bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equipment to tag, track and collect biopsies from whales and dolphins: the ARTS, DFHorten and LKDart systems
Authors: Kleivane Lars , Kvadsheim Petter H. , Bocconcelli Alex , Øien Nils , Miller Patrick J. O.
Published: October 2022

Of all animals considered subjects for instrumentation for behavioral or physiological studies, cetaceans probably represent the greatest challenge to the engineer and biologist. The marine environment being harsh to electronics, evasive behavior during tagging approaches and the short time window available to attach instruments, all imply a need for innovative tagging solutions to facilitate better understanding of their life cycle, migration, physiology, behavior, health and genetics. Several animal-attached tag packages holding specific data loggers, e.g., time depth recorders, position, orientation, acoustic and video recorders for short to medium term studies, as well as tags developed for large scale migration telemetry studies are available as off-the-shelf devices, or in many cases as custom made sensor packages. Deployment of those instruments is often the limiting factor for data collection. The Aerial Remote Tag System (ARTS) is a flexible system which can easily be adapted to deploy different tag sensor packages and biopsy collection devices. This paper presents the history and design of the ARTS, and accessories developed for instrumentation and biopsy sampling of cetaceans, such as the recent developed ARTS–LKDart for biopsy sampling. Deployment of archival tags usually requires radio tracking of the instrumented animal, or at least tracking of the tag for recovery. Thus, we also here describe the automatic digital signal processing radio direction finder, the Direction Finder Horten (DFHorten unit).
Vegetarian ethnic foods of South India: review on the influence of traditional knowledge
Authors: Parthasarathi Srinidhi K. , Hebbani Ananda Vardhan , Dharmavaram Desai Padma Priya
Published: October 2022

South Indian cultures are diverse and unique amongst Indian traditions. In spite of many changes in Indian traditions over generations, South Indian states seem to have maintained a great extent of similarity with reference to vegetarian ethnic food habits and the reason behind is not convincingly known. Hindu traditional texts have extensive mention of the ethnic origins of many cultural practices prevailing in India and the present review aims to explore the different vegetarian ethnic foods of South India and also look into the influential role of food related ideologies mentioned in the traditional texts. Ethnographic study data about the prevailing vegetarian foods of the states were generated using multiple tools and presented. It is observed that there is a great extent of similarity amongst the varieties of vegetarian foods being prepared in Hindu communities of South India. Our study also highlights the strong influential role of tradition in evolution of vegetarian foods prevailing even today in South India.
In vivo molecular imaging in preclinical research
Authors: Kim Su Jin , Lee Ho-Young
Published: October 2022

In vivo molecular imaging is a research field in which molecular biology and advanced imaging techniques are combined for imaging molecular-level biochemical and physiological changes that occur in a living body. For biomolecular imaging, the knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and physiology must be applied. Imaging techniques such as fluorescence, luminescence, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used for biomolecular imaging. These imaging techniques are used in various fields, i.e., diagnosis of various diseases, development of new drugs, development of treatments, and evaluation of effects. Moreover, as biomolecular imaging can repeatedly acquire images without damaging biological tissues or sacrificing the integrity of objects, changes over time can be evaluated.

Phenotypes or diseases in a living body are caused by the accumulation of various biological phenomena. Genetic differences cause biochemical and physiological differences, which accumulate and cause anatomical or structural changes. Biomolecular imaging techniques are suitable for each step. In evaluating anatomical or structural changes, MRI, CT, and ultrasound have advantages in obtaining high-resolution images. SPECT and MRI are advantageous for the evaluation of various physiological phenomena. PET and magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be used to image biochemical phenomena in vivo. Although various biomolecular imaging techniques can be used to evaluate various biological phenomena, it is important to use imaging techniques suitable for each purpose.
Adaptive optical quantitative phase imaging based on annular illumination Fourier ptychographic microscopy
Authors: Shu Yefeng , Sun Jiasong , Lyu Jiaming , Fan Yao , Zhou Ning , Ye Ran , Zheng Guoan , Chen Qian , Zuo Chao
Published: October 2022

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) has emerged as a valuable tool for biomedical research thanks to its unique capabilities for quantifying optical thickness variation of living cells and tissues. Among many QPI methods, Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) allows long-term label-free observation and quantitative analysis of large cell populations without compromising spatial and temporal resolution. However, high spatio-temporal resolution imaging over a long-time scale (from hours to days) remains a critical challenge: optically inhomogeneous structure of biological specimens as well as mechanical perturbations and thermal fluctuations of the microscope body all result in time-varying aberration and focus drifts, significantly degrading the imaging performance for long-term study. Moreover, the aberrations are sample- and environment-dependent, and cannot be compensated by a fixed optical design, thus necessitating rapid dynamic correction in the imaging process. Here, we report an adaptive optical QPI method based on annular illumination FPM. In this method, the annular matched illumination configuration (i.e., the illumination numerical aperture (NA) strictly equals to the objective NA), which is the key for recovering low-frequency phase information, is further utilized for the accurate imaging aberration characterization. By using only 6 low-resolution images captured with 6 different illumination angles matching the NA of a 10x, 0.4 NA objective, we recover high-resolution quantitative phase images (synthetic NA of 0.8) and characterize the aberrations in real time, restoring the optimum resolution of the system adaptively. Applying our method to live-cell imaging, we achieve diffraction-limited performance (full-pitch resolution of $$655\,nm$$

655

n
m

at a wavelength of $$525\,nm$$

525

n
m

) across a wide field of view ($$1.77\,mm^2$$

1.77

m

m
2

) over an extended period of time.
A systematic review of in-patient psychiatric care for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: effectiveness, patient safety and experience
Authors: Melvin Clare L. , Barnoux Magali , Alexander Regi , Roy Ashok , Devapriam John , Blair Robert , Tromans Samuel , Shepstone Lee , Langdon Peter E.
Published: October 2022

Background

An increasing number of children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism are being admitted to general psychiatric wards and cared for by general psychiatrists.

Aims

The aim of this systematic review was to consider the likely effectiveness of in-patient treatment for this population, and compare and contrast differing models of in-patient care.

Method

A systematic search was completed to identify papers where authors had reported data about the effectiveness of in-patient admissions with reference to one of three domains: treatment effect (e.g. length of stay, clinical outcome, readmission), patient safety (e.g. restrictive practices) and patient experience (e.g. patient or family satisfaction). Where possible, outcomes associated with admission were considered further within the context of differing models of in-patient care (e.g. specialist in-patient services versus general mental health in-patient services).

Results

A total of 106 studies were included and there was evidence that improvements in mental health, social functioning, behaviour and forensic risk were associated with in-patient admission. There were two main models of in-patient psychiatric care described within the literature: admission to a specialist intellectual disability or general mental health in-patient service. Patients admitted to specialist intellectual disability in-patient services had greater complexity, but there were additional benefits, including fewer out-of-area discharges and lower seclusion rates.

Conclusions

There was evidence that admission to in-patient services was associated with improvements in mental health for this population. There was some evidence indicating better outcomes for those admitted to specialist services.
Differences in quality of care, mortality, suicidal behavior, and readmissions among migrants and Danish-born inpatients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Knudsen Søren Valgreen , Valentin Jan Brink , Norredam Marie , Videbech Poul , Mainz Jan , Johnsen Søren Paaske
Published: October 2022

Background

The increasing global migration has made migrants’ health a pertinent topic. This article aimed to examine whether migrants were less likely than Danish-born residents to receive guideline recommended care when hospitalized for major depressive disorder (MDD) and potential differences in clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality, suicidal behavior, and readmissions during 1-year follow-up after first-time admission.

Methods

A national cohort study was performed, including all adult MDD inpatients at mental care units in the period 2011–2017. Migrants and two migrant subgroups (non-Western and Western) were compared with Danish-born patients. Quality of care was examined using multivariable Poisson and linear regression models. Clinical outcomes were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results

Migrant-status was associated with a non-significantly lower chance of receiving high-quality care (relative risk [RR] = 0.93, confidence interval [CI] 0.86:1.01) and lower readmission rates for depression (hazard rate ratio [HR] = 0.93, CI 0.86:1.01), and significantly higher all-cause mortality (HR = 1.55, CI 1.19:2.01) and lower all-cause readmission rate (HR = 0.88, CI 0.83:0.94). No clear association was found regarding suicidal behavior. While associations were comparable for migrant subgroups regarding readmission, the associations with low quality of care and of all-cause mortality appeared strongest among Western migrants.

Conclusions

Among inpatients with MDD in a universal tax-financed healthcare system, being a migrant was associated with a potential lower quality of in-hospital care and worse clinical outcomes. These results warrant further investigation to clarify the underlying explanation for these inequalities and to develop and test interventions to ensure better quality of care and clinical outcomes for migrant patients.
Phase II, Open-Label Study of Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel, an Anti–B-Cell Maturation Antigen Chimeric Antigen Receptor–T-Cell Therapy, in Chinese Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (CARTIFAN-1)
Authors: Mi Jian-Qing , Zhao Wanhong , Jing Hongmei , Fu Weijun , Hu Jianda , Chen Lijuan , Zhang Yiwen , Yao Dan , Chen Diana , Schecter Jordan M. , Yang Fan , Tian Xiaochen , Sun Huabin , Zhuang Sen Hong , Ren Jimmy , Fan Xiaohu , Jin Jie , Niu Ting , Chen Sai-Juan
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

CARTIFAN-1 aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), a B-cell maturation antigen–targeting chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, in Chinese patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

METHODS

This pivotal phase II, open-label study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03758417 ), conducted across eight sites in China, enrolled adult patients with RRMM who had received ≥ 3 lines of prior therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulatory drug. Patients received a single infusion of cilta-cel (target dose 0.75 × 106 chimeric antigen receptor–positive viable T cells/kg). The primary end point was overall response rate. Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

As of the clinical cutoff of July 19, 2021, 48 patients received a cilta-cel infusion. At an 18-month median follow-up, the overall response rate was 89.6% (95% CI, 77.3 to 96.5), with a median time to first response of approximately 1 month; 77.1% of patients (95% CI, 62.7 to 88.0) achieved complete response or better. Medians for duration of response, PFS, and OS were not reached. The 18-month PFS and OS rates were 66.8% (95% CI, 49.4 to 79.4) and 78.7% (95% CI, 64.0 to 88.0), respectively. Hematologic AEs were common, including anemia (100%), neutropenia (97.9%), lymphopenia (95.8%), and thrombocytopenia (87.5%). Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 97.9% of patients (35.4% grade 3/4); the median time to onset was 7 days, and the median duration was 5 days. Infections occurred in 85.4% of patients (37.5% grade 3/4). Ten deaths occurred after cilta-cel infusion, eight of which were due to treatment-related AEs.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate a favorable risk-benefit profile for a single infusion of cilta-cel, resulting in early, deep, and durable responses in heavily pretreated patients with RRMM in China.
Context Analysis of Continued Citation of Retracted Manuscripts Published in Anesthesiology Journals
Authors: Frasco Peter E. , Smith Bradford B. , Murray Andrew W. , Khurmi Narjeet , Mueller Jeff T. , Poterack Karl A.
Published: October 2022

The continued citation of retracted publications from the medical literature is a well-known and persistent problem. We describe the contexts of ongoing citations to manuscripts that have been retracted from a selection of anesthesiology journals. We also examine how bibliographic databases and publisher websites document the retracted status of these manuscripts. The authors performed an analysis of retracted publications from anesthesiology journals using the Retraction Watch database. We then examined how the retraction information was displayed on bibliographic databases, search engines, and publisher websites. The primary outcome was the context of continued citation after retraction of flawed publications within the specialty of anesthesiology. Secondary outcomes included comparison of the documentation, bibliographic databases, search engines, and publisher websites used in identifying the retracted status of these publications and provision of access to the respective retraction notices. A total of 245 original publications were retracted over a 28-year period from 9 anesthesiology journals. PubMed, compared to the other databases and search engines, was the most consistent (98.8%) in documenting the retracted status of the publications examined, as well as providing a direct link to the retraction notice. From the 211 publications retracted before January 2020, there were 1307 postretraction citations accessed from Scopus. The median number of postretraction citations was 3.5 (range, 0–88, with at least 1 citation in 164 publications) in Scopus. Of the postretraction citations, 80% affirmed the validity of the retracted publications, while only 5.2% of citations acknowledged the retraction or misconduct. In 10.2% of the citations from original research studies, retracted manuscripts appeared to influence the decision to pursue or the methods used in subsequent original research studies. The frequency of citation of the 15 most cited retracted publications declined in a similar pattern during the 10 years after retraction. Citation of manuscripts retracted from anesthesiology journals remains a common occurrence. Technological innovations and application of standards for handling retracted publications, as suggested by coalitions of researchers across the spectrum of scientific investigation, may serve to reduce the persistence of this error.
Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnant Patients
Authors: Nathan Naveen
Published: October 2022

In this issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, Lim and colleagues offer a scoping review of the available literature encompassing opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnant patients. As discussed in their review, opioid use and abuse in pregnant patients have increased four-fold in the past decade. As such, these patients can present significant challenges with respect to pain management during labor and delivery. A baseline habituation to opioids can render patients resistant to conventional pain management plans. Those who are additionally prescribed opioid agonist-antagonists or other maintenance medications for OUD such as buprenorphine or methadone have even more complex pharmacologic considerations that make pain management unpredictable. As detailed in their analysis, there is a paucity of literature surrounding optimal management strategies in this population of patients. Reports are increasing over time, however, most publications are of lower tier evidence, with very few randomized trials and systematic reviews to inform practitioners. It becomes plainly evident that this is an area of clinical science that demands greater attention. Specific areas of focus elaborated by the authors include: better characterization of opioid selection and dosing in managing labor analgesia, effectiveness of different regional anesthetic techniques, non-pharmacologic management, and psycho-social support for these patients. The reader is strongly encouraged to review the cited article for an in-depth understanding of the concepts summarized in this infographic.
Landing manoeuvres predict roost-site preferences in bats
Authors: Chaverri Gloriana , Araya-Salas Marcelo , Barrantes Jose Pablo , Uribe-Etxebarria Tere , Peña-Acuña Marcela , Varela Angie Liz , Aihartza Joxerra
Published: October 2022

Roosts are vital for the survival of many species, and how individuals choose one site over another is affected by various factors. In bats, for example, species may use stiff roosts such as caves or compliant ones such as leaves; each type requires not only specific morphological adaptations but also different landing manoeuvres. Selecting a suitable roost within those broad categories may increase landing performance, reducing accidents and decreasing exposure time to predators. We addressed whether bats select specific roost sites based on the availability of a suitable landing surface, which could increase landing performance. Our study focused on Spix's disc-winged bats (Thyroptera tricolor), a species known to roost within developing tubular leaves. As previous studies show that this species relies on the leaves' apex for safe landing and rapid post-landing settlement, we predicted that bats would prefer to roost in tubular structures with a longer apex and that landing would be consistently more effective on those leaves. Field observations showed that T. tricolor predominantly used two species for roosting, Heliconia imbricata and Calathea lutea, but they preferred roosting in the former. The main difference between these two plant species was the length of the leaf's apex (longer in H. imbricata). Experiments in a flight cage also showed that bats used more consistent approach and landing tactics when accessing leaves with a longer apex. Our results suggest that landing mechanics may strongly influence resource selection, especially when complex manoeuvres are needed to acquire those resources.
Ontogeny of the middle ear and auditory sensitivity in the Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita)
Authors: Lauridsen Tanya Bojesen , Christensen-Dalsgaard Jakob
Published: October 2022

In most anuran amphibians, acoustic communication is of prime importance for mate localization and selection. The tympanic middle ear increases auditory sensitivity and directionality and is therefore expected to be favoured by natural selection. However, especially within the family of true toads (Bufonidae) there is a tendency for species to lose parts of the middle ear apparatus and consequently have a reduced sensitivity to high-frequency sounds (above 1 kHz). Part of the explanation for this may be that development of the middle ear is especially slow in bufonids, and thus the middle ear would be more likely to be lost or non-functional in paedomorphic species. However, a timeline of development of the middle ear has not been established previously. The goal of the present study was to investigate middle ear development in a toad species that has a well-known natural history and acoustic communication behaviour. We made a detailed study of anatomy and biophysics of the middle ear with measurements of auditory sensitivity across age in post-metamorphic natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita). The tadpoles and toadlets were raised in the laboratory, so their exact age was known, their auditory sensitivity was measured using auditory brainstem responses, and middle ear development and function were assessed by anatomical studies and laser vibrometry. We found that the developmental stage of the middle ear depends on the size of the toad rather than its age. The middle ear was functional at the earliest at a snout–vent length of 40 mm, which for these toads was around 500 days post-metamorphosis, close to the time of first reproduction. The functional, adult-like middle ear was shown to have 30 dB increased sensitivity to the dominant frequency of the mating call compared with sensitivities measured in newly metamorphosed individuals.
Force loss induced by inhibiting cross-bridge cycling is mitigated in eccentric contraction
Authors: Fukutani Atsuki , Kunimatsu Shiho , Isaka Tadao
Published: October 2022

We examined whether the force loss induced by 2,3-butanedione monoxime affects isometric and eccentric forces differently. Single skinned muscle fibers were activated at an average sarcomere length of 2.4 μm and then stretched to 3.0 μm. This trial was performed with and without 2,3-butanedione monoxime to calculate the magnitude of force loss attained at several time points: pre-stretch phase at 2.4 μm, eccentric phase, end of eccentric contraction, and post-stretch phase at 3.0 μm. The magnitude of force loss was significantly larger in the pre-stretch phase than at the other time points. Further, the mitigated force loss in the eccentric contraction was more prominent in the long condition than in the short condition. We suggest that the eccentric force is relatively preserved compared with the reference isometric force (pre-stretch) when cross-bridge cycling is inhibited, possibly because of the contribution of the elastic force produced by titin.
A critical discourse analysis of the Quebec media’s portrayal of older adults in residences and long-term care homes pre- and peri-COVID-19
Authors: Archambault Olivia , Lagacé Martine , Fraser Sarah Anne
Published: October 2022

Background: How we discuss older adults can influence our perceptions of aging and age-related policies, particularly during times of crisis. Ageist discourse in the media impacts how society views older adults and how older adults view themselves. Negative stereotypes have been associated with negative health outcomes and can exacerbate the adverse events faced by older adults during a pandemic. This study examined the Quebec media’s portrayal of older adults living in long-term care (LTC) homes before and during the first wave of COVID-19.

Methods: The first confirmed COVID-19 case in Quebec was on 27 February 2020. The Factiva database was searched for newspaper articles that were published three months before (pre) and three months after (peri) the first confirmed case. Articles had to include the terms: older adults, LTC, and/or residence. Articles were excluded if they did not discuss direct or indirect impacts in the lives of people living in LTC (i.e., only discussed statistics of COVID-19 cases). After screening, 208 articles were retained, and critical discourse analysis was conducted.

Results: The media discourse regarding older adults in LTC homes revealed a lack of resources (i.e., insufficient staff) and negative health outcomes for older adults (i.e., bed sores) in both the pre- and peri-COVID-19 articles. Negative and positive elements emerged from the peri-COVID-19 discourse, including increased social isolation of those in LTC, government action and advocacy (by health care practitioners and family) to support those in LTC homes.

Conclusions: Existing systemic problems were exacerbated by the pandemic and this impacted older adults in LTC homes negatively. Despite this, the peri-COVID-19 discourse suggests meaningful change at the societal and policy levels to improve outcomes for future generations of older adults who reside in LTC homes.
Are the cyst nematode hatching factor eclepins rhizosphere signalling molecules? Solanoeclepin A regulates gene expression in plants
Authors: Vlaar Lieke E. , Galland Marc , Dong Lemeng , Rahimi Mehran , Bouwmeester Harro J.
Published: October 2022

Background: The eclepins are a group of root-exuded compounds that induce the hatching of cyst nematodes, economically relevant pests for crops such as soybean and potato. From an evolutionary standpoint a beneficial effect of eclepins would be expected for the plant.

Methods: To identify this beneficial effect, we analysed the transcriptome of two plant species in response to treatment with an eclepin. One of the eclepins, solanoeclepin A (solA), produced by members of the Solanaceae, was used in this study to treat tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Arabidopsis seedlings grown in vitro. Samples were used to call differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using RNAseq and followed by GO term enrichment analysis.

Results: RNAseq analysis showed that solA downregulates the immune and hypoxia response, as well as ethylene biosynthesis and signalling, and promotes root growth. This response was particularly strong under N and P deficiency in Arabidopsis.

Conclusions: Hence, solA affects gene expression in species it is not produced by. Furthermore, these results suggest that solA prepares the plant for colonization by microorganisms, possibly playing a role in nutrient uptake. Moreover, the change in hypoxia response and ethylene signalling and growth stimulation point toward the induction of an altered root architecture, possibly further improving the plant’s ability to recruit beneficial microbes and absorb nutrients.
Family medicine in rural areas - perspectives and development opportunities
Authors: Prusaczyk Artur , Karczmarz Sabina , Bogdan Magdalena , Żuk Paweł , Oberska Joanna
Published: October 2022

Access to health care should be universal and equal regardless of health needs, socio-economic status and place of residence. Empirical research confirms, however, that there are differences in access to health care between people in urban and rural areas. The main challenges for the health care system in rural areas are staff shortages, greater distance from large hospitals, difficult access to specialist and preventive services, and lower effectiveness of emergency care.
The aim of the study was to analyze practical solutions to improve the organization of care in POZ, taking into account the principles of coordinated care in rural areas.
As part of this study, an attempt was made to present practical solutions that may help to improve the organization of care in primary health care in rural areas. It is worth emphasizing once again that effective and efficient care for the population must be consistent with the concept of care coordination. In addition, the work shows how important from the perspective of the development of medicine in rural areas can be the inclusion of teamwork, financial motivators, including the so-called 'Rural addition' and the impact of modern technologies based on self-care and remote monitoring of patients' health.
Position controlled lasing threshold of the acceptor emission in a dynamic twin droplet system made using a microfluidic chip
Authors: Sundaresan Aswathy , Alee K. Shadak
Published: October 2022

We demonstrate low threshold acceptor lasing consequent to the efficient coupling and radiative energy transfer between the donor and acceptor droplets in a dynamic array of coupled droplets named twin droplets, made using a microfluidic chip. The ability of the microdroplet to focus the incoming plane wave internally along the principle diameter, by virtue of its spherical interface and higher refractive index than the background medium, is recognized as the prime cause of observed acceptor lasing in the coupled droplet system. This is confirmed by observing only acceptor fluorescence when the refractive index of the donor droplet falls below that of the background. By flipping the position of the acceptor in the twin droplets, we further show that the threshold of the acceptor lasing is dependent on the acceptor position and, hence, the coupling direction. Using the emission polarization measurements from the twin droplets, we also show that the acceptor emission is highly polarized and follows the pump laser polarization.
All-fiber LP01-LP11 ultra-broadband mode converters based on T-superimposed long period gratings in PCF
Authors: Tian Pengfei , Bi Weihong , Jin Wa , Ke Sicheng , Xia Xuetao , Fu Guangwei , Fu Xinghu
Published: October 2022

In order to cover the bandwidth of optical fiber communication, a LP01-LP11 ultra-broadband mode converter based on triple superimposed long period grating in PCF is proposed and demonstrated. The transmission spectra of the D-SLPG with gratings pitches and the T-SLPG were simulated and analyzed. The simulation results on the D-SLPG indicate that the 3 dB bandwidth of the D-SLPG is more than 1.5 times than the 3 dB bandwidth of the independent LPG and the 3 dB bandwidth of T-SLPG approaches 2.6 times as much as the independent LPG. In the experiment, the mode converter based on PCF-T-SLPG covers the wavelength of S + C + L with 3 dB bandwidth of 121 nm from 1498 nm to 1619 nm. In addition, the mode converter based on PCF-T-SLPG can accomplish ultra-broadband transmission in any wavelength by adjusting the period of gratings.
Characterization of a hard X-ray self-seeding diamond crystal orientation
Authors: Lutman Alberto A. , Decker Franz-Josef , Halavanau Aliaksei , Maxwell Timothy J. , Sato Takahiro
Published: October 2022

We present a method to accurately control the photon energies for hard X-ray Self-seeding schemes with a single crystal monochromator in transmissive geometry. The energy calibration is performed by measuring which pairs of the machine pitch and yaw angles for different crystallographic planes reflect the X-ray at the same wavelength. The free parameters of an analytical formula for the self-seeding energies are determined by fitting the observed intersections and the normalized derivative with respect to the pitch and yaw angles in the observed intersections. The method requires a hard X-ray spectrometer, but it does not rely on its absolute energy calibration. Instead, identifying the self-seeded energies above the SASE background or the monochromatic notches within the SASE bandwidth is sufficient for the calibration.
Optical bistability in PECVD silicon-rich nitride
Authors: Friedman Alex , Belogolovskii Dmitrii , Grieco Andrew , Fainman Yeshaiahu
Published: October 2022

We present a study of optical bi-stability in a 3.02 refractive index at 1550nm plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) silicon-rich nitride (SRN) film, as it pertains to bi-stable switching, memory applications, and thermal sensing applications. In this work we utilize an SRN ring resonator device, which we first characterize at low-power and then compare thermo-optic coefficients, (2.12 ± 0.125) × 10−4/°C, obtained from thermal-heating induced resonance shifts to optically induced resonance shifts as well as estimated propagation loss and absorption. We then measure the time response of this nonlinearity demonstrating the relaxation time to be 18.7 us, indicating the mechanism to be thermal in nature. Finally, we demonstrate bi-stable optical switching.
Modal interference discrepancy and its application to a modified fiber Mach-Zehnder Vernier interferometer
Authors: Wen Xiaoyan , Lin Guohui , Jia Xinao , Li Min , Li Ming-Yu , Lu Haifei , Wang Jiafu
Published: October 2022

In this paper, modal interference discrepancy in an all-fiber MZI is theoretically analyzed and experimentally verified. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that ambient refractive index (RI) response of core-cladding modal interference in an all-fiber MZI is blue-shift, while that of cladding-cladding modal interference is red-shift. Temperature response trends of the two kinds of modal interference are uniformly red-shift. The discrepancy is used to fabricate an improved Vernier sensor which is cascaded by two unit MZIs. One MZI is slightly core-offset fused to obtain core-cladding modal interference, and the other is obviously offset fused to get cladding-cladding modal interference. Ambient RI sensitivity of the cascaded sensor is improved with temperature cross-talk restrained. Ambient RI responses of the two unit MZIs are measured to be opposite, which are -54.009 nm/RIU (within RI range of 1.3362∼1.3811) for the slight and 142.581 nm/RIU for the obvious offset unit MZI. While, temperature response trends of them are consistent, which are 0.042 nm/°C for the slight and 0.025 nm/°C for the obvious offset unit MZI, respectively. For the cascaded Vernier sensor ambient RI sensitivity reaches -1788.160 nm/RIU, which is 33.1 and 12.5 folds improved over the two unit MZIs, respectively. Temperature sensitivity of the cascaded sensor is as low as 0.167 nm/°C and only causes a slight RI error of 9.339 × 10−5 RIU/°C. Due to the simple structure, ease of fabrication, and low temperature cross-talk, the modal interference discrepancy-based Vernier sensor is believed to have potential application prospects in biochemical sensing fields.
1064 nm InGaAs metamorphic laser power converts with over 44% efficiency
Authors: Gou Yudan , Wang Hao , Wang Jun , Zhang Yuying , Niu Ruijun , Chen Xiangliu , Wang Bangguo , Xiao Yao , Zhang Zhicheng , Liu Wuling , Yang Huomu , Deng Guoliang
Published: October 2022

InGaAs metamorphic laser power converters (LPCs) have the potential to deliver electrical energy over distances of several kilometers. In this study, metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) was used to grow InGaAs-based LPCs with an absorption wavelength of 1064 nm. At step thicknesses of 2800 nm, overshoot thicknesses of 6000 nm, reverse component and thicknesses of 2.4% and 700 nm, respectively, a surface roughness of 6.0 nm and InGaAs (24%) lattice relaxation of 93.7% of the InGaAs metamorphic buffer were obtained. The I-V characteristics of LPCs with 10 × 10 mm2 apertures were investigated as a function of laser power and temperature. The maximum conversion efficiency of 44.1% and 550 hours of continuous stable operation at 4 W were demonstrated. Under 1064 nm laser illumination of 4 W, the temperature coefficients for the conversion efficiency and open-circuit voltage were -0.1%abs/°C and -1.6 mV/°C, respectively, and the LPC output power fluctuation was less than 0.5% during 216 hours of continuous temperature change from 20 to 100°C.
Polarization-multiplexed full-space metasurface simultaneously merging with an ultrawide-angle antireflection and a large-angle retroreflection
Authors: Chu Zuntian , Li Tiefu , Wang Jiafu , Jia Yuxiang , Jiang Jinming , Zhu Ruichao , Li Lei , Qu Shaobo
Published: October 2022

Multifunctional electromagnetic (EM) metasurfaces are capable of manipulating electromagnetic waves with kaleidoscopic functions flexibly, which will significantly enhance integration and applications of electronic systems. However, most known design schemes only realize the reflection or transmission functions under a specific angle range, which wastes the other half EM space and restricts wider applications of multifunctional metadevices. Herein, an encouraging strategy of broadband and wide-angle EM wavefronts generator is proposed to produce two independent functions, i.e., antireflections for transverse electric (TE) waves and retroreflection for transverse magnetic (TM) waves, which utilizes band-stop and bandpass responses of the metasurface, respectively. As a feasibility verification of this methodology, a three-layer cascaded metasurface, composed of anisotropic crossbar structures patterned on the two surfaces of a dielectric substrate with sandwiched orthogonal metal-gratings, is designed, fabricated, and measured. Both the simulated and experimental results are in good accordance with theoretical analyses. This full-space metasurface opens up a new route to multifunctional metasurfaces and will further promote engineering applications of metasurfaces.
High-sensitivity operation of an unshielded single cell radio-frequency atomic magnetometer
Authors: Yao Han , Maddox Benjamin , Renzoni F.
Published: October 2022

Real-world applications of atomic magnetometers require the ability to operate them with high-sensitivity in the presence of magnetic noise. In the present work, high-sensitivity operation of unshielded atomic magnetometers in a magnetically noisy environment is demonstrated. The distinguishing feature of the demonstrated approach is the implementation of active in-situ bias field stabilization using multiple fluxgate magnetometers. This is combined with the use of a counter-propagating pump and triple-pass probe configuration, to maximize the atomic polarization and the probe rotation respectively, so to reach high-sensitivity. The improvement in sensitivity of the unshielded system with respect to previous realizations is fully characterized, with the contributions of the different modifications of the apparatus individually quantified. The presented set-up is suitable for the detection of long-range magnetic fields, where shielding or differential measurements using multi-sensor set-ups do not constitute viable options.
Investigation on the red shift of the charge transfer band in Eu3+ doped REMO3 (RE = Lu/Y/La; M = B/Al) phosphors
Authors: Wang Chunlei , Liu Dexin , He Xin , Zhang Zehua , Wang Lili , Xie Wanying
Published: October 2022

A series of Eu3+-doped REMO3 (RE = Lu/Y/La; M = B/Al) phosphors have been synthesized via a high-temperature solid-state method. With the increase of the cation radius from Lu3+ ion to Y3+ ion to La3+ ion in Eu3+-doped REMO3 matrices, the Eu-O charge transfer (CT) energy decreases and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) increases. With the change of cation in the borate radical and aluminate radical from B3+ ion (0.27 Å) to Al3+ ion (0.535 Å), the red-shift of the Eu-O CT band occurs, and their FWHMs increase. Our work provides a reference for Eu3+-doped other complex oxides.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the uptake of routine maternal and infant vaccines globally: A systematic review
Authors: Yunusa Amira , Cabral Christie , Anderson Emma
Published: October 2022

Maintaining routine vaccination coverage is essential to avoid outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. We aimed to understand the international impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine vaccination in pregnant women and children aged 0-5-years-old. A systematic review of quantitative and mixed methods studies exploring changes in vaccination coverage, vaccination services, and vaccine confidence since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic was conducted. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, World Health Organisation, UK Government Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (including EU and US equivalents), and SAGE Journals were searched between 15-17th June 2021. Selected studies included pregnant women, health professionals, and/or infants aged 0-5-years-old including their parents (population); reported on the Covid-19 pandemic (exposure); presented comparisons with pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (comparator) and reported changes in routine maternal and infant vaccination coverage, services, and confidence (outcomes). Sources published only in non-English language were excluded. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality and risk of bias (ROB), and a narrative synthesis was undertaken. This review has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021262449). 30 studies were included in the review; data from 20 high-income countries (HICs), seven low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and three regional studies (groups of countries). 18 studies had a low ROB, 12 had a higher risk, however both low and high ROB studies showed similar results. Two studies meeting the inclusion criteria discussed changes in routine vaccinations for pregnant women while 29 studies discussed infants. Both groups experienced declines in vaccination coverage (up to -79%) with larger disruptions in the accessibility and delivery of vaccination services reported within LMICs compared to HICs. Changes in vaccine confidence remained unclear. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreased vaccine coverage and reduced routine vaccination services for pregnant women and infants, impacts on vaccine confidence requires more research.
The effectiveness of a web-based Dutch parenting program to prevent overweight in children 9–13 years of age: Results of a two-armed cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ruiter Emilie L. M. , Molleman Gerard R. M. , Kleinjan Marloes , Kraiss Jannis T. , ten Klooster Peter M. , van der Velden Koos , Engels Rutger C. M. E. , Fransen Gerdine A. J.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Although parental support is an important component in programs designed to prevent overweight in children, current programs pay remarkably little attention to the role of parenting. We therefore developed a web-based parenting program entitled “Making a healthy deal with your child”. This e-learning program can be incorporated into existing overweight prevention programs. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of this e-learning program.

Materials and methods

The effectiveness was examined in a two-armed cluster randomized controlled trial. The participants were 475 parent-child dyads of children 9–13 years of age in the Netherlands who participated in an existing schoolclass-based overweight prevention program. At the school grade level, parents were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control condition. Measurements were taken from both parents and children at baseline, and 5 and 12 months after baseline. Primary outcomes included the child’s dietary and sedentary behavior, and level of physical activity. Secondary outcomes included general parenting style, specific parenting practices, and parental self-efficacy. Linear mixed effects models and generalized linear mixed effects models were conducted in R.

Results

Intention-to-treat analyses and completers only revealed no significant effects between the intervention and control condition on energy balance-related behaviors of the child and parenting skills after correction for multiple testing. The parents’ mean satisfaction with the e-learning program (on a 10-point scale) was 7.0±1.1.

Conclusions

Although parents were generally satisfied with the parenting program, following this program had no significant beneficial effects regarding the children’s energy balance-related behaviors or the parenting skills compared to the control condition. This program may be more beneficial if used by high-risk groups (e.g. parents of children with unhealthy energy balance-related behaviors and/or with overweight) compared to the general population, warranting further study.
Sex as a determinant of disease severity and clinical outcome in febrile children under five presenting to a regional referral hospital in Uganda
Authors: McDonald Chloe R. , Weckman Andrea M. , Richardson Emma , Hawkes Michael T. , Leligdowicz Aleksandra , Namasopo Sophie , Opoka Robert O. , Conroy Andrea L. , Kain Kevin C.
Published: October 2022

Sex and gender are well-established determinants of health in adult and adolescent populations in low resource settings. There are limited data on sex as a determinant of host response to disease and clinical outcome in febrile children in sub-Saharan Africa, where the risk of infection-related mortality is greatest. We examined sex differences and gender biases in health-seeking behavior, clinical care, biological response to infection, or outcome in a prospective observational cohort of febrile children under 5 years of age presenting to a regional referral hospital in Jinja, Uganda. Main outcomes (stratified by sex) were disease severity at presentation measured by clinical and biological parameters, clinical management (e.g., time to see a physician, treatment by diagnosis), and disease outcome (e.g., mortality). Clinical measures of disease severity included Lambaréné Organ Dysfunction Score (LODS), Signs of Inflammation in Children that Kill (SICK), and the Pediatric Early Death Index for Africa (PEDIA). Biological measures of disease severity were assessed using circulating markers of immune and endothelial activation associated with severe and fatal infections. Differences in outcome by sex were analyzed using bivariate analyses with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. In this cohort of febrile patients admitted to hospital (n = 2049), malaria infection was common (59.2%). 15.9% of children presented with severe disease (LODS score ≥ 2). 97 children (4.7%) died, and most deaths (n = 83) occurred within 48 hours of hospital admission. Clinical measures of disease severity at presentation, clinical management, and outcome (e.g., mortality) did not differ by sex in children under five years of age. Host response to infection, as determined by endothelial and inflammatory mediators (e.g., sTREM1, Ang-2) quantified at hospital presentation, did not differ by sex. In this cohort of children under the age of five, sex was not a principal determinant of disease severity at hospital presentation, clinical management, disease outcome, or biological response to infection (p-values not significant for all comparisons, after Bonferroni correction). The results suggest that health seeking behavior by caregivers and clinical care in the hospital setting did not reflect a gender bias in this cohort.