bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
30 Gy in 4 Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Fractions for Complex Spinal Metastases: Mature Outcomes Supporting This Novel Regimen
Authors: Moore-Palhares Daniel , Sahgal Arjun , Zeng K. Liang , Myrehaug Sten , Tseng Chia-Lin , Detsky Jay , Chen Hanbo , Ruschin Mark , Atenafu Eshetu G. , Wilson Jeff , Larouche Jeremie , da Costa Leodante , Maralani Pejman Jabehdar , Soliman Hany
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

We designed a 30 Gy in 4 fractions stereotactic body radiotherapy protocol, as an alternative option to our standard 2-fraction approach, for primarily large volume, multilevel, or previously radiated spinal metastases. We report imaging-based outcomes of this novel fractionation scheme.

METHODS:

The institutional database was reviewed to identify all patients who underwent 30 Gy/4 fractions from 2010 to 2021. Primary outcomes were magnetic resonance–based vertebral compression fracture (VCF) and local failure per treated vertebral segment.

RESULTS:

We reviewed 245 treated segments in 116 patients. The median age was 64 years (range, 24-90). The median number of consecutive segments within the treatment volume was 2 (range, 1-6), and the clinical target volume (CTV) was 126.2 cc (range, 10.4-863.5). Fifty-four percent had received at least 1 previous course of radiotherapy, and 31% had previous spine surgery at the treated segment. The baseline Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score was stable, potentially unstable, and unstable for 41.6%, 51.8%, and 6.5% of segments, respectively. The cumulative incidence of local failure was 10.7% (95% CI 7.1-15.2) at 1 year and 16% (95% CI 11.5-21.2) at 2 years. The cumulative incidence of VCF was 7.3% (95% CI 4.4-11.2) at 1 year and 11.2% (95% CI 7.5-15.8) at 2 years. On multivariate analysis, age ≥68 years (P = .038), CTV volume ≥72 cc (P = .021), and no previous surgery (P = .021) predicted an increased risk of VCF. The risk of VCF for CTV volumes <72 cc/≥72 cc was 1.8%/14.6% at 2 years. No case of radiation-induced myelopathy was observed. Five percent of patients developed plexopathy.

CONCLUSION:

30 Gy in 4 fractions was safe and efficacious despite the population being at increased risk of toxicity. The lower risk of VCF in previously stabilized segments highlights the potential for a multimodal treatment approach for complex metastases, especially for those with a CTV volume of ≥72 cc.
Rab GTPase regulation of phagosome–lysosome fusion is bypassed in the presence of micromolar Ca2+
Authors: Becker Julia , Schleinitz Ariane , Hermsen Christina , Rappold Sabrina , Saftig Paul , Jeschke Andreas , Haas Albert
Published: April 2023

Several ATP- and cytosol-dependent fusion processes between membranes of the endocytic and exocytic pathways have been biochemically reconstituted. Here, we present a phagosome–lysosome fusion reaction that is driven by micromolar concentrations of Ca2+ in the absence of ATP and cytosol. Investigating classical fusion and Ca2+-driven fusion (CaFu) side-by-side in vitro, using the same membrane preparations, we show that CaFu is faster than standard fusion (StaFu), leads to larger fusion products and is not blocked by established inhibitors of StaFu. A Ca2+ concentration of ∼120 µM supports maximal membrane attachment, and 15 µM Ca2+ supports maximal membrane fusion, indicating that Ca2+ has both a membrane-binding activity and a fusion-promoting activity. StaFu and CaFu are inhibited by a mutant form of α-SNAP (NAPA) that does not support soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) activation, and both are inhibited by a mixture of the cytosolic domains of three cognate Q-SNARE proteins, demonstrating a role of SNAREs in Ca2+-driven membrane merger. CaFu is independent of the Ca2+-regulated proteins synaptotagmin-7, calmodulin, and annexins A2 and A7. We propose that CaFu corresponds to the last step of phagosome–lysosome fusion, when a raised Ca2+ concentration from the compartment lumen activates SNAREs for fusion.
Artificial intelligence in cardiovascular imaging: enhancing image analysis and risk stratification
Authors: Lin Andrew , Pieszko Konrad , Park Caroline , Ignor Katarzyna , Williams Michelle C , Slomka Piotr , Dey Damini
Published: April 2023

In this review, we summarize state-of-the-art artificial intelligence applications for non-invasive cardiovascular imaging modalities including CT, MRI, echocardiography, and nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging.
Clinicoradiological outcomes after radical radiotherapy for lung cancer in patients with interstitial lung disease
Authors: Walls Gerard M , McMahon Michael , Moore Natasha , Nicol Patrick , Bradley Gemma , Whitten Glenn , Young Linda , O'Hare Jolyne M , Lindsay John , Connolly Ryan , Linden Dermot , Ball Peter A , Hanna Gerard G , McAleese Jonathan
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is relatively common in patients with lung cancer with an incidence of 7.5%. Historically pre-existing ILD was a contraindication to radical radiotherapy owing to increased radiation pneumonitis rates, worsened fibrosis and poorer survival compared with non-ILD cohorts. Herein, the clinical and radiological toxicity outcomes of a contemporaneous cohort are described.

Methods:

Patients with ILD treated with radical radiotherapy for lung cancer at a regional cancer centre were collected prospectively. Radiotherapy planning, tumour characteristics, and pre- and post-treatment functional and radiological parameters were recorded. Cross-sectional images were independently assessed by two Consultant Thoracic Radiologists.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients with co-existing ILD received radical radiotherapy from February 2009 to April 2019, with predominance of usual interstitial pneumonia subtype (52%). According to ILD-GAP scores, most patients were Stage I. After radiotherapy, localised (41%) or extensive (41%) progressive interstitial changes were noted for most patients yet dyspnoea scores (n = 15 available) and spirometry (n = 10 available) were stable. One-third of patients with ILD went on to receive long-term oxygen therapy, which was significantly more than the non-ILD cohort. Median survival trended towards being worse compared with non-ILD cases (17.8 vs 24.0 months, p = 0.834).

Conclusion:

Radiological progression of ILD and reduced survival were observed post-radiotherapy in this small cohort receiving lung cancer radiotherapy, although a matched functional decline was frequently absent. Although there is an excess of early deaths, long-term disease control is achievable.

Advances in knowledge:

For selected patients with ILD, long-term lung cancer control without severely impacting respiratory function may be possible with radical radiotherapy, albeit with a slightly higher risk of death.
Σχήματα της θάλασσας στον ερωτικό λόγο
Authors: Χρηστίδου Σοφία-Δανάη
Published: April 2023

Στόχος της εργασίας είναι να εντοπιστούν οι τρόποι με τους οποίους το θαλασσινό εικαστικό πλέγμα χρησιμοποιείται ως μεταφορικό όχημα στην έμμετρη λατινική ερωτογραφία του 1ου αιώνα π.Χ. Οι Ρωμαίοι ποιητές χρησιμοποιούν τη θαλασσινή εικονοποιία ως σύνθετο ποιητικό εργαλείο το οποίο επιτρέπει τη μετάδοση συναισθημάτων που γεννά η ερωτική περιπέτεια και τα ψυχολογικά διακυβεύματά της. Η μετάδοση αυτή γίνεται με τρεις διαφορετικούς τρόπους. Η θάλασσα και το πλοίο άλλοτε συνιστούν μεταφορές που χρησιμοποιούνται ανεξάρτητα από την πλοκή, άλλοτε αποτελούν ρεαλιστικό σκηνικό δεδομένο σε ερωτικές αφηγήσεις και συναισθηματικές εκφράσεις που λαμβάνουν υπόψιν τη μεταφορική δυναμική των όρων, ενώ άλλοτε εντάσσονται σε ποιήματα με καθαρά μεταποιητικό χαρακτήρα. Η εξέταση των κειμένων ξεκινά με τις μεταποιητικές αυτές αξιοποιήσεις του μεταφορικού σχήματος «θάλασσα-έρωτας», καθώς ζητήματα ποιητικής και είδους μπορούν να εντοπιστούν και στις άλλες δύο κατηγορίες ποιημάτων. Η θάλασσα επενδύεται, πράγματι, με έντονους μεταποιητικούς συμβολισμούς στην ποίηση της αυγούστειας περιόδου και αναδεικνύεται σε κατεξοχήν πεδίο επικής περιπέτειας, στρατιωτικής και εμπορικής δράσης ανεξαρτήτως ειδολογικού περιβάλλοντος. Η ακτή, αντίθετα, φιλοξενεί πολύ συγκεκριμένους τύπους ερωτικών σεναρίων: στεγάζει τα παράπονα των μοναχικών υποκειμένων ή εναλλακτικά περιβάλλει και αναδεικνύει την ομορφιά των ελεγειακών κοριτσιών αλλά και των μυθικών καλλονών. Οι μεταφορικές και συμβολικές σημάνσεις με τις οποίες επενδύονται οι χώροι της ανοιχτής θάλασσας και της ακτής διερευνώνται στα δύο πρώτα κεφάλαια της εργασίας, για τα οποία υιοθετείται μια θεματική ταξινόμηση του προς εξέταση υλικού. Το τρίτο και τελευταίο κεφάλαιο, αντιθέτως, εξετάζει τα ποιήματα στα οποία το θαλασσινό ή ναυτικό λεξιλόγιο συνιστά αποκλειστικά τροπικότητα του λόγου.
Η επίδραση της χρήσης των νέων καπνικών προϊόντων (Heat no Burn) στις ιδιότητες του αρτηριακού τοιχώματος και στον ενδοθηλιακό γλυκοκάλυκα σε καπνιστές
Authors: Κωστέλλη Γαβριέλλα
Published: April 2023

Εισαγωγή: Συγκρίναμε τις επιδράσεις του θερμαινόμενου τσιγάρου (Heat-not -Burn HNBC) με εκείνες του συμβατικού τσιγάρου καπνού (tobacco cigarette,Tcig), σε μυοκαρδιακή, στεφανιαία και αρτηριακή λειτουργία, καθώς και στο οξειδωτικό στρες και την ενεργοποίηση των αιμοπεταλίων σε 75 καπνιστές.Μέθοδοι : Στην οξεία φάση της μελέτη, 50 καπνιστές τυχαιοποιήθηκαν ώστε να καπνίσουν ένα μόνο Tcig ή ένα μόνο HNBC. Μετά από 60 λεπτά οι καπνιστές που χρησιμοποίησαν Τcig,κάπνισαν HNBC και εκείνοι που κάπνισαν HNBC, κάπνισαν Tcig. Στην χρόνια φάση της μελέτης, 50 καπνιστές μεταπήδησαν σε HNBC και συγκρίθηκαν με μια εξωτερική ομάδα 25 καπνιστών Tcig πριν και μετά από 1 μήνα. Το εκπνεόμενο μονοξείδιο του άνθρακα (CO), η ταχύτητα παλμικού κύματος (PWV), η μηλονοδιαλδεΰδη (MDA), η θρομβοξάνη Β2 (TxB2) και ο ενδοθηλιακός γλυκοκάλυκας (PBR) αξιολογήθηκαν στην οξεία και χρόνια φάση της μελέτη. Η επιμήκης παραμόρφωση της αριστερής κοιλίας (global longitudinal strain,GLS), ο δείκτης μυοκαρδιακού έργου (global work index, GWI), το συνολικό μη παραγωγικό μυοκαρδιακό έργο (global wasted work GWW), η στεφανιαία εφεδρεία ροής (CFR), η συνολική αρτηριακή διατασιμότητα (total arterial compliance TAC) και η ενδοθηλιοεξαρτώμενη διαστολή της βραχιονίου αρτηρίας (flow-mediated dilation FMD) αξιολογήθηκαν τόσο στην οξεία όσο και στη χρόνια φάση της μελέτη.Αποτελέσματα: Η χρήση του HNBC στην οξεία φάση προκάλεσε μεν αύξηση της ταχύτητας της μετάδοσης του PWV άλλα μικρότερη σε σύγκριση με την χρήση του Tcig (μεταβολή 1,1 έναντι 0,54 m/s, p < 0,05) ενώ δεν παρατηρήθηκαν αλλαγές στα επίπεδα του εκπνεόμενου CO και των βιοδεικτών έκθεσης σε αντίθεση με το Tcig. Στην χρόνια φάση της μελέτης, η μετάβαση σε HNBC για ένα μήνα βελτίωσε τις τιμές CO, FMD, CFR, TAC, GLS, GWW, MDA, TxB2, (διαφορές 10,42 ppm, 4,3%, 0,98, 1,8 mL/mmHg, 2,35%, 19,70 mmHg, 19,72 mmHg, 19,72 mmHg, 10,42 ppm, 4,3%. nmol/L, και 45 pg/mL αντίστοιχα, p < 0,05).Συμπέρασμα:Το HNBC φαίνεται ότι επιδρά λιγότερο επιζήμια στην αγγειακή και καρδιακή λειτουργία από το Tcig.
Η θέση της αρχαίας ελληνικής γραμματείας ως γνωστικού αντικειμένου και ερευνητικού πεδίου στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση στην Ευρώπη σήμερα
Authors: Σιαμέτη Γιαννούλα
Published: April 2023

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας Διατριβής είναι η παρουσίαση της θέσης της αρχαίας ελληνικής γραμματείας ως γνωστικού αντικειμένου και ως ερευνητικού εργαλείου στην τριτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση στην Ευρώπη σήμερα. Επικεντρώσαμε τους άξονες της έρευνάς μας στην παρουσίαση των προπτυχιακών Προγραμμάτων Σπουδών, και συγκεκριμένα στη μεθοδολογία και στο περιεχόμενο των διδασκόμενων θεματικών ενοτήτων που αφορούν άμεσα ή έμμεσα την αρχαία ελληνική γλώσσα και γραμματεία. Συνολικά επεξεργαστήκαμε δεδομένα για ογδόντα τρία (83) Ανώτατα Εκπαιδευτικά Ιδρύματα στην Ευρώπη και εκατό πενήντα τέσσερα (154) προπτυχιακά Προγράμματα Σπουδών, τα οποία κατανέμονται στις εξής χώρες: Ιταλία, Αγγλία, Γερμανία, Γαλλία και Ισπανία. Η συλλογή, επεξεργασία και ανάλυση δεδομένων για όλα τα Πανεπιστήμια αφορά μόνο ένα κύκλο σπουδών, προπτυχιακού επιπέδου, «Laurea», «Bachelors», «Diplom», «Licence», «Grado», αντίστοιχα. Για κάθε χώρα πραγματοποιήσαμε, επιπροσθέτως, αναφορά στις μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές και σε μερικές περιπτώσεις έχουμε καταγράψει και την ερευνητική δραστηριότητα των Ιδρυμάτων. Σχετικά με τις διεθνείς κατατάξεις για τις επιστημονικές επιδόσεις (έρευνα, καινοτομία κ.τ.λ.) χρησιμοποιήσαμε δεδομένα ποιότητας από τη SCImago Institutions Rankings. Ο ερευνητικός σχεδιασμός της διατριβής στηρίχθηκε σε μελέτες περίπτωσης (case studies). Αναλύουμε τα ευρήματα της παρούσας έρευνας και για καλύτερη απεικόνιση των δεδομένων χρησιμοποιήσαμε και γραφιστικές αναπαραστάσεις με πίνακες, γραφήματα και χάρτες. Τα ευρήματα ερμηνεύονται με αντιπαραβολή στη σχετική βιβλιογραφία, ενώ διατυπώνονται και προσωπικές ερμηνείες. Η διατριβή ολοκληρώνεται με την καταγραφή των συμπερασμάτων.
Ο Απόστολος Πέτρος στην Καινή Διαθήκη και στην απόκρυφη χριστιανική γραμματεία
Authors: Ασλανίδης Αναστάσιος
Published: April 2023

Ο ρόλος του Πέτρου μέσα στην κανονική γραμματεία ήταν ένας ρόλος ευαίσθητος και σημαντικός. Τόσο, σημαντικός, που οι επόμενες γενιές των χριστιανών συνέχισαν να παράγουν κείμενα που είχαν άμεση σχέση με τον Πέτρο, αναζητώντας την αυθεντία του και την εγκυρότητα του. Στην εργασία μας θα προσπαθήσουμε να δούμε και να διασαφηνίσουμε τις παρεξηγήσεις που έχουν άμεση σχέση με το πρόσωπο του Πέτρου. Ακόμη, η έρευνα μας θα οδηγήσει σε περισσότερα συμπεράσματα όχι μόνο για τον ίδιο τον Πέτρο, αλλά και για την εποχή, τους ανθρώπους και τις πρώτες κοινότητες που γνώρισε και ήρθαν σε επαφή μαζί του. Το στοιχείο της πρόσληψης του μηνύματος του Πέτρου από τις χριστιανικές κοινότητες θα μας απασχολήσει ιδιαίτερα και θα αναλυθεί στην εργασία μας. Ο προβληματισμός μας είναι ότι παρόλο που ο Πέτρος είναι παρών σε μεγάλα γεγονότα, θα τολμούσαμε να πούμε ότι το πρόσωπο του αδικείται και δεν έχει την ανάλογη προσοχή. Διότι, αν και συνοδεύει τον Ιησού σε όλη τη δημόσια δράση του, συμμετέχει στην οργάνωση και τη ζωή των χριστιανικών κοινοτήτων, αλλά και στη μετέπειτα ζωή της εκκλησίας, δεν γνωρίζουμε πολλά για τον απόστολο. Έτσι, σκοπός της εργασίας μας είναι να αναδείξουμε το πρόσωπο του Πέτρου μέσα από την Καινή Διαθήκη και την απόκρυφη γραμματεία, ώστε να συμβάλλουμε και εμείς με τις μικρές μας δυνάμεις στον διάλογο για το πρόσωπο του Πέτρου. Έτσι θα δούμε ότι ο Πέτρος υπήρξε αναμφίβολα μια από τις σημαντικότερες προσωπικότητες της αρχαίας εκκλησίας. Έπαιξε ενεργό ρόλο στην πρώτη ιεραποστολή και την οργάνωση της. Ο Πέτρος είναι το πρόσωπο από τον κύκλο των δώδεκα με τη μεγαλύτερη παρουσία στην Καινή Διαθήκη. Σύμφωνα με την εξέταση της κανονικής και της απόκρυφης γραμματείας που σχετίζεται με τον Πέτρο, μπορούμε να πούμε ότι ο απόστολος ήταν κεντρικό και αγαπητό πρόσωπο μέσα στις χριστιανικές κοινότητες. Όλοι τον γνώριζαν και η ιδιαίτερη προσωπικότητα του ήταν αυτή που τον ξεχώριζε από όλους τους υπόλοιπους. Το πρόσωπο του Πέτρου αναμφίβολα έχει να προσφέρει πολλά στον χώρο της ερμηνείας. Αυτό σημαίνει ότι κάποιος μπορεί να μάθει πολλά για την κατάσταση των κοινοτήτων, το περιβάλλον συγγραφής των κειμένων και των γεγονότων της αρχαίας εκκλησίας, εξετάζοντας το πρόσωπο του Πέτρου. Έτσι, με αυτόν τον τρόπο μπορούμε να εντάξουμε και το πρόσωπο του Πέτρου, όπως άλλωστε και του Παύλου, στο πρίσμα μιας νέας προοπτικής.
Malaria Burden Stratification in Malawi- A report of a consultative workshop to inform the 2023-2030 Malawi Malaria Strategic Plan
Authors: Mategula Donnie , Mitambo Collins , Sheahan William , Masingi Mbeye Nyanyiwe , Gumbo Austin , Kwizombe Collins , Kawonga Jacob , Banda Benard , Hamuza Gracious , Kalanga Alinafe , Kamowa Dina , Kafulafula Jacob , Banda Akuzike , Twaibi Halima , Musa Esloyn , Kapito-Tembo Atupele , Ntwere Tapiwa , Chirombo James , Kalonde Patrick, Ken , Masambuka Maclear , Munthali Lumbani , Sakala Melody , Bangoura Abdoulaye , Gichuki Judy , Chipeta Michael Give , Galatas Adrade Beatriz , Kayange Michael , Terlouw Dianne J
Published: April 2023

Background: Malawi's National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) is developing a new strategic plan for 2023-2030 to combat malaria and recognizes that a blanket approach to malaria interventions is no longer feasible. To inform this new strategy, the NMCP set up a task force comprising 18 members from various sectors, which convened a meeting to stratify the malaria burden in Malawi and recommend interventions for each stratum.

Methods: The burden stratification workshop took place from November 29 to December 2, 2022, in Blantyre, Malawi, and collated essential data on malaria burden indicators, such as incidence, prevalence, and mortality. Workshop participants reviewed the malaria burden and intervention coverage data to describe the current status and identified the districts as a appropriate administrative level for stratification and action.

Two scenarios were developed for the stratification, based on composites of three variables. Scenario 1 included incidence, prevalence, and under-five all-cause mortality, while Scenario 2 included total malaria cases, prevalence, and under-five all-cause mortality counts. The task force developed four burden strata (highest, high, moderate, and low) for each scenario, resulting in a final list of districts assigned to each stratum.

Results: The task force concluded with 10 districts in the highest-burden stratum (Nkhotakota, Salima, Mchinji, Dowa, Ntchisi, Mwanza, Likoma, Lilongwe, Kasungu and Mangochi) 11 districts in the high burden stratum (Chitipa, Rumphi, Nkhata Bay, Dedza, Ntcheu, Neno, Thyolo, Nsanje, Zomba, Mzimba and Mulanje) and seven districts in the moderate burden stratum (Karonga, Chikwawa, Balaka, Machinga, Phalombe, Blantyre, and Chiradzulu). There were no districts in the low-burden stratum.

Conclusion: The next steps for the NMCP are to review context-specific issues driving malaria transmission and recommend interventions for each stratum. Overall, this burden stratification workshop provides a critical foundation for developing a successful malaria strategic plan for Malawi.
Scalable Data Processing Platform for Earth Observation Data Repositories
Authors: Astsatryan Hrachya , Lalayan Arthur , Giuliani Gregory
Published: April 2023

Earth observation (EO) satellite data is essential to environmental monitoring. At a national and regional level, the open data cubes harness the power of satellite data by providing application programming interfaces and services to the end-users. The volume and the complexity of satellite observations are increasing, demanding novel approaches for data storing, managing, and processing. High-performance computing (HPC) and cloud platforms may improve Big EO data processing performance. However, it is necessary to consider several vital aspects for efficient and flexible EO data processing, such as the interoperability from cloud-HPC and EO data repositories, automatic provisioning and scaling of cloud-HPC resources, cost-effectiveness, support of new EO data formats and open-source packages, or linkage with data cube platforms. The article proposes a scalable EO data processing platform interoperable from cloud-HPC and EO data repositories. The platform enables linking any data repository supporting web coverage service or SpatioTemporal Asset Catalog Application Programming Interfaces (STAC-API), and any cloud or HPC resource supporting scheduling system API for providing access to the cluster backends.
Soluciones integradas de fachada para la mejora energética y sísmica de barriadas de antigua construcción. Refuerzo ENERgético y SÍSmico
Authors: Requena García de la Cruz María Victoria , Romero Sánchez Emilio
Published: April 2023

Gran parte de las grandes barriadas residenciales de Andalucía se construyeron a lo largo del siglo XX, antes de la aparición de normativas de construcción y sísmicas restrictivas. Como resultado, la mayor parte de estos edificios presenta niveles bajos de eficiencia energética y no cumple con los requerimientos sísmicos actuales. Esta obra reúne una decena de trabajos enmarcados en el proyecto de investigación RENERSIS (Cálculo y diseño de soluciones de fachada para la mejora energética y sísmica de grandes barriadas de antigua construcción), que tiene como finalidad la mejora de la eficiencia energética y del comportamiento sísmico de edificios de viviendas situados en grandes barriadas de antigua construcción en Andalucía. El caso de El Plantinar (Sevilla) se muestra como paradigmático de la aplicación de esta metodología, que ha demostrado que la rehabilitación en este sentido da lugar a sinergias que reducen notablemente el coste económico de las soluciones y mejoran el comportamiento sísmico-estructural.
Low-loss silicon nitride photonic ICs for near-infrared wavelength bandwidth
Authors: Buzaverov Kirill A. , Baburin Aleksandr S. , Sergeev Evgeny V. , Avdeev Sergey S. , Lotkov Evgeniy S. , Andronik Mihail , Stukalova Victoria E. , Baklykov Dmitry A. , Dyakonov Ivan V. , Skryabin Nikolay N. , Saygin Mikhail Yu. , Kulik Sergey P. , Ryzhikov Ilya A. , Rodionov Ilya A.
Published: April 2023

Low-loss photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are the key elements in future quantum technologies, nonlinear photonics and neural networks. The low-loss photonic circuits technology targeting C-band application is well established across multi-project wafer (MPW) fabs, whereas near-infrared (NIR) PICs suitable for the state-of-the-art single-photon sources are still underdeveloped. Here, we report the labs-scale process optimization and optical characterization of low-loss tunable photonic integrated circuits for single-photon applications. We demonstrate the lowest propagation losses to the date (as low as 0.55 dB/cm at 925 nm wavelength) in single-mode silicon nitride submicron waveguides (220×550 nm). This performance is achieved due to advanced e-beam lithography and inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching steps which yields waveguides vertical sidewalls with down to 0.85 nm sidewall roughness. These results provide a chip-scale low-loss PIC platform that could be even further improved with high quality SiO2 cladding, chemical-mechanical polishing and multistep annealing for extra-strict single-photon applications.
Bathymetry of a macro-pulsed chaotic laser based on a 520 nm laser diode subject to free space optical feedback
Authors: Shen Zhenmin , Wang Bingjie , Shang Weidong , Zheng Yongchao , Zhou Guoqing
Published: April 2023

We generate a macro-pulsed chaotic laser based on pulse-modulated laser diode subject to free space optical feedback, and demonstrate the performance of suppressing backscattering interference and jamming in turbid water. The macro-pulsed chaotic laser with a wavelength of 520 nm as a transmitter is used with a correlation-based lidar receiver to perform an underwater ranging. At the same power consumption, macro-pulsed lasers have higher peak power than in the continuous-wave form, enabling the former to detect longer ranging. The experimental results show that a chaotic macro-pulsed laser has excellent performance of suppressing the backscattering of water column and anti-noise interference compared with traditional pulse laser, especially by multiple accumulations about 10∼30 times, and target position can still be determined when SNR is -20 dB.
Dielectrophoresis-electrophoresis transition during the photovoltaic manipulation of water microdroplets on LiNbO3:Fe platform
Authors: Gao Bo , Cao Xueyong , Wang Cheng , Gao Zuoxuan , Liu Xiaohu , Wang Mengtong , Yan Jinghui , Huai Zechao , Shi Lihong , Yan Wenbo
Published: April 2023

The abrupt behaviors of microdroplets during the LN-based photovoltaic manipulation may cause the transient instability and even failure of the microfluidic manipulation. In this paper, we perform a systematical analysis on the responses of water microdroplets to laser illumination on both naked and PTFE-coated LN:Fe surface, and find that the abrupt repulsive behaviors of the microdroplets are due to the electrostatic transition from the dielectrophoresis (DEP) to electrophoresis (EP) mechanism. Charging of the water microdroplets through the Rayleigh jetting from electrified water/oil interface is suggested as the cause of the DEP-EP transition. Fitting the kinetic data of the microdroplets to the models describing the motion of the microdroplets under the photovoltaic field yields the charging amount depending on the substrate configuration (∼1.7 × 10−11 and 3.9 × 10−12 C on the naked and PTFE-coated LN:Fe substrates), and also reveals the dominance of the EP mechanism in the co-existence of the DEP and EP mechanisms. The outcome of this paper will be quite important to the practicalization of the photovoltaic manipulation in LN-based optofluidic chips.
Understanding the limits of remote focusing
Authors: Mohanan Sharika , Corbett Alexander D.
Published: April 2023

It has previously been demonstrated in both simulation and experiment that well aligned remote focusing microscopes exhibit residual spherical aberration outside the focal plane. In this work, compensation of the residual spherical aberration is provided by the correction collar on the primary objective, controlled by a high precision stepper motor. A Shack-Hartmann wave front sensor is used to demonstrate the magnitude of the spherical aberration generated by the correction collar matches that predicted by an optical model of the objective lens. The limited impact of spherical aberration compensation on the diffraction limited range of the remote focusing system is described through a consideration of both on-axis and off-axis comatic and astigmatic aberrations, which are an inherent feature of remote focusing microscopes.
Mixed stitching interferometry with correction from one-dimensional profile measurements for high-precision X-ray mirrors
Authors: Wu Qiaoyu , Huang Qiushi , Yu Jun , Zhu Yifan , Gu Weichen , Sheng Pengfeng , He Yumei , Luo Hongxin , Zhang Zhong , Wang Zhanshan
Published: April 2023

This work presents a mixed stitching interferometry method with correction from one-dimensional profile measurements. This method can correct the error of stitching angles among different subapertures using the relatively accurate one-dimensional profiles of the mirror, e.g., provided by the contact profilometer. The measurement accuracy is simulated and analyzed. The repeatability error is decreased by averaging multiple measurements of the one-dimensional profile and using multiple profiles at different measurement positions. Finally, the measurement result of an elliptical mirror is presented and compared with the global algorithm-based stitching, and the error of the original profiles is reduced to one-third. This result shows that this method can effectively suppress the accumulation of stitching angle errors in classic global algorithm-based stitching. The accuracy of this method can be further improved by using high-precision one-dimensional profile measurements such as the nanometer optical component measuring machine (NOM).
Low-complexity amplitude-division irregular QAM formats for short-reach unamplified coherent optical systems
Authors: Fu Mengfan , Jiang Hexun , Liu Qiaoya , Fan Yunyun , Zeng Xiaobo , Yi Lilin , Hu Weisheng , Zhuge Qunbi
Published: April 2023

A low-complexity scheme is proposed to realize irregular uniform quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) formats with Gray mapping, which are named amplitude-division irregular QAM (AD-Ir-QAM) formats. Compared to conventional probabilistic shaping (PS) with the Maxwell–Boltzmann (MB) distribution (PS-MB), irregular QAM formats show a smaller peak-to-average power (PAPR) and achieve a better performance in systems with the peak-power constraint. Compared with irregular QAM formats realized by PS (PS-Ir-QAM), AD-Ir-QAM formats realize a more flexible rate adaptation and have a lower implementation complexity. Experimental results obtained in an unamplified coherent optical system show that, at a generalized mutual information (GMI) of 4.5 bits/2D-symbol, AD-Ir-100QAM achieves gains of 2.1 and 0.5 dB in the power budget over PS-MB-100QAM and PS-Ir-100QAM, respectively.
Young people’s data governance preferences for their mental health data: MindKind Study findings from India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Sieberts Solveig K. , Marten Carly , Bampton Emily , Björling Elin A. , Burn Anne-Marie , Carey Emma Grace , Carlson Sonia , Fernandes Blossom , Kalha Jasmine , Lindani Simthembile , Masomera Hedwick , Neelakantan Lakshmi , Pasquale Lisa , Ranganathan Swetha , Joy Scanlan Erin , Shah Himani , Sibisi Refiloe , Sumant Sushmita , Suver Christine , Thungana Yanga , Tummalacherla Meghasyam , Velloza Jennifer , Collins Pamela Y. , Fazel Mina , Ford Tamsin , Freeman Melvyn , Pathare Soumitra , Zingela Zukiswa ,   The MindKind Consortium, Doerr Megan
Published: April 2023

Mobile devices offer a scalable opportunity to collect longitudinal data that facilitate advances in mental health treatment to address the burden of mental health conditions in young people. Sharing these data with the research community is critical to gaining maximal value from rich data of this nature. However, the highly personal nature of the data necessitates understanding the conditions under which young people are willing to share them. To answer this question, we developed the MindKind Study, a multinational, mixed methods study that solicits young people’s preferences for how their data are governed and quantifies potential participants’ willingness to join under different conditions. We employed a community-based participatory approach, involving young people as stakeholders and co-researchers. At sites in India, South Africa, and the UK, we enrolled 3575 participants ages 16–24 in the mobile app-mediated quantitative study and 143 participants in the public deliberation-based qualitative study. We found that while youth participants have strong preferences for data governance, these preferences did not translate into (un)willingness to join the smartphone-based study. Participants grappled with the risks and benefits of participation as well as their desire that the “right people” access their data. Throughout the study, we recognized young people’s commitment to finding solutions and co-producing research architectures to allow for more open sharing of mental health data to accelerate and derive maximal benefit from research.
Developmental competence of IVF and SCNT goat embryos is improved by inhibition of canonical WNT signaling
Authors: Sadeghi Marjan , Andani Mohsen Rahimi , Hajian Mehdi , Sanei Nafiseh , Moradi-Hajidavaloo Reza , Mahvash Nasrin , Jafarpour Farnoosh , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2023

The specific role of the canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway during the preimplantation development of goat remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate the expression of β-CATENIN, one of the critical components of Wnt signaling pathway, in IVF embryos and compare it with SCNT embryos in goat. In addition, we evaluated the consequence of inhibition of β-catenin using IWR1. Initially, we observed cytoplasmic expression of β-CATENIN in 2 and 8–16 cell stage embryos and membranous expression of β-CATENIN in compact morula and blastocyst stages. Furthermore, while we observed exclusively membranous localization of β-catenin in IVF blastocysts, we observed both membranous and cytoplasmic localization in SCNT blastocysts. We observed that Inhibition of WNT signaling by IWR1 during compact morula to blastocyst transition (from day 4 till day 7 of in vitro culture) increased blastocyst formation rate in both IVF and SCNT embryos. In conclusion, it seems that WNT signaling system has functional role in the preimplantation goat embryos, and inhibition of this pathway during the period of compact morula to blastocyst transition (D4-D7) can improve preimplantation embryonic development.
Partial EC outputs by degraded cues are amplified in hippocampal CA3 circuits for retrieving stored patterns
Authors: Eom Kisang
Published: April 2023

Hippocampus is known to be important for episodic memories. Measuring of hippocampal neural ensembles is therefore important for observing hippocampal cognitive processes such as pattern completion. Previous studies on pattern completion had a limitation because the activities of CA3 were not simultaneously observed with the activities of the entorhinal cortex that project to the CA3. In addition, in previous research and modelling, distinct concepts such as pattern completion and pattern convergence have not been considered separately. Here, I used a molecular analysis technique that enables comparison of neural ensembles that evoked two successive events and evaluated neural ensembles in the hippocampal CA3 region and entorhinal cortex. By comparing neural ensembles in hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, I could obtain evidence that suggests pattern completion occurring in the CA3 region was induced by the partial input from EC. Use of the molecular-based ensemble measurement allows measuring two or more brain regions simultaneously, which can lead to insights into the cognitive functions of neural circuits.
A revised prosocial behavior game: Testing associations with psychopathic traits and the effects of moral elevation using a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sakai Joseph T. , Chintaluru Yaswanth , Raymond Kristen M. , McWilliams Shannon , Carter R. McKell , Winters Drew E. , Mikulich-Gilbertson Susan K.
Published: April 2023

Background

Prosocial behavior is negatively associated with psychopathic traits and paradigms which measure prosocial behavior in the laboratory may be useful in better understanding moderators of this association.

Methods

We revised a previously validated game of prosocial behavior by including a new trial type (i.e., trials where the participant will lose money and the charity will gain money). This version of the game was administered online and participants were randomized to group (exposed to a control stimulus video or a video used to elicit moral elevation, i.e. a positive response to witnessing another’s act of kindness). We used repeated game administration to test whether a moral elevation stimulus affected game behavior and moderated the negative association between psychopathic traits and prosocial behavior.

Results

Prosocial behavior on the new trial types added in this revised game correlated strongly with prosocial behavior on the old trial type (i.e., trials where the participant will gain money and the charity will lose money; r = 0.71; p-value<0.001; n = 485). Graphing trial acceptance rates by trial characteristics demonstrated expected patterns of behavior. Number of prosocial choices on the game correlated with psychopathic trait score (Levenson Factor 1 score; r = -0.52; p-value<0.001). Game repetition with a control stimulus in between runs, supported high immediate test-retest reliability of overall game behavior. Exposure to the moral elevation stimulus in between runs did not affect game behavior nor moderate the association between psychopathic traits and prosocial behavior.

Conclusions

Choices on this revised game of prosocial behavior, which can be administered online, are associated with psychopathic traits scores. The game appears to have high immediate test-retest reliability. Exposure to the moral elevation stimulus did not affect prosocial behavior or impact the relationship between psychopathic trait scores and prosocial behavior. Future research should continue to test potential moderators of this relationship. Limitations of the current study are discussed.
The associations of anger and hope with project retention decisions: A case study
Authors: Balatia Heba , Wincenciak Joanna , Buck Trevor
Published: April 2023

The role of emotions and cognition in entrepreneurship and strategic decision-making research has thus far been relatively neglected. In this research, we investigate how anger and hope may influence managers’ project retention decisions. While case studies can never test theories, our research aims to expose the Appraisal Tendency Framework (ATF) to empirical reality in a new context. A Palestinian research context characterized by extreme uncertainty is chosen as one that arguably amplifies the effects of high levels of emotion. Three businesses within a holding company were identified and twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers responsible for strategic decision-making, with data analysed using Content and Thematic Analyses. The emotions of hope and anger were each independently found to be associated with project retention decisions. However, when hope and anger were experienced together, hope complemented a positive association between anger and retention. The AFT proposes that emotions with different valence (i.e., negative anger and positive hope) may be associated with corresponding thought processes (heuristic or systematic) and still result in similar behavioural outcomes. The findings also highlight implications of decision-making under uncertainty, for practitioners who may benefit from differentiating between the positive and negative influences of anger on decisions.
Diverging trajectories of neighborhood disadvantage by race and birth cohort from childhood through young adulthood
Authors: Candipan Jennifer , Sampson Robert J.
Published: April 2023

Prior research has established the greater exposure of African Americans from all income groups to disadvantaged environments compared to whites, but the traditional focus in studies of neighborhood stratification obscures heterogeneity within racial/ethnic groups in residential attainment over time. Also obscured are the moderating influences of broader social changes on the life-course and the experiences of Latinos, a large and growing presence in American cities. We address these issues by examining group-based trajectory models of residential neighborhood disadvantage among white, Black, and Latino individuals in a multi-cohort longitudinal research design of over 1,000 children from Chicago as they transitioned to adulthood over the last quarter century. We find considerable temporal consistency among white individuals compared to dynamic heterogeneity among nonwhite individuals in exposure to residential disadvantage, especially Black individuals and those born in the 1980s compared to the 1990s. Racial and cohort differences are not accounted for by early-life characteristics that predict long-term attainment. Inequalities by race in trajectories of neighborhood disadvantage are thus at once more stable and more dynamic than previous research suggests, and they are modified by broader social changes. These findings offer insights on the changing pathways by which neighborhood racial inequality is produced.
Pneumothorax after computed tomography-guided lung biopsy: Utility of immediate post-procedure computed tomography and one-hour delayed chest radiography
Authors: Weinand Jared Thomas , du Pisanie Lourens , Ngeve Smith , Commander Clayton , Yu Hyeon
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of immediate post-procedure computed tomography (IPP-CT) and routine one-hour chest radiography (1HR-CXR) for detecting and managing pneumothorax in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy.

Materials and methods

All CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsies performed between May 2014 and August 2021 at a single institution were included. Data from 275 procedures performed on 267 patients (147 men; mean age: 63.5 ± 14.1 years; range 18–91 years) who underwent routine 1HR-CXR were reviewed. Incidences of pneumothorax and procedure-related complications on IPP-CT and 1HR-CXR were recorded. Associated variables, including tract embolization methods, needle diameter/type, access site, lesion size, needle tract distance, and number of biopsy samples obtained were analyzed and compared between groups with and without pneumothorax.

Results

Post-procedure complications included pneumothorax (30.9%, 85/275) and hemoptysis (0.7%, 2/275). Pneumothorax was detected on IPP-CT and 1HR-CXR in 89.4% (76/85) and 100% (85/85), respectively. A chest tube was placed in 4% (11/275) of the cases. In 3.3% (9/275) of the cases, delayed pneumothorax was detected only on 1HR-CXR, but no patient in this group necessitated chest tube placement. The incidence of pneumothorax was not significantly different between tract embolization methods (p = 0.36), needle diameters (p = 0.36) and types (p = 0.33), access sites (p = 0.07), and lesion sizes (p = 0.88). On logistic regression, a lower biopsy sample number (OR = 0.49) was a protective factor, but a longer needle tract distance (OR = 1.16) was a significant risk factor for pneumothorax.

Conclusion

Following CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy, pneumothorax detected on IPP-CT strongly indicates persistent pneumothorax on 1HR-CXR and possible chest tube placement. If no pneumothorax is identified on IPP-CT, follow-up 1HR-CXR may be required only for those who develop symptoms of pneumothorax.
High risk oral contraceptive hormones do not directly enhance endothelial cell procoagulant activity in vitro
Authors: Bouck Emma G. , Arvanitis Marios , Osburn William O. , Sang Yaqiu , Reventun Paula , Ahmadzia Homa K. , Smith Nicholas L. , Lowenstein Charles J. , Wolberg Alisa S.
Published: April 2023

Background

Oral contraceptive (OC) use increases venous thromboembolism risk 2-5-fold. Procoagulant changes can be detected in plasma from OC users even without thrombosis, but cellular mechanisms that provoke thrombosis have not been identified. Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is thought to initiate venous thromboembolism. It is unknown whether OC hormones provoke aberrant procoagulant activity in ECs.

Objective

Characterize the effect of high-risk OC hormones (ethinyl estradiol [EE] and drospirenone) on EC procoagulant activity and the potential interplay with nuclear estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ and inflammatory processes.

Methods

Human umbilical vein and dermal microvascular ECs (HUVEC and HDMVEC, respectively) were treated with EE and/or drospirenone. Genes encoding the estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ (ESR1andESR2, respectively) were overexpressed in HUVEC and HDMVEC via lentiviral vectors. EC gene expression was assessed by RT-qPCR. The ability of ECs to support thrombin generation and fibrin formation was measured by calibrated automated thrombography and spectrophotometry, respectively.

Results

Neither EE nor drospirenone, alone or together, changed expression of genes encoding anti- or procoagulant proteins (TFPI,THBD,F3), integrins (ITGAV,ITGB3), or fibrinolytic mediators (SERPINE1,PLAT). EE and/or drospirenone did not increase EC-supported thrombin generation or fibrin formation, either. Our analyses indicated a subset of individuals expressESR1andESR2transcripts in human aortic ECs. However, overexpression ofESR1and/orESR2in HUVEC and HDMVEC did not facilitate the ability of OC-treated ECs to support procoagulant activity, even in the presence of a pro-inflammatory stimulus.

Conclusions

The OC hormones EE and drospirenone do not directly enhance thrombin generation potential of primary ECsin vitro.
Changes in the mRNA expression of glycolysis-related enzymes of Candida albicans during inhibition of intramitochondrial catabolism under anaerobic condition
Authors: Okabayashi Ken , Ogawa Hitomi , Hirai Yuto , Nagata Kureha , Sato Yukiko , Narita Takanori , Satoh Kazuo , Makimura Koichi
Published: April 2023

Candida albicans can cause two major types of infections: superficial infection and systemic candidiasis. C. albicans infects diverse host niches, owing to a wide range of virulence factors and attributes, such as morphological transitions and phenotypic switching. C. albicans uses glycolysis, followed by alcoholic fermentation or mitochondrial respiration to rapidly generate ATP under aerobic conditions. In this study, we quantified the mRNA expression of several glycolysis-related enzymes associated with the initial phase of environmental changes using two strains: a type strain, NBRC 1385, and a strain from a patient with auto-brewery syndrome, LSEM 550. Additionally, we analyzed the regulation of a rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis, phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1). Our results showed that the mRNA expression of enzymes in the middle and last stages of glycolysis and alcoholic fermentation increased, and that of mitochondrial respiration enzymes decreased under short-term anaerobic conditions. Carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) administration showed similar results under anaerobic conditions. Moreover, PFK1 maintained its regulatory effect under different conditions; no significant change was observed in its mRNA expression. Our results suggest that C. albicans obtains energy via carbohydrate catabolism in the early phase of environmental change and survives in various parts of the host.
Volume of hyperintense inflammation (VHI): A quantitative imaging biomarker of inflammation load in spondyloarthritis, enabled by human-machine cooperation
Authors: Hepburn Carolyna , Jones Alexis , Bainbridge Alan , Ciurtin Coziana , Iglesias Juan Eugenio , Zhang Hui , Hall-Craggs Margaret A. , Bray Timothy J. P.
Published: April 2023

Qualitative visual assessment of MRI scans is a key mechanism by which inflammation is assessed in clinical practice. For example, in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), visual assessment focuses on the identification of regions with increased signal in the bone marrow, known as bone marrow oedema (BMO), on water-sensitive images. The identification of BMO has an important role in the diagnosis, quantification and monitoring of disease in axSpA. However, BMO evaluation depends heavily on the experience and expertise of the image reader, creating substantial imprecision. Deep learning-based segmentation is a natural approach to addressing this imprecision, but purely automated solutions require large training sets that are not currently available, and deep learning solutions with limited data may not be sufficiently trustworthy for use in clinical practice. To address this, we propose a workflow for inflammation segmentation incorporating both deep learning and human input. With this ‘human-machine cooperation’ workflow, a preliminary segmentation is generated automatically by deep learning; a human reader then ‘cleans’ the segmentation by removing extraneous segmented voxels. The final cleaned segmentation defines the volume of hyperintense inflammation (VHI), which is proposed as a quantitative imaging biomarker (QIB) of inflammation load in axSpA. We implemented and evaluated the proposed human-machine workflow in a cohort of 29 patients with axSpA who had undergone prospective MRI scans before and after starting biologic therapy. The performance of the workflow was compared against purely visual assessment in terms of inter-observer/inter-method segmentation overlap, inter-observer agreement and assessment of response to biologic therapy. The human-machine workflow showed superior inter-observer segmentation overlap than purely manual segmentation (Dice score 0.84 versus 0.56). VHImeasurements produced by the workflow showed similar or better inter-observer agreement than visual scoring, with similar response assessments. We conclude that the proposed human-machine workflow offers a mechanism to improve the consistency of inflammation assessment, and that VHIcould be a valuable QIB of inflammation load in axSpA, as well as offering an exemplar of human-machine cooperation more broadly.