bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution of calcinosis using bisphosphonates in overlap syndrome – a case report
Authors: Platter Mitchell , Pugmire Brian , Patel Reshma
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Calcinosis cutis is a common complication of pediatric rheumatologic diseases. However, there is currently no consensus on first-line treatment. Bisphosphonates have been described as a successful treatment in several case studies, but most of these cases are limited to patients with isolated juvenile dermatomyositis or systemic sclerosis. Specifically, there are limited reports of their usefulness in treating overlap syndromes and mixed connective tissue disorders.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 13 year-old girl with overlap syndrome with features of juvenile dermatomyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus. After 22 months of extensive immunosuppressive therapy, including monthly IVIG and Rituximab, she continued to have pain and weakness of the lower extremities. A CT scan was performed which showed significant multifocal soft tissue calcifications of the pelvis. She was started on treatment with oral alendronate with the goal of improving her calcinosis and improving her symptoms. After several months of therapy, our patient reported subjective improvement of her lower extremity pain and weakness, as well as complete resolution of abnormalities previously seen on physical examination. A repeat CT scan of the pelvis was performed after 11 months of therapy and demonstrated complete resolution of the previously seen calcinosis.

Conclusions

We report the successful treatment of soft tissue calcinosis with oral bisphosphonates in a patient with juvenile dermatomyositis-systemic lupus erythematosus overlap syndrome. These results provide further evidence that bisphosphonates can be used successfully to treat calcinosis cutis in pediatric rheumatologic disorders. Additionally, the results provide new evidence that they can be used specifically in juvenile dermatomyositis-systemic lupus erythematosus overlap syndrome, which has not been previously reported.
Post-traumatic stress disorder: update on diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Morganstein Joshua C. , Wynn Gary H. , West James C.
Published: February 2021

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common trauma and stressor-related disorder. Trauma-focused psychotherapies and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors represent current state of the art treatment for PTSD, with current evidence favouring psychotherapy as first-line treatment. Much room remains for development of more effective therapeutics. This article give a brief update on diagnosis and treatment of PTSD.
Prevalence and Characterization of Biallelic and Monoallelic NTHL1 and MSH3 Variant Carriers From a Pan-Cancer Patient Population
Authors: Salo-Mullen Erin E. , Maio Anna , Mukherjee Semanti , Bandlamudi Chaitanya , Shia Jinru , Kemel Yelena , Cadoo Karen A. , Liu Ying , Carlo Maria , Ranganathan Megha , Kane Sarah , Srinivasan Preethi , Chavan Shweta S. , Donoghue Mark T. A. , Bourque Caitlin , Sheehan Margaret , Tejada Prince Rainier , Patel Zalak , Arnold Angela G. , Kennedy Jennifer A. , Amoroso Kimberly , Breen Kelsey , Catchings Amanda , Sacca Rosalba , Marcell Vanessa , Markowitz Arnold J. , Latham Alicia , Walsh Michael , Misyura Maksym , Ceyhan-Birsoy Ozge , Solit David B. , Berger Michael F. , Robson Mark E. , Taylor Barry S. , Offit Kenneth , Mandelker Diana , Stadler Zsofia K.
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE

NTHL1 and MSH3 have been implicated as autosomal recessive cancer predisposition genes. Although individuals with biallelic NTHL1 and MSH3 pathogenic variants (PVs) have increased cancer and polyposis risk, risks for monoallelic carriers are uncertain. We sought to assess the prevalence and characterize NTHL1 and MSH3 from a large pan-cancer patient population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with pan-cancer (n = 11,081) underwent matched tumor-normal sequencing with consent for germline analysis. Medical records and tumors were reviewed and analyzed. Prevalence of PVs was compared with reference controls (Genome Aggregation Database).

RESULTS

NTHL1-PVs were identified in 40 patients including 39 monoallelic carriers (39/11,081 = 0.35%) and one with biallelic variants (1/11,081 = 0.009%) and a diagnosis of isolated early-onset breast cancer. NTHL1-associated mutational signature 30 was identified in the tumors of the biallelic patient and two carriers. Colonic polyposis was not identified in any NTHL1 patient. MSH3-PVs were identified in 13 patients, including 12 monoallelic carriers (12/11,081 = 0.11%) and one with biallelic MSH3 variants (1/11,081 = 0.009%) and diagnoses of later-onset cancers, attenuated polyposis, and abnormal MSH3-protein expression. Of the 12 MSH3 carriers, two had early-onset cancer diagnoses with tumor loss of heterozygosity of the wild-type MSH3 allele. Ancestry-specific burden tests demonstrated that NTHL1 and MSH3 prevalence was not significantly different in this pan-cancer population versus controls.

CONCLUSION

NTHL1 and MSH3 germline alterations were not enriched in this pan-cancer patient population. However, tumor-specific findings, such as mutational signature 30 and loss of heterozygosity of the wild-type allele, suggest the potential contribution of monoallelic variants to tumorigenesis in a subset of patients.
Repetitive Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Hastens Isoflurane-Induced Emergence and Recovery and Enhances Memory in Healthy Rats
Authors: Mansouri Mohammad Taghi , García Paul S.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

Attaining a rapid and smooth return to consciousness after general anesthesia is a goal for clinical anesthesiologists. This study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) on emergence and recovery from isoflurane anesthesia in rats.

METHODS:

Four days after surgery for atDCS socket implantation, rats received either sham stimulation or repetitive anodal direct electrical current of 0.2 mA intensity applied to the right motor cortex for 20 minutes/d for 10 consecutive days. Isoflurane potency and emergence and recovery from a 2-hour isoflurane challenge were evaluated 24 hours after the last atDCS session. Cognitive performance on novel object recognition and spontaneous alternation Y-maze tests were measured 48 hours after the last atDCS session. Locomotor activity was assessed via automated counting of electric infrared beam crossings.

RESULTS:

Data are expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). Isoflurane potency was not affected by atDCS (sham: 1.69% ± 0.06%, transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS]: 1.73% ± 0.11%, mean difference [MD]: 0.045, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.22 to 0.30; P = .72). However, the time to appearance of emergence behavioral marker (eg, return of righting reflex) was hastened in rats receiving atDCS (sham: 486 ± 31 seconds, tDCS: 330 ± 45 seconds, MD: 157, 95% CI: 30-284; P = .008). Similarly, time to acknowledgment of adhesive tape (“sticky dot” applied while anesthetized) was also decreased in atDCS-treated rats as compared to sham (sham: 1374 ± 179 seconds, tDCS: 908 ± 151 seconds, MD: 466, 95% CI: 73-858; P = .015), indicating a faster recovery of isoflurane anesthesia. Rats treated with atDCS spent more time exploring the novel object and environment when compared to sham without affecting activity cycles, indicating visual and working memory can be enhanced by atDCS.

CONCLUSIONS:

Taken together, our findings suggest that atDCS over cortical areas might hasten recovery from isoflurane anesthesia and could potentially be used as a preventative strategy for disruptions in higher order functions related to sedation/anesthesia.
The Association of Dexmedetomidine on Perioperative Opioid Consumption in Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy With and Without Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Adler Adam C. , Daszkowski Anna , Tan Joy C. , Poliner Anna D. , Wei Eric Z. , Nathanson Brian H. , Chandrakantan Arvind
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

Dexmedetomidine is used to reduce opioid consumption in pediatric anesthesia. However, there is conflicting evidence in pediatric adenotonsillectomy literature regarding the total perioperative opioid-sparing effects of dexmedetomidine. The aim of this study was to examine the association between dexmedetomidine and total perioperative opioid consumption in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study of the children undergoing adenotonsillectomy surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital between November 2017 and October 2018. Intraoperative dexmedetomidine was the exposure of interest. The primary outcome was total perioperative opioid consumption calculated as oral morphine equivalents (OME). Secondary outcomes of interest included opioid consumption and pain scores based on presence and absence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) duration. We used multivariable linear regression to estimate the association of dexmedetomidine on the outcomes.

RESULTS:

A total of 941 patients met inclusion criteria, 697 (74.1%) received intraoperative dexmedetomidine. For every 0.1 µg/kg increase in intraoperative dexmedetomidine, the total perioperative OME (mg/kg) decreases by 0.021 mg/kg (95% CI, −0.027 to −0.015; P < .001). Pain scores did not significantly vary by OSA status. PACU duration increased by 1.14 minutes (95% CI, 0.30-1.99; P = .008) for each 0.1 µg/kg of intraoperative dexmedetomidine.

CONCLUSIONS:

Dexmedetomidine is associated with an overall perioperative opioid-sparing effect in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy and a small but statistically significant increase in PACU duration. Additionally, children with OSA did not have reduced perioperative opioid consumption.
Direct Visualization of the Dural Puncture Site During Lumbar Spine Surgery Performed Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Case Report
Authors: Stipp Melanie M. , Nanda Pranav , Coumans Jean-Valery , Peterfreund Robert A.
Published: February 2021

Spinal anesthesia (SA) has been utilized for lumbar surgical procedures; however, postdural puncture headache (PDPH) and subdural hemorrhage (SDH) are potential consequences. We present the case of a 76-year-old with progressive neurogenic claudication secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis who received SA for a 2-level lumbar posterior decompression. After decompression, the site of dural puncture from a 24-gauge Sprotte spinal needle was identified. Our intraoperative image demonstrates the submillimeter dural defect that can potentially engender complications as significant as PDPH and/or SDH. We recommend searching for, and preemptively sealing, the dural puncture site when SA is used for lumbar spine surgery.
Information Design and Strategic Communication
Authors: Krähmer Daniel
Published: February 2021

I study sender-receiver games where the receiver can disclose information to the sender by designing an information structure. I show that by secretly randomizing over information structures, the receiver can virtually attain her complete information payoff even for large conflicts of interest. The key insight is that private knowledge of the information structure induces truthful communication because it allows the receiver to cross-check the consistency of the sender’s report. (JEL C72, D82, D83)
Evaluation of the implant diameter on the initial-stability of narrow- and standard-diameter implants placed in simulated Type-I and Type-IV bone-blocks
Authors: Alresayes Saad , Mokeem Sameer A , Alhenaki Aasem M , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: February 2021

Objective: A comparison of the initial stability of narrow- and standard-diameter implants (SDIs) placed in Type-I and Type-IV bone-blocks is not yet reported. The aim was to evaluate in-vitro the influence of implant diameter on the initial stability of narrow- and standard-diameter implants (SDIs) placed in simulated Type-I and Type-IV bone-blocks.

Methods: The present experimental in-vitro study was performed between July and September 2020 at the Specialist Dental Practice, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Narrow- and standard-diameter implants were placed 3-mm apart in simulated soft (Type-IV) and dense (Type-I) bone blocks by a trained and calibrated investigator. In groups A (Type-IV bone blocks) and B (Type-I bone blocks), implants were inserted using an insertion-torque and drilling-speed of 15-30 Ncm and 1000-1500 rpm, respectively with the implant collar at the crest of simulated bone blocks. In all samples, initial-stability was recorded using resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Sample-size estimation was done and group-comparisons were carried out. A P-value of 0.01 or less reflected statistical significance.

Results: In Groups-A and -B, 44 (22 NDIs and 22 SDIs) and 44 (22 NDIs and 22 SDIs) were placed. In group-A, the mean RFA values for NDIs and SDIs were 68.5 ± 3.5 and 69.1 ± 2.4, respectively. In Group-B, the mean RFA values for NDIs and SDIs were 78.06 ± 9.6 and 75.3 ± 5.2. RFA values among NDIs and SDIs in groups A and B were similar.

Conclusion: The NDIs and SDIs show comparable initial-stability when positioned in simulated Type-I and Type-IV bone blocks.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3943

How to cite this:Alresayes S, Mokeem SA, Alhenaki AM, Vohra F, Abduljabbar T. Evaluation of the implant diameter on the initial-stability of narrow- and standard-diameter implants placed in simulated Type-I and Type-IV bone-blocks. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):812-815.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3943

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
frvcpy: An Open-Source Solver for the Fixed Route Vehicle Charging Problem
Authors: Kullman Nicholas D. , Froger Aurelien , Mendoza Jorge E. , Goodson Justin C.
Published: February 2021

Electric vehicles offer a pathway to more sustainable transportation, but their adoption entails new challenges not faced by their petroleum-based counterparts. A difficult task in vehicle routing problems addressing these challenges is determining how to make good charging decisions for an electric vehicle traveling a given route. This is known as the fixed route vehicle charging problem. An exact and efficient algorithm for this task exists, but its implementation is sufficiently complex to deter researchers from adopting it. In this work we introduce frvcpy, an open-source Python package implementing this algorithm. Our aim with the package is to make it easier for researchers to solve electric vehicle routing problems, facilitating the development of optimization tools that may ultimately enable the mass adoption of electric vehicles.

Summary of Contribution: This work describes a novel software tool for the vehicle routing community. The tool, frvcpy, addresses one of the primary challenges faced by the vehicle routing community when considering problems involving the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs): how to make optimal charging decisions. The state-of-the-art algorithm for solving these problems is sufficiently complex to deter researchers from using it, leading them to adopt less robust methods. frvcpy offers an easy-to-use, lightweight implementation of this algorithm, providing optimal solutions in low (∼5 ms) runtime. It is designed to be easily embedded in larger solution schemes for general EV routing problems, requiring minimal input, offering compatibility with the community standard file types, and offering access both through the command line and a Python API. The tool has thus far proven adaptable, having been used by researchers studying EV routing problems with novel constraints. Our aim with frvcpy is to make it easier for researchers to solve EV routing problems, facilitating the development of optimization tools that may contribute toward the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
Disruption Through Complements
Authors: Adner Ron , Lieberman Marvin
Published: February 2021

We expand the perspective on disruption by going beyond substitute products to consider the ways in which complements can impact the competitiveness of incumbents. Complementors represent a different kind of disruptive threat, one that is latent within the initial structure of value creation: complementors that disrupt are not new entrants but, rather, established actors that can shift their impact from positive to negative. With this perspective, we consider how ecosystem dynamics can clarify aspects of disruptive competition, and we use the dynamics of disruption to illuminate dimensions of competition in ecosystem settings. We elaborate three processes through which disruption through complements can occur: commoditization, adjacent entry, and value inversion. For each process we discuss specific examples, and we illustrate their interaction in the context of the automotive industry, which is fast evolving in response to technological change. In so doing, the paper fills a critical gap in the literature, which is so far missing a systematic examination of how complementors can disrupt established firms.
Salinity tolerance of larvae Aedes aegypti inland and coastal habitats in Pasangkayu, West Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: RATNASARI ARINI , JABAL ARIF RAHMAN , SYAHRIBULAN SYAHRIBULAN , Idris Irfan , RAHMA NUR , RUSTAM SRI NUR RAHMI NUR , KARMILA MILA , HASAN HAJAR , WAHID ISRA
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Ratnasari A, Jabal AR, Syahribulan, Idris I, Rahma N, Rustam SNRN, Karmila M, Hasan H, Wahid I. 2021. Salinity tolerance of larvae Aedes aegypti inland and coastal habitats in Pasangkayu, West Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 1203-1210. Aedes aegypti L. is the primary arboviral vector generally found in freshwater, but it is also observed in brackish water. The study analyzes habitat characteristics, larvae adaptation, and oviposition preference in salinity levels over the coastal and inland ecosystem in Pasangkayu District of West Sulawesi. The larvae were reared until adults and have larval of first progeny were examined the salinity tolerance in five salinity levels. Ovitrap-based experiments were carried out in the laboratory using adult Ae. aegypti colonies from inland and coastal areas. Eggs on filter paper (ovitrap) were identified and counted. Data were analyzed using LC50 (larvae with salinity tolerance) and Pearson correlation (correlation between the larvae phase two ecosystem factors). Total larvae observed in coastal areas and inland are 1437 and 1288, respectively. The salinity tolerance test showed that Instar IV is highly adapted to the saline environment. The larvae from the coastal (inland) area can tolerate salinity up to 13 (10) ppt. Mosquitoes can lay many eggs in 3 ppt salinity: 27.1% and 20.8% for coastal and inland colonies, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the larval instar stage of Ae. aegypti from coastal and inland ecosystems with the ability to survive at the salinity level (p < 0.01). This study is expected to be a source of information on the adaptation of Ae. aegypti mosquito to salinity in coastal and inland ecosystems. The findings can be considered in vector control efforts on brackish water habitats.
Culturable endophytic fungal diversity in cassava tubers of Indonesia
Authors: Hartanti Anastasia Tatik , Susanti Felicia Nike , PRASASTY VIVITRI DEWI , Radiastuti Nani
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Hartanti AT, Susanti FN, Prasasty VD, Radiastuti N. 2021. Culturable endophytic fungal diversity in cassava tubers of Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 1250-1260. Fungal endophytes are found in plant tissue and do not harm the host plant. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is the third staple food besides rice and corn. This study aimed to identify the diversity of endophytic fungi in the cassava from several regions in Indonesia, including Bogor, Lembang, Makasar, Serang, Singaraja (Buleleng), Subang, Wonogiri, and Wonosobo. The endophytic fungi were isolated and were molecularly characterized using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequence (ITS4 and ITS5). Phylogenetic analysis was performed by using the MEGA 7 with a bootstrap value of 1000 repetitions. All 14 isolates of endophytic fungi were isolated from different regions. Of these six isolates belonged to genus Fusarium (F. solani FS5, F. lichenicola FS2, F. lichenicola FS4, F oxysporum FS1, F. falciforme FS3, F. falciforme FS6), and four to the genus Aspergillus (Aspergillus sp. FS7, Aspergillus sp. FS8, Aspergillus sp. FS9 and A. fumigatus FS10). In addition, Nectria pseudotrichia, Lasiodiplodia sp., Penicillium citrinum, and Schizophyllum commune were also isolated from cassava tubers. In conclusion, it suggested that diverse endophytic fungi colonize tubers of cassava growing in Indonesia.
Short Communication: Identification of culturable marine fungi and bacteria from coastal region in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Taha Hussein , Shivanand Pooja , Zainudin Mohamad Abdul Azim , Hadanan Nurul Azirah
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Taha H, Shivanand P, Zainudin MAA, Hadanan NA. 2021. Short Communication: Identification of culturable marine fungi and bacteria from coastal region in Brunei Darussalam. Biodiversitas 22: 1326-1331. Microbial diversity in Brunei Darussalam located on northwest coast of Borneo is not well explored. This study aimed to isolate and identify culturable marine fungi and bacteria from coastal regions. Microbial identification was carried out via DNA barcoding using rRNA-ITS marker for fungi and 16S rRNA marker for bacteria. Nine marine fungal isolates were identified to five genera as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Phialemoniopsis, Purpureocillium and Trametes. However, only one genus, Pseudoalteromonas was identified from ten marine bacterial isolates with at least three different Pseudoalteromonas species expected from the isolation. This study provided an insight into the diversity of culturable marine microbes from a coastal ecosystem. As the microbes were found culturable and can easily grow under saline conditions, they are potential of considerable biotechnological interest.
Prevalence, diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from spring water in a rural area of northwestern Morocco
Authors: Nassri Ilham , TAHRI LATIFA , SAIDI AMAL , AMEUR NAJIA , FEKHAOUI MOHAMMED
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Nassri I, Tahri L, Saidi A, Ameur N, Fekhaoui M. 2021. Prevalence, diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from spring Water in a rural area of northwestern Morocco. Biodiversitas 22: 1363-1370. The persistence and diversity of serotypes belonging to pathogens in environmental waters including surface and groundwater have been widely documented and that the aquatic environment represents a relatively stable environment for these microorganisms. Study was carried out on the prevalence, diversity, and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates taken from 102 samples of spring water in a rural region of Northwestern Morocco (Rabat-Salé-Zemour-Zaer) collected for two seasonal campaigns between March 2010 and June 2011. The search and identification of S. enterica and P. aeruginosa were carried out according to ISO 19250 and ISO 16266 methods respectively. The serotyping of S. enterica and P. aeruginosa was carried out according to the Kauffmann and White and IATS (International Antigenic Typing System) schemes respectively. Antibiotic resistance of S. enterica and P. aeruginosa were carried out by the Mueller-Hinton agar diffusion method (Biorad). S. enterica showed a prevalence of 10.7% with 09 different serotypes circulating including S. paratyphi B, S. brandenburg, S. kentucky, S. group III b (serotype 50: z52: z53,), S. boon, S. tshiongwe, S. assinie, S. togo, and S. tanger. In contrast, P. aeruginosa showed a prevalence of 21.6% with 07 different serotypes circulating including O6, O1, O7, O9, O4, O3, and O10. In this study, antimicrobial resistance revealed that all isolated strains of S. enterica and P. aeruginosa still exhibit a wild resistance phenotype. Contaminated water sources are reservoirs of these pathogens but do not yet present the risk factors for these bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance.
Photonic polymeric structures and electrodynamics simulation method based on a coupled oscillator finite-difference time-domain (O-FDTD) approach
Authors: Adão Ricardo M. R. , Caño-García Manuel , Maibohm Christian , Nieder Jana B.
Published: February 2021

We use femtosecond laser-based two-photon polymerization (TPP) to fabricate a 2.5D micropillar array. Using an angular detection setup, we characterize the structure’s scattering properties and compare the results against simulation results obtained from a novel electrodynamics simulation method. The algorithm employs a modified formulation of the Lorentz Oscillator Model and a leapfrog time differentiation to define a 2D coupled Oscillator Finite-Difference Time-Domain (O-FDTD). We validate the model by presenting several simulation examples that cover a wide range of photonic components, such as multi-mode interference splitters, photonic crystals, ring resonators, and Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
Reflectionless plasmonic right-angled waveguide bend and divider using graphene and transformation optics
Authors: Pakniyat Samaneh , Jam Shahrokh , Yahaghi Alireza , Hanson George W
Published: February 2021

In this work, a plasmonic right-angled waveguide bend and divider are proposed. Using the Transformation Optics (TO) approach the transformation media of a bend and a T-shaped divider are obtained. Such media with continuous refractive index are realized with the help of graphene in the terahertz frequency range, key to effectively guiding the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) propagation on the 90 degree curves. Components with such capability are promising for THz device applications.
Birefringent whispering gallery cavities designed by linear transformation optics
Authors: Park Sang-Jun , Lim Ji-Hun , Lee Yong-Hoon , Kim Inbo , Cho Jinhang , Rim Sunghwan , Choi Muhan
Published: February 2021

It was reported that whispering gallery cavities designed by conformal transformation optics can support high-Q resonant modes with emission directionality. Intrinsically, these cavities have gradient index profiles implementing conformal mappings in physical space. In this paper, using the linear coordinate transformation, we propose another design scheme of whispering gallery cavities with (piecewise-) homogeneous, anisotropic index profile. We numerically show that so-designed cavities are also able to support high-Q whispering gallery modes with directional far-field emission patterns. We verify such characteristics by using a phase space representation (called the Poincaré Husimi function) of the intracavity wave function.
Realization of flexible and parallel laser direct writing by multifocal spot modulation
Authors: Zhu Yueqiang , Zhang Chen , Gong Yanyan , Zhao Wei , Bai Jintao , Wang Kaige
Published: February 2021

In this investigation, we propose a strip segmentation phase (SSP) method for a spatial light modulator (SLM) to generate independent multifocal spots when the beam passes through a high numerical aperture (NA) lens. With the SSP method, multifocal spots can be generated with each spot independently, flexibly and uniformly distributed. The performance of the SSP method is first validated with numerical simulation. Then, by applying the modulation method with SLM and importing the beams into an inverted fluorescence microscopy system with a high-NA lens, the spot distribution and their shapes can be observed by fluorescent image. The fluorescent image exhibits high uniformity and high consistency with the aforementioned numerical simulations. Finally, we dynamically load a series of phase maps on SLM to realize continuous and independent spot movement in a multifocal array. By laser direct writing on photoresist, a complex NWU-shape structure can be realized flexibly with multi-task fabrication capability. The SSP method can significantly improve the efficiency and flexibility of laser direct writing. It is also compatible with most recent techniques, e.g., multiphoton absorption, stimulated emission depletion and photo-induced depolymerization etc., to realize parallel super-resolution imaging and fabrications.
Excitation of ultraviolet range Dirac-type plasmon resonance with an ultra-high Q-factor in the topological insulator Bi1.5Sb0.5Te1.8Se1.2 nanoshell
Authors: Wan Mingli , He Jinna , Ji Pengfei , Zhang Xiaopeng , Tian Mingli , Zhou Fengqun , Liang Erjun
Published: February 2021

Excitation of ultraviolet (UV) range plasmon resonance with high quality (Q)-factor has been significantly challenging in plasmonics because of inherent limitations in metals like Au and Ag. Herein, we theoretically investigated UV-visible range plasmons in the topological insulator Bi1.5Sb0.5Te1.8Se1.2 (BSTS) nanosphere and nanoshell. In contrast to broad linewidth plasmon absorptions in the BSTS nanospheres, an ultra-sharp absorption peak with the Q-factor as high as 52 is excited at UV frequencies in the BSTS nanoshells. This peak is attributed to Dirac-type plasmon resonance originating from massless Dirac carriers in surface states of the BSTS. Furthermore, a tunable plasmon wavelength of the resonance is demonstrated by varying geometrical parameters of the BSTS nanoshells. This may find applications in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopies, nanolasers and biosensors in the UV regions.
All-optical spatial terahertz modulator with surface-textured and passivated silicon
Authors: He Yulian , Wang Yuansheng , Li Mo , Yang Qinghui , Chen Zhi , Zhang Jian , Wen Qiye
Published: February 2021

For a Si-based all-optical spatial terahertz modulator (STM), an enhanced modulation efficiency under low illumination density would be of great significance to exploit the competence of THz technology in real-world applications. We presented here an implementation of such a device by microtexturing and passivating the Si surface, forming a truncated pyramidal array (TPA). This TPA structure with SiO2 passivating coatings not only decreases light reflectance and expands the active area for THz modulation but also remarkably increases the photogenerated carrier lifetime. These 3-fold benefits render Si-TPA superior to bare-Si with respect to the achievable modulation efficiency, especially at low irradiation power. Furthermore such a Si-TPA device is also more applicable than its counterpart that is only passivated by SiO2 nanocoatings, even though the Si-SiO2 has a slightly increased modulation efficiency. These periodically aligned pyramids resembled as a mesa array significantly suppress the lateral diffusion induced by longer diffusion, resulting in an equivalent resolution of bare-Si. This novel Si-TPA based STM is highly desired for realizing a high-performance THz imager and provides a feasible approach to breaking the trade-off between resolution and modulation efficiency.
Optimising backscatter from multiple beam interference
Authors: O’Donnell Laura , Padgett Miles J. , Johnson Steven D.
Published: February 2021

Optical sensing applications are usually reliant on the intensity of the measured signal. For remote sensing applications where a target is probed with a laser beam, the sensitivity will be limited by the amount of backscattered light returned from the target to the detector. We demonstrate a method of increasing the signal returned to the detector by illuminating the target with a number of independently controlled beams, where both the position and phase are optimised. We show an improvement in the backscattered signal that is proportional to the number of beams used. The method is demonstrated within a laser microphone, measuring audio signal due to vibrations in surfaces, showing a significant improvement in the signal-to-noise of the measurement.
Transparent capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer linear
arrays for combined realtime optical and ultrasonic imaging
Authors: Kashani Ilkhechi Afshin , Ceroici Christopher , Dew Eric , Zemp Roger
Published: February 2021

Transparent ultrasound transducers could enable many novel applications
involving both ultrasonics and optics. Recently, we reported
transparent capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUTs)
and demonstrated through-illumination photoacoustic imaging. This work
presents the feasibility of transparent CMUTs for combined ultrasound
imaging and through-array white-light imaging with a miniature camera
placed behind the array. Transparent CMUT devices are fabricated with
an adhesive wafer bonding technique and provide high transparency up
to 90% in visible wavelengths. Fabricated linear arrays have a central
operating frequency of 9 MHz with 128 active elements. Realtime
plane-wave imaging is performed for ultrasound imaging, and lateral
and axial resolutions of, respectively, 234 and 338 µm are achieved.
Transparent CMUT has demonstrated a high transmit sensitivity of
1.4 kPa/V per channel with a 100 VDC bias voltage. The signal-to-noise
ratio for a beamformed image of wire targets is determined to be
28.4 dB. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of
combined realtime optical and ultrasonic imaging with transparent
arrays. This technology may enable one to visually see what is being
scanned and scan what one sees without co-registration errors. Future
applications could include multi-modality probes for interventional
and surgical procedures.
Open-aperture Z-scan study for absorption saturation: accurate measurement of saturation intensity in YLF:Yb for optical refrigeration
Authors: Volpi Azzurra , Kock Jackson , Albrecht Alexander R. , Hehlen Markus P. , Epstein Richard I. , Sheik-Bahae Mansoor
Published: February 2021

Knowledge of saturation intensity of gain or absorption plays a fundamental role in a variety of applications ranging from lasers to many nonlinear optical processes. Here, we present an analytical expression for open-aperture Z-scan transmission for accurately measuring the saturation intensity in the low absorbance samples but at arbitrary pump intensities. We exploit this formalism to investigate the absorption saturation of

L
i
Y
F

4

:

Y
b

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+

(YLF:Yb) in the anti-Stokes excitation region for optical refrigeration at high pump intensities. An absorption saturation intensity of

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1

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W

/

c
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2

was measured in YLF:Yb at 1020 nm (

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c

) at room temperature.
Distributed dynamic strain sensing in coherent Φ-OTDR with a pulse conversion algorithm
Authors: Qian Heng , Luo Bin , He Haijun , Zhou Yin , Zou Xihua , Pan Wei , Yan Lianshan
Published: February 2021

In this Letter, a chirped-pulse conversion algorithm (CPCA) is proposed
to convert a normal probe pulse into an equivalent chirped probe pulse
by convolving a chirp factor on the received signal in coherent
phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (

Φ

-OTDR). With this algorithm, the
Rayleigh interference pattern (RIP) demodulation once applied to
chirped-pulse

Φ

-OTDR can be adopted to quantify the
dynamic strain in the traditional coherent

Φ

-OTDR. Since the equivalent chirped
pulse is generated by digital processing, complex and costly chirp
modulation is not required. The proposed scheme is capable of fully
quantifying perturbations with spatial resolution of 4 m, a sensing
range of 8 km, frequency response of 5 kHz, and strain resolution of

56

p

ε

/

√

H
z

.
Evidence for spreading seizure as a cause of theta-alpha activity electrographic pattern in stereo-EEG seizure recordings
Authors: Sip Viktor , Scholly Julia , Guye Maxime , Bartolomei Fabrice , Jirsa Viktor
Published: February 2021

Intracranial electroencephalography is a standard tool in clinical evaluation of patients with focal epilepsy. Various early electrographic seizure patterns differing in frequency, amplitude, and waveform of the oscillations are observed. The pattern most common in the areas of seizure propagation is the so-called theta-alpha activity (TAA), whose defining features are oscillations in the θ − α range and gradually increasing amplitude. A deeper understanding of the mechanism underlying the generation of the TAA pattern is however lacking. In this work we evaluate the hypothesis that the TAA patterns are caused by seizures spreading across the cortex. To do so, we perform simulations of seizure dynamics on detailed patient-derived cortical surfaces using the spreading seizure model as well as reference models with one or two homogeneous sources. We then detect the occurrences of the TAA patterns both in the simulated stereo-electroencephalographic signals and in the signals of recorded epileptic seizures from a cohort of fifty patients, and we compare the features of the groups of detected TAA patterns to assess the plausibility of the different models. Our results show that spreading seizure hypothesis is qualitatively consistent with the evidence available in the seizure recordings, and it can explain the features of the detected TAA groups best among the examined models.
Defects in the cytoplasmic assembly of axonemal dynein arms cause morphological abnormalities and dysmotility in sperm cells leading to male infertility
Authors: Aprea Isabella , Raidt Johanna , Höben Inga Marlena , Loges Niki Tomas , Nöthe-Menchen Tabea , Pennekamp Petra , Olbrich Heike , Kaiser Thomas , Biebach Luisa , Tüttelmann Frank , Horvath Judit , Schubert Maria , Krallmann Claudia , Kliesch Sabine , Omran Heymut
Published: February 2021

Axonemal protein complexes, such as outer (ODA) and inner (IDA) dynein arms, are responsible for the generation and regulation of flagellar and ciliary beating. Studies in various ciliated model organisms have shown that axonemal dynein arms are first assembled in the cell cytoplasm and then delivered into axonemes during ciliogenesis. In humans, mutations in genes encoding for factors involved in this process cause structural and functional defects of motile cilia in various organs such as the airways and result in the hereditary disorder primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Despite extensive knowledge about the cytoplasmic assembly of axonemal dynein arms in respiratory cilia, this process is still poorly understood in sperm flagella. To better define its clinical relevance on sperm structure and function, and thus male fertility, further investigations are required. Here we report the fertility status in different axonemal dynein preassembly mutant males (DNAAF2/ KTU, DNAAF4/ DYX1C1, DNAAF6/ PIH1D3, DNAAF7/ZMYND10, CFAP300/C11orf70 and LRRC6). Besides andrological examinations, we functionally and structurally analyzed sperm flagella of affected individuals by high-speed video- and transmission electron microscopy as well as systematically compared the composition of dynein arms in sperm flagella and respiratory cilia by immunofluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, we analyzed the flagellar length in dynein preassembly mutant sperm. We found that the process of axonemal dynein preassembly is also critical in sperm, by identifying defects of ODAs and IDAs in dysmotile sperm of these individuals. Interestingly, these mutant sperm consistently show a complete loss of ODAs, while some respiratory cilia from the same individual can retain ODAs in the proximal ciliary compartment. This agrees with reports of solely one distinct ODA type in sperm, compared to two different ODA types in proximal and distal respiratory ciliary axonemes. Consistent with observations in model organisms, we also determined a significant reduction of sperm flagellar length in these individuals. These findings are relevant to subsequent studies on the function and composition of sperm flagella in PCD patients and non-syndromic infertile males. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the fertility status in PCD-affected males and should help guide genetic and andrological counselling for affected males and their families.
Effects of transport and altitude on hormones and oxidative stress parameters in sheep
Authors: Tozlu Çelik Hilal , Aslan Fatih Ahmet , Us Altay Diler , Kahveci Metehan Eser , Konanç Kalbiye , Noyan Tevfik , Ayhan Sertaç
Published: February 2021

In study, it was aimed to determine the stress effects that can be caused by transporting and altitude in sheep. Karayaka sheeps were used in the study. Karayaka sheeps are a valuable breed of meat quality and fleece, which is raised in the Black Sea region. The live weight of the sheep (n = 30) while hungry was determined before transport and sea level. Average live weight was determined as 55.64 ± 4.66 kg. Blood samples were collected just before (sea level) and just after transport (1500 meters above sea level). Transportation distance was approximately 182 km and duration was 5 hours. According to the findings, cortisol was not affected by transport stress and altitude (P>0.05) and Triiyodotironin (T3) (P<0.039) and Tyrosine (T4) (P<0.000) were affected significantly. Malondialchehyche (MDA), which is one of the oxidative stress parameters, was significantly affected (P<0.039) and Protein Carbonyl (PC) values were not affected by transport and altitude (P>0.184). As a result of this study, it was determined that transportation and altitude in sheep causes stress. Stress-reducing measures should be taken in the exposure of sheep to altitude differences and in transportation. Antioxidant nutritional supplements should be made in order not to negatively affect the meat quality in sheep.
Size variation in mid-Holocene North Atlantic Puffins indicates a dynamic response to climate change
Authors: Walker Samuel James , Meijer Hanneke Johanna Maria
Published: February 2021

Seabirds are one of the most at-risk groups, with many species in decline. In Scandinavia, seabirds are at a heightened risk of extinction due to accelerated global warming. Norway is home to significant portion of the European Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) populations, but Norwegian populations have declined significantly during the last decades. In this paper we use biometric data from modern and archaeologicalF.arcticaspecimens to investigate patterns in body size variation over time of this iconic species. We aimed to set out a baseline for our archaeological comparison by firstly investigating whether modern subspecies ofF.arcticaare reflected in the osteological characters and are enough to distinguish subspecies from the bones alone. We then investigated if archaeological remains ofF.arcticadiffer in size from the modern subspecies. Our results show that the subspeciesFratercula arctica naumanniwas distinctly larger than the other subspecies. However,Fratercula arctica arcticaandFratercula arctica grabaewere difficult to separate based on size. This generally supports ornithological observations. Post-MedievalF.arcticabones from Måsøy were similar to modernF.a.arcticapopulations. The mid-Holocene remains from Dollsteinhola overlaps with the modern size ranges ofF.a.arcticaandF.a.grabaebut are generally shorter and more robust. Dollsteinhola is located close to the borders of the modern breeding ranges of bothF.a.arcticaandF.a.grabae. We consider it therefore likely that given the mid-Holocene climatic oscillations, breeding ranges of the two subspecies shifted north or south accordingly. However, this does not explain the different proportions of the Dollsteinhola specimens. Our data provide the first evidence for shifting distributions in ancient Atlantic Puffins and represent the first osteological analysis ofFratercula arcticasubspecies.
SOM-LWL method for identification of COVID-19 on chest X-rays
Authors: Osman Ahmed Hamza , Aljahdali Hani Moetque , Altarrazi Sultan Menwer , Ahmed Ali
Published: February 2021

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had an immense impact on world health and daily life in many countries. Sturdy observing of the initial site of infection in patients is crucial to gain control in the struggle with COVID-19. The early automated detection of the recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will help to limit its dissemination worldwide. Many initial studies have focused on the identification of the genetic material of coronavirus and have a poor detection rate for long-term surgery. The first imaging procedure that played an important role in COVID-19 treatment was the chest X-ray. Radiological imaging is often used as a method that emphasizes the performance of chest X-rays. Recent findings indicate the presence of COVID-19 in patients with irregular findings on chest X-rays. There are many reports on this topic that include machine learning strategies for the identification of COVID-19 using chest X-rays. Other current studies have used non-public datasets and complex artificial intelligence (AI) systems. In our research, we suggested a new COVID-19 identification technique based on the locality-weighted learning and self-organization map (LWL-SOM) strategy for detecting and capturing COVID-19 cases. We first grouped images from chest X-ray datasets based on their similar features in different clusters using the SOM strategy in order to discriminate between the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cases. Then, we built our intelligent learning model based on the LWL algorithm to diagnose and detect COVID-19 cases. The proposed SOM-LWL model improved the correlation coefficient performance results between the Covid19, no-finding, and pneumonia cases; pneumonia and no-finding cases; Covid19 and pneumonia cases; and Covid19 and no-finding cases from 0.9613 to 0.9788, 0.6113 to 1 0.8783 to 0.9999, and 0.8894 to 1, respectively. The proposed LWL-SOM had better results for discriminating COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients than the current machine learning-based solutions using AI evaluation measures.
Effect of differentiation, de novo innervation, and electrical pulse stimulation on mRNA and protein expression of Na+,K+-ATPase, FXYD1, and FXYD5 in cultured human skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Jan Vid , Miš Katarina , Nikolic Natasa , Dolinar Klemen , Petrič Metka , Bone Andraž , Thoresen G. Hege , Rustan Arild C. , Marš Tomaž , Chibalin Alexander V. , Pirkmajer Sergej
Published: February 2021

Denervation reduces the abundance of Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) in skeletal muscle, while reinnervation increases it. Primary human skeletal muscle cells, the most widely used model to study human skeletal muscle in vitro, are usually cultured as myoblasts or myotubes without neurons and typically do not contract spontaneously, which might affect their ability to express and regulate NKA. We determined how differentiation, de novo innervation, and electrical pulse stimulation affect expression of NKA (α and β) subunits and NKA regulators FXYD1 (phospholemman) and FXYD5 (dysadherin). Differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes under low serum conditions increased expression of myogenic markers CD56 (NCAM1), desmin, myosin heavy chains, dihydropyridine receptor subunit α1S, and SERCA2 as well as NKAα2 and FXYD1, while it decreased expression of FXYD5 mRNA. Myotubes, which were innervated de novo by motor neurons in co-culture with the embryonic rat spinal cord explants, started to contract spontaneously within 7–10 days. A short-term co-culture (10–11 days) promoted mRNA expression of myokines, such as IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, and IL-15, but did not affect mRNA expression of NKA, FXYDs, or myokines, such as musclin, cathepsin B, meteorin-like protein, or SPARC. A long-term co-culture (21 days) increased the protein abundance of NKAα1, NKAα2, FXYD1, and phospho-FXYD1Ser68 without attendant changes in mRNA levels. Suppression of neuromuscular transmission with α-bungarotoxin or tubocurarine for 24 h did not alter NKA or FXYD mRNA expression. Electrical pulse stimulation (48 h) of non-innervated myotubes promoted mRNA expression of NKAβ2, NKAβ3, FXYD1, and FXYD5. In conclusion, low serum concentration promotes NKAα2 and FXYD1 expression, while de novo innervation is not essential for upregulation of NKAα2 and FXYD1 mRNA in cultured myotubes. Finally, although innervation and EPS both stimulate contractions of myotubes, they exert distinct effects on the expression of NKA and FXYDs.