bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation and in vitro evaluation of meloxicam as a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system
Authors: Muhammed Saja Abdulkareem , Al-Kinani Khalid Kadhem
Published: May 2023

Background: The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication meloxicam (MLX) belongs to the oxicam family and is used to reduce inflammation and pain. The aim of this study was to improve MLX's dispersibility and stability by producing it as a liquid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system since it is practically insoluble in water.

Methods: Five different formulations were made by adjusting the amounts of propylene glycol, Transcutol P, Tween 80, and oleic acid oil and establishing a pseudo-ternary diagram in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 3:4, respectively. All of the prepared formulations were tested for a variety of properties, including thermodynamic stability, polydispersity index, particle size distributions, dilution resistance, drug contents, dispersibility, in vitro solubility of the drug, and emulsification time.

Results: F5 was chosen as the optimal MLX liquid self-microemulsion due to its higher drug content (99.8%), greater in vitro release (100% at 40 min), smaller droplet size (63 nm), lower polydispersity index (PDI) value (0.3), and higher stability (a zeta potential of -81 mV).

Conclusions: According to the data provided here, the self-microemulsifying drug delivery system is the most practical method for improving the dispersibility and stability of MLX.
Endocranial volumes and human evolution
Authors: Tattersall Ian
Published: May 2023

Enlarging brains have been held up as the classic (if not the only) example of a consistent long-term trend in human evolution.  And hominin endocranial volumes certainly expanded four-fold over the subfamily’s seven-million-year history, while on a very coarse scale later hominids showed a strong tendency to have larger brains than earlier ones.  However, closer scrutiny of this apparent trend reveals that it was extremely episodic and irregular, a fact that argues against the notion that it was driven by social interactions internal to the hominin clade.  In addition, an overall tendency to brain volume increase was expressed independently and concurrently within at least three separate lineages of the genus Homo – suggesting that, whatever the exact influences were that promoted this global trend, they need to be sought among stimuli that acted comprehensively over the entire vast range of periods, geographies and environments that members of our subfamily occupied.  Significantly, though, the dramatic recent shrinkage of the brain within the species Homo sapiens implies that the emergence of modern human cognition (via the adoption of the symbolic information processing mode, likely driven by the spontaneous invention of language in an exaptively enabled brain) was not the culmination of the overall hominin trend towards brain enlargement, but rather a departure from it.
Dietary patterns, body mass index, physical activity level and energy intake among the female elderly population in Mauritius
Authors: Ishnoo Yashwinee Bye , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Doobaree Rishi Ram , Nazurally Nadeem , Jeewon Rajesh
Published: May 2023

Background: The aging population is becoming a global issue and Mauritius has experienced a 20.4 % growth in the last four years. There is a lack of information regarding nutrition among the Mauritian elderly. This study aimed to investigate dietary patterns and energy intake and their associated factors, to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI), physical activity level (PAL), nutrition knowledge (NK) and energy intake among the female older adults.

Methods: The study was carried out among 167 female participants aged 60 and above from both urban and rural areas in Mauritius. A questionnaire was used to determine their eating habits and food frequency, PAL, NK, anthropometric measurements and demographic data. Three 24-hour dietary recalls over three weeks were used to calculate the energy intake using the Tanzania food composition table and Nutritionist Pro software. SPSS was used to analyse the data. The main statistical tests used were ANOVA, Independent-samples t-test (ISTT), Pearson correlation and Chi-squared.

Results: A significant relationship was found between age group and energy intake (p = 0.027), with individuals aged 70–89 having higher energy intake. Both BMI and PAL were significantly associated with energy intake (p ˂0.001). There was a moderate significant negative relationship between NK scores and energy intake (r = -0.474, p ˂0.001). Vegetarianism, eating difficulties and residence area did not have a statistically significant relationship with energy intake. There was a negative and significant correlation between consumption frequency of whole-grain carbohydrates and BMI and a significant positive relationship between BMI and consumption frequency of refined carbohydrates.

Conclusions: The mean energy intake of the participants was much higher than the recommended daily allowance of caloric intake in India and other countries. Furthermore, the dietary pattern of the subjects was diversified including both healthy and unhealthy eating habits.
Forensic neuropsychopathological analysis on altered brain structures in combat veterans: A systematic review
Authors: Chouraeshkenazi Monique M.
Published: May 2023

American combat veterans who served in OIF and OEF were diagnosed with severe neuropsychopathologies due to combat exposure and trauma. Studies on how combat exposure and trauma alter brain cortical structures were explored. The objective was to examine if combat veterans can remain on active duty or if they are predisposed to commit violent crimes was considered. However, limited data raised concerns about criminal responsibility for violent crimes. As evident, combat veterans with severe neuropsychopathologies do not meet personnel readiness standards, impacting military service obligations and national security operations.

A systematic literature review included combat exposure effects and trauma on the brain. Data analysis processes were utilized using the PRISMA model to review pre-existing studies. Results revealed PTSD, mTBI, and depression comorbidities were leading neuropsychopathologies among combat veterans. Findings uncovered altered frontal lobes and anterior prefrontal cortex regions. Also, evidence showed combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD and depression were more likely to commit violent crimes. However, preliminary research could not determine if combat veterans are criminally liable, although they met the criteria for the insanity defense. Forensic neuropsychopathology identified the relationship between these conditions and the military legal system. Further research is recommended to examine severe neuropsychopathologies and affected brain regions through neuroimaging and advanced neuropsychological initiatives to improve mental healthcare practices within DoD.
Effectiveness of antepartum breathing exercises on the outcome of labour: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Karkada Sushmitha R , Noronha Judith A , Bhat Shashikala K , Bhat Parvati , Nayak Baby S
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background

Childbirth is a life-transforming intense event to a woman and her family. Even though a variety of non-pharmacological techniques are readily available to alleviate the distress of women in labour, the majority of women are unaware of its benefits. The objective of the study was to explore the impact of a simple non-pharmacological technique i.e., antepartum breathing exercises on maternal outcomes of labour among primigravid women.

Methods

A single centre prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the antenatal outpatient clinic of a secondary healthcare institution. Eligible primigravid women were randomized into intervention and standard care groups. Both groups received standard obstetrical care. In addition, the intervention group were taught antepartum breathing exercises and were advised to practise daily and also during the active stage of labour. The primary outcome of the trial was the maternal outcome of labour measured in terms of onset of labour, nature of delivery, duration of labour, and need for augmentation of labour. Data was collected using World Health Organization (WHO) partograph, structured observational record on the outcome of labour.

Results

A total of 98 (70%) primigravid women who practised antepartum breathing exercises had spontaneous onset of labour. The odds of spontaneous onset of labour after randomization in the intervention group was 2.192 times more when compared to standard care at a (95% confidence interval 1.31–3.36, p<.001). Also, the requirement for augmentation of labour was minimal and there was a reduction in the rate of caesarean deliveries (p <.05) based on the χ2 test. The overall mean duration of labour was less compared to standard care group F(1)= 133.800, p <.001.

Conclusion

Antepartum breathing exercises during labour can facilitate spontaneous vaginal birth, shorten the duration of labour, and reduce the need for operative interference.
Two types of the second Hankel determinant for the class U and the general class S
Authors: Obradović Milutin , Tuneski Nikola
Published: May 2023

In this paper we determine the upper bounds of the Hankel determinants of special type H2(3)(f) and H2(4)(f) for the general class of univalent functions and for the class U.
Editorial
Authors: Dudek Dominika , Sobański Jerzy A. , Klasa Katarzyna
Published: May 2023

bez streszczenia
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction with life-threatening hypokalaemia in a patient with adult-onset Still’s disease
Authors: Rossignon Pierre , Soupart Alain
Published: May 2023

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder that can lead to a cytokine storm, causing a range of symptoms. Acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction is another rare condition that results in intestinal obstruction without anatomical cause. Although the two conditions are rarely reported together, we present the case of a 62-year-old male who developed acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction in the context of an AOSD flare. This led to severe hypokalaemia and a critical condition. Other symptoms included a high-spiking fever lasting for weeks, polyarthralgias and a typical salmon-coloured rash. After ruling out other potential causes, the patient was diagnosed with AOSD. Our findings suggest that the cytokine storm associated with this disease triggered the acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction and life-threatening hypokalaemia, establishing a causal relationship. Only four other cases of AOSD complicated by intestinal pseudo-obstruction have been reported, and this is the first to present with life-threatening hypokalaemia. This case serves as a crucial reminder that, despite being a diagnosis of exclusion, Still’s disease should be considered as a potential cause of intestinal pseudo-obstruction, as prompt recognition and treatment of the underlying cause is crucial in managing this potentially life-threatening condition.
Dementia awareness among healthcare professionals in Kuwait
Authors: Manee Fahad , Nadar Mohammed , Qadoura Dana , Rassafiani Mehdi , Badr Hanan E
Published: May 2023

Background/Aims

Dementia is a progressive disease that can lead to functional limitations, poor quality of life, and dependency among older people. Healthcare professionals play an essential role in assisting individuals who have dementia and their caregivers. This research aimed to investigate the level of knowledge about dementia among healthcare professionals in Kuwait.

Methods

Healthcare professionals from seven public hospitals in Kuwait participated in the study. The participants’ knowledge level was measured using the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale.

Results

A total of 1005 participants (36.5% males and 63.5% females) from various healthcare occupations were included in this study; physicians (n=120), occupational therapists (n=31), physical therapists (n=107), pharmacists (n=90), and nurses (n=657). The overall knowledge about dementia was generally low, with an overall mean score of 18.99 out of 50 (standard deviation 5.54).

Conclusions

A lack of knowledge about dementia was identified among healthcare professionals in Kuwait. The findings demonstrate the need for more training to improve knowledge and increase awareness about this disease. Improved knowledge of dementia should lead to improved health care provided to patients living with dementia and support caregivers in managing the disease.
How the pharma industry can reinvent vulnerability management
Authors: Cortes Sylvain
Published: May 2023

Organisations continue to be breached through the exploitation of known vulnerabilities for which patches were available. Keeping track of the threats is not easy, but this is an area where companies need to up their game, especially in the pharmaceutical sector.
Digital identity: healthcare's path forward
Authors: Malezis Gus
Published: May 2023

Digital transformation is disruptive at the best of times. But when you're a healthcare organisation struggling to cope with a pandemic, it's particularly difficult. In the midst of this maelstrom, cyber security can suffer. However, one specific aspect of security – digital identity – offers the potential to ease many of these woes.
Development of occupational therapy screening tool for clients with stroke
Authors:   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Oanmun Keerathi , Dhippayom Jananya P ,   Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Published: May 2023

Background: The number of new stroke cases in the Thai population increases every year. Occupational therapy has a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation. In Thailand, there is currently no standardized occupational therapy screening tool for gathering clients’ impairments to facilitate further evaluation and intervention. Objectives: To develop an occupational therapy screening tool for clients with stroke and investigate its psychometric properties. Materials and methods: The development of the screening tool was based on a literature review and opinions of registered occupational therapists (OTs) who have had at least five years of experience working with stroke clients. Five experts examined content validity. The Index of Congruence (IOC) was calculated, and the items that showed IOC scores of over 0.5 were incorporated into the target screening tool. Afterward, two types of reliability were measured, including test-retest and inter-rater reliability. Using purposive sampling, 44 participants with chronic stroke were selected to test each type of reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) models 3, 1, and 2, k were used to determine test-retest and inter-rater reliability, respectively. Results: Based on the literature review and 128 OTs’ opinions, the screening tool covers four domains: sensation, voluntary movement control of upper extremity and hand function, perception, and cognition. Content validity IOC scores were between 0.8 and 1.0 for all items. The screening tool had excellent test-retest reliability on all items, except memory. And the ICC between the two raters ranged from 0.91 to 1.00, which showed excellent inter-rater reliability. Conclusion: The occupational therapy screening tool for clients with stroke has proven valid and reliable as a screening tool in clinical settings. Further research is recommended for concurrent, sensitivity, and specificity studies.
Line laser scanning microscopy based on the Scheimpflug principle for high-resolution topography restoration and quantitative measurement
Authors: Bian Qiuwan , Chen Xiang , He Sailing
Published: May 2023

A line laser scanning microscopy system with a larger depth of field based on the Scheimpflug principle is proposed for high-resolution surface topography restoration and quantitative measurement on miniature non-transparent samples. An imaging model based on the Scheimpflug principle is established, and a calibration method without system parameters is derived, which is further extended to a microscopic system. The measuring range of the system is 5mm×4mm×xmm, where x is the movement distance of the displacement stage. In the z-axis direction, the relative error of measurement is about 1% when z is of the millimeter level and less than 7% when z is of the micron level, and the spatial resolution is better than 3.8 µm. In the y-axis direction, the relative error of measurement is less than 5%. Finally, three-dimensional scanning of two samples with different surfaces is carried out to verify the feasibility of the system. The experimental results show that our system has the capability of high-resolution topography restoration and can be applied in industrial production scenarios such as automatic measurement and intelligent identification.
Phase engineering in overlapping lattices of polarization singularities
Authors: Pal Sushanta Kumar , Manisha  , Senthilkumaran P.
Published: May 2023

In interference-based photonic crystal generation, invoking defect sites in lattice structures similar to the introduction of point defects such as color centers or vacancies in crystal lattices is normally difficult. The phase engineering method combined with overlapping of lattice fields can be useful in realizing exotic lattice structures. In this paper, we show the generation of tunable vector lattice fields by controlling the phase shifts between two overlapping lattice fields. Further, this concept is extended to polarization-structured lattice fields. A Fourier filter-based experimental technique is used to realize all the desired vector fields experimentally. By introducing a spatial light modulator and aq-plate in the Fourier filter-based setup, phase and polarization engineering is achieved. The working principle of this method is elaborated in this paper. Simulations supported by experimentally realized lattice fields are provided to validate the study. Such tunable vector fields can be useful in polarization-based structured illumination microscopy, realizing periodic potential landscapes for trapping and so on.
High-speed polarization-independent plasmonic modulator on a silicon waveguide
Authors: Dhingra Nikhil , Mehrvar Hamid , Berini Pierre
Published: May 2023

The electrical bandwidth of an electro-optic modulator plays a vital role in determining the throughput of an optical communications link. We propose a broadband plasmonic electro-optic modulator operating at telecommunications wavelengths (λ0 ∼ 1550 nm), based on free carrier dispersion in indium tin oxide (ITO). The ITO is driven through its epsilon-near-zero point within the accumulation layers of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structures. The MOS structures are integrated into a pair of coupled metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides aligned on a planarized silicon waveguide. The coupled MIM waveguides support symmetric and asymmetric plasmonic supermodes, excited adiabatically using mode transformation tapers, by the fundamental TM0 and TE0 modes of the underlying silicon waveguide, respectively, such that the modulator can operate in either mode as selected by the input polarisation to the silicon waveguide. The modulator has an active section 1.5 to 2 µm long, enabling the modulator to operate as a lumped element to bandwidths exceeding 200 GHz (3 dB electrical, RC-limited). The modulators produce an extinction ratio in the range of 3.5 to 6 dB, and an insertion loss in the range of 4 to 7.5 dB including input/output mode conversion losses. The AC drive voltage is ±1.75 V. The devices comprise only inorganic materials and are realisable using standard deposition, etching and nanolithography techniques.
Ultrafast laser-induced plasma anisotropy in pristine and surface pre-structured zinc telluride, probed by terahertz pulses
Authors: Zhang Daiwei , Sedao N , Faure Nicolas , Bleu Yannick , Stoian Razvan , D’Amico Ciro
Published: May 2023

We use THz probe pulses to detect and analyze the dynamics of charge transport anisotropies generated by ultrafast laser two-photon absorption in Zinc Telluride (ZnTe) semi-insulating crystal showing smooth and laser structured surfaces. The detected anisotropy consists in a modulation of the THz transmission as a function of the orientation of the <001 > axis of ZnTe. The change in THz transmission after pump excitation is attributed to free carrier absorption of the THz field in the laser-induced electron-hole plasma. Pre-structuring the surface sample with laser-induced periodic surface structures (ripples) has strong influence on free carrier THz transmission and its associated anisotropic oscillation. Within the relaxation dynamics of the laser-induced free carriers, two relaxation times have to be considered in order to correctly describe the dynamics, a fast relaxation, of about 50 picoseconds in pristine sample (90 picoseconds in sample pre-structured with ripples), and a slow one, of about 1.5 nanoseconds. A theoretical model based on classical Drude theory and on the dependence of the two-photon absorption coefficient with the crystal orientation and with the laser polarization is used to fit the experimental results.
Experimental analysis of atmospheric channel model with misalignment fading for GEO satellite-to-ground optical link using “LUCAS” onboard optical data relay satellite
Authors: Kotake Hideaki , Abe Yuma , Kolev Dimitar R. , Saito Yoshihiko , Takahashi Yasuhiro , Fuse Tetsuharu , Satoh Yohei , Itahashi Takamasa , Yamakawa Shiro , Tsuji Hiroyuki , Toyoshima Morio
Published: May 2023

This paper describes experimental analysis of atmospheric channel model of Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite-to-ground optical link by utilizing the Laser Utilizing Communication Systems (LUCAS) onboard the optical data relay GEO satellite. Our research work examines the effect of misalignment fading and various atmospheric turbulence conditions. These analytical results clarify that atmospheric channel model is well fitted to theoretical distributions with misalignment fading under various turbulence regimes. We also evaluate several atmospheric channel characteristics, including coherence time, power spectral density and probability of fade, in various turbulence conditions.
Parameter estimation calibration of discretized polar modulation continuous-variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Li Ming , Wang Xu , Hou Lei
Published: May 2023

In experimental setups of continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD), the ideal Gaussian modulation will suffer from discretization and degrade into discretized polar modulation (DPM), which deteriorates the accuracy of parameter estimation and results in an overestimation of excess noise. We demonstrate that in the asymptotic case, the DPM-induced estimation bias is determined exclusively by the modulation resolutions and can be modeled as a quadratic function. To obtain an accurate estimation, a calibration on the estimated excess noise is implemented based on the closed-form expression of the quadratic bias model, while statistical analysis of the model residuals defines the upper bound of estimated excess noise and the lower bound of secret key rate. Simulation results show that when modulation variance is 25 and excess noise is 0.02, the proposed calibration scheme can eliminate an estimation bias of 14.5%, thus enhancing the efficiency and feasibility of DPM CV-QKD.
Optimizing liquid crystal cell thickness in electro-optical Fresnel lenses through theoretical calculations and experimental validation
Authors: Khoshkhati Farid , Mohammadimasoudi Mohammad , Hosseini Seyedeh Nastaran , Ahmadalidokht Isa , Tajvidisafa Hosna
Published: May 2023

Tunable liquid crystal (LC) lenses have gained significant attention in recent decades due to their lightweight, low cost, and versatility in applications such as augmented reality, ophthalmic devices, and astronomy. Although various structures have been proposed to improve the performance of LC lenses, the thickness of the LC cell is a critical design parameter that is often reported without sufficient justification. While increasing the cell thickness can lead to a shorter focal length, it also results in higher material response times and light scattering. To address this issue, the Fresnel structure has been introduced as a solution to achieve a higher focal length dynamic range without increasing the cell thickness. In this study, we numerically investigate, for the first time (to our knowledge) the relationship between the number of phase resets and the minimum required cell thickness to achieve a Fresnel phase profile. Our findings reveal that the diffraction efficiency (DE) of a Fresnel lens also depends on the cell thickness. Specifically, to achieve a fast response Fresnel-structured-based LC lens with high optical transmission and over 90% DE using E7 as the LC material, the cell thickness should fall within the range of 13 to 23 µm.
Guiding light through quasi-TE modes embedded in the radiation continuum
Authors: Petráček Jiří , Kuzmiak Vladimír , Čtyroký Jiří , Richter Ivan
Published: May 2023

We introduce a new, to the best of our knowledge, type of a bound state in the continuum (BIC) which appears in the photonic structure consisting of two coupled waveguides where one of them supports a discrete eigenmode spectrum embedded in the continuum of the other one. A BIC appears when the coupling is suppressed by suitable tuning of structural parameters. In contrast to the previously described configurations, our scheme facilitates genuine guiding of quasi-TE modes in the core with the lower refractive index.
Asynchronous measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution with hybrid source
Authors: Bai Jun-Lin , Xie Yuan-Mei , Fu Yao , Yin Hua-Lei , Chen Zeng-Bing
Published: May 2023

The linear constraint of secret key rate capacity is overcome by the twin-field quantum key distribution (QKD). However, the complex phase-locking and phase-tracking technique requirements throttle the real-life applications of the twin-field protocol. The asynchronous measurement-device-independent (AMDI) QKD, also called the mode-pairing QKD, protocol can relax the technical requirements and keep the similar performance of the twin-field protocol. Here, we propose an AMDI-QKD protocol with a nonclassical light source by changing the phase-randomized weak coherent state to a phase-randomized coherent-state superposition in the signal state time window. Simulation results show that our proposed hybrid source protocol significantly enhances the key rate of the AMDI-QKD protocol, while exhibiting robustness to imperfect modulation of nonclassical light sources.
BER analysis on exposure effect for optical camera communication
Authors: Dong Ke , Kong Miaomiao , Chen Ronghai , Liu Longdong , Wang Mingjun
Published: May 2023

The exposure effect of cameras in optical camera communication (OCC) distorts the received light pulses and generates inter-symbol interference (ISI), which adversely affects the bit error rate (BER) performance. In this Letter, we derive an analytical expression of BER based on the pulse response model of the camera-based OCC channel and analyze the impact of exposure time on BER performance considering asynchronous transmission characteristics. Numerical simulations and experimental results demonstrate that a long exposure time is beneficial in a noise-dominant communication scenario, while a short exposure time is preferable when ISI is dominant. This Letter provides a comprehensive analysis of the influence of exposure time on BER performance, offering a theoretical foundation for the design and optimization of OCC systems.
Low-loss and broadband polarization-insensitive high-order mode pass filter based on photonic crystal and tapered coupler
Authors: Lin Jian , Wang Pengjun , Fu Qiang , Chen Weiwei , Dai Shixun , Kong Dejun , Chen Haoqi , Li Jun , Dai Tingge , Yang Jianyi
Published: May 2023

In this Letter, a polarization-insensitive high-order mode pass filter is presented, designed, and experimentally demonstrated. When TE0, TM0, TE1, and TM1 modes are injected into the input port, TM0 and TE0 modes are filtered, and TE1 and TM1 modes exit from the output port. To attain compactness, broad bandwidth, low insertion loss, excellent extinction ratio, and polarization-insensitive property, the finite difference time domain method and direct-binary-search or particle swarm optimization algorithm are employed for the optimization of structural parameters of the photonic crystal region and the coupling region in the tapered coupler. Measurement results reveal that, for the fabricated filter working at TE polarization, the extinction ratio and insertion loss are 20.42 and 0.32 dB at 1550 nm. In the case of TM polarization, the corresponding extinction ratio and insertion loss are 21.43 and 0.30 dB. Within a bandwidth from 1520 to 1590 nm, insertion loss smaller than 0.86 dB and extinction ratio larger than 16.80 dB are obtained for the fabricated filter working at TE polarization, while in the case of TM polarization, insertion loss lower than 0.79 dB and extinction ratio greater than 17.50 dB are realized.
Multi-spectral snapshot diffraction-based overlay metrology
Authors: Chen Xiuguo , Hu Jing , Chen Wenlong , Yang Shilong , Wang Yifu , Tang Zirong , Liu Shiyuan
Published: May 2023

Diffraction-based overlay (DBO) metrology has been successfully introduced to deal with the tighter overlay control in modern semiconductor manufacturing. Moreover, DBO metrology typically needs to be performed at multiple wavelengths to achieve accurate and robust measurement in the presence of overlay target deformations. In this Letter, we outline a proposal for multi-spectral DBO metrology based on the linear relation between the overlay errors and the combinations of off-diagonal-block Mueller matrix elements ΔM = M
ij
 − ( − 1)
j
M
ji
(i = 1, 2; j = 3, 4) associated with the zeroth-order diffraction of overlay target gratings. We propose an approach that can realize snapshot and direct measurement of ΔM over a broad spectral range without any rotating or active polarization component. The simulation results demonstrate the capability of the proposed method for multi-spectral overlay metrology in a single shot.
Large-aperture periodically poled Rb-doped KTP with a short-period via coercive field engineering
Authors: Lee Cherrie S. J. , Zukauskas Andrius , Canalias Carlota
Published: May 2023

We demonstrate periodic poling of large aperture Rb-doped KTP (RKTP) crystals with a QPM period of 3.43 µm via coercive field engineering. The periodically-poled RKTP has excellent pattern-fidelity, with a second harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency of 1.4%/Wcm at 405 nm. We use ion-exchange (IE) to fabricate grating of high-and-low coercive fields and establish that the depth of the in-diffused Rb+ is the main parameter to achieve sufficiently large coercive field contrast that enables uniform periodic poling in the thick crystal. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our robust coercive field grating allows multiple cycles of polarization-switching which can be employed to decrease the refractive-index change along the polar axis, induced during the IE process.
Dense packing of topological defects in nematic liquid crystal cells with pads, crossed-strips, and porous electrodes
Authors: Yao Sheng-Kai , Wang Chin-Chun , Chou Jing-Kai , Wang Ya-Zi , Tsung Jieh-Wen
Published: May 2023

Topological defect arrays in liquid crystal is an emerging optical
material for smart windows, displays, gratings, and optical vortex
generators. Formation of defect arrays is investigated using
vertically aligned nematic liquid crystal cells with pad,
crossed-strips, and porous electrodes. The location and types of the
defects are identified using a polarized optical microscope. The pads
and crossed-strips generate alternative radial and hyperbolic defects.
Unexpectedly, the holes create dipoles of radial and hyperbolic
defects, and the dipoles align in parallel order. The best dense
packing of defects is achieved with the
15μm × 15μm
unit cell.
Nonlinear integrated quantum photonics with AlGaAs
Authors: Baboux F. , Moody G. , Ducci S.
Published: May 2023

Integrated photonics provides a powerful approach for developing compact, stable, and scalable architectures for the generation, manipulation, and detection of quantum states of light. To this end, several material platforms are being developed in parallel, each providing its specific assets, and hybridization techniques to combine their strengths are available. This review focuses on AlGaAs, a III–V semiconductor platform combining a mature fabrication technology, direct band-gap compliant with electrical injection, low-loss operation, large electro-optic effect, and compatibility with superconducting detectors for on-chip detection. We detail recent implementations of room-temperature sources of quantum light based on the high second- and third-order optical nonlinearities of the material, as well as photonic circuits embedding various functionalities ranging from polarizing beamsplitters to Mach–Zehnder interferometers, modulators, and tunable filters. We then present several realizations of quantum state engineering enabled by these recent advances and discuss open perspectives and remaining challenges in the field of integrated quantum photonics with AlGaAs.
A direct nonlinear parameter estimation method for phase generated carrier position sensor
Authors: Ma Donglin , Zhao Haoyu , Xu Zhimou
Published: May 2023

Phase generated carrier (PGC) is popular in interferometric phase measurement for distance, vibration and velocity measurements. However, traditional PGC methods suffer from nonlinear effects, causing limitations to demodulation of signal. Modified PGC methods, such as eclipse fitting algorithm (EFA), resolves these issues, but usually requires additional phase shift. With our proposed method in this paper, only one period of signal and one test point is required to attain accurate depth of phase modulation and phase. We use a photodiode to calibrate light intensity in data acquisition, and develop a Levenburg-Marquadt algorithm to estimate values of PGC parameters. An improved algorithm is also proposed to avoid local optimization using prior information to maintain stability requirements. Less than 5×10-3 rad phase measurement uncertainty and over 55 dB Signal to Noise and Distortion Ratio (SINAD) is obtained in experiment.
Tight basis cycle representatives for persistent homology of large biological data sets
Authors: Aggarwal Manu , Periwal Vipul
Published: May 2023

Persistent homology (PH) is a popular tool for topological data analysis that has found applications across diverse areas of research. It provides a rigorous method to compute robust topological features in discrete experimental observations that often contain various sources of uncertainties. Although powerful in theory, PH suffers from high computation cost that precludes its application to large data sets. Additionally, most analyses using PH are limited to computing the existence of nontrivial features. Precise localization of these features is not generally attempted because, by definition, localized representations are not unique and because of even higher computation cost. Such a precise location is a sine qua non for determining functional significance, especially in biological applications. Here, we provide a strategy and algorithms to compute tight representative boundaries around nontrivial robust features in large data sets. To showcase the efficiency of our algorithms and the precision of computed boundaries, we analyze the human genome and protein crystal structures. In the human genome, we found a surprising effect of the impairment of chromatin loop formation on loops through chromosome 13 and the sex chromosomes. We also found loops with long-range interactions between functionally related genes. In protein homologs with significantly different topology, we found voids attributable to ligand-interaction, mutation, and differences between species.
Contact-number-driven virus evolution: A multi-level modeling framework for the evolution of acute or persistent RNA virus infection
Authors: Sunagawa Junya , Komorizono Ryo , Park Hyeongki , Hart William S. , Thompson Robin N. , Makino Akiko , Tomonaga Keizo , Iwami Shingo , Yamaguchi Ryo
Published: May 2023

Viruses evolve in infected host populations, and host population dynamics affect viral evolution. RNA viruses with a short duration of infection and a high peak viral load, such as SARS-CoV-2, are maintained in human populations. By contrast, RNA viruses characterized by a long infection duration and a low peak viral load (e.g., borna disease virus) can be maintained in nonhuman populations, and the process of the evolution of persistent viruses has rarely been explored. Here, using a multi-level modeling approach including both individual-level virus infection dynamics and population-scale transmission, we consider virus evolution based on the host environment, specifically, the effect of the contact history of infected hosts. We found that, with a highly dense contact history, viruses with a high virus production rate but low accuracy are likely to be optimal, resulting in a short infectious period with a high peak viral load. In contrast, with a low-density contact history, viral evolution is toward low virus production but high accuracy, resulting in long infection durations with low peak viral load. Our study sheds light on the origin of persistent viruses and why acute viral infections but not persistent virus infection tends to prevail in human society.
Identifying prognostic subgroups of luminal-A breast cancer using deep autoencoders and gene expressions
Authors: Wang Seunghyun , Lee Doheon
Published: May 2023

Luminal-A breast cancer is the most frequently occurring subtype which is characterized by high expression levels of hormone receptors. However, some luminal-A breast cancer patients suffer from intrinsic and/or acquired resistance to endocrine therapies which are considered as first-line treatments for luminal-A breast cancer. This heterogeneity within luminal-A breast cancer has required a more precise stratification method. Hence, our study aims to identify prognostic subgroups of luminal-A breast cancer. In this study, we discovered two prognostic subgroups of luminal-A breast cancer (BPS-LumA and WPS-LumA) using deep autoencoders and gene expressions. The deep autoencoders were trained using gene expression profiles of 679 luminal-A breast cancer samples in the METABRIC dataset. Then, latent features of each samples generated from the deep autoencoders were used for K-Means clustering to divide the samples into two subgroups, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to compare prognosis (recurrence-free survival) between them. As a result, the prognosis between the two subgroups were significantly different (p-value = 5.82E-05; log-rank test). This prognostic difference between two subgroups was validated using gene expression profiles of 415 luminal-A breast cancer samples in the TCGA BRCA dataset (p-value = 0.004; log-rank test). Notably, the latent features were superior to the gene expression profiles and traditional dimensionality reduction method in terms of discovering the prognostic subgroups. Lastly, we discovered that ribosome-related biological functions could be potentially associated with the prognostic difference between them using differentially expressed genes and co-expression network analysis. Our stratification method can be contributed to understanding a complexity of luminal-A breast cancer and providing a personalized medicine.
Prevalence of Thiamine Deficiency in Pregnancy and its impact on fetal outcome in an area endemic for thiamine deficiency
Authors: Kareem Ozaifa , Mufti Samiya , Nisar Sobia , Tanvir Masood , Muzaffer Umar , Ali Nahida , Sheikh Ishfaq Ahmad , Bader Ghulam Nabi
Published: May 2023

Background

Pregnancy is a metabolically challenging state with increased nutritional demand. Thiamine is an important cofactor in various metabolic pathways and thus its deficiency could have a serious impact on both maternal and fetal outcomes. Kashmir has thiamine deficiency in endemic proportions, with multiple reports of infantile beriberi, postpartum neuropathy, and gastric beriberi. This prompted us to assess the extent of the burden of thiamine deficiency during pregnancy.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of two years in pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic. A demographic, clinical, biochemical, and dietary assessment was done in all participants. The whole blood thiamine levels were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

A total of 492 participants were included in the study with a mean age of 30.30±4.57 years and a mean BMI of 24.25±3.32 Kg/m2. The mean whole blood thiamine level of all participants was 133.29±14.32 nmol/L. Low thiamine status was present in 38.2% (n = 188) of participants. Participants with low thiamine had poor perinatal outcomes, with 3.1% (n = 6) reporting early infant death.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of thiamine deficiency occurs in pregnant women of Kashmir. Low thiamine is associated with poor nutritional status as well as poor perinatal outcomes.

Trial registration

CTRI/2022/07/044217.
Understanding spatial effects in species distribution models
Authors: Paradinas Iosu , Illian Janine , Smout Sophie
Published: May 2023

Species Distribution Models often include spatial effects which may improve prediction at unsampled locations and reduce Type I errors when identifying environmental drivers. In some cases ecologists try to ecologically interpret the spatial patterns displayed by the spatial effect. However, spatial autocorrelation may be driven by many different unaccounted drivers, which complicates the ecological interpretation of fitted spatial effects. This study aims to provide a practical demonstration that spatial effects are able to smooth the effect of multiple unaccounted drivers. To do so we use a simulation study that fit model-based spatial models using both geostatistics and 2D smoothing splines. Results show that fitted spatial effects resemble the sum of the unaccounted covariate surface(s) in each model.
Arsenic(III)-induced oxidative defense and speciation changes in a wild Trametes versicolor strain
Authors: Zhang Yuhui , Chen Xiaohong , Wang Chenyu , Xia Zhilan , Xiao Ke , Xie Ling
Published: May 2023

Oxidative defense or arsenic(As) changes exhibited by Trametes versicolor in response to toxicity under As stress remain unclear. In this study, after internal transcribed spacer identification, a wild T. versicolor HN01 strain was cultivated under 40 and 80 mg/L of As III stress. The antioxidant contents by multifunctional microplate reader and the speciations of As by high performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were examined to explore the detoxification mechanisms. The results demonstrated this strain could tolerate As concentration of 80 mg/L with a bio-enrichment coefficients of 11.25. Among the four antioxidants, the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione in the As-stress group at 80 mg/L improved by 1.10, 1.09, and 20.47 times that of non-stress group, respectively. The speciation results indicated that AsV was the dominant species in the hyphae of T. versicolor regardless of no-stress or As-stress. The detoxification mechanisms of this strain were involved alleviating the toxicity by increasing the activities of antioxidants, especially glutathione, as well as by converting As III into As V and other less toxic As species. T. versicolor could be used as a bio-accumulator to deal with As exposure in contaminated environments based on its extraordinary As tolerance and accumulation capacities.
Spatial and temporal variability of carbon dioxide fluxes in the Alpine Critical Zone: The case of the Nivolet Plain, Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy
Authors: Lenzi Sara , Magnani Marta , Baneschi Ilaria , Giamberini Mariasilvia , Raco Brunella , Vivaldo Gianna , Provenzale Antonello
Published: May 2023

The dynamics of carbon dioxide fluxes in the high-altitude Alpine Critical Zone is only partially understood. The complex geomorphology induces significant spatial heterogeneity, and a strong interannual variability is present in the often-extreme climatic and environmental conditions of Alpine ecosystems. To explore the relative importance of the spatial and temporal variability of CO2 fluxes, we analysed a set of in-situ measurements obtained during the summers from 2018 to 2021 in four sampling plots, characterised by soils with different underlying bedrock within the same watershed in the Nivolet plain, in the Gran Paradiso National Park, western Italian Alps. Multi-regression models of CO2 emission and uptake were built using measured meteo-climatic and environmental variables considering either individual years (aggregating over plots) or individual plots (aggregating over years). We observed a significant variability of the model parameters across the different years, while such variability was much smaller across different plots. Significant changes between the different years mainly concerned the temperature dependence of respiration (CO2 emission) and the light dependence of photosynthesis (CO2 uptake). These results suggest that spatial upscaling can be obtained from site measurements, but long-term flux monitoring is required to properly capture the temporal variability at interannual scales.
Development and validation of a biological risk assessment tool among hospital personnel under COVID-19 pandemic conditions
Authors: Khoshakhlagh Amir Hossein , Yazdanirad Saeid , Saberi Hamid Reza , Motalebi Kashani Masoud , Ghanaei Khaledabadi Fatemeh , Mohammadi-Moghadam Fazel , Gul Muhammet
Published: May 2023

The need for a biological disease risk assessment method to prevent the contagion of these diseases, particularly among healthcare personnel, is crucial. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a biological risk assessment tool for biological agents among hospital personnel under COVID-19 conditions. This cross-sectional study was performed on 301 employees in two hospitals. Firstly, we identified the items affecting the contagion of biological agents. Then, we computed the weight of the items using the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method. We used the identified items and the estimated weights in the next step to develop a predictive equation. The outcome of this tool was the risk score of biological disease contagion. After that, we used the developed method to evaluate the biological risk of the participants. The ROC curve was also used to reveal accuracy of developed method. In this study, 29 items were identified and categorized into five dimensions, including environmental items, ventilation items, job items, equipment-related items, and organizational items. The weights of these dimensions were estimated at 0.172, 0.196, 0.255, 0.233, and 0.144, respectively. The final weight of items was used to develop a predictive equation. The area under ROC curves (AUC) was also calculated as 0.762 (95% CI: 0.704, 0.820) (p<0.001). The tools developed using these items had acceptable diagnostic accuracy for predicting the risk of biological diseases in health care. Therefore, one can apply it in identifying persons exposed to dangerous conditions.