bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NRG Oncology CC003: A randomized phase II/III trial of prophylactic cranial irradiation with or without hippocampal avoidance for small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Gondi Vinai , Pugh Stephanie L , Mehta Minesh P. , Tome Wolfgang , Benzinger Tammie , Bovi Joseph A , Corn Benjamin W. , Fogh Shannon E. , Robinson Cliff Grant , Wefel Jeffrey Scott , Kachnic Lisa A.
Published: March 2020

TPS8578

Background: Multiple clinical trials have shown that prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) prevents brain metastases and may prolong survival in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However,prophylactic cranial irradiation can lead to decline in cognitive function. Preclinical evidence suggests that the pathogenesis of this toxicity includes inflammatory injury to proliferating neuronal progenitor cells in the peri-hippocampal stem cell niches. We hypothesized that conformal avoidance of the hippocampal neural stem cell compartment during brain irradiation using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) would decrease the likelihood and/or severity of this toxicity. This hypothesis was recently validated by positive results from NRG Oncology CC001, a phase III trial of hippocampal avoidance during whole-brain radiotherapy for patients with brain metastases. NRG Oncology CC003 is an ongoing randomized phase II/III trial of hippocampal avoidance during prophylactic cranial irradiation (HA-PCI) for small cell lung cancer, conducted in parallel with NRG Oncology CC001. Methods: The primary endpoints of the phase IIR and III components are 12-month intracranial relapse rate and 6-month deterioration in Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) Delayed Recall, respectively. This is a seamless phase IIR/III trial, with the phase IIR designed to demonstrate non-inferiority. If the non-inferiority margin of the phase IIR component is not exceeded, then the trial would transition to the phase III component. Following accrual of 182 of planned 172 patients on the phase IIR component, the trial closed to accrual on 10/13/17 to assess the phase IIR primary endpoint. The DSMB evaluated the IIR outcomes, and on 1/9/19, the trial was reactivated to accrue an additional 122 patients to the phase III component. Eligibility criteria include: 1) small cell lung cancer with at least partial response to chemotherapy; 2) contrast-enhanced thin-slice volumetric MRI scan; and, 3) Zubrod performance status 0-2. Supported by grant UG1CA189867 (NCORP) from the National Cancer Institute. Clinical trial information: NCT02635009.
CCN3/NOV as a functional driver and prognostic biomarker of prostate cancer bone metastasis.
Authors: Ouellet VéRonique , Dankner Matthew , Desreumaux-Communal Laudine , Schmitt Estelle , Perkins Dru , Annis Matthew G , Barres Veronique , Caron Christine , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Saad Fred , Siegel Peter
Published: March 2020

182

Background: Prostate cancer commonly metastasizes to the bone, resulting in pathological fractures and poor prognosis. CCN3/NOV (Nephroblastoma overexpressed) has been implicated in promoting the formation of osteolytic prostate cancer (PC) bone metastases. The C-terminal domain of CCN3 binds growth factors, heparin sulfate proteoglycans, activates Notch signaling and promotes dimerization of CCN family members. We hypothesize that the CCN3 CT domain is required to promote osteolytic PC bone metastasis and that CCN3 represents a prognostic biomarker in primary PC tumors to predict recurrence to bone. Methods: CCN3WT and CCN3∆CT were overexpressed in LNCaP C4-2 cells. The role of CCN3 was assessed with in vitro proliferation, migration and invasion assays, and in vivo through intracardiac injection in male Nude mice (Nu/Nu). Ex vivo µCT scans were performed on bone specimens. CCN3 expression was assessed in two unique tissue microarrays (TMA) comprising over 1,500 primary prostate tumor using different anti-CCN3 antibodies with immunohistochemistry and immunohistofluorescnece, respectively. Results: While CCN3WT and CCN3∆CT had little effect in vitro on cell proliferation, migration or invasion, intracardiac injection of CCN3WT resulted in increased incidence of bone metastasis compared to empty vector control and CCN3∆CT. Ex vivo µCT revealed decreased bone mineral density in bones from mice injected with CCN3WT cells compared to control and CCN3∆CT expressing cells. In both TMAs studied, high CCN3 expression in tumor epithelium correlated with increased risk of biochemical relapse and bone metastasis at 5 years and 15 years post-resection, respectively. Conclusions: CCN3 requires its C-terminal domain for its bone metastatic function, and CCN3 is correlated with aggressive disease biology in prostate cancer. These findings point to CCN3 as a biomarker that can be useful to predict prostate cancer aggressiveness, while providing clarity on its role as a functional mediator of prostate cancer bone metastasis.
Clinical progression at initiation of a life-extending therapy (LET) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is associated with a poor prognosis, whatever the treatment-line: Results of the CATS retrospective registry.
Authors: Delanoy Nicolas , Hardy-Bessard Anne-Claire , Le Moulec Sylvestre , Basso Umberto , Birtle Alison Jane , Thomson Alastair H , Krainer Michael , De Giorgi Ugo , Hasbini Ali , Daugaard Kirsten Gedske , Bahl Amit , Chowdhury Simon , Caffo Orazio , Beuzeboc Philippe , Spaeth Dominique , Eymard Jean-Christophe , Flechon Aude , Thiery-Vuillemin Antoine , Efstathiou Eleni , Oudard Stephane
Published: March 2020

189

Background: We previously reported that cancer pain was associated with a poor prognosis in mCRPC patients (pts) treated with docetaxel (D) ( Oudard, BJU Int 2009). Asymptomatic chemo-naive pts treated with novel androgen receptor targeted agent (H) have a greater overall survival (OS) than those with mild symptoms ( Miller, Eur Urol 2018). We thus investigated the impact on OS of progression type at initiation of first-, second- and third-line of LET in a large cohort of mCRPC pts (CATS registry) treated with D, cabazitaxel (C) and H. Methods: 669 consecutive mCRPC pts treated with 3 LETs (DCH, n= 158; DHC, n=456; HDC, n=55) were retrospectively reviewed. Type of progression: PSA alone, radiographic ± PSA, clinical ± PSA ± radiographic at initiation of each LET was evaluable in 661 pts. Clinical progression was defined by worsening of cancer-related pain or symptoms as per physician judgment. Results: Clinical progression at initiation of LET increased with the number of treatment lines and was consistently associated with a worse outcome. Clinical progression was associated with a significantly shorter duration of treatment with H but had no influence on duration of taxanes. Conclusions: In pts treated with 3 LTEs (D, C and H) clinical progression at sequence initiation is associated with a poor OS and a shorter duration of hormonal treatment. These data may help guide treatment decisions.[Table: see text]
Neurogenesis in the inner ear: the zebrafish statoacoustic ganglion provides new neurons from a Neurod/Nestin-positive progenitor pool well into adulthood
Authors: Schwarzer Simone , Asokan Nandini , Bludau Oliver , Chae Jeongeun , Kuscha Veronika , Kaslin Jan , Hans Stefan
Published: March 2020

The vertebrate inner ear employs sensory hair cells and neurons to mediate hearing and balance. In mammals, damaged hair cells and neurons are not regenerated. In contrast, hair cells in the inner ear of zebrafish are produced throughout life and regenerate after trauma. However, it is unknown whether new sensory neurons are also formed in the adult zebrafish statoacoustic ganglion (SAG), the sensory ganglion connecting the inner ear to the brain. Using transgenic lines and marker analysis, we identify distinct cell populations and anatomical landmarks in the juvenile and adult SAG. In particular, we analyze a Neurod/Nestin-positive progenitor pool that produces large amounts of new neurons at juvenile stages, which transitions to a quiescent state in the adult SAG. Moreover, BrdU pulse chase experiments reveal the existence of a proliferative but otherwise marker-negative cell population that replenishes the Neurod/Nestin-positive progenitor pool at adult stages. Taken together, our study represents the first comprehensive characterization of the adult zebrafish SAG showing that zebrafish, in sharp contrast to mammals, display continued neurogenesis in the SAG well beyond embryonic and larval stages.
The startle reflex in echolocating odontocetes: basic physiology and practical implications
Authors: Götz Thomas , Pacini Aude F. , Nachtigall Paul E. , Janik Vincent M.
Published: March 2020

The acoustic startle reflex is an oligo-synaptic reflex arc elicited by rapid-onset sounds. Odontocetes evolved a range of specific auditory adaptations to aquatic hearing and echolocation, e.g. the ability to downregulate their auditory sensitivity when emitting clicks. However, it remains unclear whether these adaptations also led to changes of the startle reflex. We investigated reactions to startling sounds in two bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and one false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens). Animals were exposed to 50 ms, 1/3 octave band noise pulses of varying levels at frequencies of 1, 10, 25 and 32 kHz while positioned in a hoop station. Startle responses were quantified by measuring rapid muscle contractions using a three-dimensional accelerometer attached to the dolphin. Startle magnitude increased exponentially with increasing received levels. Startle thresholds were frequency dependent and ranged from 131 dB at 32 kHz to 153 dB at 1 kHz (re. 1 µPa). Startle thresholds only exceeded masked auditory AEP thresholds of the animals by 47 dB but were ∼82 dB above published behavioural audiograms for these species. We also tested the effect of stimulus rise time on startle magnitude using a broadband noise pulse. Startle responses decreased with increasing rise times from 2 to 100 ms. Models suggested that rise times of 141–220 ms were necessary to completely mitigate startle responses. Our data showed that the startle reflex is conserved in odontocetes and follows similar principles as in terrestrial mammals. These principles should be considered when assessing and mitigating the effects of anthropogenic noise on marine mammals.
Consequences of being phenotypically mismatched with the environment: no evidence of oxidative stress in cold and warm acclimated birds facing a cold spell
Authors: Jimenez Ana Gabriela , Cornelius Ruhs Emily , Tobin Kailey J. , Anderson Katie N. , Le Pogam Audrey , Regimbald Lyette , Vézina François
Published: March 2020

Seasonal changes in maximal thermogenic capacity (Msum) in wild black-capped chickadees suggests that adjustments in metabolic performance are slow and begin to take place before winter peaks. However, when mean minimal ambient temperature (Ta) reaches -10°C, chickadee's phenotype appears to provide enough spare capacity to endure days with colder Tas, down to -20°C or below. This suggests that birds could also maintain a higher antioxidant capacity as part of their cold acclimated phenotype to deal with sudden decreases in temperature. Here, we tested how environmental mismatch affected oxidative stress by comparing cold acclimated (-5°C) and transition phenotypes (20°C) in chickadees exposed to an acute 15°C drop in temperature to that of control individuals. We measured superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, as well as lipid peroxidation damage, and antioxidant scavenging capacity in pectoralis muscle, brain, intestine and liver. We generally found differences between seasonal phenotypes and across tissues, but no differences with respect to an acute cold drop treatment. Our data suggest oxidative stress is closely matched to whole-animal physiology in cold-acclimated birds compared with transition birds, implying that changes to the oxidative stress system happen slowly.
Microclimate buffering and thermal tolerance across elevations in a tropical butterfly
Authors: Montejo-Kovacevich Gabriela , Martin Simon H. , Meier Joana I. , Bacquet Caroline N. , Monllor Monica , Jiggins Chris D. , Nadeau Nicola J.
Published: March 2020

Microclimatic variability in tropical forests plays a key role in shaping species distributions and their ability to cope with environmental change, especially for ectotherms. Nonetheless, currently available climatic datasets lack data from the forest interior and, furthermore, our knowledge of thermal tolerance among tropical ectotherms is limited. We therefore studied natural variation in the microclimate experienced by tropical butterflies in the genus Heliconius across their Andean range in a single year. We found that the forest strongly buffers temperature and humidity in the understory, especially in the lowlands where temperatures are more extreme. There were systematic differences between our yearly records and macroclimate databases (WorldClim2), with lower interpolated minimum temperatures and maximum temperatures higher than expected. We then assessed thermal tolerance of ten Heliconius butterfly species in the wild and showed that populations at high elevations had significantly lower heat tolerance than those at lower elevations. However, when we reared populations of the widespread H. erato from high and low elevations in a common-garden environment, the difference in heat tolerance across elevations was reduced, indicating plasticity in this trait. Microclimate buffering is not currently captured in publicly available datasets but could be crucial for enabling upland shifting of species sensitive to heat such as highland Heliconius. Plasticity in thermal tolerance may alleviate the effects of global warming on some widespread ectotherm species, but more research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of plasticity on populations and species.
The glue produced by Drosophila melanogaster for pupa adhesion is universal
Authors: Borne Flora , Kovalev Alexander , Gorb Stanislav , Courtier-Orgogozo Virginie
Published: March 2020

Insects produce a variety of adhesives for diverse functions such as locomotion, mating, egg or pupal anchorage to substrates. Although they are important for the biology of organisms and potentially represent a great resource for developing new materials, insect adhesives have been little studied so far. Here, we examined the adhesive properties of the larval glue of Drosophila melanogaster. This glue is made of glycosylated proteins and allows the animal to adhere to a substrate during metamorphosis. We designed an adhesion test to measure the pull-off force required to detach a pupa from a substrate and to evaluate the contact area covered by the glue. We found that the pupa adheres with similar forces to a variety of substrates (with distinct roughness, hydrophilic and charge properties). We obtained an average pull-off force of 217 mN, corresponding to 15 500 times the weight of a pupa and adhesion strength of 137–244 kPa. Surprisingly, the pull-off forces did not depend on the contact area. Our study paves the way for a genetic dissection of the components of D. melanogaster glue that confer its particular adhesive properties.
Stage 1 Registered Report: How subtle linguistic cues prevent unethical behaviors
Authors: Guo Wen , Liu Huanxu , Yang Jingwen , Mo Yuqi , Zhong Can , Yamada Yuki
Published: March 2020

Different ways of description can easily influence people’s evaluations and behaviors. A previous study by Bryan and colleagues suggested that subtle linguistic differences in ethical reminders can differentially prevent readers’ unethical behavior. The present study aims to replicate the previous finding in the Japanese context, additionally exploring the influence of unfamiliar instruction words that capture participants’ attention. In two experiments, which are planned to be conducted online, participants are asked to make 10 coin-tosses and report the number of “heads” results, indicating the amount of money that they can earn. We will manipulate instructions (“Don’t cheat” vs. “Don’t be a cheater” vs. baseline as a control) for each participant group, including nearly 270 participants (Experiment 1). Next, we will conduct an extended experiment with an additional task in which more attention is directed toward the text (Experiment 2). Through these registered experiments, we examine the credibility of the previous finding that type of instruction affects the occurrence of unethical behaviors.
Correlation between salivary estrogen levels and oral epithelial cytokeratin 5 expression
Authors: Handajani Juni , Effendi Nuraini , Sosroseno Wihaskoro
Published: March 2020

Background: Estrogen expression levels may be associated with age and may affect keratinization of the hard palate. Keratinized epithelium expresses cytokeratin 5 and 14 in the basal layer. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the levels of salivary estrogen and number of cytokeratin 5-positive oral epithelial cells.

Methods: A total of 30 female subjects were recruited and divided into children, adults and elderly (N=10 per group). Salivary estrogen levels and cytokeratin 5-expressing oral epithelial cells were assessed using ELISA and immunohistological methods, respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with post hoc LSD test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results: The results showed that both the number of cytokeratin 5-positive cells and the level of salivary estrogen were significantly higher in adults but decreased in the elderly, as compared with those in children (p<0.05). Furthermore, the levels of salivary estrogen were significantly correlated with the number of cytokeratin 5-positive cells (r=0.815). The ANOVA result showed significance difference cytokeratin 5 expression and estrogen level (p<0.05). The post hoc LSD test revealed cytokeratin 5 expression and estrogen level to be significantly different in children, adults, and elderly participants (p<0.05).

Conclusions: These results suggest that the profile of salivary estrogen and oral epithelial cell-expressed cytokeratin 5 may be positively correlated with age and depend on age.
Views on social media and its linkage to longitudinal data from two generations of a UK cohort study
Authors: Di Cara Nina H. , Boyd Andy , Tanner Alastair R. , Al Baghal Tarek , Calderwood Lisa , Sloan Luke S. , Davis Oliver S. P. , Haworth Claire M. A.
Published: March 2020

Background: Cohort studies gather huge volumes of information about a range of phenotypes but new sources of information such as social media data are yet to be integrated. Participant’s long-term engagement with cohort studies, as well as the potential for their social media data to be linked to other longitudinal data, could provide novel advances but may also give participants a unique perspective on the acceptability of this growing research area.

Methods: Two focus groups explored participant views towards the acceptability and best practice for the collection of social media data for research purposes. Participants were drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort; individuals from the index cohort of young people (N=9) and from the parent generation (N=5) took part in two separate 90-minute focus groups. The discussions were audio recorded and subjected to qualitative analysis.

Results: Participants were generally supportive of the collection of social media data to facilitate health and social research. They felt that their trust in the cohort study would encourage them to do so. Concern was expressed about the collection of data from friends or connections who had not consented. In terms of best practice for collecting the data, participants generally preferred the use of anonymous data derived from social media to be shared with researchers.

Conclusion: Cohort studies have trusting relationships with their participants; for this relationship to extend to linking their social media data with longitudinal information, procedural safeguards are needed. Participants understand the goals and potential of research integrating social media data into cohort studies, but further research is required on the acquisition of their friend’s data. The views gathered from participants provide important guidance for future work seeking to integrate social media in cohort studies.
On the Role of Group Size in Tournaments: Theory and Evidence from Laboratory and Field Experiments
Authors: List John A. , van Soest Daan , Stoop Jan , Zhou Haiwen
Published: March 2020

We explore how individual equilibrium effort in tournaments varies with the number of contestants. The probability of winning a tournament depends on both effort and luck, and we show that the distribution of the luck component is critical in determining individual equilibrium effort. Our theory predicts that equilibrium effort is an increasing (decreasing) function of the number of contestants if there is considerable (little) mass on favorable draws. We test our theory using both laboratory and field experiments, and find substantial support for our theory in both settings.

This paper was accepted by Teck Ho, behavioral economics.
Comparison between 4 weeks passive static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation programmes on neuromuscular properties of hamstring muscles: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Cini Anelize , de Vasconcelos Gabriela Souza , Soligo Milena Caumo , Felappi Cassiele , Rodrigues Rodrigo , Aurélio Vaz Marco , Lima Cláudia Silveira
Published: March 2020

Background/aims

Studies have shown the efficacy of stretching to increase the hip flexion range of motion but studies regarding its effects are not unanimous about the most efficient technique. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two stretching techniques on the neuromuscular properties of the hamstring muscles.

Methods

A total of 18 women (aged 24 ± 2.52 years old) participated, and were divided into three groups: a control group, a passive static stretching group and a propioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching group. Evaluations of variables of the hamstring muscles were performed before and after the training period. The intervention was carried out for 30 seconds, three times a week for a total of 4 weeks.

Results

A significant difference was found in the range of motion in the passive static stretching group (pre=80.8° [±11.0] and post=94.5° [±10.2]; t(5)=−3.755; P=0.013) and in concentric torque (passive static stretching group – pre=66.3 Nm [±12.9] and post=70.0 Nm [±8.1]; t(5)=−1.267; P=0.023; propioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching group – pre=79.1 Nm [±12.7] and post=83.5 Nm [±11.6]; t(5)=−1.917; P=0.014; control group – pre=71.1 Nm [±10.1] and post=74.1 Nm [±14.6]; t(5)=−1.275; P=0.003).

Conclusions

Passive static stretching was superior to propioceptive neuromuscular facilitation when comparing the increase range of motion in hip flexion, even without neural and structural changes in hamstring muscles after a 4-week period.
Addressing the declining health visitor workforce
Authors: Hancock David
Published: March 2020

A debate in the House of Commons in October focused on the recent reduction in the number of health visitors in England. Dave Hancock highlights some of the points raised and solutions proposed
Triage system performance: consistency and accuracy in the emergency centre
Authors: Dippenaar Enrico
Published: March 2020

Triage systems have evolved over recent times with the use of tiered acuity to achieve a balance between patient need and resource availability. Triage is a way to sort patients based on acuity, irrespective of the setting, and whether by telephone, in the prehospital environment or in hospital. The growth of the paramedic profession means that paramedics are now working in emergency centres and having to contend with the concept of triage in this setting. The nature of emergency centres and the variety of patient presentations makes it nearly impossible to have a perfect system that is both consistent and accurate. Paramedics, as decision makers, should understand the underlying concepts of what makes a triage system perform well so best practice can be adopted with specific goals in mind. There is a patient-centred focus to do the most for the most at any given time and to ensure that resources are aligned with the needs of patients. It is vital to monitor a triage system's performance so that improvements or adjustments can be made in response to patient population needs over time. This commentary focuses on the main principles of triage system performance measures and what factors should be taken into consideration during clinical practice. Highlighting the concepts of triage reliability, validity and decision-making should help paramedics to understand the importance of conscious decision-making practice.
Analysing the Competency Framework for all Prescribers
Authors: Hall Kat , Picton Cathy
Published: March 2020

An updated Competency Framework for all Prescribers was published in July 2016 and has been widely promoted as an effective tool for supporting prescribing practice. It can support practitioners to develop their practice and to demonstrate they are competent. However, for some, using it in practice remains a daunting task. In this article, the history and role of competency frameworks will be explored, detailing the background to the concept of competence in the NHS and how it has been described. The development of the competency framework for prescribing will be explored and examples given of how the updated Competency Framework for all Prescribers can be used in practice. Its use by all prescribers in all settings will be illustrated, to support current and future prescribers to develop their practice.
Citrate-Zn/Al Layered Double Hydroxide as Adsorbent of Congo Red from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Hidayati Nurlisa , Palapa Neza Rahayu , Rahayu Bakri Rio , Mohadi Risfidian , Elfita Elfita , Lesbani Aldes
Published: March 2020

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) of Zn/Al and citrate-Zn/Al was prepared and used as an adsorbent of Congo red from aqueous solution. LDH was characterized by X-ray, FTIR, and BET analysis. Adsorption of Congo red was studied through kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic analyses. Zn/Al LDH has diffraction at 10.29o (003) with interlayer distance 8.59 Å and citrate-Zn/Al LDHs have anomalous diffraction at 7.57o (003) with interlayer distance 11.68 Å. The surface area of citrate-Zn/Al (40.50 m2 g-1) has higher than pristine LDH (1.97 m2 g-1). Adsorption of Congo red was conducted at pH 6 for Zn/Al LDH and at pH 8 for citrate-Zn/Al LDH. Adsorption of Congo red on both LDHs follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The isotherm parameter follows the Freundlich isotherm model with maximum adsorption capacity 166.67 mg g-1 for Zn/Al and 249.99 mg g-1 for citrate-Zn/Al LDH. Adsorption of Congo red on both LDHs was classified as physical adsorption with energy 4.085-4.148 kJ mol-1.
Evaluation of groundwater suitability for irrigation in the coastal aquifer of Mnasra (Gharb, Morocco)
Authors: Aziane Nadia , Khaddari Achraf , IbenTouhami Mohammed , Zouahri Abdelmjid , Nassali Hakima , Elyoubi Mohamed S.
Published: March 2020

The coastal area of the Gharb plain constitutes the only hydric resource for region in terms of domestic consumption and agricultural demand which does not cease to increase. It is a very productive and easily accessible groundwater resource, used extensively for irrigation by own pumping. This study was performed to understand the impact of groundwater quality on the crop yields and its suitability for the irrigation for 63 wells and 7 boreholes. Groundwater quality in Mnasra was studied based on different indices for irrigation. The values of SAR, Na %, MAR, SSP, PI, RSC and TDS show that most of the samples fall under good to suitable category. Piper diagram reveals three facies: sodic, calcic and magnesic chlorinated. The results indicate that the order of cation dominance is Na > Ca > Mg > K, while anion dominance is in the order Cl > HCO3> SO4. Stuyfzand's classification indicates that most of the waters analyzed are fresh with moderate alkalinity. Richard Plot indicates that groundwater in the study area is within the low salinity to low sodium hazard and medium salinity to low sodium hazard class (C2S1 and C3S1). Wilcox Plot shows groundwater to be within excellent to a good class.
Corneal hydration assessment indicator based on terahertz time domain spectroscopy
Authors: Yao Jiali , Ma Jiaonan , Zhao Jiehui , Qi Pengfei , Li Mengdi , Lin Lie , Sun Lu , Wang Xiaolei , Liu Weiwei , Wang Yan
Published: March 2020

Terahertz technology has shown broad prospects for measuring corneal water content, which is an important parameter of ocular health. Based on terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, a new indicator named characteristic ratio (CR) of the sum of low (0.2-0.7 THz) and high (0.7-1.0 THz) frequency spectral intensities, for characterizing corneal hydration is introduced in this work. CR is calculated from the real-time reflection spectra after error elimination of ex vivo human corneal stroma samples which is collected during dehydration under natural conditions (temperature: 22.4 ± 0.3°C; humidity: 20.0 ± 3%). The corresponding relationships between CR and corneal water content are reported. Comparing the linear fitting results with the published similar study, the coefficients of variation of the fitting slope and intercept are 39.4% and 27.6% lower, respectively. This indicates that this approach has the potential to achieve corneal water content in-vivo detection in the future.
Radiometer-to-imager in-flight cross calibration and verification
Authors: Zhu ShuangShuang , Hong Jin , Li Zhenyang , Lei Xuefeng , Zou Peng , Liu Zhenhai , Song Maoxin
Published: March 2020

This work develops a method to complete the in-flight cross calibration and verification between a radiometer and an imager hosted on aircraft. The in-flight cross calibration is data transmission through time matching, space matching, and spectral matching of two polarization instruments on the same platform, and this method can not only complete the data transfer without considering the surface type to reduce the calibration cycle but also can obtain huge and rich calibration data. The radiometer is the particulate observing scanning polarimeter (POSP), which takes multi-angle, photo-polarimetric measurements in several spectral channels. The POSP measurements in the bands of 670nm and 865nm used in this work are simultaneously measured by the simultaneous imaging polarization camera (SIPC), which is on the same aircraft. The POSP is designed to provide high precision measurements of the atmospheric or earth surface radiation polarization with a substantial along-track spatial coverage, while the SIPC can provide large spatial coverage and high-resolution measurements. Through radiometer-to-imager in-flight cross calibration, the high-precision calibration coefficient of the POSP is transmitted to the SIPC, which can effectively improve the measurement accuracy of the SIPC, and realizes the remote sensing monitoring of atmospheric fine particles with large spatial coverage and high detection precision. First, we deduce the polarization models of the POSP and the SIPC, respectively, and express them in the form of Mueller matrixes, which describe the transformation from incoming polarized radiation to measured signals. Then, we deduce the in-flight cross calibration model of the POSP and the SIPC. Finally, the in-flight experiments have been carried out to validate the radiometer-to-imager in-flight cross calibration model. The results have shown the possibility to minimize the SIPC polarization degree errors with a roughly 0.01 bias relative to POSP on the land.
Electromagnetically induced transparency of interacting Rydberg atoms with two-body dephasing
Authors: Yan Dong , Wang Binbin , Bai Zhengyang , Li Weibin
Published: March 2020

We study electromagnetically induced transparency in a three-level ladder type configuration in ultracold atomic gases, where the upper level is an electronically highly excited Rydberg state. An effective distance dependent two-body dephasing can be induced in a regime where dipole-dipoles interaction couple nearly degenerate Rydberg pair states. We show that strong two-body dephasing can enhance the excitation blockade of neighboring Rydberg atoms. Due to the dissipative blockade, transmission of the probe light is reduced drastically by the two-body dephasing in the transparent window. The reduction of transmission is accompanied by a strong photon-photon anti-bunching. Around the Autler-Townes doublets, the photon bunching is amplified by the two-body dephasing, while transmission is largely unaffected. Besides relevant to the ongoing Rydberg atom studies, our study moreover provides a setting to explore and understand two-body dephasing dynamics in many-body systems.
Tunable bilateral unidirectional transmissions in a grating and photonic crystal hybrid structure
Authors: Gao Hua , Wei GuoGuo , Herrmann Eric , Huang Haochong , Zheng Zhiyuan , Wang Xi
Published: March 2020

In this work, bilateral unidirectional transmissions (UDTs) with opposite transmission directions in one hybrid structure are realized using two different resonant mechanisms. The hybrid structure consists of a dielectric grating and a one-dimensional photonic crystal (PC) with a defect sandwiched at its center. One resonant mode is the defect mode of the PC enabling one UDT for one transmission direction. The other resonant mode is the grating guided mode resonance which introduces UDT for the opposite direction. Numerical calculations demonstrate that for each UDT, its transmittance difference, transmittance contrast ratio, and isolation degree can reach 90%, 100%, and 20%, respectively. In addition, the operation wavelength of each UDT as well as the wavelength interval between the two UDTs with opposite transmission directions can be tuned easily by adjusting structural parameters. This novel bilateral UDT creates potential for applications in both free space optics and optical circuits.
Dual-wavelength random distributed feedback fiber laser with wavelength, linewidth, and power ratio tunability
Authors: Zhang Yang , Ye Jun , Xu Jiangming , Song Jiaxin , Yao Tianfu , Zhou Pu
Published: March 2020

Owing to the special power distribution property, a random distributed feedback Raman fiber laser can achieve a high power spectrally flexible output with a low power spectrally tuning device. Here, an all-fiberized linearly polarized dual-wavelength random distributed feedback Raman laser with wavelength, linewidth, and power ratio tunability is demonstrated. By adopting two watt-level bandwidth adjustable optical filters, a spectrum-manipulable dual-wavelength output with nearly a 10 W output power is achieved. The wavelength separation can be tuned from 2.5 to 13 nm, and the 3 dB linewidth of the output can be doubled by increasing the bandwidth of the optical filter. The power ratio of each laser line can be tuned from 0 to nearly 100% with the help of two variable optical attenuators. A maximum output power of 9.46 W is realized, with a polarization extinction ratio up to 20.5 dB. The proposed dual-wavelength fiber laser can be employed as a pump source in frequency tunable, bandwidth adjustable terahertz microwave generation, and mid-infrared optical parametric oscillators.
Single crystal tellurium semiconductor core optical fibers
Authors: Luo Qianhang , Tang Guowu , Sun Min , Qian Guoquan , Shi Zhenguo , Qian Qi , Yang Zhongmin
Published: March 2020

Tellurium (Te) semiconductor core optical fibers with silicate glass cladding were drawn by the molten core method. The as-drawn precursor fiber has a large core diameter of about 123 µm, which was found to be polycrystalline. What is more, a Bridgman-type fiber postprocessing technique was constructed and used for the first time to anneal the polycrystalline Te semiconductor core optical fibers. The Te core in precursor fiber was melted and recrystallized to single crystal Te with c-axis orientation parallel to fiber axis, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, single crystal X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectra, and transmission electron microscope measurement results. Enhanced conductivities were observed in single crystal Te semiconductor core optical fibers under illuminated and stress states, respectively. This work demonstrates that the Bridgman-type fiber postprocessing technique could be an effective way to fabricate single crystal semiconductor core optical fibers with large core diameters (∼ 100 µm) and long lengths (a few centimeters).
Ethnic minority media: Between hegemony and resistance
Authors: Ferrer Alicia Ferrández , Retis Jessica
Published: March 2020

Traditionally outside the mainstream, ethnic minorities have been active in developing their own media outlets throughout the world. Introducing ethnic minorities in the public sphere – where social and political issues are articulated and negotiated, and struggles over hegemonic meanings take place – these media have become empowering tools to struggle against cultural hegemony, exclusion and discrimination. In this regard, the potential of ethnic minority media as platforms for the expression, discussion and exchange of generally marginalised collectives must be recognised. However, a more thorough analysis of minority media compels us to be prudent, as also in this specific field there are tensions and contradictions arising from the multiple forces that influence media production, which can limit their counterhegemonic potential. This article invites scholars to analyse ethnic minority media in a critical way, highlighting both resistance to hegemonic discourses and the limits imposed by political and economic forces, as complexity is an inherent characteristic of the media field.
‘Era mejor cuando éramos ilegales’ (it was better when we were illegals): Indigenous people, the State and ‘public interest’ indigenous radio stations in Colombia
Authors: Cortés Diego Mauricio
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the intervention of the Colombian State in the development of indigenous radio stations, focusing on the case of the Misak and Nasa communities. As shown, these radio stations have had different contributions in these indigenous communities, such as forging a new generation of leaders, promoting their languages, and encouraging political mobilisation. However, these media projects have also brought new challenges for these communities, calling for a more careful consideration of the complexities of state intervention in community radio projects. This article contributes to a better understanding of the impact of state intervention in indigenous media, by focusing on three main features that illustrate some of the unintended consequences of these projects: 1) contradictory state legislation that, instead of empowering indigenous media projects, tamed their political potential; 2) the ‘natural’ role of radio stations as a ‘modern disruptors’ (Appadurai, 1996) that may have positives as well as negative consequence in the changes they generate in indigenous communities; and 3) the internal political struggles within these indigenous communities.
Communication, migrant activism and counter-hegemonic narratives of Haitian diaspora in Brazil
Authors: Cogo Denise
Published: March 2020

This article presents ongoing findings of a larger research project oriented towards the analysis of counter-hegemonic narratives produced and shared in digital media by Haitian immigrants during 2015 and 2017. The analysis demonstrates how these narratives evidence racism experienced by these immigrants residing in Brazil. The analytical corpus is comprised of a selection of these media narratives as well as the examination of in-depth interviews conducted with Haitian immigrants in the Southeast, South and Mid-East areas of Brazil. Results show two dimensions in these narratives. On the one hand, the recognition and denunciation of racism marks the insertion and trajectory of Haitians in Brazil; on the other hand, the growing efforts for producing other representations in Haiti and Haitians in Brazil.
Epigenetic Alterations Are Associated With Gastric Emptying Disturbances in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Puthanmadhom Narayanan Susrutha , Lee Jeong-Heon , Bhagwate Aditya , Kuwelker Saatchi , Yan Huihuang , Ordog Tamas , Bharucha Adil E.
Published: March 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Epigenetic modifications have been implicated to mediate several complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), especially nephropathy and retinopathy. Our aim was to ascertain whether epigenetic alterations in whole blood discriminate among patients with DM with normal, delayed, and rapid gastric emptying (GE).

METHODS:

Using the ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with next-generation sequencing) assays, we compared the genome-wide enrichment of 3 histone modifications (i.e., H3K4me3, H3K9ac, and H3K27ac) in buffy coats from 20 diabetic patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and normal (n = 6), delayed (n = 8), or rapid (n = 6) GE.

RESULTS:

Between patients with DM with delayed vs normal GE, there were 108 and 54 genes that were differentially bound (false discovery rate < 0.05) with H3K27ac and H3K9ac, respectively; 100 genes were differentially bound with H3K9ac in patients with rapid vs normal GE. The differentially bound genes with H3K27ac were functionally linked to the type 2 immune response, particularly Th2 cell activation and function (e.g., CCR3, CRLF2, CXCR4, IL5RA, and IL1RL1) and glucose homeostasis (FBP-1, PDE4A, and CMKLR1). For H3K9ac, the differentially occupied genes were related to T-cell development and function (e.g., ICOS and CCR3) and innate immunity (RELB, CD300LB, and CLEC2D). Compared with normal GE, rapid GE had differential H3K9ac peaks at the promoter site of diverse immunity-related genes (e.g., TNFRSF25 and CXCR4) and genes related to insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. Motif analysis disclosed enrichment of binding sites for transcription factors relevant to the pathogenesis and complications of DM.

DISCUSSION:

GE disturbances in DM are associated with epigenetic alterations that pertain to dysimmunity, glucose metabolism, and other complications of DM.
Increased Th17-Related Cytokine Serum Levels in Patients With Multiple Polyps of Unexplained Origin
Authors: Alustiza Miren , Hernández-Illán Eva , Juárez Miriam , Giner-Calabuig Mar , Mira Cristina , Martínez-Roca Alejandro , Bujanda Luis , Rodríguez-Moranta Francisco , Cubiella Joaquín , de-Castro Luisa , Marín-Gabriel José-Carlos , Herreros-de-Tejada Alberto , Fernández-Bañares Fernando , Nicolás-Pérez David , Giménez Paula , Martínez-Cardona Claudia , Francés Rubén , Murcia Oscar , Jover Rodrigo
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES:

Most patients with multiple colonic polyps do not have a known genetic or hereditary origin. Our aim was to analyze the presence of inflammatory cytokines and levels of glucose, insulin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with multiple colonic polyps.

METHODS:

Eighty-three patients with 10 or more adenomatous or serrated polyps and 53 control people with normal colonoscopy were included. Smoking habits were registered, and glucose, CRP, and basal insulin in the serum/blood were measured. Quantification of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-11, IL-17A, and IL-23 cytokine levels in the serum was performed by a high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS:

Smoking and diabetes were more prevalent in those with colonic polyps than in the control people (67% vs 16%, P = 0.001; 11% vs 2%, P = 0.048). In addition, the cytokine serum levels were higher, i.e., IL-2 (P = 0.001), IL-4 (P = 0.001), IL-6 (P = 0.001), IL-17A (P = 0.001), IL-23 (P = 0.014), and CRP (P = 0.003). Adjusting for sex, smoking, and diabetes in a multivariate analysis, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-23 remained independently elevated in cases with multiple polyps.

DISCUSSION:

These results indicate that immune responses mediated by Th17 cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple colonic polyps.
SEISMIC RESPONSE CONTROL OF SUPER HIGH-RISE RC BUILDINGS UTILIZING BUCKLING RESTRAINED BRACES
Authors: Maida Yusuke , Maegawa Toshio , Demizu Toshihiko , Hamada Makoto , Qu Zhe , Kishiki Shoichi , Sakata Hiroyasu , Wada Akira
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the seismic response control of BRBs in super high-rise RC buildings subjected to earthquake ground motions is investigated by nonlinear time history analysis. The analysis model is a 36 stories super high-rise RC building. A bare frame structure is used as a reference model. The parameter of the analysis was the configuration of the BRBs. Two kinds of seismic response controlled building models were examined. In one model, the RC frame was braced by BRBs in each story (each model) and in the other one, each BRB spanned over two stories (over model). The RC beams in the braced span of the over model were abandoned. By comparing the maximum story drift ratio of the reference model with the braced ones, the seismic response control was confirmed for both the each model and the over model. In addition, the over model exhibited almost the same seismic response control as compared to the each model, although the number of BRBs was significantly reduced and the RC beams in the braced span were abandoned.
EFFECT OF THE GRAIN SLIDING ON THE SEISMIC BEHAVIOR OF CIRCULAR SILOS: A THEORETICAL FORMULATION
Authors: Pieraccini Luca , Silvestri Stefano , Gasparini Giada , Trombetti Tomaso
Published: March 2020

Earthquakes frequently cause damage or collapse in silos, provoking significant financial loss and even loss of life. The effect of lateral seismic loads can damage the upper portion of the silo if the material contained can oscillate inside the silo during the ground motion. The contribution of the grain sliding in terms of wall stresses is not explicitly accounted neither in current design codes nor in scientific literature. In the present paper, the effect of the horizontal sliding of the grain layers is accounted in terms of additional overpressures, wall shear and bending moment during dynamic excitation and compared with theoretical formulations, code provisions and experimental evidence. Shaking table tests suggest that the grain sliding may be relevant in the evaluation of the wall base bending moment and that ACI 313-97 and Eurocode 8 provisions appear overly conservative. Finally, a design recommendation is drawn for reducing the effect of the seismic actions on the silo wall.
LIVE-LOAD DISTRIBUTION FACTORS AND SERVICE RESPONSE OF MISSOURI BRIDGE A7957
Authors: Hernandez E. S. , Myers J. J.
Published: March 2020

During the last years, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) has become widely accepted because of its primary benefits that include a higher construction and cost effectiveness compared to traditional concrete mixtures. Innovative materials such as high volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC) represents a significant potential to producing stronger and more durable cast-in-place (CIP) concrete elements. Bridge A7957 is the first large-scale implementation of these materials conducted by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) in Missouri, USA. A level of 50% fly ash to cement proportion, as well as self-consolidating concrete (SCC) with two different strengths was employed in the construction of Bridge A7957. The purpose of this study was to conduct an in-situ evaluation of the precast prestressed (PC/PS) concrete members of the bridge superstructure. To attain this objective, Bridge A7957 was scheduled to be monitored at different serviceability stages. A field load test was conducted to investigate the overall bridge’s response under static loads. During the live load test, the girders’ vertical deflection was obtained with an automated total station (ATS). Based on measured results, the flexural lateral distribution factors were computed. The AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications were also used to compute the flexural lateral distribution factors, which were found to be conservative.