bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and fabrication of a simple and cost-effective optical flow meter using liquid crystals and textile grid
Authors: Goudarzi Ali , Mohammadimasoudi Mohammad , Khoshkhati Farid
Published: November 2023

The measurement of airflow velocity is crucial in various fields, and several sensing approaches have been developed for detecting airflow, including optical fiber-based flowmeters. However, these sensors often require complex fabrication processes and precise optical alignment. In this paper, a simpler and more cost-effective approach has been used to measure air flow rate by utilizing the birefringence property of liquid crystals (LCs). LCs possess distinct optical characteristics, and their reorientation due to airflow can be detected by observing the intensity of the output light between crossed polarizers. The novelty of this study is the utilization of a textile grid to hold the LC layer, which simplifies the fabrication process. This LC-based gas flowmeter offers a simple, low-cost setup and provides rapid performance. This research presents what we believe to be a new approach to calculate airflow by exploiting the optical properties of LCs, which is a new frontier in gas flow measurement. The proposed airflow meter is capable of detecting airflow rates ranging from 0 l/min to 7.5 l/min with an accuracy of 0.5 l/min. It exhibits a stable response time in 75 seconds, and the sensor maintains acceptable stability over time.
Ultrawide-view achromatic circular polarization dynamic converter using an easy-to-integrate multi-layer structure
Authors: Yu Yang , Sun Zijun , Mu Quanquan , Wang Qidong , Yang Chengliang , Peng Zenghui , Li Shixiao , Bi Zekun
Published: November 2023

What we believe to be a novel integrated circular polarization dynamic converter (CPDC) is proposed based on the four-layer mirror symmetry structure. By designing the twisted structure and rearranging the orientation direction of liquid crystal molecules for each layer, the application wavelength range could be broadened. For the viewing angle expansion, negative birefringent films are selected to compensate for the retardation deviation under oblique incidence. Finally, the particle swarm algorithm is used to optimize the whole configuration, and the polarization conversion efficiency calculated by the finite element method (FEM) can achieve 90% in the wavelength range from 320 nm to 800 nm at an ultrawide view of 160°. Compared with traditionally active liquid crystal waveplates, the design has potential advantages in both wavelength and field of view (FOV) and provides the possibility for the integrated and flimsy fabrication of devices.
2.3-µm single-frequency Tm: ZBLAN fiber amplifier with output power of 1.41 W
Authors: Li Xuanxi , Xu Yamei , Yang Linyong , Cui Yulong , Zhou Zhiyue , Wang Meng , Wang Zefeng
Published: November 2023

We present here the first watt-level single-frequency thulium-doped ZBLAN fiber amplifier system operating at a wavelength of 2.3 µm. Continuous-wave output of up to 1.41 W was generated from a two-stage Tm: ZBLAN fiber amplifier with direct ground-state pumping at 793 nm. Seeded by a single-frequency distributed feedback diode laser at 2332 nm, the thulium-doped ZBLAN fiber amplifier emitted a laser with linewidth no more than 10 MHz at maximal output power. This study examines the impact of a 2.3-µm seed on the competitive laser transition of 2 µm. The findings indicate that direct pumping of a Tm fiber amplifier holds the potential for achieving higher power output within the 2.3-µm band.
High-resolution detection of pitch rotation in an optically confined hexagonal-shaped upconverting particle
Authors: Chakraborty Snigdhadev , Nalupurackal Gokul , Roy Srestha , Lokesh Muruga , Goswami Jayesh , Gunaseelan M. , Roy Basudev
Published: November 2023

A rigid body can have six degrees of freedom, of which three are with rotational origin. In the nomenclature of the airlines, the in-plane degree of rotational freedom can be called yaw while the first out-of-plane degree of freedom can be called pitch with the second one being called roll. Among these, only the yaw sense has been studied extensively in the optical tweezers literature, while the pitch rotation is starting to be explored. In this paper, we show a way to detect the pitch rotation in a hexagonal-shaped particle using photonic force microscopy using the forward scattered light under crossed polarizers and making it incident on a split photodiode. In this way, the pitch angle can be detected at high resolution and bandwidth. We apply this technique to detect continuous pitch rotation and also exhibit a power spectral density for an anisotropic particle optically trapped in a linearly polarized light and exhibiting Brownian motion.
Analysis of red-luminescence lifetime components of non-bridging oxygen hole centers in γ-ray irradiated silica glasses
Authors: Wang Jingang , Cheng Jimeng , Shao Chongyun , Chen Wei , Yu Chunlei , Hu Lili , Guzik Malgorzata , Boulon Georges
Published: November 2023

The relation between 1.9 eV red-luminescence intensity of non-bridging oxygen hole centers (NBOHCs) in silica and incident laser shot number was proved to be important to predict the occurrence of laser damage, in which a more precise prediction will benefit from a deeply understanding of the red-luminescence of NBOHCs. This study focuses on analyzing NBOHCs in silica glasses irradiated by gamma rays, including the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra in the main g2 factor range, excitation spectra in the UV range, emission spectra and emission lifetimes in the red range, as well as their relations with hydroxyl and temperature. At 53 K, the main g2-factor of NBOHCs in high-hydroxyl (high-OH) and low-hydroxyl (low-OH) silica differs by only ∼1.5 × 10−4. Whereas in the higher g-value side of the main g2-factor band, low-OH silica exhibited a little broadened resonance absorption bandwidth. At room temperature, the 5.64-3.44 eV excitation spectra monitoring at 1.9 eV and the 2.16-1.65 eV emission spectra exciting at 4.8 eV exhibit the same excitation peak of 4.54 eV and emission peak of 1.907 eV for both high-OH and low-OH silica. Whereas at liquid-N2 temperature, high-OH silica exhibits a broader emission bandwidth in the higher energy side of the red-luminescence band. At room temperature, the average emission lifetime of NBOHC in high-OH silica is 14.5 µs, whereas that in low-OH silica is 13.4 µs. However, at liquid-N2 temperature, their average lifetimes respectively increased and decreased greatly to 22.3 and 9.7 µs, showing a quite obvious variation. In high-OH silica, the large number of hydroxyl attract the hydrogen ions that are released with the temperature decrease, forming metastable hydrogen-bonded hydroxyl. Finally, only NBOHCs corresponding to longer lifetime components, without neighboring hydrogen and its interaction, remain in the high-OH silica at lower temperature. In low-OH silica, there is few hydroxyl, so that the hydrogen released with the temperature decrease can only act on NBOHCs without neighboring hydrogen. Finally, those NBOHCs that correspond to shorter lifetime components and interact with neighboring hydrogen remain in the low-OH silica at lower temperature. The results on the characteristics of this red luminescence provides new ideas and ways for the future prediction about the laser damage of silica. Especially, the component analysis on the emission lifetime decay curves that can reflect the characteristics of NBOHCs and their neighboring environment can not only be used to distinguish between contributions to the red-luminescence from different types of NBOHCs, but also to analyze the relations between other ions or defects around NBOHCs and laser damage initiation, for a more precise prediction.
Tailoring quantum trajectories for strong-field imaging
Authors: Sanchez A. , Tulsky V. A. , Amini K. , Bruner B. D. , Alon G. , Krüger M. , Liu X. , Steinle T. , Bauer D. , Dudovich N. , Biegert J.
Published: November 2023

Strong-field imaging techniques such as laser-induced electron diffraction (LIED) provide unprecedented combined picometer spatial and attosecond temporal resolution by “self-imaging” a molecular target with its own rescattering electrons. Accessing the rich information contained in these experiments requires the ability to accurately manipulate the dynamics of these electrons—namely, their ionization amplitudes, and times of ionization and rescattering—with attosecond to femtosecond precision. The primary challenge is imposed by the multitude of quantum pathways of the photoelectron, reducing the effective measurement to a small range of energies and providing very limited spatial resolution. Here, we show how this ambiguity can be virtually eliminated by manipulating the rescattering pathways with a tailored laser field. Through combined experimental and theoretical approaches, a phase-controlled two-color laser waveform is shown to facilitate the selection of a specific quantum pathway, allowing a direct mapping between the electron’s final momentum and the rescattering time. Integrating attosecond control with Ångstrom-scale resolution could advance ultrafast imaging of field-induced quantum phenomena.
Foveated thermal computational imaging prototype using all-silicon meta-optics
Authors: Saragadam Vishwanath , Han Zheyi , Boominathan Vivek , Huang Luocheng , Tan Shiyu , Fröch Johannes E. , Böhringer Karl F. , Baraniuk Richard G. , Majumdar Arka , Veeraraghavan Ashok
Published: November 2023

Foveated imaging provides a better tradeoff between situational
awareness (field of view) and resolution, and is critical in long
wavelength infrared regimes because of the size, weight, power, and
cost of thermal sensors. We demonstrate computational foveated imaging
by exploiting the ability of a meta-optical frontend to discriminate
between different polarization states and a computational backend to
reconstruct the captured image/video. The frontend is a three-element
optic: the first element, which we call the “foveal” element, is a
metalens that focuses s-polarized light at a distance of f1 without affecting the p-polarized
light; the second element, which we call the “perifovea” element, is
another metalens that focuses p-polarized light at a distance of f2 without affecting the s-polarized light. The third element is
a freely rotating polarizer that dynamically changes the mixing ratios
between the two polarization states. Both the foveal element (focal length=150mm; diameter=75mm) and the perifoveal element (focal length=25mm; diameter=25mm) were fabricated as
polarization-sensitive, all-silicon, meta surfaces resulting in a
large-aperture, 1:6 foveal expansion, thermal imaging capability. A
computational backend then utilizes a deep image prior to separate the
resultant multiplexed image or video into a foveated image consisting
of a high resolution center and a lower-resolution large field of view
context. We build a prototype system and demonstrate 12 frames per
second real-time, thermal, foveated image and video capture..
Ultracompact silicon on-chip polarization controller
Authors: Zhao Weike , Peng Yingying , Zhu Mingyu , Liu Ruoran , Hu Xiaolong , Shi Yaocheng , Dai Daoxin
Published: November 2023

On-chip polarization controllers are extremely important for various optical systems. In this paper, a compact and robust silicon-based on-chip polarization controller is proposed and demonstrated by integrating a special polarization converter and phase shifters. The special polarization converter consists of a 1×1 Mach–Zehnder interferometer with two polarization-dependent mode converters at the input/output ends. When light with an arbitrary state of polarization (SOP) is launched into the chip, the TE0 and TM0 modes are simultaneously excited. The polarization extinction ratio (PER) and the phase difference for the TE0/TM0 modes are tuned by controlling the first phase shifter, the polarization converter, and the second phase shifter. As a result, one can reconstruct the light SOP at the output port. The fabricated polarization controller, as compact as ∼150  μm×700  μm, exhibits an excess loss of less than 1 dB and a record PER range of >54  dB for arbitrary input light beams in the wavelength range of 1530–1620 nm.
Passive imaging through dense scattering media
Authors: Bian Yaoming , Wang Fei , Wang Yuanzhe , Fu Zhenfeng , Liu Haishan , Yuan Haiming , Situ Guohai
Published: November 2023

Imaging through non-static and optically thick scattering media such as dense fog, heavy smoke, and turbid water is crucial in various applications. However, most existing methods rely on either active and coherent light illumination, or image priors, preventing their application in situations where only passive illumination is possible. In this study we present a universal passive method for imaging through dense scattering media that does not depend on any prior information. Combining the selection of small-angle components out of the incoming information-carrying scattering light and image enhancement algorithm that incorporates time-domain minimum filtering and denoising, we show that the proposed method can dramatically improve the signal-to-interference ratio and contrast of the raw camera image in outfield experiments.
Generating a nanoscale blade-like optical field in a coupled nanofiber pair
Authors: Yang Yuxin , Gao Jiaxin , Wu Hao , Zhou Zhanke , Yang Liu , Guo Xin , Wang Pan , Tong Limin
Published: November 2023

An optical field with sub-nm confinement is essential for exploring atomic- or molecular-level light-matter interaction. While such fields demonstrated so far have typically point-like cross-sections, an optical field having a higher-dimensional cross-section may offer higher flexibility and/or efficiency in applications. Here, we propose generating a nanoscale blade-like optical field in a coupled nanofiber pair (CNP) with a 1-nm-width central slit. Based on a strong mode coupling-enabled slit waveguide mode, a sub-nm-thickness blade-like optical field can be generated with a cross-section down to ∼0.28  nm×38  nm at 1550 nm wavelength (i.e., a thickness of ∼λ0/5000) and a peak-to-background intensity ratio (PBR) higher than 20 dB. The slit waveguide mode of the CNP can be launched from one of the two nanofibers that are connected to a standard optical fiber via an adiabatical fiber taper, in which a fundamental waveguide mode of the fiber can be converted into a high-purity slit mode with high efficiency (>98%) within a CNP length of less than 10 μm at 1550 nm wavelength. The wavelength-dependent behaviors and group velocity dispersion in mode converting processes are also investigated, showing that such a CNP-based design is also suitable for broadband and ultrafast pulsed operation. Our results may open up new opportunities for studying light-matter interaction down to the sub-nm scale, as well as for exploring ultra-high-resolution optical technology ranging from super-resolution nanoscopy to chemical bond manipulation.
Cross-ancestry analyses identify new genetic loci associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Hivert Valentin , Groot Shiane , Wang Ying , Yengo Loic , McGrath John J. , Kemper Kathryn E. , Visscher Peter M. , Wray Naomi R. , Revez Joana A.
Published: November 2023

Vitamin D status–a complex trait influenced by environmental and genetic factors–is tightly associated with skin colour and ancestry. Yet very few studies have investigated the genetic underpinnings of vitamin D levels across diverse ancestries, and the ones that have, relied on small sample sizes, resulting in inconclusive results. Here, we conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)–the main circulating form of vitamin D–in 442,435 individuals from four broad genetically-determined ancestry groups represented in the UK Biobank: European (N = 421,867), South Asian (N = 9,983), African (N = 8,306) and East Asian (N = 2,279). We identify a new genetic determinant of 25OHD (rs146759773) in individuals of African ancestry, which was not detected in previous analysis of much larger European cohorts due to low minor allele frequency. We show genome-wide significant evidence of dominance effects in 25OHD that protect against vitamin D deficiency. Given that key events in the synthesis of 25OHD occur in the skin and are affected by pigmentation levels, we conduct GWAS of 25OHD stratified by skin colour and identify new associations. Lastly, we test the interaction between skin colour and variants associated with variance in 25OHD levels and identify two loci (rs10832254 and rs1352846) whose association with 25OHD differs in individuals of distinct complexions. Collectively, our results provide new insights into the complex relationship between 25OHD and skin colour and highlight the importance of diversity in genomic studies. Despite the much larger rates of vitamin D deficiency that we and others report for ancestry groups with dark skin (e.g., South Asian), our study highlights the importance of considering ancestral background and/or skin colour when assessing the implications of low vitamin D.
Spinal mobilization force-time characteristics: A scoping literature review
Authors: Gorrell MChiroprac Lindsay M. , Nyirö Luana , Pasquier Mégane , Pagé Isabelle , Heneghan Nicola R. , Schweinhardt Petra , Descarreaux Martin
Published: November 2023

Background

Spinal mobilization (SMob) is often included in the conservative management of spinal pain conditions as a recommended and effective treatment. While some studies quantify the biomechanical (kinetic) parameters of SMob, interpretation of findings is difficult due to poor reporting of methodological details. The aim of this study was to synthesise the literature describing force-time characteristics of manually applied SMob.

Methods

This study is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement. Databases were searched from inception to October 2022: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, CINAHL, ICL, PEDro and Cochrane Library. Data were extracted and reported descriptively for the following domains: general study characteristics, number of and characteristics of individuals who delivered/received SMob, region treated, equipment used and force-time characteristics of SMob.

Results

There were 7,607 records identified and of these, 36 (0.5%) were included in the analysis. SMob was delivered to the cervical spine in 13 (36.1%), the thoracic spine in 3 (8.3%) and the lumbopelvic spine in 18 (50.0%) studies. In 2 (5.6%) studies, spinal region was not specified. For SMob applied to all spinal regions, force-time characteristics were: peak force (0-128N); duration (10-120s); frequency (0.1–4.5Hz); and force amplitude (1-102N).

Conclusions

This study reports considerable variability of the force-time characteristics of SMob. In studies reporting force-time characteristics, SMob was most frequently delivered to the lumbar and cervical spine of humans and most commonly peak force was reported. Future studies should focus on the detailed reporting of force-time characteristics to facilitate the investigation of clinical dose-response effects.
Assessing potential impact of gut microbiome disruptions on the environmental stress resilience of indoor-reared Bombus terrestris
Authors: Roy Nazish , Kim Chaerin , Lee Dongmin , Yang Seongeun , Lee Kyeong Yong , Yoon Hyung Joo , Lee Kwang-Sik , Choi Kihyuck
Published: November 2023

Bumblebees are crucial for both natural ecosystems and agriculture, but their decline in distribution and abundance over the past decade is alarming. The global importance of bumblebees in natural ecosystems and agricultural food production cannot be overstated. However, the reported decline over the past decade has led to a surge of interest in understanding and addressing bumblebee population decline. Hence, we aimed to detect disruptions in the gut microbiome of male and worker bumblebees reared indoor and outdoor to assess potential resilience to environmental stress. Using the Illumina MiSeq platform for 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing, we analyzed the gut microbiome of male and worker bees that were raised indoors (designated as the IM and IW group) and those that were raised outdoors (also designated as the OM and OW group). Our results show presence of core bacteria Neisseriaceae, Orbaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae from indoor reared worker bees. However, a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium and absence of Fructobacillus from indoor reared worker bees was also observed. Indoor-reared male bees had lower diversity and fewer observed OTUs compared to outdoor-reared male bees. Additionally, the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Firmicutes was significantly lower in indoor-reared males, while Proteobacteria was significantly increased. Despite this, we did not observe any dysbiosis in the gut microbiota of indoor-reared bumblebees when comparing the role of the gut symbionts among the groups. These results suggest that indoor-reared Bombus terrestris may be resilient to environmental stress when used as outdoor pollinators.
An economic evaluation of the effectiveness of telemedicine in hematooncology
Authors: Lebiedzik Marian , Turečkova Kamila , Majerova Ingrid , Nevima Jan , Hradská Katarína , Popková Tereza , Skořupová Michaela , Hájek Roman
Published: November 2023

The article examines the effectiveness of remote monitoring and the evaluation of facts about patients with hematologic malignancies using telemedicine based on SMART technologies. The project was carried out in the Department of Haematooncology of the University Hospital Ostrava. Its objective was to test the efficacy of telemedicine in the treatment of patients with blood cancer. The cost-benefit analysis method was used to evaluate effectiveness, which also confirmed the feasibility of using this method to evaluate the costs and benefits of implementing specific medical projects. The conducted analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of using telemedicine procedures in the treatment of these patients, both in terms of quantifiable and non-quantifiable impacts on the Czech Republic’s health system. This was mainly due to a large shortening of the length of the hospitalisation period for patients with problems whose deterioration was discovered by remote monitoring and their treatment could begin promptly. The shortening of the hospitalization period was achieved by around 40%. As a result, the complexity of treatment has been greatly reduced, benefiting both the hospital and, most importantly, the patient. With this prevention, the patient’s chances of dying are reduced, as he or she is less likely to develop severe septic diseases. The total average financial savings of the Czech Republic’s entire health care system for a patient who does not become septic due to a delayed response to deteriorating health only in hospitalisation, treatment, and medications is approximately USD 2,800.
Impact of financial literacy, mental budgeting and self control on financial wellbeing: Mediating impact of investment decision making
Authors: Bai Ruofan
Published: November 2023

The topic of financial wellbeing is a current concern within the realm of personal and household finance. This study aims to examine the influence of cognitive factors, specifically financial literacy, mental budgeting, and self-control, on subjective financial wellbeing. While there exist multiple determinants of financial wellbeing, this research focuses on these particular cognitive factors. The present study aims to examine the mediating role of investment decision-making behavior in the association between cognitive factors and financial well-being. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data collected from a sample of 449 Chinese university students, with the aim of assessing the empirical associations. The results indicate that financial literacy, mental budgeting, and self-control exert a favorable and noteworthy influence on an individual’s financial well-being. The results indicate that individuals with a greater degree of financial literacy are more prone to achieving superior financial well-being. Moreover, individuals who practice mental budgeting, a technique that entails mentally classifying and monitoring their expenditures, demonstrate elevated levels of financial well-being. Likewise, the exercise of self-regulation is identified as a pivotal element that impacts an individual’s financial wellbeing. The findings indicate that there is evidence to support the mediator, investment decision-making behavior. This mediator partially mediates the association between the independent variables, namely financial literacy, mental budgeting, and self-control, and financial well-being. The results suggest that individuals with elevated levels of financial literacy, proficient mental budgeting skills, and self-regulatory abilities are inclined towards demonstrating favorable investment decision-making conduct. Consequently, this contributes to their general financial welfare. In general, the study’s theoretical implications augment the current knowledge repository, while its practical implications provide feasible perspectives for policymakers, financial institutions, and individuals to foster financial wellness and enhance financial results.
Falsehood on social media in Egypt: Rumour detection and sentiment analysis of users’ comments
Authors: Mourad Fahmi Bassant
Published: November 2023

The dissemination of rumours and fabricated information via social media has the potential to adversely impact social cohesiveness and contribute to political polarization, which may lead to political divisions by casting doubt on the effectiveness of government and politicians. In light of the global economic crisis caused by the Russian–Ukrainian War, this study aims to identify economic rumours that were circulating in Egyptian society via social media. Machine learning was employed as a means of analysing the sentiment of user comments on various posts, thus providing an effective method for debunking fake news. In order to identify the most salient features of misleading information, the study qualitatively assessed the visual and linguistic elements of the postings. A total of 10,031 comments were analysed after being categorized into main groups. The study’s results revealed key features pertaining to the sentiments expressed in the comments as well as identifying common textual traits of rumours and specific visual sentiments depicted in accompanying photos. This research sheds light on the importance of identifying and debunking rumours and fabricated information in order to mitigate their potentially negative effects on social cohesiveness and political polarization. Additionally, it highlights the utility of employing machine learning as a tool for analysing sentiment in user-generated content on social media platforms.
The allegorical re-presentation of colonial cinema in Sammy Baloji’s Pungulume (2016)
Authors: Sinnige Sanne Fleur
Published: November 2023

This article analyses artist Sammy Baloji’s video installation Pungulume (2016) with a focus on its recycling of film clips extracted from an archival colonial film from 1912. Inspired by art historian Georges Didi-Huberman’s anachronic approach to art history, and through a sketch of the history and present-day social and political context in the Congolese Katanga region, this essay contends that these archival clips speak primarily about the present and contain a topical significance. As the author demonstrates, this topical significance can solely be assessed when the viewer is knowledgeable about current political and social debates taking place in the former Katanga province. Additionally, this present-day relevance of the archival film clips also exists in terms of the video installation’s reception – the archival film clips reflect dynamics occurring in the spaces in which the video installation was conceived and continues to be exhibited. Through this reading that ultimately causes the ‘re-presentation’ of the anachronic archival film clips (while acknowledging its indebtment to Congolese popular painting), the author recalls the necessity of considering the historical production context in scholarly analyses of artworks – even when artworks reuse archival documents that stem, for example, from colonial cinema.
Clinical features, diagnostics and treatment of FGF23 secreting tumors: series of 40 clinical cases
Authors: Gronskaia S. A. , Belaya Zh. E. , Rozhinskaya L. Ya. , Melnichenko G. A. , Dubovitskaya T. A. , Mamedova E. O. , Rodionova S. S. , Buklemishev Yu. V. , Pigarova E. A. , Degtyarev M. V. , Babaeva D. M. , Vladimirova V. P. , Tarbaeva N. V. , Serzhenko S. S. , Grigoriev A. Yu. , Dzeranova L. K. , Karpenko V. Yu. , Karasev A. L. , Fedotov R. N. , Uliyanova I. N. , Toroptsova N. V. , Lesnyak O. M. , Mokrysheva N. G. , Dedov I. I.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Tumor-induced osteomalacia is an acquired rare disease manifested by hypophosphatemic osteomalacia due to excessive secretion of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). FGF 23 is a non-classical hormone secreted by bone tissue (osteocytes) and regulates phosphorus metabolism.

The aim of this work is to present clinical experience in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia.

Materials and methods: 40 patients with clinically-confirmed tumor-induced osteomalacia were included in the study, 34 of whom had the tumor localized, 27 underwent surgical treatment and 21 achieved stable remission.

Results: The median age was 48 [41; 63] years, 43% were men, the time left from the the onset of the disease was 8 [4; 10] years. Biochemical findings were hypophosphatemia 0.47 [0.4; 0.53] mmol/l, a decrease in the tubular reabsorption phosphate 62 [52; 67]%, and an increase in alkaline phosphatase of 183 [112; 294] units/l. At the time of diagnosis, 100% had multiple pathological fractures, only 10% could move independently, and 77.5% classified the pain as unbearable (8–10 points according to the 10-point pain syndrome scale ). Among the methods used to detect tumors, the most sensitive were scintigraphy with tectrotide with SPECT/CT 71.4% (20/28) and MRI 90% (18/20). In 35% of cases, the tumor was localized in soft tissues and in 65% in bone tissue; The tumor was most often detected in the lower extremities, followed by the head in frequency of localization. 18 patients currently have no remission and they receive conservative treatment (phosphorus and alfacalcidol n=15 and burosumab n=3). In case of achieving remission (n=21), regression of clinical symptoms and restoration of bone and muscle mass was observed. Extensive excision of the tumor without prior biopsy resulted in the best percentage of remission — 87%.

Conclusion: Tumor-induced osteomalacia is characterized by severe damage to bone and muscle tissue with the development of multiple fractures, muscle weakness and severe pain syndrome. In laboratory diagnostics, attention should be paid to hypophosphatemia, a decrease in the tubular reabsorption phosphate index and increased alkaline phosphatase. The use of functional diagnostic methods with a labeled somatostatin analogue to the subtype 2 receptor and MRI with contrast enhancement are the most accurate methods of topical diagnostics. In case of localization of the tumor, a wide excision without a preliminary biopsy is recommended.
Reset osmostat syndrome — when hyponatremia become «a normal»: diagnostics, case report
Authors: Astafyeva L. I. , Badmaeva I. N. , Klochkova I. S. , Sidneva Yu. G. , Sharipov O. I. , Gadjieva O. A. , Bashiryan B. A. , Kalinin P. L. , Lubnin A. Yu. , Konovalov A. N.
Published: November 2023

Reset osmostat syndrome (ROS) is characterized by a change of normal plasma osmolality threshold (decrease or increase), which leads to chronic dysnatremia (hypo- or hypernatremia). We have described a clinical case of ROS and chronic hyponatremia in a patient with chordoid glioma of the III ventricle. It is known that the patient had previously been diagnosed with hyponatremia (131–134 mmol/l). She has not hypothyroidism and hypocorticism. There is normal filtration function of the kidneys was (CKD-EPI 91.7 ml/mi/1,73m2). Urine osmolality and sodium level were studied to exclude of concentration kidney function disorder. During first three days after removal of the tumor of the third ventricle (chordoid glioma, WHO Grade II), the sodium level decreased to 119 mmol/l. Repeated infusions of 200–300 ml hypertonic 3% sodium chloride solution, gluco- and mineralocorticoid therapy was ineffective, increasing plasma sodium levels by 2–3 mmol/l with the return to the initial level during 6–8 hours. Hypopituitary disorders did not develop after surgery. With further observation, the sodium level remained within 126–129 mmol/l for 6 months after surgery. The water load test make exclude the classic syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, and confirmed the diagnosis of RSO. Because of absence of clinical symptoms associated with hyponatremia, no medical correction was required, patient was recommended to clinical follow-up.
Hormonal and genetic causes of cryptorchidism
Authors: Oreshkina E. M. , Bolotova N. V. , Pylaev T. E. , Averyanov A. P. , Raygorodskaya N. Y.
Published: November 2023

Cryptorchidism is the most frequent congenital disorders of the reproductive system, is present in 2–3% of term newborn boys. Genes involved in embryonic testicular migration are known but their role in cryptorchidism development are not investigated enough. Genetical causes of cryptorchidism are identified in 5–7% of patients. The article contains data on the role of insulin-like peptide 3 and its receptor, anti-Müllerian hormone, gonadotropins, androgens in embryonic testicular migration. INSL3 and AMH are presented as markers of testicular dysfunction associated with cryptorchidism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is also associated with cryptorchidism and can be diagnosed based on it. Results of modern investigations determine the necessary of hormonal and genetical examination of patients with isolated cryptorchidism to detect causes of cryptorchidism and manage of patients.
Clinical features and complication rates in type 2 diabetes mellitus clusters on five variables: glycated hemoglobin, age at diagnosis, body mass index, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B
Authors: Bondar I. A. , Shabelnikova O. Y.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious medical and social problem. Now they are studying the possibility of a new stratification of diabetes. The possibility of cluster analysis for different durations of diabetes, in different cohorts to identify phenotypic clusters of T2DM and validation by reproducing clusters is relevant.

AIM: Identify clusters of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with different disease duration based on five variables: HbA1c, age at diagnosis, BMI, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B and study the clinical features and complication rates in each cluster in the Novosibirsk region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cluster analysis of K-means was performed in 2131 patients with T2DM, aged 44 to 70 years, with a duration of diabetes of 6.42±5.66 years, living in the Novosibirsk region based on 5 variables — HbA1c, age at ­diagnosis, BMI, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B. All patients a complete clinical and laboratory examination. The insulin resistance index in the HOMA (HOMA-IR, u) and the β-cell function assessment index (HOMA-B) were calculated using the calculator ­version 2.2.3 at www.dtu.ox.ac.uk.

RESULTS: Cluster analysis revealed: Cluster 1 included 455 patients with preserved β-cell function (HOMA-B 82.97±23.28%), moderate insulin resistance (HOMA-IR 5.57±4.72) and higher diastolic BP; Cluster 2 in 1658 patients with reduced function of β-cells (HOMA-B 21.71±12.51%), the lowest indices of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR 3.50±2.48) and was characterized by a longer duration of diabetes, high fasting glycemia , HbA1c, higher eGFR and MAU, men compared with women had a 31% higher risk of developing diabetic neuropathy and 28% more diabetic nephropathy; Cluster 3 in 18 patients with high function of β-cells (HOMA-B 228.53±63.32%), severe insulin resistance (HOMA-IR 6.92±4.77), features were high incidence of men, shorter duration of diabetes, lower fasting glycemia and HbA1c, lower diastolic BP and eGFR, high incidence of early development of diabetic retinopathy after 4.00±3.6 years.

CONCLUSION: Cluster analysis in patients with different durations of diabetes mellitus confirmed the possibility of using cluster analysis to identify T2DM phenotypes in the Russian population. The clusters differed in the clinical characteristics of patients, the frequency and risk of diabetic complications. These results have potential value for early stratification of therapy.
Surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma
Authors: Shikhmagomedov Sh. Sh. , Rebrova D. V. , Krasnov L. M. , Fedorov E. A. , Chinchuk I. K. , Chernikov R. A. , Rusakov V. F. , Slepstov I. V. , Zgoda E. A.
Published: November 2023

This review article contains a summary of modern aspects of preoperative preparation, surgical treatment, and follow-up of patients with adrenal pheochromocytomas. The main component of preoperative preparation is the use of alpha-blockers. The need to prescribe them to all patients is increasingly disputed, especially for patients without severe hypertension. An increasing number of publications demonstrate positive results of treatment without the use of alpha-blockers, advocating an individual approach and the use of the drug according to certain indications. Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques of adrenalectomy have become widespread in surgical treatment. They are represented by laparoscopic and retroperitonescopic technic, including using their single-port modifications. The earliest possible intersection of the central vein in the past was considered the most important aspect of adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma, currently, due to the development of surgical techniques and anesthesiological manuals, this has ceased to be a mandatory rule of successful surgery. Despite the significant influence of the intersection of this vessel on intraoperative hemodynamics, surgical tactics with its later intersection have their own justifications and do not lead to a deterioration in treatment results. The standard volume of surgical intervention for pheochromocytomas is total adrenalectomy, however, in the presence of hereditary syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome, neurofibomatosis type 1, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, it is possible to perform cortical-sparing adrenalectomy.
Russian eligibility criteria prescribing menopausal hormonal hormones therapy for patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Consensus document of the Russian Cardiological Society, Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Russian Association of Endocrinologists, Eurasian Association of Therapists, Association of Phlebologists of Russia
Authors: Shlyakhto E. V. , Sukhikh G. T. , Serov V. N. , Dedov I. I. , Arutyunov G. P. , Suchkov I. A. , Orlova Ya. A. , Andreeva E. N. , Yureneva S. V. , Yavelov I. S. , Yarmolinskaya M. I. , Villevalde S. V. , Grigoryan O. R. , Dudinskaya E. N. , Ilyukhin E. A. , Koziolova N. A. , Sergienko I. V. , Smetnik A. A. , Tapilskaya N. I.
Published: November 2023

Menopausal symptoms can disrupt the life course of women at the peak of their career and family life. Currently, the most effective treatment for these manifestations is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The presence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in itself does not exclude the possibility of prescribing MHT to relieve menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life. However, often an obstacle to the use of this type of hormonal therapy is the fear of doctors who are afraid of doing more harm to patients than good. Caution is especially important when it comes to women with underlying health conditions. Moreover, it should be recognized that there is a lack of high-quality research regarding the safety of MHT for major chronic non-infectious diseases and common comorbid conditions. The presented consensus document analyzed all currently available data obtained from clinical trials of various designs and created a set of criteria for the acceptability of prescribing MHT to women with concomitant cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Based on the presented document, doctors of various specialties who advise women in menopause will receive an accessible algorithm that will allow them to avoid potentially dangerous situations and reasonably prescribe MHT in real practice.
La sustentabilidad en la industria de restaurantes: prácticas, desafíos y oportunidades
Authors: de Niz Sedano Ángel Gabriel , Nájera González Areli
Published: November 2023

Introduction/objective: Restaurants are fundamental to the global economy and a key driver of the transition to sustainability. The restaurant industry faces the challenge of balancing the demand for high-quality food with the need to adopt sustainable practices to preserve the environment and promote a more viable future. In this sense we wonder how the topic has been approached from the academic?, what has been researched regarding the implementation of environmental sustainability practices in the restaurant industry? Methodology: This systematic review examines the existing literature published between 2007 and 2023 on sustainable practices in restaurants. Results: As a result of the search, 131 articles were analyzed in detail, focusing on year of publication, associated keywords, and sustainable practices developed in case studies. Subsequently, the review was conducted to discuss three themes; positive experiences of sustainable practices in restaurants, criticism of practices far from sustainability, and the link between sustainable practices and the capabilities of managers and employees in the restaurant and foodservice sector. Conclusions: The conclusions highlight the importance of considering aspects related to organizational motivation, waste management, service quality, supply chain and the adoption of innovative technologies, as the main keys to incorporate sustainable processes in the restaurant industry.
Pewarnaan Fraksional Fuzzy pada Graf Fuzzy Beserta Aplikasinya dalam Penjadwalan Ujian
Authors: Prakasta Muhammad Lutfi , Munandar Arif
Published: November 2023

Himpunan fuzzy dari waktu ke waktu terus berkembang. Himpunan fuzzy dikembangkan bersamaan dengan teori graf menghasilkan teori baru dinamakan graf fuzzy. Sebagaimana dalam teori graf terdapat pewarnaan, pada graf fuzzy juga terdapat pewarnaan. Inti pembahasan dari penelitian ini adalah pewarnaan fraksional fuzzy pada graf fuzzy. Pembahasan diawali dengan konsep dasar graf fuzzy dan pewarnaan graf fuzzy. Kemudian diakhiri dengan aplikasi penerapan pada penjadwalan ujian mahasiswa matematika.

 

Fuzzy sets will continue to develop from year to year. The development of fuzzy sets and graph theory resulted a new theory called fuzzy graphs. Similar to graph theory, fuzzy graphs also have coloring techniques. The main discussion of this research is fuzzy fractional coloring on fuzzy graphs. The discussion begins with the basic concepts of fuzzy graphs and fuzzy graph coloring. Then, at the end of the discussion also includes the application on scheduling student math exams.
Erschließung handschriftlicher Dokumente zwischen Fachwissen, Citizen Science und KI
Authors: Rehbein Malte , Ernst Marlene
Published: November 2023

Der Beitrag erörtert Spannungsfelder, die sich aus der fortwährenden digitalen Transformation der Gesellschaft und dem „ChatGPT-Schock“ derzeit neu formieren. Anhand des Beispiels der Erschließung handschriftlicher Dokumente werden diese Felder analysiert und es wird versucht, die verschiedenen sich ändernden Rollen und Verständnisse auszuloten. Dies umfasst die Anteilseigner aus Bibliothek als traditionellem Informationsdienstleister, Plattformbetreiber als Mediatoren, Wissenschaft wie auch Gesellschaft, wobei sich die Technik zunehmend vom passiven Werkzeug zum handelnden Akteur wandelt. Aus diesen Überlegungen heraus wird eine Zukunftsperspektive einer prozess-orientierten Wissensschaffung abgeleitet, zu der alle genannten Akteure als „Co-Produzenten“ beitragen.
Development of polymeric IPN hydrogels by free radical polymerization technique for extended release of letrozole: Characterization and toxicity evaluation
Authors: Yousaf Hammad , Khalid Ikrima , Barkat Kashif , Mehmood Yasir , Badshah Syed Faisal , Anjum Irfan , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Bourhia Mohammed
Published: November 2023

This research study’s objective was to formulate interpenetrating pH-sensitive polymeric networks interpenetrating networks (IPNs) based on hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC)/Primojel for use in the treatment of various malignant conditions. For controlled release, letrozole (LTZ) was selected as a model drug in HPMC and Primojel-based IPN hydrogels. HPMC and Primojel based IPN hydrogels were fabricated through the free radical polymerization method by utilizing HPMC and Primojel as polymers, methacrylic acid as monomer, ammonium persulfate as initiator, and methylenebisacrylamide as cross-linker. For structural characterization, various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DSC, TGA, and Powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) were applied to IPN samples. In vitro and swelling studies were also employed to observe the response of these polymeric networks against 1.2 and 7.4 pH. TGA and DSC of an optimized loaded formulation possess better thermal stability as compared to individual drug. PXRD depicted minor crystallinity and a significant amorphous nature. SEM images show that polymeric networks possess an uneven and porous surface. Significant swelling and enhanced in-vitro outcomes at a high pH of 7.4 confirmed the IPN pH responsive properties. Toxicological studies performed on rabbits revealed no harm in the results. Thus, IPN based on HPMC/Primojel was successfully synthesized and can be used for LTZ’s controlled release.
Radial cracks in Castanopsis hystrix wood and its dimensional stability improvement by resin-impregnated modification
Authors: Meng Surong , Su Yingying , Huang Anmin , Sun Bailing
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the characteristics of radial cracks in Castanopsis hystrix wood and evaluated its dimensional stability after impregnation with low-molecular-weight polyacrylate (PA), melamine-urea-glyoxal (MUG), and melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resins. The physical properties were examined by dimensional stability measurements, dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that radial cracks were easily produced in the transverse section of untreated wood during drying. The surfaces of the radial cracks exhibited an even and clean structure without fluffs on the pair of surfaces, and cracks spanned 4–5 annual rings. The resin-impregnated wood showed no radial cracks on its transverse surface. C. hystrix wood modified with MUG and MUF exhibited a higher weight percentage gain (WPG) than wood modified with the same concentration of PA resin. The resin-impregnated C. hystrix wood also showed reduced anisotropy and improved dimensional stability. The SEM images of the modified wood showed that the wood pits and cells were filled with resin, while the cell wall surfaces were covered with a layer of resin.
Animals as Offerings: Faunal Remains from the Carthage tophet
Authors: Fulton Deirdre N. , Hesse Paula , Burns Peter
Published: November 2023

The non-human animal remains excavated in the Carthage tophet represent a substantial sample of animal bones from a single site. The urns contain partial or whole sheep or goat (ovicaprids) carcasses in abundant numbers, revealing a consistent offering of ovicaprids, some birds, and in a very few cases, fish. Overwhelmingly, the animals are whole-burnt offerings, sacrificed as an offering to the deity or deities. The consistency of the age of the cremated ovicaprids that were interred in the urns allows for a profile of relating animal remains to ritual behavior that took place at the Carthage tophet.