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This work examines the dark energy phenomenon by studying the Renyi Holographic Dark Energy (RHDE) and pressure-less Dark Matter (DM) within the frame-work of Saez-Ballester (SB) scalar-tensor theory of gravitation(Phys. Lett. A113, 467:1986). To achieve a solution, we consider the viable deceleration parameter (DP), which contributes to the average scale factor a=e(1/γ)[ √ (2γt+c1)], where γ, and c1 are respectively arbitrary, and integration constants. We have derived the field equations of SB scalar-tensor theory of gravity with the help of Kaluza-Klein FRW Universe. We have investigated cosmological parameters namely, DP (q), energy densities (ρM) and (ρR) of DM and RHDE, scalar field (ϕ), and equation of state parameter (ωR). The physical debate of these cosmological parameters are investigated through graphical presentation. Moreover, the stability of the model are studied through squared sound speed (vs2) and the well-known cosmological plane ωR - ω'R and all energy conditions and also, density parameters are analyzed through graphical representation for our model.

Skyrmions, topologically stable configurations of a three-component vector field with sophisticated textures, have been considered in many contexts, including atomic physics, Bose–Einstein condensates, liquid crystals, and magnetic materials. Although optical counterparts of skyrmions have extensively been studied theoretically and recently demonstrated in the laboratory experiments, their experimental mapping is challenging due to the fine, three-dimensional, and complicated structure of their polarization distributions. Here, we propose and demonstrate a straightforward mapping of the polarization textures of optical Néel-, Bloch-, and anti-skyrmions based on the radiation pressure and direct imprinting of the skyrmion textures on azopolymers. These results not only elucidate the exotic interaction that occurs between topologically protected quasiparticles of light and matter but also provide a simple approach for generation and characterization of optical skyrmions, based on a dual-path polarization shaping configuration with a single spatial light modulator, and their measurements based on the radiation pressure.

Abstract A liquid crystal Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) can be used in various ways to produce vector-vortices. Superposition of scalar vortices with orthogonal polarization is a common approach, while a more recent technique is to use dual-phase modulation. These approaches require modulation of at least two phase patterns with a SLM or multiple SLMs. In this paper, we propose a novel technique to produce vector-vortices by modulating orthogonal light components through a single phase pattern with a SLM. It does not require interferometric setups, and simplifies the generation of light beams with V-point polarization singularities. Because of compact and robustness of our experimental setup, it can be easily integrated to any device for applications of vector-vortices.

Abstract Vector-vortex (VV) beams are of significant interest for various applications. There have been substantial efforts toward developing a fast and efficient method for the characterization of generated VV beams which is crucial for their usage. Polarimetric approaches are commonly used to identify unknown VV beams but require multiple intensity recordings. This paper demonstrates a technique to detect VV beams and identify their parameters using the concept of self-referenced interferometry. The approach uses a single recorded interferogram to determine the beam parameters that allow rapid detection. The method even enables detection of VV beams having high-order optical vortices.

The generation of Bessel beams (BBs) and their characterization in a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum are well established. The unique properties of BBs, including their non-diffracting and self-healing nature, make them efficient for use in material science and engineering technology. Here, I investigate the polarization components (s-polarization, p-polarization, transverse polarization, and longitudinal polarization) created in scalar BBs owing to their conical wave front. For emphasis, I provide a theoretical analysis to characterize potential experimental artifacts created in the four polarization components. Further, I provide a brief discussion on how to prevent these artifacts in scalar BBs. To my knowledge, for the first time, I can generate vector BBs in s-polarization and p-polarization via the superposition of two orthogonally polarized scalar BBs. This method of generation can provide the four well-known types of vector modes categorized in the V-point phase singularity vector modes. I suggest a suitable experimental configuration for realizing my theoretical results experimentally. The present analysis is very practical and beneficial for young researchers who seek to utilize BBs in light applications of modern science and technology.

Plastination, a permanent preservation method for human tissues and organs, is increasingly being used in anatomy education. However, there is a paucity of systematic reviews and meta-analyses summarizing the educational efficacy of plastinated specimens. This meta-analysis compared the assessment scores of students exposed to plastinated specimens against those exposed to other common instructional methods. A systematic search was conducted through four databases, from 2000 to July 2022. Titles and abstracts of the retrieved records were screened according to predetermined eligibility criteria. Of the 159 records screened, 18 were subjected to full-text review. Among the 18 studies, five articles reported post-intervention test scores for intervention (plastinated) and control (other modalities) groups. Studies were subjected to GRADE quality assessment, and four studies with moderate to high ratings were included for meta-analysis. Students' perceptions (n = 15 studies) were qualitatively analyzed using an inductive narrative analysis. No significant effect was detected between the intervention (n = 417) and control groups (n = 422) (standardized mean difference = 0.08; 95% CI [-0.36, 0.52]; p = 0.73). Four themes emerged from students' perceptions: ease of use, motivation to study, spatial understanding, and learning preference. Overall, student performance outcomes comparing the use of plastinated specimens versus other instructional modalities are very limited. This meta-analysis suggests that knowledge gained from plastinated specimens is comparable to learning achieved through other modalities; though this outcome should be interpreted with caution as there is currently insufficient evidence for definitive conclusions.

Background and objectives: Argyreia pilosa (Convolvulaceae) has been utilized for many aliments in the conventional system ethnomedicinally; most significantly against sexually transmitted diseases, skin troubles, diabetes, rheumatism, cough, and quinsy. The key challenge experienced in the standardization of herbal drugs is the correct identification of the plant source. Thus, setting up quality control parameters by means of pharmacognostic and phytochemical analysis which assures the purity, safety, and efficiency of A. pilosa is necessary. The current research was conducted to assess the pharmacognostic characteristics including macroscopic, microscopic, phytochemical and physicochemical parameters of the stems of A. pilosa. Methods: Micro as well as macroscopic characteristics were investigated. Physicochemical parameters had been done by implementing WHO suggested parameters; preliminary phytochemical and fluorescent evaluation of stem was executed for appropriate identification and standardization. Results: The color, shape, size, odor and surface characteristics were reported from the stem and powdered stem material of A. pilosa. Light microscope images of cross section and powdered stem revealed the presence of phloem fibers, multicellular uniseriate trichomes, sclerides, lignified xylem fibers, xylem vessels, parenchyma cells and medullary rays. Phytochemical testing confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, steroids, fixed oils, fats, acid compounds, glycosides, amino acids, and proteins. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, ash value, extractive value and fluorescent behavior of stem powder have also been established. Conclusion: The current research would be useful in order to supplement the information regarding to standardization, identity and in performing additional explorations in Ayurvedic system of medicine.

Our overarching goal in this paper was to both test and identify applications for a fundamental theorem of replacement-level populations known as the Stationary Population Identity (SPI), a mathematical model that equates the fraction of a population age x and the fraction with x years to live. Since true stationarity is virtually non-existent in human populations as well as in populations of non-human species, we used historical data on the memberships in both chambers of the U.S. Congress as population proxies. We conceived their fixed numbers (e.g., 100 Senators; 435 Representatives) as stationary populations, and their years served and years remaining as the equivalent of life lived and life remaining. Our main result was the affirmation of the mathematical prediction-i.e., the robust symmetry of years served and years remaining in Congress over the approximately 230 years of its existence (1789-2022). A number of applications emerged from this regularity and the distributional patterns therein including (1) new metrics such as Congressional half-life and other quantiles (e.g., 95% turnover); (2) predictability of the distribution of members years remaining; (3) the extraordinary information content of a single number-the mean number of years served [i.e., derive birth (b) and death (d) rates; use of d as exponential rate parameter for model life tables]; (4) the concept of and metrics associated with period-specific populations (Congress); (5) Congressional life cycle concept with Formation, Growth, Senescence and Extinction Phases; and (6) longitudinal party transition rates for 100% Life Cycle turnover (Democrat/Republican) i.e., each seat from predecessor party-to-incumbent party and from incumbent party-to-successor party. Although our focus is on the use of historical data for Congressional members, we believe that most of the results are general and thus both relevant and applicable to most types of stationary or quasi-stationary populations including to the future world of zero population growth (ZPG).

In this present research work, the aim was to develop ileo-colonic targeted matrix-mini-tablets-filled capsule system of Naproxen for chronotherapeutic treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. So Matrix-mini-tablets of Naproxen were prepared using microsomal enzyme dependent and pH-sensitive polymers by direct compression method which were further filled into an empty HPMC capsule. The compatibility was assessed using FT-IR and DSC studies for pure drug, polymers and their physical mixtures. The prepared batches were subjected to physicochemical studies, drug content estimation, in-vitro drug release and stability studies. When FTIR and DSC studies were performed, it was found that there was no interaction between Naproxen and polymers used. The physicochemical properties of all the prepared matrix-mini-tablets batches were found to be in limits. The drug content percentage in the optimized formulation F18 was found to be 99.24 ± 0.10%. Our optimized matrix-mini-tablets-filled-capsule formulation F18 releases Naproxen after a lag time of 2.45 ± 0.97 h and 27.30 ± 0.86%, 92.59 ± 0.47%, 99.38 ± 0.69% at the end of 5, 8, 12 h respectively. This formulation was also found to be stable as per the guidelines of International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. Thus, a novel ileo-colonic targeted delivery system of Naproxen was successfully developed by filling matrix-mini-tablets into an empty HPMC capsule shell for targeting early morning peak symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Keywords: Matrix-mini-tablets, Naproxen, Microsomal enzyme dependent polymers, pH-sensitive polymers, Chronotherapy, HPMC capsule

Background: Current markers (carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA] and carbohydrate antigen 15-3 [CA15-3]) lack sensitivity in diagnosis of breast cancer. The aberrantly expressed circulating miRNAs were shown as diagnostic markers in breast cancer. However, there are very few studies from the Indian population. We studied the diagnostic utility of miRNA-21, miRNA-155 and miRNA-205 compared to CEA and CA15-3 in stage I and II breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty newly diagnosed women with stage I/II breast cancer and 20 healthy controls were recruited. Expression of circulating miRNAs was studied using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, whereas CEA and CA 15-3 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 were upregulated, miRNA-205 down-regulated (P < 0.05) and serum CEA and CA15-3 levels increased in breast cancer patients (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed significant area under curve (AUC) for all markers (0.656 to 0.993; P = 0.015 to Conclusion: Our study shows miRNA-21 and miRNA-205, are useful as diagnostic markers for breast cancer in the Indian population and combination of these miRNAs with CEA but not with CA 15-3 improved their diagnostic performance. Keywords: Breast cancer, diagnostic markers, India, miRNAs, tumor markers, Author(s): Kanchi Rama [1]; Aparna R Bitla [1]; Narendra Hulikal [2]; Mutheeswaraiah Yootla [3]; Lakshmi Amancharla Yadagiri [4]; T Asha [5]; M Manickavasagam [6]; PVLN Srinivasa Rao (corresponding author) [1] [...]