bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite-key analysis of asymmetric phase-matching quantum key distribution with unstable sources
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Xu , Wang Yang , Jiang Mu-Sheng , Zhou Chun , Lu Yi-Fei , Bao Wan-Su
Published: January 2021

The twin-field quantum key distribution (TF-QKD) protocol has been studied widely to overcome the linear bound, and several variations of the TF-QKD protocol have been proposed to improve security and practicality. One variation called the phase-matching QKD (PM-QKD) protocol develops an optical-mode-based security; simultaneously, it has a quadratic improvement of key rate without either basis choice or phase locking. So far, the main research work of the PM-QKD protocol has focused on symmetric channels. However, it is quite common that the two channels have asymmetric transmittances in real life. In this paper, we discuss the effects of asymmetric channels on the PM-QKD protocol; to reach a much better performance and achieve a higher key rate, the intensity must be optimized to compensate for channel asymmetry. We also study the practical issues of finite-key effects and intensity fluctuations, which have significant effects on the key rate of PM-QKD.
Focusing and imaging of a polarization-controlled bifocal metalens
Authors: Yao Zan , Chen Yuhang
Published: January 2021

Metalenses are a kind of flat optical device, which consist of an array of nanoantennas with subwavelength thickness that manipulates the incoming light wavefront in a precisely tailorable manner. In this work, we proposed a bifocal metalens that can realize switchable multiplane imaging, controlled by changing the polarization state of an incident light. The polarization-dependent metalens was designed and fabricated by arranging polysilicon nanobeam unit elements. We simulated and experimentally characterized the focus performance of the bifocal metalens. Under the light incidence with left-handed circular polarization, the focal length is 250 µm. By changing the polarization state to right-handed circular polarization, the focal length is tuned to 200 µm. Experimental results and numerical simulations are in good agreement. Moreover, when a linear polarization light is used, two focal spots will appear at the same time. Such a bifocal metalens is suitable for multiplane imaging applications.
Object-dependent spatial resolution of the reflection-mode terahertz solid immersion microscopy
Authors: Zhelnov V. A. , Zaytsev K. I. , Kucheryavenko A. S. , Katyba G. M. , Dolganova I. N. , Ponomarev D. S. , Kurlov V. N. , Skorobogatiy M. , Chernomyrdin N. V.
Published: January 2021

Terahertz (THz) solid immersion microscopy is a novel promising THz imaging modality that overcomes the Abbe diffraction limit. In our prior work, an original reflection-mode THz solid immersion microscope system with the resolution of 0.15λ (in free space) was demonstrated and used for imaging of soft biological tissues. In this paper, a numerical analysis, using the finite-difference time-domain technique, and an experimental study, using a set of objects with distinct refractive indexes, were performed in order to uncover, for the first time, the object-dependent spatial resolution of the THz solid immersion microscopy. Our findings revealed that the system resolution remains strongly sub-wavelength 0.15–0.4λ for the wide range of sample refractive indices n = 1.0–5.0 and absorption coefficients α = 0–400 cm−1 (by power). Considering these findings, two distinct regimes of the THz solid immersion microscopy were identified. First is the total internal reflection regime that takes place when the sample refractive index is relatively low, while the sub-wavelength resolution is enabled by both the evanescent and ordinary reflected waves at the interface between a high-refractive-index material and an imaged object. Second is the ordinary reflection regime that occurs when the sample refractive index is high enough, so that there is no more total internal reflection at the interface, while only the ordinary reflected waves inside a high-refractive-index material are responsible for the sub-wavelength resolution. The resultant conclusions are general and can be applied for analysis of solid immersion lenses operating in other spectral ranges, such as visible and infrared, given linear nature of the Maxwell’s equations.
Watt-level 775 nm SHG with 70% conversion efficiency and 97% pump depletion in annealed/reverse proton exchanged diced PPLN ridge waveguides
Authors: Suntsov Sergiy , Rüter Christian E. , Brüske Dominik , Kip Detlef
Published: January 2021

We report on fabrication of ridge waveguides formed in congruent periodically poled lithium niobate substrates using annealed and reverse proton exchange followed by diamond blade dicing. 1 W of second-harmonic generation at 775 nm has been obtained in a single-pass in 50 mm long ridge waveguides with internal conversion efficiency of 70%. At this power level, 97% pump depletion has been reached. Although elevated temperature operation and ridge geometry help to mitigate photorefractive damage (PRD) effects, nevertheless, at even higher second harmonic outputs significant power drop with blue shift and distortion of the SHG tuning curve have been observed indicating an onset of PRD.
Low coherence-induced resonance in double-layer structures having parity–time symmetry
Authors: Brandão P. A. , Mendonça J. P. , Cavalcanti S. B.
Published: January 2021

We derive simple formulas for the transmittance

T

and reflectance

R

of Gaussian–Schell beams incident upon any stratified dielectric structure by using second-order classical coherence theory in the space–frequency picture. The formalism is applied to a particular structure consisting of a double layer, with balanced gain and loss, satisfying parity–time symmetry conditions. It is shown that sources with a low degree of spatial coherence, on the order of the wavelength, can induce large resonant peaks in the transmitted and reflected amplitudes. The resonance peaks vanish as the spatial coherence increases.
Radiative loss control of an embedded silicon perfect absorber in the visible region
Authors: Xu Rongyang , Takahara Junichi
Published: January 2021

The absorbance of a free-standing ultrathin layer is limited to 50%; we overcome this limitation by numerically investigating a wavelength-selective perfect absorber based on Mie resonance and degenerate critical coupling. We extend the wavelength of close-to-unity absorbance to the entire visible region by controlling the radiative loss and intrinsic loss. Radiative loss can be controlled by embedding the Mie resonator into a thin film with the defined refractive index. Meanwhile, intrinsic loss can be controlled by addition of a dielectric cap with a higher extinction coefficient on the Mie resonator. Such all-dielectric perfect absorbers can be applied to efficient photodetectors, imaging sensor pixels, or all-optical switching devices mediated by the photothermal effect.
Total Phenolic Fraction (TPF) from Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Induction of apoptotic-like cell death in Leishmania spp. promastigotes and in vivo potential of therapeutic immunomodulation
Authors: Karampetsou Kalliopi , Koutsoni Olga S. , Gogou Georgia , Angelis Apostolis , Skaltsounis Leandros-Alexios , Dotsika Eleni
Published: January 2021

Background

Leishmaniasis is a serious multifactorial parasitic disease with limited treatment options. Current chemotherapy is mainly consisted of drugs with serious drawbacks such as toxicity, variable efficacy and resistance. Alternative bioactive phytocompounds may provide a promising source for discovering new anti-leishmanial drugs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), a key-product in the Mediterranean diet, is rich in phenols which are associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-microbial effects. In this study, we investigate the anti-leishmanial effect of Total Phenolic Fraction (TPF) derived from EVOO in bothin vitroandin vivosystems by investigating the contributing mechanism of action.

Methodology/Principal findings

We tested the ability of TPF to cause apoptotic-like programmed cell death inL.infantumandL.majorexponential-phase promastigotes by evaluating several apoptotic indices, such as reduction of proliferation rate, sub-G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, phosphatidylserine externalization, mitochondrial transmembrane potential disruption and increased ROS production, by using flow cytometry and microscopy techniques. Moreover, we assessed the therapeutic effect of TPF inL.major-infected BALB/c mice by determining skin lesions, parasite burden in popliteal lymph nodes,Leishmania-specific antibodies and biomarkers of tissue site cellular immune response, five weeks post-treatment termination. Our results show that TPF triggers cell-cycle arrest and apoptotic-like changes inLeishmaniaspp. promastigotes. Moreover, TPF treatment induces significant reduction of parasite burden in draining lymph nodes together with an antibody profile indicative of the polarization of Th1/Th2 immune balance towards the protective Th1-type response, characterized by the presence of IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T-cells and increased Tbx21/GATA-3 gene expression ratio in splenocytes.

Conclusions/Significance

TPF exhibits chemotherapeutic anti-leishmanial activity by inducing programmed cell death on cell-free promastigotes and immunomodulatory properties that inducein vivoT cell-mediated responses towards the protective Th1 response in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. These findings enable deeper understanding of TPF’s dual mode of action that encourages further studies.
Proportion of children aged 9–59 months reached by the 2017 measles supplementary immunization activity among the children with or without history of measles vaccination in Lilongwe district, Malawi
Authors: Kainga Hamilton Wales , Ssendagire Steven , Ssanyu Jacquellyn Nambi , Nabukeera Sarah , Namuhani Noel , Mangen Fred Wabwire
Published: January 2021

Background

The measles Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA) was implemented in June, 2017 to close immunity gaps by providing an additional opportunity to vaccinate children aged between 9 months and up to 14 years in Lilongwe District, Malawi. This study was conducted to determine the proportion of eligible children that were reached by the 2017 measles SIA among those children with or without history of measles vaccination, and possible reasons for non-vaccination.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey using mixed methods was conducted. Caretakers of children who were eligible for the 2017 measles SIA were sampled from 19 households from each of the 25 clusters (villages) that were randomly selected in Lilongwe District. A child was taken to have been vaccinated if the caretaker was able to explain when and where the child was vaccinated. Eight Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with planners and health care workers who were involved in the implementation of the 2017 measles SIA. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine the association between non-vaccination and child, caretaker and household related factors. A thematic analysis of transcripts from KIIs was also conducted to explore health system factors associated with non-vaccination of eligible children in this study.

Results

A total of 476 children and their caretakers were surveyed. The median age of the children was 52.0 months. Overall, 41.2% [95% CI 36.8–45.7] of the children included in the study were not vaccinated during the SIA. Only 59.6% of children with previous measles doses received SIA dose; while 77% of those without previous measles vaccination were reached by the SIA. Low birth order, vaccination history under routine services, low level of education among caretakers, unemployment of the household head, younger household head, provision of insufficient information by health authorities about the SIA were significantly associated with non-vaccination among eligible children during the 2017 measles SIA. Qualitative findings revealed strong beliefs against vaccinations, wrong perceptions about the SIA (from caretakers’ perspectives), poor delivery of health education, logistical and human resource challenges as possible reasons for non-vaccination.

Conclusion

Many children (41%) were left unvaccinated during the SIA and several factors were found to be associated with this finding. The Lilongwe District Health Team should endeavor to optimize routine immunization program; and community mobilization should be intensified as part of SIA activities.
Results of a previously unreported extravesical ureteroneocystostomy technique without ureteral stenting in 500 consecutive kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Ciancio Gaetano , Farag Ahmed , Gonzalez Javier , Vincenzi Paolo , Gaynor Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2021

Urologic complications can still occur following kidney transplantation, sometimes requiring multiple radiological and/or surgical procedures to fully correct the problem. Previously proposed extravesical ureteral reimplantation techniques still carry non-negligible risks of the patient developing urologic complications. About 10 years ago, a new set of modifications to the Lich-Gregoir technique was developed at our center, with the goal of further minimizing the occurrence of urologic complications, and without the need for initial ureteral stent placement. It was believed that an improvement in the surgical technique to minimize the risk of developing urologic complications was possible without the need for stent placement at the time of transplant. In this report, we describe the advantages of this technique (i.e., mobilized bladder, longer spatulation of the ureter, inclusion of bladder mucosa with detrusor muscle layer in the ureteral anastomosis, and use of a right angle clamp in the ureteral orifice to ensure that it does not become stenosed). We also retrospectively report our experience in using this technique among 500 consecutive (prospectively followed) kidney transplant recipients transplanted at our center since 2014. During the first 12mo post-transplant, only 1.4%(7/500) of patients developed a urologic complication; additionally, only 1.0%(5/500) required surgical repair of their original ureteroneocystostomy. Five patients(1.0%) developed a urinary leak, with 3/5 having distal ureteral necrosis, and 1/5 subsequently developing a ureteral stricture. Two other patients developed ureteral stenosis, one due to stricture and one due to ureteral stones. These overall results are excellent when compared with other reports in the literature, especially those in which routine stenting was performed. In summary, we believe that the advantages in using this modified extravesical ureteroneocystostomy technique clearly help in lowering the early post-transplant risk of developing urologic complications. Importantly, these results were achieved without the need for ureteral stent placement at the time of transplant.
Robust radiogenomics approach to the identification of EGFR mutations among patients with NSCLC from three different countries using topologically invariant Betti numbers
Authors: Ninomiya Kenta , Arimura Hidetaka , Chan Wai Yee , Tanaka Kentaro , Mizuno Shinichi , Muhammad Gowdh Nadia Fareeda , Yaakup Nur Adura , Liam Chong-Kin , Chai Chee-Shee , Ng Kwan Hoong
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To propose a novel robust radiogenomics approach to the identification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using Betti numbers (BNs).

Materials and methods

Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) images of 194 multi-racial NSCLC patients (79 EGFR mutants and 115 wildtypes) were collected from three different countries using 5 manufacturers’ scanners with a variety of scanning parameters. Ninety-nine cases obtained from the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Malaysia were used for training and validation procedures. Forty-one cases collected from the Kyushu University Hospital (KUH) in Japan and fifty-four cases obtained from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) in America were used for a test procedure. Radiomic features were obtained from BN maps, which represent topologically invariant heterogeneous characteristics of lung cancer on CT images, by applying histogram- and texture-based feature computations. A BN-based signature was determined using support vector machine (SVM) models with the best combination of features that maximized a robustness index (RI) which defined a higher total area under receiver operating characteristics curves (AUCs) and lower difference of AUCs between the training and the validation. The SVM model was built using the signature and optimized in a five-fold cross validation. The BN-based model was compared to conventional original image (OI)- and wavelet-decomposition (WD)-based models with respect to the RI between the validation and the test.

Results

The BN-based model showed a higher RI of 1.51 compared with the models based on the OI (RI: 1.33) and the WD (RI: 1.29).

Conclusion

The proposed model showed higher robustness than the conventional models in the identification of EGFR mutations among NSCLC patients. The results suggested the robustness of the BN-based approach against variations in image scanner/scanning parameters.
Effect of oxygen tension and antioxidants on the developmental competence of buffalo oocytes cultured in vitro
Authors: El-Sanea Amro M. , Abdoon Ahmed Sabry S. , Kandil Omaima M. , El-Toukhy Nahed E. , Abo El-maaty Amal M. , Ahmed Hodallah H.
Published: January 2021

Aim: Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the major disruptors of oocyte developmental competence, which appears due to the imbalance between the production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Materials and Methods: In Experiment 1, buffalo oocytes were in vitro matured, fertilized, and cultured at 38.5°C under 5% CO2 + 20% O2 in standard CO2 incubator (OS) or under 5% O2 + 5% CO2 + 90% N2 (Multi-gas incubator, low O2). In Experiment 2, buffalo cumulus oocytes complexes (COCs) were matured in Basic maturation medium (BMM) composed of TCM199+ 10% FCS+ 10 μg/ml FSH+ 50 μg/ml gentamicin (control group) or in BMM supplemented with 50 μM ascorbic acid (ascorbic acid group) or 3.0 mM glutathione (glutathione group) or 10-5 M melatonin (melatonin group) and cultured at 38.5°C under 20% O2 for 24 h. Matured buffalo oocytes in control, ascorbic acid, or melatonin groups were fertilized and zygotes were cultured for 8 days under the same conditions.

Results: In both experiments, maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst rates were recorded. Results showed that culture of buffalo oocytes under low O2 (5% O2) significantly increased maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst rates (p<0.05). Meanwhile, under 20% O2, addition of 10-5 M melatonin or 50 μM ascorbic acid to in vitro maturation (IVM) medium significantly improved cumulus cell expansion, nuclear maturation rates of buffalo oocytes (p<0.05), and increased cleavage and blastocyst rates (p<0.05).

Conclusion: About 5% O2 is the optimum condition for in vitro production of buffalo embryos, and addition of 10-5 M melatonin to IVM medium for oocytes cultured under 20% O2 could alleviate the adverse effect of high oxygen tension and increased embryo yield.
Fogyasztói tudatosság az étrend-kiegészítők piacán
Authors: Szűcs Róbert Sándor , Szakály Zoltán
Published: January 2021

Napjainkban a fogyasztói tudatosság divatos kifejezéssé vált és a fogyasztók szeretik aztgondolni, hogy tudatosak. Különösen érdekes a fogyasztói tudatosság vizsgálata egy olyan szegmensen belül, amely különösen nagy figyelmet szentel az egészség megőrzésének, azon emberek körében, akik rendszeresen sportolnak. Kutatási anyagunk az étrend-kiegészítők piacát helyezi a középpontba összefüggésben a fogyasztói tudatossággal és sporttevékenységgel. Kutatásunk kérdőívét 737 fő töltötte ki, olyan személyek, akik rendszeres sporttevékenységet folytatnak. Az étrend kiegészítők fogyasztási intenzitásának vizsgálata során igazoltuk, hogy a rendszeres sporttevékenységet folytatók csoportja heterogén. Az attitűdök iránya és az étrend-kiegészítők fogyasztási intenzitása szegmensenként eltérő. A megkérdezettek többsége (kb. 60%) a potenciálisan stabil fogyasztók közé sorolható. A legnagyobb probléma az, hogy a termékek fogyasztásáról szóló információk nem megbízható forrásból származnak, pl. edző vagy szájreklám. Az orvosok, gyógyszerészek, dietetikusok jelentősége csekély az információszerzésben.
A „technicizált” tájak jelentősége a fiatal műszaki mérnökjelöltek életében
Authors: Nagy Valéria , Wang Chao-Tang
Published: January 2021

A táj hatással van az emberre, azonban az emberi tevékenység hatására a táj isváltozik/változhat, amely változásnak negatív pszichológiai, élettani hatásai is lehetnek. A kompetenciadús táj egy rendkívül „komplex ékszer” az életünkben, hozzájárul egészségünk megőrzéséhez, tágabb értelemben jóllétünk meghatározója. Jelen közlemény célja annak felmérése, hogy a leendő műszaki mérnökök a hatás-ellenhatás mechanizmusának ismeretében milyen értéket tulajdonítanak a tájnak/tájképnek saját egészségük vonatkozásában, illetőleg milyen attitűd jellemzi őket a kompetenciadús tájak megőrzésének, formálásának folyamatában. E célkitűzés megvalósítása rövid kérdőíves felmérés keretében valósult meg 68 fő egyetemi hallgató véleményének feldolgozásával. A transzdiszciplináris felmérés eredményeként az egészségmegőrzés témakörében a táj/tájkép fogalmához a nyugalom, kikapcsolódás, feltöltődés, sportolás (biciklizés, futás, túrázás, séta) fogalmakat társítják leginkább a válaszadók. Az eredmények alapján megállapítható továbbá, hogy a megkérdezett fiatal felnőttek körében a jelen „élményvilága” (a „technicizált” tájakvonatkozásában) felértékelődik, ugyanakkor a jövőbeni tájpotenciálnak az egészségre gyakorolt hatása miatt aggódók aránya ~70%-os. Az eredmények azt sugallják, hogy a jövőben továbbra is figyelemmel kell lenni, illetve erősíteni kell a mérnökjelöltekben, hogy a tevékenységük során a technológiai hatáselemzések elvégzése mellett az ökológiai hatáselemzések elvégzését se hanyagolják el a pozitív pszichológiai, élettani hatásokkal bíró tájak kialakítása okán.
Csokoládén innen és túl – fókuszcsoportos vizsgálat a 8-14 éves fiatalok körében
Authors: Lendvai Edina , Forró Felícia
Published: January 2021

Napjainkban kiemelt szerepet kap az egészséges életmód, az egészséges táplálkozás, a testmozgás fontossága, mégis a letöbb reklám a kalóriadús, nagy cukortartalmú élelmiszerekkel bombázza a társadalmat. A színes, humoros, érzelemdús, érdekes reklámok elősorban a fiatalokat, gyerekeket célozzák meg. Kutatásunkban arra szerettünk volna választ kapni, mennyire befolyásolják a reklámok a diákokat, fiatalokat a csokoládék fogyasztásában, milyen szerintük a jó csokoládé reklám, illetve az édesség fogyasztási szokásaik és a reklámok közötti összefüggések feltárására kerestük a válaszokat. Vizsgálati módszerként fókuszcsoportos felmérést alkalmaztunk, 2019-ben. Az eredmények azt mutatják, hogy a jelenlegi reklámok nem befolyásolják a fiatalok csokoládé vásárlási, illetve fogyasztási szokásait. Úgy gondoljuk, a hatékonyság növelése érdekében a vizsgált korosztály igényeit, ötleteit figyelembe véve kellene a reklámokat elkészíteni.
New species of the genus Asplenium L. (Aspleniaceae) for the flora of Europe and Russia
Authors: Kechaykin Aleksey A. , Skaptsov Michail V. , Batkin Alexander A. , Timukhin Ilja N. , Tuniyev Boris S. , Korzhenevsky Vladislav V. , Zaikov Vladimir F. , Shmakov Alexander I.
Published: January 2021

Analysis of ploidy and DNA content of Asplenium septentrionale s. l. from the Crimea, the Caucasus and Europe showed the presence of diploid forms. This allowed for the first time to draw a conclusion about the growth of Asplenium caucasicum (Fraser-Jenkins et Lovis) Viane in Europe and Russia, described from Asia. For the first time Asplenium onopteris L. was reorded in the North Caucasus.
Introgressive-interspecies complex Musa basjoo sensu lato: results of genetic diversity research by molecular phylogeny methods
Authors: Arnautova Elena M. , Nosov Nikolay N. , Shmakov Alexander I. , Rodionov Alexander V.
Published: January 2021

In this article, we compare the phylogenetic position of various specimens of the Japanese banana (Musa basjoo) originating from the greenhouses of the St. Petersburg Botanical Garden of Peter the Great and from the Kyoto Garden using the analysis of marker sequences ITS1–5.8S rRNA–ITS2 and trnL–trnF. Samples of M. basjoo grown in the Peter the Great Botanical Garden originate from China and have some morphological differences from typical Japanese ones. In addition, we used sequences from the international GenBank database. According to the results of the analysis of ITS sequences, the M. basjoo samples form a single clade with M. itinerans and M. tonkinensis, possibly corresponding to the subsection in the section Musa. At the same time, M. basjoo from Peter the Great Botanical Garden differs in the primary sequence of the ITS1–5.8S rRNA–ITS2 from Japanese one forming a lowly supported clade with M. tonkinensis. Two M. basjoo samples collected in China, whose sequences are taken from the GenBank database, fall into a separate subclade within M. basjoo clade, possibly being a special species from this affinity group. According to the trnL–trnF chloroplast sequences, most of the M. basjoo samples also fall into the clade with M. itinerans. However, one M. basjoo specimen from the Genbank database is monophyletic with M. acuminata from a completely different clade. Possibly, the affinity group of M. basjoo is a compound hybrid complex containing plants that differ in the composition of the maternal genome.
Addition to the non-native flora of Murmansk Region
Authors: Kozhin Michail N. , Borovichev Evgeny A. , Kravchenko Aleksey V. , Popova Ksenia B. , Razumovskaya Anna V.
Published: January 2021

This article presents data on 18 new non-native species to Murmansk Region: Aconitum neomontanum Wulfen. (Rybachy Peninsula), Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara et Grande (Apatity Town), Blitum virgatum L. (Apatity Town), Brassica oleracea L. (Umba Settlement), Campanula barbata L. (vicinity of Kirovsk Town), Chelidonium majus L. (Kandalaksha Town), Crocus vernus (L.) Hill (vicinity of Kovda Settlement), Doronicum carpaticum (Griseb. et Schenk) Nyman (vicinity of Kovda Settlement), Epilobium bergianum A. K. Skvortsov (Murmansk City), Epilobium pseudorubescens A. K. Skvortsov (Murmansk City, Apatity Town), Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (Rayakoski Settlement), Lilium maculatumThunb. (Kandalaksha Town), Lilium martagon L. (Rybachy Peninsula), Lychnis chalcedonica L. (Kandalaksha Town), Medicago × varia Martyn. (Apatity Town), Myosotis sylvatica Ehrh. ex Hoffm. (Kandalaksha Town, vicinity of Kovda Settlement, Rayakoski Settlement), Nepeta cataria L. (Apatity Town), Papaver croceum Ledeb. (vicinity of Kovda Settlement, Kandalaksha Town), Senecio subalpinus K. Koch (vicinity of Kirovsk Town), Verbascum nigrum L. (Kirovsk Town), Viola × wittrockiana Gams ex Nauenb. et Buttler (vicinity of Kovda Settlement). The information on the new locations and distribution of 32 rare alien species in the region is provided. According to our preliminary assessment, the alien flora of the region includes 502 species, which is quite a lot for such a northern territory. The high diversity is associated with different pathways and time of introduction due to various aspects of human activity. Over the last decades, the most active colonization by non-native species of Murmansk region is associated with modern household plots, urban gardening, plant introduction in the Polar-alpine botanical garden-institute, places of storage of solid household waste and the use of imported soils for siding road slopes. The most remarkable occurrences of non-native species are at the sites of the abandoned settlements of the Finns and Norwegians, as well as at the places of military operations during the Second World War.
Is Holosteum glutinosum (M. Bieb.) Fisch. et C. A. Mey. (Caryophyllaceae: Alsinoideae) just a subtaxon of H. umbellatum L. or a distinct species?
Authors: Fateryga Alexander V. , Fateryga Valentina V. , Sokolova Irina V. , Svirin Sergey A. , Yena Andrey V. , Yevseyenkov Pavel E.
Published: January 2021

The genus Holosteum L. distributed mostly in temperate Eurasia has very confused taxonomy. Modern estimation of the species richness varies from one species worldwide to seven species occurring just in Eastern Europe. One of the most problematic species of the genus is H. glutinosum(M. Bieb.) Fisch. et C. A. Mey. usually treated as a subspecies or a variety of H. umbellatum L. On the base of extensive study of the protologues, type material, a rich variety of other herbarium specimens, photos of all relevant taxa, and living plants in the field we recognize H. glutinosum as a distinct species. This species has three characters unique in the genus Holosteum: pure green color of leaves and sepals, completely herbaceous bracts, and lanceolate leaves; additional diagnostic characters are 10 stamens, dense glandular pilosity of leaves, sepals, bracts, stem, and pedicels, and entire petals longer than sepals. The species also has statistically significant differences from H. umbellatum (longer leaves, longer and wider petals, and longer capsule) while occurring in sympatry with it. Two subspecies are recognized within H. glutinosum: H. glutinosum subsp. glutinosumdistributed in Caspian Depression, Transcaucasia, Western and Middle Asia, and H. glutinosum subsp. liniflorum Fateryga, nom. et stat. nov. (≡ H. liniflorum Steven ex Fisch. et C. A. Mey. 1840 [non 1837], nom. illeg.), presumably endemic to the Crimea. The lectotypes are designated for the latter name and also for H. glandulosum Bertol., H. umbellatum var. pleiandrum Fenzl, H. imberbe J. Gay, nom. illeg. superfl., H. imberbe var. brachypetalum J. Gay, and H. imberbe var. macropetalum J. Gay. Reports of H. glutinosum from most European countries (other than Russia) are considered to be erroneous due to numerous misidentifications in herbaria and incorrect synonymy (e. g., with H. heuffelii Wierzb., which is actually conspecific with H. umbellatum). A key to the species and subspecies is provided; a total of six taxa are recognized in the genus: H. breistrofferi Greuter et Charpin, H. glutinosum subsp. glutinosum, H. glutinosum subsp. liniflorum, H. marginatum C. A. Mey., H. tenerrimum Boiss., and H. umbellatum.
Set of additions and changes to Check-list of the flora for the Republic of Buryatia between 2001 to 2020
Authors: Rupyshev Yuriy A. , Rupysheva Lyudmila E.
Published: January 2021

In preparing the “Keys to Plants of the Republic of Buryatia”, we have searched and systematized the literature sources on vascular plants. From various scientific publications, data on the findings of new plants at the territory of the Republic of Buryatia were extracted and analyzed. The study also found that the published works after the publication of the Key, significantly have changed the idea of the quantitative composition of the flora, which was replenished with 178 species, 1 subspecies and 10 hybrids of vascular plants from 44 families and 131 genera. The largest number of findings was recorded in the families Asteraceae (30 species, 16 genera) and Poaceae (30 species, 20 genera). The most representative genera were Carex, Hieracium, Pilosella, Polygonum.
Önkiszolgáló technológiák elfogadásának vizsgálata a szerepelmélet segítségével
Authors: Kenesei Zsófia , Janecskó Eszter
Published: January 2021

Az önkiszolgáló technológiák (self-service technologies) használata a szolgáltatóiparban az információtechnológia és a telekommunikáció fejlődésével mindennapi életünk részévé vált. Kevés olyan szolgáltatóágazatot lehet találni, amely valamilyen módon ne alkalmazná a vevői önkiszolgálás lehetőségeit. A szerzők cikkükben bemutatják e technológiák alkalmazásának lehetőségeit, kitérnek előnyeikre és hátrányaikra, valamint egy kutatás segítségével választ kívánnak adni arra a kérdésre, hogy az önkiszolgáló technológiák használata során a fogyasztónak milyen félelmekkel, szorongásokkal kell szembenéznie, s hogy a fogyasztói szerepek pontos meghatározása ezt mennyiben oldhatja. Kutatásuk mintaválasztása lehetőséget ad arra is, hogy megvizsgálják a generációs különbségeket a fiatalabb és az idősebb használók között. Eredményeik alapján elmondhatják, hogy a feltételezett különbség a korcsoportok között nem jelentős, sokkal inkább a fogyasztóhoz köthető egyéni tényezők játszanak szerepet az önkiszolgáló technológiák elfogadásában. A fogyasztó számára a szerepek (szkriptek) pontos meghatározása nagyban segítheti az önkiszolgáló technológiák fogyasztói elfogadását és használati hatékonyságát.
A lean projektek hatásai
Authors: Kovács Zoltán , Rendesi István
Published: January 2021

Kétségtelen, hogy a folyamatok szervezésében a lean megoldások a fő áramlat részét képviselik. Az alkalmazók általában jól meghatározott céllal indítanak lean projekteket, amelyek eredményeit a célokkal összevetve értékelik. Kevesebb hangsúlyt kap azonban a járulékos pozitív hatások értékelése. Cikkükben a szerzők gyakorlati felmérésen alapulóan ezeket vizsgálják. Olyan vállalatokat kérdeztek meg, amelyeknél már volt lean projekt. Az eredmények alapján megállapítható, hogy a lean projektek jelentős szervezeti és kulturális változásokkal járnak, nemcsak az alkalmazott módszerek, hanem maga a projekt folyamata is hoz felszínre problémákat, okoz szervezeti feszültségeket. A sikeres megvalósítás és fenntartás érdekében komplex: módszerbeli, változásmenedzsment, szervezeti és kulturális megközelítés szükséges. Összességében a lean projektek hasznosak.
Terméktulajdonságokkal kapcsolatos preferenciák stabilitásának vizsgálata a mobiltelefon példáján
Authors: Hlédik Erika
Published: January 2021

Az utóbbi évtizedekben elsősorban a gazdaságpszichológia kutatói körében egyre inkább elterjedt az a megközelítés, hogy a fogyasztói preferenciák nem stabilak, hanem a döntési folyamatban a feladat és a kontextus hatására jönnek létre. Ezzel szemben a marketingkutatásban a fogyasztói preferenciák feltárását szolgáló klasszikus empirikus kutatási módszerek (a conjoint, illetve a self-explicated módszer) kiindulópontja, hogy a preferenciák stabilak, és a kutató feladata feltárni azokat. Tanulmányában a szerző a termékattribútum-preferenciák mérésének problematikáját a gazdaságpszichológiai preferenciák instabilitására vonatkozó megközelítését alapul véve vizsgálja. Kutatásának célja annak bemutatása, hogy a gazdaságpszichológia preferenciastabilitás-felfogása hogyan használható a marketingkutatás preferenciamérési módszertanában. Primer kutatásában kvantitatív kérdőíves felmérést végzett a mobiltelefon-tulajdonságokkal kapcsolatos preferenciák stabilitásának mérésére egy longitudinális vizsgálat keretében. A kutatás eredményei azt mutatják, hogy vannak szignifikáns különbségek az egyes attribútumok preferenciastabilitásában mind az összesített preferenciastabilitás, mind az elsődleges, másodlagos és elutasított attribútumok esetében.
Reappraisal of Anoxic Spreading Depolarization as a Terminal Event in Brain Slices
Authors: Juzekaeva Elvira , Gainutdinov Azat , Mukhtarov Marat , Khazipov Roustem
Published: January 2021

In the present study we explored neuronal survival during oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in slices of the barrel cortex using whole-cell patch clamp recordings and concomitant extracellular recordings of local field potential (LFP) ,and optical intrinsic signal (OIS). To this aim we used two types of neuronal survival assessment. In the first approach, we performed continuous recordings from a single neuron starting from control conditions and then through OGD and reperfusion. In the second approach, we sampled cells using short-term patch-clamp recordings in control conditions and during reperfusion following OGD of various durations (from 1 to 60 min).
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome Among Teaching Staff of Engineering Colleges in Central India
Authors: Agrawal Sanjay , Chaudhary Sanjeev M. , Kubde Sanjay S. , Dhoble Manjusha , Shaikh Moin
Published: January 2021

Background
Prevalence of Metabolic syndrome is high among Asians including Indians, and is high among those having sedentary occupations. Teaching is one of the important occupations, which demands no strenuous physical activity. However, there is little information available about the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among teaching staff of engineering college. Hence, the present study was conducted to study its prevalence, certain risk factors and co-morbidities among teaching staff of engineering institutes.

Methods
Teachers from engineering colleges of Nagpur city were the study subjects. Data was collected by interview technique. Clinical examination and laboratory investigations like Fasting blood glucose, High Density Lipoproteins and Serum Triglycerides were done. National Cholesterol Evaluation Programme (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel Three (ATPIII) criteria were used to study Metabolic syndrome. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements like height, weight and waist circumference were obtained by standard methods.

Results
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 20.5%. It was 25.32% in females and 19.31% in males. It was more common in subjects of higher age group, muslim religion, and among widows and separated. Alcohol consumption, smoking and sedentary life style was found to be significantly associated with presence of metabolic syndrome. Frozen shoulder, fungal infection and stroke were common co morbidities found among subjects having metabolic syndrome.
Aerobic Plate Count of Contaminants and Molecular Characterization of Eschereichia Coli in Raw Chicken Meat in Ismailia, Egypt
Authors: Afify El-Sayed A. , Shaltout Fahim A , I. M Zakaria,
Published: January 2021

A total number of 100 samples from ten random broiler chicken carcasses (breast and thigh) were collected from an automatic poultry slaughtering plant in Ismailia city, Egypt. The mean values of Enterobacteriacae count were 5.9x104±9.7x103 cfu/g and 7.1x 104 ± 1.1x104 cfu/g for chicken breast and thigh samples respectively. The prevalence of E.coli were 12% and 9% breast and thigh samples examined, respectively. They are serologically identified as 33.35 and 22.2% O157:H7 (EHEC) , 16.6% and 11.1% O114:H21(EPEC), 16.6% and 33.3 %O127:H6 (ETEC) , 0% and 0% O126 (ETEC) and 33.3% and 0% O26 (EHEC) for breast and thigh samples, respectively. The incidence of E.coli O157:H7 was 100% in both serological and PCR methods from biochemical positive E.coli samples. Culture is specific and cheap whereas PCR is sensitive and expensive, hence, we recommend both culture and molecular methods, which improve sensitivity and specificity, to enhance detection of foodborne pathogens including E.coli.
Post Covid-19 Doctor-Patient Relationship Model. Creation of Social Connection Contexts With Physical Distancing
Authors: Turabian Jose Luis
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 1 has produced a significant change in the way general medicine is conducted. This shift has been remarkably quick towards telecare. The form of the clinical interview has changed, and with it communication and the doctor-patient relationship; Before COVID-19, all communication techniques and doctor-patient relationship, which were considered tried and true to establish a good relationship with patients, involved physical proximity 2. Now in many European countries and in the United States face-to-face consultations have been reduced to 10-20%, with most contacts now being provided remotely using symptom checkers, electronic messaging, and phone or video consultations 3.
TSH secreting pituitary tumor — an experience of 20 years follow-up
Authors: Rebrova Dina V. , Sleptsov Ilya V. , Chernikov Roman A. , Uspenskaya Anna A. , Rusakov Vladimir F. , Krasnov Leonid M. , Fedorov Elisey A. , Sablin Il'ya V. , Isheyskaya Maria , Olovyanishnikova Irina V. , Fedotov Yury  N. , Bubnov Alexandr N.
Published: January 2021

Thyrotropinoma is a rare pituitary tumor that causes the development of thyrotoxicosis syndrome as a result of hyperproduction of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). In the Russian literature over the past 10 years, one case of thyrotropinoma in a child, four cases of TSH-producing pituitary adenoma in women and only one in a man have been described. The article presents a unique clinical case of a 20-years history of observation of a patient with TSH-oma. The rarity of this disease led to the fact that it took more than 10 years to make a correct diagnosis. The first operation of thyroid gland was performed before the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma and inappropriate TSH secretion syndrome. That right hemithyroidectomy was supposed to cure a toxic adenoma of thyroid gland. The diagnosis of thyrotropin-secreting piruitary tumor was established only after 6 years even after finding a combination of pituitary adenoma and thyrotoxicosis. After that, the patient steadfastly refuses neurosurgical treatment, despite the presence of macroadenoma with intrasellar growth. The therapy with somatostatin analogs led to patient’s intolerance with gastrointestinal side effects and hospitalization for acute pancreatitis. The absence of the therapy due to low compliance led to long-term persistence of thyrotoxicosis. The absence of signs and symptoms of expanding tumor mass (visual field defects, loss of vision, headache, partial or total hypopituitarism) demonstrates the slow growth of this kind of pituitary tumor. The long-term effect of elevated TSH levels led to diffuse goiter with compression of the neck organs, and the need of the surgical treatment of the thyroid. Stable euthyroidism after the operation led to stable normoglycemia in the patient with previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2. This fact should keep an attention of physicians and endocrinologists to screen for the secondary reasons of hyperglycemia in a patient with diabetes mellitus manifestation. Long-term history of thyrotoxicosis led to the deleterious effects of thyroid hormone excess on the heart (atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, cardiac failure). Those effects are still observed even after thyroidectomy and medical euthyroidism achievement. This fact demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of TSH-omas.
Role of leptin and nuclear receptor PPARγ in PCOS pathogenesis
Authors: Ievleva K. D. , Danusevich I. N. , Suturina L. V.
Published: January 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female endocrine infertility. Insulin resistanсе is supposed to be one of the essential factors of this disease pathways. At the same time, the mechanisms of PCOS development in insulin-resistant patients have not been completely established. Leptin and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ(PPARγ) are involved in carbohydrate metabolism and reproduction function regulation. It indicates that leptin and PPARγ possibly play a role in the pathways of PCOS. This article is a review of publications on this issue. The purpose of this review was to systematize the available information on the molecular mechanisms that determine the role of leptin and PPARγ in the development of PCOS. The literature search was carried out from 04/05/2020 to 05/17/2020 using the scientific literature databases: NCBI PubMed (foreign sources) and Cyberleninka (domestic sources). We analyzed publications for the period 1990-2020.The review presents the current understanding of the possible role of leptin and PPARγ in the regulation of endocrine, immune systems, and reproductive function, as well as in the development of PCOS. Currently, no studies cover the mechanisms of interaction between leptin and PPARγ in the pathways of this syndrome. The available studies indicating the individual contribution and association of leptin and PPARγ with PCOS are conflicting and have many limitations. Therefore, more studies of direct and indirect interaction of leptin and PPARγ, as well as their role in PCOS pathways, are needed.
Klinefelter syndrome: literature review on using modern methods of assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Vorontsova M. V. , Kalinchenko N. Yu.
Published: January 2021

The article reviews scientific papers devoted to the problem of reproductive health in men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Pathogenesis from a very early age (in utero), the possibility of ensuring biological paternity upon reaching sexual maturity and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in offspring are discussed. Despite the fact that KS is one of the most common causes of male infertility associated with chromosomal abnormalities, due to the variability of clinical manifestations the proportion of patients identified before puberty did not exceed 10% before the widespread introduction of non-invasive prenatal testing. According to the research results presented in the article, the reproductive potential of males with KS is often already reduced in early childhood. These circumstances should be considered when choosing further patient management tactics.There are few reports on the onset of spontaneous pregnancy in the case of KS, so ensuring biological paternity in this group of patients is often possible only using surgical methods of sperm extraction and assisted reproductive technologies. This article discusses methods like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in terms of their effectiveness and safety for the patient, and the factors influencing the outcome of the operation. The optimal period of these manipulations seems to be the patient’s age from 18 to 30 years, although the feasibility of adolescent boys undergoing the aforementioned procedures is highly controversial.The research papers presented in the article suggest that the risk of transmitting chromosomal abnormalities to offspring is rather low, which does not exclude the need for medical and genetic counseling to explain all possible risks to the patient. Preimplantation or intrauterine diagnostics are also deemed necessary.
Genetic basis of Cushing’s disease in children and targeted therapeutic future perspectives
Authors: Yanar E. A. , Makazan N. V. , Orlova E. M. , Kareva M. А.
Published: January 2021

Cushing’s disease (CD) is a multisystem disorder of a cortisol excess caused by ACTH -secreting pituitary tumor (corticotropinoma). CD in children is due to somatic or germline mutations with the late onset causing multiple endocrine tumors. If not treated, hypercortisolism leads to severe decrease in quality of life and life-threating conditions. The first-line treatment for CD is pituitary surgery, which might be followed by complications and relapse with necessity of additional surgery or initiations of second-line treatment. Recent studies of molecular basis of corticotropinoma development made it possible to employ medical therapy in CD. Understanding of corticotropinoma etiology and pathogenesis is an important part of education for pediatric endocrinologists since we need to keep in mind possibility of multisystem disorder in case of CD in children and because medical therapy might gain more important role for CD treatment in future.The most actual genetic aspects of corticotroph adenomas growth and the medical treatment opportunities are present in this review.