bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying differences in femoral head and neck asphericity in CAM type femoroacetabular impingement and hip dysplasia versus controls using radial 3DCT imaging and volumetric segmentation
Authors: Schauwecker Natalie , Xi Yin , Slepicka Chenelle , Dessouky Riham , Fey Nicholas , Chatzinoff Yonatan , Chopra Rajiv , Wells Joel , Chhabra Avneesh
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and hip dysplasia are the most common causes of groin pain originating from the hip joint. To date, there is controversy over cut-off values for the evaluation of abnormal femoral head-neck anatomy with significant overlap between the normal and abnormal hips. Our aim was to perform three-dimensional CT analysis of femoral head and bump anatomy to quantify common hip pathologies (FAI and hip dysplasia) vs controls.

Methods:

Consecutive patients who underwent three-dimensional CT imaging for hip dysplasia or CAM type FAI were compared to asymptomatic controls. α angles on radial CT and 3D volumetric femoral head and bump segmentations were performed by two readers. Inter- and intrapatient comparisons were performed including interreader and receiver operating characteristic analyses.

Results:

25 FAI patients, 16 hip dysplasia patients and 38 controls were included. FAI and dysplasia patients exhibited higher α angles and higher bump-head volume ratios than the controls (p < 0.05). Larger bump volumes were found among FAI than dysplasia patients and contralateral hips of FAI patients were also different than the controls. α angle at 2 o’clock and bump to head ratio showed the highest area under the curve for patients vs controls. The interreader reliability was better for volumetric segmentation (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.35–0.84) as compared to the α angles (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.11–0.44).

Conclusion:

Patients with FAI and dysplasia exhibit different femoral head anatomy than asymptomatic controls. Volumetric segmentation of femoral head and bump is more reliable and better demonstrates the bilateral femoral head anatomy differences in hip patients vs controls.

Advances in knowledge:

Utilizing information from 3D volumetric bump assessment in patients with FAI and dysplasia, the physicians may be able to more objectively and reliably evaluate the altered anatomy for better pre-surgical evaluation.
UK audit of target volume and organ at risk delineation and dose optimisation for cervix radiotherapy treatments
Authors: Cannon Jennifer , Bownes Peter , Mason Joshua , Cooper Rachel
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Assessment of the extent of variation in delineations and dose optimisation performed at multiple UK centres as a result of interobserver variation and protocol differences.

Methods:

CT/MR images of 2 cervical cancer patients previously treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and Brachytherapy were distributed to 11 UK centres. Centres delineated structures and produced treatment plans following their local protocol. Organ at risk delineations were assessed dosimetrically through application of the original treatment plan and target volume delineations were assessed in terms of variation in absolute volume and length, width and height. Treatment plan variation was assessed across all centres and across centres that followed EMBRACE II. Treatment plans were assessed using total EQD2 delivered and were compared to EMBRACE II dose aims. Variation in combined intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy treatments was also assessed.

Results:

Brachytherapy target volume delineations contained variation due to differences in protocol used, window/level technique and differences in interpretations of grey zones. Planning target volume delineations were varied due to protocol differences and extended parametrial tissue inclusion. All centres met EMBRACE II plan aims for PTV V95 and high-riskclinical target volume D90 EQD2, despite variation in prescription dose, fractionation and treatment technique.

Conclusion:

Brachytherapy target volume delineations are varied due to differences in contouring guidelines and protocols used. Planning target volume delineations are varied due to the uncertainties surrounding the extent of parametrial involvement. Dosimetric optimisation is sufficient across all centres to satisfy EMBRACE II planning aims despite significant variation in protocols used.

Advances in knowledge:

Previous multi-institutional audits of cervical cancer radiotherapy practices have been performed in Europe and the USA. This study is the first of its kind to be performed in the UK.
Reciprocal monoallelic expression of ASAR lncRNA genes controls replication timing of human chromosome 6
Authors: Heskett Michael B. , Smith Leslie G. , Spellman Paul , Thayer Mathew J.
Published: March 2020

DNA replication occurs on mammalian chromosomes in a cell-type distinctive temporal order known as the replication timing program. We previously found that disruption of the noncanonical lncRNA genes ASAR6 and ASAR15 results in delayed replication timing and delayed mitotic chromosome condensation of human chromosomes 6 and 15, respectively. ASAR6 and ASAR15 display random monoallelic expression and display asynchronous replication between alleles that is coordinated with other random monoallelic genes on their respective chromosomes. Disruption of the expressed allele, but not the silent allele, of ASAR6 leads to delayed replication, activation of the previously silent alleles of linked monoallelic genes, and structural instability of human chromosome 6. In this report, we describe a second lncRNA gene (ASAR6-141) on human chromosome 6 that when disrupted results in delayed replication timing in cis. ASAR6-141 is subject to random monoallelic expression and asynchronous replication and is expressed from the opposite chromosome 6 homolog as ASAR6. ASAR6-141 RNA, like ASAR6 and ASAR15 RNAs, contains a high L1 content and remains associated with the chromosome territory where it is transcribed. Three classes of cis-acting elements control proper chromosome function in mammals: origins of replication, centromeres, and telomeres, which are responsible for replication, segregation, and stability of all chromosomes. Our work supports a fourth type of essential chromosomal element, the “Inactivation/Stability Center,” which expresses ASAR lncRNAs responsible for proper replication timing, monoallelic expression, and structural stability of each chromosome.
Insights into the improved macrolide inhibitory activity from the high-resolution cryo-EM structure of dirithromycin bound to the E. coli 70S ribosome
Authors: Pichkur Evgeny B. , Paleskava Alena , Tereshchenkov Andrey G. , Kasatsky Pavel , Komarova Ekaterina S. , Shiriaev Dmitrii I. , Bogdanov Alexey A. , Dontsova Olga A. , Osterman Ilya A. , Sergiev Petr V. , Polikanov Yury S. , Myasnikov Alexander G. , Konevega Andrey L.
Published: March 2020

Macrolides are one of the most successful and widely used classes of antibacterials, which kill or stop the growth of pathogenic bacteria by binding near the active site of the ribosome and interfering with protein synthesis. Dirithromycin is a derivative of the prototype macrolide erythromycin with additional hydrophobic side chain. In our recent study, we have discovered that the side chain of dirithromycin forms lone pair-π stacking interaction with the aromatic imidazole ring of the His69 residue in ribosomal protein uL4 of the Thermus thermophilus 70S ribosome. In the current work, we found that neither the presence of the side chain, nor the additional contact with the ribosome, improve the binding affinity of dirithromycin to the ribosome. Nevertheless, we found that dirithromycin is a more potent inhibitor of in vitro protein synthesis in comparison with its parent compound, erythromycin. Using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy, we determined the structure of the dirithromycin bound to the translating Escherichia coli 70S ribosome, which suggests that the better inhibitory properties of the drug could be rationalized by the side chain of dirithromycin pointing into the lumen of the nascent peptide exit tunnel, where it can interfere with the normal passage of the growing polypeptide chain.
The validation of a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the effect of freeze-thaw cycles of serum on the stability of cortisol and testosterone concentrations in Aceh cattle
Authors: Gholib Gholib , Wahyuni Sri , Akmal Muslim , Hasan Muhammad , Agil Muhammad , Purwantara Bambang
Published: March 2020

Background: To obtain accurate measurements of cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) in Aceh cattle, commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits need to be carefully validated. Moreover, repeated freeze-thaw cycles during the storage of the samples may affect the stability of the hormones in the serum. Here, the reliability of C and T concentration measurements in the serum of Aceh cattle, was tested using commercial C and T ELISA kits designed to measure human C and T concentrations. Further, the effect of repeated freeze-thaw cycles on the stability of C and T concentrations in the serum was evaluated.

Methods: Commercial C (Cat. no. EIA-1887) and T (Cat. no. EIA-1559) ELISA kits from DRG Instruments GmbH were validated through an analytical validation test (i.e., parallelism, accuracy, and precision) and a biological validation test (for C: effect of transportation on the C secretion; for T: the concentrations of T between bulls and cows). To test the effects of freeze-thaw cycles, cattle serum was subjected to the following treatments: (i) remained frozen at -20OC (control group); (ii) exposed to freeze-thaw cycles for two, four, six, and eight times (test groups).  

Results: Parallelism, accuracy, and precision tests showed that both  C and T ELISA kits adequately measured C and T in the serum of Aceh cattle. Concentrations of C post-transportation were significantly higher than pre-transportation (p<0.01). Concentrations of T in bulls were significantly higher than in cows (p<0.01). After four to eight freeze-thaw cycles, C concentrations were significantly lower compared to the control group (all p < 0.05). In contrast, T concentrations remained stable (all p>0.05).

Conclusions: Commercial C (EIA-1887) and T (EIA-1559) ELISA kits are reliable assays for measuring serum C and T, respectively, in Aceh cattle. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles significantly affected the stability of serum C, but did not for T.
Cáncer y territorio. Un recorrido por las continuidades y discontinuidades espaciales proyectadas por este actor no humano
Authors: Velásquez Árias Milton César
Published: March 2020

El presente artículo se centra concretamente en develar la relación entre Cáncer y territorio, en especial, la manera como, a partir del diagnóstico de esta enfermedad, el Cáncer, asumido como un actor social no humano, incide en la construcción territorial de los espacios de vida cotidiana, desde su concepción y significación hasta su gestión y uso. Para esto, se utilizó una estrategia metodológica cualitativa fundamentada en estudio fenomenológico, que se centró en identificar las prácticas y los discursos que objetivan las nuevas configuraciones territoriales. Se trabajó con diez enfermos de distintos tipos de cáncer y con diez especialistas de la Unidad Oncológica Oncólogos del Occidente situada en el Eje Cafetero. Entre los principales hallazgos, se muestra cómo la relación Cáncer y territorio implica, entre otras cosas, una vuelta de tuerca sugerente para los estudios del territorio contemporáneos, en tanto permite entrever que el territorio, como una construcción social y cultural de los actores sociales, es una producción y/o significación hecha no solo a la medida de los humanos, sino también, a la medida de los actores no humanos que entran en disputa y en tensión con las dinámicas mismas que posibilitan la configuración y ordenación de un espacio apropiado.
Going the Distance: The Foreign Investment Strategies of Sovereign Wealth Funds
Authors: Makhoul Pedro , Musacchio Aldo , Lazzarini Sergio
Published: March 2020

The spread of investments by sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) around the world has raised questions about what determines their location choices. We argue that SWFs, like multinational companies, consider a host of cross-country distance factors to guide their location decisions and that the effect of distances is significant not only for their direct investment in foreign affiliates, but also for the indirect stakes they hold via pyramids. Starting with a simple binary dependent variable indicating the presence of an investment of a given fund in a given country, we find that distances are key determinants of SWFs’ location choices for direct investments but are less important for indirect investments. Yet this difference in the effect of distances on direct and indirect location choices disappears when we adjust for the relative size of the investment. We thus confirm that SWFs pay more attention to indirect investments—as much as they do to direct ones—when those investments are relatively large. Our findings suggest that it is imperative that studies on foreign location and organizational distance account for indirect stakes and for the size of investments in order to see a more complete picture of firms’ investment strategies. In addition, we consider the moderating role of fund-level heterogeneous traits (such as their overall strategic orientation) but do not find consistent moderating effects on the link between distances and location choices.
New species of the genus Xorides Latréille, 1809 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Xoridinae) from Kenya

Authors: VARGA OLEKSANDR
Published: March 2020

Xorides tertiusdecimus sp. nov., a thirteenth known Afrotropical species of the genus Xorides Latréille, 1809, is described from Kenya. The newly described species is similar to Xorides maculiceps (Cameron, 1906), but differs in having the carinate propodeum and rugulo-punctate first metasomal tergite. Key words: Xoridinae, parasitoid, new species, Kenya
Integration of transcriptome-wide association study and messenger RNA expression profile to identify genes associated with osteoarthritis
Authors: Qi Xin , Yu Fangfang , Wen Yan , Li Ping , Cheng Bolun , Ma Mei , Cheng Shiqiang , Zhang Lu , Liang Chujun , Liu Li , Zhang Feng
Published: March 2020

Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disease. However, the specific and definitive genetic mechanisms of OA are still unclear.

Methods

Tissue-related transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) of hip OA and knee OA were performed utilizing the genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of hip OA and knee OA (including 2,396 hospital-diagnosed hip OA patients versus 9,593 controls, and 4,462 hospital-diagnosed knee OA patients versus 17,885 controls) and gene expression reference to skeletal muscle and blood. The OA-associated genes identified by TWAS were further compared with the differentially expressed genes detected by the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles of hip OA and knee OA. Functional enrichment and annotation analysis of identified genes was performed by the DAVID and FUMAGWAS tools.

Results

We detected 33 common genes, eight common gene ontology (GO) terms, and one common pathway for hip OA, such as calcium and integrin-binding protein 1 (CIB1) (PTWAS = 0.025, FCmRNA = -1.575 for skeletal muscle), adrenomedullin (ADM) (PTWAS = 0.022, FCmRNA = -4.644 for blood), Golgi apparatus (PTWAS <0.001, PmRNA = 0.012 for blood), and phosphatidylinositol 3' -kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signalling pathway (PTWAS = 0.033, PmRNA = 0.005 for blood). For knee OA, we detected 24 common genes, eight common GO terms, and two common pathways, such as histocompatibility complex, class II, DR beta 1 (HLA-DRB1) (PTWAS = 0.040, FCmRNA = 4.062 for skeletal muscle), Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) (PTWAS = 0.048, FCmRNA = 3.000 for blood), cytoplasm (PTWAS < 0.001, PmRNA = 0.005 for blood), and complement and coagulation cascades (PTWAS = 0.017, PmRNA = 0.001 for skeletal muscle).

Conclusion

We identified a group of OA-associated genes and pathways, providing novel clues for understanding the genetic mechanism of OA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(3):130–138.
An integrated analysis of the competing endogenous RNA network and co-expression network revealed seven hub long non-coding RNAs in osteoarthritis
Authors: Chen Haitao , Chen Liaobin
Published: March 2020

Aims

This study aimed to uncover the hub long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) differentially expressed in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage using an integrated analysis of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and co-expression network.

Methods

Expression profiles data of ten OA and ten normal tissues of human knee cartilage were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE114007). The differentially expressed messenger RNAs (DEmRNAs) and lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were identified using the edgeR package. We integrated human microRNA (miRNA)-lncRNA/mRNA interactions with DElncRNA/DEmRNA expression profiles to construct a ceRNA network. Likewise, lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles were used to build a co-expression network with the WGCNA package. Potential hub lncRNAs were identified based on an integrated analysis of the ceRNA network and co-expression network. StarBase and Multi Experiment Matrix databases were used to verify the lncRNAs.

Results

We detected 1,212 DEmRNAs and 49 DElncRNAs in OA and normal knee cartilage. A total of 75 dysregulated lncRNA-miRNA interactions and 711 dysregulated miRNA-mRNA interactions were obtained in the ceRNA network, including ten DElncRNAs, 69 miRNAs, and 72 DEmRNAs. Similarly, 1,330 dysregulated lncRNA-mRNA interactions were used to construct the co-expression network, which included ten lncRNAs and 407 mRNAs. We finally identified seven hub lncRNAs, named MIR210HG, HCP5, LINC00313, LINC00654, LINC00839, TBC1D3P1-DHX40P1, and ISM1-AS1. Subsequent enrichment analysis elucidated that these lncRNAs regulated extracellular matrix organization and enriched in osteoclast differentiation, the FoxO signalling pathway, and the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) signalling pathway in the development of OA.

Conclusion

The integrated analysis of the ceRNA network and co-expression network identified seven hub lncRNAs associated with OA. These lncRNAs may regulate extracellular matrix changes and chondrocyte homeostasis in OA progress. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(3):90–98.
High extinction ratio and low loss polarization beam splitter based on multimode interference for PICs
Authors: Hassan Shamsul , Chack Devendra , Mahajan Varad
Published: March 2020

A polarization beam splitter (PBS) with a high extinction ratio that is based on multimode interference (MMI) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated on a silicon-on-insulator platform. The PBS is designed using cascaded MMI to enhance the extinction ratio (ER) and minimize insertion loss (IL) compared to a conventional MMI structure. The proposed device has a high extinction ratio (22.3 dB for TE and 25.6 dB for TM) and a low insertion loss (0.7 dB for TE and 0.1 dB for TM) at a wavelength of 1550 nm while the device supports a broad bandwidth of 60 nm (

E
R

>

16

d
B

) for both polarizations over a wavelength between 1520–1580 nm. Moreover, the eigenmode expansion method shows that the device has a large fabrication tolerance of an MMI width

±

40

n
m

and a length

±

1500

n
m

. The proposed PBS can be used in on-chip silicon photonic integrated circuits for polarization division multiplexing.
Frequency chirped continuous-wave sodium laser guide stars: modeling and optimization
Authors: Pedreros Bustos F. , Holzlöhner R. , Rochester S. , Bonaccini Calia D. , Hellemeier J. , Budker D.
Published: March 2020

We numerically study a method to increase the photon return flux of continuous-wave laser guide stars using one-dimensional atomic cooling principles. The method relies on chirping the laser towards higher frequencies following the change in velocity of sodium atoms due to recoil, which raises atomic populations available for laser excitation within the Doppler distribution. The efficiency of this effect grows with the average number of atomic excitations between two atomic collisions in the mesosphere. We find the parameters for maximizing the return flux and evaluate the performance of chirping for operation at La Palma. According to our simulations, the optimal chirp rate lies between

0.8

−

1.0

M
H
z

/

µ

s

, and an increase in the fluorescence of the sodium guide star up to 60% can be achieved with current 20-W-class guide star lasers.
Optical Josephson oscillation achieved by two coupled exciton-polariton condensates
Authors: Abdalla A. S. , Zou Bingsuo , Zhang Yongyou
Published: March 2020

Two coupled exciton-polariton condensates (EPCs) in a double-well photonic potential are suggested to form the optical Josephson oscillation (JO) whose dependences on the pump arrangement, the potential geometry, and the exciton-photon detuning are studied through the Gross-Pitaevskii equations. When the pump detuning is slightly positive with respect to the polariton energy and the phase difference between the two EPCs is near π/2 (both are controlled by the pump beams), the system demonstrates the optical JO. The optical JO tunneling strength (J) depends on the distance (d) and barrier (

Λ

) between the two wells, for which an empirical formula is fitted, i.e.,

J
≈
0.42
exp
⁡
(
−
d
Λ

/

18.4
)

with the energy and length units in meV and μm. Since the double-well potential adopted is general, this fitting relation can show a guidance in practice for designing the optical devices based on the optical JO.
Theory of birefringence correction for polarization-controlled CARS
Authors: Lee Young Jong
Published: March 2020

Polarization-controlled coherent Raman spectroscopy is used as a high-throughput method to characterize the anisotropic nature of a molecular system, such as the molecular orientation distribution. However, optical birefringence originating from the molecular anisotropy can cause the observed Raman spectrum to be significantly distorted, making it extremely challenging to obtain quantitative information from polarization Raman measurements. Here, the birefringence effect on the signal intensity and the spectral shape of a polarization-controlled coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) is theoretically described using a uniaxially symmetrical model system. Due to the complexity, the effect of phase delay in the incident lights is not considered but only that of the generated CARS signal is considered. A new analytical method is presented to eliminate the birefringence contribution from polarization-controlled CARS data by analyzing polarization intensity profiles and retrieving the resonant Raman susceptibility spectra. This method is tested with two sets of polarization-controlled CARS data simulated with various combinations of symmetries of multiple underlying Raman modes. The analysis result clearly demonstrates that the effect of birefringence can be corrected for polarization-controlled CARS data and the symmetry tensor elements of all underlying Raman modes can be quantitatively characterized.
Aluminum nanoparticle films with an enhanced hot-spot intensity for high-efficiency SERS
Authors: Li Zhen , Li Chonghui , Yu Jing , Li Zhaoxiang , Zhao Xiaofei , Liu Aihua , Jiang Shouzhen , Yang Cheng , Zhang Chao , Man Baoyuan
Published: March 2020

The weak plasmonic coupling intensity in an aluminum (Al) nanostructure has limited potential applications in excellent low-cost surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates and light harvesting. In this report, we aim to elevate the plasmonic coupling intensity by fabricating an Al nanoparticle (NP)−film system. In the system, the Al NP are fabricated directly on different Al film layers, and the nanoscale-thick alumina interlayer obtained between neighboring Al films acts as natural dielectric gaps. Interestingly, as the number of Al film layers increase, the plasmonic couplings generated between the Al NP and Al film increase as well. It is demonstrated that the confined gap plasmon modes stimulated in the nanoscale-thick alumina region between the adjacent Al films contribute significantly to elevating the plasmonic coupling intensity. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is used to carry out the simulations and verifies this result.
Ultra-high Q Resonators and Sub-GHz Bandwidth Second Order Filters in an SOI Foundry Platform
Authors: Onural Deniz , Gevorgyan Hayk , Zhang Bohan , Khilo Anatol , Popović Miloš A.
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate racetrack resonators with record-high quality factors reaching 6.6 million in a standard 220 nm silicon photonics foundry platform, and first/second order filters with passbands as narrow as 200 MHz, and 1-5 dB insertion loss.
An extended L-band EDFA using C-band pump wavelength
Authors: Lei Chengmin , Feng Hanlin , Wang Lixian , Messaddeq Younès , Larochelle Sophie
Published: March 2020

We investigate an extended L-band EDFA pumped by C-band wavelengths. A two-stage scheme with 1480 nm/1545.5 nm pumping is demonstrated with 20-dB gain over 1570-1620 nm and NF lower than 5.7 dB.
Recent Advances on Radiation-Hardened Optical Fiber Technologies
Authors: Girard Sylvain , Robin Thierry , Morana Adriana , Mélin Gilles , Barnini Alexandre , Boukenter Aziz , Cadier Benoit , Marin Emmanuel , Lablonde Laurent , Laurent Arnaud , Ouerdane Youcef
Published: March 2020

Silica-based optical fibers possess key advantages for integration in radiation-rich environments as parts of communication systems, laser sources, optical amplifiers, diagnostics and point or distributed sensors. We reviewed how the understanding of the basic mechanisms of radiation effects can be exploited to optimize their tolerance to the most challenging environments.
Temporal contrast enhancement of ultrashort pulses using a spatiotemporal plasma-lens filter
Authors: Zhu Ping , Zigler Arie , Xie Xinglong , Zhang Dongjun , Yang Qingwei , Sun Meizhi , Papeer Jenya , Kang Jun , Gao Qi , Liang Xiao , Zhu Haidong , Guo Ainlin , Liang Yan , Ji Shengzhe , Ren Lei , Liu Huiya , Kang Ning , Zhao Yao , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: March 2020

The spatiotemporal plasma-lens filter proposed here enhances the temporal contrast of the ultrashort pulse laser by combining plasma optics and spatial filtering. Experimentally, the spatiotemporal plasma-lens filter has improved the temporal contrast by 2 orders of magnitude with 80% laser transmission efficiency under a 1 Hz repetitive laser operation. Not only were the pre-pulse and the pedestal cleaned out, but also the rising edge of the main pulse was sharpened.
Spectroscopic optical coherence refraction tomography
Authors: Zhou Kevin C. , Qian Ruobing , Farsiu Sina , Izatt Joseph A.
Published: March 2020

In optical coherence tomography (OCT), the axial resolution is often superior to the lateral resolution, which is sacrificed for long imaging depths. To address this anisotropy, we previously developed optical coherence refraction tomography (OCRT), which uses images from multiple angles to computationally reconstruct an image with isotropic resolution, given by the OCT axial resolution. On the other hand, spectroscopic OCT (SOCT), an extension of OCT, trades axial resolution for spectral resolution and hence often has superior lateral resolution. Here, we present spectroscopic OCRT (SOCRT), which uses SOCT images from multiple angles to reconstruct a spectroscopic image with isotropic spatial resolution limited by the OCT lateral resolution. We experimentally show that SOCRT can estimate bead size based on Mie theory at simultaneously high spectral and isotropic spatial resolution. We also applied SOCRT to a biological sample, achieving axial resolution enhancement limited by the lateral resolution.
Chemical vapor deposition route to transparent thick films of Eu3+-doped HfO2 and Lu2O3 for luminescent phosphors
Authors: Matsumoto Shogen , Ito Akihiko
Published: March 2020

Crystal growth from the vapor phase is an alternative to melt solidification and sintering for fabricating optical materials with high melting points and reversible phase transformations. We demonstrated the rapid synthesis of transparent thick films of Eu-doped monoclinic HfO2 (Eu3+:HfO2) and cubic Lu2O3 (Eu3+:Lu2O3) using laser-assisted metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. The transparent single-crystalline films were epitaxially grown on yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates at the deposition rates of 15–20 µm h−1. Under irradiation by ultraviolet light, the Eu3+:HfO2 and Eu3+:Lu2O3 transparent thick films exhibited intense red emissions at 614–615 nm corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 transitions of the Eu3+ ions located in asymmetric environments.
Optical properties of ytterbium/aluminium doped silica glasses
Authors: Unger Sonja , Schwuchow Anka , Dellith Jan , Kirchhof Johannes
Published: March 2020

Several series of preform and fiber samples of Yb2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 glass with finely-graded composition steps were prepared by MCVD and solution doping under well-defined conditions using both oxidizing and reducing atmospheres during preform collapse. Their optical properties, including absorption and emission behavior in the NIR/VIS/UV region, have been characterized and correlated with the detailed glass composition. The results present an overview of the property spectrum, which should contribute to the further development of laser fibers and the discussion and control of disturbing effects such as photodarkening.
Multifunctional volumetric meta-optics for color and polarization image sensors
Authors: Camayd-Muñoz Philip , Ballew Conner , Roberts Gregory , Faraon Andrei
Published: March 2020

Three-dimensional elements, with refractive index distribution
structured at subwavelength scale, provide an expansive optical design
space that can be harnessed for demonstrating multifunctional
free-space optical devices. Here we present 3D dielectric elements,
designed to be placed on top of the pixels of image sensors, that sort
and focus light based on its color and polarization with efficiency
significantly surpassing 2D absorptive and diffractive filters. The
devices are designed via iterative gradient-based optimization to
account for multiple target functions while ensuring compatibility
with existing nanofabrication processes, and they are experimentally
validated using a scaled device that operates at microwave
frequencies. This approach combines arbitrary functions into a single
compact element, even where there is no known equivalent in bulk
optics, enabling novel integrated photonic applications.
Photonic engineering of superbroadband near-infrared emission in nanoglass composites containing hybrid metal and dielectric nanocrystals
Authors: Gao Zhigang , Zhu Haibo , Sun Bochao , Ji Yingke , Lu Xiaosong , Tian Hao , Ren Jing , Guo Shu , Zhang Jianzhong , Yang Jun , Meng Xiangeng , Tanaka Katsuhisa
Published: March 2020

Photonic media containing hybrid noble metal–dielectric nanocrystals (NCs) represent a wonderland of nanophotonics, with a myriad of uncharted optical functions yet to be explored. Capitalizing on the unique phase separation and spontaneous formation of Au-metal NCs in a gallosilicate glass, we fabricated

Ni

2
+

-doped transparent nanoglass composites (GCs) containing

Au
-
metal
/
γ
-

Ga
2

O
3

-dielectric NCs. Compared with GCs free of Au-metal NCs, the superbroadband near-infrared emission of

Ni

2
+

with a full width at half-maximum over 280 nm is enhanced twice in the

Au
-
metal
/
γ
-

Ga
2

O
3

dual-phase GCs. A comparison is given as to the spontaneous emission (SPE) properties of

Ni

2
+

in the dual-phase GCs when pumped resonantly and off-resonantly with the localized surface plasmon resonance band of the Au-metal NCs. The important role of the Au-metal NCs in the SPE enhancement is revealed by theoretical simulation based on the finite-element method. Combining the photonic engineering effect of hybrid

Au
-
metal
/
γ
-

Ga
2

O
3

NCs and the sensitization effect of

Yb

3
+

on

Ni

2
+

, a record-high enhancement factor of over 10 of the

Ni

2
+

NIR emission is achieved, and optical gain is demonstrated in the GCs at the fiber communication wavelength.
Circular Dammann gratings for enhanced control of the ring profile of perfect optical vortices
Authors: Yu Junjie , Miao Chaofeng , Wu Jun , Zhou Changhe
Published: March 2020

Perfect optical vortices (POVs) provide a solution to address the challenge induced by strong dependence of classical optical vortices on their carried topological charges. However, traditional POVs are all shaped into bright rings with a single main lobe along the radial direction. Here we propose a method for enhanced control on the ring profile (the radial intensity profile of circular rings) of POVs based on modulated circular sine/cosine radial functions, which is realized by a circular Dammann grating embedded with a spiral phase. Specifically, a type of “absolute” dark POVs surrounded by two bright lobe rings in each side is presented, which provides a perfect annular potential well along those dark impulse rings for trapping low-index particles, cells, or quantum gases. In addition, several POVs with different ring profiles, including conventional POVs with bright rings, the dark POVs mentioned above, and also POVs with tunable ring profiles, are demonstrated. This work opens up new possibilities to controllably tune the ring profile of perfect vortices, and this type of generalized POVs will enrich the content of singular optics and expand the application scope of perfect vortices in a range of areas including optical manipulation, both quantum and classical optical communications, enhanced optical imaging, and also novel structured pumping lasers.
Low threshold random lasing in dye-doped and strongly disordered chiral liquid crystals
Authors: Gao Shaohua , Wang Jiayi , Li Wenhua , Yu Xuanyi , Zhang Xinzheng , Song Xiao , Iljin Andrey , Drevensek-Olenik Irena , Rupp Romano A. , Xu Jingjun
Published: March 2020

Random lasing was experimentally investigated in pyrromethene 597-doped strongly disordered chiral liquid crystals (CLCs) composed of the nematic liquid crystal SLC1717 and the chiral agent CB15. The concentration of the chiral agent tuned the bandgap, and disordered CLC microdomains were achieved by fast quenching of the mixture from the isotropic to the cholesteric phase. Random lasing and band edge lasing were observed synchronously, and their behavior changed with the spectral location of the bandgap. The emission band for band edge lasing shifted with the change of the bandgap, while the emission band for random lasing remained practically constant. The results show that the threshold for random lasing sharply decreases if the CLC selective reflection band overlaps with the fluorescence peak of the dye molecules and if the band edge coincides at the same time with the excitation wavelength.
Revealing the underlying mechanisms behind TE extraordinary THz transmission
Authors: Freer Suzanna , Camacho Miguel , Kuznetsov Sergei A. , Boix Rafael R. , Beruete Miguel , Navarro-Cía Miguel
Published: March 2020

Transmission through seemingly opaque surfaces, so-called extraordinary transmission, provides an exciting platform for strong light–matter interaction, spectroscopy, optical trapping, and color filtering. Much of the effort has been devoted to understanding and exploiting TM extraordinary transmission, while TE anomalous extraordinary transmission has been largely omitted in the literature. This is regrettable from a practical point of view since the stronger dependence of the TE anomalous extraordinary transmission on the array’s substrate provides additional design parameters for exploitation. To provide high-performance and cost-effective applications based on TE anomalous extraordinary transmission, a complete physical insight about the underlying mechanisms of the phenomenon must be first laid down. To this end, resorting to a combined methodology including quasi-optical terahertz (THz) time-domain measurements, full-wave simulations, and method of moments analysis, subwavelength slit arrays under s-polarized illumination are studied here, filling the void in the current literature. We believe this work unequivocally reveals the leaky-wave role of the grounded-dielectric slab mode mediating in TE anomalous extraordinary transmission and provides the necessary framework to design practical high-performance THz components and systems.
High-fat Diet Alters the Glycosylation Patterns of Duodenal Mucins in a Murine Model
Authors: Mastrodonato Maria , Calamita Giuseppe , Mentino Donatella , Scillitani Giovanni
Published: March 2020

High-fat diet (HFD) alters the glycosylation patterns of intestinal mucins leading to several health problems. We studied by histochemical and lectin-binding methods mucin alterations in the duodenum of mice fed a HFD for 25 weeks. Histochemical methods included periodic acid–Schiff, alcian blue pH 2.5, and high-iron diamine. Lectin-binding experiments were performed with SBA, PNA, WGA, MAA-II, SNA, ConA, UEA-I, LTA, and AAA. SBA, PNA, WGA, MAA-II, and SNA were tested also after desulfation and ConA after periodate-sodium borohydrate treatments (paradoxical ConA). Duodenal mucins are secreted by Brunner’s glands and goblet cells in the villi. Brunner’s glands of HFD mice showed increased secreting activity and a general reduction of glycosylated residuals, such as fucose and terminal α1,4-linked GlcNAc. Moreover, a general reduction of glycosylated residuals in the goblet cells of villi such as the fucosylated and sulfated ones was observed. Since the cited residuals are involved in cytoprotective and cytostatic functions, as well as in interactions with the intestinal microbiota and protection against parasites and inflammatory disorders, we conclude that HFD can predispose duodenum to several possible health disorders.
A Novel Susceptibility Locus Near GRIK2 Associated With Erosive Esophagitis in a Korean Cohort
Authors: Jin Eun Hyo , Park Boram , Kim Young Sun , Choe Eun Kyung , Choi Seung Ho , Kim Joo Sung , Jung Sung-Ae
Published: March 2020

INTRODUCTION:

The male-predominant sex difference through the spectrum of erosive esophagitis to Barrett's esophagus is widely known. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) stratified by sex for identifying factors that can predict the endoscopically diagnosed erosive esophagitis.

METHODS:

Erosive esophagitis was diagnosed by endoscopy and assessed for severity. We identified genetic factors associated with erosive esophagitis that accounted for the sex differences in a cohort of 4,242 participants via a GWAS. After quality control and imputation, genetic associations with erosive esophagitis were investigated by multivariate linear regression in 3,620 subjects. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with P < 5.0 × 10−8 were considered significant genome wide, and a genetic risk score was constructed for the prediction of erosive esophagitis risk.

RESULTS:

Six genome-wide significant SNPs near the GRIK2 gene on chromosome 6 were found to be associated with erosive esophagitis only in male subjects. These were predictive of severity through a genetic risk score (P < 0.05), and the findings were validated in a cohort of 622 subjects (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION:

This is the first GWAS of erosive esophagitis, and we identified 6 genome-wide significant SNPs in male subjects. These SNPs could help explain the pathogenesis of erosive esophagitis and contribute to the understanding of sex differences. Further genetic investigation could allow for the prediction of high risk for erosive esophagitis and development of new treatment options.
CSDP and the development of the ‘Global EU’: The progress of EU autonomy in the shadow of Brexit
Authors: McArdle Scarlett
Published: March 2020

Security and Defence is a complex area within the EU. In spite of a long-standing history, its development and role within the EU has long remained distinct from other areas; the particular attachment of this area to state sovereignty has necessitated a cautious approach. This paper explores the recent developments in Security and Defence since the Brexit vote in 2016, arguing that, rather than the prospect of a UK withdrawal causing a weakening in the EU in this field, instead, it has seen a reinvigoration. It is argued that this is reflective of a broader development of the EU in terms of its autonomy as an external actor, which has shaped developments and continues to do so. While this is beneficial in some ways, the paper concludes by exploring some of the potential problems that may arise from the EU’s particular approach to autonomy as the Brexit process continues.
Immunometabolism and metainflammation in obesity
Authors: Romantsova Tatiana R. , Sych Yulia P.
Published: March 2020

Recent studies have shown that immune system cells take an active part in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis. Disruption of the interaction between the immune system and metabolic processes makes a major contribution to the current epidemic of a number of non-communicable metabolic diseases. Due to central and peripheral insulin resistance, obesity is closely associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Many mechanisms are involved in the genesis of insulin resistance including chronic inflammation in metabolically active tissues (adipose tissue, intestines, muscles, pancreas, liver), as well as in the central nervous system. Potential triggers of obesity-induced metainflammation are cellular hypoxia, mechanical stress of the fat cells, excess of free fatty acids and lypopolysaccharides. Weight loss is a key factor to eliminating inflammation and improving tissue insulin sensitivity. This review presents literature data on the mechanisms of metainflammation in obesity. Taking into account the contribution of metainflammation to the pathogenesis of the disease, the possibilities and prospects of obesity therapy are discussed.
Sleep disorders interactions with obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Brodovskaya Tatyana O. , Grishina Irina F. , Babykina Genia G. , Nikolaenko Olga V. , Kovin Egor A. , Bazhenova Oxana V. , Beresneva Valeria E. , Buharova Sofia Y.
Published: March 2020

Obesity and type II diabetes are 21st century pandemia. These metаbolic disorders are in the focus of attention of various specialties: cardiologists, endocrinologists, nutritionists, therapists, and others. The high incidence of obesity and type II diabetes cardiovascular complications, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, chronic heart failure, dementia, determine the call of risk factors search. Modifiable factors may include sleep disturbances. Recent studies have revealed a connection between changes in sleep duration and metabolic disorders. However, to date, the mechanisms underlying this association have not been established. The aim of the review is to summarize existing epidemiological and experimental observations, as well as an analysis of possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking sleep duration with obesity and type II diabetes. The article considers current data suggesting a bi-directional association of sleep disorders with obesity and diabetes. Sleep disturbances are significant determinant of developing metabolic disorders. Sleep duration correction as one of therapeutic targets for cardiovascular complications of obesity and type II diabetes prevention.
Obesity and stress: endocrine and social aspects of the problem in the modern Russian society
Authors: Mazurina Nataliya V. , Leskova Irina V. , Troshina Ekaterina A. , Logvinova Oksana V. , Adamskaya Lyubov V. , Krasnikovsky Vladimir Ya.
Published: March 2020

The purpose of the article is to consider stress as one of the etiological factors of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The review discusses both endocrine and social aspects of stress as a syndrome of adaptation to the current situation in Russian society.

It is emphasized that lifestyle factors contributing to the growth of overweight are gaining popularity in the society, and the high incidence of obesity is directly related to the level, quality and lifestyle of a modern man. Constant nervous tension, negative emotions, fear in conditions of abundance of food directly contributes to obesity, which is associated with a large number of other serious diseases.

Chronic hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and chronic hypersecretion of cortisol, if persistence is not a purely physiological condition. Endocrine mechanisms mediating the development of metabolic disorders on the background of chronic stress include activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, changes in eating behavior, hyper-production of glucagon and triglyceride accumulation in visceral fat depots.

Processes and social changes occurring in modern society contribute to the construction of everyday socio-cultural environment characterized by increased stress. Chronic stress in combination with physical inactivity, the result of improper lifestyle of modern people, becomes an effective factor contributing to the spread among the population of Russia not only overweight, but also various forms of obesity.

It is emphasized that at the state level there is an urgent need to adopt and implement effective programs and mechanisms to ensure the population meets modern requirements and environmental standards of healthy food, rationalization of food distribution among the population, the formation of a culture of food consumption, improving the quality of life of the population and the culture of a healthy lifestyle, teaching the population the correct stress-coping behavior.
Cytotoxic Activity of Hyptis Pectinate Extracts on MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Amalina Nur Dina , Suzery Meiny , Cahyono Bambang
Published: March 2020

Hyptis pectinata (L.) poit, popularly known in the world as “comb bushmint” is a medicinal plant commonly used for the treatment of throat and skin inflammations, bacterial infection, pain and cancer. The objective of this research is to determine the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect under Hyptis pectinata ethanolic extract (HPE) treatment on breast cancer cells. The effect HPE of on cytotoxicity was examined by MTT assay on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This assay also used to determine cell proliferation over 3 days of treatment with 1.5 – 100 µg/mL HPE. HPE showed that exhibited cytotoxic effects with IC50 value of 30 µg/mL for 24 hours and changes the physiological morphology on MCF-7 cells. Interestingly, the treatment of HPE for 48 and 72 hours highly decreases cell viability on MCF-7 with dose and time-dependent manner compared to untreated cells. These results indicate that HPE has antiproliferative activities and maybe the potential to be developed as a natural chemotherapeutic agent.Keywords: Hyptis pectinata (L.) poit extract, cytotoxicity, antiproliferative, MCF-7 cells