level (P < .001) had statistically significant associations with hematocrit when controlling for each other.

Conclusion

While the magnitude of change in hematocrit with serum level and route of administration of testosterone was statistically significant, the absolute levels were within the normal range, unlikely to be clinically meaningful. These findings, along with the low prevalence of erythrocytosis, should help allay concerns about the use of testosterone as GAHT.
Phenotypic flexibility in metabolic adjustments and digestive function in white-shouldered starlings: responses to short-term temperature acclimation
Authors: Li Ming , Xu Mingru , Wang Jing , Yao Yaqi , Zhang Xinhao , Liu Jinsong
Published: November 2023

Changing the intrinsic rate of metabolic heat production is the main adaptive strategy for small birds to cope with different ambient temperatures. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the small passerine the white-shouldered starling (Sturnus sinensis) can modulate basal metabolism under temperature acclimation by changing the morphological, physiological and biochemical state of its tissues and organs. We measured the effects of temperature on body mass, basal metabolic rate (BMR), wet mass of various internal organs, state 4 respiration (S4R) and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity in the pectoral muscle and organs, metabolites in the pectoral muscle, energy intake, histological dynamics and the activity of duodenal digestive enzymes. Warm acclimation decreased BMR to a greater extent than cold acclimation. At the organ level, birds in the cold-acclimated group had significantly heavier intestines but significantly lighter pectoral muscles. At the cellular level, birds in the cold-acclimated group showed significantly higher S4R in the liver and heart and CCO activity in the liver and kidney at both the mass-specific and whole-organ levels. A metabolomic analysis of the pectoral tissue revealed significantly higher lipid decomposition, amino acid degradation, ATP hydrolysis, and GTP and biotin synthesis in cold-acclimated birds. Acclimation to cold significantly increased the gross energy intake (GEI), feces energy (FE) and digestive energy intake (DEI) but significantly decreased the digestive efficiency of these birds. Furthermore, cold-acclimated birds had a higher maltase activity and longer villi in the duodenum. Taken together, these data show that white-shouldered starlings exhibit high phenotypic flexibility in metabolic adjustments and digestive function under temperature acclimation, consistent with the notion that small birds cope with the energy challenges presented by a cold environment by modulating tissue function in a way that would affect BMR.
Analysis of business cycles and fluctuations in Greece, based on dynamic and econometric models and analysis of their causation
Authors: Σαργέντη Αλέκα
Published: November 2023

Η πρόσφατη οικονομική κρίση που έπληξε κατά κύριο λόγο από τις ανεπτυγμένες χώρες την Ελλάδα, εγείρει το θέμα της μελέτης των οικονομικών διακυμάνσεων της ελληνικής οικονομίας τα τελευταία εξήντα χρόνια. Η μελέτη αυτή περιλαμβάνει την ανάλυση όλων των οικονομικών μεγεθών της οικονομίας με μοντέρνα οικονομετρικά μοντέλα που έχουν εμφανιστεί και χρησιμοποιηθεί τα τελευταία χρόνια στις μελέτες των οικονομικών κύκλων. Σύνθετα τέτοια εργαλεία, όπως τα VARMA, Markov Switching, VAR, FFT, LSTM, φίλτρα Hodrick & Prescott και άλλα μακροοικονομικά μοντέλα, είναι πλέον διαθέσιμα για τη μελέτη και την έρευνα μακροοικονομικών μεγεθών. Η σπουδή αυτή, θα ερμηνεύσει τα παραπάνω ποσοτικά στοιχεία ώστε να τα συσχετίσει με οικονομικο-πολιτικά γεγονότα, με απώτερο σκοπό να αποσαφηνίσει την εξέλιξη της σύγχρονης ελληνικής οικονομίας, όσον αφορά την τάση και τις διακυμάνσεις που εμφανιστήκαν και να αναδείξει τους σημαντικούς εκείνους παράγοντες που σχημάτισαν αυτή τη δυναμική και καθορίσαν την πορεία της ελληνικής οικονομίας τα τελευταία εξήντα έτη.
The association between climate variables and tuberculosis in Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, 2013–2020: a Bayesian autoregressive model
Authors: Tosepu Ramadhan , Sani Asrul , Effendy Devi Savitri , Ahmad La Ode Ali Imran
Published: November 2023

Background Tuberculosis is one of the diseases that requires comprehensive treatment. This disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the air. Climate factors play a role in the increasing cases of tuberculosis. This study aimed to determine the correlation between climatic variables and TB in Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, Methods This research was modeled using an autoregressive (AR) Bayesian model with three possible likelihoods; Gaussian, Poisson and Negative Binomial responses. Results Minimum temperature, a coefficient of 4.234 suggests that for every 1 degree increase in minimum temperature, there is an estimated increase of approximately four cases, assuming other variables remain constant. Maximum temperature, a coefficient of 17.851 suggests that for every 1 degree increase in maximum temperature, there is an estimated increase of around 17-18 cases, assuming other variables remain constant. Average temperature, a coefficient of 4.234 suggests that for every 1 degree increase in average temperature, there is an estimated increase of approximately four cases, assuming other variables remain constant. Humidity, a coefficient of -13.413 suggests that for every 1% increase in humidity, there is an estimated decrease of around 13 cases, assuming other variables remain constant. Rainfall, a coefficient of -0.327 suggests that for every 1 mm increase in rainfall, there is an estimated decrease of around 0.327 cases, assuming other variables remain constant. Light, a coefficient of -4.322 suggests that for every 1-hour increase in light duration, there is an estimated decrease of around four cases, assuming other variables remain constant. Conclusions Climate change has a significant impact on tuberculosis through temperature-related factors. These factors influence the prevalence, spread, and vulnerability to TB. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach involving adaptation planning. Strong public health systems and healthcare infrastructure can help mitigate the risks and impacts of climate change-related tuberculosis.
Etyka w służbie wywiadowczej – przypadek mjr. Jana z Kościelca Pogorskiego
Authors: Majzner Robert
Published: November 2023

Zgodnie z przyjętymi w 1919 r. przepisami o prowadzeniu służby wywiadowczej w Wojsku Polskim miała się ona opierać na elemencie ideowym, a do wykorzystywania jednostek działających z pobudek materialnych miało dochodzić jedynie w przypadku szczególnie cennych materiałów wywiadowczych. W praktyce do pozyskiwania informacji posługiwano się jednak płatnymi agentami i konfidentami, w związku z czym dochodziło też do defraudowania lub wyłudzania pieniędzy z funduszy wywiadowczych.
Konspiracyjna broszura „Anegdota i dowcip wojenny” (1943) oraz jej twórcy
Authors: Szarota Tomasz
Published: November 2023

Artykuł jest fragmentem realizowanego przez autora przedsięwzięcia badawczego dotyczącego utrwalania przez historyków pamięci o działających w przeszłości postaciach, ówczesnych wydarzeniach, publikacjach i symbolach. Przedmiotem zainteresowania jest tu wydana w 1943 r. w Warszawie broszura konspiracyjna zawierająca krążące w okupowanej Polsce dowcipy, a także losy wszystkich osób, które do powstania tej publikacji się przyczyniły.
Total Hip Arthroplasty in Neglected Acetabular Fracture with Pipkin Type 4 Femoral Head Fracture. A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chattisgarh, India., Agrawal Alok C , Rai Bhashker ,   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chattisgarh, India., Rai Alok ,   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chattisgarh, India., Sakale Harshal ,   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chattisgarh, India., Garg Ankit Kumar ,   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chattisgarh, India.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Pipkin type 4 fracture is defined as hip dislocation with femoral head fracture and concomitant acetabular rim fracture. These fractures are rare. Neglected fractures develop adaptive changes in the acetabulum, femoral head, and soft tissues around the hip joint, leading to hip arthritis. Total hip arthroplasty is preferred in such cases. After an extensive literature review, we did not find any guidelines for managing neglected Pipkin type 4 fractures. Case Report: A 47-year-old male presented with pain in his left hip and an inability to bear weight on his left lower limb. He had a road traffic accident 1 year ago. On clinical examination, there was a shortening of 3 cm and reduced hip range of motion on 3D computed tomography posterosuperior defect of the acetabular wall along with Pipkin type 4 femoral head fracture was detected. Total hip arthroplasty with acetabular reconstruction using a femoral head autograft was done. At 1 year of follow-up, the patient was pain-free and could walk without any assistance with a normal gait. Conclusion: Uncemented total hip arthroplasty with an autologous structural femoral head graft is a suitable method of treatment for neglected Pipkin type 4 fractures. It preserves bone stock and does not add any financial burden. Keywords: Pipkin type 4, neglected acetabular fracture, total hip arthroplasty.
Giant Cell Tumor: A Case Series of Seven Patients with GCT at Atypical Sites
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India., Bansal Kapil , Singh Jagdeep ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India., Gupta Pranav ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India., Singh Subeg ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India., Kumar Rohit ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India., Singh Supreet ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Giant cell tumor (GCT) represents 5% of all primary bone tumors and 20% of biopsy analyzed benign tumors. More than half of these lesions occur in the 3rd and 4th decades of life. There is no absolute treatment method selection. Techniques ranging from intralesional curettage to wide resection can be used. Goal is to eradicate the tumor, preserve limb function, and prevent local recurrence and distant metastasis. Case Report: We are presenting seven cases of GCT at five different and rare sites involving tibia, calcaneum, metatarsal, proximal humerus, and clavicle with tumor being limited to bone in all seven cases not involving the soft tissue. There were three male patients and four female patients. Six patients underwent intralesional curettage using high-speed burr and curette, along with adjuvant irrigation with hydrogen peroxide and normal saline followed by polymethyl methacrylate reconstruction. One patient with GCT clavicle underwent wide resection. Results: In all seven cases, we were able to able to remove the tumor completely. Six patients had a gradual and complete recovery with return to near normal activity within 6 month–1 year after surgery. One patient with proximal humerus GCT had a recurrence which got resolved with injection denosumab. All patients have been followed up for a minimum duration of 2 years. Conclusion: Intervention in the early stages can avoid radical procedures such as wide local excision or amputation. We recommend aggressive surgical approach with close follow-up to detect recurrence if any, at an early stage. Keywords: Burr, cementing, curettage, denosumab, giant cell tumor.
Effects of Customized Employment on the Independence of Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Inge Katherine J. , Avellone Lauren , Wehman Paul , Broda Michael , Joy Jeen
Published: November 2023

Participation in work during school is a known predictor of postsecondary employment for transition-age youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Recent research has demonstrated the benefits of work on skill development in major life domains. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of customized employment on the support needs of youth with IDD with a significant disability compared to those receiving treatment as usual. Findings indicated significant increases in independence in three specific domains for the treatment group versus control on the Supports Intensity Scale—Adult Version, including Home Living, Employment, and Protection and Advocacy. Findings suggest a therapeutic effect of work activities on growth and development in important life domains. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.
Effects of higher-order spatial modes on the squeezing level in optical parametric amplification with waveguides
Authors: Sano Yuki , Taguchi Yoshitaka , Oguchi Kenichi , Ozeki Yasuyuki
Published: November 2023

We investigate a limiting factor of waveguide optical parametric amplifiers used for generating broadband squeezed light. We found that spatially non-degenerate optical parametric amplification (OPA) between the fundamental modes and the higher-order modes generates noise, and that this effect can be avoided by detecting the squeezed light with the optimal spatial mode. The analysis is conducted assuming the waveguides with different dimensions, offering valuable insight into the waveguide design for squeezing.
High dynamic range 3D measurement based on the Butterworth low-pass filter and Hilbert transform
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Yang Yanxi
Published: November 2023

Due to the limited dynamic range of the camera, a measured object with non-Lambert reflection saturates the fringe pattern, which will lead to three-dimensional (3D) measurement error. In this paper, we propose a novel, to our knowledge, high dynamic range 3D measurement technique based on the Butterworth low-pass filter (BLPF) and Hilbert transform (HT), which is called BLPFHT for short. First, we analyze the Fourier transform (FT) spectrum of saturated fringe pattern. Then, we use the Butterworth low-pass filter to filter out the higher harmonic components introduced by fringe intensity saturation. BLPF leads to a non-sinusoidal fringe pattern in the saturated region, which introduces periodic phase error. Therefore, we establish a phase error model and use HT to correct the phase error. Experimental comparison confirms that the proposed BLPFHT can efficiently and accurately reconstruct the 3D shape of non-Lambert reflective surfaces without additional image or hardware assistance.
Fast QoT estimation method using cascaded artificial neural network for real-time path provisioning in IMDD based all-optical networks
Authors: Igarashi Ryo , Koma Ryo , Hara Kazutaka , Kani Jun-ichi , Yoshida Tomoaki
Published: November 2023

We propose a fast quality of transmission (QoT) estimation method based on cascaded artificial neural networks (ANNs) for intensity modulation-direct detection (IMDD) systems. The proposed method can calculate the bit error rate of three-span 36 km transmission within 0.7 seconds while taking account of the deterministic waveform distortion caused by the chromatic dispersion and self-phase modulation (SPM).
Terahertz rewritable wavefront modulator based on indium oxide and DMSO-doped PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Liu Jinyu , Wang Xinke , Ye Jiasheng , Feng Shengfei , Sun Wenfeng , Han Peng , Zhang Bo , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2023

An optically rewritable and electrically erasable terahertz (THz) wavefront modulator based on indium oxide (In2O3) and DMSO-doped PEDOT:PSS is proposed. The modulator has a three-layer structure of In2O3/PEDOT:PSS/quartz, which can weaken the THz transmission under the action of light excitation. Optically written THz Fresnel plates, which can focus the input Gaussian beam into a point, were realized. After optical excitation, the function of the device reduces slowly if it is stored in the room environment. However, the function can be stored for a long time if it is encapsulated in the nitrogen environment. If a bias voltage of 22 V is applied on the device, the function of the device can be erased in 10 seconds. The new function can be written into the device after wiping. Experiments on THz rewritable holographic devices are carried out to show the validity of this approach. This method can provide new devices for THz wavefront modulation and develop tunable optical imaging elements.
SPNet: a size-variant progressive network for aero-optical thermal radiation effects correction
Authors: Shi Yu , Chen Jisong , Zhang Yaozong , Huang Zhenghua , Hong Hanyu
Published: November 2023

When an aircraft is flying at a high speed, the airflow meets the optical cover and is compressed, resulting in aero-optical thermal radiation effects that degrade image quality. In this paper, based on the inherent characteristic that the degrade level of the thermal radiation bias field remains consistent regardless of image size, a size-variant progressive aero-optical thermal radiation effects correction network (SPNet) is proposed. First, SPNet uses two sub-networks to progressively correct degraded image, first and second sub-networks are responsible for learning coarse and accurate thermal radiation bias fields respectively. Second, we introduce the multi-scale feature upsampling module (MFUM) to leverage the multi-scale information of the features and promote inter-channel information interaction. Third, we propose an adaptive feature fusion module (AFFM) to dynamically fuse features from different scales by assigning different weights. At last, a multi-head self-attention feature extraction module (MSFEM) is proposed to extract global information feature maps. Compared with state-of-the-art thermal radiation effects correction methods, experiments on both simulated and real degraded images demonstrate the performance of our proposed method.
Polarization state tomography technique based on coherent synthesis of polarization state and orthogonal polarization state separation method for comprehensive optical imaging
Authors: Chen Fulong , Yang Tingting , Lin Jiayi , Li Tingfeng , Liu Pengfeng , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Tang Zhilie , Tang Peijun
Published: November 2023

Comprehensive optical imaging of the intensity, phase, and birefringent information of the biological sample is important because important physical or pathological changes always accompany the changes in multiple optical parameters. Current studies lack such a metric that can present the comprehensive optical property of the sample in one figure. In this paper, a polarization state synthesis tomography (PoST) method, which is based on the principle of polarization state coherent synthesis and demodulation, is proposed to achieve full-field tomographic imaging of the comprehensive information (i.e., intensity, phase, and birefringence) of the biological sample. In this method, the synthesis of the polarization state is achieved by the time-domain full-field low coherence interferometer, where the polarization states of the sample beam and the reference beam are set to be orthogonal for the synthesis of the polarization state. The synthesis of the polarization state enables two functions of the PoST system: (1) Depth information of the sample can be encoded by the synthesized polarization state because only when the optical path length difference between the two arms is within the coherence length, a new polarization state can be synthesized; (2) Since the scattering coefficient, refractive index and the birefringent property of the sample can modulate the intensity and phase of the sample beam, the synthesized polarization state is sensitive to all these three parameters and can provide the comprehensive optical information of the sample. In this work, the depth-resolved ability and the comprehensive optical imaging metric have been demonstrated by the standard samples and the onion cells, demonstrating the potential application value of this method for further investigation of the important physical or pathological process of the biological tissues.
10× continuous optical zoom imaging using Alvarez lenses actuated by dielectric elastomers
Authors: Chen Chuanxun , Hao Qun , Liu Lin , Cao Jie , Zhang Yangkun , Cheng Yang
Published: November 2023

Optical zoom is an essential function for many imaging systems including consumer electronics, biomedical microscopes, telescopes, and projectors. However, most optical zoom imaging systems have discrete zoom rates or narrow zoom ranges. In this work, a continuous optical zoom imaging system with a wide zoom range is proposed. It consists of a solid lens, two Alvarez lenses, and a camera with an objective. Each Alvarez lens is composed of two cubic phase plates, which have inverted freeform surfaces concerning each other. The movement of the cubic phase masks perpendicular to the optical axis is realized by the actuation of the dielectric elastomer. By applying actuation voltages to the dielectric elastomer, cubic phase masks are moved laterally and then the focal lengths of the two Alvarez lenses are changed. By adjusting the focal lengths of these two Alvarez lenses, the optical magnification is tuned. The proposed continuous optical zoom imaging system is built and the validity is verified by the experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the zoom ratio is up to 10×, i.e., the magnification continuously changes from 1.58× to 15.80× when the lateral displacements of the cubic phase masks are about 1.0 mm. The rise and fall response times are 150 ms and 210 ms, respectively. The imaging resolution can reach 114 lp/mm during the optical zoom process. The proposed continuous optical imaging system is expected to be used in the fields of microscopy, biomedicine, virtual reality, etc.
Volume holographic illuminator for Airy light-sheet microscopy
Authors: Hsu Hung-Chuan , Vyas Sunil , Wu Jui-Ching , Huang Kuang-Yuh , Liao Hsien-Shun , Yeh J. Andrew , Luo Yuan
Published: November 2023

Airy light sheets combined with the deconvolution approach can provide multiple benefits, including large field of view (FOV), thin optical sectioning, and high axial resolution. The efficient design of an Airy light-sheet fluorescence microscope requires a compact illumination system. Here, we show that an Airy light sheet can be conveniently implemented in microscopy using a volume holographic grating (VHG). To verify the FOV and the axial resolution of the proposed VHG-based Airy light-sheet fluorescence microscope, ex-vivo fluorescently labeled Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) embryos were imaged, and the Richardson-Lucy deconvolution method was used to improve the image contrast. Optimized parameters for deconvolution were compared with different methods. The experimental results show that the FOV and the axial resolution were 196 µm and 3 µm, respectively. The proposed method of using a compact VHG to replace the common spatial light modulator provides a direct solution to construct a compact light-sheet fluorescence microscope.
Few-cycle laser pulse characterization on-target using high-harmonic generation from nano-scale solids
Authors: Awad Mohanad , Manna Apurba , Hell Sebastian , Ying Bo , Ábrók Levente , Divéki Zsolt , Cormier Eric , Kiss Bálint , Böhmer Jan , Ronning Carsten , Han Seung Heon , George Antony , Turchanin Andrey , Pfeiffer Adrian N. , Kübel Matthias
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate high-harmonic generation for the time-domain observation of the electric field (HHG-TOE) and use it to measure the waveform of ultrashort mid-infrared (MIR) laser pulses interacting with ZnO thin-films or WS2 monolayers. The working principle relies on perturbing HHG in solids with a weak replica of the pump pulse. We measure the duration of few-cycle pulses at 3200 nm, in reasonable agreement with the results of established pulse characterization techniques. Our method provides a straightforward approach to accurately characterize femtosecond laser pulses used for HHG experiments right at the point of interaction.
Above 20 GHz high frequency operation of mid-infrared doughnut-shaped microcavity quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Gao Xu , Guo Qiangqiang , Yang Ke , Zhai Shenqiang , Zhuo Ning , Li Yuan , Zhang Jinchuan , Wang Lijun , Liu Shuman , Liu Fengqi , Wang Xiaohua , Wei Zhipeng , Liu Junqi
Published: November 2023

Microresonator-based high-speed single-mode quantum cascade lasers are ideal candidates for on-chip optical data interconnection and high sensitivity gas sensing in the mid-infrared spectral range. In this paper, we propose a high frequency operation of single-mode doughnut-shaped microcavity quantum cascade laser at ∼4.6 µm. By leveraging compact micro-ring resonators and integrating with grounded coplanar waveguide transmission lines, we have greatly reduced the parasitics originating from both the device and wire bonding. In addition, a selective heat dissipation scheme was introduced to improve the thermal characteristics of the device by semi-insulating InP infill regrowth. The highest continuous wave operating temperature of the device reaches 288 K. A maximum −3 dB bandwidth of 11 GHz and a cut-off frequency exceeding 20 GHz in a microwave rectification technique are obtained. Benefiting from the notch at the short axis of the microcavity resonator, a highly customized far-field profile with an in-plane beam divergence angle of 2.4° is achieved.
Multi-beam, WDM-based photonic beamformer with spectrum reuse
Authors: Oliveira Rui , Nogueira Rogério N. , Drummond Miguel V.
Published: November 2023

This manuscript presents a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM)-based photonic beamformer for an RF phased array antenna transmitter, capable of simultaneously generating multiple beams using the same optical spectrum. In the proposed architecture, for each RF beam, a WDM signal comprising the modulated RF sidebands undergoes complex-valued filtering, while another WDM signal with the same channels, but carrying only optical carriers, goes through an optical frequency-shifting stage. The proposed architecture allows the same WDM channels to be reused for multiple RF beams. The detection of the frequency-shifted optical carrier and the filtered RF sideband of each WDM channel at the photodetector produces a frequency-converted, correctly weighted signal to be fed to each antenna element. The features described herein are analytically derived, numerically simulated, and experimentally demonstrated. Results showcase two independent beams being transmitted in different directions.
Distributed feedback broad area lasers with multiple epitaxially stacked active regions and tunnel junctions
Authors: Ammouri Nor , Christopher Heike , Maaßdorf Andre , Fricke Jörg , Ginolas Arnim , Liero Armin , Wenzel Hans , Knigge Andrea , Tränkle Günther
Published: November 2023

Distributed feedback (DFB) broad area (BA) lasers with multiple epitaxially stacked active regions and tunnel junctions designed for emission around 900 nm are investigated. DFB BA lasers with a cavity length of 1 mm and different stripe widths are compared in terms of their electro-optical performance and beam quality. The laser with a 200 µm stripe width achieved a high optical pulse power of 100 W in 10 ns long pulses at an injection current of 63 A, resulting in a brightness of 81 MW/cm2sr. The optical spectrum of both lasers is centered at around 886 nm, exhibiting a narrow spectral bandwidth of 0.2 nm (64 pm/K).
Efficient second-harmonic generation based on off-Γ merging bound states in the continuum
Authors: Chen Shiwen , Dai Xiaoyu , Xiang Yuanjiang
Published: November 2023

Ultracompact devices engineered for second-harmonic generation (SHG) hold a significant promise across a diverse spectrum of applications. Here, we propose a merging bound state in the continuum at an off-Γ point in a reciprocal space with the anisotropic materials lithium niobate. Such a merging BIC yields a profound reduction in radiative loss and scattering losses while concurrently exhibiting a substantial enhancement in the quality factor. As a result, we achieved a noteworthy SHG efficiency (η = 3.7%) at the incident angle θ = 10° when the pump intensity I0 = 2 kW/cm2, outperforming alternative nanostructures designed for SHG. This research contributes valuable insights into the feasibility of metadevices founded on the principles of nanoengineering applied to traditional nonlinear crystals. Such advancements hold a considerable promise for the development of compact, high-performance SHG devices across a range of applications.
Mode-mismatched dual-beam method to evaluate thermal and electronic laser-induced lensing effects in Cr3+- and Yb3+-doped crystals
Authors: Silva J. R. , Catunda T. , Rand S. C.
Published: November 2023

We report on a mode-mismatched thermal lens experiment performed to quantitatively evaluate thermal and electronic laser-induced lensing effects in ion-doped crystals Cr3+:LiSAF, Yb3+:KYW, and Yb3+:YAG. The large diameter of the probe beam resulted in a slow thermal effect (∼dozens of milliseconds) two orders of magnitude larger than the electronic one, improving the discrimination of both competitive effects. All thermal and electronic parameters are obtained from transient signals modeled by an analytical equation, valid for small phase shifts in the absence of upconversion effects.
On convolutional neural networks for selection inference: Revealing the effect of preprocessing on model learning and the capacity to discover novel patterns
Authors: Cecil Ryan M. , Sugden Lauren A.
Published: November 2023

A central challenge in population genetics is the detection of genomic footprints of selection. As machine learning tools including convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have become more sophisticated and applied more broadly, these provide a logical next step for increasing our power to learn and detect such patterns; indeed, CNNs trained on simulated genome sequences have recently been shown to be highly effective at this task. Unlike previous approaches, which rely upon human-crafted summary statistics, these methods are able to be applied directly to raw genomic data, allowing them to potentially learn new signatures that, if well-understood, could improve the current theory surrounding selective sweeps. Towards this end, we examine a representative CNN from the literature, paring it down to the minimal complexity needed to maintain comparable performance; this low-complexity CNN allows us to directly interpret the learned evolutionary signatures. We then validate these patterns in more complex models using metrics that evaluate feature importance. Our findings reveal that preprocessing steps, which determine how the population genetic data is presented to the model, play a central role in the learned prediction method. This results in models that mimic previously-defined summary statistics; in one case, the summary statistic itself achieves similarly high accuracy. For evolutionary processes that are less well understood than selective sweeps, we hope this provides an initial framework for using CNNs in ways that go beyond simply achieving high classification performance. Instead, we propose that CNNs might be useful as tools for learning novel patterns that can translate to easy-to-implement summary statistics available to a wider community of researchers.
A simulation-based method to inform serosurvey design for estimating the force of infection using existing blood samples
Authors: Vicco Anna , McCormack Clare P. , Pedrique Belen , Amuasi John H. , Awuah Anthony Afum-Adjei , Obirikorang Christian , Struck Nicole S. , Lorenz Eva , May Jürgen , Ribeiro Isabela , Malavige Gathsaurie Neelika , Donnelly Christl A. , Dorigatti Ilaria
Published: November 2023

The extent to which dengue virus has been circulating globally and especially in Africa is largely unknown. Testing available blood samples from previous cross-sectional serological surveys offers a convenient strategy to investigate past dengue infections, as such serosurveys provide the ideal data to reconstruct the age-dependent immunity profile of the population and to estimate the average per-capita annual risk of infection: the force of infection (FOI), which is a fundamental measure of transmission intensity.

In this study, we present a novel methodological approach to inform the size and age distribution of blood samples to test when samples are acquired from previous surveys. The method was used to inform SERODEN, a dengue seroprevalence survey which is currently being conducted in Ghana among other countries utilizing samples previously collected for a SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey.

The method described in this paper can be employed to determine sample sizes and testing strategies for different diseases and transmission settings.
Adaptive oscillators support Bayesian prediction in temporal processing
Authors: Doelling Keith B. , Arnal Luc H. , Assaneo M. Florencia
Published: November 2023

Humans excel at predictively synchronizing their behavior with external rhythms, as in dance or music performance. The neural processes underlying rhythmic inferences are debated: whether predictive perception relies on high-level generative models or whether it can readily be implemented locally by hard-coded intrinsic oscillators synchronizing to rhythmic input remains unclear and different underlying computational mechanisms have been proposed. Here we explore human perception for tone sequences with some temporal regularity at varying rates, but with considerable variability. Next, using a dynamical systems perspective, we successfully model the participants behavior using an adaptive frequency oscillator which adjusts its spontaneous frequency based on the rate of stimuli. This model better reflects human behavior than a canonical nonlinear oscillator and a predictive ramping model–both widely used for temporal estimation and prediction–and demonstrate that the classical distinction between absolute and relative computational mechanisms can be unified under this framework. In addition, we show that neural oscillators may constitute hard-coded physiological priors–in a Bayesian sense–that reduce temporal uncertainty and facilitate the predictive processing of noisy rhythms. Together, the results show that adaptive oscillators provide an elegant and biologically plausible means to subserve rhythmic inference, reconciling previously incompatible frameworks for temporal inferential processes.
Facilitating bioinformatics reproducibility with QIIME 2 Provenance Replay
Authors: Keefe Christopher R. , Dillon Matthew R. , Gehret Elizabeth , Herman Chloe , Jewell Mary , Wood Colin V. , Bolyen Evan , Caporaso J. Gregory
Published: November 2023

Study reproducibility is essential to corroborate, build on, and learn from the results of scientific research but is notoriously challenging in bioinformatics, which often involves large data sets and complex analytic workflows involving many different tools. Additionally, many biologists are not trained in how to effectively record their bioinformatics analysis steps to ensure reproducibility, so critical information is often missing. Software tools used in bioinformatics can automate provenance tracking of the results they generate, removing most barriers to bioinformatics reproducibility. Here we present an implementation of that idea, Provenance Replay, a tool for generating new executable code from results generated with the QIIME 2 bioinformatics platform, and discuss considerations for bioinformatics developers who wish to implement similar functionality in their software.
Spatial transcriptomics reveals novel genes during the remodelling of the embryonic human arterial valves
Authors: Queen Rachel , Crosier Moira , Eley Lorraine , Kerwin Janet , Turner Jasmin E. , Yu Jianshi , Alqahtani Ahlam , Dhanaseelan Tamilvendhan , Overman Lynne , Soetjoadi Hannah , Baldock Richard , Coxhead Jonathan , Boczonadi Veronika , Laude Alex , Cockell Simon J. , Kane Maureen A. , Lisgo Steven , Henderson Deborah J.
Published: November 2023

Abnormalities of the arterial valves, including bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are amongst the most common congenital defects and are a significant cause of morbidity as well as predisposition to disease in later life. Despite this, and compounded by their small size and relative inaccessibility, there is still much to understand about how the arterial valves form and remodel during embryogenesis, both at the morphological and genetic level. Here we set out to address this in human embryos, using Spatial Transcriptomics (ST). We show that ST can be used to investigate the transcriptome of the developing arterial valves, circumventing the problems of accurately dissecting out these tiny structures from the developing embryo. We show that the transcriptome of CS16 and CS19 arterial valves overlap considerably, despite being several days apart in terms of human gestation, and that expression data confirm that the great majority of the most differentially expressed genes are valve-specific. Moreover, we show that the transcriptome of the human arterial valves overlaps with that of mouse atrioventricular valves from a range of gestations, validating our dataset but also highlighting novel genes, including four that are not found in the mouse genome and have not previously been linked to valve development. Importantly, our data suggests that valve transcriptomes are under-represented when using commonly used databases to filter for genes important in cardiac development; this means that causative variants in valve-related genes may be excluded during filtering for genomic data analyses for, for example, BAV. Finally, we highlight “novel” pathways that likely play important roles in arterial valve development, showing that mouse knockouts of RBP1 have arterial valve defects. Thus, this study has confirmed the utility of ST for studies of the developing heart valves and broadens our knowledge of the genes and signalling pathways important in human valve development.