bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between naturally occurring lithium in drinking water and suicide rates: systematic review and meta-analysis of ecological studies
Authors: Memon Anjum , Rogers Imogen , Fitzsimmons Sophie M. D. D. , Carter Ben , Strawbridge Rebecca , Hidalgo-Mazzei Diego , Young Allan H.
Published: July 2020

Background

The prevalence of mental health conditions and national suicide rates are increasing in many countries. Lithium is widely and effectively used in pharmacological doses for the treatment and prevention of manic/depressive episodes, stabilising mood and reducing the risk of suicide. Since the 1990s, several ecological studies have tested the hypothesis that trace doses of naturally occurring lithium in drinking water may have a protective effect against suicide in the general population.

Aims

To synthesise the global evidence on the association between lithium levels in drinking water and suicide mortality rates.

Method

The MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases were searched to identify eligible ecological studies published between 1 January 1946 and 10 September 2018. Standardised regression coefficients for total (i.e. both genders combined), male and female suicide mortality rates were extracted and pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016041375).

Results

The literature search identified 415 articles; of these, 15 ecological studies were included in the synthesis. The random-effects meta-analysis showed a consistent protective (or inverse) association between lithium levels/concentration in publicly available drinking water and total (pooled β = −0.27, 95% CI −0.47 to −0.08; P = 0.006, I2 = 83.3%), male (pooled β = −0.26, 95% CI −0.56 to 0.03; P = 0.08, I2 = 91.9%) and female (pooled β = −0.13, 95% CI −0.24 to −0.02; P = 0.03, I2 = 28.5%) suicide mortality rates. A similar protective association was observed in the six studies included in the narrative synthesis, and subgroup meta-analyses based on the higher/lower suicide mortality rates and lithium levels/concentration.

Conclusions

This synthesis of ecological studies, which are subject to the ecological fallacy/bias, supports the hypothesis that there is a protective (or inverse) association between lithium intakes from public drinking water and suicide mortality at the population level. Naturally occurring lithium in drinking water may have the potential to reduce the risk of suicide and may possibly help in mood stabilisation, particularly in populations with relatively high suicide rates and geographical areas with a greater range of lithium concentration in the drinking water. All the available evidence suggests that randomised community trials of lithium supplementation of the water supply might be a means of testing the hypothesis, particularly in communities (or settings) with demonstrated high prevalence of mental health conditions, violent criminal behaviour, chronic substance misuse and risk of suicide.
High Incidence of Early-Onset Colon Cancer in Ethiopia: Clinical and Therapeutic Evaluation With Genetic Mutational Analyses
Authors: Braimoh Grace , Mohmammed Nur Abdulsemed , Sultan Amir , Debes Jose D.
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

Colon cancer has been reported to occur early in certain African regions, but our understanding of the genetic modifications that lead to early disease is incomplete. We aimed to study cases of early colon cancer and the genetic modifications leading to these tumors in Ethiopia.

METHODS

We evaluated all colon masses detected between 2015 and 2018 at Black Lion Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Clinical, endoscopic, and pathology descriptions were assessed for all cases in patients age 30 years or younger. Subsets of pathology block tissues were evaluated for genetic modifications via multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 38 cases of colon cancer in patients age 30 years or younger. These represented 13% of all cases of colon cancer in the 3-year period. Median age was 27 years (interquartile range, 27-30 years), and 50% of individuals were female. None of the cases reported a family history of colon cancer or had evidence of inflammatory bowel disease. The most common presenting symptom was rectal bleeding (57%), followed by a change in bowel habit (22%). All samples but one were identified as adenocarcinoma, 78% were confined to the rectum, and 65% had distant metastasis or locally advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Longer duration of symptoms correlated with the presence of metastasis on diagnosis ( P = .035). Surgery (23%) and chemotherapy (15%) were the most frequently used treatments. We performed genetic analysis of biopsy tissue in a subset of 3 individuals: a 21-year-old male showed decreased copies of APC, an increase in K-ras, V600F mutation in BRAF, and a decrease in MSH2 and MLH1; a 21-year-old female showed duplication of exon 4 APC, a decrease in K-ras, and decreased copies of MSH-2; and a 30-year-old female showed decreased copies of APC, decreased copies of K-ras and BRAF, and decreased copies of MSH2 and MLH1.

CONCLUSION

We report a high incidence of early colon cancer in Ethiopia in patients with no family history or inflammatory bowel disease. Genetic analyses in a subset of patients showed APC and K-ras alterations as well as modifications of the mismatch repair pathway.
Establishing the Vietnam Center of Research Excellence on Cancer and Other Noncommunicable Diseases (V-CORE): Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Tran Thuan V. , Tran Huong T. T. , Hoang Minh V. , Bui Oanh T. , Nguyen Sang M. , Bao Pingping , Cai Qiuyin , Shrubsole Martha , Zheng Wei , Luu Hung N. , Shu Xiao-Ou
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, have emerged as a major public health problem in Vietnam; however, NCD research in Vietnam is limited, primarily because of inadequate research infrastructures, funding, and well-trained investigators. To address these challenges, we established a US-Vietnam-China partnership to plan for building the V-CORE (Vietnam Center of Research Excellence on Cancer and Other Noncommunicable Diseases) with the support of a grant from the US National Cancer Institute. The objectives of this program are to assess the need and current NCD research capabilities and infrastructure in Vietnam and to develop and pilot test research capacity building/enrichment programs, including conducting two research projects for demonstration.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Through a need- and capacity-assessment workshop, with participation of stakeholders in NCD research and prevention in Vietnam, we identified top priorities and gaps and needs in cancer and other NCD research in Vietnam. We organized two site visits for Vietnam National Cancer Institute delegates to observe epidemiologic research field operations, core laboratories, and biorepositories at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, as well as at several partner institutes in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. We organized an in-country workshop on the principles and methodology of epidemiology and biostatistics. We sponsored overseas training for 4 Vietnamese scholars. We conducted two demonstration projects: a case-control study involving 501 patients with breast cancer and 468 controls, and a community survey for diabetes and other metabolic conditions involving 1,035 urban and rural residents of Vietnam. We also jointly sponsored with Vietnam National Cancer Institute an international conference on cancer research and prevention in 2017, and jointly published 11 papers.

CONCLUSION

Within a 3-year period, we have built a productive collaborative network and laid a solid foundation for building the V-CORE in Vietnam. We strive to maintain and expand the collaboration and bring the success of the National Cancer Institute grant work to full fruition.
Mitoubiquinol Mesylate Attenuated Diethyl Nitrosamine–Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Modulation of Mitochondrial Antioxidant Defense Systems
Authors: Adetutu Adisa Rahmat , Adegboyega Sulaimon Lateef , Geraldine Okeke Ebele , OC Ariyo , Biade Abdulkareem Fatimah
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant cancer, with a high recurrence rate and a poor prognosis. Diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) cirrhosis HCC–induced model has revealed an association of cancer progression with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study investigated the effects of mitoubiquinol mesylate (MitoQ), a mitochondrial targeted antioxidant derivative from ubiquinone on DEN-induced oxidative damage in HCC Wistar rats.

METHODS

Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, 10 rats per group. Groups A, B, and C received distilled water 10 mL/kg DEN, and MitoQ orally for 16 weeks, respectively. Animals in group D were pretreated with MitoQ for 1 week followed by coadministration of MitoQ and DEN (protective effect), whereas group E received DEN for 8 weeks, then coadministration of DEN and MitoQ (therapeutic effect) until the end of the study. Survival index, tumor incidence, liver function indices, hematologic profile, mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, and antioxidant defense status were assessed.

RESULTS

Data obtained show that rats in groups D and E had 80% survival and decreased tumor incidence (40% and 60%, respectively) compared with group B. Similarly, MitoQ significantly ( P < .05) decreased the activities of liver function enzymes, while hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, and lymphocytes levels were significantly elevated compared with the DEN-only group. Furthermore, MitoQ significantly ( P < .05) protected the liver from DEN-induced oxidative damage; however, there was no significant difference ( P > .05) between activities of mitochondrial F1F0-ATPase and succinate dehydrogenase of groups A, B, D, and E, respectively, although these enzyme activities were significantly ( P < .05) elevated in group C. Macroscopic and microscopic features indicated a reversal of DEN-induced cellular degeneration in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that MitoQ treatment for 16 weeks attenuated DEN-induced oxidative stress indices via modulation of mitochondrial antioxidant defense systems and could alleviate the burden of HCC as a chemotherapeutic agent.
Multistakeholder Experiences of Providing, Receiving, and Setting Priorities for Lung Cancer Care in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Hlongwana Khumbulani , Lubuzo Buhle , Mlaba Phindile , Zondo Sinenhlanhla , Ginindza Themba
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to explore the key stakeholders’—health care professionals, patients, and family caregivers—experiences of providing, receiving, and setting priorities for lung cancer care in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with a view to propose potentially effective interventions for improved care.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study conducted in 5 communities and 3 hospitals offering oncology services in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Data were generated using in-depth interviews and the nominal group technique. Nineteen patients with lung cancer, 20 family caregivers (FCs) and 18 health care professionals (HCPs) were interviewed, with an additional subsample of 7 HCPs participating in the nominal group technique. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Similar to patients with lung cancer and FCs, HCPs were concerned about the limited access to oncology services and poor lung cancer diagnostic facilities, as these also ranked high in HCPs’ priority settings. Limited access was attributed to a lack of lung cancer awareness and low lung cancer suspicion index among different stakeholders, a shortage of health care specialists, poor diagnostic equipment and general resource constraints, unavailability of diagnostic services at the lowest levels of health care (for example, primary health care), geographic location of specialized services, and poor multidisciplinary collaboration. Patients’ perceptions of the quality of care in public health facilities also affected their treatment-seeking behavior. Challenges experienced at the health care worker-patient level also affected the FCs. For example, FCs were psychosocially and economically affected by the caring responsibilities, which, in turn, was an important determinant of a patient’s care pathways.

CONCLUSION

As a result of this study, new approaches to lung cancer care are being explored, including increased community awareness, the introduction of well-equipped community mobile screening services, patient navigation to track patients, and building cadres for providing and integrating palliative care services into the mainstream health systems.
Collaborative Model for International Telehealth: High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Training for Emerging Radiation Oncology Centers in Lower- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Hatcher Jeremy , Shulman Adam , Dempsey Claire , Chang Betty , Malhotra Sameeksha , Oladeru Oluwadamilola , Tassoto Michael , Sandwall Peter , Dieterich Sonja , Li Benjamin
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a critical treatment modality—both palliative and curative—for gynecologic malignancies that significantly burden low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many of these countries currently have limited capacity to provide necessary brachytherapy treatment. To bridge this gap in LMICs in North Africa and the Middle East, nonprofits Rayos Contra Cancer and Radiating Hope evaluated the efficacy, cost, and feasibility of a pilot HDR brachytherapy continuing medical education curriculum to selected regional cancer centers via videoconferencing.

METHODS

Rayos Contra Cancer and Radiating Hope recruited a global team of HDR brachytherapy content experts. They developed a 16-week curriculum and recruited 10 regional cancer center partners in LMICs throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Nepal. The curriculum included 17 sessions shared via live Zoom videoconferences. A lead correspondent was assigned for communication at each center. Attendance was taken during each call, and pre- and postsession Likert-scale (1 to 5 points) surveys were collected from participants that assessed their confidence in 15 practical competencies in HDR brachytherapy and overall confidence in their ability to provide services and teach others.

RESULTS

A total of 326 attendance hours was recorded during the curriculum. Among 46 participants, the average paired confidence scores increased pre- versus postcurriculum in all 15 practical competencies, with an average improvement of 1.2 out of 5 and significant P values in all 15 topics. Absolute improvements were largest for confidence in applicator commissioning (2.3 to 3.8, P = .0015), TPS commissioning (2.2 to 3.7, P = .0010), and commissioning an HDR machine (2.2 to 4.0, P = .00096). Participant confidence significantly increased in ability to provide services (3.5 to 4.2, P = .0023) and teach others (3.4 to 3.9, P = .013). There was no cost to provide this training, and more than 4,300 patients are treated annually with HDR brachytherapy at participating centers.

CONCLUSION

This novel low-cost telehealth model for HDR brachytherapy training is a promising vehicle for advancing cancer care in LMICs. Postcourse surveys demonstrated increased confidence in both providing care and teaching in HDR brachytherapy, and sessions were well attended. A video-based telehealth teaching platform enabled expert HDR brachytherapy providers and physicists to reach growing cancer centers worldwide.
Hepatitis B Virus Screening and Management for Patients With Cancer Prior to Therapy: ASCO Provisional Clinical Opinion Update
Authors: Hwang Jessica P. , Feld Jordan J. , Hammond Sarah P. , Wang Su H. , Alston-Johnson Devena E. , Cryer Donna R. , Hershman Dawn L. , Loehrer Andrew P. , Sabichi Anita L. , Symington Banu E. , Terrault Norah , Wong Melisa L. , Somerfield Mark R. , Artz Andrew S.
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

This Provisional Clinical Opinion update presents a clinically pragmatic approach to hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening and management.

PROVISIONAL CLINICAL OPINION

All patients anticipating systemic anticancer therapy should be tested for HBV by 3 tests—hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) total immunoglobulin (Ig) or IgG, and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen—but anticancer therapy should not be delayed. Findings of chronic HBV (HBsAg-positive) or past HBV (HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc–positive) infection require HBV reactivation risk assessment. Patients with chronic HBV receiving any systemic anticancer therapy should receive antiviral prophylactic therapy through and for minimum 12 months following anticancer therapy. Hormonal therapy alone should not pose a substantial risk of HBV reactivation in patients with chronic HBV receiving hormonal therapy alone; these patients may follow noncancer HBV monitoring and treatment guidance. Coordination of care with a clinician experienced in HBV management is recommended for patients with chronic HBV to determine HBV monitoring and long-term antiviral therapy after completion of anticancer therapy. Patients with past HBV infection undergoing anticancer therapies associated with a high risk of HBV reactivation, such as anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies or stem-cell transplantation, should receive antiviral prophylaxis during and for minimum 12 months after anticancer therapy completion, with individualized management thereafter. Careful monitoring may be an alternative if patients and providers can adhere to frequent, consistent follow-up so antiviral therapy may begin at the earliest sign of reactivation. Patients with past HBV undergoing other systemic anticancer therapies not clearly associated with a high risk of HBV reactivation should be monitored with HBsAg and alanine aminotransferase during cancer treatment; antiviral therapy should commence if HBV reactivation occurs. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .
CNS Metastases in Patients With MET Exon 14–Altered Lung Cancers and Outcomes With Crizotinib
Authors: Offin Michael , Luo Jia , Guo Robin , Lyo John K. , Falcon Christina , Dienstag Jordan , Wilkins Olivia , Chang Jason , Rudin Charles M. , Riely Gregory , Rekhtman Natasha , Arcila Maria E. , Heller Glenn , Ladanyi Marc , Li Bob T. , Kris Mark G. , Paik Paul , Drilon Alexander
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

Although MET exon 14 ( METex14)–altered lung cancers were first identified more than a decade and a half ago, the frequency of CNS metastatic disease remains poorly defined. Furthermore, the seminal trial of crizotinib in these patients (PROFILE 1001) did not report patterns of CNS response or progression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with pathologically confirmed, advanced non–small-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) harboring a METex14 alteration by targeted DNA/RNA sequencing were studied. The incidence of brain metastases and the outcomes of MET inhibition with crizotinib were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients with METex14-altered metastatic NSCLC were identified. The incidence of CNS metastases at diagnosis was 17% (95% CI, 10% to 27%). The lifetime incidence was 36% (95% CI, 26% to 47%); 83% of patients had parenchymal disease, and 17% had leptomeningeal disease. The probability of having brain metastasis at 1, 2, and 3 years was 24%, 35%, and 38%, respectively. Fifty-four patients received crizotinib. The median time to radiologic CNS progression was 5.8 months (range, 3.7-20.0 months). Patterns of crizotinib progression were as follows: intracranial only in 10% of patients, intracranial and extracranial in 12%, and extracranial only in 78%. In patients with brain metastases before treatment, the median time on crizotinib was 7.5 months (range, 7.2-11.7 months).

CONCLUSION

CNS metastases, including leptomeningeal disease, occurred in more than a third of patients with METex14-altered lung cancers. In crizotinib-treated patients with or without CNS metastases, CNS failure was seen in less than a quarter of patients on progression.
The Concordance Between Imaging and Adrenal Vein Sampling Varies With Aldosterone-Driver Somatic Mutation
Authors: Wannachalee Taweesak , Caoili Elaine , Nanba Kazutaka , Nanba Aya , Rainey William E , Shields James J , Turcu Adina F
Published: July 2020

Background

Correct subtyping of primary aldosteronism (PA) is critical for guiding clinical management. Adrenal imaging is less accurate than adrenal vein sampling (AVS); nonetheless, AVS is invasive, technically challenging, and scarcely available.

Objective

To identify predictors of concordance between cross-sectional imaging and lateralized AVS in patients with PA that could help circumvent AVS in a subset of patients.

Methods

We retrospectively studied all patients with PA who underwent AVS in a tertiary referral center from 2009 to 2019. AVS was performed before and after cosyntropin stimulation. Patients with lateralized AVS in at least one condition were included. Aldosterone synthase-guided next-generation sequencing was performed on available adrenal tissue. Logistic regression was implemented to identify predictors of imaging-AVS lateralization concordance.

Results

A total of 234 patients (62% men), age 20 to 79 years, 73% white, 23% black, and 2% Asian were included. AVS lateralization was found: 1) both pre- and post-cosyntropin (Uni/Uni) in 138 patients; 2) only at baseline (Uni/Bi) in 39 patients; 3) only after cosyntropin stimulation (Bi/Uni) in 29 patients. Catheterization partially failed in 28 patients. AVS-imaging agreement was higher in patients with KCNJ5 versus other aldosterone-driver somatic mutations (90.3% versus 64.6%; P < 0.001); in Asian and white versus black Americans (75%, 70%, and 36%, respectively); in younger patients; and those with left adrenal nodules and contralateral suppression. Conversely, AVS-imaging agreement was lowest in Uni/Bi patients (38% vs. 69% in Uni/Uni, and 62% in Bi/Uni; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

While AVS-imaging agreement is higher in young white and Asian patients, who have KCNJ5-mutated aldosterone producing adenomas, no predictor confers absolute imaging accuracy.
Oral D/L-3-Hydroxybutyrate Stimulates Cholecystokinin and Insulin Secretion and Slows Gastric Emptying in Healthy Males
Authors: Rittig Nikolaj , Svart Mads , Thomsen Henrik Holm , Vestergaard Esben Thyssen , Rehfeld Jens Frederik , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens Juul , Johannsen Mogens , Møller Niels , Jessen Niels
Published: July 2020

Background

D-3-hydroxybutyrate (D-3-OHB) is a ketone body that serves as an alternative nutritional fuel but also as an important signaling metabolite. Oral ketone supplements containing D/L-3-OHB are becoming a popular approach to achieve ketosis.

Aim

To explore the gut-derived effects of ketone supplements.

Methods

Eight healthy lean male volunteers were investigated on 2 separate occasions:

An acetaminophen test was performed to evaluate gastric emptying and blood samples were obtained consecutively throughout the study period.

Results

We show that oral consumption of D/L-3-OHB stimulates cholecystokinin release (P = 0.02), elevates insulin (P = 0.03) and C-peptide (P < 0.001) concentrations, and slows gastric emptying (P = 0.01) compared with matched intravenous D/L-3-OHB administration. Measures of appetite and plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) were unaffected by interventions.

Conclusion

Our findings show that D/L-3-OHB exert incretin effects and indicate luminal sensing in the gut endothelium. This adds to our understanding of ketones as signaling metabolites and displays the important difference between physiological ketosis and oral ketone supplements.
History-Bound Reelections
Authors: Gersbach Hans
Published: July 2020

We introduce history-bound reelections. In their simple form, they consist in a “ score-replication rule.” Under such a rule, an incumbent has to match the highest vote share he or she has obtained in any previous election in order to be reelected. We develop a simple three-period model to examine score-replication rules. We show that suitable variants of such rules can improve welfare, as they reduce the tendency of reelected incumbents to indulge in their own preferences, and they ensure that able officeholders are reelected. Candidates might offer their own score-replication rule in campaigns. We outline how political competition may be affected by such new forms of elections. (JEL D72, D83)
Market Panics, Frenzies, and Informational Efficiency: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Kendall Chad
Published: July 2020

In a market rush, the fear of future adverse price movements causes traders to trade before they become well informed, reducing the informational efficiency of the market. I derive theoretical conditions under which market rushes are equilibrium behavior and study how well these conditions organize trading behavior in a laboratory implementation of the model. Market rushes, including both panics and frenzies, occur more frequently when predicted by theory. However, subjects use commonly discussed, momentum-like strategies that lead to informational losses not predicted by theory, suggesting that these strategies may exacerbate both the occurrence and consequences of panics and frenzies. (JEL C91, D83, G14, G41)
The effect of the addition of propolis to resin-modified glass ionomer cement bracket adhesive materials on the growth inhibition zone of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Saputra Stefani Kristanti , Sutantyo Darmawan , Farmasyanti Cendrawasih Andusyana , Alhasyimi Ananto Ali
Published: July 2020

Background: Orthodontic treatments progress alongside the development of adhesive materials. The present study aimed to determine the antibacterial properties of propolis, a natural product, in a mixture of resin-modified glass ionomer cement by observing the growth inhibition zone of Streptococcus mutans.

Methods: This was an in vitro study conducted on 45 samples of adhesive material, which were divided into control group (resin-modified glass ionomer cement bracket adhesive material), two groups of propolis concentrations (15%, and 25%) and duration (0, 15, and 30 days). The antibacterial effect of each sample was evaluated against S. mutans using an agar plate diffusion test. Measurement of the diameter of the growth inhibition zone of S. mutans was carried out. The data obtained were analyzed statisticallyThe significance value of the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney test was set at p <0.05, while the significance value of the normality and homogeneity test was set at p> 0.05). Datas in this study that were not normally distributed (p = 0.012) but homogeneous (p = 0.110) were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (p = 0.003) and then the Mann-Whitney test was performed to determine differences in significance between groups.

Results: There was a relationship between concentration and duration of propolis to the growth inhibition zone of S. mutans (p=0.003). The addition of 25% propolis concentration inhibited the growth of S. mutans more than the addition of 15% and without propolis (control group). The addition of propolis to resin-modified glass ionomer cement for 15 days was more effective in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans.

Conclusion: The addition of propolis to adhesive materials provides an inhibitory effect on the growth of S. mutans, which may be effective in the world of preventive dentistry.
Family Planning in Zambia: An Investment Pillar for Economic Development
Authors: Mbizvo Michael T. , Bellows Nicole , Rosen Joseph G. , Mupeta Stephen , Mwiche Chisha A. , Bellows Ben
Published: July 2020

Family planning represents a ‘best buy’ in global efforts to achieve sustainable development and attain improvements in sexual and reproductive health. By meeting contraceptive needs of all women, significant public health impact and development gains accrue. At the same time, governments face the complex challenge of allocating finite resources to competing priorities, each of which presents known and unknown challenges and opportunities. Zambia has experienced a slow but steady increase in contraceptive prevalence, with slight decline in total fertility rate (TFR), over the past 20 years. Drawing from the Zambian context, including a review of current policy solutions, we present a case for making investments in voluntary family planning (FP), underpinned by a human rights framework, as a pillar for accelerating development and socio-economic advancement. Through multilevel interventions aimed at averting unintended pregnancies, Zambia – and other low- and middle-income countries – can reduce their age dependency ratios and harness economic growth opportunities awarded by the demographic dividend while improving the health and quality of life of the population.
O GÓTICO, O SUBLIME E A DISTOPIA: UMA LEITURA DE 1984
Authors: Bellas João Pedro
Published: July 2020

Este trabalho tem como principal objetivo refletir sobre uma possível aproximação entre o gótico e a distopia a partir de um estudo do romance 1984, de George Orwell. Apesar das diversas dificuldades existentes em qualquer tentativa de definição de ambos como gêneros discursivos, pretendo delimitar algumas características formais recorrentes tanto em narrativas góticas como naquelas tomadas como distópicas. Com isso em vista, buscarei explorar mais profundamente um elemento específico, a saber, o sublime. No Gótico setecentista, esse conceito estético foi amplamente mobilizado por autores como Matthew Lewis e, principalmente, Ann Radcliffe, tanto como um elemento formal para a construção do enredo – especialmente em descrições do espaço narrativo – quanto como um efeito de recepção que se buscava suscitar no leitor. Portanto, pretendo verificar se o sublime é um elemento constitutivo de 1984 para, a partir dele, analisar se é possível descrever o romance de Orwell como uma obra de influxos góticos.
A REPRESENTAÇÃO DA DISTOPIA EM “MELLONTA TAUTA”, DE EDGAR ALLAN POE
Authors: Gabriel Maria Alice Ribeiro , Santos Luciane Alves
Published: July 2020

No final do século XIX, numerosas narrativas abordaram com irreverência as consequências sociais e culturais de movimentos utópicos falhos e que se converteram em distopias. A proposta deste ensaio é apontar determinados princípios utópicos e distópicos na prosa ficcional de Edgar Allan Poe. A fim de melhor delimitar o estudo, nos deteremos na análise do conto “Mellonta Tauta” (1849), que evidencia um futuro decadente e pessimista. O cenário distópico de “Mellonta Tauta” sugere questões éticas sobre utopias democráticas e o futuro do homem em relação à tecnociência como progresso social.
A CONSTRUÇÃO DE MONSTROS EM JOGOS VORAZES
Authors: Farias Cássia
Published: July 2020

Um dos elementos do Gótico que frequentemente pode ser encontrado nas distopias é a monstruosidade.  O Gótico, desde suas origens, trata de ansiedades culturais e aparece como uma reação às transformações sociais decorrentes da modernidade (BOTTING, 2005) – nesse sistema, o monstro funciona como uma representação dessas preocupações ao ameaçar a ordem. Historicamente, o monstro faz um alerta, desempenhando um papel moral e promovendo comportamentos virtuosos ao mostrar os riscos do vício e da insensatez (PUNTER; BYRON, 2004). Tendo isso em mente, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar como a monstruosidade se faz presente na trilogia Jogos Vorazes (2008-2010), de Suzanne Collins, abordando como esses monstros são construídos e qual o seu papel nas narrativas, a fim de estabelecer o que eles revelam sobre a sociedade representada nos romances.
O GÓTICO E A FIGURA DO DUPLO EM "USS CALLISTER"
Authors: Moura Victoria Barros , Sasse Pedro
Published: July 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar a forma como a figura do duplo é representada no cenário da ficção científica, focando na busca pelo controle que essa figura possibilita ao Homem e como ela revela a monstruosidade do humano. Para tal análise, o episódio “USS Callister” (2017), da série de televisão britânica Black Mirror, será utilizado. Por ser um produto de ficção científica, a criação de um duplo é possível através da reprodução do Eu, através de procedimentos tecnológicos. É interesse deste artigo analisar as consequências desta reprodução: a objetificação do Outro, para benefício próprio, e também a busca excessiva pelo controle e poder. No que diz respeito à literatura, Julian Wolfreys (2002), utilizando o conceito de unheimlich de Freud (2010), analisa a ameaça que o duplo é capaz de despertar no Eu original. Ele observa que, ao mesmo tempo em que o elemento inquietante vem de um lugar familiar, ele fora reprimido; o que assombra o indivíduo é a volta do que foi renegado. Já, em “USS Callister”, por sua vez, o duplo não é a única figura que assombra; o Homem assume essa posição quando decide criar cópias humanas, com o propósito de explorá-las para satisfação pessoal. Nessa inversão de papéis, em que a figura monstruosa consiste no ser humano e a vítima é representada pelo duplo, portanto, este artigo não só se propõe a investigar como a representação do duplo é possível dentro da ficção científica, mas também como ela é capaz de revelar um lado sombrio e cruel no Homem, uma vez que ele se mostra disposto a objetificar uma parte do Outro para se beneficiar, de alguma maneira.
"I LIVE WITH DOUBLENESS": GÓTICO, FICÇÃO CIENTÍFICA E DISTOPIA EM FRANKISSSTEIN DE JEANETTE WINTERSON
Authors: Braga Neves Júlia
Published: July 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o entrelaçamento dos gêneros literários gótico, ficção científica e distopia em Frankissstein, romance de Jeanette Winterson publicado em 2019. O foco da discussão será voltado para as representações do duplo, do trans e pós-humanismo em relação às construções do corpo, de gênero e de sexualidade. Argumenta-se que o romance de Winterson se utiliza de temas já abordados por Mary Shelley em Frankenstein, como a ciência, a discussão sobre a natureza do homem e a relação entre o homem e a natureza, para refletir sobre os desdobramentos dos avanços científicos e tecnológicos na inteligência artificial, e sobre as questões que dizem respeito à transsexualidade, feminilidade e masculinidade.
Why I © social media
Authors: Meldrum Eloise
Published: July 2020

Dental nurse Eloise Meldrum shares her enthusiasm for communication in a virtual world
Zero-nonzero Patterns that Allow or Require an Inertia Set Related to Dynamical Systems
Authors: Gao Wei , Shao Yanling
Published: July 2020

The inertia of an $n\times n$ real matrix $B$, denoted by $\hbox{i}(B)$, is the ordered triple $\hbox{i}(B)=(i_+(B)$, $i_-(B), i_0(B) )$, in which $i_+(B)$, $i_-(B)$ and $i_0(B)$ are the numbers of its eigenvalues (counting multiplicities) with positive, negative and zero real parts, respectively. The inertia of an $n\times n$ zero-nonzero pattern ${\cal A}$ is the set $\hbox{i}({\cal A})=\{\hbox{i}(B) \mid B\in Q({\cal A})\}$. For $n\ge 2$, let $$\mathbb{S}_n^*=\{(0,n,0), (0,n-1,1), (1,n-1,0), (n,0,0), (n-1,0,1), (n-1,1,0)\}.$$

An $n\times n$ zero-nonzero pattern ${\cal A}$ allows $\mathbb{S}_n^*$ if $\mathbb{S}_n^* \subseteq \hbox{i}({\cal A})$ and requires $\mathbb{S}_n^*$ if $\mathbb{S}_n^*=\hbox{i}({\cal A})$. In this paper, it is shown that there are no zero-nonzero patterns for order $n\ge 2$ that require $\mathbb{S}_n^*$. Also, a complete characterization of zero-nonzero star patterns of order $n\ge 3$ that allow $\mathbb{S}_n^*$ is given.
Optimization of Sowing Date, Irrigation, and Nitrogen Management of Summer Maize Using the DSSAT-CERES-Maize Model in the Guanzhong Plain, China
Authors: Shen Hongzheng , Xu Fangping , Zhao Rongheng , Xing Xuguang , Ma Xiaoyi
Published: July 2020

Highlights

Good applicability of DSSAT was validated in simulating summer maize yield in the Guanzhong Plain, China.

Optimal sowing dates of summer maize were obtained for different climatic years.

The optimal irrigation and nitrogen management strategy conserved water and nitrogen.

Abstract. Agricultural system models play an important role in simulating crop growth processes and water and fertilizer regulation in arid regions. To solve the current problems of optimizing the sowing date in different climatic years and the fertilizer application in low-precipitation conditions in the Guanzhong Plain, China, this study used two years (2016-2017) of experimental summer maize field data to calibrate and validate Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT) model parameters. The validated DSSAT model was then used to simulate and optimize sowing dates, irrigation, and fertilization of summer maize crops in the Guanzhong Plain. The relative root-mean-square error (nRMSE) between the measured and simulated values of summer maize crop yield was 8.57%, proving that the established DSSAT model and crop parameters were highly reliable. The nRMSE values for soil water content and nitrate-nitrogen were 7.86% and 8.72%, respectively, which indicated better simulation results. The optimal sowing date for summer maize in the Guanzhong Plain were mid- to late June, mid-June, and early to mid-June in wet, general, and dry years, respectively. The irrigation and nitrogen strategies for summer maize in the climatic years were as follows: 60 mm and 180 kg ha-1 in wet years, 60 mm and 180 kg ha-1 in general years, and 150 mm and 150 kg ha-1 in dry years. This study provides a scientific decision-making method for the production of summer maize to conserve water and fertilizer. Keywords: . Climatic year, DSSAT, Guanzhong Plain, Sowing date, Summer maize.
Kinetic studies on the adsorption of phenol from aqueous solution by coffee husk activated carbon
Authors: Ta Huu Son , Le Van Khu , Luong Thi Thu Thuy , Ha Thanh Hoa
Published: July 2020

The kinetics of phenol adsorption from aqueous solution on activated carbons (ACs) obtained from coffee husk by potassium Hydroxide (KOH) activation at 650 and 750oC have been studied in the range of     100-250 mg L-1 initial phenol concentrations and at the temperatures range of 10 – 40oC. Kinetic models for phenol adsorption were evaluated using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich models. The adsorption mechanism was investigated using Reichenberg, Boyd, and Weber and Morris models. The adsorption on coffee husk activated carbon was found to be a fast or speedy process with the adsorption rate, k2qe, in the range of 0.130 to 0.977 min-1. The adsorption process was mainly physical and promoted by chemical sorption and controlled not only by intra-particle diffusion but also by pore diffusion throughout the entire adsorption period.
How to Tremble Beyond Sovereignty: Derrida and Beckett
Authors: Martell James
Published: July 2020

Nuestra principal hipótesis sostiene que, para comprender el temblor singular de la obra filosófica de Derrida y, con él, su significado filosófico-político, hemos de examinar no solo la concepción derridiana de la escritura y, específicamente, de la literatura, sino también la resonancia de su trabajo con el de un autor que aparece como su propio fantasma: Samuel Beckett. Esta indagación seguirá el temblor entre ambos autores hasta sus últimas consecuencias, donde no solo los límites del lenguaje, sino también los de cualquier forma de soberanía, se quiebran a través de este seísmo espectral.
Contagio social: guerra de clases microbiológica en China
Authors: Moscoso Cala Javier
Published: July 2020

Reseña de: CHUANG, (2020), Contagio social: guerra de clases microbiológica en China. Rosario: Lazo.
Singularidad, forma y gobierno. Lucrecio y los términos de un republicanismo material y salvaje
Authors: Díaz-Letelier Gonzalo
Published: July 2020

A propósito de Lezra, J. (2020). República salvaje. De la naturaleza de las cosas. Santiago de Chile: Ediciones Macul.
Picostrain-resolution fiber-optic sensing down to sub-10  mHz infrasonic frequencies
Authors: Hoque Nabil Md Rakinul , Duan Lingze
Published: July 2020

High-resolution strain sensing based on long, high-finesse fiber Fabry–Perot interferometers (FFPIs) has been demonstrated with a special focus on the infrasonic frequency range. A novel dual-FFPI scheme allows the large environment-induced background at low frequencies to be suppressed, permitting high strain resolution limited only by excess electronic noise. Noise-equivalent strain resolution of257pε/√Hzhas been achieved at 6 mHz, and the resolution improves to∼200fε/√Hzbetween 4–20 Hz. Without the use of any additional optical frequency references and with only off-the shelf commercial components, these resolutions are much better than most in the prior reports. Especially, an improvement of a factor of 1.8 is achieved in comparison with the highest resolution reported so far near 5 Hz. The limiting factors of the current scheme have been analyzed in detail, and the application prospects have been demonstrated using an acoustic transducer. The work lays out the potential of using long FFPIs with high finesse for high-resolution fiber-optic sensing in the infrasonic frequency range.
Quantum correlations under the effect of a thermal environment in a triangular optomechanical cavity
Authors: El Bir Oumayma , El Baz Morad
Published: July 2020

We quantify the stationary correlations between the optical mode and the relative mechanical mode of a ring cavity composed of a fixed mirror and two movable ones in a triangular design. Using a ring cavity configuration not only enhances the optomechanical coupling by the displacement of the two movable mirrors, but also the circulation of the optical power inside the cavity enhances the intensity of the pumping power, not as in the case of a linear cavity. The bipartite covariance matrix is used to evaluate the logarithmic negativity as a measure of entanglement, the Gaussian quantum discord as a measure of total quantum correlations, and the mutual information as a measure of the overall correlations. The behavior of these quantities with respect to the environment’s temperature as well as other parameters, such as the laser pumping power and mass of the movable mirrors, is discussed.
Probing the optical chiral response of single nanoparticles with optical tweezers
Authors: Ali Rfaqat , Pinheiro F. A. , Dutra R. S. , Rosa F. S. S. , Maia Neto P. A.
Published: July 2020

We propose an enantioselective scheme to sort homogeneous chiral particles using optical tweezers. For a certain range of material parameters, we show that a highly focused circularly polarized laser beam traps particles of a specific chirality selected by the handedness of the trapping beam. Furthermore, by applying a transverse Stokes drag force that displaces the trapped particle off-axis, we allow for the rotation of the particle center-of-mass around the trapping beam axis. The rotation angle is highly dependent on the handedness of the trapped particle and is easily measurable with standard video-microscopy techniques, allowing for an alternative mechanism for chiral resolution. Our platform not only allows for enantio selection of particles dispersed in solution but also paves the way to characterization of the chiral parameter of individual, homogeneous chiral microspheres using optical tweezing.
Pixel-density and viewing-angle enhanced integral 3D display with parallel projection of multiple UHD elemental images
Authors: Watanabe Hayato , Okaichi Naoto , Sasaki Hisayuki , Kawakita Masahiro
Published: July 2020

This paper presents an integral three-dimensional (3D) display that efficiently enhances both the pixel densities and viewing angles of 3D images with parallel projection of elemental images. In the proposed method, ultra-high-definition (UHD) elemental images are projected and superimposed as parallel light rays from densely arranged compact UHD projectors onto a lens array. Three-dimensional images with enhanced pixel densities and viewing angles can be displayed by optimizing the projector positions and system design. The prototype yielded a horizontal pixel density of 63.5 ppi, approximately 97,000 pixels, and a viewing angle of approximately 30°, making it superior to previous integral 3D display systems.
Parameter optimization of a single-FOV-double-region celestial navigation system
Authors: Jiang Jie , Ma Yan , Zhang Guangjun
Published: July 2020

A single field of view (FOV) celestial navigation system (SFCNS) is a navigation system that uses only one camera to observe stars. This system not only requires nonrefracted stars for attitude measurement but also refracted stars via the atmosphere for position measurement. Different from traditional star sensors, the ability of SFCNS to observe a sufficient number of nonrefracted stars and refracted stars is not only related to the camera parameters used by the system but also to the observation attitude of the system. Moreover, its measurement accuracy depends on these parameters. For the SFCNS, both a reasonable distribution of the area ratio of the refraction and nonrefraction regions in the image and a proper design of camera parameters are important. Thus, a single-FOV-double-region global parameter optimization model is established to describe the relationship between the observation attitude, camera parameters, union star detection probability, and measurement error. The smallest measurement error and the maximum union star detection probability are set as the optimization objects. Through optimization, an optimal design scheme is provided. Eventually, a simulation experiment is conducted, proving that the proposed optimal design scheme has a union detection probability of 61%, an attitude measurement error of 0.57′′, and an orbit height measurement error below 100 m.
Design of phoxonic virtual waveguides for both electromagnetic and elastic waves based on the self-collimation effect: an application to enhance acousto-optic interaction
Authors: Shu Yaoyao , Yu Minghuai , Yu Tianbao , Liu Wenxing , Wang Tongbiao , Liao Qinghua
Published: July 2020

The dual beam guides for transverse-electric and transverse-magnetic polarizations of electromagnetic (EM) wave and elastic wave in defect-free phoxonic crystals are reported. The realization for phoxonic virtual waveguides relies on dual ﬂat equifrequency contours (EFCs) enabling self-collimation for EM and elastic waves. As a possible application of our work, the enhanced acousto-optic (AO) interaction in this kind of defect-free phoxonic waveguide, just as it does in defect-based waveguides, is further studied. Results show that obvious shifts of the transmission peaks of EM waves exist for both polarizations during one period of the elastic wave, and single-phonon exchange dominates the AO interaction. This kind of phoxonic virtual waveguide provides an effective platform to enhance AO interaction and exhibits some advantage over defect-based waveguides by properly manipulating the photonic and phononic dispersion surfaces.
Wafer-scale low-loss lithium niobate photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Luke Kevin , Kharel Prashanta , Reimer Christian , He Lingyan , Loncar Marko , Zhang Mian
Published: July 2020

Thin-film lithium niobate (LN) photonic integrated circuits (PICs) could enable ultrahigh performance in electro-optic and nonlinear optical devices. To date, realizations have been limited to chip-scale proof-of-concepts. Here we demonstrate monolithic LN PICs fabricated on 4- and 6-inch wafers with deep ultraviolet lithography and show smooth and uniform etching, achieving 0.27 dB/cm optical propagation loss on wafer-scale. Our results show that LN PICs are fundamentally scalable and can be highly cost-effective.