bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic microneedles: exploring the recent advances on a microfabricated system for precision delivery of drugs, peptides, and proteins
Authors: Umeyor Chukwuebuka Emmanuel , Shelke Varsha , Pol Apurva , Kolekar Prafull , Jadhav Sarika , Tiwari Nikita , Anure Ankita , Nayak Abhit , Bairagi Ghanshamdas , Agale Aniket , Raut Vaishnavi , Bahadure Sumedh , Chaudhari Aniruddha , Patravale Vandana B.
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite its popularity, acceptability, and convenience, the oral route is not the classical route for the administration of all critical bioactives including lipophilic drugs, proteins, and peptides. Recent advances in drug delivery have identified the transdermal route as a compelling alternative channel for improved delivery of essential biomolecules due to the illuminating advantages derived from this route. In order to circumvent the poor permeation of the stratum corneum by transdermal patches, microneedles (MNs) technology, which combine the advantages of parenteral delivery using hypodermic needles and transdermal delivery, has been unveiled as a novel biomimetic technology for efficient and effective transport of payloads across the stratum corneum.

Main body of abstract

The concept of MNs was first documented by Chambers in 1921 when he reported some problems encountered during experimentation using Echinoderm eggs. Since the first patent recorded in 1976, there has been consistent interest and funding in development of MNs for various biomedical applications. MNs have been developed and classified based on their physical attributes and functional profiles into solid, coated, hollow, dissolvable, and swellable or hydrogel-based MNs. These devices are fabricated using advanced techniques like 3D bioprinting, laser methods, photolithography, and molding, and applying materials such as carbohydrates, silica, ceramics, metals, glass and polymers. MNs could be characterized based on their morphological, geometrical, surface, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and permeability profiles. Evidences have shown that MNs could be commercialized for various clinical adaptations. The numerous biomedical applications of microneedles in drug, peptide, and protein delivery attest to the versatility and dynamic nature of the fabrication techniques, and the pliability of the formulation materials. In spite of the enormous potentials of MNs, extant literature has shown that MNs also have their own share of limitations like every novel technology designed for theranostic purposes.

Short conclusion

In this review, we have escalated discussions on the progress and advances made in the development and use of MNs by summarizing the benefits, limitations, fabrication techniques, fabrication materials, characterization methods, therapeutic applications, sterilization and stability considerations, safety and toxicological concerns, regulatory guidelines, and tips for successful commercialization of MNs.
Multi-wavelength fusion spectral extraction-assisted HPLC for simultaneous quantification of multiple secondary metabolites in herbal matrices
Authors: Danaboina Gnanabhaskar , Tiwari Rudramani , Subrahmanyam Kurra , Shreekala V. , Meena Ajay Kumar
Published: November 2023

The existing HPLC methods for the assaying of multiple markers in standardized herbal extracts use a single wavelength for quantification, which usually leads to lower assay than actual claims. It was because screening multiple phytochemical standards irrespective to their absorption maxima which drive decrease in peak are response which ultimately impact the assay. To overcome this issue, we have applied a methodology, called Mixed Standard Multi-Signal (MSMS) simultaneous detection, where multiple reference standards get extracted each with their respective λmax and quantification will be done at the same λmax in a single sequence data setup. This method was standardized using Single Signal Multi-Standards, Single Signal Single Standard, Multi-Signal Single Standard, for all individual reference standards, mixed reference standards, plant extracts, and Ayurvedic formulations. The results of our study demonstrate that higher assay reported total actives 5.04% by conventional detection and for current proposed method 13.81% with shorter span of analysis time and lesser solvent consumption. It helps to decide the actual standardization label claim on product which drives better commercial costings, and dosage regimen claims.

Graphical Abstract
Challenges for setting up psychiatric services in a trauma centre in India
Authors: Chawla Nishtha , Chadda Rakesh K.
Published: November 2023

Psychiatric sequelae may occur following traumatic injury irrespective of whether an insult has been caused to the brain. A range of psychiatric illnesses have been either causative of or associated with road traffic accidents and traumatic injuries, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Despite literature on such associations, psychiatric intervention in the treatment of patients following traumatic injury is limited. The authors share their experience of challenges in addressing mental health problems in a tertiary care trauma centre located in North India. Steps in overcoming those challenges included: developing a semi-structured form to be completed for referrals and consultations, a psychiatrist attending weekly rounds with the surgeons, and initiating a psychiatry out-patient clinic for patients discharged from the trauma centre. It may be worthwhile in the future to set up a trauma psychiatry unit at the centre, involving a clinical psychologist, a psychiatric social worker and an occupational therapist for the comprehensive care of patients.
Effectiveness of participatory video in lowering stigma against people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders in Kenya
Authors: Bitta Mary A. , Baariu Judy , Grassi Simone , Kariuki Symon M. , Lennox Belinda , Newton Charles R. J. C.
Published: November 2023

Background

Globally, stigma associated with mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders is rampant and a barrier to good health and overall well-being of people with these conditions. Person-centred digital approaches such as participatory video may reduce stigma, but evidence on their effectiveness in Africa is absent.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of participatory video in reducing mental health-related stigma in a resource-limited setting.

Method

We evaluated the effectiveness of using participatory video and face-to-face interaction between people with MNS disorders and a target audience in lowering stigma among 420 people living in Kilifi, Kenya. Changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour (KAB) were measured by comparing baseline scores with scores immediately after watching the participatory videos and 4 months after the intervention. Sociodemographic correlates of stigma scores were examined using multivariable linear regression models.

Results

Compared with baseline, KAB scores significantly improved at both time points, suggesting reduced stigma levels. At 4 months, the changes in scores were: knowledge (β = 0.20, 95% CI 0.16–0.25; P < 0.01), liberal attitude (β = 1.08, 95% CI 0.98–1.17; P < 0.01), sympathetic attitude (β = 0.52, 95% CI 0.42–0.62; P < 0.01), tolerant attitude (β = 0.72, 95% CI 0.61–0.83; P < 0.01) and behaviour (β = 0.37, 95% CI 0.31–0.43; P < 0.01). Sociodemographic variables were significantly correlated with KAB scores; the correlations were not consistent across the domains.

Conclusions

Participatory video is a feasible and effective strategy in improving knowledge, attitudes and intended behaviour in a resource-limited setting. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms through which it lowers stigma and to examine long-term sustainability and the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions.
Osteosarcoma Explorer: A Data Commons With Clinical, Genomic, Protein, and Tissue Imaging Data for Osteosarcoma Research
Authors: Yang Donghan M. , Zhou Qinbo , Furman-Cline Lauren , Cheng Xian , Luo Danni , Lai Hongyin , Li Yueqi , Jin Kevin W. , Yao Bo , Leavey Patrick J. , Rakheja Dinesh , Lo Tammy , Hall David , Barkauskas Donald A. , Shulman David S. , Janeway Katherine , Khanna Chand , Gorlick Richard , Menzies Christopher , Zhan Xiaowei , Xiao Guanghua , Skapek Stephen X. , Xu Lin , Klesse Laura J. , Crompton Brian D. , Xie Yang
Published: November 2023

PURPOSE

Osteosarcoma research advancement requires enhanced data integration across different modalities and sources. Current osteosarcoma research, encompassing clinical, genomic, protein, and tissue imaging data, is hindered by the siloed landscape of data generation and storage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical, molecular profiling, and tissue imaging data for 573 patients with pediatric osteosarcoma were collected from four public and institutional sources. A common data model incorporating standardized terminology was created to facilitate the transformation, integration, and load of source data into a relational database. On the basis of this database, a data commons accompanied by a user-friendly web portal was developed, enabling various data exploration and analytics functions.

RESULTS

The Osteosarcoma Explorer (OSE) was released to the public in 2021. Leveraging a comprehensive and harmonized data set on the backend, the OSE offers a wide range of functions, including Cohort Discovery, Patient Dashboard, Image Visualization, and Online Analysis. Since its initial release, the OSE has experienced an increasing utilization by the osteosarcoma research community and provided solid, continuous user support. To our knowledge, the OSE is the largest (N = 573) and most comprehensive research data commons for pediatric osteosarcoma, a rare disease. This project demonstrates an effective framework for data integration and data commons development that can be readily applied to other projects sharing similar goals.

CONCLUSION

The OSE offers an online exploration and analysis platform for integrated clinical, molecular profiling, and tissue imaging data of osteosarcoma. Its underlying data model, database, and web framework support continuous expansion onto new data modalities and sources.
Structural Connectivity of the Human Piriform Cortex: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Borghei Alireza , Kelly Ryan , Pearce John J. , Stoub Travis R. , Sani Sepehr
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The piriform cortex (PC) is part of the primary olfactory network in humans. Recent findings suggest that it plays a role in pathophysiology of epilepsy. Therefore, studying its connectivity can further our understanding of seizure propagation in epilepsy. We aimed to explore the structural connectivity of PC using high-quality human connectome project data coupled with segmentation of PC on anatomic MRI.

METHODS:

Twenty subjects were randomly selected from the human connectome project database, and PC was traced on each hemisphere. Probabilistic whole-brain tractography was then used to visualize PC connectivity.

RESULTS:

The strongest connectivity was noted between PC and ipsilateral insula in both hemispheres. Specifically, the posterior long gyrus of each insula was predominantly connected to PC. This was followed by connections between PC and basal ganglia as well as orbital frontal cortices.

CONCLUSION:

The PC has the strongest connectivity with the insula bilaterally. Specifically, the posterior long gyri of insula have the strongest connectivity. This finding may provide additional insight for localizing and treating temporo-insular epilepsy.
Lifelogging By Senior Citizens: Implications from a Light-Weight GPS-Based Study
Authors: Joho Hideo , Matsubara Masaki , Uda Norihiko , Mizoue Chieko , Rahmi Rahmi
Published: November 2023

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the proportion of senior citizens (over 60 years old) in the world population will reach 30% by 2050. Governments with rapidly ageing societies, such as Japan, urge local communities to develop sustainable solutions that facilitate healthy ageing. A vital component of the solution is for individuals to self-monitor their daily activities and health statuses. With advances in wearable devices, the self-monitoring practice of lifelogging, has become accessible for many people, making such devices promising tools for senior citizens. However, the current understanding of the effective practices of supporting senior citizens through lifelogging technologies is still limited.

Methods: This article reports the findings of a study that investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of a lightweight GPS-based lifelogging approach exercised by senior citizens in Japan. We asked ten participants to carry a smartphone when they went out, and the device automatically captured their activity and location data. We also generated monthly personalised reports to help participants reflect on their daily lives. We analysed the log data collected by the mobile devices, answers to questionnaires distributed every month with activity reports, and final interviews.

Results: The results of the analysis suggest that 1) it is feasible for senior citizens to carry a smartphone to collect their activity and location data, and participants did not feel stressed even when they did not have previous experience using the device; 2) activity reports are a promising way to help senior citizens reflect on their daily lives; 3) senior citizens can be highly atuned to erroneous numeric data captured by these devices, and 4) the ability to interpret visualisations of lifelog data can vary across participants.

Conclusions: The findings of this study call for developing data literacy programs for senior citizens to facilitate their effective use of data-driven services.
Investigation of the diagnostic importance and accuracy of CT in the chest compared to the RT-PCR test for suspected COVID-19 patients in Jordan
Authors: Alewaidat Haytham , Bataineh Ziad , Bani-Ahmad Mohammad , Alali Manar , Almakhadmeh Ali
Published: November 2023

This article aims to synthesize the existing literature on the implementation of public policies to incentivize the development of treatments for rare diseases, (diseases with very low prevalence and therefore with low commercial interest) otherwise known as orphan drugs. The implementation of these incentives in the United States (US), Japan, and in the European Union (EU) seems to be related to a substantial increase in treatments for these diseases, and has influenced the way the pharmaceutical research & development (R&D) system operates beyond this policy area. Despite the success of the Orphan Drug model, the academic literature also highlights the negative implications that these public policies have on affordability and access to orphan drugs, as well as on the prioritization of certain disease rare areas over others. The synthesis focuses mostly on the United States’ Orphan Drug Act (ODA) as a model for subsequent policies in other regions and countries. It starts with a historical overview of the creation of the term “rare diseases”, continues with a summary of the evidence available on the US ODA’s positive and negative impacts, and provides a summary of the different proposals to reform these incentives in light of the negative outcomes described. Finally, it describes some key aspects of the Japanese and European policies, as well as some of the challenges captured in the literature related to their impact in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Cohort profile: Improved Pregnancy Outcomes via Early Detection (IMPROvED), an International Multicentre Prospective Cohort
Authors: Maher Gillian M. , Kenny Louise C. , Navaratnam Kate , Alfirevic Zarko , Sheehan Darina , Baker Philip N. , Gluud Christian , Tuytten Robin , Kublickas Marius , Niklasson Boel , Duvekot Johannes J. , van den Berg Caroline B. , Wu Pensee , Kublickiene Karolina , McCarthy Fergus P. , Khashan Ali S.
Published: November 2023

Background Improved Pregnancy Outcomes via Early Detection (IMPROvED) is a multi-centre, European phase IIa clinical study. The primary aim of IMPROvED is to enable the assessment and refinement of innovative prototype preeclampsia risk assessment tests based on emerging biomarker technologies. Here we describe IMPROvED’s profile and invite researchers to collaborate. Methods A total of 4,038 low-risk nulliparous singleton pregnancies were recruited from maternity units in Ireland (N=1,501), United Kingdom (N=1,108), The Netherlands (N=810), and Sweden (N=619) between November 2013 to August 2017. Participants were interviewed by a research midwife at ~11 weeks (optional visit), ~15 weeks, ~20 weeks, ~34 weeks’ gestation (optional visit), and postpartum (within 72-hours following delivery). Findings to date Clinical data included information on maternal sociodemographic, medical history, and lifestyle factors collected at ~15 weeks’ gestation, and maternal measurements, collected at each study visit. Biobank samples included blood, urine, and hair collected at each study visit throughout pregnancy in all units plus umbilical cord/blood samples collected at birth in Ireland and Sweden. A total of 74.0% (N=2,922) had an uncomplicated pregnancy, 3.1% (N=122) developed preeclampsia, 3.6% (N=143) had a spontaneous preterm birth, and 10.5% (N=416) had a small for gestational age baby. We evaluated a panel of metabolite biomarkers and a panel of protein biomarkers at 15 weeks and 20 weeks’ gestation for preeclampsia risk assessment. Their translation into tests with clinical application, as conducted by commercial entities, was hampered by technical issues and changes in test requirements. Work on the panel of proteins was abandoned, while work on the use of metabolite biomarkers for preeclampsia risk assessment is ongoing. Future plans In accordance with the original goals of the IMPROvED study, the data and biobank are now available for international collaboration to conduct high quality research into the cause and prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The luck of the draw: Wellcome's Institutional Fund for Research Culture
Authors: Lewis-Wilson Shomari , Towers Sonya
Published: November 2023

Wellcome's Institutional Fund for Research Culture (IFRC) closed call is an invite-only grant call in 2023. It is a departure from Wellcome's previous methods of institutional funding, providing institutions with up to £1m of grant funding to take on ambitious projects that advance research cultures and research environments that are equitable, diverse and supportive. Recognising the broad range of topics and ideas for advancing positive research cultures, IFRC is the first ever Wellcome-funding scheme to use partial randomisation to allocate funding. Applications were grouped by a funding committee into three categories (Gold, Silver and Bronze), with the applications selected for Gold being directly recommended for funding and all applications in the Silver group being set for funding by the randomiser. Applications grouped into Bronze were not funded. To ensure that this activity Wellcome's principles for openness and transparency, we have included the Python script for the call here. IFRC comes when efforts to fund positive and inclusive research cultures are mainstream. Similar efforts to support research culture activities at scale have come from the Research England Development (RED) Fund, and the next iteration of the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2028) will also mark 25% of the assessment criteria for people, culture and environment. IFRC was not designed with the national picture in mind but is a testament to Wellcome's values as an inclusive funder. The range of projects and geographies that IFRC will fund is exciting.Still, it also threw up several interesting social and philanthropic research questions we want to explore in future community-facing activities following the call. We hope that findings from IFRC projects become a valuable resource for institutions wishing to improve their research cultures and a catalyst for future change and discussion within the sector that makes academic careers more inclusive.
The genome sequence of Pycnococcus provasolii (CCAP190/2) (Guillard, 1991)
Authors: Green David H. , Rad-Menéndez Cecilia , Campbell Christine , Kilias Estelle S. ,   Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa collective,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Earlham Institute Genome Acquisition Lab and Protists Project,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: November 2023

We present a genome assembly from cultured Pycnococcus provasolii (a marine green alga; Chlorophyta; None; Pseudoscourfieldiales; Pycnococcaceae). The genome sequence is 32.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 44 chromosomal pseudomolecules (99.67%). The mitochondrial and plastid genomes have also been assembled, and the length of the mitochondrial scaffold is 24.3 kilobases and of the plastid genome has been assembled and is 80.2 kilobases in length.
De la Filosofía para Niños indígenas a la Filosofía desde Niños indígenas: una propuesta desde la nosotrificación maya-tojolabal
Authors: Barrientos-Rastrojo José
Published: November 2023

La Filosofía para Niños ha contemplado en los últimos años la emergencia de prácticas entre comunidades indígenas en todo el mundo. Desde las prácticas mexicanas de Madrid o Ezcurdia a las africanas de Odierna y las asiáticas de Elicor, diversos especialistas han demandado su necesidad para el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico y, por extensión, la liberación de las condiciones de opresión y colonialismo a las que se han sometido a los pueblos originarios. A pesar de estas buenas intenciones, se despierta la inquietud de que las propias metodologías del pensamiento crítico o de la verdad nacida según criterios discursivos o lógico-argumentales pueda convertirse en un mecanismo neocolonial al imponer formas de pensamiento occidentales. Además, la agenda de los temas y los materiales corresponden a horizontes nacidos en Estados Unidos o en Europa y, por ende, podríamos encontrarnos ante un proceso de imposición de discursos donde la salvación crítica se convierta en un nuevo modelo de opresión.Este artículo analiza los riesgos de esta realidad y avanza a una propuesta co-operativa. Esta co-operación anima a quedar a la escucha de las filosofías de estos pueblos para ampliar, corregir y mejorar los presupuestos de la Filosofía para Niños. Por tanto, recorre el camino inverso a las experiencias con comunidades indígenas. Reflexiona sobre los avances que supone su filosofía respecto a los presupuestos occidentales de nuestro campo. De esta forma, deja el campo abonado para un producto sinérgico que facilite la creación de una Filosofía desde Niños indígenas mayas-tojolabales y no una para ellos.
Cultura Psicanalítica e Revolução Sexual nas Histórias em Quadrinhos nos Estados Unidos nos anos 1970
Authors: Santos Diego
Published: November 2023

Este artigo parte do conceito de cultura psicanalítica para promover o debate sobre a construção das subjetividades na década de 1970 nos Estados Unidos. Sistematizado pelo psicanalista Sérvulo Figueira, este conceito se refere à maneira como ideias vindas da psicanálise integraram esferas artísticas, publicitárias, jornalísticas, entre outras, influenciando e sendo influenciadas pela cultura de cada local onde foi apropriada. Esse fenômeno permitiu a construção de modos científicos e populares de interpretações acerca do sofrimento e da construção das subjetividades. O artigo direciona suas lentes à obra da artista estadunidense Aline Kominsky (1948-2022), publicada em meio aos debates sobre a revolução sexual dos anos 1970. A artista fez parte de uma geração que, inserida no contexto da contracultura, produziu e distribuiu histórias em quadrinhos que contestavam as normas sociais estabelecidas, o modelo de família nuclear patriarcal e reivindicava o afrouxamento das normas sexuais. A análise de sua obra, portanto, nos permite pensar as maneiras pelas quais a artista buscou em ideias psicanalíticas, as ferramentas ideais para contestar as instituições sociais, bem como construir propostas sobre novos modelos civilizacionais menos opressivos com base numa ressignificação da sexualidade.
Highly discriminative and adaptive feature extraction method based on NMF–MFCC for event recognition of Φ-OTDR
Authors: Huang Yi , Dai Jingyi , Shen Wei , Chen Xiaofeng , Hu Chengyong , Deng Chuanlu , Chen Lin , Zhang Xiaobei , Jin Wei , Tang Jianming , Wang Tingyun
Published: November 2023

To enhance the capability of phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometers (Φ-OTDR) to recognize disturbance events, an improved adaptive feature extraction method based on NMF–MFCC is proposed, which replaces the fixed filter bank used in the traditional method to extract the mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) features by a spectral structure obtained from the Φ-OTDR signal spectrum using nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF). Three typical events on fences are set as recognition targets in our experiments, and the results show that the NMF–MFCC features have higher distinguishability, with the corresponding recognition accuracy reaching 98.47%, which is 7% higher than that using the traditional MFCC features.
Evaluating the performance of OCT in assessing static and potential dynamic properties of the retinal ganglion cells and nerve fiber bundles in the living mouse eye
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Vafaeva Olga , Dolf Christian , Ma Yanhong , Wang Guozhen , Cho Jessicca , Chan Henry Ho-Lung , Marsh-Armstrong Nicholas , Zawadzki Robert J.
Published: November 2023

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by the thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), which is primarily caused by the progressive death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Precise monitoring of these changes at a cellular resolution in living eyes is significant for glaucoma research. In this study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of temporal speckle averaging optical coherence tomography (TSA-OCT) and dynamic OCT (dOCT) in examining the static and potential dynamic properties of RGCs and RNFL in living mouse eyes. We evaluated parameters such as RNFL thickness and possible dynamics, as well as compared the ganglion cell layer (GCL) soma density obtained from in vivo OCT, fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), and ex vivo histology.
Photoacoustic image reconstruction with an objective function using TGV and ESTGV as a regularization functional
Authors: Paul Bondita , Patra Rusha
Published: November 2023

Photoacoustic tomographic imaging is a non-invasive medical diagnostic technology for visualizing biological tissue. However, the inverse problem and noise in photoacoustic signals often cause blurred images. Existing regularization methods struggle with staircasing artifacts and edge preservation. To overcome this, an objective function incorporating total generalized variation (TGV) is proposed. However, it failed with high-density Gaussian noise. To address this, an extended version called edge-guided second-order TGV (ESTGV) is introduced. For sparsification, wavelet transform and discrete cosine transform are introduced, while the fast-composite-splitting algorithm is employed for the inverse problem solution. Experimental validation demonstrates the potential of these approaches.
Higher-order multipoles in metaphotonic structures: reviewing symmetric approaches and constructing a comprehensive theoretical method
Authors: Allahverdizade Hosein , Afkari Ehsan , Aghdasinia Sina , Bemani Mohammad
Published: November 2023

This research explores localized electric fields in two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals, focusing on higher-order multipoles. Novel formulas are developed to accurately describe and analyze these complex electromagnetic modes. By considering various crystal element arrangements, we investigate the formation and interactions of electric, magnetic, and toroidal moments. We examine the effects of symmetry on the localized electromagnetic fields in 2D periodic structures and explain how bound states in the continuum (BICs) arise and behave in different symmetry classes. It is important to point out that every singularity point that occurs in multipolar series expansions depends on a BIC point, and it inspires us to study the characteristics of them. Furthermore, we analyze a variety of BICs and use perturbed and degeneracy breaking to investigate high-Q-factor quasi-BICs. The results provide a thorough understanding of how symmetry and multipolar interactions affect potential applications in cutting-edge metasurfaces and photonic devices (metaphotonic).
Optimal binary gratings for multi-wavelength magneto-optical traps
Authors: Burrow Oliver S. , Fasano Robert J. , Brand Wesley , Wright Michael W. , Li Wenbo , Ludlow Andrew D. , Riis Erling , Griffin Paul F. , Arnold Aidan S.
Published: November 2023

Grating magneto-optical traps are an enabling quantum technology for portable metrological devices with ultracold atoms. However, beam diffraction efficiency and angle are affected by wavelength, creating a single-optic design challenge for laser cooling in two stages at two distinct wavelengths – as commonly used for loading, e.g., Sr or Yb atoms into optical lattice or tweezer clocks. Here, we optically characterize a wide variety of binary gratings at different wavelengths to find a simple empirical fit to experimental grating diffraction efficiency data in terms of dimensionless etch depth and period for various duty cycles. The model avoids complex 3D light-grating surface calculations, yet still yields results accurate to a few percent across a broad range of parameters. Gratings optimized for two (or more) wavelengths can now be designed in an informed manner suitable for a wide class of atomic species enabling advanced quantum technologies.
Monte-Carlo based vertical underwater optical communication performance analysis with chlorophyll depth profiles
Authors: Yi Xiang , Liu Jingyi , Liu Yuhe , Ata Yalçin
Published: November 2023

Although underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) has the advantages of high speed, low latency, and high confidentiality, the transmission of light in water will be affected by the absorption and scattering of particles, which will lead to the aggravation of channel path loss as well as channel pulse spreading, finally causing false codes. Therefore, how to analyze the channel impulse response (CIR) effectively is a key task in channel modeling. In this paper, we consider a two-way underwater vertical line-of-sight (LOS) communication system model, based on the inherent optical property (IOP) model of chlorophyll, using the Kopelevich phase function containing water depth information, the CIR curves under different water types and transceiver configurations are plotted using the Monte-Carlo Simulation (MCS). The obtained simulation results are fitted with the double gamma function (DGF) model and the Gaussian model, respectively. The Gaussian model exhibits better properties than the DGF model in each water condition. Based on the closed-form expression of the CIR obtained from the Gaussian model, we solve for the bit error rate (BER) and 3-dB bandwidth of the system under different settings. The conclusions obtained can be used for the design and optimization of underwater vertical channels.
Sigma vector calculations in nodal aberration theory and experimental validation using a Cassegrain telescope
Authors: Yeşiltepe Meltem , Bauer Aaron , Karcı Özgür , Rolland Jannick P.
Published: November 2023

Nodal Aberration Theory (NAT) was developed to explain the field dependency of aberration field centers in the image plane of nominally rotationally symmetric optical systems that have lost their symmetry through misalignments. A new insight into the theory led to calculating the sigma vectors, which locate the aberration field centers, using the angle between a real-ray trace of the optical axis ray (OAR) and the normal of the local surface where “local” refers to the object and image optical spaces of that surface. Here, we detail the sigma vector calculations for general optical systems and provide an experimental investigation of a misaligned system with a high-precision customized Cassegrain telescope. In the simulations, a Newtonian telescope, a Cassegrain telescope, and a three-mirror anastigmat telescope were misaligned intentionally in ray-tracing software. The sigma vectors were calculated analytically for the third-order aberrations of astigmatism and coma. Experimentally, the same perturbations were implemented for the Cassegrain telescope system, and the aberrations were quantified through interferometric measurements on a grid of field points in the image plane that verified the analytical derivation and simulations.
650-nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) for plastic optical fiber communication
Authors: Almaymoni Nawal , Alkhazragi Omar , Kang Chun Hong , Melinte Georgian , Ng Tien Khee , Ooi Boon S.
Published: November 2023

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are widely used as light sources for high-speed communications. This is mainly due to their economical cost, high bandwidth, and scalability. However, efficient red VCSELs with emissions at 650 nm are required for plastic optical fiber (POF) technology because of the low-loss transmission window centered around this wavelength. This study investigates using 650-nm red VCSEL arrays in interconnected systems for POF communication to improve signal quality and increase data rates. The experimental results show that using one red VCSEL with a –3-dB bandwidth of 2 GHz in POF communication can achieve data rates of up to 4.7 Gb/s with 2 pJ/bit power efficiency using direct current-biased optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM). The bit error ratio (BER) is 3.6×10−3, which is less than the hard-decision forward-error correction (FEC) limit of 3.8 × 10−3. In addition, temperature dependence measurements of the VCSEL have been presented from 15 ∘C to 38 ∘C. The essential parameters of VCSEL have also been measured: the maximum optical power is 2.5 mW, and the power conversion efficiency is 14%.
Inhibition of non-Hermitian topological phase transitions in sliding photonic quasicrystals
Authors: Longhi Stefano
Published: November 2023

Non-Hermitian (NH) quasicrystals have been a topic of increasing interest in current research, particularly in the context of NH topological physics and materials science. Recently, it has been suggested and experimentally demonstrated using synthetic photonic lattices that a class of NH quasicrystals can feature topological spectral phase transitions. Here we consider a NH quasicrystal with a uniformly-drifting (sliding) incommensurate potential and show that, owing to violation of Galilean invariance, the topological phase transition is washed out and the quasicrystal is always in the delocalized phase with an entirely real-energy spectrum. The results are illustrated by considering quantum walks in synthetic photonic lattices.
Few-mode polymer waveguide amplifier with a dual-layer coronal refractive index profile
Authors: Gao Lizhan , Wang Fei , Yu Cheng , Shi Jiahui , Li Changlong , Zhao Dan , Zhang Meiling
Published: November 2023

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, few-mode waveguide amplifier with a dual-layer coronal core is first proposed. Reconfiguring the refractive index profile is adopted to equalize the modal gains pumped in a single mode. The polymer in terms of the prominent advantages of simple processing and the ease of adjusting refractive index is utilized. The waveguide supporting LP01, LP11a, and LP11b is optimized by the genetic algorithm and fabricated by accurate alignment mask. The crosstalk effect and modal profiles are characterized. The modal gains with different signal power and pumping modes are revealed. The schemes in forward and backward pumps are represented. An average gain of 11.84 dB per mode and an ultralow differential modal gain of 0.36 dB are obtained in a 0.3 cm waveguide at 1526 nm through backward pumping of the LP21b mode at 240 mW for an input signal power of 0.1 mW.
Towards Non-contact Macroscopic Imaging of Multiple Cancers using Mulit-Spectral Inelastic Scattering Detection
Authors: David Sandryne , Ksantini Nassim , Dallaire Frederick , Ember Katherine , Daoust François , Sheehy Guillaume , Hadjipanayis Costas , Petrecca Kevin , Wilson Brian , Leblond Frederic
Published: November 2023

In situ spontaneous Raman spectroscopy at sub-millimeter detection scales has been reported previously to guide tumor resection. However, single-point spectroscopy is limited in its ability to sample whole surgical margins rapidly and avoid under-sampling. A retrospective analysis of Raman spectroscopy datasets acquired on four cancer types has shown that the spectral bands around 1004, 1302, 1440, and 1657 inverted centimeters were common cancer biomarkers. Linear SVM classification models were developed to detect cancer with only 3 spectral bands and showed a sensibility and specificity close to the one obtained with the original classification. These results led to the development of a multi-spectral imaging system that has the capability to map a Raman biomarker, over a >2 cm² field-of-view. A proof-of-principle study is presented imaging the wavenumber band centered at 1440 cm-1 associated lipids and proteins in porcine tissues. Wide-field single-band imaging was achieved in ~5 seconds and preliminarily demonstrated the identification of distinct tissue regions. This study paves the way for the development of a new Raman imaging technique that is rapid, label-free, and wide-field.
Inhibition of non-Hermitian topological phase transitions in sliding photonic quasicrystals
Authors: Longhi Stefano
Published: November 2023

Non-Hermitian (NH) quasicrystals have been a topic of increasing interest in current research, particularly in the context of NH topological physics and materials science. Recently, it has been suggested and experimentally demonstrated using synthetic photonic lattices that a class of NH quasicrystals can feature topological spectral phase transitions. Here we consider a NH quasicrystal with a uniformly-drifting (sliding) incommensurate potential and show that, owing to violation of Galilean invariance, the topological phase transition is washed out and the quasicrystal is always in the delocalized phase with an entirely real energy spectrum. The results are illustrated by considering quantum walks in synthetic photonic lattices.
Label-free deep learning-based species classification of bacteria imaged by phase-contrast microscopy
Authors: Hallström Erik , Kandavalli Vinodh , Ranefall Petter , Elf Johan , Wählby Carolina
Published: November 2023

Reliable detection and classification of bacteria and other pathogens in the human body, animals, food, and water is crucial for improving and safeguarding public health. For instance, identifying the species and its antibiotic susceptibility is vital for effective bacterial infection treatment. Here we show that phase contrast time-lapse microscopy combined with deep learning is sufficient to classify four species of bacteria relevant to human health. The classification is performed on living bacteria and does not require fixation or staining, meaning that the bacterial species can be determined as the bacteria reproduce in a microfluidic device, enabling parallel determination of susceptibility to antibiotics. We assess the performance of convolutional neural networks and vision transformers, where the best model attained a class-average accuracy exceeding 98%. Our successful proof-of-principle results suggest that the methods should be challenged with data covering more species and clinically relevant isolates for future clinical use.
Pathways to reduced physical intimate partner violence among women in north-western Tanzania: Evidence from two cluster randomised trials of the MAISHA intervention
Authors: Abramsky Tanya , Guadarrama Diana Sanchez , Kapiga Saidi , Mtolela Grace , Madaha Flora , Lees Shelley , Harvey Sheila
Published: November 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects over one-in-four women globally. Combined economic and social empowerment interventions are a promising IPV prevention model. However, questions remain on the mechanisms through which such interventions prevent IPV, and whether standalone social empowerment interventions can work in the absence of an economic component. This secondary analysis of MAISHA Study data (north-western Tanzania) explores pathways through which a group-based gender-training intervention, delivered to women standalone or alongside microfinance, may impact on physical IPV risk. Two cluster-randomised trials (CRT) assessed the impact of the MAISHA intervention on women’s IPV risk; CRT01 among women in 66 pre-existing microfinance groups (n = 919), and CRT02 among 66 newly-formed groups not receiving microfinance (n = 1125). Women were surveyed at baseline and 29 months follow-up. Sub-group analyses explored whether intervention effects on past-year experience of physical IPV varied by participant characteristics. Mediators of intervention effect on physical IPV were explored using mixed-effects logistic regression (disaggregated by trial). In CRT01, MAISHA was associated with reduced past-year physical IPV (adjusted-OR 0.63, 95%CI 0.41–0.98), with stronger effects among those younger, more financially independent, and without prior physical IPV. CRT02 showed no impact on physical IPV, overall or among sub-groups. In CRT01, individual-level reduced acceptability of IPV and group-level confidence to intervene against IPV emerged as potential mediators of intervention effect, while relationship-level indicators of communication were not impacted. In CRT02, positive impacts on individual-level attitudes did not translate into reduced IPV risk. In CRT02, arguments with partners over perceived transgressions of gender roles increased in the intervention-arm. Neither trial resulted in increased separations. Findings illustrate the importance of addressing poverty and women’s economic dependence on men, structural factors that may impede the success of socially oriented violence prevention programming. Programming with men is also crucial to ameliorate risks of backlash against attitudinal/behavioural change among women.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02592252.
MetaQA: Enhancing human-centered data search using Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) language model and artificial intelligence
Authors: Li Diya , Zhang Zhe
Published: November 2023

Accessing and utilizing geospatial data from various sources is essential for developing scientific research to address complex scientific and societal challenges that require interdisciplinary knowledge. The traditional keyword-based geosearch approach is insufficient due to the uncertainty inherent within spatial information and how it is presented in the data-sharing platform. For instance, the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) data search platform stores geoinformation and metadata in a complex tabular. Users can search for data by entering keywords or selecting data from a drop-down manual from the user interface. However, the search results provide limited information about the data product, where detailed descriptions, potential use, and relationship with other data products are still missing. Language models (LMs) have demonstrated great potential in tasks like question answering, sentiment analysis, text classification, and machine translation. However, they struggle when dealing with metadata represented in tabular format. To overcome these challenges, we developed Meta Question Answering System (MetaQA), a novel spatial data search model. MetaQA integrates end-to-end AI models with a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) to enhance geosearch services. Using GCOOS metadata as a case study, we tested the effectiveness of MetaQA. The results revealed that MetaQA outperforms state-of-the-art question-answering models in handling tabular metadata, underlining its potential for user-inspired geosearch services.
“I could not bear it”: Perceptions of chronic pain among Somali pastoralists in Ethiopia. A qualitative study
Authors: Baum Eleonore , Abdi Sied , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Zinsstag Jakob , Vosseler Birgit , Tschopp Rea , van Eeuwijk Peter
Published: November 2023

Background

Pain is a major public health problem in the Global South, particularly among marginalized communities, such as Somali pastoralists. Yet, the topic of chronic pain has not yet been comprehensively studied in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in the Somali region of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to explore the perceptions and notions of chronic pain among Somali pastoralists in this context.

Methods

This study used an explorative qualitative design. We performed semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 20 purposively selected female and male Somali pastoralists with chronic pain. For data analysis, we applied the Framework Method by Gale et al. and explained patterns drawing on the Enactive Approach to Pain proposed by Stilwell and Harman.

Findings

Six different themes emerged: (1) “Pain as a symptom of harsh daily life”, (2) “Pain descriptions and dimensions”, (3) “Temporality of pain”, (4) “Pain-related stigma and stoicism” (5) “Mediating role of spirituality”, and (6) “Impact of pain on daily life activities”.

Conclusions

Somali pastoralists described their chronic pain as a multicausal and relational experience. Pastoralists (especially women) commonly refrained from communicating their pain and represented aspects of social stigma and stoicism. The mediating role of spirituality aided pastoralists to make sense of their pain and to ease its impact on their harsh daily life. The findings of this study can contribute to raise awareness of chronic pain issues among pastoralists. They highlight the need for policymakers to prioritize the improvement of pastoralist-specific pain management. Necessary resources and skills should be available within health care facilities. Pain management should be accessible, affordable and culturally acceptable for this population.
Will the endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambari increase N-mineralization in maize soil?
Authors: Elsharif Nariman A. , El awamie Madiha W. , Matuoog Naeema
Published: November 2023

Endophytes can be developed into biocontrol agents and can be fungi, bacteria, or archaea that live inside plant tissues without causing symptoms of disease. Phomopsis liquidambari is an endophytic fungus that plays an important ecosystem role as a biofertilizer by helping its host obtain soil nitrogen. How this fungus impacts N mineralization and microbial communities is little known. Our understanding of soil nutrient transformations and soil-plant-microbe interactions in Phomopsis liquidambari-crop versus conventional crop systems is incomplete. This study provided a better understanding of the effect of Phomopsis liquidambari on nitrogen mineralization and investigated the interaction between P. liquidambari and nitrogen, which in turn will be helpful to the farmer in reducing the required amount of soil N fertilizer. This change in N availability in maize soil will have significant implications for soil productivity and plant N utilization, especially in N-limited soils, and significantly reduce the required amount of soil N fertilizer. The effect of P. liquidambari on N mineralization in maize soil was investigated by treating it with four levels of N (urea) at rates of 0, 1.25, 2.5, and 3.75 g of nitrogen. N-mineralization was determined by the anaerobic incubation method. Were stored for 7 days in an incubator at a constant 37 C. A colorimetric microplate procedure was used for NH4+-N analysis. A significant increase in the available NH4+-N contents was reported in soil maize (Zea mays L.) inoculated with P. liquidambari, which increased by 80%. A significant increase in N-mineralization was observed under all N conditions. This work highlighted the importance of the fungal endophyte for soil N-mineralization with lower N input. Using this fungal agent will almost certainly help reduce fertilizer input.