bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Προσδιορισμός της σχέσης TH1 τύπου / TH2 τύπου κυτταροκινών και του οξειδωτικού stress σε κιρρωτικούς ασθενείς
Authors: Ταπραντζή Δήμητρα
Published: November 2023

Ιστορικό. Ο σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν να διερευνήσει την επίδραση της προπρανολόλης στο συστηματικό οξειδωτικό στρες, στις κυτταροκίνες και την ενδοτοξιναιμία σε ασθενείς με κίρρωση του ήπατος και κλινικά σημαντική πυλαία υπέρταση που αποδεικνύεται από την παρουσία κιρσών του οισοφάγου. Μέθοδοι. Δεκατέσσερις ασθενείς με κίρρωση του ήπατος και κιρσούς οισοφάγου, που δεν έχουν λάβει προηγούμενη θεραπεία με μη εκλεκτικούς β-αναστολείς (NSBB), έλαβαν θεραπεία με προπρανολόλη (ακολουθώντας τις κλινικές προϋποθέσεις για την έναρξη b-blocker βάσει διεθνών οδηγιών) και παρακολουθούνταν για διάστημα τριών μηνών. Μετρήθηκαν προϊόντα πρώιμης και όψιμης λιπιδικής υπεροξείδωσης ορού (υδρουπεροξείδια λιπιδίων [LOOH] και μαλονδιαλδεΰδης [MDA], αντίστοιχα), συγκεντρώσεις IFN-γ και IL-10 και συγκεντρώσεις ενδοτοξίνης στο περιφερικό αίμα. Δεκατέσσερα υγιή άτομα με αντιστοιχία ηλικίας και φύλου χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ως μάρτυρες. Αποτελέσματα. Οι ασθενείς με κίρρωση του ήπατος παρουσίασαν σημαντικά υψηλότερο συστηματικό οξειδωτικό στρες και συγκεντρώσεις ενδοτοξίνης σε σύγκριση με τους υγιείς μάρτυρες (P<0,001). Η θεραπεία με προπρανολόλη για ένα μήνα μείωσε σημαντικά τα επίπεδα MDA ορού (P<0,05), LOOH (P<0,01) και ενδοτοξινών (P<0,01) σε σύγκριση με τις τιμές πριν από τη θεραπεία, ενώ το LOOH έφτασε σε επίπεδα υγιών μαρτύρων. Στους τρεις μήνες της θεραπείας με προπρανολόλη, το LOOH ορού δεν διέφερε σημαντικά από τις τιμές του ενός μήνα, ενώ τα επίπεδα ενδοτοξίνης και MDA στον ορό μειώθηκαν περαιτέρω μεταξύ 3 και 1 μηνών (P<0,05 και P<0,01)αντίστοιχα, με το τελευταίο να φτάνει σε επίπεδα υγιών μαρτύρων. Βελτίωση της συστημικής ενδοτοξιναιμίας σε μεσοδιαστήματα παρακολούθησης ενός και τριών μηνών (σε σύγκριση με τις τιμές πριν από τη θεραπεία) δεν συσχετίστηκε με τις αντίστοιχες μειώσεις του MDA και του LOOH ορού. Τέλος, η προπρανολόλη πιθανά ασκεί μία επίδραση στην ανοσιακή απάντηση των κιρρωτικών ασθενών, μέσω μικρής τάσης αύξησης της IL-10 τον πρώτο μήνα θεραπείας. Αυτή είναι η πρώτη μελέτη που δείχνει ότι η θεραπεία με NSBB στην κίρρωση του ήπατος ασκεί σημαντική συστηματική αντιοξειδωτική δράση. Αυτή η επίδραση φαίνεται να είναι, τουλάχιστον εν μέρει, ανεξάρτητη από τις ευεργετικές επιδράσεις στη λειτουργία του εντερικού φραγμού και στην ενδοτοξιναιμία.
Lived experiences of women who survived from pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in public hospitals of Shashemene Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: a qualitative study.
Authors: Gebeyehu Negeso , Urgessa Aman , Yohannes Daniel , Yalew Aster , Ahmed Muluneh , Admasu Meron
Published: November 2023

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to explore experiences of women who survived pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Shashemene referral hospital and Melka Oda general hospital, 2021.

Design: An institution-based exploratory qualitative study with a descriptive phenomenological study design

Setting: The present study was conducted in Shashemene referral hospital and Melka Oda general hospital from March 03 to May 18, 2021.

Participants: A total of 17 individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with women who experienced and survived pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis using Atlas-ti software.

Result: The present study revealed that women’s level of awareness on raised blood pressure and or convulsion occurring during pregnancy was poor. Barriers that limit pregnant women from getting treatment at the earliest point included misconception, lack of insight, failure to accept counseling from health care providers, low income, and influence from husbands. Discussions with the women in this study showed that these mothers were not counseled on danger signs during antenatal care check-ups. Almost all of the women were very concerned and frustrated due to their diagnosis.

Conclusions: Women’s awareness of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia was poor and antenatal care was not offered as per expected quality. Improving awareness of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and enhancing the quality of antenatal care is essential.
Targeting KRAS mutation in gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Bicer Fuat , Akce Mehmet , Piazza Gary , Foote Jeremy , El-Rayes Bassel
Published: November 2023

KRAS is the most commonly mutated gene in cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. Up to 44% of gastrointestinal cancers (GI) have KRAS mutations with the highest incidence observed in pancreatic cancer. Successfully targeting a specific mutation KRAS G12C in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has challenged the dogma that KRAS is a “non-druggable” target. With the advent of several RAS inhibitors, the opportunities for targeted therapy in GI cancers appears promising. This article provides in-depth review of KRAS mutations, and recently completed and ongoing clinical trials targeting KRAS mutations in GI cancers. In addition, this article reviews potential limitations for KRAS targeting in GI cancers.
The relationship between cotinine levels in the blood with glutathione, and malondialdehyde levels of smokers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tualeka Abdul Rohim , Jalaludin Juliana , Sopian Nor Ashikin , Aziz Mohd Yusmaidie , Rahmawati Pudji , Ahsan Ahsan , Novianti Salsabila
Published: November 2023

Background: Smoking is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to the development of various diseases. Blood cotinine level is a reliable biomarker of nicotine exposure, and glutathione and malondialdehyde levels are biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between blood cotinine levels, glutathione levels, and malondialdehyde levels in smokers. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association.

Methods: All cross-sectional and case-control studies published in the last 20 years (2003-2023) were identified by searching electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, DOAJ, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were studies that focused on the relationship between blood cotinine levels, glutathione levels, and malondialdehyde levels in smokers, while qualitative research type, non-human studies, and studies that included variable measurement parameters saliva, urine, and hair were excluded.

Results: Six case-control and cross-sectional studies with 333 participants who were smokers and 267 participants who were non-smokers were included in the meta-analysis. There was a significant association between blood cotinine levels with malondialdehyde levels in smokers (MD = 115.37, p 0.0004, 95% CI = 51.92 to 178.82). The mean difference is positive indicating that the average blood levels of cotinine in smokers tend to be higher than malondialdehyde levels in smokers.

Conclusions: Based on our meta-analysis, blood cotinine levels were significantly associated with malondialdehyde levels in smokers. Smoking can increase blood cotinine levels of smokers compared with that of non-smokers.
Shutdown dose rate calculations in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors using the MCNP-ORIGEN activation automation tool
Authors: Fairhurst-Agosta Roberto , Kozlowski Tomasz
Published: November 2023

Background High-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) have many distinct features from the current light water reactor (LWR) fleet, and potential decommissioning strategies should take them into consideration. The proper characterization of the shutdown dose rates can establish a suitable strategy. Methods This article introduces a new shutdown dose rate calculation capability that relies on the MCNP-ORIGEN activation automation tool and the MCNP repeated structures to explicitly model the TRistructural ISOtropic (TRISO) particles as decay radiation sources. Results Three exercises are conducted with this capability, and their results discussed. The first two exercises verify and demonstrate the workflow. The third exercise proposes a decommissioning strategy for a high-temperature gas-cooled microreactor and studies its feasibility from the shutdown dose rate standpoint. The calculations yield a dose rate map above at the reactor citadel after a three month cool-down, showing values above 40 mSv/h. Conclusions The findings imply that the decommissioning strategy based on placing the reactor in a safe shutdown state and allowing it to cool down for three months before removing various components and extracting the fuel assemblies, may not be sufficient to minimize unnecessary exposure of personnel.
Kryzys klimatyczny a lokalne praktyki wobec niematerialnego dziedzictwa kulturowego
Authors: Dziubata-Smykowska Karolina
Published: November 2023

W artykule prezentuję założenia pilotażowych badań terenowych pt. Analiza zależności między antropogenicznymi zmianami klimatu a lokalnymi praktykami wobec niematerialnego dziedzictwa kulturowego, które rozpoczęłam jesienią 2022 roku. Zakładam, że wyniki badań umożliwią wstępną analizę wpływu kryzysu klimatycznego na ustalone tradycją obrzędy i zwyczaje związane z okresem wegetacyjnym, rocznym cyklem zalegania śniegu (por. Bolin 2009) oraz poziomem wód powierzchniowych. Artykuł nakreśla problem, obszar i metody badawcze, przyjęte perspektywy teoretyczne, m.in. etnoklimatologię i etnografię klimatu (Orlove, Chiang, Cane 2002; Crate 2011; Strauss 2018), zakres planowanych prac, a także wstępne wnioski.
Działalność kolekcjonerska Juliusza Zborowskiego na rzecz Muzeum Tatrzańskiego w kontekście plebiscytu spisko-orawskiego
Authors: Kwiecińska Magdalena
Published: November 2023

Juliusz Zborowski, absolwent polonistyki Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego w 1913 roku zamieszkał na Podhalu, bo podjął pracę nauczyciela w nowotarskim gimnazjum. Wydarzenia historyczne tamtych lat związane z ustalaniem nowych granic II Rzeczpospolitej sprawiły, że zaangażował się w działania na rzecz ochrony kulturowego dziedzictwa na spornych terenach Spisza i Orawy. Był członkiem Głównego Komitetu Plebiscytowego Spisko-Orawskiego, następnie kierownikiem jego referatu prasowego „Gazety Podhalańskiej” (1919–1920), od 1918 roku członkiem Towarzystwa Tatrzańskiego, by w 1922 roku zostać pierwszym dyrektorem Muzeum Tatrzańskiego. W 1920 roku Główny Komitet Plebiscytowy uległ likwidacji, a zebrane na jego działalność pieniądze zostały przeznaczone na zakup etnograficznych okazów z tak zwanych kresów południowych II Rzeczpospolitej. Zborowski zajął się ich pozyskiwaniem dla muzeum. W efekcie ponad dwieście egzemplarzy obrazów malowanych na szkle i barwnej ceramiki oraz liczne obiekty od prywatnych kolekcjonerów wzbogaciły zbiory Muzeum Tatrzańskiego.
¿Se puede leer la mente o controlar la conducta? Aportaciones de Tomás de Aquino al debate de los neuroderechos
Authors: Murillo Jose Ignacio
Published: November 2023

Tomás de Aquino sostiene que el contenido actual de nuestro pensamiento no es directamente accesible por parte de ninguna criatura y que el libre albedrío no puede ser suplantado. Estas tesis se apoyan en la condición espiritual de la inteligencia y la voluntad, que las hace directamente inmunes a toda intervención sobre nuestro cuerpo. Por otra parte, este autor reserva un puesto especial a la voluntad como custodia de la intimidad, que impide aceptar una transparencia tal que haga superflua la decisión libre de comunicarnos con otros seres personales, y como dominio inalienable sobre la acción mediante la cual nos dirigimos por nosotros mismos al bien. En esto se distancia de las concepciones reduccionistas, que, o bien niegan la existencia de la libertad, lo que pone en cuestión cualquier intento de protegerle un ámbito para que se exprese, o bien se encuentran con la dificultad de explicar el significado de los derechos que se reclaman para ella y más aún de justificarlos. De todos modos, Tomás de Aquino acepta la posibilidad de acceder indirectamente a nuestra mente a través del conocimiento de los estados del cerebro y también la de influenciar nuestra voluntad a través de las pasiones, mediante la modificación de nuestro organismo. La existencia de un reducto inatacable que garantiza nuestra intimidad y nuestra libertad legitima nuestro derecho a ser respetados, pero no convierte en superflua su protección.
Illuminating the Neuroscience of Decision-making Through the Dark Night of John of the Cross
Authors: Savioz Armand , Perrig Stephen
Published: November 2023

In this publication, we will use the principal concepts of John of the Cross, the famous mystic of the XVIth century, as a framework to go over, in a non-reductionist way, three challenges in contemporary neuroscience of decision-making. Firstly, the dark night and the purgative paths will be related to discontinuity in decision-making. Secondly, the passive and active paths will be associated to brain plasticity, architecture, and levels of decision. Thirdly, the illumination, which can be felt when a solution is reached, has to do with positive emotions and can be inspired by the science of love of John of the Cross. We shall lastly conclude by emphasizing the usefulness of his work to illuminate the neuroscience of decision-making.
Ponatinib-induced pneumonitis with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Ferreira Sofia Dinis , Jardim Margarida , Câmara Margarida , Jacinto Fernando , Aveiro Fernando , Nóbrega José Júlio
Published: November 2023

Ponatinib is a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that can effectively treat patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), particularly those with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+ALL) subtype, who are resistant or have previously received other TKIs. We report a case of a 42-year-old female with Ph+ALL who was admitted to the intensive care unit with respiratory failure and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), while on treatment with ponatinib. Despite being treated with multiple antibiotics and antivirals, the patient’s condition continued to worsen, and pulmonary complications secondary to TKI were suspected. After starting a steroid regimen, the patient’s condition improved drastically with resolution of the pulmonary complications. While many adverse events (AEs) happen in the beginning stages of TKI treatment, certain toxicities may not arise until months after therapy initiation. Cardiovascular complications are the most common AE of ponatinib, including heart failure and arterial hypertension. Pulmonary complications may occur, and management includes drug cessation and individualised steroid therapy. In case of respiratory failure without signs of infection and no improvement with antimicrobial treatment, clinicians should consider the possibility of pulmonary toxicity associated with ponatinib.
Comparison of Toxoplasma Gondii IgG Antibody Levels in Children and Adolescents with OCD and ADHD with Healthy Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: ÇOLAK SİVRİ Rukiye , KAYA Filiz , GÖKER Zeynep , ERASLAN Ayşe Nihal , AYDIN GÖRÜCÜ Rezzan , YILMAZ Arzu
Published: November 2023

Objective: This study was aimed to examine if there is a relation between IgG levels of T. gondi and OCD or ADHD symptoms.

Method: Of 42 children with OCD, 31 with ADHD and 28 healthy control were included. Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS), Moudsley Obession-Compulsion Inventory (MOCI), Child Depression Inventory (CDI), and Screen of Children for anxiety related disorders (SCARED), The Turgay DSM-IV-Based Child and Adolescent Behavioral Disorders Screening and Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S) and The Conners’ Parent Rating Scale-48 (CPRS-48) were applied. Toxo gondii IgG values ≥3.0 IU/mL were considered to be reactive. SPSS 17.0 was used for analysis. p<.05 was accepted as significant.

Results: The mean age was 12.1 years. Of 56.4% (n = 57) were boys. Depression and anxiety symptoms were similar in OCD and controls, but were significantly lower in ADHD. All children with OCD had negative (100%) for IgG levels of T. gondii, whereas 78.6% of controls and 90.3% of children with ADHD had negative for IgG levels of T. gondii. Toxo IgG seropositivity of the control was significantly higher than that of the OCD.

Toxo IgG levels were positively correlated with Turgay’s ADHD-Conduct disorder subscale scores in ADHD group (r=.650, p<.001). In the OCD and the control groups, there was no correlation between IgG levels and CDI, SCARED, ADHD scales (for all variables, p>.05).

Conclusion: To conclude, this study did not verify a relationship between the seropositivity of T. gondii with OCD and ADHD. Further studies are needed longitudinal follow-up and extended series of patients.
Estilos de Apego e Esquemas Iniciais Desadaptativos em Estudantes Universitários
Authors: Fracazzo Vanessa , Toni Caroline
Published: November 2023

Este estudo teve como objetivos: 1) Avaliar se as dimensões do apego podem ser preditoras dos Esquemas Iniciais Desadaptativos (EIDs); 2) analisar a relação entre o estilo de apego e os EIDs; 3) examinar a relação entre a ativação dos EIDs e as variáveis "morar sozinho", "morar com os pais" ou "morar com os colegas". Participaram 60 estudantes universitários, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 18 e 26 anos. Utilizou-se um método transversal de coleta de dados, com aplicação de instrumentos de avaliação de esquemas e estilos de apego. A análise dos dados teve enfoque quantitativo. Foi identificado que estudantes com estilos de apego seguro apresentam menos EIDs ativados e que as dimensões de apego são capazes de predizer a ativação de esquemas do primeiro domínio. Ainda, existem diferenças estatísticas com relação a ativação dos EIDs na comparação das variáveis morar sozinho e com companhia. Discute-se a importância do apego seguro para uma menor ativação de EIDs em jovens universitários, bem como suas implicações. Ainda, ressalta-se a importância da rede de apoio próxima nesse momento do desenvolvimento.
Sobre o Esquecimento: Contribuições de Nietzsche à Clínica Psicológica
Authors: Formigosa Flávio , Feijoo Ana
Published: November 2023

Neste estudo teórico, retomamos as considerações de Nietzsche sobre a dinâmica do esquecimento no âmbito do exercício da clínica psicológica. Diferentemente de outras concepções em Psicologia, tais como as neuropsicológicas e cognitivo-comportamentais, que adotam o esquecimento como sintoma de doença mental, de alteração nas faculdades cognitivas ou díade antagonista da lembrança, o esquecimento em Nietzsche é pensado também como uma experiência que permite uma rearticulação com a vida: esquecer para poder retomar. Por meio de uma revisão da literatura das obras de Nietzsche, que abordam o tema do esquecimento, faremos uma análise para assim dar visibilidade ao modo como o filósofo compreende o esquecimento na experiência humana. Pelo caminho de pensamento sobre o esquecer anunciado pelo filósofo, aparece uma possibilidade de atuação clínica com bases na fenomenologia e na filosofia da existência, na qual é permitido esquecer para, então, poder retomar a vida livre de débitos e consequentes ressentimentos.
Significado versus Sentido: Uma Proposta de Distinção Conceitual aos Estudos sobre o Luto
Authors: Nascimento Raul
Published: November 2023

No campo das pesquisas psicológicas sobre o luto, a palavra meaning frequentemente é traduzida para a língua portuguesa tanto por significado, como por sentido, de forma a não se identificar uma fácil distinção entre esses termos. Diante disso, o presente estudo objetivou propor uma diferenciação conceitual entre significado e sentido no luto, com base numa revisão narrativa dos fundamentos da Teoria da Reconstrução de Significado e da Logoterapia, a psicologia centrada no sentido. Apresenta-se uma síntese teórica a partir da discussão e contraposição entre pressupostos epistemológicos de natureza construtivista e fenomenológica, respectivamente. De um lado, o significado é proposto como resultado da retrospectiva sobre a história da perda e da relação entre enlutado e pessoa falecida; por outro lado, o sentido é descrito como processo de identificação e realização de possibilidades de configuração de si na relação entre enlutado e mundo vivido. Enquanto o primeiro é circunscrito à situação de crise que o rompimento de um vínculo representa, o segundo é apresentado como uma característica inerente à existência humana em sua integralidade. Por fim, são sugeridos possíveis desdobramentos dessa proposta aos exercícios da ciência e da profissão psicológicas em relação à temática do enlutamento.
Um Olhar da Psicologia Analítica sobre a Autolesão
Authors: Souza Juliana , Melo Walter
Published: November 2023

O ato de lesionar a pele encontra-se presente em diversas manifestações culturais. A despeito disso, uma das roupagens da autolesão é acompanhada de sofrimento psíquico e foi apartada das manifestações classificadas como culturais, tendo sido hoje posta na categoria de transtorno mental. A abordagem da psicologia analítica, aliada à experiência clínica, com pessoas que lesionam suas peles, ofereceram meios para reestabelecer a ponte entre imagens da cultura e sofrimento mental, tendo nós como objetivo lançar nova luz sobre o problema a partir de um ponto de vista psicodinâmico. Para isso, a fundamentação teórico-metodológica está pautada na amplificação, concebida por Carl Gustav Jung como processo hermenêutico. Para compreendermos o fenômeno da autolesão, destacamos uma dinâmica específica da energia psíquica, incluindo regressão, represamento, pendulação (modo de compreensão por nós proposto) e imagens do complexo de paraíso perdido, bem como do herói disruptivo, inflação negativa e positiva. Por fim, a imagem da mortificatio alquímica nos serviu de paralelo para a compreensão da autolesão a partir de sua teleologia própria.
A Invisibilidade da Influência Colonial na Formação da Identidade Social Brasileira: Mediações Psicanalíticas
Authors: Sales Camila
Published: November 2023

O artigo discute a formação da identidade social brasileira com base no critério da raça, considerando as consequências sociais e psíquicas do racismo estruturado na cadeia simbólica social. O caráter invisível, porém, profundamente enraizado do racismo faz com que os efeitos de ordem social, econômica, política e subjetiva de nossa herança colonial sejam escamoteados. Nesse sentido, as atitudes e comportamentos racistas são invisibilizados em torno do mito da miscigenação racial, fazendo com que o racismo e a branquitude apareçam como sintomas de nosso passado escravocrata. A psicanálise nos serve como dispositivo clínico-político para o reconhecimento das consequências desse apagamento a nível inconsciente, ao mesmo tempo em que se oferece como leitura dos sintomas sociais atravessados pelo gozo racista. Através do trecho de um caso clínico, analisaremos de que modo os efeitos sintomáticos do racismo chegam à clínica. A aposta no real como campo irrefreável frente à repetição significante nos orienta rumo a uma práxis de fato implicada na defesa da pluralidade de nossa identidade social.
Dual excitation spectral autofluorescence lifetime and reflectance imaging for fast macroscopic characterization of tissues
Authors: Herrando Alberto I. , Castillo-Martin Mireia , Galzerano Antonio , Fernández Laura , Vieira Pedro , Azevedo José , Parvaiz Amjad , Cicchi Riccardo , Shcheslavskiy Vladislav I. , Silva Pedro G. , Lagarto João L.
Published: November 2023

Advancements in optical imaging techniques have revolutionized the field of biomedical research, allowing for the comprehensive characterization of tissues and their underlying biological processes. Yet, there is still a lack of tools to provide quantitative and objective characterization of tissues that can aid clinical assessment in vivo to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Here, we present a clinically viable fiber-based imaging system combining time-resolved spectrofluorimetry and reflectance spectroscopy to achieve fast multiparametric macroscopic characterization of tissues. An essential feature of the setup is its ability to perform dual wavelength excitation in combination with recording time-resolved fluorescence data in several spectral intervals. Initial validation of this bimodal system was carried out in freshly resected human colorectal cancer specimens, where we demonstrated the ability of the system to differentiate normal from malignant tissues based on their autofluorescence and reflectance properties. To further highlight the complementarity of autofluorescence and reflectance measurements and demonstrate viability in a clinically relevant scenario, we also collected in vivo data from the skin of a volunteer. Altogether, integration of these modalities in a single platform can offer multidimensional characterization of tissues, thus facilitating a deeper understanding of biological processes and potentially advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in various medical applications.
Coherent control of a multilevel resonant medium by subcycle pulses
Authors: Pakhomov Anton , Rosanov Nikolay , Arkhipov Mikhail , Arkhipov Rostislav
Published: November 2023

We theoretically demonstrate the possibility of coherent control of the response of a multilevel resonant medium by means of half-cycle unipolar or quasi-unipolar attosecond pulses. We show that despite the ultrabroad spectrum of half-cycle pulses the induced medium polarization can be efficiently steered through the proper choice of the parameters for the excitation pulses. Besides, we found that the response of a multilevel medium for the amplitude of driving subcycle pulses below a certain threshold can be quantitatively well approximated by the two-level model.
Monolithically integrated 128-channel hybrid mode/polarization/wavelength (de)multiplexer on silicon-on-insulator
Authors: Yu Hang , Tu Donghe , Yin Yuxiang , Jiang Lei , Yu Zhiguo , Guan Huan , Li Zhiyong
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we proposed a 128-channel hybrid mode/polarization/wavelength (de)multiplexer by monolithically integrating four 16-wavelength-channel (de)multiplexers based on bi-directional MRRs arrays and an 8-channel hybrid mode/polarization (de)multiplexer. The hybrid mode/polarization (de)multiplexer consists of a polarization beam splitter (PBS) and cascaded six asymmetric directional couplers (ADCs). The present 128-channel hybrid (de)multiplexer utilizes four modes, dual polarizations, and sixteen wavelengths to improve the data transmission capacity of optical communication systems. For the fabricated hybrid (de)multiplexer, the channel spacing is 1.4 nm, and we used thermal tuning electrodes with a tuning efficiency of 0.45 nm/mW to calibrate resonance wavelengths. The measurement results show the insertion loss is 3∼8.5 dB, the inter-mode crosstalk is −7∼−23 dB, and the inter-wavelength crosstalk is−8∼−20 dB. The proposed (de)multiplexer is a promising approach to enhance the transmission capacity and has great potential in high-speed data transmission.
High power Raman second stokes generation in a methane filled hollow core fiber
Authors: Lanari Ann M. , Mulvad Hans Christian Hansen , Abokhamis mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Davidson Ian A , Fu Qiang , Horak Peter , Richardson David J , Poletti Francesco
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate a multi-watt, picosecond pulse duration laser source by exploiting a cascaded Raman process to the second Stokes signal at a wavelength of 2.58 μm in a methane-filled Nested Anti-Resonant Nodeless fiber from a 1 μm disk laser source. A maximum average power of 2.89 W (14.45 μJ) is produced in a 160 cm length of custom-designed and in-house fabricated fiber filled with methane at a pressure of 2 bar. The impact of gas pressure and propagation distance on the second Stokes signal power are investigated experimentally. The experimental results are simulated by solving the Generalized Nonlinear Schrodinger Equation with the experiment carefully modelled by accounting for the impacts of pressure dependent gas-light interactions along the pressure gradient of the fiber. This work offers a laser source for a variety of applications as well as expanding the modelling space to methane filled fibers including pressure gradients, and nonlinear optical activity in the presence of infrared gas absorption.
Polarimetric calibration method for the fore-optics of a channeled spectropolarimeter
Authors: Liu Penghui , Yang Bin , Liang Hangang , Ju Xueping , Dai Hu , Yan Changxiang , Zhang Tao
Published: November 2023

A channeled spectropolarimeter is a powerful tool for the simultaneous measurement of the intensity, spectral, and polarization information of a target. However, the fore-optics introduce additional polarization information, which leads to inaccurate reconstruction of the Stokes parameters. In this study, we propose a simple method for polarimetric calibration and Stokes parameters reconstruction for a fieldable channeled spectropolarimeter. The polarization effects of the fore-optics and phase factors of the high-order retarders at varying view angles are considered and calibrated independently using a single reference beam. Moreover, the misalignment of the retarders is also considered. Simulation results demonstrate that the polarization effects of fore-optics can be precisely determined, enhancing the measurement accuracy of the Stokes parameters by approximately an order of magnitude. The effectiveness of the proposed method is also verified experimentally.
Near infrared imaging system for preventing blood vision obstruction in endoscopy
Authors: Wu Meng-Huang , Hsu Jason C. , Kim Jin-Sung , Huang Tsung-Jen , Huang Yi-Hung , Yiu Hon Pan , Lee Ching-Yu , Tani Jowy , Chang Cheng-Chun
Published: November 2023

Spinal endoscopy procedure is commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of various health problems and is effective. Bleeding is one of the most common complications of spinal endoscopy procedures. Blood vision obstruction (BVO), that is, obstruction of the endoscopic camera lens caused by the accumulation of blood in the surgical field, is a serious problem in endoscopic procedures. This study presents what we believe to be a new approach to addressing BVO with external multispectral imaging. The study was completed using a BVO simulation model, and the results reveal that this technology can be used to effectively overcome BVO and provide clear images of the anatomy, enabling more effective diagnosis and treatment. This technique may enable improvement of the outcomes of endoscopic procedures and could have far-reaching implications in the field of endoscopy.
Effect of viewing environments on perceived display neutral point
Authors: Yoon Seonyoung , Kwak Youngshin , Kim Hyosun
Published: November 2023

In this study, the influences of ambient chromaticity, ambient luminance, and display luminance on the perceived neutral point of a display were systematically investigated using 25 experimental settings. The results show that the surround ratio, i.e., the ratio of the ambient luminance to the display luminance, had a greater effect on the display neutral point perception than the absolute intensity of each factor. As the surround ratio decreased, indicating that the display luminance was higher than the ambient luminance, the perceived display neutral point changed from the adapted white to the neutral point in the darkroom condition (corresponding to a surround ratio of zero) at approximately 7,200 K. When the surround ratio exceeded 1.0, the neutral point of the display gradually shifted toward specific levels. The correlated color temperatures of the perceived display neutral points converged to 5,000 and 5,900 K under ambient lighting conditions of 3,000 and 5,000 K, respectively.
Lorenz-Mie theory-type solution for light scattering by spheroids with small-to-large size parameters and aspect ratios
Authors: Ding Jiachen , Yang Ping
Published: November 2023

There has been a long-term endeavor in the light-scattering research community to develop a Lorenz-Mie theory-type method for simulating light scattering by spheroidal particles with small-to-large sizes. A spheroid is a very important nonspherical shape in modeling the optical properties of many natural particles. For the first time, we develop a computationally feasible separation of variables method (SVM) in spheroidal coordinates to compute optical properties of spheroids with small-to-large sizes compared to the wavelength of the incident light (λ). The method is applicable to spheroids with size parameters (2π/λ times the major semiaxis) up to at least 600, and is not restricted by particle aspect ratios. Therefore, the work reported here represents a breakthrough in solving the optical properties of a nonspherical particle in an analytical form.
High dynamic range 3D measurement based on polarization and multispectrum co-modulation
Authors: Huang Haorui , Li Fuqian , Zuo Chenglin , Wang Yajun
Published: November 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement serves an important role in many areas, and fringe projection profilometry (FPP) is a widely used 3D measurement technique due to its non-physical contact and high speed. The real measurement scenarios are often mixtures of specular and diffuse reflections, causing overexposed and underexposed areas to co-exist. Currently, utilizing FPP to simultaneously measure overexposed and underexposed areas remains a challenge. To solve this problem, we propose a mixed reflection model and what we believe to be a novel high dynamic range (HDR) 3D measurement method based on polarization and multispectrum co-modulation. In mixed reflection, the fringe images captured by the polarized color camera can be modulated to different intensities between different channels due to the co-modulation effect. By synthesizing all sub-images, high-modulation fringe images are formed and simultaneous reconstruction of overexposed and underexposed surfaces is finally achieved. Compared to conventional methods, the proposed method is more effective for measuring complex reflection situations, especially when objects with specular and diffuse surfaces simultaneously exist in the scene. And what we believe to be a novel no-registration-error calibration framework for multi-channel cameras has also been proposed, which both acquires a significant amount of information in the region with HDR problems and avoids the registration error due to the physical distances between different channels. Experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
High-resolution photonic-assisted microwave frequency identification based on an ultrahigh-Q hybrid optical filter
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Liu Haoyan , Cheng Yihao , Hong Xu , Wang Bin
Published: November 2023

Photonic-assisted microwave frequency identification has been extensively studied in civil and defense applications due to its distinct features including wide frequency coverage, large instantaneous bandwidth, high frequency resolution, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an approach for high-resolution frequency identification of wideband microwave signals by linearly mapping the microwave frequencies to the time delays of the optical pulses. In the proposed system, an ultrahigh-Q hybrid optical filter is a key component, which consists of a fiber ring resonator (FRR) and a silicon photonic racetrack micro-ring resonator (MRR). The FRR has an ultra-narrow bandwidth of 7.6 MHz and a small free spectral range (FSR) of 292.5 MHz, while the MRR has a bandwidth of 167.5 MHz and a large FSR of 73.8 GHz. By precisely matching the resonance wavelengths of the FRR and the MRR, a hybrid optical filter with an ultrahigh Q-factor and a large FSR is realized, which is much preferred to realizing a high resolution and a wide measurement range for microwave frequency identification. An experiment is performed and different types of microwave signals are identified. A frequency measurement range as broad as 33 GHz from 2 to 35 GHz, a frequency resolution as high as 15 MHz and a measurement accuracy as high as 5.6 MHz are experimentally demonstrated. The proposed frequency identification system holds great advantages including high frequency resolution, high measurement accuracy, and wide frequency coverage, which can find extensive applications in next-generation electronic warfare and cognitive radio systems.
Adaptive feedback-driven probabilistic shaping for high-order modulation formats in a fiber–THz seamless integration system at 320 GHz
Authors: Liu Xiang , Zhang Jiao , Zhu Min , Zhang Junhao , Tong Weidong , Xin Zhigang , Hua Bingchang , Cai Yuancheng , Lei Mingzheng , Liu Bo , Yu Jianjun
Published: November 2023

In this Letter, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, adaptive feedback-driven probabilistic constellation-shaping (FBD-PCS) method based on the robustness evaluation criteria and employ variational autoencoder (VAE)-based equalizers to implement polarization demultiplexing and nonlinear equalization for the recovery of high-order PCS-QAM signals. We experimentally demonstrate the fiber–THz 2 times 2 MIMO system with a net rate of 366.4 Gbit/s using dual-polarization 40 Gbaud PCS-64QAM signal over a 20 km SSMF and 6 m wireless link. Specifically, the feedback mechanism drives the fiber–THz system to solve optimization problems, adaptively matching the optimized distribution of transmitted symbols that maximizes normalized generalized mutual information (NGMI). We also examine six scenarios to explore nonlinear resistances of FBD-PCS symbols and the robustness of VAE-based equalizers. The results demonstrate the superiority of FBD-PCS over the Maxwell–Boltzmann (M–B) distributions in practical nonlinear-dominant systems. Additionally, the FBD-PCS signals can break limitations for ultrahigh rate transmission with the help of advanced equalizers.
Transparent ultrawideband polarization-insensitive absorber with optimal thickness based on a grid ITO structure
Authors: Lai SenFeng , Liu Yang , Luo JingYi
Published: November 2023

With the large-scale commercialization of broadband wireless communication technologies, interference between spatial electromagnetic waves (EMWs) is becoming increasingly serious. As devices for solving electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems, microwave absorbers (MAs) have become increasingly mature with the rapid development of artificial electromagnetic structures. However, current MAs still face challenges in terms of wideband absorption, wide-angle absorption, thickness, etc., which limits their application scenarios. Therefore, this paper proposes a transparent ultrawideband polarization-insensitive absorber based on a grid indium tin oxide (ITO) structure. This design adopts a multilayer structure with a total thickness of 3.525 mm (0.114λ
L
), close to the predicted minimum thickness, to expand the bandwidth. The grid-patterned ITO film resonant structure and ITO film ground plane are designed to further improve optical transmittance by increasing duty ratios. Simulation results demonstrate over 90% absorption from 9.7 GHz to 69.2 GHz, with a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 150.8%. The absorber has good incident angle stability and polarization insensitivity. When the incident angle varies within 0-60°, the proposed absorber maintains an absorption close to 80% over an ultrawideband range, and the absorption remains nearly constant when the polarization angle changes from 0° to 90°. The fabricated sample shows a visible light transmittance of approximately 73.2%, and shows an absorption performance consistent with simulations in the 6-38 GHz frequency range, validating the effectiveness of the proposed design. Due to its transparent, ultrawideband absorption, wide incident angle stability and polarization insensitivity properties, this proposed absorber has important guiding significance for applications in high-frequency transparent electronics, radars, communications systems and other devices working in the microwave frequency band.
Predictive visualisation of high repetition rate femtosecond machining of silica using deep learning
Authors: Mills Ben , Grant-Jacob James A. , Zervas Michalis N.
Published: November 2023

Whilst femtosecond laser machining can enable extremely high-resolution
fabrication, it is a highly nonlinear process that is challenging to
model when starting from basic principles and a theoretical
understanding. Deep learning offers the potential for modelling
complex systems directly from experimental data, and hence is a
complementary alternative to traditional modelling approaches. In this
work, deep learning is applied to the predictive visualisation of
femtosecond laser machining of lines in a silica substrate, in a
specific experimental regime where nanofoam is fabricated. The neural
networks used for this task are shown to consider both the laser power
and the amount of debris on the sample before machining, when
predicting the appearance of the line after machining. This predictive
capability provides clear evidence of the potential for deep learning
to become an important tool in the understanding and optimisation of
laser machining, and indeed, other complex physical phenomena.
Bayesian spatial modelling of localised SARS-CoV-2 transmission through mobility networks across England
Authors: Ward Thomas , Morris Mitzi , Gelman Andrew , Carpenter Bob , Ferguson William , Overton Christopher , Fyles Martyn
Published: November 2023

In the early phases of growth, resurgent epidemic waves of SARS-CoV-2 incidence have been characterised by localised outbreaks. Therefore, understanding the geographic dispersion of emerging variants at the start of an outbreak is key for situational public health awareness. Using telecoms data, we derived mobility networks describing the movement patterns between local authorities in England, which we have used to inform the spatial structure of a Bayesian BYM2 model. Surge testing interventions can result in spatio-temporal sampling bias, and we account for this by extending the BYM2 model to include a random effect for each timepoint in a given area. Simulated-scenario modelling and real-world analyses of each variant that became dominant in England were conducted using our BYM2 model at local authority level in England. Simulated datasets were created using a stochastic metapopulation model, with the transmission rates between different areas parameterised using telecoms mobility data. Different scenarios were constructed to reproduce real-world spatial dispersion patterns that could prove challenging to inference, and we used these scenarios to understand the performance characteristics of the BYM2 model. The model performed better than unadjusted test positivity in all the simulation-scenarios, and in particular when sample sizes were small, or data was missing for geographical areas. Through the analyses of emerging variant transmission across England, we found a reduction in the early growth phase geographic clustering of later dominant variants as England became more interconnected from early 2022 and public health interventions were reduced. We have also shown the recent increased geographic spread and dominance of variants with similar mutations in the receptor binding domain, which may be indicative of convergent evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Experiences of husbands of student mothers on a distance learning programme: A phenomenological enquiry
Authors: Dankyi Joyce Kwakyewaa , Dankyi Lydia Aframea
Published: November 2023

Husbands have been the primary support of student mothers in furthering their education. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of husbands of student mothers (HSM) in a distance education programme of a university in Ghana. Eighteen participants were selected and interviewed. The transcendental phenomenology design was adopted. The sample consisted of all HSM with babies up to 5 years. Coding and content analysis were employed to analyze the data. The study’s findings indicated that husbands experience challenges such as stress, guilt, resentment, and work-family conflict in child care. Coping strategies such as using loan facilities, suspending family projects and using older siblings were adopted by the participants. The study recommends that, Counsellors should orient husbands to understand the need to support their wives and the implications of such support. Husbands should also be educated on basic skills of child care to lessen their frustrations and to avoid stress.
Network meta-analysis of treatments for perineal extramammary paget’s disease: Focusing on performance of recurrence prevention
Authors: Yuan Xiaobin , Xue Ruizhi , Cao Xiaoming
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Perineal extramammary paget’s disease (EMPD) is characterized with high recurrence rate. Although numerous therapeutic measures for this disease have been reported so far, it is unknown whether there is significant difference in their recurrence-preventing efficiency. This study aims to compare the recurrence outcomes of reported perineal EMPD treatments.

Methods

We searched public databases of for published studies concerning perineal EMPD treatments. After screening by inclusion and exclusion criteria, we extracted the data relevant to recurrence rate, and conducted network meta-analysis (NMA) by using Bayesian random-effects approach.

Results

Our analysis included 29 previous studies (involving both male and female patients) and 11 treatment designs which are wide local excision (WLE), local excision (LE), Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), radiotherapy (RT), radical vulvectomy (RV), photodynamic therapy (PDT), lasers (LS), imiquimod, and WLE+RT, WLE+PDT, WLE+LS. Comparing with WLE, the MMS showed significant advantage in reducing recurrence [OR: 0.18 (0.03–0.87)], while none of the rest treatments has statistically significant results. After removing outlier studies, MMS still has the significant advantages [OR: 0.35 (0.11–0.82)], and LE turned to be the treatment with worst performance [OR: 13 (2.50–110)]. Covariance analysis of follow-up length, gender differences, and lesion locations indicated only short follow-up time could affect the recurrence statistics, which tend to conceal the real differences. Funnel plot demonstrated there is no significant small study effect.

Conclusion

MMS has the best performance on reducing perineal EMPD recurrence, while LE exhibits the worst capability in such regard. Recurrence-preventing abilities of other treatments have no significant difference between each other.
The location of an internal focus of attention differentially affects motor performance
Authors: Strick Andrew J. , Markwell Logan T. , Makaruk Hubert , Porter Jared M.
Published: November 2023

Prior research has questioned the appropriateness of internal focus instructions or the juxtaposition to external and control conditions. Moreover, there has been a lack of research conducted to test a variety of internal conditions on motor performance. The purpose of the present study was to address those critiques and add to the attentional focus literature by varying the location of an internal focus while performing a standing long jump. Participants performed a standing long jump during five separate conditions (internal focus: toes, knees, hips, arms; and control). The analysis revealed that all internal focus conditions performed worse than the control condition. Furthermore, the only difference between internal conditions was found between arms and knees, where the knee condition resulted in a significantly shorter jump distance relative to the arms. Regardless of the location specified, all internal focus conditions led to detriments in jump performance when compared to the control condition. These findings add to a large body of work demonstrating the importance of instructional content on motor performance.