bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of miR-335-5p and miR-335-3p in human osteoarthritic tissues
Authors: Wilson Thomas G. , Baghel Madhu , Kaur Navdeep , Moutzouros Vasilios , Davis Jason , Ali Shabana Amanda
Published: June 2023

Objective

We aimed to characterize the expression patterns, gene targets, and functional effects of miR-335-5p and miR-335-3p among seven primary human knee and hip osteoarthritic tissue types.

Methods

We collected synovial fluid, subchondral bone, articular cartilage, synovium, meniscus/labrum, infrapatellar/acetabular fat, anterior cruciate ligament/ligamentum teres, and vastus medialis oblique/quadratus femoris muscle (n = 7–20) from surgical patients with early- or late-stage osteoarthritis (OA) and quantified miR-335-5p and miR-335-3p expression by real-time PCR. Predicted gene targets were measured in knee OA infrapatellar fat following miRNA inhibitor transfection (n = 3), and prioritized gene targets were validated following miRNA inhibitor and mimic transfection (n = 6). Following pathway analyses, we performed Oil-Red-O staining to assess changes in total lipid content in infrapatellar fat.

Results

Showing a 227-fold increase in knee OA infrapatellar fat (the highest expressing tissue) versus meniscus (the lowest expressing tissue), miR-335-5p was more abundant than miR-335-3p (92-fold increase). MiR-335-5p showed higher expression across knee tissues versus hip tissues, and in late-stage versus early-stage knee OA fat. Exploring candidate genes, VCAM1 and MMP13 were identified as putative direct targets of miR-335-5p and miR-335-3p, respectively, showing downregulation with miRNA mimic transfection. Exploring candidate pathways, predicted miR-335-5p gene targets were enriched in a canonical adipogenesis network (p = 2.1e − 5). Modulation of miR-335-5p in late-stage knee OA fat showed an inverse relationship to total lipid content.

Conclusion

Our data suggest both miR-335-5p and miR-335-3p regulate gene targets in late-stage knee OA infrapatellar fat, though miR-335-5p appears to be more prominent, with tissue-, joint-, and stage-specific effects.
Bacterial endocarditis following COVID-19 infection: two case reports
Authors: Barahimi Elham , Defaee Sahar , Shokraei Rahele , Sheybani-Arani MohammadHosein , Salimi Asl Ali , Ghaem Hossein Montazer
Published: June 2023

Background

COVID-19, an emerging disease raised as a pandemic, urgently needed treatment choices. Some options have been confirmed as lifesaving treatments, but long-term complications must be clearly illustrated. Bacterial endocarditis is a less frequent disease among patients infected with SARS_COV_2 compared to other cardiac comorbidities in these patients. This case report discusses bacterial endocarditis as a potential adverse effect after administering tocilizumab, corticosteroids, and COVID-19 infection.

Case presentation

In the first case, a 51-year-old Iranian female housewife was admitted to the hospital with fever, weakness, and monoarthritis symptoms. The second case is a 63-year-old Iranian woman who is a housewife admitted with weakness, shortness of breath, and extreme sweating. Both cases tested positive for Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) less than one month ago and were treated with tocilizumab and corticosteroid. Both patients were suspected of infective endocarditis. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in the blood cultures of both patients. The diagnosis of endocarditis is confirmed for both cases. Cases are subjected to open-heart surgery, a mechanical valve is placed, and they are treated with medication. In subsequent visits, their condition was reported to be improving.

Conclusion

Adjacent to cardiovascular inclusion as COVID-19 disease complications, secondary infection taken after the organisation of immunocompromising specialists can result in basic maladies and conditions counting infective endocarditis.
Identification of a novel risk factor for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in elk: S100G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the prion protein gene (PRNP)
Authors: Lee Yu-Ran , Kim Yong-Chan , Won Sae-Young , Jeong Min-Ju , Park Kyung-Je , Park Hoo-Chang , Roh In-Soon , Kang Hae-Eun , Sohn Hyun-Joo , Jeong Byung-Hoon
Published: June 2023

Prion diseases are fatal and malignant infectious encephalopathies induced by the pathogenic form of prion protein (PrPSc) originating from benign prion protein (PrPC). A previous study reported that the M132L single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the prion protein gene (PRNP) is associated with susceptibility to chronic wasting disease (CWD) in elk. However, a recent meta-analysis integrated previous studies that did not find an association between the M132L SNP and susceptibility to CWD. Thus, there is controversy about the effect of M132L SNP on susceptibility to CWD. In the present study, we investigated novel risk factors for CWD in elk. We investigated genetic polymorphisms of the PRNP gene by amplicon sequencing and compared genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies between CWD-positive and CWD-negative elk. In addition, we performed a linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis by the Haploview version 4.2 program. Furthermore, we evaluated the 3D structure and electrostatic potential of elk prion protein (PrP) according to the S100G SNP using AlphaFold and the Swiss-PdbViewer 4.1 program. Finally, we analyzed the free energy change of elk PrP according to the S100G SNP using I-mutant 3.0 and CUPSAT. We identified 23 novel SNP of the elk PRNP gene in 248 elk. We found a strong association between PRNP SNP and susceptibility to CWD in elk. Among those SNP, S100G is the only non-synonymous SNP. We identified that S100G is predicted to change the electrostatic potential and free energy of elk PrP. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first report of a novel risk factor, the S100G SNP, for CWD.
Safety and efficacy of patient controlled epidural analgesia versus conventional epidural analgesia in lower limb orthopedic surgeries: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Ramdev Babita , Gopal TVenu , Sharma Dinesh Kumar
Published: June 2023

Background

Orthopedic surgeries lead to moderate to severe postoperative pain, treating which is a challenge to the anesthesiologist. The present prospective, randomized study was carried out to compare the efficacy of postoperative pain relief between patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) and conventional intermittent bolus epidural analgesia (IBEA) \with very low concentration of bupivacaine plus fentanyl in 60 ASA I and ASA II patients for orthopedic lower limb surgeries. Following variables like heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, total analgesic consumption, patient satisfaction (Likert scale) and side effects were assessed for 24 h postoperatively.

Results

The hemodynamic parameters were comparable in both the groups at various time intervals. There was a significant decrease in VAS score, less analgesic consumption, less rescue analgesia requirement and more patient satisfaction in PCEA group as compared to IBEA group.

Conclusions

Patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with a combination of bupivacaine and fentanyl has more efficacy and safety than intermittent bolus epidural analgesia (IBEA) so it should be used more often.
Diltiazem efficacy and CYP2D6 gene polymorphism in patients with atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response
Authors: Uluturk Mehmet , Yilmaz Atakan , Seyit Murat , Ozen Mert , Oskay Alten , Kemanci Aykut , Unal Medine , Senol Hande , Koseler Aylin , Turkcuer Ibrahim
Published: June 2023

Background

Diltiazem stands out as one of the front-line drugs administered in the emergency department to achieve acute rate control in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation with rapid Ventricular Response. One of the cytochrome enzymes involved in the metabolism of diltiazem is cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). Interindividual differences can act on drug metabolism and thus drug efficacy due to the genetic polymorphism induced by the CYP2D6 enzyme. This study explores the association between the efficacy of diltiazem and the genetic polymorphism of CYP2D6 in patients with atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response.

Results

87 out of 93 individuals with ventricular rate > 120 beats/min constituted the patient cohort. The patients were administered 0.25 mg/kg diltiazem intravenously. As a second dose, 0.35 mg/kg diltiazem was administered to patients who reportedly did not receive adequate drug efficacy. Heart rate control was considered to be achieved in patients whose heart rate fell below 110 beats/min and did not rise above 110 beats/min for 2 h. CYP2D6 *2, *3, *4 and *10 represent allele variants and *1 represents wild type (wt) allele. Achieving rate control after one or two doses of diltiazem in normal allele (wt/wt) carriers proved significantly higher than wt/*2, wt/*4 and wt/*10 heterozygous variant carriers. No significant difference was noted in wt/*3 heterozygous variant carriers.

Conclusion

The presence of *2, *4 and *10 alleles was observed to significantly compromise the drug efficacy. *3 allele was found to bear no relation to the effect of diltiazem on achieving rate control.
Development, Feasibility, and Acceptability of an Oncologist Group Peer Support Program From ASCO's Clinician Well-Being Task Force
Authors: Hlubocky Fay J. , McFarland Daniel C. , Back Anthony L. , Friese Christopher R. , Lyckholm Laurel , Gallagher Colleen M. , McGinnis Molly , Spence Rebecca , Lynch Laura , Tomkins Julia , Shanafelt Tait , Srivastava Piyush
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE

The COVID-19 pandemic has had deleterious effects on oncologist professional and personal well-being, the optimal delivery of quality cancer care, and the future cancer care workforce, with many departing the field. Hence, the identification of evidence-based approaches to sustain oncologists is essential to promote well-being.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed a brief, oncologist-centered, virtual group peer support program and tested its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact on well-being. Trained facilitators provided support to peers on the basis of burnout research in oncology with available resources to enhance oncologist resilience. Peers completed pre- and postsurvey assessment of well-being and satisfaction.

RESULTS

From April to May 2022, 11 of 15 (73%) oncologists participated in its entirety: mean age 51.1 years (range, 33-70), 55% female, 81.8% Ca, 82% medical oncologists, 63.6% trained ≥15 years, average 30.3 patients/wk (range, 5-60), and 90.9% employed in hospital/health system practice. There was a statistically significant difference in pre- and postintervention well-being (7.0 ± 3.6 v 8.2 ± 3.0, P = .03) with high satisfaction with postgroup experience (9.1 ± 2.5). These quantitative improvements were affirmed by qualitative feedback. These themes included (1) an enhanced understanding of burnout in oncology, (2) shared experience in practice of oncology, and (3) fostering connections with diverse colleagues. Future recommendations proposed included (1) restructuring group format and (2) tailoring groups according to practice setting (academic v community).

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results suggest that a brief, innovative oncologist-tailored group peer support program is feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for enhancing well-being dimensions including burnout, engagement, and satisfaction. Additional study is required to refine program components (optimal timing, format) to support oncologist well-being, now during the pandemic and well into recovery.
Experiences of Poverty Around the Time of a Birth: A Research Note
Authors: Hamilton Christal , Sariscsany Laurel , Waldfogel Jane , Wimer Christopher
Published: June 2023

While research highlights that, on average, women's income and labor force participation fall around the time of a birth, little is known about how women's experiences of poverty around childbirth vary by birth parity or race and ethnicity. Using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation and the Supplemental Poverty Measure (a comprehensive measure of poverty), this research note examines the poverty rate of mothers overall and by birth parity and racial and ethnic group in the six months before and after childbirth. We also assess the role of current government support programs in moderating financial losses during the time around a birth. We find that poverty rates among mothers increase after childbirth, with the magnitude varying by birth parity and racial and ethnic group. While current government programs help reduce poverty among mothers around childbirth, these programs do not protect mothers from falling into poverty after childbirth nor do they reduce the inequities in poverty by race or ethnicity. Our results highlight the need for greater public assistance for mothers with recent births to ensure improved child and family well-being and also call attention to the need for policies to address long-standing racial and ethnic inequities in child and family well-being.
Omega-3 enriched chick diet reduces the foraging areas of breeders in two closely related shearwaters from contrasting marine environments
Authors: Santos Sara H. , Martins Beatriz S. , Ramos Jaime A. , Pereira Jorge M. , Almeida Nathalie , Gonçalves Ana M. M. , Matos Diana M. , Norte Ana C. , Rodrigues Isabel F. , dos Santos Ivo , Araújo Pedro M. , Paiva Vitor H.
Published: June 2023

Seabirds have evolved several life-history characteristics to help buffer environmental stochasticity. However, particularly during the breeding season, seabirds may be affected by reductions in prey availability and localised oceanographic conditions caused by variations in the environment. The increase in sea surface temperature, triggered by accelerated global warming, is impairing phytoplankton production of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs). Here, we assessed the ecological role of omega-3 FAs on chick development and subsequently on breeder foraging behaviour in two closely related shearwater species foraging in contrasting marine environments. We supplemented chicks with omega-3 FA pills or with control placebo pills and monitored chick growth, chick health status and breeder at-sea foraging behaviour using global positioning system devices. We found that omega-3 chick supplementation reduced the 95% kernel utilization distribution of short trips of Cape Verde shearwaters, but overall, breeders kept a similar foraging pattern between treatments, potentially influenced by predictable prey patches off the West African coast. In contrast, for Cory's shearwaters, the parents of the omega-3 group greatly reduced the foraging effort. This suggests that the proximity to productive prey patches around the colony may help birds to adjust their effort and, therefore, energy expenditure, to changes in the development of their offspring, as driven by their nutritional status. Overall, our results suggest a link between a chick diet enriched in omega-3 FAs and parental foraging effort, providing insight into their ability to cope with a changing and increasingly stochastic marine environment.
Burnout, mood disorders and socioeconomic consequences among civil servants: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Ruiz-Adame Manuel , Martínez-Rodríguez Susana , Pérez-Troncoso Daniel , Dapena-Gómez María
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Literature shows the existence of a relationship between working conditions and alterations in mood. Civil servants have certain peculiarities in terms of job stability, which suggests that they should be less susceptible to mood disorders and burnout. It is common to find news in various media about higher rates of sickness absence and presenteeism. They have clinical and socio-economic aftermaths. The aim of this review is to know what intervention strategies have been applied for mood disorders and burnout syndrome among civil servants and what are the socioeconomic consequences

Method: Searches will be performed on: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, EconLit, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews. Only peer reviewed papers and reviews written in English or Spanish will be included. Blind paper selections and data extraction will be performed by two independent researchers. In case of discrepancy, a third researcher will act as a tiebreaker. The review will follow the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Discussion: This systematic review will provide evidence to support decision makers from various stakeholder groups, including policymakers, business organisations, labor unions, clinical managers, and the academic community interested in analysing the clinical and socioeconomic consequences of mood disorders among public sector workers regarding issues related to these types of mental health issues.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023410761
What do mammals have to say about the neurobiology of acoustic communication?
Authors: Salles Angeles , Neunuebel Joshua
Published: June 2023

Auditory communication is crucial across taxa, including humans, because it enables individuals to convey information about threats, food sources, mating opportunities, and other social cues necessary for survival. Comparative approaches to auditory communication will help bridge gaps across taxa and facilitate our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying this complex task. In this work, we briefly review the field of auditory communication processing and the classical champion animal, the songbird. In addition, we discuss other mammalian species that are advancing the field. In particular, we emphasize mice and bats, highlighting the characteristics that may inform how we think about communication processing.
Las vías del artivismo tres momentos de acción social a través del arte, sus logros en la comunidad y alcances pedagógicos.
Authors: Ocón Aburto Candela
Published: June 2023

Este es un análisis de tres modelos de acción social reivindicativa de justicia social y promoción de cambios sociales y culturales necesarios y urgentes a través de las prácticas artísticas que están enmarcadas en el concepto de artivismo. Para ello se contextualiza el propio término y el movimiento desde diversos puntos de vista, principalmente el educativo, pero también el curatorial o el del receptor de estos eventos. Además, se tiene en cuenta el contexto tecnológico actual como elemento de análisis tanto desde el artivismo como desde el ámbito educativo para delimitar su influencia en todos estos aspectos. En la propuesta no se pretende abarcar todos los tipos que podría haber, pues una de las características del artivismo es su heterogeneidad, transversalidad y amplitud. Es más bien una descripción de algunas de estas prácticas en orden a reflexionar sobre las que llegan más lejos en sus objetivos, siendo todas igual de necesarias y oportunas, y sin que ninguna excluya a la otra. En este proceso se investiga desde la relación de los hechos culturales con el mercado como forma cultural predominante en la actualidad y de cómo estas prácticas interactúan con este marco cultural-mercantil. Desde esta perspectiva se estudia qué espacio y papel desempeñan estas acciones artísticas en la educación y en la educación artística, y qué rol juega el docente.
The other side of the coin: Uveitis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: TEKGÖZ Nilüfer , ÇELİKEL Elif , AYDIN Fatma , EKİCİ TEKİN Zahide , KURT Tuba , SEZER Müge , GÜNGÖRER Vildan , KARAGÖL Cüneyt , COŞKUN Serkan , KAPLAN Melike Mehveş , ÖNER Nimet , POLAT Merve Cansu , ÖZMEN Serkan , SEZER Serdar , ACAR Banu
Published: June 2023

Objective: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a childhood rheumatic disease that causes joint inflammation and tissue damage. Non-infectious uveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation of JIA.The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors that play a role in occurrence and recurrence of uveitis and, to determine the relationship between arthritis and uveitis activity in patients with JIA.
Material and Methods: This retrospective, cross sectional study included JIA patients with/without uveitis from a referral center in Turkey. The Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score was used to evaluate the disease activity and calculated for arthritis and uveitis separately.
Results: Uveitis was seen in 26 (13.3%) of 195 JIA patients. Of 26 JIA associated uveitis (JIA-U) patients, 19 (73%) had an oligoarticular subtype. The median age at diagnosis of JIA with uveitis was younger than without uveitis (p=0.015). Oligoarticular JIA was found to be associated with recurrence of uveitis (p=0.021). The occurrence age of arthritis and uveitis was significantly younger in patients with recurrent uveitis (p=0.041, p=0.002, respectively). The median JADAS27 score at the onset of uveitis was lower in the recurrent group (p=0.038).
Conclusion: Early age is a significant risk factor for occurrence and recurrence of uveitis. It is important to remember that, during the disease course, patients with low disease activity may also develop uveitis.
IIoT Collaboration
Authors: Tyler Neil
Published: June 2023

COLLABORATION AIMS TO DELIVER WIRELESS SOLUTIONS FOR IIOT MARKETS.
An Acoustic Based Local Positioning System for Dynamic UAV in GPS-Denied Environments
Authors: Tsay Lok Wai Jacky , Tomoo Shiigi , Huang Zichen , Nakanishi Hiroaki , Suzuki Tetsuhito , Shiraga Keiichiro , Ogawa Yuichi , Kondo Naoshi
Published: June 2023

Highlights

A positioning system for mobile UAVs is needed in a GPS-denied environment.

A Doppler shift compensation algorithm was proposed.

The successful detection rate and positioning errors were 90.2% and 75.9 ± 39.1 mm, respectively.

The system performance meets the requirements for mobile UAVs in an indoor environment.

Abstract. An alternative positioning system, the Spread Spectrum Sound-based Local Positioning System (SSSLPS), was developed to extend the usage of UAVs in GPS-denied environments, such as greenhouses. To date, it has been proven that the SSSLPS could provide a centimeter-level locational accuracy of static objects and dynamic ground robots. In this research, the ranging and positioning performance of SSSLPS were evaluated with the system mounted on a UAV. Meanwhile, to minimize the Time of Arrival (ToA) estimation error and improve positioning accuracy, a novel Doppler shift compensation algorithm was proposed. Experiments were conducted, and the measurement accuracy was evaluated by comparing the measurement of the motion capture system. The results show a successful detection rate of 90.2% using the proposed algorithm and a position error of 75.9 mm. These results demonstrate that the SSSLPS with spectrum peak algorithm can improve positioning accuracy and enable the SSSLPS to be an accurate positioning system for UAVs in a greenhouse. Keywords: Dopper shift, Greenhouse robots, Positioning system, ToA estimation, UAV.
Evaluating Kaolin Clay as a Potential Substance for ISO Sprayer Cleaning System Tests
Authors: Román Carla , Jeon Hongyoung , Zhu Heping , Ozkan Erdal
Published: June 2023

Highlights

Guidelines for measuring ASP® 602 concentrations with a spectrophotometer or turbidimeters were established.

Concentration predictions had errors between 0.1% and 24.6% for the range from 0 to 100 ppm with the instruments.

Stationary and portable instruments were able to detect ASP® 602 concentrations as low as 2 ppm.

Test results from ISO 22368-1 validated that ASP® 602 could be used for inspecting cleanout and agitation systems.

Abstract. ASP® 602 (kaolin clay) was evaluated as an alternate material for performing ISO 22368-1 sprayer clean out test standard. Recommendations for sample homogenization, measurement temperature and sample sizes to address potential concerns or technical challenges in assaying ASP® 602 samples were provided under relevant conditions. Linear regression models for predicting ASP® 602 concentrations from 0 to 100 ppm (mg·L-1) in sample mixtures were developed using outputs from a spectrophotometer and two different turbidimeters. Test results showed that the three instruments could measure ASP® 602 concentrations as low as 2 ppm. Validations of the developed models showed approximation errors were 0.9% to 24.6% and 0.1% to 18.4% for the spectrophotometer and the turbidimeters, respectively. However, their maximum absolute errors were less than 3.7 ppm for the spectrophotometer and 2.3 ppm for the turbidimeters within the validation range. Two agitation and cleaning systems of a sprayer were evaluated with ASP® 602 following the ISO 22368-1 clean out procedure. Residue reduction factors from the initial mixture concentration were 163 for one system which did not meet ISO 16119-2 environmental requirement (factor over 400) and 819 for the other system which exceeded the requirement. Analysis results of ASP® 602 samples from ISO 22368-1 clean out tests showed that ASP® 602 could be used as a potential testing substance to evaluate and differentiate the performance of agitation and cleaning systems of sprayers. Keywords: Absorbance, ASP® 602, ISO Standard, Pesticide, Spectrophotometer, Turbidity.
Rapid one-shot dual-shearing digital shearography using a spatial light modulator
Authors: Wang Yonghong , Xu Keda , Wu Shuangle , Yao Yanfeng , Li Junrui
Published: June 2023

Digital shearography is a non-contact, whole-field, and high-accuracy laser-based optical interferometric method. It is widely used in the field of non-destructive testing and material evaluation. Dual-shearing DS, as the state-of-the-art method, can detect defects or measure the derivative of deformation in two sensitive directions. Most existing dual-shearing DS is realized with a bulky Michelson or Mach–Zehnder interferometer; recently, the usage of a spatial light modulator (SLM) in DS offers a new approach to designing a simple and light shearographic system. However, prior proposed SLM-based DS requires multiple shots for the phase map acquisition, with the classic temporal phase-shift (TPS) technique severely limiting its applications. This paper proposes a novel, to our best knowledge, one-shot dual-shearing DS by creating a dual-stripe pattern in the SLM. Two separate phase maps, with different sensitive directions, were acquired simultaneously via the spatial phase-shift technique. The measurement can be easily done within a single shot in its compact and light body. Moreover, the shearing amount of the two sensitive directions can be set independently and precisely. These advantages promote that the proposed system can be applied in various applications, especially for dynamic and complicated composite material testing. A detailed theory and experimental validation are described.
Laser waterless cleaning of residual organic solvents on the surface of polyurethane coatings
Authors: Chen Liang , Jiang Bin , Tong Yanqun , Guo Jiabin , Ren Xudong , Zhou Wangfan , Lu Jiangyi , Ding Liuxin
Published: June 2023

Residual organic solvents have a great impact on the physical and mental health of
equipment operators in industry and agriculture. Laser waterless
cleaning technology of residual organic solvents on the surface of
polyurethane coatings has great application prospects and is a good
way to tackle the pollution problem. In this paper, the evolutionary
behavior of a laser waterless cleaning mechanism and substrate surface
state is analyzed. The influence law of laser energy density and
scanning speed on the residual solvent cleaning effect was
investigated. The optimal laser cleaning parameters were obtained by
comprehensive evaluation of the substrate surface cleaning effect and
microscopic morphology. The peak of solvent characteristics before and
after laser cleaning was detected by Raman spectroscopy. The results
demonstrated that the laser cleaning effect was better with the
increase of energy density or the decrease of scanning speed in the
substrate damage range, and the best laser cleaning parameters were
laser energy density of 0.24J/cm2 and scanning speed of
500 mm/s. A significant reduction of the peak of Raman
spectroscopy was found, reflecting the excellent effect of laser
waterless cleaning of residual organic solvents.
Two-photon microendoscope for label-free imaging in stereotactic neurosurgery
Authors: Welton Tarah A. , George Nicholas M. , Ozbay Baris N. , Gentile Polese Arianna , Osborne Gregory , Futia Gregory L. , Kushner J. Keenan , Kleinschmidt-DeMasters Bette , Alexander Allyson L. , Abosch Aviva , Ojemann Steven , Restrepo Diego , Gibson Emily A.
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate a gradient refractive index (GRIN) microendoscope with an outer diameter of ∼1.2 mm and a length of ∼186 mm that can fit into a stereotactic surgical cannula. Two photon imaging at an excitation wavelength of 900 nm showed a field of view of ∼180 microns and a lateral and axial resolution of 0.86 microns and 9.6 microns respectively. The microendoscope was tested by imaging autofluorescence and second harmonic generation (SHG) in label-free human brain tissue. Furthermore, preliminary image analysis indicates that image classification models can predict if an image is from the subthalamic nucleus or the surrounding tissue using conventional, bench-top two-photon autofluorescence.
Polarized micro-ring resonator for miniaturization of the Rydberg atomic system
Authors: He Li , An Qiang , Fu Yunqi
Published: June 2023

Rydberg atomic sensing technology can take the measurement of the electromagnetic field into the optical frequency, showing excellent characteristics such as high accuracy, high sensitivity, ultra-wideband measurement, and self-calibration and is quickly becoming one of the international research hotspots. The laser system is the key to realizing the excitation of a Rydberg atom, and also one of the bottlenecks to miniaturizing the sensing system. Thereby, laser polarization and linewidth can greatly impact the energy level transition efficiency. In this paper, a polarized micro-ring resonator, including a micro-ring resonator and a three-waveguide polarization beam splitter, is designed based on the phase-matching condition. With this structure, polarization selection and frequency filtering can be easily realized at the micrometer scale. The results show that the TM mode can get good spectral response, and the TE mode is suppressed below −12dB at the drop port. This on-chip integrated structure is one of the effective ways to miniaturize the Rydberg atomic system.
Scene-adaptive spatially channeled imaging Mueller polarimeter
Authors: Tyo J. Scott , Rodríguez-Herrera Oscar G. , Flannery Connor , Kurtz Joe , Alenin Andrey S.
Published: June 2023

A spatially adaptive Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter is described, simulated, and demonstrated with preliminary experiments. The system uses a spatial light modulator (SLM) in the polarization state generator (PSG) to create spatial carriers that controlled by the pattern written to the SLM. The polarization state analyzer (PSA) is a commercial division of focal plane imaging polarimeter. The PSG/PSA pair form a 9-channeled partial Mueller matrix polarimeter that measures a 3 × 3 sub-matrix of the Mueller matrix. We demonstrate that adapting the PSG modulation to the spatial frequency structure of the scene can reduce channel crosstalk and improve reconstruction accuracy. Initial experiments are performed that demonstrate the SLM’s ability to produce sufficient modulation diversity to create the desired channel structure. Though there are several experimental challenges to obtain accurate Mueller matrix imagery, we demonstrate a system that adapts to the particular scene spatial frequency structure.
Conversion of THz refractive index variation to detectable voltage change realized by a graphene-based Brewster angle device
Authors: Li Xing-yue , Zhang Tian-yao , Zhang Zhao-Hui , Tao Lu-qi , Huang Zheng-yong , Yan Jian-Feng , Zhao Xuan , Zhao Xiao-Yan , Li Ying , Wu Xian-hao , Yin Lu , Yuan Yuan , Guo Jian-mei
Published: June 2023

The Brewster effect has been previously reported as an essential mechanism for terahertz (THz) wave sensing application. However, generally in a sensing application, a complex rotation apparatus is required for detecting the slight change in Brewster angle. Here, we propose a graphene-based Brewster angle device operating at a specific terahertz frequency capable of sensing the refractive index at a fixed incident angle. In other words, our sensing device could avoid the impact of Brewster angle shift and eliminate the need for high-precision rotating equipment, which is usually required in traditional sensing applications. The conversion from the refractive index to a Volt-level detectable voltage roots from the tunability of graphene’s Fermi level in the external electrical field. A linear correlation between the output voltage and the background refractive index is observed and theocratically analyzed. Furthermore, we present the improvement of our device in terms of sensing range and sensitivity by adjusting the permittivity of the dielectric substrate. As a demonstration of our proposed device, a detection range of 1.1-2.4 and a sensitivity of 20.06 V/RIU for refractive index is achieved on a high-resistance silicon substrate operating at 0.3 THz.
Practical security analysis of a continuous-variable source-independent quantum random number generator based on heterodyne detection
Authors: Li Yuanhao , Fei Yangyang , Wang Weilong , Meng Xiangdong , Wang Hong , Duan Qianheng , Han Yu , Ma Zhi
Published: June 2023

Heterodyne-based continuous-variable source-independent quantum random number generator (CV-SI-QRNG) can produce true random numbers without any assumptions on source. However, practical implementations always contain imperfections, which will greatly influence the extractable randomness and even open loopholes for eavesdroppers to steal information about the final output. In this work, based on the theoretical model, we systematically analyzed the effects of imperfect implementations on the practical security of heterodyne-based CV-SI-QRNG. The influences of local oscillator (LO) fluctuation under imbalanced heterodyne detection are first analyzed. The simulation results show that the lower bound of extractable randomness will be overestimated without considering the influence of LO fluctuation, which will threaten the practical security of CV-SI-QRNG system. Moreover, we analyze the effects of the degree of imbalance and the magnitude of LO fluctuation on evaluating the extractable randomness. Finally, we investigate the impact of an imperfect phase modulator on the practical security of CV-SI-QRNG and find it will reduce the extractable randomness. Our analysis reveals that one should carefully consider the imperfections in the actual implementations of CV-SI-QRNGs.
Thermo-optic VO2-based silicon waveguide mid-infrared router with asymmetric activation thresholds and large bi-stability
Authors: Lust Mark , Vitebskiy Ilya , Anisimov Igor , Ghalichechian Nima
Published: June 2023

We report a novel four-port optical router that exploits non-linear properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) phase-change material to achieve asymmetrical power threshold response with power limiting capability. The scope of this study lies within the concept, modeling, and simulation of the device, with practical considerations in mind for future experimental devices. The waveguide structure, designed to operate at the wavelength of 5.0 µm, is composed of a silicon core with air and silicon dioxide forming the cladding layers. Two ring resonators are employed to couple two straight waveguides, thus four individual ports. One of the ring resonators has a 100-nm-thick VO2 layer responsible for non-linear behavior of the device. The router achieves 56.5 and 64.5 dB of power limiting at the forward and reverse operating modes, respectively. Total transmission in the inactivated mode is 75%. Bi-stability and latching behavior are demonstrated and discussed.
Optical vortices shape optical tornados
Authors: Brimis Apostolos , Makris Konstantinos G. , Papazoglou Dimitris G.
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate that by seeding an accelerating ring-Airy beam with a finite number of off-axis optical vortices, it transforms into a tornado wave (ToW) upon propagation. Using numerical simulations, we show that both the spiraling high-intensity lobes and the optical vortices exhibit angular acceleration and follow interwinding braid-like trajectories. Likewise, we study the effect of the number, position, and topological charge of the vortices on the propagation dynamics and reveal the connection between optical vortices and optical tornados.
Role of the Porras factor in phase matching of high-order harmonic generation driven by focused few-cycle laser pulses
Authors: Tang Xiangyu , Li Baochang , Wang Kan , Yin Zhiming , Zhang Chi , Guan Zhong , Wang Bincheng , Lin C. D. , Jin Cheng
Published: June 2023

We investigate the role of the Porras factor (or laser focusing effect) on the macroscopic high-order harmonic generation (HHG) driven by a focused broadband few-cycle laser beam. By employing a non-adiabatic phase-matching analysis method, we reveal that phase mismatch due to the induced-dipole phase varies with the Porras factor, which is dominant in phase matching at low gas pressure. We also find that in a strongly ionized medium when gas pressure is high, the nonlinear propagation is dominated by a plasma effect such that the focusing effect is mitigated, resulting in similar poor phase matching of HHG regardless of the Porras factor. Our results are expected to assist experimentalists identifying optimal conditions for HHG using ultrashort laser pulses.
Determining the transfer function of a reconstructive spectrometer using measurements at two wavelengths
Authors: Sharma Naresh , Khare Kedar , Gupta Shilpi
Published: June 2023

The transfer function is the characteristic function of the dispersive element of a reconstructive spectrometer. It maps the transmitted spatial intensity profile to the incident spectral intensity profile of an input. Typically, a widely tunable and narrowband source is required to determine the transfer function across the entire operating wavelength range, which increases the developmental cost of these reconstructive spectrometers. In this Letter, we utilize the parabolic dispersion relation of a planar one-dimensional photonic crystal cavity, which acts as the dispersive element, to determine the entire transfer function of the spectrometer using measurements made at only two wavelengths. Using this approach, we demonstrate reliable reconstruction of input spectra in simulations, even in the presence of noise. The experimentally reconstructed spectra also follow the spectra measured using a commercial spectrometer.
Distinguishing between different percolation regimes in noisy dynamic networks with an application to epileptic seizures
Authors: Zhu Xiaojing , Shappell Heather , Kramer Mark A. , Chu Catherine J. , Kolaczyk Eric D.
Published: June 2023

In clinical neuroscience, epileptic seizures have been associated with the sudden emergence of coupled activity across the brain. The resulting functional networks—in which edges indicate strong enough coupling between brain regions—are consistent with the notion of percolation, which is a phenomenon in complex networks corresponding to the sudden emergence of a giant connected component. Traditionally, work has concentrated on noise-free percolation with a monotonic process of network growth, but real-world networks are more complex. We develop a class of random graph hidden Markov models (RG-HMMs) for characterizing percolation regimes in noisy, dynamically evolving networks in the presence of edge birth and edge death. This class is used to understand the type of phase transitions undergone in a seizure, and in particular, distinguishing between different percolation regimes in epileptic seizures. We develop a hypothesis testing framework for inferring putative percolation mechanisms. As a necessary precursor, we present an EM algorithm for estimating parameters from a sequence of noisy networks only observed at a longitudinal subsampling of time points. Our results suggest that different types of percolation can occur in human seizures. The type inferred may suggest tailored treatment strategies and provide new insights into the fundamental science of epilepsy.
Whole-cell modeling of E. coli colonies enables quantification of single-cell heterogeneity in antibiotic responses
Authors: Skalnik Christopher J. , Cheah Sean Y. , Yang Mica Y. , Wolff Mattheus B. , Spangler Ryan K. , Talman Lee , Morrison Jerry H. , Peirce Shayn M. , Agmon Eran , Covert Markus W.
Published: June 2023

Antibiotic resistance poses mounting risks to human health, as current antibiotics are losing efficacy against increasingly resistant pathogenic bacteria. Of particular concern is the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, which has been rapid among Gram-negative bacteria such asEscherichia coli. A large body of work has established that antibiotic resistance mechanisms depend on phenotypic heterogeneity, which may be mediated by stochastic expression of antibiotic resistance genes. The link between such molecular-level expression and the population levels that result is complex and multi-scale. Therefore, to better understand antibiotic resistance, what is needed are new mechanistic models that reflect single-cell phenotypic dynamics together with population-level heterogeneity, as an integrated whole. In this work, we sought to bridge single-cell and population-scale modeling by building upon our previous experience in “whole-cell” modeling, an approach which integrates mathematical and mechanistic descriptions of biological processes to recapitulate the experimentally observed behaviors of entire cells. To extend whole-cell modeling to the “whole-colony” scale, we embedded multiple instances of a whole-cellE.colimodel within a model of a dynamic spatial environment, allowing us to run large, parallelized simulations on the cloud that contained all the molecular detail of the previous whole-cell model and many interactive effects of a colony growing in a shared environment. The resulting simulations were used to explore the response ofE.colito two antibiotics with different mechanisms of action, tetracycline and ampicillin, enabling us to identify sub-generationally-expressed genes, such as the beta-lactamase ampC, which contributed greatly to dramatic cellular differences in steady-state periplasmic ampicillin and was a significant factor in determining cell survival.
A qualitative assessment of the perceived acceptability and feasibility of eHARTS, a mobile application for transition readiness assessment for adolescents living with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Fomo Messaline F. , Newman John , Sibaya Thobekile , Ndlela Nompumelelo , Hussen Sophia , Archary Moherndran , Zanoni Brian C.
Published: June 2023

South Africa has the highest burden of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in the world. The transition from pediatric to adult centered HIV care is a vulnerable period during which many clinical outcomes of ALHIV suffer. Transition readiness assessments may help ALHIV transition from pediatric to adult care to improve their health outcomes. Here, we evaluated the perceived acceptability and feasibility of a mobile health (mHealth) application, eHARTS, to determine transition readiness for ALHIV in South Africa. We conducted in-depth interviews with adolescents (n = 15) and healthcare providers (n = 15) at three government-supported hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We used a semi-structured interview guide comprising of open-ended questions based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. We did a thematic analysis of the data using an iterative, team-based coding approach to develop themes that were representative of the participants’ perspectives on the acceptability and feasibility of eHARTS. We found that most participants found eHARTS to be acceptable because of its simplicity and lack of stigma. Participants believed eHARTS was feasible as it could easily be administered within a hospital setting and integrated into regular clinic activity without disrupting patient care. Additionally, eHARTS was found to have great utility for adolescents and healthcare providers. Clinicians saw it as a valuable tool to engage adolescents and prepare them for transition. Despite concerns that eHARTS may give adolescents a wrong impression about immediate transition, participants suggested that eHARTS be framed in an empowering way as they prepare for transition to adult care. Our data showed that eHARTS is a simple, mobile transition assessment tool with perceived acceptability and feasibility for use in HIV clinics in South Africa for ALHIV. It is particularly useful for ALHIV and transitioning to adult care as it can help identify gaps in readiness for transition.
Patients’ access to and acceptance of community-based hepatitis C testing and treatment in Myanmar: A mixed-method study
Authors: Yee Win Lei , Bowring Anna , Draper Bridget , O’Keefe Daniel , Htay Hla , Myint Kyi Thar , Aung Hnin Wai Phyo , Win Yu Yu , Sein Yi Yi , Mary Mary , Lin Aung , Pedrana Alisa , Hellard Margaret
Published: June 2023

Hepatitis C (HCV) infection elimination in low- and middle-income countries requires decentralised HCV services to increase testing and linkage to care. The CT2 Study investigated patients’ views of access to and acceptance of two community-based HCV care models in Myanmar using a mixed-methods approach. Point-of-care HCV testing and general practitioner-initiated HCV treatment were provided at two community clinics in Yangon, Myanmar–the Burnet Institute’s (BI) clinic focused on people who inject drugs (PWID), and the Myanmar Liver Foundation’s (MLF) clinic focused on people with liver-related diseases. Study staff administered quantitative questionnaires to 633 participants receiving anti-HCV antibody testing. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 29 participants receiving direct-acting antiviral treatment for qualitative interviews. Among participants completing quantitative questionnaires, almost all reported the clinic location was convenient (447/463, 97%), waiting time was acceptable (455/463, 98%), and HCV antibody and RNA testing methods were acceptable (617/632, 98% and 592/605, 97% respectively). Nearly all participants were satisfied with their clinic’s services (444/463, 96%) and preferred same-day test results (589/632, 93%). BI clinic participants were more confident that they understood HCV antibody and RNA results; MLF clinic participants were more comfortable disclosing their risk behaviour to staff and had slightly higher satisfaction with the overall care, privacy and secure storage of their information. In qualitative interviews, participants reported that flexible appointment scheduling, short wait times and rapid return of results increased the clinic’s accessibility. The simplified point-of-care testing and treatment procedures and supportive healthcare providers contributed to participants’ acceptance of the HCV care model. This decentralised community-based HCV testing and treatment model was highly accessible and acceptable to CT2 participants. Prioritizing patient-centred care, rapid provision of results, flexible appointments and convenient clinic locations can promote accessible and acceptable services which may in turn help accelerate progress in reaching HCV elimination targets.