Geometric potential and transport in photonic topological crystals

We report on the experimental realization of an optical analogue of a quantum geometric potential for light wave packets constrained on thin dielectric guiding layers fabricated in silica by the femtosecond laser writing technology. We further demonstrate the optical version of a topological crystal, with the observation of Bloch oscillations and Zener tunneling of purely geometric nature

Observation of localized modes at phase slips in two-dimensional photonic lattices

We study experimentally light localization at phase-slip waveguides and at the intersection of phase-slips in a two-dimensional (2D) square photonic lattice. Such system allows to observe a variety of effects, including the existence of spatially localized modes for low powers, the generation of strongly localized states in the form of discrete bulk and surface solitons, as well as a crossover between one-dimensional (1D) and 2D localization.Comment: 4 double-column pages, 6 figures, submitted for publicatio

Long-Term Efficacy of T3 Analogue Triac in Children and Adults With MCT8 Deficiency: A Real-Life Retrospective Cohort Study

Context Patients with mutations in thyroid hormone transporter MCT8 have developmental delay and chronic thyrotoxicosis associated with being underweight and having cardiovascular dysfunction. Objective Our previous trial showed improvement of key clinical and biochemical features during 1-year treatment with the T3 analogue Triac, but long-term follow-up data are needed. Methods In this real-life retrospective cohort study, we investigated the efficacy of Triac in MCT8-deficient patients in 33 sites. The primary endpoint was change in serum T3 concentrations from baseline to last available measurement. Secondary endpoints were changes in other thyroid parameters, anthropometric parameters, heart rate, and biochemical markers of thyroid hormone action. Results From October 15, 2014 to January 1, 2021, 67 patients (median baseline age 4.6 years; range, 0.5-66) were treated up to 6 years (median 2.2 years; range, 0.2-6.2). Mean T3 concentrations decreased from 4.58 (SD 1.11) to 1.66 (0.69) nmol/L (mean decrease 2.92 nmol/L; 95% CI, 2.61-3.23; P < 0.0001; target 1.4-2.5 nmol/L). Body-weight-for-age exceeded that of untreated historical controls (mean difference 0.72 SD; 95% CI, 0.36-1.09; P = 0.0002). Heart-rate-for-age decreased (mean difference 0.64 SD; 95% CI, 0.29-0.98; P = 0.0005). SHBG concentrations decreased from 245 (99) to 209 (92) nmol/L (mean decrease 36 nmol/L; 95% CI, 16-57; P = 0.0008). Mean creatinine concentrations increased from 32 (11) to 39 (13) µmol/L (mean increase 7 µmol/L; 95% CI, 6-9; P < 0.0001). Mean creatine kinase concentrations did not significantly change. No drug-related severe adverse events were reported. Conclusions Key features were sustainably alleviated in patients with MCT8 deficiency across all ages, highlighting the real-life potential of Triac for MCT8 deficiency

Разработка информационной системы для автоматизации учета шурфовочных работ на магистральном газопроводе

Разработанная информационная система "Мониторинг шурфовочных работ" необходима для мониторинга и ввода данных по выполняемым работам, связанным с подтверждением и устранением дефектов на магистральном газопроводе, на объектах в зоне ответственности ООО "Газпром трансгаз Томск".The developed information system "Monitoring of excavations" is necessary for monitoring and input of data on the work performed related to the confirmation and elimination of defects on the main gas pipeline at the facilities in the zone of responsibility of Gazprom transgaz Tomsk

Are elites really less fair-minded?

US power ‘elites’ are substantially less fair-minded than ‘non-elite’ general populations claims a study by Ray Fisman and coauthors [Science 349, 6254 (2015)]. This supposedly explains why US governments, run by people less fair than the citizens they represent, have been uninclined to tackle inequality. We critically replicated the study, because different experimental protocols for ‘elites’ (interactive variants) and ‘non-elites’ (standard dictator games) were used to measure preferences. We find that the protocol potpourri drove the conclusion: under standard protocols, we find no significant class differences, if any opposite ones. Our work highlights the risk of producing false positives when ex post results appear invitingly plausible

Catch-up-ESUS - follow-up in embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) in a prospective, open-label, observational study: study protocol and initial baseline data

Introduction. So far there is no uniform, commonly accepted diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Recent clinical trials on secondary stroke prevention in ESUS did not support the use of oral anticoagulation. As ESUS comprises heterogeneous subgroups including a wide age-range, concomitant patent foramen ovale (PFO), and variable probability for atrial fibrillation (AF), an individualised approach is urgently needed. This prospective registry study aims to provide initial data towards an individual, structured diagnostic and therapeutic approach in ESUS patients. Methods and analysis. The open-label, investigator-initiated, prospective, single-centre, observational registry study (Catch-up-ESUS) started in 01/2018. Consecutive ESUS patients ≥18 years who give informed consent are included and will be followed up for 3 years. Stratified by age <60 or ≥60 years, the patients are processed following a standardised diagnostic and treatment algorithm with an interdisciplinary design involving neurologists and cardiologists. Depending on the strata, patients receive a transesophageal echocardiogram; all patients receive an implantable cardiac monitor. Patients <60 years with PFO and without evidence of concomitant AF are planned for PFO closure within 6 months after stroke. The current diagnostic and therapeutic workup of ESUS patients requires improvement by both standardisation and a more individualised approach. Catch-up-ESUS will provide important data with respect to AF detection and PFO closure and will estimate stratified stroke recurrence rates after ESUS. Ethics and dissemination. The study has been approved by the responsible ethics committee at the Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany (project number 17–685). Catch-Up-ESUS is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All patients will have to give written informed consent or, if unable to give consent themselves, their legal guardian will have to provide written informed consent for their participation. The first observation period of the registry study is 1 year, followed by the first publication of the results including follow-up of the patients. Further publications will be considered according the predefined individual follow-up dates of the stroke patients up to 36 months