bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LORIKEET: A phase 2, randomized, open-label study of lorigerlimab plus docetaxel versus docetaxel alone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Authors: Subudhi Sumit Kumar , Hauke Ralph J. , Call Justin A , Sun Jichao , Casey Denise , Wei Xiao X.
Published: January 2024

TPS242

Background: Lorigerlimab is an investigational bispecific, Fc-bearing (IgG4) DART molecule that binds PD-1 and CTLA-4. Lorigerlimab is engineered to enhance CTLA-4 binding in the tumor microenvironment (TME) while minimizing off-tumor CTLA-4 binding in normal tissue.2 A phase 1 study of lorigerlimab monotherapy in 162 patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT03761017) demonstrated a manageable safety profile. The objective response rate (ORR) among 35 patients with heavily pretreated mCRPC and measurable disease was 25.7%.1 Chemoimmunotherapy combination regimens have demonstrated improved outcomes over chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors given alone in multiple cancers. Although recent data showed lack of survival improvement when anti-PD-1 antibody was combined with docetaxel in mCRPC,3 dual blockade of PD-1 and CTLA-4 with lorigerlimab may be an effective strategy to potentiate host immune responses in the TME with limited CTLA-4-associated toxicities. In addition to direct antitumor activity, docetaxel may stimulate antitumor immunity and enhance the immunomodulating effects of lorigerlimab. The phase 2 LORIKEET study will compare the combination of lorigerlimab plus docetaxel versus docetaxel alone in patients with mCRPC. Methods: Approximately 150 patients will be randomized 2:1 to lorigerlimab (6mg/kg Q3W) combined with docetaxel (75 mg/m2 Q3W) and prednisone (5mg BID) versus docetaxel and prednisone alone. Patients are stratified by the presence of visceral disease (yes vs no) and geographic region (North America vs other). Key eligibility criteria include age ³ 18; ECOG performance status 0 or 1; disease progression by PCWG3 criteria following prior androgen receptor axis-targeted therapy (e.g., abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide); no prior taxane chemotherapy for mCRPC;immune checkpoint inhibitors. The primary endpoint is radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) per PCWG3 criteria. Secondary endpoints include ORR, duration of response, PSA response, safety, overall survival, and HRQOL measures including change in pain severity and time to first symptomatic skeletal events. Eligible patients randomized to receive docetaxel and prednisone alone who experience radiographic progression may remain on study and receive lorigerlimab monotherapy. Enrollment is ongoing. 1. Luke, ASCO-GU 2023, Abstract 155. 2. Berezhnoy, PMID 33377134. 3. Petrylak, ASCO-GU 2023, Abstract 19. Clinical trial information: NCT05848011 .
A multicohort phase 2 trial of ADT, docetaxel plus nivolumab in patients with de novo metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer enriched for inflamed tumors and DNA damage repair defects.
Authors: Wei Xiao X. , Xie Wanling , Chahoud Jad , Emamekhoo Hamid , McKay Rana R. , Marshall Catherine Handy , Einstein David Johnson , Lang Joshua Michael , Raymond Sarah , Roberts Daniel Aaron , Sunkara Rajitha , Ravi Praful , Tewari Alok , Pomerantz Mark , Dong Fei , Siegmund Stephanie , Rodig Scott J. , Pfaff Kathleen L. , Sweeney Christopher , Taplin Mary-Ellen
Published: January 2024

TPS244

Background: Intensification of upfront treatment with the addition of docetaxel chemotherapy and/or a novel androgen signaling inhibitor to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) have improved clinical outcomes for patients with de novo metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). However, most patients develop castration resistance, the lethal form of disease. ADT early in the hormone-sensitive setting and docetaxel may have immunostimulatory effects which sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint blockade. Immunotherapy may be most effective in patients with pre-existing antitumor immunity or DNA damage repair defects (DDRD). Methods: We are conducting a multicenter, multicohort, phase 2 clinical trial of ADT, docetaxel, plus nivolumab in patients with de novo mHSPC. Cohort allocation is assigned based on tumor PD-L1 and CD8 staining by a multiplexed immunofluorescence platform (ImmunoProfile), and DDRD status on a targeted cancer next-generation sequencing panel (OncoPanel). Planned enrollment goal is 60 patients (20 patients per cohort; Table). Eligible patients must have newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer on conventional imaging, ECOG performance status 0-2 (ECOG 2 allowed if attributed to metastatic disease), PSA >4.0 ng/mL before ADT initiation, adequate organ function, and be candidates for docetaxel chemotherapy. Patients are allowed to receive up to 140 days of ADT prior to C1D1 study treatment. All patients receive continuous ADT, docetaxel 75 mg/m2 plus nivolumab 360mg IV Q3W for 6 cycles, followed by nivolumab 480mg IV Q4W for up to 2 years. After January 2022, the addition of standard of care abiraterone/prednisone was allowed after 7 months of study treatment at investigator discretion. The primary endpoint is PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/mL at 7 months from initiation of chemoimmunotherapy. Key secondary endpoints include PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/mL during chemoimmunotherapy, time to castration resistance, time to clinical progression, time to PSA progression, objective response rate, overall survival, and safety. Planned exploratory analysis include profiling circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration and analysis of PD-L1 and HLA I expression on CTCs. The first patient was enrolled on 5/4/2020, and 45/60 patients have been enrolled to date (N=7 in Cohort 1, N=18 in Cohort 2, and N=20 in Cohort 3). Study enrollment is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT04126070 . [Table: see text]
CaboLu: A phase 1b study of cabozantinib (cabo) in combination with lutetium (Lu 177) vipivotide tetraxetan (LVT) in patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Authors: Galarza Fortuna Gliceida , Moynier Colin , Boucher Kenneth M. , Nordblad Blake , Covington Matthew , Fine Gabriel , Clement Susan , Esplin Michelle , Kohli Manish , Gupta Sumati , Maughan Benjamin L. , Agarwal Neeraj , Swami Umang
Published: January 2024

TPS251

Background: LVT is a β-emitting radioligand approved for pts with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive mCRPC with prior treatment with androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) and taxane-based chemotherapy. However, in the VISION trial, 50% of pts with measurable disease didn’t respond (PMID: 34161051). Prior studies have shown a significant correlation between PSMA and VEGF expression (p<0.001) in LNCaP tumors and locally recurrent PCa after radiotherapy. Cabo is an oral, small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor with potent activity against multiple receptor tyrosine kinases including VEGFR2. Therefore, the combination of cabo with LVT may be synergistic. We initiated a phase 1b dose-scalation study of cabo in combination with standard of care (SOC) LVT in pts with mCRPC. Methods: This is an IRB-approved, investigator-initiated, single-arm, single-center, dose-escalation (DEsc) and dose-expansion (DExp) study. The primary hypothesis is that Cabo+LVT will be safe and effective in mCRPC pts. Key inclusion criteria: ≥18 years of age, mCRPC with histologically/cytologically confirmed adenocarcinoma without small cell histology, ECOG performance status ≤2, prior treatment with ≥2 cycles of taxane and at least 1 ARPI, adequate organ function and eligible for SOC LVT. Key exclusion criteria: Prior treatment with cabo or PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy. DEsc part will follow traditional 3+3 design to evaluate SOC LVT in combination with 3 dose levels (DL) of daily oral cabo: 40 mg (DL 1), 60 mg (DL 2) and 20 mg (DL -1). Primary objective: to determine maximal tolerated dose (MTD), and recommended dose and schedule for DExp phase. Secondary objective: To assess safety and tolerability of cabo with LVT. Expected enrollment 9 pts (range 4-18). DExp part will enroll 24 evaluable pts. Primary objective: to evaluate preliminary efficacy by estimating the progression-free survival (PFS) at 24 weeks (PFS24w) as assessed by PCWG3-modified RECIST v1.1. 2-sided 80% and 60% confidence intervals will be constructed for PFS24w via exponential Greenwood’s formula for Kaplan-Meier survival estimate, providing 90% and 80% 1-sided confidence for 30 pts at DExp dose (6 DEsc+24 DExp). Secondary objective: (1) To assess safety and tolerability cabo+LVT (2) assess objective response rate, duration of response, radiographic PFS, PFS at 38 weeks, PSA PFS, PSA 50% response rate, and OS. 1 patient has been enrolled. Clinical trial information: NCT05613894 .
P3BEP (ANZUP 1302): An international randomized phase 3 trial of accelerated versus standard BEP chemotherapy for individuals aged 11-45 years with intermediate and poor-risk metastatic germ cell tumours (GCTs).
Authors: Mak Blossom , Tran Ben , Pashankar Farzana D. , Mazhar Danish , Huddart Robert A , Wheater Matthew , Walpole Euan Thomas , Feldman Darren R. , Dunwoodie Elaine , Lawrence Nicola Jane , Birtle Alison Jane , Wyld David , Stevanovic Amanda Gwendolyn , Balagtas Jay Michael S. , Stockler Martin R. , Davis Ian D. ,   Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP)
Published: January 2024

TPS524

Background: Bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) given 3-weekly x 4 remains standard first-line chemotherapy for intermediate and poor-risk metastatic GCT. Accelerating standard chemotherapy regimens by shortening the cycle length to 2-weekly improved cure rates in other cancers. P3BEP is the first international, randomized trial of chemotherapy for intermediate and poor-risk metastatic GCT to include adults and children of both sexes. It aims to determine the superiority of accelerated BEP versus standard BEP in this setting. Methods: This open label, randomized, phase 3 trial is conducted seamlessly in 2 stages. The primary endpoint for stage 1 (n = 150) was favourable response; and for stage 2 (n = 500) is progression free survival at 2 years (PFS2y). These sample sizes provide > 80% power with a two-sided type I error rate of 5% to detect an absolute improvement of 21% in the favourable response rate (stage 1) and of 7% in the PFS2y (stage 2). The target population is males and females aged 11 to 45 with intermediate or poor-risk metastatic GCT of the testis, ovary, retroperitoneum, or mediastinum. Participants are randomized (1:1) to 4 cycles of standard BEP (q3w) or accelerated BEP (q2w) with cisplatin 20mg/m2 D1-5, etoposide 100mg/m2 D1-5, bleomycin 30 KIU weekly x 12, and pegylated G-CSF 6mg D6 or filgrastim daily. Study assessments occur at 30 days after completing chemotherapy, 6 months from randomization, and after completion of all post-chemotherapy treatments (e.g. surgery). Tumour tissue and baseline blood samples are collected for translational substudies. As of 24 August 2023, 274 participants have been recruited from 23 ANZ sites, 17 UK sites (led by Cambridge Clinical Trials Unit), and 150 USA sites (led by Children’s Oncology Group). The first planned interim analysis for safety (n = 76) identified no safety concerns. The stage 1 analysis of safety and activity (response rate) for the 1st 150 patients was reviewed by the IDSMC, which recommended continuation of the trial as per protocol. Clinical trial information: NCT02582697 .
Adjuvant Therapy After Upfront Resection of Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: Patterns of Omission and Use—A Prospective Real-Life Study
Authors: Paiella Salvatore , Malleo Giuseppe , Lionetto Gabriella , Cattelani Alice , Casciani Fabio , Secchettin Erica , De Pastena Matteo , Bassi Claudio , Salvia Roberto
Published: January 2024

Background

Little is known about adjuvant therapy (AT) omission and use outside of randomized trials. We aimed to assess the patterns of AT omission and use in a cohort of upfront resected pancreatic cancer patients in a real-life scenario.

Methods

From January 2019 to July 2022, 317 patients with resected pancreatic cancer and operated upfront were prospectively enrolled in this prospective observational trial according to the previously calculated sample size. The association between perioperative variables and the risk of AT omission and AT delay was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Eighty patients (25.2%) did not receive AT. The main reasons for AT omission were postoperative complications (38.8%), oncologist’s choice (21.2%), baseline comorbidities (20%), patient’s choice (10%), and early recurrence (10%). At the multivariable analysis, the odds of not receiving AT increased significantly for older patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, p < 0.001), those having an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥II (OR 2.03, p = 0.015), or developing postoperative pancreatic fistula (OR 2.5, p = 0.019). The likelihood of not receiving FOLFIRINOX as AT increased for older patients (OR 1.1, p < 0.001), in the presence of early-stage disease (stage I–IIa vs. IIb–III, OR 2.82, p =0.031; N0 vs. N+, OR 3, p = 0.03), and for patients who experienced postoperative major complications (OR 4.7, p = 0.009). A twofold increased likelihood of delay in AT was found in patients experiencing postoperative complications (OR 3.86, p = 0.011).

Conclusions

AT is not delivered in about one-quarter of upfront resected pancreatic cancer patients. Age, comorbidities, and postoperative complications are the main drivers of AT omission and mFOLFIRINOX non-use.

ClinicalTrials registration: NCT03788382.
Qual é a taxa de retirada sustentável para o Brasil?
Authors: Pereira Lucas , Perlin Marcelo Scherer
Published: January 2024

O consistente aumento da longevidade e a diminuição da natalidade da população brasileira tem agravado a solvência financeira de fundos previdenciários, ameaçando a aposentadoria de grande maioria da população. Este trabalho se propõe, a partir da metodologia de ALM (Asset Liability Management) e programação estocástica, uma adaptação do modelo de Trinity (Cooley et al., 1998) para o mercado brasileiro. Este propõe o uso de um portfolio de investimentos pessoais como fonte de recursos na aposentadoria. O estudo inova com o uso de modelos econométricos e simulação para contornar o problema típico de baixa disponibilidade de dados para ativos financeiros locais. Os resultados mostram que uma taxa de retirada de 5% é sustentável e relativamente segura para saques anuais em uma carteira composta majoritariamente por ativos de renda fixa.
Gerenciamento de resultados em períodos de eleições presidenciais no Brasil
Authors: Rodrigues de Souza Marcus Vinicius , Vianna Brugni Talles , Costa Ribeiro Prates Juliana , Neris Nossa Silvania , Xavier Beiruth Aziz , Soares Monte-mor Danilo
Published: January 2024

O objetivo do artigo é verificar se empresas com conexões políticas apresentam níveis de gerenciamento de resultados (GR) significativamente diferentes das outras empresas em períodos de eleição presidencial. Utilizaram-se modelos de dados em painel em uma amostra com 2.272 empresas listadas na B3 de 2010 a 2019. Para verificação da ocorrência de GR por accruals e decisões operacionais utilizaram-se os modelos de Jones modificado (Dechow et al., 1995) e de Roychowdhury (2006) respectivamente. Os resultados indicam que as empresas em geral aumentam o GR por accruals em anos eleitorais. Porém, as empresas conectadas apresentaram um maior GR por accruals que as não conectadas e esse comportamento não se modificou em anos eleitorais. Porém, as empresas conectadas apresentaram menos GR por decisões operacionais que as empresas não conectadas. Os períodos eleitorais não interferiram no nível e nem na diferença do GR por decisões operacionais entre empresas conectadas e não conectadas. Os achados trazem novas perspectivas sobre os efeitos das conexões políticas e GR no mercado brasileiro.
Connectedness in the Brazilian yield curve
Authors: Da Costa Filho Adonias Evaristo
Published: January 2024

This paper uses the connectedness approach to understand yield curve dynamics in Brazil. I find that the medium part of the curve is mainly a transmitter of shocks, while the short- and long-end are both net receivers of shocks. Medium-term expectations about the Brazilian economy therefore play a key role in yield curve dynamics in Brazil.
The refusal of COVID-19 vaccination and its associated factors: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tamara Fredo , Fajar Jonny K. , Soegiarto Gatot , Wulandari Laksmi , Kusuma Andy P. , Pasaribu Erwin A. , Putra Reza P. , Rizky Muhammad , Anshor Tajul , Novariza Maya , Wijaya Surya , Prasetyo Guruh , Pradita Adelia , Aini Qurrata , Mete Mario V.P.H. , Yusni Rahmat , Putri Yama S. , Chakraborty Chiranjib , Dhama Kuldeep , Harapan Harapan
Published: January 2024

Background To date, more than 10% of the global population is unvaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and the reasons why this population is not vaccinated are not well identified. Objectives We investigated the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine refusal and to assess the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine refusal. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted from August to November 2022 (PROSPERO: CRD42022384562). We searched for articles investigating the refusal of COVID-19 vaccination and its potential associated factors in PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Sciences. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale, and data were collected using a pilot form. The cumulative prevalence of the refusal to vaccinate against COVID-19 was identified through a single-arm meta-analysis. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine refusals were determined using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Results A total of 24 articles were included in the analysis. Our findings showed that the global prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine refusal was 12%, with the highest prevalence observed in the general population and the lowest prevalence in the healthcare worker subgroup. Furthermore, individuals with a high socioeconomic status, history of previous vaccination, and a medical background had a lower rate of COVID-19 vaccination refusal. Subsequently, the following factors were associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 vaccine refusal: being female, educational attainment lower than an undergraduate degree, and living in a rural area. Conclusion Our study identified the prevalence of and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine refusal. This study may serve as an initial reference to achieve global coverage of COVID-19 vaccination by influencing the population of COVID-19 vaccine refusal.
The end of ‘mini-brains’! Responsible communication of brain organoid research
Authors: Bassil Katherine
Published: January 2024

Recent developments in brain organoid research have sparked widespread interest among the public and scientific communities alike. However, sensationalism and oversimplification of scientific findings in media coverage can lead to false hope, misinformation, and public distrust in science. This opinion article argues that responsible reporting on brain organoid research is not only an ethical imperative, but also critical for advancing the field and maintaining public engagement and trust in science. By examining the negative impacts of oversimplification and sensationalism, the article calls for a more responsible and nuanced approach to science communication. The article also highlights the role and responsibility of various stakeholders, including science communicators, journalists, media outlets, scientists, and ethicists, in promoting ethical communication and ensuring that the public is adequately informed about the scientific and ethical implications of brain organoid research. A few recommendations are suggested to tackle some of the challenges that accompany the reporting of brain organoid research, and ensure the progress of this research.
Testing ethical impact assessment for nano risk governance
Authors: MALSCH Ineke , Isigonis Panagiotis , Bouman Evert , Afantitis Antreas , Melagraki Georgia , Dusinska Maria
Published: January 2024

Risk governance of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies has been traditionally mainly limited to risk assessment, risk management and life cycle assessment. Recent approaches have experimented with widening the scope and including economic, social, and ethical aspects. This paper reports on tests and stakeholder feedback on the use of ethical impact assessment guidelines (RiskGONE D3.6) and online tools adapting the CEN Workshop Agreement part 2 CWA 17145-2:2017 (E)) to support risk governance of nanomaterials, in the RiskGONE project. The EIA guidelines and tools are intended to be used as one module in a multicriteria decision support framework for risk governance of nanomaterials, but may also be used for a stand-alone ethical impact assessment.
Electronic training manual "Providing first aid to the population"
Authors: Kuzmin Vyacheslav , Sabitov Alebai , Reutov Andrei , Amosov Vladimir , Neupokeva Lidiia , Chernikov Igor
Published: January 2024

First aid represents the simplest urgent measures necessary to save the lives of victims of injuries, accidents and sudden illnesses. Providing first aid greatly increases the chances of salvation in case of bleeding, injury, cardiac and respiratory arrest, and prevents complications such as shock, massive blood loss, additional displacement of bone fragments and injury to large nerve trunks and blood vessels. This electronic educational resourse consists of four theoretical educational modules: legal aspects of providing first aid to victims and work safety when providing first aid; providing first aid in critical conditions of the body; providing first aid for injuries of various origins; providing first aid in case of extreme exposures, accidents and poisonings. The electronic educational resource materials include 8 emergency conditions and 11 life-saving measures. The theoretical block of modules is presented by presentations, the text of lectures with illustrations, a video film and video lectures. Control classes in the form of test control accompany each theoretical module. After studying all modules, the student passes the final test control. Mastering the electronic manual will ensure a high level of readiness to provide first aid to persons without medical education.
Electronic educational resourse "Ineractive dialogue simulator "Functional disorders of the digestive organs""
Authors: Levchuk Larisa , Tiunova Elena , Shestakova Anastasia , Krylova Lidiya , Sokolova Natalya
Published: January 2024

Functional disorders of digestive organs (FDOD) are frequently diagnosed disorders in childs in the first year of life. An interactive dialogue simulator has been developed for studying FROP in children. The dialogue simulator was created in the iSpring Suite program. The dialogue simulator allows students repeat the algorithm for diagnosing and treating FROP many times. It is expected, that using of interactive dialogue simulator in the discipline of faculty pediatrics will help students master their skills of diagnosing and treating FROP in childs. The using of our interactive simulator will contribute to the development of self-control in students and more solid assimilation of knowledge.
Communication in organizational culture at the Balikpapan AirNav company during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Setiawan Resdika Anggesa
Published: January 2024

Communication is an important thing to do and implement well in a company. Communication can also form a comfortable organizational culture in a company. The challenges during this pandemic require that companies survive and create a corporate culture that complies with the rules and regulations that their boss has given. The Balikpapan branch of the AirNav company experienced symptoms when many of its members were experiencing the COVID-19 virus attack at the same time. However, the company still had to be able to operate and monitor flights in Indonesia, and the performance of all company members still had to be created and maintained well even during this time. The COVID-19 pandemic is happening. This research aims to determine how communication is in the organizational culture at the AirNav Balikpapan company during the COVID-19 pandemic. The method used is a qualitative research paradigm with the nature of a case study, followed by a phenomenology and netnography approach. The results of this research are the application of rules that changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in companies and forms of communication in the organizational culture of the AirNav Balikpapan company during the pandemic by creating performance in a stable corporate culture in the company.
The Challenging Path of Welcoming and Inclusion of Foreign Students in Schools: A Systematic Review
Authors: Riquelme María Rodríguez , Ortega-Senet María Belén , Galaz Caterine , Philominraj Andrew
Published: January 2024

Interculturality, inclusion, and diversity are generally associated with bilingualism in countries with different socio-cultural identities, but rarely with school coexistence among students hailing from different backgrounds. The present systematic review is framed in a descriptive-qualitative approach since its main objective is to provide an account of the relationship between welcoming, school coexistence, and the integration and inclusion processes in schools in countries receiving foreign migrant families. For this purpose, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EBSCO, and SCiELO databases were searched using a reference chain, and according to search results, 26 empirical studies retrieved from those databases published between 2010 and 2020 were analyzed. The main findings indicate that the inclusion process is developed through the acculturation and disciplining devices of foreign children to the dominant national logic, which marks a hierarchical difference between nationalities. They also highlight the recognition of cultural diversity under the logic of folklorization and a vision that focuses on academic achievement rather than on the particularities that cultural diversity can contribute to social relations and learning within the school.
Social care: time for a name change?
Authors: Needham Catherine , Morris Heather , Miller Robin , Ayton Darshini , O’Connor Mandy , Hall Kelly , Skouteris Helen
Published: January 2024

In this debate piece (written by UK and Australian academics), we discuss the utility of the term ‘social care’. This term has been used in the UK for more than 20 years. While not as widely used in Australia, it is understood in both countries to describe the provision of social work, personal care, protection or social support services for those with needs arising from illness, disability, old age and/or poverty. We conclude that there is space for the ‘social’ in social care if it is framed in relation to the shared human need for care and support. Rather than shifting to the descriptively simple term ‘long-term care’, let us continue to work to make social care more meaningfully social.
Achieving focal invariance in different background refractive indices through a dual-environment metalens
Authors: Li Huafeng , Zhang Baifu , Wang Yan , Huang Zhixing , Xu Ji , Ding Jianping
Published: January 2024

A conventional metalens is designed with a fixed working environment, and its focal length depends on the background refractive index. In this study, we propose a dual-environment metalens that can maintain the same focal length in both media of air and water. The metalens consists of 16 types of meta-atoms with different geometries, which can cover the 0−2π phase range in both air and water. We perform finite-difference time-domain simulations to investigate the metalens and demonstrate that its focal length remains unchanged, regardless of whether the background medium is air or water. Furthermore, we investigated the optical forces within the focal field of the metalens in both air and water, indicating its potential trapping capability in these media. Our method provides a new insight into dual-environment metasurfaces and advances the methodology of electromagnetic structures in extensive applications.
Ultra-compact, low-loss,TE0- and TE1-compatible mode waveguide bends
Authors: Gao Mingyang , Fei Yedeng , Xu Yin , Ni Yi
Published: January 2024

Waveguide bends have become an interesting research direction because they allow highly curved light transmission in a limited space. Here, we propose waveguide bends supporting two TE modes by etching slots and adding germanium arcs in the inner side of a waveguide bend. Simulations show that the bending radius of our proposed base-mode TE0 waveguide bend drops to 500 nm and its insertion loss (IL) is reduced to 0.13 dB with footprints as small as 0.75µm×0.75µm. For the higher-order TE1 mode waveguide bend, we adjust the introduced structure in combination with the light field distribution. The IL of the waveguide bend is also reduced to 0.18 dB with footprints as small as 1.85µm×1.85µm. TE0 mode has 410 nm bandwidth in the optical communication band while TE1 mode has 330 nm bandwidth by keeping IL<0.5dB. Through the analysis of these structural characteristics, we believe that this method still has great potential in higher-order mode transmission.
Raman lidar at 355  nm using low dead time photon counting for atmospheric aerosol measurements
Authors: Chen Feitong , Wu Lingyun , Chen Chuxiao , Wan Xueping , Chen Wentai , Chen Xiaolong , Zhou Jianfeng , Cheng Miao , Fu Zhewei , Ding Naiying , Deng Zhiji , Shen Yibing , Liu Chong , Bai Jian , Wu Lan , Sun Wenbo , Liu Dong
Published: January 2024

Photon counting is an effective way to enhance the dynamic range of the data acquisition system (DAQ) in Raman lidars. However, there exists a deficiency of relatively high dead times among current options, which necessitates an additional calibration procedure for the nonlinearity of the photon counting signal, thus leading to unanticipated errors. A field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based photon counting module has been proposed and implemented in a Raman lidar, offering two operational channels. Through observational experiments, it was determined that this module has an overall dead time of 1.13 ns taking advantage of the high-speed amplifier/discriminator pair and the logic design, a significant improvement compared to the 4.35 ns of a commercially used Licel transient recorder within the same counting rate range. This notably low dead time implies that its output maintains sufficient linearity even at substantially high counting rates. As a result, the need for a dead time calibration procedure prior to signal integration with the analog signal is eliminated, reducing uncertainty in the final integrated signal, and even in the retrieval result. The backscattering result of the comparison between this module and a transient recorder indicates that a more precise performance can be acquired benefiting from this hardware upgrading.
Preparation of convex edges in fused silica by single pass perforation with a 2D Airy–Gaussian beam
Authors: Cai Libin , Chen Yan , Lv Yongjie , Ye Fangcheng , Ye Yunxia , Ren Yunpeng
Published: January 2024

Following ultrafast laser machining of fused silica, post-processing such as polishing and honing are typically required for edges. In this study, we employed a spatial light modulator (SLM) to generate the 2D Airy–Gaussian beam to prepare the convex edges in fused silica by using a single pass of a picosecond laser. It is found that, if the speed exceeds 5 mm/s, there would be plasma interference which is unfavorable for the separation process. A filament effect was observed when the internal laser peak power exceeds the damage threshold of fused silica. The shape of the convex edges was consistent with the propagation path of the 2D Airy–Gaussian beam inside the fused silica before separation. The inclination angle was 17° and 13°, respectively, on the upper and lower end of the edges. The results of this study provide a new, to our knowledge, method for the preparation of curved structures with different curvatures in transparent materials.
Intracavity frequency doubling acousto-optic Q-switched high repetition rate high-energy Nd:YLF laser
Authors: Pang Yajun , Xue Ruixiang , Lu Wei , Chen Zhaoyu
Published: January 2024

The ongoing advancement of Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser technology has drawn increasing attention to high repetition rate, high-energy green lasers as ideal pump sources for Ti:sapphire regenerative amplifiers. This study employed a neodymium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Nd:YLF) as the gain medium, supplemented with side-pumped laser diodes, acousto-optic Q-switching, and intracavity frequency doubling technologies. The results demonstrated a repetition rate ranging from 1–10 kHz, a pulse width of less than 100 ns, and a single pulse energy exceeding 50 mJ at 527 nm green light output. Furthermore, an operating stability (RMS) of ≤0.15% was maintained for 14 h at a repetition rate of 1 kHz and an output power of 40 W.
Compact source of energetic sub-nanosecond red pulses based on cascaded quasi-phase-matching in aperiodically poled lithium niobate
Authors: Minor Citlali E. , Cudney Roger S.
Published: January 2024

We present a simple, compact source of sub-nanosecond pulsed red radiation, based on cascaded nonlinear optical processes—degenerate optical parametric generation and sum-frequency generation—performed with a sample of aperiodically poled lithium niobate pumped by passively Q-switched 1.064 µm Nd:YAG laser. This system does not require feedback from an optical cavity; a single pass of the short pump is all that is required to obtain the cascaded processes, which shortens the output pulse. When pumped with a 1.2 ns, 75 µJ pulse, we obtain 670 ps pulses centered around 709 nm with an energy of 2.8 µJ, corresponding to a peak power of over 4 kW. A numerical model that predicts qualitatively the main characteristics of this source is also presented.
Center extraction method for reflected metallic surface fringes based on line structured light
Authors: Song Limei , He Jinsheng , Li Yunpeng
Published: January 2024

Using line structured light to measure metal surface topography, the extraction error of the stripe center is significant due to the influence of the optical characteristics of the metal surface and the scattering noise. This paper proposes a sub-pixel stripe center extraction method based on adaptive threshold segmentation and a gradient weighting strategy to address this issue. First, we analyze the characteristics of the stripe image of the measured metal’s surface morphology. Relying on the morphological features of the image, the image is segmented to remove the effect of background noise and to obtain the region of interest in the image. Then, we use the gray-gravity method to get the rough center coordinates of the stripes. We extend the stripes in the width direction using the rough center coordinates as a reference to determine the center of the stripes for extraction after segmentation. Next, we adaptively determine the boundary threshold utilizing the region’s grayscale. Finally, we use the gradient weighting strategy to extract the sub-pixel stripe center. The experimental results show that the proposed method effectively eliminates the interference of metal surface scattering on 3D reconstruction. The average height error of the measured standard block is 0.025 mm, and the repeatability of the measurement accuracy is 0.026 mm.
Power evolution prediction of bidirectional Raman amplified WDM system based on PINN
Authors: Mei Muyang , Li Yuan , Niu Mengchao , Zhu Jiaye , Li Wei , Luo Ming , Feng Zhongshuai , Wu Xuefeng , Mei Liang , Hu Qianggao , Jiang Yi , Yang Xuefeng
Published: January 2024

We propose using physical-informed neural network (PINN) for power evolution prediction in bidirectional Raman amplified WDM systems with Rayleigh backscattering (RBS). Unlike models based on data-driven machine learning, PINN can be effectively trained without preparing a large amount of data in advance and can learn the potential rules of power evolution. Compared to previous applications of PINN in power prediction, our model considers bidirectional Raman pumping and RBS, which is more practical. We experimentally demonstrate power evolution prediction of 200 km bidirectional Raman amplified wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) system with 47 channels and 8 pumps using PINN. The maximum prediction error of PINN compared to experimental results is only 0.38 dB, demonstrating great potential for application in power evolution prediction. The power evolution predicted by PINN shows good agreement with the results simulated by traditional numerical method, but its efficiency is more suitable for establishing models and calculating noise, providing convenience for subsequent power configuration optimization.
Second-harmonic flat-top beam shaping via a three-dimensional nonlinear photonic crystal
Authors: Wang Ruonan , Cao Qiang , Wang Xiaoliang , Tian Xiaoyu , Li Fengchang
Published: January 2024

We experimentally extend the nonlinear Gaussian to flat-top beam shaping from one to two dimensions through a three-dimensional nonlinear photonic crystal. Employing a near-infrared femtosecond laser, we induce a modification inside lithium niobate to achieve a second-order nonlinear optical coefficient modulation in three dimensions. The flat-topped truncation of wavefront has been adjusted in a mutual perpendicular coordinate separately. Among the generated flat-topped beams, the optimal flatness is 97.1%, and the nonlinear conversion efficiency is 10−2 at the peak power of 37 kW with the interaction length of 630 µm. By adding an extra dimension, our work simultaneously enables full-wavefront flat-top distribution and nonlinear frequency conversion.
Iterative technique for computing soliton solutions to periodic nonlinear electrical networks
Authors: Johnson Joel , Scarborough Cody
Published: January 2024

Solitary waves (solitons) are fundamental modes supported by nonlinear guiding structures and propagate without any distortion due to dispersion. They can be used in the synthesis of waveforms with desired spectral or time-domain characteristics. However, the nonlinearity inherent to solitons complicates their analysis on general guiding structures. This paper proposes an iterative algorithm that can compute soliton solutions supported by general periodic electrical networks loaded by nonlinear capacitors. The proposed technique accounts for the exact dispersion of the structure and allows the capacitance to take on an arbitrary function of voltage. The algorithm computes the solution throughout the entire structure while only modeling a single unit cell, thus reducing the computational cost significantly. It is implemented within an in-house solver and verified against a commercially available circuit simulator. Different circuits which include lumped inductors, ideal transmission lines, and co-planar waveguides are simulated and shown to agree with commercial harmonic balance solvers. The presented technique will allow microwave and optical engineers to design and optimize a wide variety of nonlinear guiding structures efficiently.
Research on the deflection characteristics of non-mechanical beams of liquid crystal phase retardation cascade polarization gratings
Authors: Wang Quanhan , Chang shuai , Lin Peng , zhao wei , yu xiaonan
Published: January 2024

According to the research status of fast beam pointing and scanning in space laser communication, this paper verifies the cascade of liquid crystal tunable phase retarder and polarization grating, and realizes the fast scanning and pointing of the beam according to the polarization and diffraction characteristics of light, and analyzes the relationship between voltage and delay,the voltage regulation accuracy is 0.001V, and verifies whether the spot intensity can be used in space laser communication, and realizes the fast pointing of four spots of ±6° and ±2°. The pointing accuracy is 30.49μrad, the beam divergence angle is about 0.0169°, connected to the diffraction grating, and the wavelength tuning of 1525nm-1600nm realizes 4.062° scanning of a single beam, 16.06° scanning in one dimension, and the wavelength tuning accuracy about 0.01nm, which has certain research significance for space laser communication and lidar.
Seasonal variations in respiratory morbidity in primary care and its correlation with the quality of air in urban Odisha, India
Authors: Sinha Abhinav , Pritam Jitendriya Amrit , Jain Hitesh Kumar , Giri Sidhartha , Pati Sanghamitra , Kshatri Jaya Singh
Published: January 2024

Poor air quality, especially in urban regions among low-and middle-income countries such as India poses a significant healthcare challenge. Amongst urban areas, metropolitan cities garner the utmost importance for air quality related policies and studies with limited studies from tier II cities which are thought to be relatively immune to air pollution. Hence, we aimed to identify the most frequent respiratory morbidities and explore its correlation with exposure to ambient PM2.5 particles in Bhubaneswar (a tier II city in coastal India), Odisha. A chart review was carried out through data extracted from the records of urban health centres. Data on PM2.5 concentrations were obtained from Odisha State Pollution Control Board. The morbidities were coded by using the International Classification of Primary Care‑2 system (ICPC-2). Descriptive statistics such as incidence of respiratory illnesses was computed across seasons. The ecological correlation between respiratory morbidity patterns and corresponding concentration of PM2.5 in air was analysed for each season. A positive correlation (r = o.94) between PM2.5 and respiratory morbidities was observed. The incidence of respiratory morbidities was 183.31 per 1000 person year. We identified 21 out of 43 respiratory diseases classified under ICPC-2. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection was the most commonly (116.8 per 1000 person year) incident condition. We observed one-fourth increase in the incidence of respiratory illnesses during winters. Respiratory morbidities are common in urban Bhubaneswar which follows a seasonal pattern and are possibly linked with the seasonal variations in levels of PM2.5 particles. Our study highlights that tier II cities are equally prone to health effects of air pollution. Future programmes and policies should take these cities into consideration too.
Screening for post-TB lung disease at TB treatment completion: Are symptoms sufficient?
Authors: Meghji Jamilah , Gunsaru Vester , Chinoko Beatrice , Joekes Elizabeth , Banda Ndaziona P. K. , Marozva Nicola , Rylance Jamie , Squire Stephen B. , Mortimer Kevin , Lesosky Maia
Published: January 2024

Pulmonary TB survivors face a high burden of post-TB lung disease (PTLD) after TB treatment completion. In this secondary data analysis we investigate the performance of parameters measured at TB treatment completion in predicting morbidity over the subsequent year, to inform programmatic approaches to PTLD screening in low-resource settings. Cohort data from urban Blantyre, Malawi were used to construct regression models for five morbidity outcomes (chronic respiratory symptoms or functional limitation, ongoing health seeking, spirometry decline, self-reported financial impact of TB disease, and death) in the year after PTB treatment, using three modelling approaches: logistic regression; penalised regression with pre-selected predictors; elastic net penalised regression using the full parent dataset. Predictors included demographic, clinical, symptom, spirometry and chest x-ray variables. The predictive performance of models were examined using the area under the receiver-operator curve (ROC AUC) values. Key predictors were identified, and their positive and negative predictive values (NPV) determined. The presence of respiratory symptoms at TB treatment completion was the strongest predictor of morbidity outcomes. TB survivors reporting breathlessness had higher odds of spirometry decline (aOR 20.5, 95%CI:3–199.1), health seeking (aOR 10.2, 2.4–50), and symptoms or functional limitation at 1-year (aOR 16.7, 3.3–133.4). Those reporting activity limitation were more likely to report symptoms or functional limitation at 1-year (aOR 4.2, 1.8–10.3), or severe financial impact of TB disease (aOR2.3, 1.0–5.0). Models were not significantly improved by including spirometry or imaging parameters. ROC AUCs were between 0.65–0.77 for the morbidity outcomes. Activity limitation at treatment completion had a NPV value of 78–98% for adverse outcomes. Our data suggest that whilst challenging to predict the development of post-TB morbidity, the use of symptom screening tools at TB treatment completion to prioritise post-TB care should be explored. We identified little benefit from the additional use of spirometry or CXR imaging.
Filmish energy: A textual analysis of Tony Gilroy’s screenplay, Michael Clayton (2006)
Authors: Goodare Lee
Published: January 2024

This article presents a textual analysis of Tony Gilroy’s 126-page screenplay for Michael Clayton (2006) based on the Final Shooting Script, available online and published by Newmarket Press. Screenplays, in addition to being film production documents, can reach in digital and published forms a burgeoning audience that includes critics, scholars, academics, apprentice writers and the general public. And though it is well documented in screenwriting theory that screenplays can and should be analysed in line with works of literature, they remain under-investigated as texts in their own right. The screenwriting discipline, I argue, merits a corpus of close textual analyses of screenplays. This article makes one such contribution, presenting a digest of some key features and techniques in Michael Clayton, which combine to create writerly style and remind us of the richness and educational benefits of the screenplay-as-literary-object.
A Detailed Design Procedure for Printed Log-Periodic Antennas with Koch Fractal Dipoles
Authors:   Laboratório de Eletromagnetismo, Micro-ondas e Antenas - LEMA, Universidade Federal do Pampa - UNIPAMPA, Rodrigues Arielly , Schlosser Edson , Heckler Marcos
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a complete procedure for the design of printed log-periodic antennas. An investigation on the coaxial-to-parallel-strip transition usually present in this kind of antenna is discussed in detail and it is demonstrated to be very critical for the achievement of the desired impedance bandwidth. Furthermore, in order to reduce the overall antenna size, the dipoles have been implemented based on Koch fractals. It has been demonstrated that the use of Koch fractals allowed reducing the antenna area by 25 % in comparison to the classical printed log-periodic structure. Both designs have been optimized for the frequency range 2.3 – 6 GHz, so as to cover several wireless services, such as WLAN, mobile communications and WiMAX, among other applications. Experimental results validate the proposed design strategy.