bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First in human dose calculation of a single-chain bispecific antibody targeting glioma using the MABEL approach
Authors: Schaller Teilo H , Snyder David J , Spasojevic Ivan , Gedeon Patrick C , Sanchez-Perez Luis , Sampson John H
Published: April 2020

Background

First-in-human (FIH) clinical trials require careful selection of a safe yet biologically relevant starting dose. Typically, such starting doses are selected based on toxicity studies in a pharmacologically relevant animal model. However, with the advent of target-specific and highly active immunotherapeutics, both the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency have provided guidance that recommend determining a safe starting dose based on a minimum anticipated biological effect level (MABEL) approach.

Methods

We recently developed a T cell activating bispecific antibody that effectively treats orthotopic patient-derived malignant glioma and syngeneic glioblastoma in mice (hEGFRvIII:CD3 bi-scFv). hEGFRvIII:CD3 bi-scFv is comprized of two single chain antibody fragments (bi-scFvs) that bind mutant epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII), a mutation frequently seen in malignant glioma, and human CD3ε on T cells, respectively. In order to establish a FIH dose, we used a MABEL approach to select a safe starting dose for hEGFRvIII:CD3 bi-scFv, based on a combination of in vitro data, in vivo animal studies, and theoretical human receptor occupancy modeling.

Results

Using the most conservative approach to the MABEL assessment, a dose of 57.4 ng hEGFRvIII:CD3 bi-scFv/kg body weight was selected as a safe starting dose for a FIH clinical study.

Conclusions

The comparison of our MABEL-based starting dose to our in vivo efficacious dose and the theoretical human receptor occupancy strongly supports that our human starting dose of 57.4 ng hEGFRvIII:CD3 bi-scFv/patient kg will be safe.
Serum neuronal exosomes predict and differentiate Parkinson’s disease from atypical parkinsonism
Authors: Jiang Cheng , Hopfner Franziska , Katsikoudi Antigoni , Hein Robert , Catli Candan , Evetts Samuel , Huang Yongzhi , Wang Hong , Ryder John W , Kuhlenbaeumer Gregor , Deuschl Guenther , Padovani Alessandro , Berg Daniela , Borroni Barbara , Hu Michele T , Davis Jason J , Tofaris George K
Published: April 2020

Objective

Parkinson’s disease is characterised neuropathologically by α-synuclein aggregation. Currently, there is no blood test to predict the underlying pathology or distinguish Parkinson’s from atypical parkinsonian syndromes. We assessed the clinical utility of serum neuronal exosomes as biomarkers across the spectrum of Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy and other proteinopathies.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of 664 serum samples from the Oxford, Kiel and Brescia cohorts consisting of individuals with rapid eye movement sleep behavioural disorder, Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome and controls. Longitudinal samples were analysed from Parkinson’s and control individuals. We developed poly(carboxybetaine-methacrylate) coated beads to isolate L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM)-positive extracellular vesicles with characteristics of exosomes and used mass spectrometry or multiplexed electrochemiluminescence to measure exosomal proteins.

Results

Mean neuron-derived exosomal α-synuclein was increased by twofold in prodromal and clinical Parkinson’s disease when compared with multiple system atrophy, controls or other neurodegenerative diseases. With 314 subjects in the training group and 105 in the validation group, exosomal α-synuclein exhibited a consistent performance (AUC=0.86) in separating clinical Parkinson’s disease from controls across populations. Exosomal clusterin was elevated in subjects with non-α-synuclein proteinopathies. Combined neuron-derived exosomal α-synuclein and clusterin measurement predicted Parkinson’s disease from other proteinopathies with AUC=0.98 and from multiple system atrophy with AUC=0.94. Longitudinal sample analysis showed that exosomal α-synuclein remains stably elevated with Parkinson’s disease progression.

Conclusions

Increased α-synuclein egress in serum neuronal exosomes precedes the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, persists with disease progression and in combination with clusterin predicts and differentiates Parkinson’s disease from atypical parkinsonism.
Insight is a useful construct in clinical assessments if used wisely
Authors: David Anthony , Ariyo Kevin
Published: April 2020

Medical ethicist, Guidry-Grimes has critically reviewed the concept of insight, voicing concerns that it lacks consensus as to its components and that it undermines patient perspectives. We respond by briefly summarising research over the last 30 years that she overlooks which has helped establish the clinical validity of the construct. This includes the adoption of standardised assessment tools—at least in research—and longitudinal and cross-sectional studies quantifying associations with psychopathological, clinical and cognitive measures. We also make the distinction between the current standards for assessing decision-making capacity leading to, where appropriate, involuntary treatment in clinical and medico-legal settings which in most legislations do not include insight assessments, and anecdotal reports of the use and misuse of ‘lack of insight’ as a proxy for more comprehensive evaluation. We conclude by encouraging a broader view of insight akin to self-knowledge.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Basalt FRP Strip Strengthened RC Slabs under Impact Loads
Authors: Chen Wensu , Pham Thong M. , Elchalakani Mohamed , Li Huawei , Hao Hong , Chen Li
Published: April 2020

Basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) has been applied for strengthening concrete structures. However, studies on reinforced concrete (RC) slabs strengthened by BFRP strips under impact loads are limited in open literature. This study investigates the efficiency of using BFRP strips with various strengthening layouts and anchoring schemes on the impact resistance of RC slabs. A total of 11 two-way square slabs were prepared and tested, including one reference specimen without strengthening and ten slabs strengthened with BFRP strips and/or anchors. The RC slabs were impacted by a drop weight with increasing height until slab failure. The observed failure modes include punching shear failure, BFRP sheet debonding and reinforcement fracture. The failure modes and the effects of using various strengthening schemes on the impact resistant capacity of RC slabs were examined. The quantitative measurements, such as impact velocity, indentation depth and diameter, were compared and discussed. In addition, numerical studies were carried out by using LS-DYNA to simulate the impact tests of RC slabs with and without BFRP strengthening. With the calibrated numerical model, the impact behavior of slabs with various dimensions and strengthening layouts under different impact intensities can be predicted with good accuracy.
Hysteretic Behavior of Composite Vertical Connection Structures used in Prefabricated Shear Wall Systems
Authors: Zhu Limeng , Yan Haipeng , Hsiao Po-Chien , Zhang Jianhua
Published: April 2020

An innovative composite vertical connecting structure (CVC) with capacity carrying and energy-dissipating ability is proposed in this study, which could be used in prefabricated composite shear wall structural systems to enhance the resilience and seismic performance of structural system. The CVC structure is mainly composed of three parts, including the connecting zone, the capacity bearing zone characterized by high strength and elastic deforming ability, and the energy-dissipating zone assembled by replaceable metal dampers. The low-yield strength steel and high-strength steel are used, respectively, for the metal dampers in the energy-dissipating zone and the concrete-filled high-strength steel tubes in the bearing capacity zone to enhance the energy dissipation and self-centering abilities of CVC structures. The working mechanism is analyzed and validated through finite element models built in ABAQUS. The hysteretic behavior is simulated to evaluate their performance. First, the metal dampers are designed. The theoretical and finite elemental parametric analysis are carried out. According to the simulation results, the “Z-shaped” metal dampers exhibit better energy-dissipating ability than the rectangular shape, in which the “Z-shaped” metal dampers with 45∘show the best performance. Simultaneously, the results of the models calculated by the finite element method and theoretical analysis work very well with each other. Furthermore, seven FE models of shear walls with CVC structures are designed. Monotonic and cyclic loading simulations are conducted. The failure modes and comprehensive mechanical performance are investigated and evaluated according to their calculated force–displacement curves, skeleton curves, and ductility coefficients. The results indicate that the CVC structure delivered preferable lateral-bearing capacity and displacement ductility. Finally, according to available design standards, the lateral stiffness of CVC structures could be conventionally controlled and some practical design recommendations are discussed.
Improving the Timeliness of Bluetooth Low Energy in Dynamic RF Environments
Authors: Spörk Michael , Boano Carlo Alberto , Römer Kay
Published: April 2020

The ability to communicate within given delay bounds in noisy RF environments is crucial for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) applications used in safety-critical application domains, such as health care and smart cities. In this work, we experimentally study the latency of BLE communications in the presence of radio interference and show that applications may incur long and unpredictable transmission delays. To mitigate this problem, we devise a model capturing the timeliness of connection-based BLE communications in noisy RF channels by expressing the impact of radio interference in terms of the number of connection events necessary to complete a successful data transmission (

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). We show that this quantity can be estimated using the timing information of commands sent over the host controller interface of common BLE devices, hence without additional communication overhead or energy expenditure. We further show that a BLE device can make use of our BLE timeliness model and recent

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measurements to adapt its BLE communication parameters at runtime, thereby improving its performance in the presence of dynamic radio interference. We implement such an adaptive scheme on the popular nRF52840 platform and perform an extensive experimental study in multiple indoor environments using three different BLE platforms. Our results show that a BLE application can, indeed, make use of the proposed model and recent

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measurements to adapt its connection interval at runtime to increase the timeliness of its communications, reducing the number of delayed packets in noisy RF environments by up to a factor of 40.
High-intensity interval exercise increases humanin, a mitochondrial encoded peptide, in the plasma and muscle of men
Authors: Woodhead Jonathan S. T. , D’Souza Randall F. , Hedges Christopher P. , Wan Junxiang , Berridge Michael V. , Cameron-Smith David , Cohen Pinchas , Hickey Anthony J. R. , Mitchell Cameron J. , Merry Troy L.
Published: April 2020

Small regulatory peptides encoded within the mitochondrial genome (mitochondrial-derived peptides) have been shown to have cellular cyto- and metabolo-protective roles that parallel those of exercise. Here we provide evidence that humanin and SHLP6 are exercise-sensitive mitochondrial derived peptides. Studies to determine whether mitochondrial-derived peptides play a role in regulating exercise-induced adaptations are warranted.
Improved Feature Learning: A Maximum-Average-Out Deep Neural Network for the Game Go
Authors: Li Xiali , Lv Zhengyu , Liu Bo , Wu Licheng , Wang Zheng
Published: April 2020

Computer game-playing programs based on deep reinforcement learning have surpassed the performance of even the best human players. However, the huge analysis space of such neural networks and their numerous parameters require extensive computing power. Hence, in this study, we aimed to increase the network learning efficiency by modifying the neural network structure, which should reduce the number of learning iterations and the required computing power. A convolutional neural network with a maximum-average-out (MAO) unit structure based on piecewise function thinking is proposed, through which features can be effectively learned and the expression ability of hidden layer features can be enhanced. To verify the performance of the MAO structure, we compared it with the ResNet18 network by applying them both to the framework of AlphaGo Zero, which was developed for playing the game Go. The two network structures were trained from scratch using a low-cost server environment. MAO unit won eight out of ten games against the ResNet18 network. The superior performance of the MAO unit compared with the ResNet18 network is significant for the further development of game algorithms that require less computing power than those currently in use.
Applying Deep Neural Networks over Homomorphic Encrypted Medical Data
Authors: Vizitiu Anamaria , Niƫă Cosmin Ioan , Puiu Andrei , Suciu Constantin , Itu Lucian Mihai
Published: April 2020

In recent years, powered by state-of-the-art achievements in a broad range of areas, machine learning has received considerable attention from the healthcare sector. Despite their ability to provide solutions within personalized medicine, strict regulations on the confidentiality of patient health information have in many cases hindered the adoption of deep learning-based solutions in clinical workflows. To allow for the processing of sensitive health information without disclosing the underlying data, we propose a solution based on fully homomorphic encryption (FHE). The considered encryption scheme, MORE (Matrix Operation for Randomization or Encryption), enables the computations within a neural network model to be directly performed on floating point data with a relatively small computational overhead. We consider the well-known MNIST digit recognition problem to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method and show that performance does not decrease when deep learning is applied on MORE homomorphic data. To further evaluate the suitability of the method for healthcare applications, we first train a model on encrypted data to estimate the outputs of a whole-body circulation (WBC) hemodynamic model and then provide a solution for classifying encrypted X-ray coronary angiography medical images. The findings highlight the potential of the proposed privacy-preserving deep learning methods to outperform existing approaches by providing, within a reasonable amount of time, results equivalent to those achieved by unencrypted models. Lastly, we discuss the security implications of the encryption scheme and show that while the considered cryptosystem promotes efficiency and utility at a lower security level, it is still applicable in certain practical use cases.
Shear Bond Strength of Three Composite Resins to Fluorosed and Sound Dentine: In Vitro Study
Authors: Jaâfoura Sabra , Kikly Amira , Sahtout Saida , Trabelsi Mounir , Kammoun Dorra
Published: April 2020

Introduction. This in vitro study compared the shear strength of three composite resin systems to fluorosed and normal dentin. Methods. Silorane FiltekTM P90, FiltekTMZ250 XT in combination with the adhesive system AdperTM Single bond 2, and Amelogen® Plus in association with Peak Universal Bond® were tested. Fifteen normal and 15 fluorosed dentine disks were prepared per material. The shear bond strength test was performed using a universal machine. Results. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in bond strength between the tested composite resins. All tested materials had significantly different adhesion at the fluorosed and the nonfluorosed interface. FiltekTM Z250 XT and Silorane had lower adhesion values to fluorosed than to normal dentin. In contrast, Amelogen® Plus presented a better average resistance at the fluorosed interface. Conclusion. Amelogen® Plus presented a better average shear bond strength on the fluorosed dentine. FiltekTMZ250 XT showed the best adhesion forces and shear bond strength with sound dentine. Further studies are needed to better understand the sealing of these systems.
Simulation Analysis of the Tensile Mechanical Properties of a Hydraulic Strain Clamp‐Conductor System
Authors: Ye Zhongfei , Pang Kai , Du Yuanxiang , Zhao Guifeng , Huang Shao , Zhang Meng
Published: April 2020

Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element model of a strain clamp‐conductor system is established, with an NY‐300/40 compression‐type strain clamp taken as an example. The tensile load‐carrying capacity of the strain clamp under standard crimping conditions is analyzed with LS‐DYNA software, and the simulation results are compared with the experimental results to verify the accuracy of the model. On this basis, the tensile load‐bearing capacity and failure mode of the strain clamp‐conductor system are analyzed when the crimping length between the steel anchor and steel core is insufficient. Studies have shown that the grip strength of a strain clamp is provided mainly by the crimping between the steel anchor and the steel core. Under standard crimping conditions, the tensile load‐bearing capacity of the strain clamp can meet the design requirements. Moreover, because the crimping length between the steel anchor and steel core is sufficient, the strain clamp fails due to aluminum strand breakage rather than the steel core being pulled out of the steel anchor. When the crimping length is insufficient, the grip strength of the strain clamp decreases with decreasing crimping length. Although the absolute value of the grip strength does not decrease significantly, the failure mode gradually changes from the breakage of the aluminum strands to the steel core being pulled out of the steel anchor. For the NY‐300/40 compression‐type strain clamp, the corresponding critical crimping length (i.e., when the change in failure modes occurs) between the steel core and the steel anchor is 50∼60 mm.
Efficacy of Curcumin with Iontophoretic Application on Paw Edema and Hematological Responses in Collagen‐Induced Arthritis Rat Models
Authors: Alghadir Ahmad , Miraj Mohammad , Ali Sharique
Published: April 2020

Background. According to previous studies, oral administration of curcumin elucidates anti‐inflammatory effect irrespective of its poor bioavailability. This study aims to measure the efficacy of lyophilized curcumin extracts with iontophoresis in arthritic rat models. Methods. Lyophilization and characterization of curcumin using the standard HPTLC method was carried out followed by induction of inflammatory arthritis in male albino rats. The animals were then treated with curcumin in three different forms, i.e., oral curcumin (OCU), oral curcumin with topical application (OCU + TOCU), and oral curcumin along with iontophoretically applied curcumin (OCU + IOCU). Various objective variables including body weight, paw edema, arthritic scores, and hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as histopathological examinations were conducted. Results. All the curcumin‐treated groups showed significant alleviation of arthritic condition (p∗ < 0.05) when compared with arthritic controls. Group V (OCU + IOCU) demonstrated maximum therapeutic effect by restoring the body weight, decreasing the paw edema, and normalizing the Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and leukocyte count, when compared with other experimental rat groups (p∗∗ < 0.01). Conclusions. Iontophoretic administration of curcumin may ameliorate arthritic symptoms significantly, and the effect is assumed to be due to better penetration and enhanced bioavailability. Geriatrics patients are supposed to be benefited fairly by this technique.
Automatic Determination of Clustering Centers for “Clustering by Fast Search and Find of Density Peaks”
Authors: Min Xiangqiang , Huang Yi , Sheng Yehua
Published: April 2020

Dividing abstract object sets into multiple groups, called clustering, is essential for effective data mining. Clustering can find innate but unknown real-world knowledge that is inaccessible by any other means. Rodriguez and Laio have published a paper about a density-based fast clustering algorithm in Science called CFSFDP. CFSFDP is a highly efficient algorithm that clusters objects by using fast searching of density peaks. But with CFSFDP, the essential second step of finding clustering centers must be done manually. Furthermore, when the amount of data objects increases or a decision graph is complicated, determining clustering centers manually is difficult and time consuming, and clustering accuracy reduces sharply. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an improved clustering algorithm, ACDPC, that is based on data detection, which can automatically determinate clustering centers without manual intervention. First, the algorithm calculates the comprehensive metrics and sorts them based on the CFSFDP method. Second, the distance between the sorted objects is used to judge whether they are the correct clustering centers. Finally, the remaining objects are grouped into clusters. This algorithm can efficiently and automatically determine clustering centers without calculating additional variables. We verified ACDPC using three standard datasets and compared it with other clustering algorithms. The experimental results show that ACDPC is more efficient and robust than alternative methods.
Modeling and Prediction of the Volatility of the Freight Rate in the Roadway Freight Market of China
Authors: Xiao Wei , Gan Mi , Liu Hongling , Liu Xiaobo
Published: April 2020

The trucking sector is an essential part of the logistic system in China, carrying more than 80% of its goods. The complexity of the trucking market leads to tremendous uncertainty in the market volatility. Hence, in this highly competitive and vital market, trend forecasting is extremely difficult owing to the volatility of the freight rate. Consequently, there is interest in accurately forecasting the freight volatility for truck transportation. In this study, to represent the degree of variation of a freight rate series in the trucking sector over time, we first introduce truck rate volatility (TRV). This investigation utilizes the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) family of methods to estimate the dynamic time-varying TRV using the real trucking industry transaction data obtained from an online freight exchange (OFEX) platform. It explores the ability of forecasting with and without reestimation at each step of the conventional GARCH models, a neural network exponential GARCH (NN-EGARCH) model, and a traditional forecasting technique, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) approach. The empirical results from the southwest China trucking data indicate that the asymmetric GARCH-type models capture the characteristics of the TRV better than those with Gaussian distributions and that the leverage effects are observed in the TRV. Furthermore, the NN-EGARCH performs better in in-sample forecasting than other methods, whereas ARIMA performs similarly in out-of-sample TRV forecasting with reestimation. However, the Diebold–Mariano test indicates the better forecasting ability of ARIMA than the NN-EGARCH in the out-of-sample periods. The findings of this study can benefit truckers and shippers to capture the tendency change of the market to conduct their business plan, increase their look-to-buy rate, and avoid market risk.
A 16-Day-Old Infant with a Clinical Diagnosis of Classical Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Authors: Rodríguez Pamela , Asturias Karla
Published: April 2020

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare syndromic genetic disorder characterized by multiple congenital anomalies with upper limb reduction defects, along with cardiac, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary defects. It is caused by genetic variations in the chromatin regulator genes, most commonly, the cohesin complex. Even though molecular genetic testing is highly recommended to confirm the diagnosis, high costs and unavailability in some settings are significant setbacks, and clinical criteria could be used. The typical craniofacial features include generalized hirsutism, synophrys, microbrachycephaly, highly arched eyebrows, and long eyelashes, along with height and weight below the 5th percentile. In this paper, we present a case of a 16-day-old male infant in whom a clinical diagnosis of classical CdLS was made.
A Shannon Wavelet Method for Pricing American Options under Two-Factor Stochastic Volatilities and Stochastic Interest Rate
Authors: Shoude Huang , Guo Xunxiang
Published: April 2020

In the paper, the pricing of the American put options under the double Heston model with Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) interest rate process is studied. The characteristic function of the log asset price is derived, and thereby Bermuda options are well evaluated by means of a state-of-the-art Shannon wavelet inverse Fourier technique (SWIFT), which is a robust and highly efficient pricing method. Based on the SWIFT method, the price of American option can be approximated by using Richardson extrapolation schemes on a series of Bermudan options. Numerical experiments show that the proposed pricing method is efficient, especially for short-term American put options.
High‐Temperature Tensile Fractography of Zr‐, Ni‐, and Mn‐Containing Al‐Si‐Cu‐Mg Cast Alloys
Authors: Abdelaziz M. H. , Elgallad E. M. , Samuel A. M. , Doty H. W. , Samuel F. H.
Published: April 2020

This study investigated the fracture behavior of 0.3% Zr‐containing 354 alloy following the addition of 0.75% Mn or 2%Ni. The examined surfaces were obtained from tensile testing of the bars at 250°C. For each alloy, the test bar samples were examined in the T6‐treated conditions after being exposed to 250°C for 1 and 200 hours. The fracture surface of the base alloy (0.3% Zr‐containing 354 alloy) after stabilization for one hour at 250°C reveals a dimpled structure throughout, indicating the ductile nature of the fracture mode. The Alx (Zr, Ti)Si complex compound is observed with star‐like and blocky morphologies, with cracks appearing in various particles of this compound. By increasing the stabilization time up to 200 hours, coarser and deeper dimples are formed, highlighting the increased ductility of the alloy due to the softening behavior associated with the prolonged exposure at 250°C. In the one‐hour stabilized T6‐treated condition alloy containing 2% Ni tested at 250°C, the appearance of microcracks in the Ni‐rich phases and the lower density of dimples on the fracture surface compared to those observed in the base alloy emphasize the low ductility of alloy due to Ni‐containing intermetallics. Examination of the fracture surface of Mn‐containing alloys revealed the advantageous role of sludge particles in resisting the propagation of cracks that developed in many intermetallic phases.
The ‘xenosmatoid’ group of Cortinarius (Agaricales) in New Zealand

Authors: DIMA BÁLINT , SOOP KARL
Published: April 2020

Cortinarius section Xenosmatae, originally based on solely morphological characters, was subsequently shown to contain phylogenetically distantly related species. The type species C. xenosma is a singleton, and this study aims to revise the other members of the section using combined molecular (nrDNA ITS and LSU) and morphological data. Based on phylogenetic analyses using RAxML, PhyML and Bayesian Inference and additional morphological features one new species (C. paraxenosma) and one new section (sect. Olorinati) are proposed. Furthermore sect. Carbonelli is extended and emended to include two former members of sect. Xenosmatae. A key to the species in New Zealand with xenosmatoid morphology is provided.
Vincetoxicum strigosum (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae), a new species from northeastern Thailand

Authors: KIDYOO AROONRAT
Published: April 2020

A new slender twining herb, Vincetoxicum strigosum A. Kidyoo, from northeastern Thailand is described and illustrated. This species is morphologically similar to V. kerrii (Craib) A. Kidyoo, but can be distinguished by several morphological, anatomical, and ultrastructural characters, i.e. leaf indumentum, inflorescence architecture, shape and size of calyx lobes, stipe of gynostegium, apex of corona lobes, and shape of corpusculum.
Tuning the Exchange Bias in NiFe/Fe-Oxide Bilayers by Way of Different Fe-Oxide Based Mixtures Made with an Ion-Beam Deposition Technique
Authors: Lin K.-W. , Ko P.-H. , Guo Z.-Y. , Ouyang H. , van Lierop J.
Published: April 2020

We have investigated the structural and magnetic properties of ion-beam deposited polycrystalline NiFe (25 nm)/Fe-oxide (35 nm) bilayers. A film prepared with an assist beam O2 to Ar gas ratio of 0% during deposition had a bottom layer that consisted of pure b.c.c. Fe (a
= 2.87 Å) whereas films prepared with 19%O2/Ar and 35%O2/Ar had either Fe3O4(a = 8.47 Å) or α-Fe2O3 (a = 5.04 Å, c = 13.86 Å) bottom layers, respectively. Cross-sectional
transmission electron microscopy revealed a smooth interface between the top nano-columnar NiFe and bottom nano-columnar Fe-oxide layer for all films. At room temperature, the observed coercivity (Hc ∼ 25 Oe) for a film prepared with 19%O2/Ar indicates the
existence of a magnetically hard ferrimagnetic Fe3O4 phase that is enhancing the plain NiFe (Hc ∼ 2 Oe) by way of exchange coupling. A significant amount of exchange bias is observed below 50 K, and at 10 K the size of exchange bias hysteresis loops
shift increases with increasing oxygen in the films. Furthermore, the strongest exchange coupling (Hex ∼ 135 Oe at 10 K) is with α-Fe2O3 (35%O2/Ar) as the bottom film layer. This indicates that the pure antiferromagnetic phases
work better than ferrimagnetic phases when in contact with ferromagnetic NiFe. Hex(T) is well described by an effective AF domain wall energy that creates an exchange field with a (1 − T/Tcrit) temperature dependence. Hc(T)
exhibits three distinct regimes of constant temperature that may indicate the existence of different AF spin populations that couple to the FM layer at different temperatures.
Optical Features of Noble-Metal-Oxide Thin Films Under Irradiation of Blue Laser
Authors: Liu Qian , Fukaya Toshio
Published: April 2020

The optical reflectance and transmittance of Platinum oxide (PtOx) and palladium oxide (PdOx) thin films for ultrahigh-density optical storage are investigated using Z-scan technique under irradiation of blue laser (442 nm). The power thresholds of
the PtOx and PdOx decomposition, 3.1 mW and 2.6 mW, are obtained respectively; the PtOx (PdOx) thin film is reversible and irreversible when input power is less than and more than 3.1 mW (2.6 mW). Deformation analyses
by using an atom force microscope (AFM), which is formed in the micro irradiation region of surface on the thin film samples due to decomposition of the PtOx or PdOx driving the Z-scan, agree well with the Z-scan results. The optical features obtained at
442-nm wavelength are compared with those at 532-nm wavelength, and the threshold difference between the two wavelengths is also analysed in detail based on wavelength-dependent average power density and wavelength-selected absorption of the thin films.
Stable Boundary Layer Regimes in Single-Column Models
Authors: Costa Felipe D. , Acevedo Otávio C. , Medeiros Luiz E. , Maroneze Rafael , Puhales Franciano S. , Carvalho Jr. Arlindo D. , Camponogara Luis F. , dos Santos Daniel M. , Mortarini Luca
Published: April 2020

Two contrasting flow regimes exist in the stable boundary layer (SBL), as evidenced from both observational and modeling studies. In general, numerical schemes such as those used in numerical weather prediction and climate models (NWPCs) reproduce a transition between SBL regimes. However, the characteristics of such a transition depend on the turbulence parameterizations and stability functions used to represent the eddy diffusivity in the models. The main goal of the present study is to detail how the two SBL regimes occur in single-column models (SCMs) by analyzing the SBL structure and its dependence on external parameters. Two different turbulence closure orders (first order and an E–l model) and two types of stability functions (short and long tail) are considered. The control exerted by the geostrophic wind and the surface cooling rate on the model SBL regimes is addressed. The model flow presents a three-layer structure: a fully turbulent, weakly stable layer (WSL) next to the surface; a very stable layer (VSL) above that; and a laminar layer above the other two and toward the domain top. It is shown that the WSL and VSL are related to both SBL regimes, respectively. Furthermore, the numerically simulated SBL presents the two-layer structure regardless of the turbulence parameterization order and stability function used. The models also reproduce other features reported in recent observational studies: an S-shaped dependence of the thermal gradient on the mean wind speed and an independence of the vertical gradient of friction velocity on the mean wind speed.
Time Scales and Mechanisms for the Tropical Pacific Response to Global Warming: A Tug of War between the Ocean Thermostat and Weaker Walker
Authors: Heede Ulla K. , Fedorov Alexey V. , Burls Natalie J.
Published: April 2020

Different oceanic and atmospheric mechanisms have been proposed to describe the response of the tropical Pacific to global warming, yet large uncertainties persist on their relative importance and potential interaction. Here, we use idealized experiments forced with a wide range of both abrupt and gradual CO2 increases in a coupled climate model (CESM) together with a simplified box model to explore the interaction between, and time scales of, different mechanisms driving Walker circulation changes. We find a robust transient response to CO2 forcing across all simulations, lasting between 20 and 100 years, depending on how abruptly the system is perturbed. This initial response is characterized by the strengthening of the Indo-Pacific zonal SST gradient and a westward shift of the Walker cell. In contrast, the equilibrium response, emerging after 50–100 years, is characterized by a warmer cold tongue, reduced zonal winds, and a weaker Walker cell. The magnitude of the equilibrium response in the fully coupled model is set primarily by enhanced extratropical warming and weaker oceanic subtropical cells, reducing the supply of cold water to equatorial upwelling. In contrast, in the slab ocean simulations, the weakening of the Walker cell is more modest and driven by differential evaporative cooling along the equator. The “weaker Walker” mechanism implied by atmospheric energetics is also observed for the midtroposphere vertical velocity, but its surface manifestation is not robust. Correctly diagnosing the balance between these transient and equilibrium responses will improve understanding of ongoing and future climate change in the tropical Pacific.
The Opioid Epidemic: Task-Shifting in Health Care and the Case for Access to Harm Reduction for People Who Use Drugs
Authors: Jozaghi Ehsan
Published: April 2020

We are sadly experiencing unprecedented levels of overdose mortalities attributed to the increased availability of synthetic opioids in illegal markets. While the majority of attention in North America has focused on preventing drug overdose cases through the distribution and administration of naloxone, in addition to stricter regulations of opioid prescriptions and greater law enforcement in illegal markets, little attention has been given to other alternative models and treatments for people who use drugs that are tailored specifically to the health care needs of this marginalized population. Through this analysis, the implications of task-shifting in health care via the distribution of naloxone for an already marginalized population are discussed. Alternatively, the role of pioneering harm-reduction programs – such as supervised injection/consumption sites, a variety of opioids maintenance therapies, and social-structural interventions – are highlighted as crucial interventions in the current ongoing opioid crisis. Moreover, people with lived experiences of illegal drug use are discussed as having a pivotal role but being ultimately overshadowed by public health partners.
The Ascent of Saudi Arabia to a Regional Hegemon: The Role of Institutional Power in the League of Arab States
Authors: Felsch Maximilian
Published: April 2020

After the Arab upheavals that began in 2011, Saudi Arabia became the most dominant power in the Arab world. While most of its Arab rivals experienced political and economic crises and disintegration, the Gulf monarchy began an unprecedented active and even interventionist foreign policy and increased its regional influence tremendously. Remarkably, most of this activism was not exercised unilaterally but within regional institutional frameworks, mainly of the League of Arab States (LAS) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This article investigates how Saudi Arabia gained institutional power within the LAS. The analysis is based on the LAS decisions at the Summit level before and after the Arab uprisings with regard to Saudi Arabia’s main foreign policy interests. The purpose of the article is to examine the essence of Saudi Arabia’s regional power. It also looks at the unforeseen revitalization of the LAS and allows predictions of the future of Arab regionalism in a changing Arab world.
Employer and employer association matters in Australia in 2019
Authors: Sheldon Peter , Thornthwaite Louise
Published: April 2020

The May federal election appeared particularly important to employers’ views of their industrial relations’ interests. Employers and their associations had long steeled themselves against an unwelcome Labor victory, fearing Labor’s promises of substantial changes to industrial relations’ structures, processes and outcomes as well as taxation. Associations appeared busier than ever, representing employers through politics-related public relations, lobbying and media. With enterprise bargaining withering and most wages stagnant, Labor’s defeat encouraged associations and the re-elected government to engage in another, for-now stalled, attack on what remains of unions’ capacity to collectively protect employees. They have also focused on emergent (individual) employment law challenges for employers but have mainly deflected on widespread evidence of wage underpayment. While the political context again strongly favours employers and their associations, they face substantial challenges from rising media and public criticisms over employers’ widespread abuses of their social licence to operate.
International organisations and the future of work: How new technologies and inequality shaped the narratives in 2019
Authors: Grimshaw Damian
Published: April 2020

In a critical review of seven prominent flagship reports from five international organisations – the International Labour Organization (ILO), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Bank – this article explores how the policy narratives set out during 2019 and early 2020 have characterised the major future of work challenges associated with new technologies and inequality. It identifies some similarities in viewpoints, including about the unevenness of job changes caused by new technologies and about the declining labour income share, a key measure of inequality. However, there are major points of differentiation. The ILO, OECD and UNDP express serious concerns about the interaction between new technologies and growing inequalities, on the one hand, and a rise in precarious work, concentration of corporate power and erosion of labour bargaining power on the other. Also, UNIDO emphasises the inequalities in technological capacities between developed and developing countries, which make it difficult for markets to distribute the gains from growth evenly. While the World Bank makes some concessions, it remains less open to real-world heterodox evidence about how labour markets function in society. The World Bank aside, there is a growing consensus that labour institutions around the world need to be reinvigorated in order to respond to the challenges facing the future of work.
Open secularism and the RCMP turban debate
Authors: Mann Richard
Published: April 2020

This article examines newspaper articles and opinion pieces related to the 1989 and 1990 case of allowing RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officers to wear turbans as part of their formal uniform. Many of those opposed to allowing for this change in RCMP policy demonstrate a sense of an assumed national identity that tends to label immigrants and people from non-European backgrounds as un-Canadian. Once the federal government approved this change in RCMP policy, some of the groups that opposed it attempted to bring it to the Supreme Court of Canada. The argument they made was one for closed secularism. The policy change, however, and the impact it had on Baltej Singh Dhillon, the first Sikh RCMP officer who became an officer and was allowed to wear his turban the results of which present a case for open secularism.
Improved Estimation of Poisson Rate Distributions Through a Multimode Survey Design
Authors: Hitczenko Marcin
Published: April 2020

Researchers interested in studying the frequency of events or behaviors among a population must rely on count data provided by sampled individuals. Often, this involves a decision between live event counting, such as a behavioral diary, and recalled aggregate counts. Diaries are generally more accurate, but their greater cost and respondent burden generally yield less data. The choice of survey mode, therefore, involves a potential trade-off between bias and variance of estimators. We use a case study comparing inferences about payment instrument use based on different survey designs to illustrate this dilemma. We then use a simulation study to show how and under what conditions a hybrid survey design can improve efficiency of estimation, in terms of mean-squared error. Overall, our work suggests that such a hybrid design can have considerable benefits, as long as there is nontrivial overlap in the diary and recall samples.
Free City! Reclaiming City College of San Francisco and Free Education for All
Authors: Rein Marcy , Ellinger Mickey , Legion Vicki
Published: April 2020

Public education is a main target of the assault on the public sector; recently corporate education reformers have expanded their agenda to include the open-access community colleges, which enroll 40 percent of U.S. college students. City College of San Francisco was threatened with closure for resisting this policy agenda. The faculty union, students, and community groups led by people of color waged and won a five-year battle to save it. Although not unscathed, today the college is open, accredited, and free. In the continuing war on working-class community institutions, this struggle offers valuable lessons for coalitions of labor and social movements.
Grassroots democracy and development: Learning from the Philippines
Authors: Turok Ivan , Scheba Andreas
Published: April 2020

The Philippines have developed a system of neighbourhood government that other countries could usefully learn from. The barangays give ordinary citizens a voice in decision-making and assist in devolving power from the centre. They also improve the responsiveness of basic public services to local needs. Above all, the institution recognises and legitimises the contribution that communities can make to a robust civil society. The process of participation and engagement helps to harness the agency and resourcefulness of local residents and means that communities are better organised to cope with adversity. Nevertheless, the barangays could be strengthened by advocating physical improvements to their areas and mobilising for additional investment in neighbourhood infrastructure and reconstruction of the built environment.
If Someone Else Pays for Overhead, Do Donors Still Care?
Authors: Charles Cleopatra , Sloan Margaret F. , Schubert Peter
Published: April 2020

To better evaluate the effectiveness of overhead-free donations on giving behavior, we seek to further investigate the robustness of the findings from Gneezy et al. using a nonstudent population. In an online experiment, we test whether (a) the level of overhead costs affects giving decisions and whether (b) overhead aversion disappears once donors are informed that an anonymous donor has already covered all overhead costs. Results show that donations decrease as overhead spending increases when donors have to pay for overhead. However, unlike the original article, we find mixed results when someone else covered overhead costs. Participants exposed to a nonprofit with a 33% overhead ratio where overhead was already covered still displayed overhead aversion. However, this aversion disappeared at a high overhead ratio of 67%. The overall results remain unchanged after controlling for demographics. Our results hold important implications for nonprofit organizations who must find a careful balance between appealing to donors for short-term financial gain and addressing the need to alter skewed donor expectations toward financial efficiency in the long run.
Morphological changes of the thyroid gland as a new radiographic marker for lung cancer treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Itonaga Tomohiro , Saito Kazuhiro , Ikeda Norihiko , Mikami Ryuji
Published: April 2020

Background

Fully human IgG4 programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PD-1-targeted antibodies induce autoimmune adverse events that are not caused by conventional chemotherapy.

Purpose

To clarify the association between morphological changes of the thyroid gland and the efficacy of PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for lung cancer.

Material and Methods

The study enrolled 29 patients who received PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. The thyroid volume was measured using computed tomography (CT) at the following three timepoints: pre-treatment (baseline); three months after the initial administration (early treatment); and at the last CT scan during the observation period (late treatment). Thyroid volume ratios were calculated as follows: early treatment/baseline thyroid volume at CT (E/B-CT ratio) and late treatment/baseline thyroid volume at CT (L/B-CT ratio). Thyroid dysfunction was assessed according to thyroid hormone levels.

Results

The E/B-CT ratio was significantly higher in patients with adverse events of grade 3 or higher than in the other patients ( P = 0.013). The L/B-CT ratio was significantly lower in patients with thyroid dysfunction than in those without thyroid dysfunction ( P = 0.001). Complete response (CR) was achieved in three patients at the time of the final CT. The E/B-CT ratio was significantly higher in patients with CR than in the other patients (1.48 vs. 0.99, P = 0.029).

Conclusion

Changes in thyroid volume after administration of PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors might be a useful radiographic marker of therapeutic efficacy in patients with lung cancer.