bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative stagewise mapping of trace elements using ICP-OES in five Ayurvedic Marine Drugs highlights their posologic and clinical implications
Authors: Chavan Sandeep Bhagwan , Walunj Tanhaji Balu , Gupta Vidya Shrikant , Deshmukh Vineeta Vasant , Sardeshmukh Sadanand Prabhakar
Published: July 2024

Rasashastra, an Ayurvedic pharmaceutical branch, scientifically converts natural resources into palatable therapeutic dosage forms. Ayurvedic Marine Drugs (AMD) are mainly calcium carbonate/ calcite, but in Ayurvedic treatment modality they are uniquely used for several ailments. Moreover, their detailed microchemical compositions have seldom been reported. In this study, five raw materials, conch, oyster shell, cowry, coral, and pearl, their transitions during the manufacturing process, and the final drugs were analyzed for identification and quantitation of minor elements using a validated inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry method. All the five raw materials contained traces of Al, Ag, B, Ba, Cu, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Li, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, S, Sr, Tl, and Zn. Interestingly, B, Co, Cr, Li, Mn, and Ni were absent in the finished products, whereas Pb and Hg exhibited a considerable decrement during the drug formation. The first three components of principal component analysis together explained 72.09% of variance. Raw AMD indicated positive factor scores, whereas their respective purified and incinerated forms exhibited negative scores. Cluster analysis derived a dendrogram typically forming incinerated AMD group but not for the raw forms. Coral with Mg as highest content was a remarkable outlier in both these analyses as compared to Na in others. In discriminant analysis of the presence/absence of elements and periodic table-based classifications, coral and pearl showed higher variation indicating as discriminants when equated with others. Periodic table-based classification was a better model for discrimination. Correlation analysis in both classifications revealed a strong correlation of conch with oyster shells and vice versa, cowry and pearl with oyster shell and a weak correlation of coral with pearl. Coral was a good predictor followed by conch, pearl, oyster shell, and cowry, sequentially, and can be considered a moderately sensitive but highly specific model. Thus, ICP-OES technique is highly precise and accurate for assessing the micro-composition of raw, in-process, and finished products to ensure their transitions, quality, and genuineness. Such characterized traditional medicines should be further investigated in depth for their mechanistic aspects.

Graphical abstract
A comparison of 2D and 3D magnetic resonance imaging-based intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics models for the prognostic prediction of endometrial cancer: a pilot study
Authors: Yan Ruixin , Qin Siyuan , Xu Jiajia , Zhao Weili , Xin Peijin , Xing Xiaoying , Lang Ning
Published: July 2024

Background

Accurate prognostic assessment is vital for the personalized treatment of endometrial cancer (EC). Although radiomics models have demonstrated prognostic potential in EC, the impact of region of interest (ROI) delineation strategies and the clinical significance of peritumoral features remain uncertain. Our study thereby aimed to explore the predictive performance of varying radiomics models for the prediction of LVSI, DMI, and disease stage in EC.

Methods

Patients with 174 histopathology-confirmed EC were retrospectively reviewed. ROIs were manually delineated using the 2D and 3D approach on T2-weighted MRI images. Six radiomics models involving intratumoral (2Dintra and 3Dintra), peritumoral (2Dperi and 3Dperi), and combined models (2Dintra + peri and 3Dintra + peri) were developed. Models were constructed using the logistic regression method with five-fold cross-validation. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was assessed, and was compared using the Delong’s test.

Results

No significant differences in AUC were observed between the 2Dintra and 3Dintra models, or the 2Dperi and 3Dperi models in all prediction tasks (P > 0.05). Significant difference was observed between the 3Dintra and 3Dperi models for LVSI (0.738 vs. 0.805) and DMI prediction (0.719 vs. 0.804). The 3Dintra + peri models demonstrated significantly better predictive performance in all 3 prediction tasks compared to the 3Dintra model in both the training and validation cohorts (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Comparable predictive performance was observed between the 2D and 3D models. Combined models significantly improved predictive performance, especially with 3D delineation, suggesting that intra- and peritumoral features can provide complementary information for comprehensive prognostication of EC.
The development of 177Lu-DOTA-CC-PSMA following a unified “Click Chemistry” protocol of synthesizing metal nuclide-conjugated radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Zheng Xiaobei , Xue Shuai , Zhao Zhongqi , Jin Shuxin , He Shuhua , Jia Lina , Li Zheng , Vanhove Christian , De Vos Filip , Kuang Zijun , Wang Tiantian , Neyt Sara , Zhang Lan , Li Xiao
Published: July 2024

Background

Currently, the synthesis pathway of metal nuclide-labeled radiopharmaceuticals is mainly divided into two steps: first, connecting the chelator with the target molecule, and second, labeling the metal nuclide to the chelator. However, the second step of the reaction to label the metal nuclide requires high temperature (90–100 °C), which tends to denature and inactivate the target molecule, leading to loss of biological activities, especially the targeting ability. A feasible solution may be the click chemistry labeling method, which consists of reacting a metal nuclide with a chelating agent to generate an intermediate and then synthesizing a radiopharmaceutical agent via the click chemistry intermediate and the target molecule-alkyne compound. In this study, through the click chemistry of 177Lu-DOTA-N3 with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-alkyne compound, 177Lu-labeled PSMA-targeted molecular probe was synthesized and evaluated for its potential to be cleared from the bloodstream and rapidly distributed to tissues and organs, achieving a high target/non-target ratio. 177Lu-PSMA-617 was utilized as an analogue for comparison in terms of synthesizing efficiency and PSMA-targeting ability.

Results

A novel 177Lu-labeled PSMA radioligand was successfully synthesized through the click chemistry of 177Lu-DOTA-N3 with PSMA-alkyne compound, and abbreviated as 177Lu-DOTA-CC-PSMA, achieving a radiochemical yield of 77.07% ± 0.03% (n = 6) and a radiochemical purity of 97.62% ± 1.49% (n = 6) when purified by SepPak C18 column. Notably, 177Lu-DOTA-CC-PSMA was characterized as a hydrophilic compound that exhibited stability at room temperature and commendable pharmacokinetic properties, such as the superior uptake (19.75 ± 3.02%ID/g at 0.5 h) and retention (9.14 ± 3.16%ID/g at 24 h) within xenografts of 22Rv1 tumor-bearing mice. SPECT/CT imaging indicated that radioactivity in both kidneys and bladder was essentially eliminated after 24 h, while 177Lu-DOTA-CC-PSMA was further enriched and retained in PSMA-expressing tumors, resulting in the high target/non-target ratio.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the potential of click chemistry to unify the synthesis of metal radiopharmaceuticals, and 177Lu-DOTA-CC-PSMA was found for rapid clearance and appropriate chemical stability as a PSMA-targeted radioligand.
Diagnosis and management of patients with Gaucher disease: an Egyptian expert opinion
Authors: El-Beshlawy Amal , Tantawy Azza A. G. , Shawky Rabah M. , Elsayed Solaf M. , Marzouk Iman M. , Elgawhary S. , Abdelghaffar Hadeer , Safy Usama El , Eid Khaled , EISayh Khalid I. , Megahed Ahmed , Adly Amira , Sherif Eman M. , Youssef Mervat A. M. , Fathy Manar Mohamed , Salah Nouran Yousef , Elzeiny Sherine M. , EI Bakky Eslam Rabie Abdel Aziz , Fateen Ekram
Published: July 2024

Background

Gaucher disease (GD), an autosomal recessive, lysosomal storage disorder, is caused due to mutations in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene. GD can occur at any age and is classified as type 1 (non-neurologic), type 2 (infantile form, with acute early neurologic manifestation), and type 3 (subacute/chronic neuropathic form). The rarity of the disease and its overlapping symptoms with other diseases increase the delay in diagnosis. The Egyptian cohort of patients with GD is specifically different regarding the prevalence of type 3 as well as the severity and progression of the disease. The unavailability of precise diagnostic tests and lack of awareness among clinicians are the current challenges associated with diagnosing and managing GD in Egypt.

Method

An expert panel meeting was convened with 19 experts from Egypt to address the current unmet challenges in the diagnosis and management of GD from the region and to develop country-specific diagnostic algorithms based on the existing literature for pediatric and adult groups. In addition, management strategies and preventive measures were also discussed.

Result

The algorithms presented in this review can be implemented in clinical practice for the timely diagnosis of patients with GD in Egypt. Early diagnosis is crucial in selecting the best treatment for patients with GD, and evidence suggests that early initiation of therapy can result in better outcomes.

Conclusion

The evidence-based expert opinion presented in this review will help clinicians in the early initial diagnosis of GD in Egypt, leading to appropriate management of the disease.
NKX2.5 coding exons sequencing reveals novel non-synonymous mutations in patients with sporadic congenital heart diseases among the Tanzanian population
Authors: Suluba Emmanuel , Masaganya James , Mbugi Erasto , Masala Mwinyi , Mathew Jackline , Mruma Henry , Shuwei Liu
Published: July 2024

Background

The evolutionally conserved homeobox transcription factor NKX2-5 has been at the forefront in the field of cardiac biology, providing molecular insights into the mechanisms of cardiac development and disease. This homodomain transcription factor is a central regulator of cardiac development and is expressed in both the first and second heart fields (FHF and SHF). Mutations in the NKX2-5 gene have been linked to sporadic cases of congenital heart disease (CHD), making it a significant target for research and study. While several studies have been conducted on Caucasian populations, there is a dearth of knowledge on the effects of NKX2-5 gene mutations in other settings, underscoring the need for further investigation. Due to differences in geographical and ancestral origin, we hypothesize that mutations may vary across different populations. Understanding the genetic factors that cause CHD is essential for providing effective genetic counseling and developing strategies for risk reduction. Additionally, identification of NKX2-5 mutations in individuals with CHDs is crucial because patients with CHDs are at a higher risk of progressive conduction disease and sudden cardiac death, and genetic information is taken into consideration while making decisions regarding pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators. To determine the risk of congenital heart disease among infants, we conducted a study where we sequenced the exon 1 and exon 2 of NKX 2.5 in patients with sporadic CHDs, with the aim of identifying mutations in the NKX2.5 gene.

Results

In this study, a novel frame-shift disease-causing mutation was discovered in patients with atrial-ventricular septal defect. The mutation, identified as c95_95 del A; cDNA.369–369 delA; g 369–369 delA, resulted in the substitution of phenylalanine to leucine (F295L), which in turn caused a truncated NKX2.5 protein. In addition, a non-synonymous mutation, g 316C > T; cDNA 316C > T leucine to arginine (L37R) substitution, was found in a patient with the tetralogy of Fallot, affecting protein function. Furthermore, a novel non-synonymous mutation identified as g 2295–2298; cDNA 755–758 delins AGGG, was predicted by mutation taster to be disease-causing in a ventricular septal defect. It is worth noting that none of these mutations were found among the control subjects, highlighting their potential significance in the pathogenesis of these cardiac defects.

Conclusion

Mutations in the NKX2.5 gene are associated with congenital heart diseases and provide molecular insight into the pathogenesis of congenital heart diseases. We recommend that patients with NKX2.5 mutations have periodic screening for cardiac conduction abnormalities and be evaluated for potential implanted cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers.
The governing role of board gender diversity on conditional accounting conservatism and executive remuneration: performance-based versus equity-based remunerations
Authors: Bedeir Reem Essam
Published: July 2024

This study examines the governing role of gender diversity on the board of directors on conditional accounting conservatism and executive remuneration. Using proprietary data about women representation on the board of directors to investigate the impact on the choice between accounting methods and the structure of executives remuneration. A sample of listed firms on the London Stock Exchange from 2019 to 2022 is used. The results first document that firms exhibit a higher level of conditional accounting conservatism when women represent a larger fraction of the board. The analyses further establish different relationships between performance-based versus equity-based remunerations and conditional accounting conservatism. Last, the results show that women representation is related to pay out policy and its impact on conditional accounting conservatism. The findings also offer novel insights on the governing role and consequences of gender diversity of woman chairperson and/or woman CEO. Overall, contrary to notions of opportunistic behavior of executives, the results find that boards achieve more level of governance with more women representation.
Validity and sustainability of a phonological assessment tool for Bulgarian preschool children: cross-sectional study
Authors: Braynova Tsvetomira , Simonska Miglena
Published: July 2024

Phonology is a widely discussed topic that is studied in detail by linguists, psycholinguists, philologists, pedagogues, and last, but not least, by speech and language pathologists. The assessment methods do inform us about the phonological processes and phonological delays in details by comparing the results with those of a normative sample and offer an opportunity to gradate the severity of the disorder, which is individual and can vary significantly in individual children. The aim of the study is to present evidence of the validity and reliability of a phonological assessment tool developed to assess the phonological inventory of Bulgarian preschool children. For this purpose, an author’s test was developed and conducted among 382 Bulgarian children.

Results The present study provided evidence of validity and reliability (internal consistency) for this phonological assessment tool, confirming the reliability of its three subtests.

Conclusions The present findings provide strong evidence of the validity and reliability of this phonological assessment tool.
Reconstruction of oncologic nasal defects using the forehead flap: technical aspects and results
Authors: Dhaha Mohamed , Lahmar Rihab , Jbali Souheil , Braham Rim , Methnani Alia , Dhambri Sawsen , Kedous Skander
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Skin cancer frequently hits the nasal pyramid. Reconstruction of the nasal defects of the nasal pyramid after oncologic resection is challenging for plastic surgeons due to the anatomic complexity of the nose. The forehead flap is a pedicled flap used since antiquity in the reconstruction of nasal defects.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 30 patients operated for skin cancer of the nasal pyramid with reconstruction of the skin defect by forehead flap between the years 2008 and 2020.

Results

The mean age was 66.3. The sex ratio was 2.75. The tumor mean size of the tumor was 34 mm ranging between 19 and 50 mm. Twenty-nine patients required a second time surgery for flap severing and degreasing. The paramedian forehead flap was used in 20 cases, the “sea gull” flap in 5 cases, the inclined FF in 4 cases, and the island FF in 1 case.

Conclusion

Surgical techniques of FF offer good aesthetic results with a lesser morbidity rate. Our retrospective report attests to the reliability of FF as the workhorse for the reconstruction of small and average nasal defects.
Shared alleles and genetic structures in different Thai domestic cat breeds: the possible influence of common racial origins
Authors: Jaito Wattanawan , Singchat Worapong , Patta Chananya , Thatukan Chadaphon , Kumnan Nichakorn , Chalermwong Piangjai , Budi Trifan , Panthum Thitipong , Wongloet Wongsathit , Wattanadilokchatkun Pish , Thong Thanyapat , Muangmai Narongrit , Han Kyudong , Duengkae Prateep , Phatcharakullawarawat Rattanin , Srikulnath Kornsorn
Published: July 2024

Over hundreds of years, cats have been domesticated and selectively bred, resulting in numerous pedigreed breeds expedited by recent cat shows and breeding associations. Concerns have been raised about the limited breeding options and the genetic implications of inbreeding, indicating challenges in maintaining genetic diversity and accurate identification in purebred cats. In this study, genetic variability and structure were examined in 5 Thai domestic cat breeds using 15 microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequencing. In total, 184 samples representing the Wichien Maat (WCM), Suphalak (SL), Khao-Manee (KM), Korat (KR), and Konja (KJ) breeds were analyzed. High genetic diversity (Ho and He > 0.5) was observed in all breeds, and mtDNA analysis revealed two primary haplogroups (A and B) that were shared among all domestic cat breeds in Thailand and globally. However, minor differences were observed between Thai domestic cat breeds based on clustering analyses, in which a distinct genetic structure was observed in the WCM breed. This suggests that allele fixation for distinctive morphological traits has occurred in Thai domestic cat breeds that emerged in isolated regions with shared racial origins. Analysis of relationships among individuals within the breed revealed high identification efficiency in Thai domestic cat breeds (P(ID)sibs < 10−4). Additionally, diverse and effective individual identification can be ensured by optimizing marker efficiency by using only nine loci. This comprehensive genetic characterization provides valuable insights into conservation strategies and breeding practices for Thai domestic cat breeds.
Deep Learning Artificial Intelligence Predicts Homologous Recombination Deficiency and Platinum Response From Histologic Slides
Authors: Bergstrom Erik N. , Abbasi Ammal , Díaz-Gay Marcos , Galland Loïck , Ladoire Sylvain , Lippman Scott M. , Alexandrov Ludmil B.
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

Cancers with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) can benefit from platinum salts and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. Standard diagnostic tests for detecting HRD require molecular profiling, which is not universally available.

METHODS

We trained DeepHRD, a deep learning platform for predicting HRD from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)–stained histopathological slides, using primary breast (n = 1,008) and ovarian (n = 459) cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). DeepHRD was compared with four standard HRD molecular tests using breast (n = 349) and ovarian (n = 141) cancers from multiple independent data sets, including platinum-treated clinical cohorts with RECIST progression-free survival (PFS), complete response (CR), and overall survival (OS) endpoints.

RESULTS

DeepHRD predicted HRD from held-out H&E-stained breast cancer slides in TCGA with an AUC of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.85). This performance was confirmed in two independent primary breast cancer cohorts (AUC, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.71 to 0.82]). In an external platinum-treated metastatic breast cancer cohort, samples predicted as HRD had higher complete CR (AUC, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.54 to 0.93]) with 3.7-fold increase in median PFS (14.4
v
3.9 months;
P
= .0019) and hazard ratio (HR) of 0.45 (
P
= .0047). There were no significant differences in nonplatinum treatment outcome by predicted HRD status in three breast cancer cohorts, including CR (AUC, 0.39) and PFS (HR, 0.98,
P
= .95) in taxane-treated metastatic breast cancer. Through transfer learning to high-grade serous ovarian cancer, DeepHRD-predicted HRD samples had better OS after first-line (HR, 0.46;
P
= .030) and neoadjuvant (HR, 0.49;
P
= .015) platinum therapy in two cohorts.

CONCLUSION

DeepHRD can predict HRD in breast and ovarian cancers directly from routine H&E slides across multiple external cohorts, slide scanners, and tissue fixation variables. When compared with molecular testing, DeepHRD classified 1.8- to 3.1-fold more patients with HRD, which exhibited better OS in high-grade serous ovarian cancer and platinum-specific PFS in metastatic breast cancer.
Rural Roads, Farm Labor Exits, and Crop Fires
Authors: Garg Teevrat , Jagnani Maulik , Pullabhotla Hemant K.
Published: July 2024

Even as policymakers seek to encourage economic development by addressing misallocation due to frictions in labor markets, the associated production externalities—such as air pollution—remain unexplored. Using a regression discontinuity design, we show access to rural roads increases agricultural fires and particulate emissions. Farm labor exits are a likely mechanism: rural roads cause movement of workers out of agriculture and induce farmers to use fire—a labor-saving but polluting technology—to clear agricultural residue or to make harvesting less labor-intensive. Overall, the adoption of fires due to rural roads increases infant mortality rates by 5.5 percent in downwind locations. (JEL D62, J43, O13, O18, Q12, Q51, Q53)
Magnitude and determinants of road traffic accidents in North Gondar Zone; Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Molla Abay Semegnew
Published: July 2024

Background Road traffic accidents are a severe health concern in Ethiopia. This study aims to examine the primary contributing variables of road traffic accidents in Ethiopia, North Gondar Zone, under 24 administrative wereda’s. Methods This study utilized secondary data collected from both the werda-level and North Gondar central-level offices within the study areas. The sector police typically submit reports to the zonal-level offices annually. Information regarding crashes, fatalities, and injuries during the study period was extracted from these police reports. The research focused on analyzing the frequency and severity of traffic accidents attributed to various factors of drivers, vehicles, road conditions, pedestrians, and environmental influences. Results In a sample of 603 aggregate road traffic accidents, the data reveals that the majority of damage results are attributed to young drivers, accounting for 58% of the cases, with junior grade level drivers contributing 29.4%. Driving without a license was a significant factor, representing 87%, while accidents involving recruited driver stood at 63.2%. Vehicles with small to articulated trucks contributing to 39%. Mechanical failures were prevalent, with an unknown diagnosis rate of 48.3%. Vehicles in service for 2-5 years accounted for 29.4%. Road surface conditions were 46%, while rural roads saw a higher percentage at 51.2%. Weather conditions played a role also influential, as dry asphalt and gravel roads under main access ownership were linked to of accident, with 91.2% occurring during visible daylight hours between 8:00-12:00 and 15:00-17:00. The victims were predominantly farmers at 49.6%, followed by students at 23%. Conclusions To reduce road traffic accidents in the study area, it is essential to manage causative factors such as driver and road users, vehicles, roads, pedestrians, and environmental behaviors. The study suggests the development of a successful, up-to-date traffic accident database system regionally within respective offices.
Evaluation of alveolar ridge values with autogenous tooth graft and the provocative venture of allogeneic tooth graft from family members
Authors: Kashto Osama , Yakoob Hekmat , Harfouch Munir , Almohammad Ghassan
Published: July 2024

Background Preserving the structural integrity of the alveolar ridge is paramount in ensuring the success of dental implant procedures and optimizing both aesthetic and physiological outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of autologous dental grafting and explore intriguing results achieved through the utilization of allogeneic dental grafts obtained from a familial participant within the study’s framework. Methods Eleven patients necessitating bilateral dental extractions were enrolled in the study. Ten patients underwent autologous dental grafting on one side, while the contralateral side remained untreated. In the eleventh case, one side received autogenous dental grafting, while the other side was augmented with an allogeneic graft sourced from the patient’s son. Outcomes were monitored over a four-month period. Results Autogenous dental grafting led to a significant enhancement in bone density values and a reduction in osseous absorption rates(P<0.05) when compared to untreated sites among the ten patients who underwent the procedure. However, notable advancements were observed in patient 11 who received an allogeneic dental graft from a familial donor, suggesting potential superiority over autologous grafting in promoting bone regeneration. These findings underscore the promising prospects of employing allogeneic dental grafts sourced from family members to achieve optimal outcomes in alveolar ridge preservation. Conclusions The study underscores the significance of utilizing autologous dental grafts for preserving alveolar ridge dimensions. Importantly, the noteworthy improvement observed in patient outcomes resulting from the use of allogeneic dental grafts compared to autologous grafts raises several inquiries, particularly concerning the potential relationship between the patient and the donor. Trial registration The study is registered as a BRAZILIAN CLINICAL TEST RECORD (ReBEC): U1111-1305-2793 on 28-05-2024 ( https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-65qchvs).
Vulnerability of Gen-Z to E-Commerce Deception on Consumer's Belief Categories in Online Product Recommendations Systems
Authors: Krishnaraj Ramya , Parveen Shiraz
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Despite the convenience of the Online Product Recommendation (OPR) system, concerns persist regarding deception practices in online shopping, especially among consumers from the Generation Z demographic cohort, for which less attention has been given in the previous literature.
Methodology/Approach: The impact of independent variables, namely   Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Enjoyment, and Perceived Risk, on Susceptibility to e-commerce fraud among Gen Z consumers has been studied. By conducting a mall intercept survey in four major metropolitan cities in India with a usable sample of 488 responses, the study empirically tested the data using SmartPLS 4.0.
Findings: The study concludes that Perceived Usefulness and Enjoyment positively influence continuous usage intention, while Perceived Deception and Perceived Risk are negatively connected with continuous usage intention. It depicts that the Gen Z consumer's belief categories formed during their early years as digital natives sharpen their alertness to deception practices.
Research Limitation/Implication: The study may not be generalised to represent Gen Z consumers as it collected data only from those who visited malls in the metropolitan cities of India.
Originality/Value of paper: This paper exclusively investigates the interrelation of belief categories to continuous usage intention. Further, the intersection of perceived Deception is proved in light of the E-commerce practices.
Home Made Four-Point Probe: Case Studies of the Wobbly A and B Probes
Authors: Toifur Moh. , Sukarelawan Moh. Irma , Okimustava Okimustava
Published: July 2024

A simulation on the effect of probe deviation on sheet resistivity value (Rs) of Cu/Ni thin film was carried out in a home-made four-point probe (HM-FPP) type. This began by solving the Rs formula for normal probes, and then for wobbly probe when it was either A, or both A and B. The formula was implemented on a thin layer of Cu/Ni, which was a low temperature sensor material obtained from electrodeposition for 60s assisted by a 200G magnetic field at a current density of 0.07A/mm2. An electric current of 0.20118A was flown from probe A to D in order to produce a potential difference between probe C and D of 0.0005 volts. Furthermore, the distance between the probes was 5 mm and the deviation of each probe A and B were simulated from -0.5 mm to 0.5 mm. The maximum allowable limit for the relative error of Rs or SRs is 5%. The results showed that the ideal Rs value was 0.113 ohm/sq. Furthermore, for HM-FPP in which the wobbly probe only A, there is no problem encountered with the variation of the deviation because all SRs are less than 5%. For wobbly probes A and B, if they are on the same side of the center point of each probe, the maximum allowable deviation is 0.3 mm. The SRs for this case were 4.6%. However, if they are on different sides of the center point of each probe, the maximum allowable deviation is 0.1 mm with SRs of 2.9%. With these results, HM-FPP craftsmen must be more careful in making the size of the probe hole.
Students are Not Sure about Their Conceptual Understanding: A Comparative Study of the Level of Conceptual Understanding and the Level of Confidence Using Rasch Modeling
Authors: Indratno Toni Kus , Sukarelawan Moh. Irma , Puspitasari Ariati Dina , Soeharto Soeharto
Published: July 2024

Misconceiving fundamental physics concepts is a persistent challenge in education, hindering students' ability to grasp more advanced topics. This study aims to compare students' conceptual understanding and confidence levels using a 4-tier diagnostic instrument. Conducted as a survey involving 56 high school students in Yogyakarta, the research utilized a 4-tier diagnostic test covering topics of temperature and heat. Data were collected through Google Forms and analyzed using Excel and Winsteps 4.6.1 based on the Rasch Model. Data analysis involved coding, preparing raw data, and utilizing Wright maps combined with Logit Value of Person (LVP) for assessing students' conceptual understanding and confidence levels. Results indicated a significant inconsistency between students' conceptual understanding and their confidence, with many students displaying high confidence despite low understanding, and vice versa. This mismatch highlights the necessity for educational strategies that not only clarify concepts but also align students' confidence with their actual understanding. The study's implications suggest the need for more comprehensive diagnostic tools and targeted pedagogical interventions to enhance learning outcomes in physics education.
Flu season takeaways – what nurses need to know this winter
Authors: Heffernan Catherine
Published: July 2024

This article was sponsored by CSL Seqirus. CSL Seqirus had no involvement in the writing or editorial process of this article.

Since the flu pandemic of 2009 (with exception of the two pandemic years), our flu seasons tended to have followed a low and late pattern. Influenza starts circulating around January with type A strains first then followed by type B leading into April and May. The pattern of influenza was different in 2023/24. Reported positivity rates were considerably lower than 2022/23 (and compared to 2017/18 onwards). Rates peaked in January but as of week 18, remain higher than 2022/23 and follow that low late pattern. This article discusses the learnings from recent flu seasons and how nurses can most effectively use the annual immunisation drive.
Representation of Turkish Identity and Norms in the Media: 2020 Karabakh War
Authors: Pazarbaşı Betül , Koç Akgül Selma , Neciyev Sehavet
Published: July 2024

The Nagorno-Karabakh issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia became one of the most critical agenda items in the international community again in 2020, resulting in thousands of casualties from both countries due to the conflicts. This study discusses Türkiye’s attitude towards the 2020 Karabakh War in the context of international relations, based on the constructivist theory. It focuses on explaining how the country’s national identity, as well as the international norms it adheres to, played a decisive role in its current foreign policy implementation. To do this, news articles related to the 2020 Karabakh War were gathered from Turkish and Azerbaijani news portals and subjected to content analysis. The analysis findings revealed that both Turkish and Azerbaijani media heavily emphasized messages related to shared identities and norms that play a significant role in shaping the perception and identities of the parties involved in the conflict. Furthermore, the media depicted the war as a matter of national identity and sovereignty.
Intra-abdominal rhabdomyosarcoma in a paediatric patient presenting as acute appendicitis
Authors: Moolamannil MC , Khan H , Karim S
Published: July 2024

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a form of soft tissue sarcoma that can arise from muscle or fibrous tissue almost anywhere in the body. The two major subtypes of RMS are alveolar and embryonal, whereas the two rarer subtypes are pleomorphic, which typically occurs in adults, and the spindle cell/sclerosing variant, typically seen in children. RMS usually involves the extremities, the head and neck or the genitourinary system. Although it can arise from anywhere in the body, other sites of involvement are rare and usually present only at an advanced stage owing to a mass effect on surrounding tissues and organs. We present a rare case of a child who presented with the signs and symptoms of an acute abdomen, but intraoperatively was found to have a bleeding necrotic mass arising from the anterior abdominal wall. This was histologically confirmed to be a RMS of the embryonal type.
Treatment with Shockwave Therapy in a patient with Joint Hypermobility and Temporomandibular Dysfunction
Authors: Simplicio Claudio Lopes ,   Orthopedics – Physiatrist – Antalgic Therapy, RJ Brazil Ortofisio Clinic – Instdor Clinic, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu – SP Brazil,, Jácomo Angélle Aragonez Essado , de Barros Guilherme Antonio Moreira ,   Physiatrist – Pain Doctor, DF, Brazil.,   Antalgic Therapy and Palliative Care, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, UNESP-SP, Brazil.
Published: July 2024

The text addresses the relationship between joint hypermobility (JH), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in patients, discussing the complexity, and comorbidities associated with these conditions. A clinical case is presented, along with the treatment, including focused shockwave therapy as a non-invasive therapeutic approach. The effectiveness of shockwave therapy is discussed in relation to pain relief and musculoskeletal system regeneration, based on studies and scientific evidence. However, despite the potential benefits, further research is still needed to fully understand the effects of these therapies in patients with specific conditions, such as JHjoint hypermobility and ehlers-danlos syndrome (EDS. The safety and efficacy of shockwave therapy are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of following rigorous protocols to avoid complications. This summary highlights the relevance of shockwave therapy in the treatment of TMD and other musculoskeletal conditions, providing a comprehensive view of therapeutic approaches and clinical considerations involved. Keywords: Joint Hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Use of Focused Shock Waves in an Acute Talar Head Fracture
Authors: Toledo Osvaldo Valle ,   Department of Orthopedic Surgeon Surgery, Ankle and Foot Team, MEDS Clinic, Santiago de Chile,   President of ACHITOC (Chilean Association of Tissue Engineering and Shock Waves).
Published: July 2024

Talar fractures are rare and can be difficult to manage. Even in the absence of complications, the treatment of this type of injury can be prolonged and uncomfortable for the patient. Focused shock waves have been shown to be effective in the treatment of delayed unions and non-unions. In this case report, we share our experience with the use of focused shock waves in an acute talus fracture in a patient with risk factors for healing. Keywords: Talus, Talar fractures, Shock waves, Bone marrow edema
Power spectral density analysis of mid-spatial frequency errors in the BK7 glass lens polishing process
Authors: Lo Yu-Hsiang , Lin Jyun-Ting , Mao Yu-Zhen , Chen Hsuan-Chun , Liu Chun-Wei
Published: July 2024

This study reduced mid-spatial-frequency (MSF) errors in optical component polishing by using subaperture techniques such as bonnet polishing. MSF errors can degrade optical imaging quality by causing light scattering and reducing system resolution. By optimizing a spiral path and incorporating machine learning techniques, such as support vector regression (SVR) and Gaussian process regression (GPR), the SVR and GPR models achieved an R2 value exceeding 85%. The optimized root mean square error (RMSE) of the power spectral density (PSD) value was 0.93×10−3µm∧3, with the maximum and minimum error reductions being 97.0% and 10.4%, respectively. Thus, the optical surface quality improved substantially, indicating the effectiveness of optimization techniques in reducing the MSF error.
Quadrature demodulation with a synchronous difference for broadband source-driven resonant fiber-optic gyroscopes
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Li Binjie , Liu Shuang , Hu Junyi , Ma Huilian
Published: July 2024

A broadband source-driven resonant fiber-optic gyroscope (RFOG) has recently been proposed as a means of achieving navigation-grade performance in a 100-meter-long fiber-optic ring resonator with a simple optical structure and signal processing. In this paper, a mathematical model of sinusoidal modulation and synchronous demodulation is developed to analyze the effect of relative intensity noise of the broadband light source on gyro performance so as to obtain the optimal modulation index and minimize the angular random walk. On this basis, a quadrature demodulation synchronous difference scheme is introduced for the broadband source-driven RFOG, which further improves the bias stability of the gyroscope by utilizing its common-mode rejection. Finally, an angle random walk of 0.0026∘/h1/2 and a bias instability of 0.0051°/h were demonstrated by using a fiber-optic ring resonator with a length of 109 m and a mean diameter of 7.6 cm.
Femtosecond laser plane-by-plane inscription of ultra-short DBR fiber lasers for sensing applications
Authors: Chen Runxiao , Xu Xizhen , Wu Jiafeng , He Jia , Wang Ying , Liao Changrui , Wang Yiping , He Jun
Published: July 2024

We propose and demonstrate the inscription of ultra-short distributed Bragg reflector fiber lasers (DBR-FLs) in Er/Yb co-doped fiber (EYDF) using a femtosecond laser plane-by-plane (Pl-b-Pl) method. By integrating the spherical aberration (SA) with a laser 2D scanning process, a planar refractive index modification (RIM) region can be induced in the fiber core. Thanks to the Pl-b-Pl inscription, a high-quality fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in an EYDF is produced, exhibiting a grating strength exceeding 40 dB and an insertion loss of 0.1 dB. Subsequently, an ultra-short DBR-FL with an entire length of 7.3 mm is fabricated by the Pl-b-Pl inscription. The Pl-b-Pl ultra-short DBR-FL exhibits an improved slope efficiency of 0.7% compared with the DBR-FLs fabricated using another two direct-writing techniques, namely line-by-line (LbL) and point-by-point (PbP) methods. Furthermore, this ultra-short DBR-FL generates single-frequency and single-polarization radiation with a narrow linewidth (9.4 kHz) and a low relative intensity noise (-105.8 dB/Hz). Moreover, a wavelength-division-multiplexed array consisting of eight ultra-short DBR-FLs with distinct lasing wavelengths is successfully created. The Pl-b-Pl ultra-short DBR-FLs with excellent output performances offer significant potential for high-sensitivity sensing applications requiring high spatial resolution.
Spontaneous breaking of time translation symmetry in a system without periodic external driving
Authors: Sergeev Timofey T. , Zyablovsky Alexander A. , Andrianov Evgeny S. , Lozovik Yurii E.
Published: July 2024

It is known that spontaneous time translation symmetry-breaking can occur in systems periodically driven at a certain period. We predict a spontaneous breaking of time translation symmetry in an atom–cavity system without external driving, in which a time scale is determined by the time of light bypass of the resonator. We demonstrate that there is a parameter range, in which a system state returns to its initial state only after two bypasses of the resonator. We believe that the predicted phenomenon opens a way to a new direction in the time crystal field.
Realizing the Kirchhoff's superposition law of light-irradiated pure spin currents in paralleled graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Zhou Yanhong , Liu Yulin , Zhu Lihua , Zheng Xiaohong
Published: July 2024

Light-irradiated pure spin current has been achieved via several methods. In this work, we aim to realize its superposition law by reducing the quantum interference effect between parallel circuits via first-principles. As a example, a single-layer zigzag graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR) and a two-layer ZGNR constituted two-probe structures are chosen as our model. It is found that the lowest total energy of the system constructed by bilayer ZGNR occurs at a distance of about d=4{\AA}, which indicates that the quantum interference between the two layer ZGNRs can be neglected when the interlayer distance exceeds 4{\AA}. In our anticipation, the total light-irradiated pure spin current in the two-layer ZGNR constituted two-probe structures is twice of that in the single-layer ZGNR constituted two-probe structure when the interlayer distance is set to 6{\AA}, satisfying the superposition law. While when the interlayer distance is 2{\AA}, the total light-irradiated pure spin current in the two-layer ZGNR constituted two-probe structures is not bigger but smaller than that in the single-layer ZGNR constituted two-probe structure, which may be induced by the quantum coherent cancellation. So the superposition law of photogalvanic pure spin currents can be realized in ZGNR-based devices via manipulating the layer distances. In addition, the combination type of light irradiation area won't affect the realization of the superposition law of photogalvanic pure spin currents. The results provides a reliable method for strengthening the pure spin currents in two-dimensional graphene materials using photogalvanic effect and also for the integration of optoelectronic devices.
Scheme for generation of spatiotemporal optical vortex attosecond pulse trains
Authors: Dong Jiahao , Xu Liang , Fang Yiqi , Ni Hongcheng , He Feng , Zhuang Songlin , Liu Yi
Published: July 2024

The realization of spatiotemporal vortex structure of various physical fields with transverse orbital angular momentum (OAM) has attracted much attention and is expected to expand the research scope and open new opportunities in their respective fields. Here we present theoretically the first, to the best of our knowledge, study on the generation of attosecond pulse trains featuring a spatiotemporal optical vortex (STOV) structure by a two-color femtosecond light field, with each color carrying transverse OAM. Through careful optimization of relative phase and intensity ratio, we validate the efficient upconversion of the infrared pulse into its tens of order harmonics, showing that each harmonic preserves a corresponding intact topological charge. This unique characteristic enables the synthesis of an extreme ultraviolet attosecond pulse train with transverse OAM. In addition, we reveal that ionization depletion plays an outsize role therein. Our studies pave the way for the generation and utilization of light fields with STOV in the attosecond regime.
Dual-comb source with a reconfigurable repetition frequency difference using intracavity Brillouin lasers
Authors: Shi Yang , Yang Yue-De , Wang Ting , Wei Hang-Dong , Xiao Jin-Long , Chen You-Ling , Huang Yong-Zhen
Published: July 2024

A Brillouin-assisted 80-GHz-spaced dual-comb source with a reconfigurable repetition frequency difference ranging from 48 MHz to 1.486 GHz is demonstrated. Two pairs of dual-pump seeds with an interval offset produce the corresponding dual Brillouin lasers in two fiber loops, and then the Brillouin lasers give rise to dual combs via the cavity-enhanced cascaded four-wave mixing effect. The repetition frequency difference is determined by the interval offset of the dual-pump seeds, which is induced by the Brillouin frequency shift difference between different fibers in a frequency shifter. Each comb provides 22 lasing lines, and the central 10 lines in a 20-dB power deviation feature high optical signal-to-noise ratios exceeding 50 dB. The linewidths of the dual-comb beating signals are less than 300 Hz, and the absolute linewidths of the comb lines are around 1.5 kHz. The dual-comb source enables substantial repetition frequency differences from 48 MHz to 1.486 GHz by changing the pluggable fibers in the frequency shifter.
Full-polarization reconfigurable metasurface for broadband and versatile modulation of electromagnetic waves
Authors: Chu Zuntian , Cai Xinqi , Yang Jie , Li Tiefu , Sun Huiting , Wu Fan , Zhu Ruichao , Liu Tonghao , Han Yajuan , Wang Jiafu
Published: July 2024

Reconfigurable metasurfaces enable dynamic and real-time manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves in subwavelength resolution, possessing unparalleled potentials to construct meta-devices. However, most existing reconfigurable metasurfaces either operate under single polarization or in limited polarization channels or discretely tailor EM variables within relatively narrow bandwidth, which are hard to adapt to the urgent development requirements of multitask and highly integrated intelligent communication systems. Herein, a reconfigurable metasurface strategy based on continuous amplitude modulation utilizing circularly polarized (CP) basis vectors is proposed and demonstrated, with which the orthogonal component energy proportion of an arbitrarily polarized wave can be tailored, achieving full-polarization customized broadband and versatile function generation and control. Two symmetrically positive–intrinsic–negative diodes embedded into split-ring resonators are employed to simultaneously and independently switch dual-channel co-polarized amplitude with almost unaltered phase, which significantly simplifies control framework and enhances information capacity. In addition, a full-polarization reconfigurable metasurface prototype of 0.1λ0 thickness is designed and fabricated, which can continuously tune the reflection, polarization conversion, and absorption via loading different external bias voltages from 6 to 8.6 GHz. This inspiring methodology opens up routes for advanced multiplexed equipment and might find applications in future-oriented data storage and multi-input/multi-output systems.