bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overall Survival, Progression-Free Survival, and Tumor Response Benefit Supporting Initial US Food and Drug Administration Approval and Indication Extension of New Cancer Drugs, 2003-2021
Authors: Michaeli Daniel Tobias , Michaeli Thomas
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE

Clinical trial evidence is routinely evaluated for initial drug approvals, yet the benefit of indication extensions remains uncertain. This study evaluates the clinical benefit supporting new cancer drugs' initial and supplemental US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indication approval.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical trial evidence supporting each indication's FDA approval was collected from the Drugs@FDA database between 2003 and 2021. Drug, indication, and clinical trial characteristics are described. Hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and relative risk for tumor response were meta-analyzed.

RESULTS

Out of 124 FDA-approved drugs, 78 were approved across multiple indications. Out of 374 indications, 141 were approved as combination therapies, 255 for solid cancers, 121 with biomarkers, and 182 as first-line therapy. Approval was mostly supported by open-label (267 [71%]) phase III (238 [64%]) concurrent randomized controlled trials (248 [66%]) with a median of 331 enrolled patients (interquartile range [IQR], 123-665 patients). Across 234 randomized controlled trials with available data, drugs' HRs were 0.73 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.75; I2 = 29.6%) for OS and 0.57 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.60; I2 = 90.6%) for PFS, whereas tumor response was 1.38 (95% CI, 1.33 to 1.42; I2 = 80.7%). Novel pharmaceuticals increased patient survival by a median of 2.80 months (IQR, 1.97-4.60 months) for OS and 3.30 months (IQR, 1.50-5.58 months) for PFS. Initial indications more frequently received accelerated approval, supported by single-arm trials for advanced-line monotherapies, than indication extensions. Initial approvals provided a higher PFS (HR, 0.48 v 0.58; P = .002) and tumor response (relative risk, 1.76 v 1.36; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

New cancer drugs substantially reduce the risk of death and tumor progression, yet only marginally extend patient survival. The FDA, physicians, patients, and insurers must evaluate and decide on a drug's safety and efficacy approval, pricing, coverage, and reimbursement on an indication-specific level.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: An unusual cause of abdominal compartment syndrome and bilateral lower limb ischemia
Authors: Aw Avelyn EY , Lee James WK , Tan Ian JW , Ng Celene WQ
Published: August 2022

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare, unusual cause of proximal intestinal obstruction. It is characterized by compression of the third part of the duodenum secondary to narrowing of the anatomical space between the SMA and the aorta due to a loss of the intervening mesenteric fat pad.

This case highlights the challenge in obtaining a pre-operative radiological diagnosis in an extreme case of gastric outlet obstruction in SMA syndrome, fatally complicated by ACS and bilateral lower limb ischemia. It demonstrates that SMA syndrome remains important to exclude especially in patients with rapid weight loss and cardinal symptoms of intestinal obstruction, often requiring a high index of clinical suspicion.
Clinical value of AEF in the post-processing technique of liver perfusion-like phase III enhanced CT scan in evaluating the degree of liver function impairment in patients with Hepatitis-B cirrhosis
Authors: Wang Nannan , Sun Zhilei
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To investigate the value of CT arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) in the post-processing technique of liver perfusion-like phase III enhanced CT scan in evaluating the degree of liver function impairment in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Methods: The study included 85 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis admitted to the Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from May 2018 to October 2020 were selected as the experimental group, and 71 patients with liver fibrosis during the same period were selected as the control group. All patients underwent routine liver CT phase III perfusion scan, and hepatic AEF (hAEF) and liver/spleen ratio (H/S) were compared between the two groups to analyze the differential value of hAEF and H/S for liver fibrosis and hepatitis B cirrhosis. Patients were divided into the mild group (Grade-A) and the severe group (Grade-B and C) according to Child-Pugh grading. hAEF and H/S values of the two groups were compared, and the evaluation value of AEF on the degree of impairment of hepatitis B cirrhosis was analyzed.

Results: hAEF and H/S values of the experimental group were greater than those of the control group (P<0.05), and the AUCs of hAEF and H/S values for distinguishing hepatitis B and cirrhosis were 0.727 (95%CI: 0.650-0.795) and 0.791 (95%CI: 0.718-0.852), respectively. Moreover, hAEF and H/S values of the severe group were greater than those of the mild group (P<0.05), and the AUCs of hAEF and H/S values in evaluating the degree of liver function impairment were 0.746 (95%CI: 0.627-0.834) and 0.770 (95%CI: 0.705-0.928), respectively.

Conclusions: AEF boasts the value of differentiating liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, and of evaluating the degree of liver function impairment in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5362

How to cite this:Wang N, Sun Z. Clinical value of AEF in the post-processing technique of liver perfusion-like phase III enhanced CT scan in evaluating the degree of liver function impairment in patients with Hepatitis-B cirrhosis. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(7):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5362

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Clinical analysis of distribution and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in blood culture of Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Gao Jinghua , Song Jing
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To analyze the distribution of common pathogenic bacteria and pattern of drug resistance in the blood culture of inpatients.

Methods: This was a descriptive study. Blood culture data of inpatients of Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020 were collected from microbiology laboratory for retrospective analysis.

Results: A total of 24,786 specimens were submitted for examination from inpatients from 2015 to 2019, and 2131 strains of clinically non-repetitive pathogenic bacteria were identified. There were 1135 G-positive cocci (53.26%), including 248 strains of Staphylococcus hominis (21.85%) and 68 strains of Streptococcus species (5.99%). Other G-positive cocci 8 strains (0.70%). G-positive cocci were most sensitive to datomycin, linezolid and vancomycin. There were 923 G-negative bacilli (43.31%), including 476 strains (51.57%) of Escherichia coli, 244 strains (26.44%) of Klebsiella pneumoniae and 130 strains (14.08%) of Acinetobacter baumannii. G-negative bacilli were most sensitive to amikacin. Most of the blood specimens were obtained from the ICU patients (42.98%) followed by nephrology (8.68%) and respiratory medicine (7.32%).

Conclusion: G-positive bacteria were mainly detected in the positive blood culture samples of inpatients in this hospital. Daptomycin, linezolid and vancomycin were preferred for G-positive cocci, while amikacin was highly sensitive to G-negative bacilli.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5377

How to cite this:Gao J, Song J. Clinical analysis of distribution and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in blood culture of Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from 2015 to 2019. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(7):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5377

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Clinical study on the treatment of moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis by posterior nasal nerve combined with anterior ethmoid neurotomy
Authors: Wu Rongrong , Dong Lvhua , Mao Huajie , Wang Jianjun , Ma Dijiang , Sun Jianing
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To investigate the clinical effect of posterior nasal nerve combined with anterior ethmoid neurotomy in the treatment of moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis.

Methods: Thirty patients with moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis admitted to Linhai Second People’s Hospital from August 2019 to June 2020 were selected as subjects for prospective study and design. All patients underwent posterior nasal neurotomy and anterior ethmoid neurotomy simultaneously. Subsequently, the efficacy of all patients at 0.5 and one year postoperatively was compared. Their symptom score preoperatively and one year postoperatively as well as their preoperative and postoperative quality of life score were compared, and related adverse reactions were collected.

Results: The curative effect ratio was 60% after 0.5 years and 90.0% after one year, showing a significant increase (χ2=12.000, P=0.007<0.05). The symptom score at one year postoperatively (1.15±0.32) was lower than that preoperatively (2.12±0.58), with a statistically significant difference (t=11.351, P=0.000<0.05); In terms of quality of life, nasal symptoms, ocular symptoms, practical difficulties, sleep disorders, emotional disorders and other symptoms were lower than those preoperatively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Adverse reactions occurred in 4 patients (13.33%), but were eliminated after treatment.

Conclusion: Posterior nasal nerve combined with anterior ethmoid neurotomy is a safe and reliable surgical method for the treatment of moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis, boasting a variety of benefits such as symptomatic relief, improved quality of life, and reduced adverse reactions, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5561

How to cite this:Wu R, Dong L, Mao H, Wang J, Ma D, Sun J. Clinical study on the treatment of moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis by posterior nasal nerve combined with anterior ethmoid neurotomy. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(7):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5561

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Detection and Management of Giant Submandibular Gland Sialolith
Authors: Mohsin Syed Fareed , Riyaz Mohamed Abdulcader , Alqazlan Abdulmalik Ali
Published: August 2022

Sialolithiasis is a disease process involving the formation of conglomerates of calcifications in the ductal system or the parenchyma of the salivary gland. The Submandibular gland is more vulnerable to form sialoliths than the other major salivary glands due to its salivary composition and anatomic factors. The management of sialolithiasis is determined by the dimensions and position of the calculi. Here, we discuss a case of a twenty eight mm submandibular sialolith managed by an intraoral approach.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5988

How to cite this:Mohsin SF, Riyaz MA, Alqazlan AA. Detection and Management of Giant Submandibular Gland Sialolith. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(7):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5988

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The impact of certain regulations in mainland China on the political situation in Hong Kong
Authors: Kazakov M. , Burdin E.
Published: August 2022

The article's purpose is to assess the response actions taken by the British Empire and the current Chinese government to stop the Hong Kong protests, as well as to identify the "inherited" reasons that contribute to the persistence of protest activity. The author hypothesizes that the difference in the British Empire (before 1997) and the Chinese reactionary actions on public unrest formed the prerequisites for the continuation of protest activity in the region. Comparative, retrospective and normative scientific research methods were used in the article. The author analyzed the British and Chinese reactionary measures to the political demands of the Kowloon Peninsula residents, and also reviewed the law "On National Security in Hong Kong" adopted by mainland China. As a result, he came to the conclusion that the political concessions made by the British Empire during the long colonial period in Hong Kong could have formed among its inhabitants the conviction of the large-scale protests necessity to achieve their political demands. In turn, the current Chinese authorities' actions contradict Hong Kong people's beliefs and cause the rejection of "socialism with Chinese specifics". The article's theoretical significance lies in the identification of Hong Kong resident's specific behavioral attitudes "inherited" from English citizenship, which are one of the reasons for regular protests in the region.
A review of studies evaluating medical cannabis for the chronic pain management
Authors: Żyga Justyna
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Medical cannabis for patients with chronic pain related to various conditions has been the focus of numerous investigations. Cannabis-based medicine has been described for hundreds of years but only recently have we seen the more scientific, evidence-based approach to its use, and ongoing investigations continue to explore its potential medical benefits. 

State of knowledge: As the results of studies assessing medical cannabis in pain alleviate seem promising, only weak recommendations are available. Important factors to consider in the development of guidelines include optimal doses, routes of administration and used types of cannabinoids. In discussed studies no serious adverse events were reported and treatment was well tolerated by participants.

Conclusions: Evidence suggests that cannabis-based medicine can be safe and effective in pain relief. Further high-quality randomised clinical trial studies are needed. It is important to assess the safety profile of each individual cannabinoid formulation and define the population that can benefit from cannabis therapy for establishment of prospective recommendations and guidelines.
Current State of Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder
Authors: Dmochowska Joanna , Mikos Eryk , Kanon Karol , Moqbil Sara , Wasyluk Martyna
Published: August 2022

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illicit psychoactive drug and contains substances that affect the brain and body. A range of acute and chronic health problems associated with cannabis use has been identified.Cannabis use disorder is defined as the continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted. CUD is a problematic pattern of cannabis use that causes clinically significant impairment. There is not an available medication to successfully treat CUD, but psychotherapeutic models hold promise. Cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational enhancement therapy and contingency management can substantially reduce cannabis use and cannabis-related problems.The legalization of non-medical cannabis use in some high-income countries may increase the prevalence of CUD. Since this approach has not yet been validated for CUD, the improvement of psychosocial treatments with pharmacological therapies should be further explored in future clinical research.
Od Wielicka do Woli Suchożebrskiej albo historia jednego pytania
Authors: Makowiecka Maria Hanna
Published: August 2022

Powstanie tej książki wiąże się z historią pewnego pytania, które nie tylko zapoczątkowało całą serię następnych, ale w rezultacie doprowadziło do wywiadów z licznymi świadkami dramatycznych wydarzeń i ‒ tym samym ‒ do opowiedzenia ich losów. Wydarzenia koncentrują się wokół ziemiańskiego rodu Makowieckich, którego losy zaczynamy śledzić od XIX wieku. Jego przedstawicielami i jednocześnie głównymi bohaterami są Stanisław i Zofia Makowieccy. Panorama ich dziejów została nakreślona od sielankowego życia we dworze w Wielicku na Wołyniu do kupna nowego dworu w Woli Suchożebrskiej pod Siedlcami tuż przed wybuchem II wojny światowej. Wędrując z nimi poprzez przedwojenny Wołyń i srogie lata okupacji na wojennym Podlasiu, docieramy aż do wydarzeń wplecionych w historię powojennej Polski i Warszawy, czyli do komunistycznych lat PRL-u, a z ich potomkami rozstajemy się już w wolnej, współczesnej Polsce. Najwięcej uwagi poświęcono pobytowi i działalności Makowieckich w Woli Suchożebrskiej. Z tym dworem i tym etapem ich życia los związał różnych wojennych uciekinierów. Wśród nich znalazł się znany lekarz i jednocześnie wielki bohater, któremu udało się zdobyć wiadomości o tajnym programie budowy rakiet V-2, a także ukrywający się żołnierze z Armii Krajowej i Rosjanie z obozu jeńców. Tutaj na przechowanie w wiejskim środowisku trafiają dzieci z RGO, w tym pochodzenia żydowskiego, pojawiają się księża jezuici, były komisarz i wojewoda siedlecki oraz była więźniarka z Ravensbrūck. Wywiady przeprowadzone z uczestnikami wydarzeń i głosy świadków, zebrane w unikatowe opowiadania, wzbogacają i przybliżają Czytelnikowi nie tylko wydarzenia Wielkiej Historii, ale i realia ówczesnego codziennego życia. Niepublikowane do tej pory liczne fotografie doskonale ilustrują chwytaną przeszłość. Polifonię tych świadectw dopełniają nieznane dotąd materiały archiwalne i źródła prywatne, często intymne, np. listy. Dzięki tym relacjom i archiwaliom zwykła rodzinna historia przestaje być monografią tylko jednej rodziny. Przybliżając sprawy ważne lokalnie i fakty historyczne, staje się uniwersalnym przyczynkiem ożywiającym narodową przeszłość.
Public Speaking Aversion
Authors: Buser Thomas , Yuan Huaiping
Published: August 2022

Fear of public speaking is very common, but we know little about its implications for individuals and organizations. We establish public speaking aversion as an economically relevant preference using three steps. First, we use laboratory and classroom experiments to show that preferences for speaking in public vary strongly across individuals with many participants willing to give up significant amounts of money to avoid giving a short presentation in front of an audience. Second, we introduce two self-reported items to elicit preferences for speaking in public through surveys. We show that these items are strongly related to choices in the incentivized laboratory experiment and that public speaking aversion is distinct from established traits and preferences, including extraversion. Third, we elicit these items in a survey of business and economics students and show that public speaking aversion predicts career expectations. Public speaking–averse individuals avoid careers in management consulting and are more attracted to data analyst and back office careers.

This paper was accepted by Axel Ockenfels, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: This project has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program [Grant 850590].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4500 .
Effect of Thermomechanical Densification Treatment on Abrasion Resistance of Five US Hardwoods
Authors: Snow Dusty , Khademibami Laya , Sherrington Alan , Shmulsky Rubin , Montague Iris , Ross Robert J. , Wang Xiping
Published: August 2022

The effect of thermomechanical densification treatment on the abrasion resistance of five hardwood species were investigated in this study. The species tested include ash (Fraxinus sp.), hickory (Carya sp.), red oak (Quercus sp.), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and white oak (Quercus sp.). The abrasion test was performed according to the American Society of Testing and Materials standards. Ten specimens from each species were initially tested for abrasion resistance, and those specimens were then put through a thermomechanical densification process. The densification process consisted of bringing the heated platen up to a temperature of 176°C (350°F) on one surface and pressing the specimens at 6.9 MPa (1,000 Psi) for a period of 5 minutes. The densified specimens were then subject to the same abrasion testing procedure. All data were statistically analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the procedure of general linear mixed models. The results of this study indicated that densified hickory had the highest abrasion resistance among the five hardwood species tested.
Efficacy of Ethanedinitrile against Pinewood Nematode in Woodchips under Field Conditions
Authors: Stevens Mary C. , Ye Weimin , Thalavaisundaram Swaminathan
Published: August 2022

As the ban on methyl bromide widens, the need for an effective phytosanitary fumigant alternative grows. Currently available alternatives, phosphine and sulfuryl fluoride, lack efficacy against the pinewood nematode. Ethanedinitrile is a highly efficacious fumigant with chemical properties similar to methyl bromide. Ethanedinitrile was tested against pinewood nematodes in a large-scale field setting with southern yellow pine wood chips at dose rates of 75 and 120 g/m3 for 24 hours. All treatments resulted in complete control of pinewood nematodes whereas a nontreated control confirmed the presence of live nematodes. These preliminary results confirm the efficacy of ethanedinitrile against pinewood nematodes in pine wood chips under field conditions.
Input From the Grassroots Level — Reflecting Challenges and Problems for VET Professionals in Germany
Authors: Anselmann Sebastian , Harm Stefan , Faßhauer Uwe
Published: August 2022

Context: Often, vocational education and training (VET) professionals are not systematically prepared for their demanding, mostly diverse and complex tasks. Professional development can be understood as an enlargement of competencies that arise as opportunities in daily work. This study, embedded in a funded research project, focuses on VET professionals and their professional development. The research question is as follows: What challenges and problems regarding their professional development, as well as possible solutions, are described by training professionals in VET in Germany? Approach: The goal of this study is to discover what challenges VET professionals face and how they cope with them. Accordingly, this research was formalised with the following components: (A) An explorative study with group discussions (N = 53 participants in six groups) and (B) result validation with German VET experts (N = 10). The data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Using a theory-based category system, the group discussion results were summarised in 12 systematic, organisational- and individual-level statements. The statements indicated that despite the necessity of formal professional development in the area of further training, most VET professionals must still be able to profit from offers at or below the German Qualification Framework (DQR) level 5. Many VET professionals ultimately sought visible recognition of their activities or personal commitment with regard to pedagogical and company-economic functions. The 10 VET experts also evaluated the 12 statements as important. Conclusion: The results of this study show that there is a huge need for qualification and learning opportunities for VET professionals. The demand is mostly for modern, tried-and-tested concepts and central themes, such as action and competency orientation, practice and transfer orientation, individual and structural reflection, media competency and learning support in all formats and at all levels.
Walk-through millimeter wave imaging testbed based on double multistatic cross arrays
Authors: Wang Zhongmin , Tian Xianzhong , Chang Tianying , Xu Wenqing , Cui Hong-Liang , Guo Qijia , Liu Jiatong
Published: August 2022

A walk-through millimeter wave imaging testbed using double multistatic cross arrays is presented. The imaging testbed consists of a vector network analyzer, a power amplifier, a low-noise amplifier, 36 SP6T electrical switchers, and double homemade multistatic cross arrays placed on both sides of the imaging area. The imaging algorithm based on the range migration algorithm is deduced, and the imaging performance is analyzed. The metallic ball experimental results show that the imaging resolution is close to the theoretical value, and demonstrate the imaging feasibility of the testbed working in mutual mode.
Ptychographic reconstruction with object initialization
Authors: Wittwer Felix , Brückner Dennis , Modregger Peter
Published: August 2022

X-ray ptychography is a cutting edge imaging technique providing ultra-high spatial resolutions. In ptychography, phase retrieval, i.e., the recovery of a complex valued signal from intensity-only measurements, is enabled by exploiting a redundancy of information contained in diffraction patterns measured with overlapping illuminations. For samples that are considerably larger than the probe we show that during the iteration the bulk information has to propagate from the sample edges to the center. This constitutes an inherent limitation of reconstruction speed for algorithms that use a flat initialization. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that a considerable improvement of computational speed can be achieved by utilizing a low resolution sample wavefront retrieved from measured diffraction patterns as object initialization. In addition, we show that this approach avoids phase artifacts associated with large phase gradients and may alleviate the requirements on phase structure within the probe. Object initialization is computationally fast, potentially beneficial for bulky sample and compatible with flat samples. Therefore, the presented approach is readily adaptable with established ptychographic reconstruction algorithms implying a wide spread use.
Improvement for a full-spectrum modulated nonlinear frequency division multiplexing transmission system
Authors: Wei Jiacheng , Xi Lixia , Zhang Xulun , Deng Jiayun , Zhang Ruofan , Du Shucheng , Zhang Wenbo , Zhang Xiaoguang
Published: August 2022

Nonlinear frequency division multiplexing (NFDM), as a possible technique to overcome the limit imposed by Kerr nonlinearity in conventional coherent optical communication systems, has attracted widespread attention in the communication community in recent years. In order to fully utilize the available degrees of freedom in the nonlinear spectrum, this paper focuses on the full-spectrum (FS) modulated NFDM system. First, we maximize the data rate of discrete spectrum (DS) by optimizing the distribution of eigenvalues in DS part of FS. Then through introducing the probabilistic shaping (PS) into the FS system, and combined with linear minimum mean square (LMMSE) estimators, a 1120 km transmission with BER below the hard decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold at 112 Gbps is achieved, where 128 subcarriers with PS-64QAM are used in the continuous spectrum (CS) and 13 eigenvalues with 64QAM are adopted in the discrete spectrum (DS). The achievable data rate is about 12% higher than that of pure CS modulation. Our work achieves the current FS NFDM system with the largest number of multiplexed eigenvalues, and provides a way to improve the performance of FS systems.
Compact nonvolatile 2×2 photonic switch based on two-mode interference
Authors: Song Chunmeng , Gao Yixiao , Wang Guoxiang , Chen Yimin , Xu Peipeng , Gu Chenjie , Shi Yaocheng , Shen Xiang
Published: August 2022

On-chip nonvolatile photonic switches enabled by phase change materials (PCMs) are promising building blocks for power-efficient programmable photonic integrated circuits. However, large absorption loss in conventional PCMs (such as Ge2Sb2Te5) interacting with weak evanescent waves in silicon waveguides usually leads to high insertion loss and a large device footprint. In this paper, we propose a 2×2 photonic switch based on two-mode interference in a multimode slot waveguide (MSW) with ultralow loss Sb2S3 integrated inside the slot region. The MSW supports two lowest order TE modes, i.e., symmetric TE00 and antisymmetric TE01 modes, and the phase of Sb2S3 could actively tune two-mode interference behavior. Owing to the enhanced electric field in the slot, the interaction strength between modal field and Sb2S3 could be boosted, and a photonic switch containing a ∼9.4 µm-long Sb2S3-MSW hybrid section could effectively alter the light transmission between bar and cross ports upon the phase change of Sb2S3 with a cross talk (CT) less than −13.6 dB and an insertion loss (IL) less than 0.26 dB in the telecommunication C-band. Especially at 1550 nm, the CT in the amorphous (crystalline) Sb2S3 is −36.1 dB (−31.1 dB) with a corresponding IL of 0.073 dB (0.055 dB). The proposed 2×2 photonic switch is compact in size and compatible with on-chip microheaters, which may find promising applications in reconfigurable photonic devices.
Fabrication and characterization of high quality GeSbSe reflowed and etched ring resonators
Authors: Grayson Michael , Xu Bo , Shanavas Thariq , Zohrabi Mo , Bae Kyuyoung , Gopinath Juliet T. , Park Wounjhang
Published: August 2022

We demonstrate the fabrication of high Q Ge28Sb12Se60 ring resonators in an all chalcogenide platform through electron-beam lithography, lift-off and thermal reflow. We achieve a Q factor of (3.9 ± 0.2) × 105 in the reflowed ring resonators and (2.5 ± 0.2) × 105 in the reactive ion etched ring resonators at 1550 nm. We measure the line roughness of these devices to estimate the scattering loss. We determine the material and scattering losses of the waveguide and find an additional 1.1 dB/cm excess loss from surface absorption. We fabricate Ge23Sb7S70 waveguides with 0.6 dB/cm of losses and show that Ge23Sb7S70 waveguides do not experience the same kind of excess loss when fabricated under the same conditions. This indicates the excess loss is related to the chemical composition of Ge28Sb12Se60 compound.
Pure toroidal dipole in a single dielectric disk
Authors: Peng Ruiguang , Zhao Qian , Meng Yonggang , Wen Shizhu
Published: August 2022

The toroidal dipole is a peculiar electromagnetic excitation and has attracted increasing interests because of unusual radiation characteristics. However, the realization of toroidal moment requires complicated structure and are often disturbed by the conventional electric and magnetic multipoles. In this paper, we explore the electromagnetic properties of a simple dielectric disk illuminated by a focused radially polarized beam and demonstrate a pure toroidal dipolar response. A comprehensive approach is proposed to suppress other undesirable electromagnetic multipolar resonances step by step. The disk with optimized geometry is employed to construct an all-dielectric electric mirror dominated by toroidal dipolar resonance. And two kinds of anapole modes with total suppression of far-field radiation are investigated, which proves electric and magnetic non-radiating sources, respectively. Besides, by simultaneously introducing the asymmetry in both structure and incidence, a transformation from Mie-type mode to trapped mode is observed. Our study provides an opportunity to realize a unique pure toroidal dipole and may boost the relevant light-matter interaction.
Three-channel metasurface based on simultaneous and independent control of near and far field under a single line light source
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Zhang Zhipeng , Tong Zijin , Yang Mingyu , Guan Junneng , Jin Yaqi , Wei Zhongchao , Wang Faqiang , Tan Chunhua , Meng Hongyun
Published: August 2022

Metasurface based on independent and simultaneous control of near field and far field has significant potential for use in multichannel optics platform devices. However, the previous studies cannot satisfy independent and simultaneous control of near field and far field under a single line source, which made a significant challenge to multichannel optical platforms working in a compact environment. To manipulate effectively and freely the amplitude and phase of transmission under line source, Marius’ law and Propagation phase was introduced on all-dielectric encoding metasurfaces meta-atoms. The Marius’ law and Propagation phase can control the size and rotation angle of meta-atoms to encode grayscale amplitude images and holographic phase images. Finite-difference time-domain simulation results reveal that dual channel metasurface under a single line source achieves the same display effect as the dual channel metasurface under multiple light sources, which proves the feasibility of our studies. Moreover, under different angles of the line source, we encode the near-field binary image by using the degeneracy rotation angle of meta-atoms. Finally, a three-channel metasurface was obtained without affecting the display of the previous two-channel metasurface. As a result, the independent control amplitude, phase, and polarization of the incident light wave were achieved. The proposed metasurface could be applied in creating a multi-channel metasurface optical platform in a compact environment, which has application potential in image displays, optical storage, optical anti-counterfeiting, and information encryption technology.
Compact cyclic fiber three-mode converter based on mechanical fiber grating
Authors: Fan Hangming , Zhang Ziheng , Cheng Mengfan , Yang Qi , Tang Ming , Liu Deming , Deng Lei
Published: August 2022

In this Letter, a compact cyclic mode converter (CMC) based on a mechanical fiber grating is proposed and fabricated to eliminate differential mode group delay and mode-dependent loss in the mode division multiplexing (MDM) transmission system. The proposed CMC can realize cyclical interchange of any input mode among the LP01/LP11a/LP11b modes, which requires only one mechanical grating. The mode conversion is evaluated by observing the mode field patterns of the fiber output. The experimental results prove that the introduction of CMC does not significantly degrade the transmission performance of the photonic lanterns back-to-back system. The insertion loss and the average cross talk of the whole system are lower than 5 dB and −11.3 dB, respectively. The proposed CMC provides a new method for reducing link damage in the MDM transmission system.
Time-multiplexed method for view density enhancement in integral imaging-based light field displays
Authors: Wang Xuan , Hua Hong
Published: August 2022

Conventional light field display systems based on integral imaging (InI) suffer from a major trade-off between the view density and spatial resolution. In this Letter, a new time-multiplexed method is proposed and demonstrated to enhance the view density of InI-based light field displays. By using a digitally switchable shutter array, the view density and elemental view numbers can be improved multiple times without sacrificing spatial resolution. A four-phase time multiplexed InI-based display prototype was built and demonstrated with a total of 4 × 4 views over a 5.45 mm-by-5.45 mm eyebox (or equivalently a view density of 0.54 mm−2) and angular resolution of 2 arcmin.
Heterogeneously integrated III–V-on-lithium niobate broadband light sources and photodetectors
Authors: Zhang Xian , Liu Xiaoyue , Ma Rui , Chen Zichao , Yang Zhuohui , Han Ya , Wang Bing , Yu Siyuan , Wang Ruijun , Cai Xinlun
Published: August 2022

Heterogeneous integration of III–V active devices on lithium niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) photonic circuits enable fully integrated transceivers. Here we present the co-integration of InP-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors on an LNOI photonics platform. Both devices are realized based on the same III–V epitaxial layers stack adhesively bonded on an LNOI waveguide circuit. The light is evanescently coupled between the LNOI and III–V waveguide via a multiple-section adiabatic taper. The waveguide-coupled LEDs have a 3-dB bandwidth of 40 nm. The photodetector features a responsivity of 0.38 A/W in the 1550-nm wavelength range and a dark current of 9 nA at −0.5 V at room temperature.
High-order harmonic spectroscopy of polycrystalline graphene
Authors: Boyero-García Roberto , García-Cabrera Ana , Zurrón-Cifuentes Oscar , Hernández-García Carlos , Plaja Luis
Published: August 2022

Present mass production of large-area single-layer graphene relies fundamentally on chemical vapor deposition methods. The generation of grain boundaries, which divides the sample into a set of crystalline domains, is inherent to these fabrication methods. Recent studies have demonstrated a strong anisotropy in the ultrafast non-linear response of single-layer graphene when subjected to non-perturbative, intense laser fields below the damage threshold. We propose to exploit this anisotropy to characterize the size distribution of graphene domains in polycrystals via high-order harmonic polarimetry. Our simulation results demonstrate the sensitivity of the harmonic polarization state to details of the polycrystal grain distribution. In particular, we show that the rotation in the polarization tilt of the highest-order harmonics holds information about the grain distribution in the polycrystal. As a proof-of-concept, we propose a method to determine the standard deviation of the grain size distribution from the values of the most frequent grain size and the standard deviation of the harmonic tilt rotation from a set of hypothetical measurements on different polycrystal realizations. Our work reveals the capability of high-order harmonic polarimetry to characterize polycrystalline two-dimensional materials.
Anisotropic Fermat’s principle for controlling hyperbolic van der Waals polaritons
Authors: Tao Sicen , Hou Tao , Zeng Yali , Hu Guangwei , Ge Zixun , Liao Junke , Zhu Shan , Zhang Tan , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Chen Huanyang
Published: August 2022

Transformation optics (TO) facilitates flexible designs of spatial modulation of optical materials via coordinate transformations, thus, enabling on-demand manipulations of electromagnetic waves. However, the application of TO theory in control of hyperbolic waves remains elusive due to the spatial metric signature transition from (

+
,
+

) to (

−
,
+

) of a two-dimensional hyperbolic geometry. Here, we proposed a distinct Pythagorean theorem, which leads to establishing an anisotropic Fermat’s principle. It helps to construct anisotropic geometries and is a powerful tool for manipulating hyperbolic waves at the nanoscale and polaritons. Making use of absolute instruments, the excellent collimating and focusing behaviors of naturally in-plane hyperbolic polaritons in van der Waals

α
–

MoO

3

layers are demonstrated, which opens up a new way for polaritons manipulation.
Type 2 diabetes disrupts circadian orchestration of lipid metabolism and membrane fluidity in human pancreatic islets
Authors: Petrenko Volodymyr , Sinturel Flore , Loizides-Mangold Ursula , Montoya Jonathan Paz , Chera Simona , Riezman Howard , Dibner Charna
Published: August 2022

Recent evidence suggests that circadian clocks ensure temporal orchestration of lipid homeostasis and play a role in pathophysiology of metabolic diseases in humans, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). Nevertheless, circadian regulation of lipid metabolism in human pancreatic islets has not been explored. Employing lipidomic analyses, we conducted temporal profiling in human pancreatic islets derived from 10 nondiabetic (ND) and 6 T2D donors. Among 329 detected lipid species across 8 major lipid classes, 5% exhibited circadian rhythmicity in ND human islets synchronized in vitro. Two-time point-based lipidomic analyses in T2D human islets revealed global and temporal alterations in phospho- and sphingolipids. Key enzymes regulating turnover of sphingolipids were rhythmically expressed in ND islets and exhibited altered levels in ND islets bearing disrupted clocks and in T2D islets. Strikingly, cellular membrane fluidity, measured by a Nile Red derivative NR12S, was reduced in plasma membrane of T2D diabetic human islets, in ND donors’ islets with disrupted circadian clockwork, or treated with sphingolipid pathway modulators. Moreover, inhibiting the glycosphingolipid biosynthesis led to strong reduction of insulin secretion triggered by glucose or KCl, whereas inhibiting earlier steps of de novo ceramide synthesis resulted in milder inhibitory effect on insulin secretion by ND islets. Our data suggest that circadian clocks operative in human pancreatic islets are required for temporal orchestration of lipid homeostasis, and that perturbation of temporal regulation of the islet lipid metabolism upon T2D leads to altered insulin secretion and membrane fluidity. These phenotypes were recapitulated in ND islets bearing disrupted clocks.
Onchocerciasis: Target product profiles of in vitro diagnostics to support onchocerciasis elimination mapping and mass drug administration stopping decisions
Authors: Biamonte Marco A. , Cantey Paul T. , Coulibaly Yaya I. , Gass Katherine M. , Hamill Louise C. , Hanna Christopher , Lammie Patrick J. , Kamgno Joseph , Nutman Thomas B. , Oguttu David W. , Sankara Dieudonné P. , Stolk Wilma A. , Unnasch Thomas R.
Published: August 2022

In June 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO), recognizing the need for new diagnostics to support the control and elimination of onchocerciasis, published the target product profiles (TPPs) of new tests that would support the two most immediate needs: (a) mapping onchocerciasis in areas of low prevalence and (b) deciding when to stop mass drug administration programs. In both instances, the test should ideally detect an antigen specific for live, adultO.volvulusfemale worms. The preferred format is a field-deployable rapid test. For mapping, the test needs to be ≥ 60% sensitive and ≥ 99.8% specific, while to support stopping decisions, the test must be ≥ 89% sensitive and ≥ 99.8% specific. The requirement for extremely high specificity is dictated by the need to detect with sufficient statistical confidence the low seroprevalence threshold set by WHO. Surveys designed to detect a 1–2% prevalence of a given biomarker, as is the case here, cannot tolerate more than 0.2% of false-positives. Otherwise, the background noise would drown out the signal. It is recognized that reaching and demonstrating such a stringent specificity criterion will be challenging, but test developers can expect to be assisted by national governments and implementing partners for adequately powered field validation.
Distribution of psychrophilic microorganisms in a beef slaughterhouse in Japan after cleaning
Authors: Nakamura Ayaka , Takahashi Hajime , Kondo Anrin , Koike Fumiaki , Kuda Takashi , Kimura Bon , Kobayashi Mitsushi
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the abundance and distribution of psychrophilic microorganisms associated with spoilage in beef slaughterhouse environments after cleaning. The processing lines and equipment used in slaughtering and boning were swabbed, and the microbial count was determined using a TSA and MRS medium and Chromocult® Coliform agar incubated at 15ºC and 37ºC, respectively. As a result, the brisket saw (handle side) and trolley hook were the most heavily contaminated with microorganisms, with each having a microbial adhesion rate of 66.7%. The microbial adhesion rates of the apron and milling cutter (edge side) were 50%, respectively, and those of the foot cutter (edge and handle side), splitting saw (edge side), and knife (handle side) were 33.3%, respectively. Next, four colonies were randomly isolated from the petri dish used for the bacterial count measurement to identify the predominant microbial species of the microorganisms attached to each equipment. As a result of Sanger sequencing analysis, yeasts such as Candida zeylanoides and Rhodotorula sp. and bacteria including Pseudomonas sp. and Rhodococcus sp. were identified from the equipment used in the slaughtering line, and it was assumed that these microorganisms were of environmental origin. In contrast, only Pseudomonas sp. and Candida zeylanoides were isolated from the boning line. Despite the use of cleaning operations, this study identified some equipment was contaminated with microorganisms. Since this equipment frequently comes into direct contact with the carcass, it is critical to thoroughly remove the microorganisms through accurate cleaning to prevent the spread of microbial contamination on the carcasses.
Video meeting signals: Experimental evidence for a technique to improve the experience of video conferencing
Authors: Hills Paul D. , Clavin Mackenzie V. Q. , Tufft Miles R. A. , Gobel Matthias S. , Richardson Daniel C.
Published: August 2022

We found evidence from two experiments that a simple set of gestural techniques can improve the experience of online meetings. Video conferencing technology has practical benefits, but psychological costs. It has allowed industry, education and social interactions to continue in some form during the covid-19 lockdowns. But it has left many users feeling fatigued and socially isolated, perhaps because the limitations of video conferencing disrupt users’ ability to coordinate interactions and foster social affiliation. Video Meeting Signals (VMS™) is a simple technique that uses gestures to overcome some of these limitations. First, we carried out a randomised controlled trial with over 100 students, in which half underwent a short training session in VMS. All participants rated their subjective experience of two weekly seminars, and transcripts were objectively coded for the valence of language used. Compared to controls, students with VMS training rated their personal experience, their feelings toward their seminar group, and their perceived learning outcomes as significantly higher. Also, they were more likely to use positive language and less likely to use negative language. A second, larger experiment replicated the first, and added a condition where groups were given a version of the VMS training but taught to use emoji response buttons rather than gestures to signal the same information. The emoji-trained groups did not experience the same improvement as the VMS groups. By exploiting the specific benefits of gestural communication, VMS has great potential to overcome the psychological problems of group video meetings.