bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subclinical Hypothyroidism as an Independent Predictor of Cardiovascular Prognosis in Left Ventricular Thrombus Patients
Authors: Shi Boqun , Liu Zechen , Zhang Rui , Tiemuerniyazi Xieraili , Feng Wei , Song Weihua , Dou Kefei
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, and thyroid hormones are known to affect the cardiovascular system in various ways. However, subclinical thyroid dysfunction still deserves to be emphasized, and its impact on the prognosis of patients with LVT is rare but needs to be investigated.

Methods

We used retrospective data from patients diagnosed with LVT at Fuwai Hospital over the past 10 years to assess the relationship between thyroid functional status and prognosis of LVT using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and validated the improved predictive effect of including thyroid function in the prognostic assessment of LVT using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly associated with a higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) [hazard ratio (HR) 1.774, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.053-2.989; P = .031] and cardiovascular death (HR 1.986, 95% CI: 1.110-3.553; P = .021) in LVT patients, whereas no significant correlation was observed in the subclinical hyperthyroidism group. In addition, including thyroid function in the prognostic consideration of LVT patients would contribute to the predictive effect of MACCEs [area under the curve (AUC) for 1 year: 0.715; AUC for 2 years: 0.745; AUC for 3 years: 0.684].

Conclusion

Subclinical hypothyroidism can be used as an independent predictor of MACCEs in patients with LVT, and there is a clinical value in using subclinical hypothyroidism as an important factor suggesting a poor prognosis in patients with LVT.
The Second Battle for Africa
Authors: McDuffie Erik S.
Published: November 2024

In The Second Battle for Africa, Erik S. McDuffie establishes the importance of the US Midwest to twentieth-century global Black history, internationalism, and radicalism. McDuffie shows how cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland, as well as rural areas in the heartland, became central and enduring incubators of Marcus Garvey’s Black nationalist Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and its offshoots. Throughout the region, Black thinkers, activists, and cultural workers, like the Grenada-born activist Louise Little, championed Black freedom. McDuffie explores Garveyism and its changing facets from the 1920s onward, including the role of Black midwesterners during the emergence of fascism in the 1930s, the postwar US Black Freedom Movement and African decolonization, the rise of the Nation of Islam and Malcolm X in the 1950s and 1960s, and the continuing legacy of Garvey in today’s Black Midwest. Throughout, McDuffie evaluates the possibilities, limitations, and gendered contours of Black nationalism, radicalism, and internationalism in the UNIA and Garvey-inspired movements. In so doing, he unveils new histories of Black liberation and Global Africa.
Outcomes of Radiosurgery for WHO Grade 2 Meningiomas: The Role of Ki-67 Index in Guiding the Tumor Margin Dose
Authors: Meng Ying , Bernstein Kenneth , Mashiach Elad , Santhumayor Brandon , Kannapadi Nivedha , Gurewitz Jason , Snuderl Matija , Pacione Donato , Sen Chandra , Donahue Bernadine , Silverman Joshua S. , Sulman Erik , Golfinos John , Kondziolka Douglas
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The management of World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 meningiomas is complicated by their diverse clinical behaviors. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can be an effective management option. Literature on SRS dose selection is limited but suggests that a higher dose is better for tumor control. We characterize the predictors of post-SRS outcomes that can help guide planning and management.

METHODS:

We reviewed a cohort of consecutive patients with pathologically-proven WHO grade 2 meningiomas who underwent SRS at a single institution between 2011 and 2023.

RESULTS:

Ninety-nine patients (median age 62 years) underwent SRS, 11 of whom received hypofractionated SRS in 5 fractions. Twenty-two patients had received previous irradiation. The median follow-up was 49 months. The median overall survival was 119 months (95% CI 92-NA) with estimated 5- and 10-year survival of 83% and 27%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 40 months (95% CI 32-62), with 3- and 5-year rates at 54% and 35%, respectively. The median locomarginal PFS was 63 months (95% CI 51.8-NA) with 3- and 5-year rates at 65% and 52%. Nine (9%) patients experienced adverse events, 2 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3 and 7 grade 2, consisting of worsening neurologic deficit from edema. In the single-session cohort, Ki-67 significantly predicted both overall survival and intracranial PFS. Tumors with Ki-67 >10% had 2.17 times the risk of locomarginal progression compared with Ki-67 ≤10% (P = .018) adjusting for covariates. Sex, prescription dose, tumor volume, and location also predicted tumor control. In tumors with Ki-67 >10%, margin dose ≥14 Gy was associated with significantly better tumor control but not for tumors with Ki-67 ≤10%.

CONCLUSION:

The management of WHO grade 2 meningiomas requires a multimodality approach. This study demonstrates the value of a targeted SRS approach in patients with limited disease and further establishes predictive biomarkers that can guide planning through a personalized approach.
Regulação da inteligência artificial no âmbito da concorrência
Authors: Mendes Adrise Lage de Mendonça , Garbaccio Grace Ladeira , Lavouras Maria Matilde
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a potencial regulação da inteligência artificial (IA) no contexto do direito da concorrência, especificamente no campo do antitruste, no Brasil. A pesquisa busca avaliar se uma futura regulação da IA tende a promover ou inibir a inovação, considerando o papel da União Europeia (UE), que se tem destacado nesse debate global, especialmente com a aprovação do “AI Act” pelo Parlamento Europeu.
Metodologia: A análise foi conduzida por meio do método indutivo, com base em uma revisão documental e bibliográfica. O estudo abrangeu relatórios, artigos acadêmicos e projetos de Lei sobre IA no contexto brasileiro.
Resultados: Os resultados indicam a necessidade de uma regulação da IA que esteja em conformidade com os princípios do direito da concorrência. O artigo sugere que essa regulação deve estabelecer diretrizes claras sobre o uso de sistemas de IA, bem como definir os deveres e as obrigações dos atores envolvidos. Ao promover um equilíbrio entre inovação tecnológica e segurança jurídica, a regulação pode incentivar o avanço tecnológico sem comprometer os direitos fundamentais e o combate eficaz às práticas anticompetitivas.
Contribuições: O estudo contribui para o debate sobre a regulação da IA no âmbito do antitruste, destacando a importância de uma abordagem regulatória que harmonize inovação e concorrência leal. A pesquisa sugere que uma regulação adequada pode não apenas promover a inovação, mas também garantir a proteção da concorrência no mercado digital.
Case Report: Bilateral Spigelian Hernia With Meckel’s diverticulum
Authors: Mohamed Younis , Hussein Ahmed , Chaudhary Baber , Elsaba Omar , Rhodes Mahmoud
Published: November 2024

Spigelian hernia is an uncommon form of ventral hernia, with an incidence ranging from 0.1% to 2%. This case report describes a 72-year-old female who presented with an obstructed right Spigelian hernia, a left Spigelian hernia, and an uncomplicated Meckel’s diverticulum, along with the management approach. The patient had experienced intermittent tenderness in the right iliac fossa for the last two months, which had worsened to severe pain over the previous two days, accompanied by a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant. An urgent CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed an obstructed right Spigelian hernia containing dilated proximal small bowel, and a left uncomplicated spigelian hernia. The patient experienced worsening abdominal pain and vomiting. Emergency laparotomy was performed, revealing a right Spigelian hernia with viable small bowel loops, a non-complicated Meckel’s diverticulum located 20 cm from the ileocecal valve, and a small left Spigelian hernia. The right Spigelian hernia was repaired using intraperitoneal sublay mesh, while the left hernia was treated with primary repair. No bowel resection was performed at the site of the Meckel’s diverticulum, as it was non-inflamed, to prevent contamination of the mesh with bowel flora. Bilateral Spigelian hernias accompanied by Meckel’s diverticulum present a challenging clinical scenario. Although rare, this condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain due to the potential for serious complications.
The Nonproliferation Stewardship Program
Authors: Miller Michael , Dion Heather , Ngelale Randy , Shields Ashley , Seiner Brienne , Maggos Laura , Banks Eddy , Lambert Janine
Published: November 2024

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN) initiated the Nonproliferation Stewardship Program (NSP) in 2020 to provide an enduring pipeline of nonproliferation subject matter experts to Department of Energy (DOE)/NNSA laboratories, sites, and plants. This program provides nonproliferation-relevant science and technology opportunities through a modernized facility infrastructure. This paper provides an overview of NSP, highlights ongoing efforts in uranium and plutonium processing, and describes examples of hands-on experimental work and associated modeling and simulation.
Clinical management of constipation – the role of physical activity - systematic review
Authors: Flanczewski Sebastian , Gajek-Flanczewska Wiktoria , Walczak Agata , Wirkijowski Jakub , Niegowska Wiktoria , Woźniak Paulina , Kidacki Kajetan , Wiklińska Agata , Śliwińska Martyna , Wójtowicz Katarzyna , Jaroń Aleksandra , Piątkowska Karolina
Published: November 2024

Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that affects a significant portion of the global population, yet its management remains challenging due to its complex etiology. This review explores the potential benefits and mechanisms of physical activity in alleviating constipation symptoms. We examined recent studies on the physiological effects of various exercise types and intensities on bowel movements, gastrointestinal blood flow, and microbiome composition. Our findings suggest that aerobic exercise enhances colonic motility and accelerates gastrointestinal transit, though the effects vary depending on exercise duration and intensity. While light to moderate physical activity (less than 60 minutes) appears beneficial, prolonged or intense exercise may inhibit motility and exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, exercise-induced changes in the gut microbiome and blood flow dynamics were observed, influencing stool consistency and colonic function. However, the interplay between diet, hydration, and physical activity is crucial, as adequate dietary fiber and hydration are essential for optimizing exercise's impact on constipation. Although evidence supports the role of physical activity in managing constipation, further research is needed to clarify the most effective exercise regimens and their integration with dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Haemorrhagic shock in a pregnant patient and the unsuspicious subclavian catheter
Authors: Silva Nuno , Rebolo Diogo , Santos Pedro , Sousa Nuno , Lopes Luísa
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Central venous catheterisation (CVC) is a commonly performed procedure in clinical practice. Although usually safe, complications can arise such inadvertent vascular lesion. This report is of a case of left brachiocephalic vascular lesion due to a subclavian catheter, thus raising awareness about this potential complication, which is not always immediately recognised. Case report: We report the case of a 31-year-old healthy woman, 42 weeks pregnant, who presented with complications during an elective caesarean section. The patient experienced haemorrhagic shock due to the incomplete rupture of the left ovarian pedicle, further complicated by the accidental lesion of the left brachiocephalic vein caused by the tip of a right subclavian catheter, aggravated by the late discovery only after extubation. This case highlights the importance of patient selection, proper technique and the careful monitoring pre- and post-procedure. Conclusion: Brachiocephalic vein lesions arising from CVC insertions are rare but significant complications that require timely recognition and intervention.
Harnessing farmer engagement to develop a 10-point plan to control Johne's disease in dairy herds
Authors: Orpin Peter Guy , Sibley Dick
Published: November 2024

Since the launch of the voluntary National Johne's Management Plan (NJMP) in 2015, the within-herd prevalence of Johne's disease (JD) in the UK has decreased from 8.49% to 2.68%, this reduction occurred by 2022. As part of the NJMP, veterinarians and farmers are required to conduct a risk assessment, examine the herd JD status and formulate a management plan within which farmers commit to one of six management strategies. In response to the success of the NJMP, completion of the NJMP or equivalent scheme has been mandatory under the Red Tractor assurance scheme since 2019. However, levels of engagement with the NJMP among both veterinarians and farmers, and progress with respect to JD prevalence, vary considerably. This paper uses a mixture of literature and expert opinions to discuss these issues and generate the JD Control 10-Point Plan. Failing to control JD is generally not associated with technical issues or inadequate supporting science, but with attitudes, beliefs and communications. The JD Control 10-Point Plan is a practical step-by-step guide for veterinary practices detailing how to develop JD control plans. In summary, veterinary practices should agree on a database which can be used to store data, develop a ‘Johne's disease champion’, conduct knowledge exchange events and follow up with individual farmers to better understand the attitudes and beliefs of their clients. Then, in line with the NJMP, use risk assessment and initial surveillance data to discuss and develop a JD control plan which is to be reviewed annually.
Bovine respiratory disease: prevention and control
Authors: Gladden Nicola
Published: November 2024

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) presents a diagnostic challenge as clinical signs alone may not identify the underlying cause. Whilst clinical signs may suggest pneumonia, it is important to recognise that BRD encompasses upper and lower respiratory tract disease. Both bacterial and viral pathogens are implicated in BRD, and co-infections are common, further complicating diagnosis.
Bovine viral diarrhoea: (nearly) 15 years of work
Authors: Paton Neil
Published: November 2024

Neil Paton discusses bovine viral diarrhoea eradication in Wales, highlighting vet-farmer collaboration and opportunities for new graduates.
The canine DNA recovery project: preventing livestock injuries and fatalities
Authors: Martin Dave
Published: November 2024

A new initiative aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of identifying dogs involved in livestock attacks using a novel DNA collection and analysis approach.
Servicing excellence
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

Andrew McClean speaks to the Optician Awards 2022 Optical Supplier of the Year
Fully in the frame
Authors: Cosby Zoe
Published: November 2024

Zoe Cosby reviews some of the eyewear on show at 100% Optical
The hearing will take place
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

Bill Harvey describes a typical hearing test which resulted in the fitting of hearing aids
Top audiology challenges
Authors: Patchett Lucy
Published: November 2024

Professionals and representatives within the audiology sector share key issues that need to be addressed. Lucy Patchett reports
Saving the world from mediocre glasses
Authors: White Emma
Published: November 2024

Deepak Oberai speaks to Emma White about unearthing unique and stylish eyewear and standing out from the crowd
Lofty ambitions
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: November 2024

Simon Jones makes the one block trip from Vision Expo East to visit The Loft Eyewear event
Will the Earth have its day
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

To mark this years Earth Day, an event held every April 22nd to raise awareness of the threat from global pollution and the need for greater sustainability, Bill Harvey looks at two websites with a plethora of resources of use to the ECP wanting greater involvement
Diary of a Spectacle Designer
Authors: Davies Tom
Published: November 2024

Tom Davies finds that the bottom line from attending big trade shows remains worth the effort but it's the day leading up to the shows that are most crucial
CPD: Ophthalmic suturing
Authors: Johnson Michael
Published: November 2024

Continuing an occasional series looking at some of the skills undertaken by specialist optometrists, Dr Michael Johnson outlines the basics of suturing in ophthalmic care (C105363, suitable for logging as one distance learning CPD point by optometrists and therapeutic optometrists)
Surveying the profession's mental health
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

Andrew McClean speaks to David Elliott about research into workplace stress in optometry
Delegation from NHS England commissioning to an Integrated Care System
Authors: Patchett Lucy
Published: November 2024

Lucy Patchett explores key obstacles around the changes in commissioning optometry services outlined by a recent report, with insight from experts
British drivers failing roadside vision checks
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

Andrew McClean finds out about a campaign to improve awareness of driving and vision standards
CPD: Metabolic syndrome 1
Authors: Narayan Rohit , Narayan Anoushka
Published: November 2024

In the first of a four-part series, Dr Rohit Narayan and Anoushka Narayan describe an increasingly significant disorder, one which has implications for both ocular and systemic health and for which eye care professionals may have an important role in prevention and detection. (C105559, suitable for logging as one provider-led distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Supporting myopia management
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

Bill Harvey starts a free trial of a new digital service from Ocumetra that should prove essential for everyone involved in myopia management
Diary of a Spectacle Designer
Authors: Davies Tom
Published: November 2024

Tom Davies on the advantages of being able to spin a good yarn
Water Quality Sampling Provides Insight into Nutrient Sources and Pathways in an Agricultural Watershed in the Midwestern USA
Authors: Rudko Noah , McMillan Sara K. W. , Frankenberger Jane , Lay Danielle Winter , Limiac Amanda
Published: November 2024

Highlights

Hysteresis and flushing indices were calculated for 23 storm events.

Wetter conditions led to a dilution effect for nitrate during storm events.

Travel times were faster for all nutrients during the winter, likely due to lack of vegetative cover.

Results can be used to choose practices that effectively target specific nutrient sources and pathways.

Abstract. Understanding where agricultural nutrients originate in the landscape can help mitigate downstream transport by selecting and installing best management practices that target nutrient sources. We collected flow and water quality data from 2017–2021 at two similar HUC-12 watersheds in northeastern Indiana, which provided an opportunity to link nutrient sources with transport processes in intensively managed agricultural watersheds. We calculated metrics to represent changes in nutrients during a storm event, including hysteresis (the change in concentration on the rising limb of the hydrograph compared to the recession limb) and the flushing index (the difference between concentrations at peak discharge and baseflow). We compared storm-based and annualized concentration-discharge (C-Q) relationships for NO3-N, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), total P (TP), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to land use and climate variables. Together, these provide insight into nutrient storage zones and transport pathways at the small watershed scale. Our results suggest these landscapes have plentiful and widely distributed sources of nitrogen (N) that are activated in the spring, which we observed as chemostatic behavior (i.e., concentration remained relatively constant during different flows). While this has been shown at larger scales in agricultural watersheds, these patterns are challenging to parse at the small watershed scale. We saw concentrating effects (i.e., increased concentrations as flow increased) for DOC, TP, and SRP during storms, suggesting activation of flow-paths connecting land-based sources to receiving streams. We also noted faster travel times in the winter for all four constituents when subsurface tile drains are most active and plant uptake is negligible. Our results differentiate nutrient delivery mechanisms and can aid management decisions by identifying environmental factors that most influence transport and selecting conservation practices that target these nutrient pathways. Keywords: Agriculture, Carbon, Concentration-discharge, Hysteresis, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Watershed management.
Development of an optical method to align a high-flux solar furnace
Authors: Martínez-Manuel Leopoldo , Arreola-Ramos Carlos Ernesto , Balbuena-Ortega Argelia , Arancibia-Bulnes Camilo A.
Published: November 2024

High-flux solar furnaces are valuable tools for applied research and development in solar energy. However, misalignment of concentrator facets can produce optical losses and lower the concentration ratio of these systems. This study proposes a practical method to align a faceted solar furnace. The optical method uses a computer projector that illuminates the facets with a well-defined light pattern to quantitatively and qualitatively determine any misalignment associated with the mirrors. Through the Monte Carlo ray-tracing technique, the complete solar furnace, projector, and observation plane are optically modeled for the development of the methodology. A theoretical sensitivity analysis of the technique is reported, along with the experimental validation of the determined mirror misalignments, which results in a detection accuracy of 0.32 mrad.
High Q-factor multi-Fano resonances in all-dielectric metasurface for high-performance optical switching and sensors
Authors: Zhang Tao , Huo Yiping , Xu Congmu , Li Jiamin , Zhang Zilong
Published: November 2024

The bound state in the continuum (BIC) in photonics has received widespread attention owing to its ultra-high Q-factors and promise in realizing field enhancement and sensing. In our study, we proposed and studied an all-dielectric metasurface composed of two silicon nano-quadriprisms. By introducing broken symmetry in the nano-structure, the BIC modes were transformed into quasi-BIC modes, resulting in four Fano resonances with limited but extremely high Q-values. Through multipole decompositions and electromagnetic field analysis, we revealed that these resonances were dominated by magnetic dipoles and magnetic quadrupoles responses. The sensing characteristics of the structure were examined, revealing a maximum sensitivity and figure of merit of 383.3 nm/RIU and 958.3RIU−1, respectively. The structure we proposed achieved dynamic adjustability by changing the polarization angle of incident light, and thus implemented the function of an optical switch. The ON and OFF states of the structure are obtained at y polarization and x polarization, respectively, and the ON/OFF ratio was 29.75 dB. In addition, the phase variations and group indices at the four Fano resonances were analyzed, with the maximum group index reaching 3000. These characteristics make the metasurface suitable for applications in high-performance biosensors, optical switches, and slow-light effects.
Generation of CW mid-infrared radiation in the mW power range and tuneable over 400 nm
Authors: Brameri Riccardo , Vitali Valerio , Gauthier-Manuel Ludovic , Lacava Cosimo , Pirzio Federico , Agnesi Antoniangelo , Chauvet Mathieu , Cristiani Ilaria
Published: November 2024

Miniaturization of mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy sources has progressed significantly during the past two decades, but a solution able to provide full integration, high optical power and wide tuneability in the so-called atmospheric window (2.5 - 5 µm) is still missing. In this context, we investigated a broadband frequency-tuneable source relying on difference frequency generation (DFG) in a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) ridge waveguide. By employing tuneable lasers for the pump and signal wavelengths emitting at around 1 µm and 1.55 µm, respectively, we were able to fully cover the ≈ 3 - 3.5 µm spectrum, thus translating the technological maturity of data communication photonic sources to the MIR wavelength band. Moreover, the use of a relatively large cross-section for the here-proposed PPLN ridge waveguide compared to commonly employed thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) waveguides has allowed us to achieve low propagation and coupling losses together with high damage threshold, thereby allowing us to reach mW-level power in the MIR wavelength band.
Optical anapoles excited by UV-A illumination
Authors: Poeta Diogo , Vilarinho Rafael , López-García Martín , De Beule Pieter A. A.
Published: November 2024

We report the excitation of optical anapole states at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. Numerical simulations indicate that TiO2 nano-rectangles with varying length-to-width ratios can support such modes within the 350–380 nm range. We further propose a two-dimensional periodic arrangement of these nano-rectangles deposited atop a fused silica substrate. Understanding and manipulating optical anapole states in the ultraviolet spectrum is crucial for advancing next-generation photonic devices and enhancing nonlinear optical processes, such as generation of highly energetic vacuum ultraviolet light through third-harmonic generation.
Terahertz bound states in the continuum on-and-off-Г point of a moiré photonic superlattice
Authors: Zhang Xuelian , Zhao Zhenyu , Liu Peiliang , Ako Rajour Tanyi , Sriram Sharath , Zhao Xuan , Liu Hongxin , Bu Haijun
Published: November 2024

Moiré metasurfaces exhibit high optical tuneabilities and
versatile light manipulation capabilities. Both infinite quality
factor (Q factor) and topological vortex configurations in momentum
space (k-space) of the bound state in the continuum
(BIC) have introduced new dimensions for light modulation. Herein, we
propose a moiré metasurface comprising two identical square
photonic lattices superimposed with a commensurate angle of
12.68°. By tuning the incidence angle, the symmetric-protected
BICs, Friedrich–Wintgen BIC, and accidental BIC can be achieved
simultaneously in our moiré metasurfaces. It is found that the
quasi-BICs maintain an ultrahigh Q factor beyond 107. The
photonic band structures manifest that the three types of BICs are at
the center of far-field polarization vortices in
k-space, which have their own topological charges. We
experimentally show that these BICs exhibit high sensitivity to subtle
changes in analyte refractive index for thin-film sensor application.
Our discovery predicts an approach to a highly sensitive multi-channel
terahertz biosensor.
Femtosecond laser direct writing tilted fiber Bragg gratings in multicore fiber
Authors: Li Xingyong , Wang Jiaojiao , Chen Fengyi , Qiao Xueguang
Published: November 2024

In this Letter, we propose a new method utilizing femtosecond laser direct writing technology to rapidly inscribe high-quality tilted fiber Bragg gratings (TFBGs) in multicore fibers (MCFs). A series of TFBGs with varying tilt angles were directly inscribed in MCFs using the Plane-by-Plane (Pl-by-Pl) method, and the writing time for a 4 mm long TFBG was only 3.60 s. The TFBGs couple the transmitted light from the cores of the MCF into the cladding, thereby increasing the cross talk between adjacent cores. By monitoring the wavelength and intensity changes of the core modes coupled back to the central core from the TFBGs inscribed in the edge cores, two-dimensional (2D) vector bending measurements were achieved.
300 mW 45 MHz fundamental mode-locking all-fiber ring Mamyshev oscillator at 1 µm
Authors: delangle Corentin , Scol Florent , Hönninger Clemens , Bouwmans Geraud , Vanvincq Olivier , Hugonnot Emmanuel
Published: November 2024

In this Letter, we present an experimental demonstration of an all-fiber ring Mamyshev oscillator (MO) that delivers a 300 mW optical power at a repetition rate of 45 MHz. Numerical design has shown that more than 70 MHz repetition rate is achievable in a ring cavity configuration using standard step-index fibers and components. Interest of WDM type filtering on pulse duration is especially shown. This demonstration of a high repetition rate ring Mamyshev oscillator working with the simplest transmission filter paves the way to very simple and cost-effective all-standard-PM-fiber Mamyshev oscillators.
Magnon-induced exceptional point and enhanced sensing via Brillouin scattering
Authors: Liang Zhu , Li Jiahua , Wu Ying , Lü Xin-You
Published: November 2024

In recent years, cavity optomagnonics has received considerable research interest, and the notions drawn from non-Hermitian physics have also attracted attention. Based on Faraday effect and Cotton–Mouton effect, we theoretically propose a scheme to realize exceptional point (EP) in a cavity optomagnonic system. The scheme relies on Brillouin scattering (BLS), i.e., a triple-frequency resonance between the excited photon and magnon inside cavity. By exploring the dependence of the exceptional points on the system parameters, we show that the proposed EP is magnetically tunable. Regarding the applications of the magnon-induced EP, we further discuss the greatly enhanced sensitivity, which responds to two kinds of perturbation near or on the exceptional point. Moreover, we show that the tunable EP can guard against the cavity defect to maintain the optimal precision. Characterized by the mentioned features, our proposal offers a further understanding of non-Hermitian cavity optomagnonics, and it has potential in the applications for high-sensitivity quantum sensing.
Rotating windmill array beam with adjustable wing angle
Authors: Niu Kai , Wan Liuwei , Tang Dingyuan
Published: November 2024

In this study, we introduce a method for adjusting the wing angles of windmill beams. After varying the phase parameters, the sector strengths with different wing angles were generated, and they exhibited a self-rotating property in free-space propagation. This phase was obtained by performing an elliptical operation on the stretching vortex phase. The angle between the wings of the beam varied with the ellipticity. Accordingly, array windmill beams with adjustable wing angles were designed. Finally, we analyzed the evolution of the wing angle and self-rotating properties of the beam in detail. The experimental results were consistent with those of simulations. This operational method can be applied to optical cropping techniques, and the beam can be used in optical manipulation and imaging applications.
Tantalum pentoxide on a fused quartz substrate platform for advanced photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Sim Gyurim , Jeon Seung-Woo , Kang Dongyeon Daniel , Lee Yong Soo , Kim Yanghee , Oh Kyunghwan , Han Sang-Wook , Jung Hojoong
Published: November 2024

Integrated photonics is a growing field in optics and microelectronics. In particular, tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) is a promising material for advancing integrated photonic circuits. Ta2O5 exhibits favorable characteristics, such as a high refractive index, wide transparency window, and low autofluorescence. Therefore, this study develops low-loss Ta2O5 waveguide-based microring resonators optimized for telecom band operations on fused quartz substrates. The experiments demonstrated the excellent optical properties of Ta2O5 for fabricating high-performance photonic structures. Moreover, we explored integrating diamond-inverted nanocones with Ta2O5 waveguides for single-photon emission. The findings provide insights into using Ta2O5 to develop single-photon emitters integrated into photonic circuits.
Heterogeneously integrated silicon-conductive oxide MOSCAP microring modulator array
Authors: Hsu Wei-Che , Abdolhosseini Saeed , Rong Haisheng , Kumar Ranjeet , Zechmann Bernd , Wang Alan X.
Published: November 2024

In pursuit of energy-efficient optical interconnect, the silicon
microring modulator (Si-MRM) has emerged as a pivotal device offering
an ultra-compact footprint and capability of on-chip wavelength
division multiplexing (WDM). This paper presents a
1×4 metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor
(MOSCAP) Si-MRM array gated by high-mobility titanium-doped indium
oxide (ITiO), which was fabricated by combining Intel’s
high-volume manufacturing process and the transparent conductive oxide
(TCO) patterning with the university facility. The
1×4 Si-MRM array exhibits a high
electro-optic (E-O) efficiency with V
π
·L of 0.12  V·cm and achieves a modulation rate of
(3×25+1×15)  Gb/s with a measured bandwidth of
14 GHz. Additionally, it can perform on-chip WDM modulation at
four equally spaced wavelengths without using thermal heaters. The
process compatibility between silicon photonics and TCO materials is
verified by such an industry-university co-fabrication approach for
the MOSCAP Si-MRM array and demonstrated enhanced performance from
heterogeneous integration.
Polarization-insensitive silicon intensity modulator with a maximum speed of 224  Gb/s
Authors: Zhang Zanyun , Huang Beiju , Wang Qixin , Chen Zilong , Li Ke , Zhang Kaixin , Li Meixin , Jiang Hao , Xing Jiaming , Liu Tianjun , Lv Xiaoqing , Reed Graham T.
Published: November 2024

Polarization-insensitive optical modulators allow an external laser to be remotely interconnected by single-mode optical fibers while avoiding polarization controllers, which would be convenient and cost-effective for co-packaged optics, 5G, and future 6G applications. In this article, a polarization-insensitive silicon intensity modulator is proposed and experimentally demonstrated based on two-dimensional centrally symmetric gratings, featuring a low polarization-dependent loss of 0.15 dB in minimum and polarization insensitivity of eye diagrams. The device exhibits a low fiber-to-fiber insertion loss of 9 dB and an electro-optic (EO) bandwidth of 49.8 GHz. A modulation speed of up to 224 Gb/s is also demonstrated.
Kernel machine tests of association using extrinsic and intrinsic cluster evaluation metrics
Authors: Jensen Alexandria M. , DeWitt Peter , Bettcher Brianne M. , Wrobel Julia , Kechris Katerina , Ghosh Debashis
Published: November 2024

Modeling the network topology of the human brain within the mesoscale has become an increasing focus within the neuroscientific community due to its variation across diverse cognitive processes, in the presence of neuropsychiatric disease or injury, and over the lifespan. Much research has been done on the creation of algorithms to detect these mesoscopic structures, called communities or modules, but less has been done to conduct inference on these structures. The literature on analysis of these community detection algorithms has focused on comparing them within the same subject. These approaches, however, either do not accomodate a more general association between community structure and an outcome or cannot accommodate additional covariates that may confound the association of interest. We propose a semiparametric kernel machine regression model for either a continuous or binary outcome, where covariate effects are modeled parametrically and brain connectivity measures are measured nonparametrically. By incorporating notions of similarity between network community structures into a kernel distance function, the high-dimensional feature space of brain networks, defined on input pairs, can be generalized to non-linear spaces, allowing for a wider class of distance-based algorithms. We evaluate our proposed methodology on both simulated and real datasets.
Glucocerebrosidase deficiency leads to neuropathology via cellular immune activation
Authors: Vincow Evelyn S. , Thomas Ruth E. , Milstein Gillian , Pareek Gautam , Bammler Theo K. , MacDonald James , Pallanck Leo J.
Published: November 2024

Mutations in GBA (glucosylceramidase beta), which encodes the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase), are the strongest genetic risk factor for the neurodegenerative disorders Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Lewy body dementia. Recent work has suggested that neuroinflammation may be an important factor in the risk conferred by GBA mutations. We therefore systematically tested the contributions of immune-related genes to neuropathology in a Drosophila model of GCase deficiency. We identified target immune factors via RNA-Seq and proteomics on heads from GCase-deficient flies, which revealed both increased abundance of humoral factors and increased macrophage activation. We then manipulated the identified immune factors and measured their effect on head protein aggregates, a hallmark of neurodegenerative disease. Genetic ablation of humoral (secreted) immune factors did not suppress the development of protein aggregation. By contrast, re-expressing Gba1b in activated macrophages suppressed head protein aggregation in Gba1b mutants and rescued their lifespan and behavioral deficits. Moreover, reducing the GCase substrate glucosylceramide in activated macrophages also ameliorated Gba1b mutant phenotypes. Taken together, our findings show that glucosylceramide accumulation due to GCase deficiency leads to macrophage activation, which in turn promotes the development of neuropathology.
A naturally occurring mitochondrial genome variant confers broad protection from infection in Drosophila
Authors: Salminen Tiina S. , Vesala Laura , Basikhina Yuliya , Kutzer Megan , Tuomela Tea , Lucas Ryan , Monteith Katy , Prakash Arun , Tietz Tilman , Vale Pedro F.
Published: November 2024

The role of mitochondria in immunity is increasingly recognized, but it is unclear how variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contributes to variable infection outcomes. To quantify the effect of mtDNA variation on humoral and cell-mediated innate immune responses, we utilized a panel of fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster cytoplasmic hybrids (cybrids), where unique mtDNAs (mitotypes) were introgressed into a controlled isogenic nuclear background. We observed substantial heterogeneity in infection outcomes within the cybrid panel upon bacterial, viral and parasitoid infections, driven by the mitotype. One of the mitotypes, mtKSA2, protected against bacterial, parasitoid, and to a lesser extent, viral infections. Enhanced survival was not a result of improved bacterial clearance, suggesting mtKSA2 confers increased disease tolerance. Transcriptome sequencing showed that the mtKSA2 mitotype had an upregulation of genes related to mitochondrial respiration and phagocytosis in uninfected flies. Upon infection, mtKSA2 flies exhibited infection type and duration specific transcriptomic changes. Furthermore, uninfected mtKSA2 larvae showed immune activation of hemocytes (immune cells), increased hemocyte numbers and ROS production, and enhanced encapsulation response against parasitoid wasp eggs and larvae. Our results show that mtDNA variation acts as an immunomodulatory factor in both humoral and cell-mediated innate immunity and that specific mitotypes can provide broad protection against infections.
Global maternal health country typologies: A framework to guide policy
Authors: Ward Zachary J. , Atun Rifat , King Gary , Sequeira DMello Brenda , Goldie Sue J.
Published: November 2024

Maternal mortality remains a large challenge in global health. Learning from the experience of similar countries can help to accelerate progress. In this analysis we develop a typology of country groupings for maternal health and provide guidance on how policy implications vary by country typology. We used estimates from the Global Maternal Health (GMatH) microsimulation model, which was empirically calibrated to a range of fertility, process, and mortality indicators and provides estimates for 200 countries and territories. We used the 2022 estimates of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and lifetime risk of maternal death (LTR) and used a k-means clustering algorithm to define groups of countries based on these indicators. We estimated the means of other maternal indicators for each group, as well as the mean impact of different policy interventions. We identified 7 groups (A-G) of country typologies with different salient features. High burden countries (A-B) generally have MMRs above 500 and LTRs above 2%, and account for nearly 25% of global maternal deaths. Countries in these groups are estimated to benefit most from improving access to family planning and increasing facility births. Middle burden countries (C-E) generally have MMRs between 100–500 and LTRs between 0.5%-3%. Countries in these groups account for 55% of global maternal deaths and would benefit most from increasing facility births and improving quality of care. Low burden countries (F-G) generally have MMRs below 100 and LTRs below 0.5%, account for 20% of global maternal deaths, and would benefit most from improving access to family planning and community-based interventions and linkages to care. Indicators vary widely across groups, but also within groups, highlighting the importance of considering multiple indicators when assessing progress in maternal health. Policy impacts also differ by country typology, providing policymakers with information to help prioritize interventions.
Postoperative Karnofsky performance status prediction in patients with IDH wild-type glioblastoma: A multimodal approach integrating clinical and deep imaging features
Authors: Sasagasako Tomoki , Ueda Akihiko , Mineharu Yohei , Mochizuki Yusuke , Doi Souichiro , Park Silsu , Terada Yukinori , Sano Noritaka , Tanji Masahiro , Arakawa Yoshiki , Okuno Yasushi
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor with limited survival that poses challenges in predicting patient outcomes. The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score is a valuable tool for assessing patient functionality and contributes to the stratification of patients with poor prognoses. This study aimed to develop a 6-month postoperative KPS prediction model by combining clinical data with deep learning-based image features from pre- and postoperative MRI scans, offering enhanced personalized care for glioblastoma patients.

Materials and methods

Using 1,476 MRI datasets from the Brain Tumor Segmentation Challenge 2020 public database, we pretrained two variational autoencoders (VAEs). Imaging features from the latent spaces of the VAEs were used for KPS prediction. Neural network-based KPS prediction models were developed to predict scores below 70 at 6 months postoperatively. In this retrospective single-center analysis, we incorporated clinical parameters and pre- and postoperative MRI images from 150 newly diagnosed IDH wild-type glioblastoma, divided into training (100 patients) and test (50 patients) sets. In training set, the performance of these models was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), calculated through fivefold cross-validation repeated 10 times. The final evaluation of the developed models assessed in the test set.

Results

Among the 150 patients, 61 had 6-month postoperative KPS scores below 70 and 89 scored 70 or higher. We developed three models: a clinical-based model, an MRI-based model, and a multimodal model that incorporated both clinical parameters and MRI features. In the training set, the mean AUC was 0.785±0.051 for the multimodal model, which was significantly higher than the AUCs of the clinical-based model (0.716±0.059, P = 0.038) using only clinical parameters and the MRI-based model (0.651±0.028, P<0.001) using only MRI features. In the test set, the multimodal model achieved an AUC of 0.810, outperforming the clinical-based (0.670) and MRI-based (0.650) models.

Conclusion

The integration of MRI features extracted from VAEs with clinical parameters in the multimodal model substantially enhanced KPS prediction performance. This approach has the potential to improve prognostic prediction, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatments for patients with glioblastoma.
The influence of horizontal violence on intention to leave among Jordanian nurses: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Nawafleh Ahmad H. , Al-Hamdan Zaid M. , Bawayzah Hamzah , Bawadi Hala
Published: November 2024

Aim

To determine nurses’ perception of horizontal violence and its relationship with intention to leave among Jordanian nurses.

Background

Horizontal violence is detrimental to healthcare organizations. Healthcare employees who are victims of horizontal violence may become unable to perform well, living with severe stress. Few studies in the world and no study in Jordan has examined the influence of horizontal violence on intent to stay among nurses.

Method

A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational study design was used in this study.

Result

520 registered nurses were recruited, and 436 surveys were returned, resulting in an 83% response rate. The findings showed that, horizontal violence is moderate among nurses in Jordan. The mean score for nurse’s intent to leave work indicated a solid willingness to leave the job. The correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between horizontal violence and intent to leave. Female nurses reported significantly higher scores than males; also, there is a significant difference in responses in horizontal violence based on educational level.

Conclusion

In this study, it was found that horizontal violence in Jordanian organizations is moderate, and it has a significant relationship with nurses’ intention to leave.

Implication for nursing management

Nursing managers have a vital role in ensuring and enforcing the ‘zero violence’ policy in their department, which means that no reported incident of horizontal violence will be ignored. Each identified case of horizontal violence will be investigated and addressed appropriately.
Deep learning-based near-field effect correction method for Controlled Source Electromagnetic Method and application
Authors: Luo Wei , Chen Xianjie , Wang Shixing , Zhao Siwei , Yin Xiaokang , Lan Xing , Jiang Peifan , Wang Shaojun
Published: November 2024

Addressing the impact of near-field effects in the Controlled Source Electromagnetic Method(CSEM) has long been a focal point in the realm of geophysical exploration. Therefore, we propose a deep learning-based near-field correction method for controlled-source electromagnetic methods. Initially, diverse datasets for a layered geologic model are generated through forward simulation. Building upon the characteristics of near-field effects, a deep learning network utilizing LSTM-CNN is meticulously constructed. Multiple experiments are executed to scrutinize the network’s effectiveness in mitigating near-field effects and its resilience against noise. Following this, the proposed method is applied to actual CSEM data to validate its applicability in practice. The method is subsequently tested on measured CSEM data, confirming its practical efficacy. Results from experiments indicate that, for theoretical data, the LSTM-CNN network-trained data closely aligns with simulated data, showcasing a significant improvement. Moreover, when applied to measured data, the method eradicates false high-resistance anomalies at lower frequencies. In conclusion, this deep learning-based correction method proficiently eliminates the influence of near-field effects in the CSEM, delivering practical application benefits that more accurately reflect the authentic geologic structure.