bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative studies of the sensitivities of sparse and full geometries of Total-Body PET scanners built from crystals and plastic scintillators
Authors: Dadgar M. , Parzych S. , Baran J. , Chug N. , Curceanu C. , Czerwiński E. , Dulski K. , Elyan K. , Gajos A. , Hiesmayr B. C. , Kapłon Ł. , Klimaszewski K. , Konieczka P. , Korcyl G. , Kozik T. , Krzemien W. , Kumar D. , Niedzwiecki S. , Panek D. , Perez del Rio E. , Raczyński L. , Sharma S. , Shivani S. , Shopa R. Y. , Skurzok M. , Stepień E. Ł. , Tayefi Ardebili F. , Tayefi Ardebili K. , Vandenberghe S. , Wiślicki W. , Moskal P.
Published: October 2023

Background

Alongside the benefits of Total-Body imaging modalities, such as higher sensitivity, single-bed position, low dose imaging, etc., their final construction cost prevents worldwide utilization. The main aim of this study is to present a simulation-based comparison of the sensitivities of existing and currently developed tomographs to introduce a cost-efficient solution for constructing a Total-Body PET scanner based on plastic scintillators.

Methods

For the case of this study, eight tomographs based on the uEXPLORER configuration with different scintillator materials (BGO, LYSO), axial field-of-view (97.4 cm and 194.8 cm), and detector configurations (full and sparse) were simulated. In addition, 8 J-PET scanners with different configurations, such as various axial field-of-view (200 cm and 250 cm), different cross sections of plastic scintillator, and multiple numbers of plastic scintillator layers (2, 3, and 4), based on J-PET technology have been simulated by GATE software. Furthermore, Siemens’ Biograph Vision has been simulated to compare the results with standard PET scans. Two types of simulations have been performed. The first one with a centrally located source with a diameter of 1 mm and a length of 250 cm, and the second one with the same source inside a water-filled cylindrical phantom with a diameter of 20 cm and a length of 183 cm.

Results

With regards to sensitivity, among all the proposed scanners, the ones constructed with BGO crystals give the best performance ($$\sim$$
∼
350 cps/kBq at the center). The utilization of sparse geometry or LYSO crystals significantly lowers the achievable sensitivity of such systems. The J-PET design gives a similar sensitivity to the sparse LYSO crystal-based detectors while having full detector coverage over the body. Moreover, it provides uniform sensitivity over the body with additional gain on its sides and provides the possibility for high-quality brain imaging.

Conclusion

Taking into account not only the sensitivity but also the price of Total-Body PET tomographs, which till now was one of the main obstacles in their widespread clinical availability, the J-PET tomography system based on plastic scintillators could be a cost-efficient alternative for Total-Body PET scanners.
Properties of three collagen scaffolds in comparison with native connective tissue: an in-vitro study
Authors: Solderer Alex , Widmer Nicole , Gubler Andrea , Fischer Kai R. , Hicklin Stefan P. , Schmidlin Patrick R.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To evaluate collagen scaffolds (CS) in terms of their in vitro resorption behavior, surface structure, swelling behavior, and mechanical properties in physiologically simulated environments, compared with porcine native connective tissue.

Materials and methods

Three test materials—one porcine collagen matrix (p-CM), two acellular dermal matrices (porcine = p-ADM, allogenic = a-ADM)—and porcine native connective tissue (p-CTG) as a control material were examined for resorption in four solutions using a high-precision scale. The solutions were artificial saliva (AS) and simulated body fluid (SBF), both with and without collagenase (0.5 U/ml at 37 °C). In addition, the surface structures of CS were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) before and after exposure to AS or SBF. The swelling behavior of CS was evaluated by measuring volume change and liquid absorption capacity in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Finally, the mechanical properties of CS and p-CTG were investigated using cyclic compression testing in PBS.

Results

Solutions containing collagenase demonstrated high resorption rates with significant differences (p < 0.04) between the tested materials after 4 h, 8 h and 24 h, ranging from 54.1 to 100% after 24 h. SEM images revealed cross-linked collagen structures in all untreated specimens. Unlike a-ADM, the scaffolds of p-CM and p-ADM displayed a flake-like structure. The swelling ratio and fluid absorption capacity per area ranged from 13.4 to 25.5% among the test materials and showed following pattern: p-CM > a-ADM > p-ADM. P-CM exhibited higher elastic properties than p-ADM, whereas a-ADM, like p-CTG, were barely compressible and lost structural integrity under increasing pressure.

Conclusions and clinical implications

Collagen scaffolds vary significantly in their physical properties, such as resorption and swelling behavior and elastic properties, depending on their microstructure and composition. When clinically applied, these differences should be taken into consideration to achieve the desired outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
Characterization of the coding gain for M-PSK with conjoint signals under correlated Nakagami-m fading channels
Authors: Omosa Edwin , Akuon Peter , Xu Hongjun , Oduol Vitalis
Published: October 2023

In the paper, a comprehensive analysis is presented on the conjoint coding gain achieved in arbitrarily correlated M-ary phase-shift keying (M-PSK) signals in a spatial diversity system. The system operates over Nakagami-m fading channels and is affected by additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). The proposed signal synthesizer primarily induces an even phase shift in the output signals. To enhance the coding gain, an orthogonal transformation matrix is introduced, which effectively preserves energy and operates independently of the channel correlation matrix, making it blind to signal information measurements. The main objective is to generate additional copies of conjoint signals from the received signals, simulating the scenario as if there were more antennas deployed. To evaluate the system’s performance in terms of symbol error rate (SER), an analytical framework is developed and its accuracy is validated through Monte-Carlo simulations. Moreover, extensive tests are conducted to explore the impact of different antenna configurations and fading severity levels. The fading severity, denoted as ’m’, is varied in the experiments, considering values of 0.5, 1, 3, and 7. Additionally, the measurements incorporate varying antenna spacing values relative to the signal carrier wavelength, specifically 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5. The results obtained from the experiments demonstrate that the coding gains achieved depend on the value of ’m’, with higher gains observed for lower ’m’ values. However, as ’m’ increases, the coding gains become negligible.
Influence of body and hand anthropometric characteristics on handgrip strength in young Nigerian women
Authors: Awotidebe Taofeek O. , Fasakin Olufesola M. , Ademoyegun Adekola B. , Nwajei Chiedozie C. , Oke Kayode I. , Adedoyin Rufus A.
Published: October 2023

Background and aim

Women are well known for having lower handgrip strength (HGS) compared to men. However, factors contributing to lower HGS in women remain unclear. This study investigated the influence of body and hand anthropometric characteristics (HAC) on HGS among young Nigerian undergraduate women.

Methods

Apparently healthy 500 young female adults from a Nigerian University were recruited conveniently. Age and physical characteristics were recorded. Right and left (R&L) HGS were measured using an electronic dynamometer. HAC including R&L arm girth (ArG), forearm girth (FaG), wrist girth (WrG), finger span (FSp), finger breath (FBr), finger length (FLg) and palm length (PLg) were measured. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 22.46 ± 3.72 years. Age and body mass index (BMI) contributed about 20.0 and 12.0% to the prediction of HGS, respectively. Similarly, R&L HAC: ArG, FaG, WrG, FSp, FBr, FLg and PLg contributed about 22.8 and 14.8% to the prediction of HGS, respectively. Significant correlations occurred between HGS and each of BMI, R&L HAC (p < .05). Furthermore, significant correlations were also found between age and each of R&L HAC (p < .001).

Conclusions

Age, BMI and HAC have significant influence on the HGS of young Nigerian undergraduate women. Hence, physical factors such as weight, height, BMI, and hand anthropometric measurements are recommended as part of routine assessment for effective rehabilitation plans in the care of women with hand disability or poor hand function.
Primary laryngeal histoplasmosis: a case report
Authors: Yuen Kok Foong , Soo Mun Yee , Nik Hassan Nik Fariza Husna
Published: October 2023

Background

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that commonly occurs in the lungs or in disseminated form. Primary laryngeal histoplasmosis is a very rare condition that can mimic laryngeal carcinoma or laryngeal tuberculosis. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the rare occurrence of primary laryngeal histoplasmosis with no involvement of other organs, especially the lungs, the diagnosis dilemma, and the antifungal protocol for this case.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 47-year-old male, who is a pigeon breeder, presented with chronic hoarseness. There were no signs of pulmonary or systemic involvement. Biopsy from laryngeal mucosa was confirmed as histoplasmosis, and he was started on intravenous (IV) amphotericin B for 2 weeks and oral itraconazole for 2 months.

Conclusion

Primary laryngeal histoplasmosis is considered a very rare occurrence. The laryngeal lesion may mimic conditions such as laryngeal carcinoma and laryngeal tuberculosis. Histopathology examination remains the gold standard, and antifungal treatment is the choice of therapy.
Advancing Diagnostics and Therapy to Reach Universal Cure in Childhood ALL
Authors: Pieters Rob , Mullighan Charles G. , Hunger Stephen P.
Published: October 2023

Systemic combination chemotherapy and intrathecal chemotherapy markedly increased the survival rate of children with ALL. In the past two decades, the use of minimal (measurable) residual disease (MRD) measurements early in therapy improved risk group stratification with subsequent treatment intensifications for patients at high risk of relapse, and enabled a reduction of treatment for low-risk patients. The recent development of more sensitive MRD technologies may further affect risk stratification. Molecular genetic profiling has led to the discovery of many new subtypes and their driver genetic alterations. This increased our understanding of the biological basis of ALL, improved risk classification, and enabled implementation of precision medicine. In the past decade, immunotherapies, including bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and cellular therapies directed against surface proteins, led to more effective and less toxic therapies, replacing intensive chemotherapy courses and allogeneic stem-cell transplantation in patients with relapsed and refractory ALL, and are now being tested in newly diagnosed patients. It has taken 50-60 years to increase the cure rate in childhood ALL from 0% to 90% by stepwise improvements in chemotherapy. This review provides an overview of how the developments over the past 10-15 years mentioned above have significantly changed the diagnostic and treatment approach in ALL, and discusses how the integrated use of molecular and immunotherapeutic insights will very likely direct efforts to cure those children with ALL who are not cured today, and improve the quality of life for survivors who should have decades of life ahead. Future efforts must focus on making effective, yet very expensive, new technologies and therapies available to children with ALL worldwide.
Systemic Therapy for Small-Cell Lung Cancer: ASCO-Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Guideline
Authors: Khurshid Humera , Ismaila Nofisat , Bian Jessica , Dabney Raetasha , Das Millie , Ellis Peter , Feldman Jill , Hann Christine , Kulkarni Swati , Laskin Janessa , Manochakian Rami , Mishra Deebya Raj , Preeshagul Isabel , Reddy Pavan , Saxena Ashish , Weinberg Frank , Kalemkerian Gregory P.
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing clinicians on the management of patients with small-cell lung cancer.

METHODS

An Expert Panel of medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, pulmonary, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts were convened to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published from 1990 through 2022. Outcomes of interest included response rates, overall survival, disease-free survival or recurrence-free survival, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 95 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Evidence-based recommendations were developed to address systemic therapy options, timing of therapy, treatment in patients who are older or with poor performance status, role of biomarkers, and use of myeloid-supporting agents in patients with small-cell lung cancer. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/thoracic-cancer-guidelines .
Novel Melanocortin-3 and -4 Receptor Functional Variants in Asian Children With Severe Obesity
Authors: Ong Siong Gim , Dehghan Roghayeh , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Liu Jian-Jun , Sng Andrew Anjian , Lee Yung Seng , Ooi Delicia Shu Qin
Published: October 2023

Context

Genetic variants in melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genes are strongly associated with childhood obesity.

Objective

This study aims to identify and functionally characterize MC3R and MC4R variants in an Asian cohort of children with severe early-onset obesity.

Methods

Whole-exome sequencing was performed to screen for MC3R and MC4R coding variants in 488 Asian children with severe early-onset obesity (body mass index for age ≥97th percentile). Functionality of the identified variants were determined via measurement of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations and luciferase activity.

Results

Four MC3R and 2 MC4R heterozygous nonsynonymous rare variants were detected. There were 3 novel variants: MC3R c.151G > C (p.Val51Leu), MC4R c.127C > A (p.Gln43Lys), and MC4R c.272T > G (p.Met91Arg), and 3 previously reported variants: MC3R c.127G > A (p.Glu43Lys), MC3R c.97G > A (p.Ala33Thr), and MC3R c.437T > A (p.Ile146Asn). Both MC3R c.127G > A (p.Glu43Lys) and MC4R c.272T > G (p.Met91Arg) variants demonstrated defective downstream cAMP signaling activity. The MC4R c.127C > A (p.Gln43Lys) variant showed reduced cAMP signaling activity at low substrate concentration but the signaling activity was restored at high substrate concentration. The MC3R c.151G > C (p.Val51Leu) variant did not show a significant reduction in cAMP signaling activity compared to wild-type (WT) MC3R. Coexpression studies of the WT and variant MC3R/MC4R showed that the heterozygous variants did not exhibit dominant negative effect.

Conclusion

Our functional assays demonstrated that MC3R c.127G > A (p.Glu43Lys) and MC4R c.272T > G (p.Met91Arg) variants might predispose individuals to early-onset obesity, and further studies are needed to establish the causative effect of these variants in the pathogenesis of obesity.
BCAS2 Participates in Insulin Synthesis and Secretion via mRNA Alternative Splicing in Mice
Authors: Chen Xuexue , Xie Xiaomei , Li Jianhua , Sun Longjie , Lv Zheng , Yao Xiaohong , Li Lei , Jin Hua , Cui Sheng , Liu Jiali
Published: October 2023

Insulin secreted by pancreatic β cells is essential for maintaining blood glucose levels. Diabetes is caused primarily by a loss of β cells or impairment of β-cell function. A previous whole-transcriptome analysis of islets from a type 2 diabetes group and a control group showed that a splicing disorder occurred in approximately 25% of splicing events. Breast carcinoma amplified sequence 2 (BCAS2) is a spliceosome component whose function in islet β cells is unclear. Here, we report that knockdown of Bcas2 decreased glucose- and KCl-stimulated insulin secretion in the NIT-1 cell line. Pancreas weight, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity were measured in normal chow-fed Bcas2 f/f-βKO mice, and β-cell mass and islet size were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Glucose intolerance developed in Bcas2 f/f-βKO mice, but there were no significant differences in pancreas weight, insulin sensitivity, β-cell mass, or islet size. Furthermore, observation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin secretion granules in normal chow-fed mice revealed that the insulin level in serum and the number of insulin secretion granules were decreased in Bcas2 f/f-βKO mice. These differences were related to abnormal splicing of Syt7 and Tcf7l2 pre-mRNA. Taken together, these results demonstrate that BCAS2 is involved in alternative splicing during insulin synthesis and secretion.
Endoscopic Transorbital Surgery for Trigeminal Schwannoma: Introduction of a Novel Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Kong Doo-Sik , Shin Hyung Jin
Published: October 2023

INDICATIONS: CORRIDOR AND LIMITS OF EXPOSURE:

The major indications of endoscopic transorbital approach include spheno-orbital meningiomas, cavernous sinus lesions, and Meckel cave lesion such as trigeminal schwannomas. It can avoid excessive brain retraction and allows for a fast recovery to the normal daily living activity.

ANATOMIC ESSENTIALS: NEED FOR PREOPERATIVE PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT:

To access the cavernous sinus, the sagittal crest and meningo-orbital band should be identified and cut.

ESSENTIAL STEPS OF THE PROCEDURE:

1. Skin incision along the superior eyelid is performed. 2. Careful dissection of the soft tissue under the orbicularis is required not to injure the orbital septum. 3. After the lateral orbital rim is exposed, the periosteum and periorbita are elevated from the lateral orbital wall. 4. Drilling of the zygomatic bone within the orbit exposes the temporalis muscle first followed by the exposure of the temporal dura. It is essential to obtain adequate working room when the base of the greater sphenoidal wing is drilled. The sagittal crest should be removed, and the meningo-orbital band should be cut to expose the lateral cavernous sinus wall.

PITFALLS/AVOIDANCE OF COMPLICATIONS:

For successful access through the orbit, endoscopic transorbital approach needs to minimize the retraction of the orbit. To achieve this goal, retraction of the orbit should be limited to a maximum of 10 minutes.

VARIANTS AND INDICATIONS OF THEIR USE:

This approach can be combined with lateral orbitotomy. It provides a wider working room and makes surgery easier to access the lateral temporal lobe.

The patient consented to the procedure, and the participants and any identifiable individuals consented to publication of his/her image. Images at 1:29 reproduced from Corrivetti F, de Notaris M, Di Somma A, et al, “Sagittal crest”: definition, stepwise dissection, and clinical implications from a transorbital perspective, Operative Neurosurgery, 22(5), p e206-e212, ©2022, by permission from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Video screen capture from The Neurosurgical Atlas at 1:06 used with permission from Aaron Cohen-Gadol; ©The Neurosurgical Atlas, all rights reserved.
Intraoperative Irrigation and Risk of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Recurrence
Authors: Schack Anders , Rønn Jensen Thorbjørn Søren , Jensen Mette Haldrup , Miscov Rares , Sindby Ann Kathrine , Fugleholm Kåre , Bergholt Bo , Bjarkam Carsten Reidies , Poulsen Frantz Rom , Grønhøj Mads Hjortdal
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

In most neurosurgical centers, irrigation is an essential part of the surgical procedure for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, it is unknown whether the volume of irrigation fluid affects the risk of CSDH recurrence. This study aimed to investigate a potential association between the volume of irrigation fluid used during burr hole evacuation of CSDH and the risk of CSDH recurrence.

METHODS:

This study is a subanalysis of 2 randomized trials (Drain Time & Drain Time 2) designed to investigate the effect of drainage duration on the recurrence of CSDH. Intraoperative irrigation volume was measured, and patients were followed for 90 days for recurrent CSDH.

RESULTS:

A total of 525 patients with CSDH were included. There was no significant difference in the volume of irrigation fluid used between patients with recurrence (mean = 938 mL, SD = ±552) and without recurrence (mean = 852 mL, SD = ±454) (P-value = .15). Patients with recurrent CSDH had larger primary CSDH volumes (mean = 134 cm3, SD = ±69) than patients without recurrence (mean = 119 cm3, SD = ±58) (P = .04). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed no association between irrigation volume and recurrence, also when stratified for hematoma size.

CONCLUSION:

There was no significant association between irrigation volume and recurrent CSDH within 90 days in patients undergoing burr hole surgery for CSDH.
Gravisensation and modulation of gravitactic responses by other sensory cues in the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Authors: Kendzel Mitchell J. , Parlin Adam F. , Guerra Patrick A.
Published: October 2023

Using the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), we studied how animals can use cues from multiple sensory modalities for deriving directional information from their environment to display oriented movement. Our work focused on determining how monarchs use gravity as a cue for oriented movement and determined how cues from other sensory modalities, cues that by themselves also produce oriented movement (visual and magnetic directional cues), might modulate gravisensation. In two tests of gravisensation (movement in a vertical tube; righting behavior), we found that monarchs display negative gravitaxis only (movement opposite to the direction of gravity). Negative gravitaxis can be modulated by either visual (light) or magnetic field cues (inclination angle) that provide directional information. The modulation of gravity-mediated responses, however, depends on the relationship between cues when presented during trials, such as when cues are in accord or in conflict. For example, when light cues that elicit positive phototaxis conflicted with negative gravitaxis (light from below the monarch), monarch gravisensation was unaffected by directional light cues. We also found that the antennae play a role in gravity-mediated movement (righting), as, with antennae removed, monarch movement behavior was no longer the same as when the antennae were intact. Our results demonstrate that monarchs can use and integrate multiple, multimodal cues for oriented movement, but that the use of such cues can be hierarchical (that is, one cue dominant for movement), and the hierarchy of cues, and the responses towards them when found together, depends on the physical relationships between cues during movement.
pi_tailtrack: A compact, inexpensive and open-source behaviour-tracking system for head-restrained zebrafish
Authors: Randlett Owen
Published: October 2023

Quantifying animal behaviour during microscopy is crucial to associate optically recorded neural activity with behavioural outputs and states. Here, I describe an imaging and tracking system for head-restrained larval zebrafish compatible with functional microscopy. This system is based on the Raspberry Pi computer, Pi NoIR camera and open-source software for the real-time tail segmentation and skeletonization of the zebrafish tail at over 100 Hz. This allows for precise and long-term analyses of swimming behaviour, which can be related to functional signals recorded in individual neurons. This system offers a simple but performant solution for quantifying the behaviour of head-restrained larval zebrafish, which can be built for 340€.
Combining contour-based and region-based in image segmentation
Authors: Dagher Issam , Abboud Elie
Published: October 2023

Background: This paper presents an optimized clustering approach applied to image segmentation. Accurate image segmentation impacts many fields like medical, machine vision, object detection. Applications involve tumor detection, face detection and recognition, and video surveillance.

Methods: The developed approach is based on obtaining an optimum number of clusters and regions of an image. We combined Region-based and contour-based approaches. Initial rough regions are obtained using edge detection. We have used Gabor wavelets for texture classification and spatial resolutions. Color frequencies are also used to determine the number of clusters of  the Fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm which gave an optimum number of clusters or regions.

Results: We have compared our approach with other similar wavelet and clustering techniques. Our algorithm gave better values for segmentation metrics like SNR, PSNR, and MCC.

Conclusions: Optimizing the number of clusters or regions has a significant effect on the performance of the image segmentation techniques. This will result in better detection and localization of the segmentation-based application.
Practical tips for a fast and successful transition to an online curriculum
Authors: Bras Chloé E.C. , Jongkind Remco C. , van Veen Ellen L. , Pang Kim Win , Olthof Laura E. , Boerboom Tobias B.B.
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and the following lockdown forced educational institutions to transform their face-to-face curriculum into an online programme in a matter of weeks. In this article, we present 12 tips for a successful transition based on the challenges that we faced in the Bachelor of Medicine at Amsterdam Medical Centre. These tips are divided in four main themes: infrastructure, faculty development, student engagement, and teaching activities. The Community of Inquiry model is used as backbone in all tips, since teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence are essential factors in effective online education. These tips can be useful for everyone who wants to implement online education in their curriculum, whether borne out of necessity or by design.
Improving access to general practice for people with severe and multiple disadvantage: a realist review protocol (The Connection Study)
Authors: Potter Lucy , McDonagh Lorraine , Horwood Jeremy , Farr Michelle , Feder Gene , Wong Geoff
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Despite having high unmet health need, people with severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD, including combinations of homelessness, substance misuse, poor mental health and domestic violence and abuse) have poor access to general practice. This realist review will examine the existing evidence on interventions or aspects of routine care in general practice that are likely to increase or decrease access to general practice for people with SMD. Methods and analysis: he aim of this review is to identify how these interventions or aspects of routine care increase or decrease access to general practice for people with SMD, in which contexts and for which patients. This review will involve a process comprising five sequential phases: (1) identifying established theories, (2) conducting an extensive search for proof, (3) selecting appropriate articles, (4) gathering and organising relevant data, and (5) utilising a realist analytical approach to synthesise evidence and make conclusions. Local implementation documents, in addition to published research studies, will be incorporated to enrich the analysis. We will collaborate with a stakeholder group consisting of people with lived experience of SMD and those who support them to advise us throughout. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required. Our findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and lay summaries and will be used to develop a complex intervention for improving access to general practice for and with people with severe and multiple disadvantage. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023390495
ANALYSIS OF TRENDS IN THE FORMATION OF DECENT WORK CONDITIONS IN THE RUSSIAN ECONOMY
Authors: Lysenko I.
Published: October 2023

Objective: to identify the need to take into account the current dynamics of decent work indicators in the formation of socio-economic policy of the state. Results: Creating and maintaining conditions for decent work reflect the goals of sustainable development and economic growth. The implementation of the concept of decent work has allowed to settle some issues of remuneration, to create safe working conditions at work. The solution to the problems of the unbalanced situation in the labor market is associated with the emergence of new models of interaction between employers and employees, as well as the geopolitical situation that does not contribute to maintaining decent work in modern conditions.

Conclusions: Decent work is aimed at increasing labor productivity, reducing unemployment and improving access to financial services and benefits. The key to this is to encourage entrepreneurship and create jobs in the country.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE SOCIAL AND LABOR SPHERE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MEGATRENDS
Authors: Mitrofanova Elena , Durakova Irina
Published: October 2023

The article examines the main consequences of megatrends for the Russian social and labor sphere: the labor market, the personnel management system in Russian organizations, in particular, shows how the Russian historical, political and cultural context leads to differences in the impact of megatrends, outlines practical solutions that Russian companies have implemented in the recruitment and selection process, training and development, organization of labor, motivation and consolidation of personnel management activities within the framework of corporate systems. It is shown that in recent years the Russian practice of personnel management has undergone a complex transformation in response to new technologies and markets, as well as to the changing political and social environment in the country. In a diverse business landscape (characterized by significant diversity in terms of the type of industry, form of ownership and access to resources), a special cluster of firms has formed that adhere to the “investing in people” approach. Companies in this cluster use digitalization and IT technologies to perform key personnel management functions, look for talents for effective management of knowledge workers, revise motivation methods and labor organization, and adjust their business models to solve social, demographic, environmental and other problems.
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) with massive liver metastases in a 4-year-old female patient: the significance of chemotherapy and imaging studies in treatment and diagnosis – a case report
Authors: Głaz Aneta , Wach Damian , Mitek-Palusińska Joanna , Woźniak Magdalena
Published: October 2023

Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a retroperitoneal tumour, accounting for less than 0.2% of all malignancies in children. In pediatric patients, the most common clinical presentation is virilisation, either isolated or in combination with hypercortisolemia.

Case report: A 4-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital for diagnostic evaluation of precocious puberty and features of hypercorticism. Ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous neoplastic lesion between the left kidney and spleen. Computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed a pathological mass in the left adrenal region. The urine steroid profile was suggestive of adrenocortical carcinoma. The patient was qualified for surgery. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. A PET scan performed a few months later showed a metabolically active lesion in the left lobe of the liver. Due to the suspicion of a metastatic focus, it was proposed to implement systemic treatment, to which the patient's parents did not agree. After 15 months of no treatment and oncological follow-up, the girl was referred to the ED with symptoms of progression of the neoplastic process. In the face of a renewed lack of consent to the inclusion of treatment, the patient was referred to a home hospice, where she died a short time later.

Conclusions: In the pediatric population, adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare neoplasm with a very poor prognosis. Prompt diagnosis enables early identification of the primary tumour and implementation of appropriate treatment. Imaging examinations are crucial in order to assess the size of the tumour, the extent of local invasion and the presence of potential metastases.
Racial Discrimination and Anti-discrimination: The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Chinese Restaurants in North America
Authors: Tang Chuang , Li Shaobo (Kevin) , Ding Yi , Gopal Ram D. , Zhang Guanglei
Published: October 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seen a rise in racial discrimination against Asian communities, notably the Chinese population. Despite growing research on various aspects of the pandemic, there is a notable gap in understanding its behavioral impact regarding racial discrimination. This study delves into the manifestations of COVID-19-related racial discrimination and antidiscrimination efforts on online platforms using large-scale data sets from Yelp.com and SafeGraph. We specifically examined how the pandemic affected Chinese restaurants compared with non-Chinese ones at different pandemic phases. Our findings are significant; the pandemic triggered an immediate surge in racial discrimination, resulting in a substantial decrease in customers visiting Chinese restaurants. Importantly, we applied advanced text mining and machine learning techniques to analyze user behavior, consistently revealing that increased discrimination prompted users to take antidiscrimination actions on online platforms. This research highlights a tangible form of racial discrimination through reduced patronage of Chinese restaurants and underscores the capacity of consumers to combat discrimination on online platforms. It calls for targeted policy interventions to address and prevent racial discrimination, particularly in the context of public health crises.
Emotional Engagement and Trading Performance
Authors: Bossaerts Peter , Fattinger Felix , Rotaru Kristian , Xu Kaitong
Published: October 2023

Emotional involvement is known to be necessary but not sufficient for good decision making in the face of uncertainty. It has been conjectured that emotional engagement in anticipation of risky outcomes constitutes “good” emotions. We introduce a new methodology to determine whether anticipatory emotional engagement is beneficial in the context of trading in financial markets. We focus on heart rate changes because they occur at a sufficiently high frequency to discern timing relative to events in the marketplace. After conservatively adjusting for multiple hypothesis testing, we find that participants whose heart rate changes anticipate their order submissions at inflated prices earn significantly more, whereas participants whose heart rate responds to their trades earn significantly less. By investigating cointegration between skin conductance response and the dynamics of individual portfolio values, we confirm the importance of emotional involvement in determining who makes or loses money.

This paper was accepted by Bruno Biais, finance.

Funding: This work was supported by the Australian Research Council [Grants DP180102284 and LE130100112]. The authors also thank the Monash Business School for funds associated with the Monash Business Behavioural Laboratory facility and equipment used in this study.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4883 .
Selling Assets: Are Sellers Better Off with Strong Buyers?
Authors: Marquez Robert , Singh Rajdeep
Published: October 2023

When do sellers benefit from the presence of a strong buyer? In a second price auction with independent private values and entry costs for buyers, we allow for one buyer to be stochastically “strong.” We show that, when buyers make positive net profits, seller revenue is higher with a stronger buyer. In contrast, when competition is endogenous so that all buyers other than the strong buyer break even, seller revenue is always lower in the presence of a strong buyer. We also study seller actions such as providing buyer subsidies, setting reserve prices, securing multiple strong buyers, bundling assets, and optimally choosing the time of sale that might alleviate the fall in revenue.

This paper was accepted by Will Cong, Finance.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4938 .
One guild, two merchants, and common property. A social capital crisis in textile manufacturing during the 18th century
Authors: Lana Berasain José-Miguel
Published: October 2023

A case study of the wool carders’ guild in Estella-Lizarra (Navarre) from the 16th to 19th centuries questions prevalent opinions among historians, which have tended to define these collective action institutions as monopolies. This study complements the traditional “outside-in” approach that considers the guild to be a monolithic agent, adopting an inside perspective that reveals tensions between collective and individual interests. The research focuses on the collective management of common properties (fulling-mill and dyeing house) until their disappearance in 1758, and guild relations with commercial capital in the form of a major financial sponsor and a new factory. Difficulties associated with the guild’s financial management and the loss of its social capital lay at the heart of its troubles
Men Talking, Writing, and Imaging Violence against Women: (Dis)continuities Offline and Online
Authors: Hearn Jeff , Hall Matthew , Lewis Ruth
Published: October 2023

Abstract: How to represent violence—that is, talk about, write about, and image violence—without reproducing violence/violation is a challenge. Violence can be presented, re-presented, and represented in many ways, and through diverse narratives. In this article we analyze the narratives of those using violence, either when subsequently talking about the violence or in doing violation itself. Thus, we write on violence and violation, and we explore how men's violence and violation are talked of, written, and imaged by men, even while they may well not be aware that they are enacting violence/violation. We attend to some of the continuities and discontinuities in men's narratives between those talking about their use of immediate, direct physical violence/violation, especially against women, and those doing various forms of digital violence/violation through writing violence/violation. In the latter case, two examples are foregrounded: first, what is popularly known as "revenge pornography," that is, nonconsensual sharing and distribution of sexual images and texts; and second, "upskirting," that is, nonconsensual taking of photographs and videos of (usually) women's bodies and clothing. We draw on or analyze these practices through understandings of men, masculinities, and variable masculinist narratives. The final part of the article compares the three examples and considers their implications, the overlaps and blurrings between offline physical violence and digital violence/violation, and future challenges.
Manipulation of polarization conversion and dual foci in a twisted caustic vector optical field in free space
Authors: Huang Yingqi , Liu Baoyin , Liu Caixia , Hu Xiaobo , Wu Yan , Chew Khian-Hooi , Chen Rui-pin
Published: October 2023

Manipulation of polarization states in a complex structured optical field during propagation has become an important topic due to its fundamental interest and potential applications. This work demonstrates the effect of the caustic and twisting phases on the polarization states of a vector beam experimentally and theoretically. The novel properties of polarization evolution, especially the conversions of different states of polarization (SoPs) in a twisted caustic vector beam, occur during propagation in free space because of the modulation of twisting and caustic phases. The orthogonal polarization components tend to appear on the beam centers of two foci, and the two focal distances are closely related to the caustic and twisting phases. The twisting and caustic phases can manipulate the conversions between linear and circular polarization components that occur during propagation. These results provide a new approach to more complex manipulations of a structured optical field, especially in tailoring the evolution of polarization states and two foci. They may find potential applications in the corresponding field.
On the design of multi-vortex beam multiplexers using programmable metasurfaces
Authors: Rezaee Rezvan Behrad , Yazdi Mohammad , Hosseininejad Seyed Ehsan
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an analytical procedure for designing orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexers with the capability of generating multiple multiplexed beams with different directions and OAM mode indices. The presented design method provides independent control of the power of each output OAM mode in a multiplexed beam. As a proof of concept, a metasurface with four incident beams and two multiplexed scattered beams with different directions and OAM modes is designed. It is based on a 2/2 bits phase–amplitude programmable metasurface which is numerically simulated, and the results are in good agreement with analytical predictions. The presented approach paves the way for design and implementation of multifunctional devices specially used in OAM communication systems.
Dielectric resonances of the cylindrical micro/nano cavity within epsilon-near-zero materials
Authors: Tian Yu , Liu Qi , Ma Yun , Wang Nuo , Gu Ying
Published: October 2023

The dielectric resonances of spherically symmetric micro/nano cavity in zero-index materials have been systematically studied. However, the resonance properties of other shaped dielectric cavities in zero-index materials remain unclear. Here, we theoretically investigate the electromagnetic resonances of the dielectric cavity with cylindrical symmetry in the epsilon-near-zero materials. This kind of cavity supports a set of resonances with strong light confinement, including dipole, quadrupole and higher-order modes with multiple nodes. Furthermore, there is a redshift of the resonance wavelength with an increment of its size, obeying a law as the function of diameter and height. Also, we find that the redshift will be slower for higher-order modes. Through the infinite refractive index contrast and extra degree of freedom, they should have potential application in the enhancement of light-matter interaction and multiple-functional light manipulation in the integrated optical systems.
On-site accuracy evaluation of laser tracking attitude measurement system
Authors: Xiong Zhi , He Jing , Chang Luke , Liu Ningtong , Zhai Zhongsheng , Lao Dabao , Dong Dengfeng , Zhou Weihu
Published: October 2023

In this study, an on-site attitude accuracy evaluation method based on parallel mechanism model and indirect traceability from length to angle is proposed. Firstly, the mathematical model is established. Through orthogonal experimental design, quantitative analysis shows that the ranging accuracy and control layout have a significant impact on the accuracy of the evaluation system. On this basis, the layout of control field is optimized by genetic algorithm. Finally, the practicability of the evaluation method is verified by experiments. The results show that the yaw and pitch accuracy of the method are 0.008°and 0.007°respectively in the range of −25°to 25°within the working distance of 8 m. This method can accurately and effectively evaluate the attitude angle information of the measurement system and is adapted to various on-site environments. The research provides an innovative idea which can be used to ensure the strict requirements of attitude angle measurement in fields such as intelligent manufacturing and in situ processing.
Realization of a compact 10-W 976-nm ytterbium-doped all-fiber laser
Authors: Tsai Tzong-Yow , Song Yu-Cheng , Lee Zhi-Cheng , Lin Shih-Ting , Tang Yu-Che
Published: October 2023

We have demonstrated a compact and cost-effective ytterbium-doped all-fiber laser operating at 976 nm. By utilizing a commercially available ytterbium-doped fiber with a length of only 18 cm, we achieved a lasing power of 10.3 W, with a slope efficiency of 25.4%. To our knowledge, our work presents the shortest gain fiber ever documented in the literature capable of delivering tens-of-watt 976-nm lasing power. The design is compatible with conventional fiber components, simplifying the monolithic assembly process. Notably, the incorporation of such a short gain fiber obviated the need for additional measures to suppress the strong 1.03-µm emission.
ASE noise mitigation with digital frequency offset loading for discrete spectrum nonlinear frequency division multiplexing systems
Authors: Bi Yanfeng , Xu Hengying , Zhang Yining , Bai Chenglin , Yao Donghu , Dong Tingting , Gao HongBing , Yang Lishan , Xi Lixia
Published: October 2023

We propose an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise mitigation scheme utilizing digital frequency offset loading (DFO-loading) for discrete spectrum nonlinear frequency division multiplexing (DS-NFDM) systems. Firstly, based on the one-to-one mapping relationship between frequency offsets and eigenvalue positions, the transmitter side encodes 4-bit information onto 16 kinds of different digital frequency offsets. Then, a sliding window-assisted eigenvalue position (SWA-EP) decoding technology is further proposed to substitute the classical channel equalization and carrier phase recovery processes, with the purpose of recovering the original information. The numerical and experimental results demonstrate that, compared with b-coefficient 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) scheme, Q-factor gains are 2.1 dB under 15 dB optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and 1.8 dB after 800 km fiber transmission, respectively. Moreover, its complexity is only 0.6% of the b-coefficient scheme. The DFO-loading scheme offers an effective and low-complexity way to mitigate ASE noise of DS-NFDM system.
Omnidirectional broadband phase modulation by total internal reflection
Authors: Liu Zhida , Liu Jiayao , Qu Sichao , Wang Zhaona
Published: October 2023

Phase modulation plays a crucial role in shaping optical fields and physical optics. However, traditional phase modulation techniques are highly dependent on angles and wavelengths, limiting their applicability in smart optical systems. Here, we propose a first-principle theory for achieving constant phase modulation independent of incident angle and wavelength. By utilizing a hyperbolic metamaterial and engineering-specific optical parameters, different reflective phase jumps are achieved and tailored for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) waves. The aimed reflection phase difference between TE and TM waves can be thus achieved omnidirectionally and achromatically. As an example, we propose a perfect omnidirectional broadband reflection quarter wave plate. This work provides fundamental insights into manipulating optical phases through optical parameter engineering.