bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the insecticidal activity of oral afoxolaner against Phlebotomus perniciosus in dogs
Authors: Perier Nadège , Lebon Wilfried , Meyer Leon , Lekouch Noua , Aouiche Nesrine , Beugnet Frédéric
Published: November 2019

Twelve healthy dogs were included in this laboratory efficacy study. Six dogs were randomly allocated based on body weight to an untreated control group and six to an afoxolaner (NexGard®) treated group. In the treatment group, afoxolaner was administered orally on Day 0 in accordance with label instructions. On Days 1, 14 and 28, each dog was exposed to 60 unfed female and 10 male Phlebotomus perniciosus sandflies for 1 h. At the end of each exposure period, sandflies were counted and assessed for viability and feeding status. There was no statistical difference in mortality (0.0–5.4%), nor in feeding proportion (61.6–78%) between the control and the treated groups at all 1-h post-exposure assessments. After collection, live fed and unfed sandflies were kept for viability assessments at 48 and 72 h post-exposure. In the untreated control group, the average percentages of live, fed, female sandflies after exposure, on Days 1, 14 and 28, ranged from 51% to 74% at 48 h and from 46% to 57% at 72 h, demonstrating model robustness over the 28 days of the study. Significantly fewer live fed sandflies were recorded for the afoxolaner treated group (p < 0.01). The insecticidal efficacy was 100%, 95.9% and 75.2% at 48 h post Days 1, 14 and 28 exposures, respectively, and 100%, 100% and 86.3% at 72 h post Days 1, 14, and 28 exposures, respectively. A single administration of oral afoxolaner (NexGard®) to dogs significantly killed P. perniciosus sandflies 48 and 72 h after blood feeding for 1 month.
Surgical Reconstruction Options in Chronic Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures – Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Riesner Hans-Joachim , Hackenbroch Carsten , Lang Patricia , Achatz Gerhard , Palm Hans-Georg , Friemert Benedikt
Published: November 2019

Introduction Chronic distal biceps tendon ruptures are rare and conservative or operative treatment options are suitable. There is a consensus in the literature in case of acute traumatic ruptures the operative refixation should be preferred. Disagreement exists in the best way of care of old ruptures (> 4 weeks) of distal biceps tendon. Several kinds of refixation possibilities up to tendon grafts are described. Aim of this publication is showing an overview of the literature of the approved methods in reconstruction of the distal biceps tendon using autogenous and allogenic grafts, comparing the outcomes and transferring them on an own case.

Material and Methods A literature research was carried out using the online medical database “PubMed” with the following keywords “chronic rupture distal biceps tendon, surgical techniques”. 59 citations were found concerning the topic, 37 publications were relevant for this work.

Results There is consensus that even in chronic ruptures the operative management of the distal biceps tendon generates the best results. Consistently the experiences and results of only little patient collectives are reported. Numerous techniques of surgery are described without predominance of one method. Reinsertions of the tendon butts are reported in different techniques: with achilles, palmaris longus, fascia lata, triceps, quadriceps and semitendinosus tendon grafts. All together they showed postoperative satisfactory results.

Conclusion With surgical treatment of chronic ruptured distal biceps tendons comparable outcomes can be achieved by primary refixation and graft augmentations. In case of graft augmentations several tissue options are available which showed in all cases satisfactory functional results in the end.
Hyperuricemia Inhibition Protects SD Rats Against Fructose-Induced Obesity Hypertension Via Modulation of Inflammation and Renin-Angiotensin System in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Zhang Jun Xia , Lin Xue , Xu Jinxiu , Tang Feng
Published: November 2019

Objective The present study was aimed to reveal the relationship between uric acid and fructose-induced obesity hypertension and its mechanisms.

Methods A rat model with obesity hypertension was induced by a high-fructose diet. In the experiment I, the rats were fed with fructose for 8 wks along with allopurinol or benzbromarone at the beginning. In the experiment II, the rats were fed with fructose for 8 wks firstly. And then, these rats were treated with allopurinol or benzbromarone for additional 6 wks.

Results Fructose-fed rats showed hyperuricemia, abdominal obesity hypertension and an activation in adipose renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Also, fructose-fed rats had higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines and more macrophages infiltrating in adipose tissue. In the experiment I, allopurinol and benzbromarone significantly reduced serum uric acid at 8 wk. Adipose RAS overactivation, adipose inflammatory responses and the development of obesity hypertension were all effectively prevented by hyperuricemia inhibition. In the experiment II, 6-wk treatment with allopurinol and benzbromarone significantly decreased serum uric acid, downregulated adipose RAS, abolished adipose inflammation and improved obesity hypertension.

Conclusion In conclusion, urate-lowering therapy protects rats against fructose-induced obesity hypertension. The mechanisms appear to be via downregulated adipose RAS and reduced inflammation in adipose tissue.
DNVF-Memorandum – Gesundheits- und Medizin-Apps (GuMAs)
Authors: Kramer Ursula , Borges Uirassu , Fischer Florian , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Pobiruchin Monika , Vollmar Horst Christian
Published: November 2019

Das Memorandum adressiert Fragestellungen wie Angebot, objektiven Bedarf und Nettonutzen von Gesundheits- und Medizin-Apps (GuMAs), ethische Standards und Risiken, die von der Versorgungsforschung durch geeignete methodische Ansätze untersucht und beantwortet werden sollten. Diese Fragestellungen beziehen sich auf die Aspekte Patientensicherheit, Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität, versorgungsrelevante Aspekte digitaler Anwendungen und deren Einsatz in und für die wissenschaftliche Forschung.
Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Atropisomeric Quinolines through the Friedländer Reaction
Authors: Wan Junlin , Liu Hongxin , Lan Yunjun , Li Xinhua , Hu Xingena , Li Juan , Xiao Hong-Ping , Jiang Jun
Published: November 2019

A phosphoric acid catalyzed atroposelective Friedländer reaction was developed in which acetylacetone and a variety of 2′-substituted 2-aminobenzophenones were successfully employed to give optically active biaryl quinolines in good yields and with high enantioselectivities.
Presentación clínico-patológica del adenocarcinoma prostático en un Hospital de tercer nivel en Colombia
Authors: Lecompte-Osorio Paola , Lázaro Andrés , Benedetti Inés
Published: November 2019

Objetivo Mundialmente, el cáncer de próstata es la segunda neoplasia maligna más frecuente en hombres a nivel mundial y la primera en Colombia. Se determinaron las características clínico-patológicas de los casos de cáncer de próstata diagnosticados en un hospital de la región caribe colombiana.

Métodos Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia. Se analizaron las características clínicas y patológicas de todos los pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer de próstata en el Hospital Universitario del Caribe durante los años 2007 a 2014.

Resultados Se documentaron 394 casos, con edad promedio de 71,13 años (DE ± 8,25). El puntaje de Gleason fue mayor o igual a 8 en el 31,7%. En biopsias hubo localización bilateral del tumor en un 73,5% y compromiso tumoral mayor al 40% del tejido en el 73,2% de los casos. En un 5,8% de los pacientes, hubo valores de PSA normales. Se dio una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el PSA y el examen digital rectal (p = 0,0009), puntaje de Gleason (p < 0,0001) y porcentaje de compromiso tumoral en biopsias (p < 0,0012). La combinación PSA más examen digital rectal obtuvo una sensibilidad del 96%.

Conclusiones Gran parte de los casos de cáncer de próstata se diagnostican en estadios avanzados. La mayor sensibilidad para el diagnóstico clínico la tiene el uso del PSA más el examen digital rectal, sin dejar de lado la experiencia clínica que permite diagnosticarlo aún con PSA o examen digital rectal normales. Esos hallazgos deben promover la educación de la población.
Influence of Intensive Care Unit Enlightenment on Premature Infants on Functional Brain Maturation Assessed by Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalograph
Authors: Tandircioglu Umit Ayse , Guzoglu Nilufer , Gucuyener Kivilcim , Aliefendioglu Didem
Published: November 2019

Objective Amplitude-integrated electroencephalograph (aEEG) presents a valuable tool for functional brain maturation of preterm infants. However, the effect of enlightenment on functional brain maturation of premature infants has not been investigated. We aimed to do this with aEEG.

Study Design A total of 32 infants, 30 to 35 gestational weeks, were involved in the study. They were randomly distributed into three groups in which different lighting protocols were applied. In group 1, the infants' incubators were covered for 24 hours. In group 2, the infants' incubators were open for 24 hours. In group 3, the infants' incubators were covered for 12 hours and open for another 12 hours. The infants are evaluated with aEEG recordings done on the 3rd (first measurement) and 10th days (second measurement) along with the Burdjalov scoring. Analysis of aEEG recordings was performed, based on sleep–wake cycles (SWCs), upper and lower margin amplitudes, narrowband and broadband of SWC, and bandwidth of SWC.

Results At first, the narrowband lower amplitudes in group 1 were higher than those of the other groups (p = 0.042), but the difference was not significant in the second measurement (p = 0.110). The Burdjalov scores were higher in group 1 and group 3 on 10th day, though not statistically significant (p = 0.871). When the infants were re-evaluated according to the gestational weeks, the Burdjalov scores of the two groups less than 34 weeks (30–31 and 32–33 weeks) were similar, whereas 34 to 35 weeks were higher when compared with those of the two groups.

Conclusion The difference observed between groups in terms of narrowband lower amplitude in the first measurement may reflect the effect of intrauterine environment rather than enlightenment at the same gestational age because it was made on the third day. However, the fact that all groups have similar results on day 10 suggests that other factors in the intensive care setting may diminish the effect of enlightenment. Burdjalov scores are associated with maturation, and high scores found in the 34- to 35-week group suggest that the 34-week maturation might be a threshold for SWC and development in our group sample.
Imaging of Tropical Chronic Pancreatitis—A Unique Clinico-Radiological Entity
Authors: Kulkarni Chinmay Bhimaji , Sekhar Resmi , Moorthy Srikanth , Pullara Sreekumar Karumathil , Prabhu Nirmal Kumar , Kannan Ramiah Rajesh
Published: November 2019

Tropical chronic pancreatitis (TCP) is a unique juvenile nonalcoholic form of chronic pancreatitis prevalent in tropical developing countries. TCP is characterized by the younger age of onset, rapid progression, higher prevalence of diabetes and pancreatic calculi, and greater propensity to develop pancreatic malignancy. Identifying the distinct imaging features is critical for the diagnosis of TCP. Awareness of this condition will not only enable the radiologist to recognize it early but also help in better management. In this article, we review the etiopathogenesis, distinct imaging features, and complications of TCP.
Pathogenetic Mechanism of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its Clinical Implications
Authors: Dharmalingam Mala , Marcus Sara Rani
Published: November 2019

Oxidative stress is an important pathogenetic mechanism for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of the generation of free radicals (reactive oxygen species [ROS] and reactive nitrogen species [RNS]) and their neutralization by the antioxidant mechanisms. Increased levels of ROS and RNS lead to damage of lipids, proteins, and DNA, ultimately causing the destruction of the islet cells of pancreas through apoptosis. Another important factor in the development of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome is inflammation. We studied oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients, patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and T2DM with iron-deficiency anemia. The elevation of oxidative stress in these conditions along with the increase in inflammation suggests that both oxidative stress and inflammation may heighten the risk for the development of T2DM and its complications.
How Do We Treat Pregnancy-Related Venous Thromboembolism?
Authors: Linnemann Birgit , Seelbach-Goebel Birgit , Heimerl Susanne , Hart Christina
Published: November 2019

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Due to a lack of adequate study data, therapeutic strategies for pregnancy-related VTE are deduced from observational studies and extrapolated from recommendations for nonpregnant patients. Because heparins do not cross the placenta, weight-adjusted therapeutic-dose low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are the anticoagulant treatment of choice in cases of VTE during pregnancy. Once- and twice-daily dosing regimens are suitable. There is no evidence that measurement of factor Xa activities and consecutive LMWH dose adjustments improve clinical outcomes. There is no support for the routine use of vitamin K antagonists, direct oral thrombin or factor Xa inhibitors, fondaparinux, or danaparoid in uncomplicated pregnancy-related VTE. Management of delivery deserves special attention, and treatment strategies depend on the time interval between the diagnosis of acute VTE and the expected delivery date. In lactating women, an overlapping switch from LMWH to warfarin is possible. Anticoagulation should be continued for at least 6 weeks postpartum or for a minimum period of 3 months.
Multispecialty Microsurgical Course Utilizing the Blue-Blood Chicken Thigh Model Significantly Improves Resident Comfort, Confidence, and Attitudes in Multiple Domains
Authors: Shulzhenko Nikita O. , Zeng Weifeng , Albano Nicholas J. , Lyon Sarah M. , Wieland Aaron M. , Mahajan Ashish Y. , Williams Daniel , Bentz Michael L. , Poore Samuel O.
Published: November 2019

Background The high level of technical skill required by microsurgical procedures has prompted the development of in vitro educational models. Current models are cost-ineffective, unrealistic, or carry ethical implications and are utilized as isolated experiences within single surgical specialties. The purpose of this study was to assess the educational and interprofessional effect of a microsurgical training course utilizing the nonliving “Blue-Blood” chicken thigh model (BBCTM) in a multidisciplinary environment.

Methods A 10-hour course was developed integrating didactic lectures, case presentations, and one-on-one practical sessions utilizing hydrogel microvessels and the BBCTM. Pre- and postcourse surveys were administered assessing participants' self-reported comfort and confidence within fundamental microsurgical domains, assessments of the models utilized, and the effects of a multidisciplinary environment on the experience.

Results A total of 19 residents attended the course on two separate occasions (n = 10 and n = 9, respectively). Respondents varied from postgraduate year-2 (PGY-2) to PGY-6+ and represented plastic and reconstructive surgery (n = 10), urology (n = 6), and otolaryngology (n = 3). On average, each participant performed 4.3 end-to-end, 1.3 end-to-side, and 0.4 coupler-assisted anastomoses. Following the course, participants felt significantly more comfortable operating a microscope and handling microsurgical instruments. They felt significantly more confident handling tissues, manipulating needles, microdissecting, performing end-to-end anastomoses, performing end-to-side anastomoses, using an anastomotic coupler, and declaring anastomoses suitable (all p < 0.05). The majority of participants believed that the use of live animals in the course would have minimally improved their learning. All but two respondents believed the course improved their awareness of the value of microsurgery in other specialties “very much” or “incredibly.”

Conclusion A microsurgical training course utilizing nonliving models such as the “BBCTM significantly improves resident comfort and confidence in core operative domains and offers an in vivo experience without the use of live animals. Multispecialty training experiences in microsurgery are beneficial, desired, and likely underutilized.
The Reliability of Classifying the Morphology of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Remnants during Surgery
Authors: Haviv Barak , Shemesh Shai , Kittani Mohamed , Yassin Mustafa , Yaari Lee
Published: November 2019

Arthroscopic classification of the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) morphology is fundamental for clinical studies on emerging techniques such as repair and preservation. At present, the most acknowledged classification is Crain description of four morphological patterns. The purpose of the study was to analyze the intra- and interobserver reliability of Crain classification in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction surgeries. The study included 101 patients who had ACL reconstruction surgery between the years 2014 and 2017. The morphological pattern of ACL remnant scar formation during surgery was observed and classified according to Crain by three orthopaedic surgeons. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were measured using kappa statistics. Intraobserver reliability for the Crain classification ranged from 0.63 to 0.83 (substantial to almost perfect agreement). Interobserver reliability was 0.51 (moderate agreement). In almost a third of the cases, observers reported on additional morphological pattern of scar formation that was not well defined by Crain. A modified classification of four patterns was suggested: (A) without scar tissue, (B) with adhesion to the femoral notch (wall or roof), (C) with adhesion to the notch and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and (D) with adhesion to the PCL. Reanalysis of these four morphological configurations resulted in interobserver reliability of 0.82 (almost perfect agreement). In conclusion, the Crain classification of torn ACL remnant morphology has moderate interobserver reliability; however, a suggested classification with modified and additional configurations has almost perfect reliability and may be useful for studies on ACL repair and preservation.
Cancer Therapy: A Brief Outline
Authors: Kayal Smita
Published: November 2019

Modern cancer treatment has evolved over several years to reach the current era of precision therapy. Exciting developments in all modalities of cancer treatment and rapidly growing arena of translational research are contributing to the steady improvement in clinical outcomes. Although several old and new challenges have to be overcome, parallel technological advances in the tools and techniques of drug discovery has promise for future. An outline of the overall approach to cancer management and a broad perspective of multimodality treatment methods are discussed in this brief review.
Atomic layer deposition of metals: Precursors and film growth
Authors: Hagen D. J. , Pemble M. E. , Karppinen M.
Published: November 2019

The coating of complex three-dimensional structures with ultrathin metal films is of great interest for current technical applications, particularly in microelectronics, as well as for basic research on, for example, photonics or spintronics. While atomic layer deposition (ALD) has become a well-established fabrication method for thin oxide films on such geometries, attempts to develop ALD processes for elemental metal films have met with only mixed success. This can be understood by the lack of suitable precursors for many metals, the difficulty in reducing the metal cations to the metallic state, and the nature of metals as such, in particular their tendency to agglomerate to isolated islands. In this review, we will discuss these three challenges in detail for the example of Cu, for which ALD has been studied extensively due to its importance for microelectronic fabrication processes. Moreover, we give a comprehensive overview over metal ALD, ranging from a short summary of the early research on the ALD of the platinoid metals, which has meanwhile become an established technology, to very recent developments that target the ALD of electropositive metals. Finally, we discuss the most important applications of metal ALD.
Shielded cantilever with on-chip interferometer circuit for THz scanning probe impedance microscopy
Authors: Finkel Matvey , Thierschmann Holger , Katan Allard J. , Westig Marc P. , Spirito Marco , Klapwijk Teun M.
Published: November 2019

We have realized a microstrip based terahertz (THz) near field cantilever that enables quantitative measurements of the impedance of the probe tip at THz frequencies (0.3 THz). A key feature is the on-chip balanced hybrid coupler that serves as an interferometer for passive signal cancellation to increase the readout circuit sensitivity despite extreme impedance mismatch at the tip. We observe distinct changes in the reflection coefficient of the tip when brought into contact with different dielectric (Si, SrTiO3) and metallic samples (Au). By comparing finite element simulations, we determine the sensitivity of our THz probe to be well below 0.25 fF. The cantilever further allows for topography imaging in a conventional atomic force microscope mode. Our THz cantilever removes several critical technology challenges and thus enables a shielded cantilever based THz near field microscope.
A passive AC/DC current sensing methodology for diverse multiline cables
Authors: Zhao Ziqi , Wang Dong F. , Itoh Toshihiro
Published: November 2019

A photoelectric cantilever-based current sensing methodology, mainly composed of a cantilever, a magnet, an analyzer, and a photodiode, for passive measuring diverse multiline cables with diverse currents, is proposed for the desirable application of a Wireless Sensor Node (WSN) in Internet of Things (IoT). The basic idea is to achieve a synchronous vibration of both the analyzer and the cantilever to modulate the natural light signal incident on the photodiode. In this Letter, the magnet, fixed at the end of the cantilever, is used to passively convert the applied current induced magnetic force into a cantilever vibration, which is further converted to a polarization angle variation via the above synchronous vibration. The natural light signal is accordingly modulated and a varied voltage, as a function of the applied current, is thus output from the photodiode. A two-wire DC electric current is used to verify the validity of the sensing mechanism. The measurement error can be decreased to less than half of the theoretical one by calibration, and the linear range can be further adjusted by changing a value on the host computer. Compared to the piezoelectric cantilever-based one, the proposed photoelectric cantilever-based methodology can achieve a continuous measurement of DC and its variation with a higher resolution, and both a faster response and a higher resolution for AC, and thus is more suitable for IoT applications.
Tutorial on narrow linewidth tunable semiconductor lasers using Si/III-V heterogeneous integration
Authors: Tran Minh A. , Huang Duanni , Bowers John E.
Published: November 2019

Narrow linewidth lasers have many applications, such as higher order coherent communications, optical sensing, and metrology. While semiconductor lasers are typically unsuitable for such applications due to relatively low coherence, recent advances in heterogeneous integration of III-V with silicon have shown that this is no longer true. In this tutorial, we discuss in-depth techniques that are used to drastically reduce the linewidth of a laser. The heterogeneous silicon-III/V platform can fully utilize these techniques, and fully integrated lasers with Lorentzian linewidth on the order of 100 Hz and tuning range of 120 nm are shown.
Capabilities of GaN/AlN/GaN structures as high-intensity pyroelectric laser sensors
Authors: Panyutin E.A. , Shmatov M.L.
Published: November 2019

The use of transparent Al2O3/GaN/AlN/GaN structures as pyrometric sensors for measuring the parameters of high-intensity laser pulses is proposed. The peculiarities of the employment of such sensors in laser fusion facilities are analysed. Post-pulse distributions of the absorbed energy density are obtained for various parameters of both GaN layers. The local maxima of these distributions are minimised by varying the ratio of donor concentration and the ratio of their thicknesses under the condition of invariance of the total absorbed energy. The optimal structure configuration is established in terms of reducing the possible negative effect of laser impact on the pyroelectric coefficient stability.
Modelling an electro-optical modulator based on a vertical p – n junction in a silicon-on-insulator structure
Authors: Tsarev A.V. , Taziev R.M.
Published: November 2019

We report the results of numerical simulation of a Mach – Zehnder electro-optical modulator using beam splitters based on multimode interference in a silicon-on-insulator structure. The control is provided due to the depletion effect in the vertical p – n junction, which can be fabricated using the self-alignment technology. An optimal modulator design is proposed, which impedance is matched with an external 50-Ω load, for which, with a reverse bias of – 5 V and an active length of 1.7 mm, the optical frequency bandwidth of ∼ 50 GHz can be achieved. A special doping profile of the p – n junction of the modulator is presented, which provides an optical frequency bandwidth of 30 GHz with a reverse bias of –3 V and a modulator length of 2.5 mm. Such modulators can be used in integrated optics, optical communications and radio photonics devices.
Flat-field VLS spectrometer for a wavelength range of 50 – 275 Å
Authors: Kolesnikov A.O. , Vishnyakov E.A. , Shatokhin A.N. , Ragozin E.N.
Published: November 2019

A flat-field VLS spectrograph for a wavelength range ∼50 – 275 Å with an average linear dispersion of 0.18 mm Å−1, which makes use of a grazing-incidence varied line-space (VLS) grating, was calculated and implemented (a spectrograph of Harada class). To fabricate the VLS grating by interference lithography technique, an algorithm was developed for calculating the writing configuration with an auxiliary aberrating mirror (the solution of the inverse problem of interference lithography). The spectrograph was put to a test and line spectra were recorded from the laser-produced plasma of lithium fluoride and teflon targets, which were excited by a focused laser beam (0.5 J, 8 ns, 1.06 μm). A resolving power λ/d l = 800 was demonstrated in a wavelength region of 135 Å.
Physical processes affecting the survival of microbiological systems in laser printing of gel droplets
Authors: Zarubin V.P. , Zhigarkov V.S. , Yusupov V.I. , Karabutov A.A.
Published: November 2019

We consider laser printing of gel microdroplets – a promising method for microbiology, biotechnology and medicine. In the printing process, small volumes of gel containing living microorganisms are transferred as a result of cavitation caused by the absorption of a short laser pulse in a metal film. However, in such a transfer, certain physical factors arise that can lead to damage and death of biological material. These factors include elevated temperature and pressure, high radiation intensity and some others. Experimental estimates of these parameters are conducted, based on measurements of the acoustic response of laser printing, electron microscopy of the affected areas and the results of high-speed imaging of the transfer process. It is shown that these factors are not a significant limitation for the technology being developed. Laser printing is performed by exposing a metal film to laser pulses with an energy of 5 – 30 μJ and a duration of 8 – 14 ns, the laser beam diameter being 30 μm.
Evidence for an attentional priority map in inferotemporal cortex
Authors: Stemmann Heiko , Freiwald Winrich A.
Published: November 2019

From incoming sensory information, our brains make selections according to current behavioral goals. This process, selective attention, is controlled by parietal and frontal areas. Here, we show that another brain area, posterior inferotemporal cortex (PITd), also exhibits the defining properties of attentional control. We discovered this area with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an attentive motion discrimination task. Single-cell recordings from PITd revealed strong attentional modulation across 3 attention tasks yet no tuning to task-relevant stimulus features, like motion direction or color. Instead, PITd neurons closely tracked the subject’s attention state and predicted upcoming errors of attentional selection. Furthermore, artificial electrical PITd stimulation controlled the location of attentional selection without altering feature discrimination. These are the defining properties of a feature-blind priority map encoding the locus of attention. Together, these results suggest area PITd, located strategically to gather information about object properties, as an attentional priority map.
Extended high-frequency hearing enhances speech perception in noise
Authors: Motlagh Zadeh Lina , Silbert Noah H. , Sternasty Katherine , Swanepoel De Wet , Hunter Lisa L. , Moore David R.
Published: November 2019

Significance

Understanding speech in noisy environments is an essential communication skill that varies widely between individuals and is poorly understood. We show here that extended high-frequency (EHF) hearing, beyond the currently tested range of clinical audiometry, contributes to speech perception in noise. EHF hearing loss is common in otherwise normally hearing young adults and predicts self-reported difficulty hearing speech in noise. The data suggest that EHF hearing is a long sought missing link between audiometry and speech perception and may be a sensitive predictor of age-related hearing loss much earlier in life when preventive measures can be effectively deployed.
MRTFB suppresses colorectal cancer development through regulating SPDL1 and MCAM
Authors: Kodama Takahiro , Marian Teresa A. , Lee Hubert , Kodama Michiko , Li Jian , Parmacek Michael S. , Jenkins Nancy A. , Copeland Neal G. , Wei Zhubo
Published: November 2019

Significance

Myocardin-related transcription factor B (MRTFB) is a candidate tumor-suppressor gene identified in transposon mutagenesis screens of the intestine, liver, and pancreas. Using a combination of cell-based assays, in vivo tumor xenograft assays, and Mrtfb knockout mice, we demonstrate that MRTFB is a mouse and human colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor-suppressor gene that functions in part by inhibiting cell invasion and migration. Using whole transcriptome RNA sequencing in Mrtfb-knockdown cells, we also identify several MRTFB downstream genes, including a known tumor suppressor, MCAM, and a candidate tumor suppressor, SPDL1. Finally, we show that MCAM and SPDL1 are also human CRC tumor-suppressor genes that act downstream of MRTFB to regulate CRC growth and survival.
Oscillatory recurrent gated neural integrator circuits (ORGaNICs), a unifying theoretical framework for neural dynamics
Authors: Heeger David J. , Mackey Wayne E.
Published: November 2019

Working memory is an example of a cognitive and neural process that is not static but evolves dynamically with changing sensory inputs; another example is motor preparation and execution. We introduce a theoretical framework for neural dynamics, based on oscillatory recurrent gated neural integrator circuits (ORGaNICs), and apply it to simulate key phenomena of working memory and motor control. The model circuits simulate neural activity with complex dynamics, including sequential activity and traveling waves of activity, that manipulate (as well as maintain) information during working memory. The same circuits convert spatial patterns of premotor activity to temporal profiles of motor control activity and manipulate (e.g., time warp) the dynamics. Derivative-like recurrent connectivity, in particular, serves to manipulate and update internal models, an essential feature of working memory and motor execution. In addition, these circuits incorporate recurrent normalization, to ensure stability over time and robustness with respect to perturbations of synaptic weights.
Does reported speech influence listeners’ choice of perspective in the interpretation of spatial prepositions?
Authors: Bonnema Ariska I. , Hukker Vera , Hendriks Petra
Published: November 2019

Linguistic cues can encourage adults to adopt an other-centric rather than an egocentric perspective. This study investigated whether the presence of direct speech compared to indirect speech influences listeners’ choice of perspective when interpreting the Dutch spatial prepositionsvoor‘in front of’ andachter‘behind’. Dutch adults and 10 to 12-year-old children were tested in a sentence-picture verification task. Contrary to expectations, we found no difference between direct and indirect speech (Study 1), nor did we find a difference between reported and non-reported speech (Study 2). Most adult listeners adopted the contrasting perspective of the speaker, irrespective of how the information about the reported speech was expressed. We did find a difference between adults and children: children adopted the other person’s perspective less often than adults did. Overall, the results suggest that the mere presence of a reported speaker already is a cue for taking this speaker’s perspective.
Demonstrative-reinforcer constructions and the syntactic role of deictic features
Authors: Terenghi Silvia
Published: November 2019

In this paper I take Romance demonstrative-reinforcer constructions as a way to test whether the deictic features encoded by demonstrative and locative forms are active in the syntax. From a descriptive point of view, I claim that demonstrative systems can be best accounted for by making reference to two binary deictic person features: [dem[±Author]] and [dem[±Participant]]. Then I show how these features combine in demonstrative-reinforcer constructions, providing a comprehensive overview of demonstrative-reinforcer constructions in Italo-Romance varieties. Finally, I argue that deictic person features are inactive in the syntax of demonstrative and locative forms: this is suggested by the shortcomings that Agree-based accounts face when dealing with demonstrative-reinforcer constructions. Therefore, I contend that the best analysis for such constructions is a non-core syntactical one, the relevant derivation point being either within the morphological component or at the interface between syntax and semantics.
Cattle, progress, and a victimized nation
Authors: Smith Graham
Published: November 2019

This paper analyzes three sources of discourse on immigration in the United States: congressional debates from the
1920s representing two polarized sides, a speech by President Obama, and a speech by President Trump. The goal of this analysis
was to explore how the conceptual metaphors used in discussing immigration may have changed over the past century, in order to
gain insight into the current polarization surrounding this topic. Results reveal striking similarities between Trump’s rhetoric
and metaphorical framing and the 1920s anti-immigration side’s arguments, in that both situate the United States as a victim of
immigration. In contrast, although there are fewer similarities between Obama’s metaphors and metaphorical frames and those used
by earlier supporters of immigration, the claim that immigrants are a benefit to the United States remains constant.
Reclaiming a unified American narrative
Authors: Ritchie David
Published: November 2019

As part of an on-going project to apply metaphor analysis to understanding the cultural polarization that has recently obstructed discourse about political and cultural issues in both the United States and Europe, this essay examines the lexical, grammatical, and story metaphors in a recent editorial column, by conservative columnist Ross Douthat, that also focuses on this topic. In a key section of the essay, Douthat uses a blend of complex grammatical and lexical metaphors to highlight the contrast between the traditional American identity narrative of settlement and conquest and a recently emerged liberal counter-narrative, which Douthat epitomizes by quoting former President Obama’s repeated insistence that “That’s not who we are.” Douthat’s argument is contextualized by the reproduction of an image with the title “Engraving of a massacre of Indian women and children in Idaho by 19th century white settlers,” which strengthens the contrasts and implied ironies embedded in his complex combination of grammatical and lexical metaphors. These relationships are brought into sharp focus through the metaphor-led analysis of the text and its interaction with the image, demonstrating the value of this approach to discourse analysis.
Employing cognitive metonymy theory in the analysis of semantic relations between source and target text in translation
Authors: Denroche Charles
Published: November 2019

This article offers a model of translation which frames semantic relations between source- and target-text elements in terms of metonymy, and translation in terms of metonymic processing. Translators/interpreters constantly use approximations rather than exact one-to-one correspondences in their work, as meaning making is by nature partial and built-in matches between language systems do not exist. Approximation is identified as a recurrent theme in Translation Studies, while Metonymy Studies is seen as providing a toolkit for describing in detail the approximate semantic relations between source- and target-text elements. Models from Metonymy Studies are applied to two translation case studies and a translation revision case study. An original typology of metonymic relations is proposed based on whether or not source and target are encoded linguistically as vehicle and topic respectively. It is concluded that the semantic relations between source- and target-text elements in translation are distinctive in two respects: (1) they are characterized by facetization and zone activation rather than metonymization; (2) they are examples of Topic metonymy (both source and target concepts are encoded) and Code-switching metonymy (the source and target concepts are encoded in different languages).
Non-literary translation in Switzerland
Authors: Davier Lucile
Published: November 2019

Up until now, the literature on sociological approaches to translation has mainly focused on the self-perceptions of translators. This article analyses the coverage devoted to non-literary translation and translators in the print media in Switzerland. What perceptions of translation are newspapers circulating? Are these hetero-images positively or negatively connoted? A qualitative thematic analysis is conducted on four daily newspapers in Switzerland –Tages-Anzeiger, St. Galler Tagblatt, Le Tempsand24 Heures(two important newspapers for each of the two major official languages) – over a period of one year (spring 2013 – spring 2014). The analysis shows the scarcity and negativism of discourse about non-literary translation in Switzerland: it is depicted as a risky, costly, lonely and peripheral business – results that would need to be compared across media and countries. Understanding the construction of external ‘translation talk’ may help social actors such as translators or professional societies fight against existing prejudices about translation.
More than tweets
Authors: Cadwell Patrick , O’Brien Sharon , DeLuca Eric
Published: November 2019

The application of machine translation (MT) in crisis settings is of increasing interest to humanitarian
practitioners. We collaborated with industry and non-profit partners: (1) to develop and test the utility of an MT system trained
specifically on crisis-related content in an under-resourced language combination (French-to-Swahili); and (2) to evaluate the
extent to which speakers of both French and Swahili without post-editing experience could be mobilized to post-edit the output of
this system effectively. Our small study carried out in Kenya found that our system performed well, provided useful output, and
was positively evaluated by inexperienced post-editors. We use the study to discuss the feasibility of MT use in crisis settings
for low-resource language combinations and make recommendations on data selection and domain consideration for future
crisis-related MT development.
Mechanical properties of a carbide-free bainitic cast steel with dispersed free ferrite
Authors: Tenaglia Nicolás Emanuel , Boeri Roberto Enrique , Basso Alejandro Daniel
Published: November 2019

A high silicon, medium carbon cast steel was designed and heat-treated in order to develop microstructures composed of carbide-free bainite and small amounts of free ferrite, with the aim of obtaining high strength cast steels with improved ductility. Because of microsegregation, it was observed that ferrite present in partially austenitised samples is mostly present at the highly alloyed zones, creating an interconnected network even for low proportions of this phase. Despite the coarse solidification structure and marked microsegregation in the cast steel, the mechanical properties obtained for both fully bainitic and bainitic-ferritic microstructures largely satisfy the minimum standard requirements for high strength cast steels and are similar to those reported for wrought steels of similar microstructures.
Enhanced electron–phonon scattering in Janus MoSSe
Authors: Guo Rong , Bu Xiangtian , Wang Shudong , Zhao Guojun
Published: November 2019

Electron–phonon (e–ph) interaction in monolayer Janus MoSSe has been investigated using ab initio approach. We find that the asymmetric structure induced net dipole moment in MoSSe introduce an enhanced e–ph interaction compared to the symmetric MoS2. Through the mode resolved scattering analysis, we demonstrate that the out-of-plane optical mode in MoSSe contributing to the total e–ph scattering rates are much more than MoS2. Around the band edges, the maximum mean free paths (MFPs) of both electrons and holes along zigzag (ZZ) direction are found to be 4 nm in MoSSe, while the MFPs along armchair directions are significantly shorter than along ZZ direction, meaning the highly anisotropic transport properties in MoSSe.
Chiral active matter: microscopic ‘torque dipoles’ have more than one hydrodynamic description
Authors: Markovich Tomer , Tjhung Elsen , Cates Michael E
Published: November 2019

Many biological systems, such as bacterial suspensions and actomyosin networks, form polar liquid crystals. These systems are ‘active’ or far-from-equilibrium, due to local forcing of the solvent by the constituent particles. In many cases the source of activity is chiral; since forcing is internally generated, some sort of ‘torque dipole’ is then present locally. But it is not obvious how ‘torque dipoles’ should be encoded in the hydrodynamic equations that describe the system at the continuum level: different authors have arrived at contradictory conclusions on this issue. In this work, we resolve the paradox by presenting a careful derivation, from linear irreversible thermodynamics, of the general equations of motion of a single-component chiral active fluid with spin degrees of freedom. We find that there is no unique hydrodynamic description for such a fluid in the presence of torque dipoles of a given strength. Instead, at least three different hydrodynamic descriptions emerge, depending on whether we decompose each torque dipole as two point torques, two force pairs, or one point torque and one force pair—where point torques create internal angular momenta of the chiral bodies (spin), whereas force pairs impart centre of mass motion that contributes to fluid velocity. By considering a general expansion of the Onsager coefficients, we also derive a new shear-elongation parameter and cross-coupling viscosity, which can lead to unpredicted phenomena even in passive polar liquid crystals. Finally, elimination of the angular variables gives an effective polar hydrodynamics with renormalized active stresses, viscosities and kinetic coefficients. Remarkably, this can include a direct contribution of chiral activity to the equation of motion for the polar order parameter, which survives even in ‘dry’ active systems where the fluid velocity is set to zero.
Competitiveness Evaluation of Chinese Renewable Resources Related Listed Companies Based on Entropy Weight-TOPSIS
Authors: Liang Xuedong , Qu Linxia , Zeng Sheng , Li Zhi
Published: November 2019

In view of the competitiveness evaluation of listed companies related to renewable resources in China, this paper constructs the entropy weight-TOPSIS competitiveness evaluation model from the four aspects of operating status, profitability, viability and growth ability for evaluation. This paper selects 12 representative listed companies related to renewable resources in China. Through its 2018 related data, all data comes from the wind database, and empirical analysis of competitiveness. The results show that in the recycling resource recycling industry, metal recycling and new material manufacturing are relatively mature and competitive. It provides some guidance for industry research and can also be used as an investment analysis.
The allocation of resources and the matthew effect of regional development
Authors: Guo Zhiguang , Zhang Zhiyu , Liu Yuming
Published: November 2019

Since the reform and opening up, our country has executed the regional differentiation development strategy. Our economy has maintained sustained and rapid development. But because of factors, history, natural endowment and policy etc., there is large difference between the areas in the economic and social development. The huge difference, presents the “Matthew effect” of the regional development. The paper takes labor and capital as study object and takes Keynes multiplier as the analysis tool. This paper analyses the reasons in the resources allocation perspective, which lead to Matthew effect in regional economic development.
Environmental cost assessment model based on ecosystem services, environmental pollution indicators and DEA
Authors: Chen Cheng
Published: November 2019

This paper establishes an environmental cost assessment model and uses the losses of ecosystem services to estimate the environmental degradation. Non-monetary estimates of ecosystem services (ESC) are made to determine ecosystem service indicators. Ecosystem services are integrated into three categories: direct services (DV), indirect services (IV), and existential services (EV). The small indicators of direct services, indirect services and existential services are respectively weighted by entropy weight method. Further the coefficient of variation method is used to weight three services, and finally we can obtain a linear combination of ecosystem services. Environmental pollution indicators (EPI) are used to assess the losses of biodiversity and ecotourism values. The linear function is used to indicate the reduction trend of ecotourism benefits due to environmental pollution. The sigmoid function is used to indicate the decreasing trend of biodiversity due to environmental pollution. Finally, the DEA model is established to evaluate the real benefits of land use projects.