bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraining the properties of HD 206893 B
Authors: Grandjean A. , Lagrange A.-M. , Beust H. , Rodet L. , Milli J. , Rubini P. , Babusiaux C. , Meunier N. , Delorme P. , Aigrain S. , Zicher N. , Bonnefoy M. , Biller B. A. , Baudino J.-L. , Bonavita M. , Boccaletti A. , Cheetham A. , Girard J. H. , Hagelberg J. , Janson M. , Lannier J. , Lazzoni C. , Ligi R. , Maire A.-L. , Mesa D. , Perrot C. , Rouan D. , Zurlo A.
Published: June 2019

Context. High contrast imaging enables the determination of orbital parameters for substellar companions (planets, brown dwarfs) from the observed relative astrometry and the estimation of model and age-dependent masses from their observed magnitudes or spectra. Combining astrometric positions with radial velocity gives direct constraints on the orbit and on the dynamical masses of companions. A brown dwarf was discovered with the VLT/SPHERE instrument at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in 2017, which orbits at ∼11 au around HD 206893. Its mass was estimated between 12 and 50 MJ from evolutionary models and its photometry. However, given the significant uncertainty on the age of the system and the peculiar spectrophotometric properties of the companion, this mass is not well constrained.

Aims. We aim at constraining the orbit and dynamical mass of HD 206893 B.

Methods. We combined radial velocity data obtained with HARPS spectra and astrometric data obtained with the high contrast imaging VLT/SPHERE and VLT/NaCo instruments, with a time baseline less than three years. We then combined those data with astrometry data obtained by HIPPARCOS and Gaia with a time baseline of 24 yr. We used a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach to estimate the orbital parameters and dynamical mass of the brown dwarf from those data.

Results. We infer a period between 21 and 33 yr and an inclination in the range 20−41° from pole-on from HD 206893 B relative astrometry. The RV data show a significant RV drift over 1.6 yr. We show that HD 206893 B cannot be the source of this observed RV drift as it would lead to a dynamical mass inconsistent with its photometry and spectra and with HIPPARCOS and Gaia data. An additional inner (semimajor axis in the range 1.4–2.6 au) and massive (∼15 MJ) companion is needed to explain the RV drift, which is compatible with the available astrometric data of the star, as well as with the VLT/SPHERE and VLT/NaCo nondetection.
Sexualbezogene Online-Fortbildung für Fachkräfte:
Weblogs
Authors: Döring Nicola
Published: June 2019

Der vorliegende Praxisbeitrag stellt insgesamt sechs Typen von Weblogs vor, die
sich mit sexualbezogenen Fragen befassen: Sexblogs von Unternehmen, Sexblogs zu
Sexspielzeugen, Sexblogs mit erotischen Geschichten, persönliche Sexblogs,
Sexblogs zur sexuellen Aufklärung und Beratung sowie sexualwissenschaftliche
Sexblogs. Ihr besonderer Informationswert für Fachkräfte wird diskutiert. Zudem
wird der aktuelle Stand der Sexblog-Forschung präsentiert, der sich stark um die
sexuelle Selbstbemächtigung von Frauen dreht.
Magnus Hirschfeld, die Westberliner und westdeutsche
Schwulenbewegung der 1970er-Jahre und die Folgen
Authors: Herzer Manfred
Published: June 2019

Zuerst 1970 finden wir bei Gisela Bleibtreu-Ehrenberg eine Hirschfeld-Kritik, die
seiner Sexologie Nähe zur „Entartungs-Theorie“ vorwirft. Die Verbindung zu den
faschistischen Schwulenverfolgungen 1933–45 entdecken erst ab 1974 politische
Kämpfer der studentisch geprägten Schwulenbewegung in Frankfurt am Main und
Westberlin. Sie stützen sich auf einen französischen Gesinnungsgenossen, Guy
Hocquenghem, dessen Schriften zeitnah auf Deutsch vorlagen. Hirschfelds
Sexologie sei demnach direkt, aber vielleicht unabsichtlich „faschistisch“, was
auf Hirschfelds politische Naivität und wissenschaftliche Dürftigkeit
zurückzuführen sei. Solche Meinungen, die gegenwärtig vermehrt Anhänger finden,
werden hier mit dem Ziel, ihre Unhaltbarkeit aufzuzeigen, historisch-kritisch
rekonstruiert. Gemäßigtere Autoren wie James Steakley werden zustimmend
zitiert.
S3-Leitlinie zur Diagnostik, Beratung und Behandlung im
Kontext von Geschlechtsinkongruenz, Geschlechtsdysphorie und
Trans-Gesundheit
Authors: Nieder Timo O. , Strauß Bernhard
Published: June 2019

Einleitung Am 9. Oktober 2018 wurde die Leitlinie „Geschlechtsinkongruenz,
Geschlechtsdysphorie und Trans-Gesundheit: Diagnostik, Beratung und Behandlung“
nach methodischer Prüfung von der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen
Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften (AWMF) mit S3-Status in das
Leitlinienregister aufgenommen und online veröffentlicht.

Forschungsziele Die Leitlinie verfolgt das Ziel, die „Standards zur
Begutachtung und Behandlung von Transsexuellen“ aus dem Jahr 1997 an die
gegenwärtigen Bedingungen und Forschungsergebnisse anzupassen und sie für eine
adäquate Versorgung in Deutschland nutzbar zu machen.

Methoden Die Behandlungsempfehlungen der Leitlinie basieren auf
empirischer Evidenz, die systematisch recherchiert und bewertet wurde. Die für
den Kreis der Adressat_innen repräsentative Leitliniengruppe hat gemeinsam mit
einer Interessensvertretung von trans Menschen im Zuge einer strukturierten
Konsensfindung 100 Empfehlungen konsentiert.

Ergebnisse Die Leitlinie soll das Feld der Trans-Gesundheitsversorgung
individualisieren und damit auch deregulieren. Optionen für eine zielführende
Behandlung der Geschlechtsinkongruenz und/oder Geschlechtsdysphorie werden
aufgezeigt. Anschließend wird ein empirisch und klinisch fundiertes Vorgehen
empfohlen, das auf individuelle Bedingungen bei der Behandlung bedarfsgerecht
eingehen kann.

Schlussfolgerung Die Leitlinie reflektiert aktuelle internationale
Standards der Trans-Gesundheitsversorgung auf Basis empirischer Evidenz und
bezieht sie auf das deutsche Gesundheitssystem. Ihre Anwendung sollte mit
klinisch-therapeutischer Expertise abgesichert werden.
Current and Emerging Imaging Techniques in Patients with Genetic Aortic Syndromes
Authors: Weinrich Julius Matthias , Lenz Alexander , Girdauskas Evaldas , Adam Gerhard , von Kodolitsch Yskert , Bannas Peter
Published: June 2019

Background Patients with genetic aortic syndromes such as Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome have a decreased life expectancy due to the risk of aortic dissection and rupture. Imaging plays an important role in the acute setting but also in the initial diagnosis and image-based monitoring. In this article, we provide an overview of the most common genetic aortic syndromes and recommended imaging strategies. Furthermore, we highlight modern imaging methods allowing for the quantification of hemodynamic changes in aortic disease.

Method This is a narrative review article on genetic aortic syndromes and recommended imaging strategies, where we take into account expert opinions and standard-of-care practices from our own center.

Results and Conclusion Radiological imaging plays a key role in the initial diagnosis and surveillance of patients with genetic aortic syndromes. Radiologists contribute significantly to the multi-disciplinary setting of genetic aortic syndromes with knowledge of special features and recommended imaging methods. Accurate measurement of the aorta is crucial, particularly in terms of diameter-based surgical treatment algorithms. Modern imaging methods like 4D-flow MRI and pulse wave velocity have a potential to further improve individualized risk stratification in patients with genetic aortic syndromes.

Key points: 

Citation Format
Copper Acetate Aerobic Oxidative Synthesis of Pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles from Aminopyridines and Phenylboronic Acids
Authors: Yan Hao , Guo Hui , Zhou Xiaoqiang , Zuo Zhenyu , Liu Jingli , Zhang Guanghui , Zhang Shuan
Published: June 2019

Pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles, which show interesting and potentially useful biological activities, have drawn extensive attention from chemists. A straightforward copper acetate-oxidative one-pot synthesis of these compounds from 2-aminopyridines and phenylboronic acids through C–N bond formation and C–H bond activation was developed as a simple and convenient method.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Three Different Bone Regeneration Materials: An Animal Study
Authors: Anbu R. Tamil , Suresh V. , Gounder Revathy , Kannan Abinaya
Published: June 2019

Objective The proposed study aimed to evaluate and compare the bone regeneration between commercially available hydroxyapatite–β-tricalcium phosphate (Ossifi; Equinox, the Netherlands), powdered polylactic acid (powdered PLA; Sigma-Aldrich, United States), and three-dimensionally printed PLA (3D-printed PLA; Cubex, SC, United States) using 3D printer (Cube X trio) in an animal model.

Materials and Methods Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups with six animals each. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) was collected from the venous blood and preserved. Bone defect (4 mm × 2 mm) without disturbing the bone marrow was created and filled with bone graft material (group 1–Ossifi, group 2–powdered PLA, and group 3–3D-printed PLA), over which PRF membranes were placed. The graft material and the barrier were stabilized using resorbable sutures, and all the animals were maintained for 4, 8, and 12 weeks, after which they were euthanized, and bone samples were retrieved. Retrieved bone samples were subjected to radiological and histological analysis.

Results The radiographic and histological changes of 3D-printed PLA in comparison with other two materials (Ossifi and powdered PLA) seemed to have a significant difference.

Conclusion 3D-printed PLA scaffolds showed positive signs of bone regeneration around the material in continuity defects. PLA material can be a promising alternative bone regenerative material.
Predicting the energy storage density in poly(methyl methacrylate)/methyl ammonium lead iodide composites
Authors: Kennedy C. D. , Sinclair D. C. , Reaney I. M. , Dean J. S.
Published: June 2019

In high-energy density pulsed power capacitors, high permittivity particles are dispersed within a high breakdown strength polymer matrix. In theory, such composites should be able to achieve higher volumetric energy densities than is possible with either of the individual constituents. CH3NH3PbI3 (MALI) has a perovskite structure and may be fabricated at room temperature using a mechanosynthesis route in ethanol. In this study, MALI is used to form a dielectric composite with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) used as the matrix. Theoretical models are used to predict composite permittivity values that are compared to experimental values. Finite element modeling is used to simulate their effective permittivity and, beyond what the theoretical models can achieve, predicts their energy storage capabilities by analyzing electric field intensification. The simulations show increasing energy storage capability with penetration of MALI, but this is limited experimentally by their mixing capability.
Numerical studies on plasma parameter modulation of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge via 200 kHz/13.56 MHz dual-frequency excitation
Authors: Nie Q. Y. , Zhang Z. L. , Lim J. W. M.
Published: June 2019

The performance of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) driven by dual-frequency sources of 200 kHz/13.56 MHz has been investigated numerically here in a one-dimensional fluid model. By varying the ratio of dual frequency excitation amplitudes, strong nonlinear coupling in the discharge is observed, with the electron density rising significantly due to the synergistic effect governing the ionization process. Moreover, it is shown that the phase shift between the dual frequencies also has an influence on the electron temperature and density. As to different high frequency components, the modulation of the electron temperature and density induced by the phase-shift also varies significantly. Those results then demonstrated the possibility of applying amplitude and/or phase modulations in a wide operation window to optimize the plasma parameters in dual-frequency DBDs with fixed frequencies.
Effects of mode couplings on the vibration characteristics of partially electroded thin-film bulk acoustic wave resonators
Authors: Li Nian , Wang Bin , Qian Zhenghua
Published: June 2019

Mode coupling vibrations in thin-film bulk acoustic wave resonators (FBARs) were systematically analyzed in the series of our work. Previously, the two-dimensional theory of multi-layered FBAR plate has been established and used for the analysis of both free and forced vibrations of a fully electroded plate. In this paper, coupling vibrations in a partially electroded FBAR were taken into account, where the top electrode only covers the central part of the film. The two-dimensional equations were written into matrix form based on the state-vector approach. Transfer matrix functions of the global structure were obtained when continuous and traction-free boundary conditions were satisfied. Aspect ratios of both electroded and unelectroded regions were varied to research the influence of them on the coupling effects. The admittance versus frequency response was also obtained through forced vibration analysis to investigate the coupling effects. Results in this paper show the existence of energy-trapping behavior and the importance of structure size on mode coupling effects, which is important to the design of real FBAR devices.
Efficient preparation of TiO2 nanoparticle models using interatomic potentials
Authors: Macià Escatllar Antoni , Morales-García Ángel , Illas Francesc , Bromley Stefan T.
Published: June 2019

Computational modeling has proven to be extremely useful for understanding how the morphology, size, and structure of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) affect their electronic properties and their usage in targeted applications (e.g., photocatalysis). Density functional theory (DFT) based calculations of NPs (on the order of hundreds to thousands of atoms) are, however, computationally highly demanding. Herein, we show that interatomic potentials (IPs) can provide a highly computationally efficient means to prepare NP structures which are sufficiently accurate to significantly reduce the computational cost of subsequent DFT calculations. We first compare the direct DFT optimization of faceted NPs directly cut from the anatase bulk crystal with the same calculation where the NP is preoptimized using four different IPs. We then establish the subsequent computational time saving for the respective complete DFT optimizations. We show that IP-based preoptimizing can greatly speed up DFT convergence, with speed-ups of 3×–10× for single point DFT energy evaluations. Moreover, as IP preoptimized NP structures can be closer to those of DFT energy minima, further speed-ups of 2× for DFT structure optimizations can be achieved. Finally, taking NPs derived from anatase spherical cuts, we show that IP-based molecular dynamics annealing gives rise to significant structural reconstruction with an associated high energetic stabilization, as confirmed by DFT calculations. Although similar results can be achieved using DFT tight binding methods, IP-based methods are 3–4 orders of magnitude faster and thus provide a particularly highly computationally efficient route to the preparation and design of large and diverse NP sets.
High temperature characteristics of a 2 μm InGaSb/AlGaAsSb passively mode-locked quantum well laser
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Hong , Qiao Zhongliang , Guo Xin , Wang Wanjun , Sia Jia Xu Brian , Ng Geok Ing , Zhang Yu , Niu Zhichuan , Tong Cunzhu , Liu Chongyang
Published: June 2019

A monolithic two-section InGaSb/AlGaAsSb single quantum well mode-locked laser (MLL) emitting at 2 μm is demonstrated. The laser is able to lase in the continuous wave mode up to 80 °C, and passive mode locking operation with a fundamental repetition frequency of ∼18.4 GHz is observed up to 60 °C. The laser has a characteristic temperature T0 of ∼88 K near room temperature, which is only slightly affected by the absorber bias voltage (Va). One consequence of this finding is verified by the temperature-independent power ratios before lasing. The variations of the repetition frequency with gain current (Ig) and temperature (T) have also been systematically investigated. In the bias range in this work, the repetition frequency increases as a whole by more than 30 MHz when the temperature is raised from 20 to 40 °C. Frequency tuning of ∼130 and ∼60 MHz was observed at 20 and 40 °C, respectively. The results and their mechanism analysis provide guidelines for GaSb-based MLLs to better meet the application-required repetition frequencies even with the presence of an unwanted increase in temperature.
Influence of defects on the shock Hugoniot of tantalum
Authors: Hahn Eric N. , Fensin Saryu J.
Published: June 2019

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the effect of vacancies and dislocations on the dynamic response of single crystal tantalum to shock loading along the ⟨110⟩ axis. A Hugoniostat technique is employed, for which a series of states along the Hugoniot are sampled by many individual simulations. We show that defects have a limited effect on the shock/particle velocity relationship and that the shock pressure/volume relationship can be well predicted by taking into account the changes in the initial density and sound speeds of the samples. The principal effect of initial defects is the activation of heterogeneous dislocation nucleation and expedited dislocation multiplication during shock. The heat generated by plastic work, caused by defects moving through the lattice, is substantial. The result is significantly divergent final shock temperatures for different initial defect concentrations and pronounced changes in the resultant shock melting temperatures. The motion of dislocations also leaves behind a noninconsequential concentration of vacancies that is quantified.
Mechanism of the influence of an electric field near the wire on photocatalytic processes based on first principles
Authors: Ma Yanxiang , Bian Xingming , Yang Wei
Published: June 2019

An applied electric field can enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO2. However, there has not been a quantitative analysis of the effects of a strong electric field on various intermediates and the degradation of organic matter in the photocatalytic process under certain illumination conditions. The current work uses simulation calculations to explore the effects of an applied electric field on TiO2 photocatalysis. The multi-particle Schrödinger equation is solved by a first-principles approach, and the concentration changes of various substances on the surface of the wire under different electric fields are obtained using a step-by-step reaction equation and Fick’s law. The changes in organic matter concentration during the photocatalytic process caused by the applied electric field were analyzed. Curves of the concentrations of holes, hydroxyl radicals, and organic matter on the surface of the wire under different electric fields were obtained under various temperature and illumination conditions. At the same time, the distribution of organic matter and holes on the surface of the power wires at different times also had been obtained.
Contraception of prepubertal young can increase cost effectiveness of management of overabundant koala populations
Authors: Hynes Emily F. , Shaw Geoff , Renfree Marilyn B. , Handasyde Kathrine A.
Published: June 2019

Context With limited resources for wildlife management and conservation, it is vital that the effectiveness of management programs is maximised and costs reduced. Koala populations need to be reduced in locations where they are locally overabundant and over-browsing their food trees. Subcutaneous contraceptive implants containing levonorgestrel are currently used to control koala fertility to assist in reducing population densities. Dependent young are caught with their mothers, so are also available for contraception. Aims The overall aim was to investigate whether the effectiveness of koala contraception programs can be improved by administering levonorgestrel implants to female young along with their mothers. This was achieved by: (1) determining if implanting females before sexual maturation affects their fertility, growth and pouch development; and (2) developing a stage-structured population growth model to compare two management scenarios. Methods Juvenile female koalas (11–17 months old) were treated with either a control (n = 5) or 70 mg levonorgestrel implant (n = 5). Koalas were caught every 4 to 6 weeks for 15 months, then every 3 to 12 months for 5 years. Koalas were weighed and head length measured. Pouches were checked for young. Pouch development was assessed as a proxy for sexual maturation. A stage-based population model simulating koala population growth was developed to compare different management scenarios: no treatment; treatment of adults only; and treatment of adults plus their dependent young. Key results Levonorgestrel implants prevented births with no effect on growth, survival or timing of sexual maturation. Population growth simulations indicate that treating dependent young with their mothers results in earlier population reduction. Conclusions The treatment of prepubertal female koalas with levonorgestrel implants is a safe and effective method that increases the effectiveness of koala contraception programs. Implications Development of novel strategies may provide opportunities to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of management programs with constrained resources.
Syntactic annotation of the Rhapsodie corpus
Authors: Kahane Sylvain , Pietrandrea Paola
Published: June 2019

This chapter presents the principles underlying the syntactic annotation and in particular the reasons for separating this annotation into two levels, micro and macrosyntax, presented in Chapters 4 and 6. The particular focus on paradigmatic piles (coordination, lists, reformulation, disfluencies, etc., see Chapter 5) is justified, as well as the integration of hard-to-describe elements such as disfluencies or discourse markers at various level of the syntactic structure. Our decision to discard the notion of sentence and replace it by the notions of Illocutionary Units [IUs] and Government Units [GUs] is discussed.
Macrosyntactic annotation
Authors: Pietrandrea Paola , Kahane Sylvain
Published: June 2019

This chapter describes the macrosyntactic annotation of the Rhapsodie corpus, from the linguistic heritage to Rhapsodie’s own theoretical approach to macrosyntax. Macrosyntactic phenomena, such as dislocation, discourse markers, inserts, or parenthesis, are quite frequent in spoken French. The major unit of this level is the illocutionary unit, the main component of which is the nucleus, bearing the illocutionary force. Three kinds of peripheral components are considered: adnuclei, openers, and associated nuclei, including discourse markers. The different types of relationships between illocutionary units – contiguity, hierarchy, parallelism, and bifurcation – are discussed, as well as the interplay between macro- and microsyntactic units. We show in particular that microsyntactic relations can go beyond macrosyntactic boundaries and even speech turns.
Prosodic annotation of the Rhapsodie corpus
Authors: Lacheret-Dujour Anne
Published: June 2019

This chapter provides an overview of the theoretical background that piloted prosodic processing in Rhapsodie. We explain what the components of an autonomous data-driven usage-based perceptual model are, as distinct from the standard approach in which data are used to validate phonological theories, and how the methodological principles applied for prosodic annotation clearly distinguish Rhapsodie annotation from standard approaches using the ToBi system. This specificity is first expressed by our view of the relationships between syntax and prosody: we highlight the role of syntax, or rather the absence thereof, in the generation of the prosodic structure, and, instead, the central function of prominences and disfluencies in this respect. Finally, we recall how important acoustic processing is in order to properly achieve the prosodic modeling of everyday speech, which is often full of noise and, consequently, unusable.
Tonal annotation
Authors: Obin Nicolas , Belião Julie , Lacheret-Dujour Anne
Published: June 2019

This chapter presents SLAM, an algorithm for the automatic stylization and labelling of melodic contours, developed to process intonation in Rhapsodie. This algorithm has three basic specificities. First, the alphabet of melodic contours is directly derived from the speech signal. Second, complex melodic contours are described though a simple time-frequency representation. Third, melodic contours can be described over various linguistic segments that can be specified by the user; in other words, the tonal descriptions provided by the system can be used to present the intonation of segments of any size, larger than the syllable and of any type: prosodic, syntactic, and informational. Additionally, the system handles some specificities of spontaneous speech, such as speech turns and speech overlaps.
The distribution of prosodic features in the Rhapsodie corpus
Authors: Lacheret-Dujour Anne , Desagulier Guillaume , Fleury Serge , Isel Frédéric
Published: June 2019

This chapter analyzes the interface between prosodic features and situational variables in the Rhapsodie treebank. First, we provide general quantitative information. Second, we present a preliminary set of statistical analyses performed on six specific prosodic variables, that provides two types of information. While Principal Component Analysis is useful to identify major trends in the data, inferential analysis is the first step in modeling the effect of the different modalities of each situational variable on the prosodic patterns, before considering predictive modeling. Finally, by focusing on the IPA unit, we present a third statistical method based on the computation of specificity indexes.
Effect of austempering temperature on microstructure of ausferrite in austempered ductile iron
Authors: Wang Chengduo , Liu Ruizhuo , Li Songjie , Gu Chang , Du Xueshan , Sun Yufu , Tian Junfeng
Published: June 2019

The effect of austempering temperature on the microstructure of ausferrite in austempered ductile iron was investigated. The results show that the grain sizes of retained austenite and acicular bainitic ferrite both become larger with the increase of austempering temperature. As the austempering temperature is 240°C, the crystallographic relationship between ferrite and austenite in ausferrite follows Greninger-Troiano relation. However, Nishiyama–Wassermann relation and Greninger-Troiano relation both appear in ausferrite austempered at 300°C. At this temperature, the point-to-point misorientations of individual ferrite needle austempered at 300°C are less than 1°, being less than those at 240°C. This means the ferrite needles at 300°C contain fewer defects. However, some poles of ferrite needles obviously deviate from their ideal positions, which mainly comes from some ends of ferrite needles.
Concerns that An Opioid Antidote Could “Make Things Worse”: Profiles of Risk Compensation Beliefs Using the Naloxone-Related Risk Compensation Beliefs (NaRRC-B) Scale
Authors: Winograd Rachel P. , Werner Kim B. , Green Lauren , Phillips Sarah , Armbruster Jenny , Paul Robert
Published: June 2019

Background and aims: As opioid overdose death rates reach epidemic proportions in the United States, the widespread distribution of naloxone is imperative to save lives. However, concerns that people who use drugs will engage in riskier drug behaviors if they have access to naloxone remain prevalent, and the measurement scales to assess these risk compensation concerns remain under researched. This study aims to examine the validity of the Naloxone-Related Risk Compensation Beliefs (NaRRC-B) scale and to understand the effect of overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) training on risk compensation beliefs across demographic and professional populations.

Methods: A total of 1424 participants, 803 police officers, 137 emergency medical services (EMS)/fire personnel, and 484 clinical treatment and social service providers were administered surveys before and after attending an OEND training. Survey items measured the endorsement of opioid overdose knowledge and attitudes, as well as risk compensation beliefs.

Results: Police and EMS/fire personnel expressed greater endorsement of risk compensation beliefs than clinical treatment and social service providers at both pre- and post-OEND training. Although endorsement of risk compensation beliefs was significantly reduced in each of the 3 groups after the training, reductions were greatest among EMS/fire personnel, followed by providers, then police. Moreover, younger, male, and black participants endorsed greater beliefs in risk compensatory behaviors as compared with their older, female, and white counterparts.

Conclusion: This study validated a novel measure of naloxone-related risk compensation beliefs and suggests participating in OEND trainings decreases beliefs in naloxone-related risk compensation behaviors. OEND trainings should consider addressing concerns about naloxone “enabling” drug use, particularly in law enforcement settings, to continue to reduce stigma surrounding naloxone availability.
First‐stance phase force contributions to acceleration sprint performance in semi‐professional soccer players
Authors: Wdowski Maximilian M. , Gittoes Marianne J.R.
Published: June 2019

Background: Sprint running is a key determinant of player performance in soccer that is typically assessed and monitored using temporal methods. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ground reaction force kinetics at the first step and sprint running performance in soccer players in order to enhance the development of training and assessment methods. Methods: Nineteen semi‐professional soccer players participated (mean ± s: age 21.1 ± 1.9 years, body mass 79.4 ± 7.3 kg and stature 1.79 ± 0.06 m). The participants completed 20 m acceleration sprint runs as timing gates recorded split times between 0–5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–20 and 0–20 m. A force plate captured vertical, anteroposterior and mediolateral ground reaction force data (1000 Hz) of the first right foot strike stance phase. Results: Ground reaction force metrics, including peak anteroposterior propulsive force (r = 0.66 to 0.751; P = .000 to. 002), peak vertical ground reaction force (r = 0.456 to 0.464; P = .045 to. 05), average medial‐lateral/anteroposterior orientation angle (r = −0.463; P = .023), and average anteroposterior/vertical orientation angle (r = −0.44; P = .03) were correlated with one or all split times between 0–5 m, 5–10 m, 10–15 m, 15–20 m and 0–20 m. Conclusions: Acceleration sprint running in soccer requires minimised mediolateral and increased anteroposterior loading in the stance phase. Multi‐component ground reaction force measures of the first step in acceleration sprint runs are important for developing performance assessments, and understanding force application techniques employed by soccer players.
Phosphorylation of G3BP1-S149 does not influence stress granule assembly
Authors: Panas Marc D. , Kedersha Nancy , Schulte Tim , Branca Rui M. , Ivanov Pavel , Anderson Paul
Published: June 2019

Tourrière et al. (2003. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.200212128) reported that G3BP1-S149 dephosphorylation promotes stress granule formation. We show that constructs used to establish this conclusion contain additional mutations causing these phenotypes, and that S149 phosphorylation status does not change upon stress.
The mechanism of photon-like dark noise in rod photoreceptors
Authors: Pugh Edward N.
Published: June 2019

Pugh highlights recent work ruling out a role for ultraweak photon emission in spontaneous photon-like events in retinal rods.
Comparison of the WEKA and SVM-light based on support vector machine in classifying Alzheimer’s disease using structural features from brain MR imaging
Authors: Tantiwetchayanon K , Vichianin Y , Ekjeen T , Srungboonmee K , Ngamsombat C , Chawalparit O
Published: June 2019

The aim was to compare the WEKA and SVM-light software based on support vector machine (SVM) algorithm using features from brain T1-weighted MRI for differentiating AD patients and normal elderly subjects. The FreeSurfer software was used to extract cerebral volumes and thicknesses from T1-weighted brain MRI (100 AD patients and 100 normal elderly subjects). Seven structures were selected based on literature reviews consisting of hippocampus and amygdala volume, entorhinal cortex thickness of both hemispheres, and total gray matter volume. Relative volume of hippocampus, amygdala, and total gray matter were normalized by total intracranial volume (TIV). Fifteen combinations of seven structures were applied as input features to WEKA and SVM-light. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the classification performance. The combination of hippocampus relative volume and entorhinal cortex thickness provided the highest classification performance and the AUC values were 0.913 and 0.918 for WEKA and SVM-light, respectively. There was no statistically difference of the AUC values (p-value > 0.05) between two software using the same input features. In conclusion, there was no statistically difference between the use of WEKA and SVM-light software for differentiating AD patients and normal elderly subjects.
Evaluation of metal artefacts reduction by application of monoenergetic extrapolation of dual-energy CT: A phantom study with different metal implants
Authors: Saidun H A , Shuaib I L , Daud N M , Sobri N F M , Osman N D
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of monoenergetic (ME) extrapolation technique of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for metal artefact reduction using phantom study. This study involved phantom study with a customized phantom consisting different types of metal implant such as titanium and stainless steel. The phantom was scanned using a single-source DECT scanner (SOMATOM Definition AS+, Siemens Healthcare, Germany) with dual-energy mode of 140/80 kV spectrum. The commercially available post-processing software (Syngo DE, Siemens) was applied to generate ME image datasets with different extrapolated energies ranged from 55 to 160 keV. The reduction of artefacts was measured qualitatively and quantitatively using region of interests (ROIs) statistical analysis. The results show 60% of metal streak regions were reduced significantly at higher extrapolated energy which is 160 keV. Quantitative analysis also resulted in lower HU readings within the region of artefact for 160 keV. However, higher extrapolated energy resulted in higher noise and lower signal-to-noise (SNR) value. ME images at 160 keV appear noisier while ME images at 64, 70 and 80 keV appear smoother. Metal artefacts induced by both metal implants were reduced significantly using DECT ME extrapolation and diagnostic quality of CT images also improved. It can be achieved by using higher ME of DECT. However, image noise is higher, and SNR is reduced with higher ME extrapolated energy.
Evaluation of magnetic susceptibility artefact induced by personal care product with gold nanoparticles on brain magnetic resonance (MRI) images
Authors: Zaini N S , Mohd Z , Karim M K A
Published: June 2019

MRI is an important diagnostic imaging tool as it provides excellent soft tissue contrast resolution. Artefact in MRI is an undesirable appearance in the image that affect the image quality and may hinder true diagnosis of the pathological events. Gold in bulk form does not cause any artefact in MRI as it is diamagnetic whereas in its nanoscale version, it was proven to pose magnetic properties. Previous studies also shown that some personal care products (PCPs) produce artefact in MR images due to the presence of metallic compounds in the PCP. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of PCP with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on brain MRI images. The study was conducted using 1.5 Tesla MRI system where moisturiser and compact powder with AuNPs were tested. The products were applied onto the micropore tape attached to the MRI water phantom. The phantom was placed in an RF coil at the isocentre of the MRI bore and scanned using T1-weighted fast-spin-echo (FSE), T2-weighted FSE and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences. The images were evaluated using Visual Grading Analysis (VGA) checklist by two radiologists. Based on the VGA score, brain MRI images in moisturiser group were all scored ‘1’ which indicate minimal artefact with only loss of fine details seen. Whereas, brain MRI images of compact powder group were all scored ‘0’ which indicate no artefact seen. Therefore, it can be concluded that PCP with AuNPs produce little to no artefact on brain MRI images, thus, there will be no need for the patient who wears PCP with AuNPs to clean their face prior to brain MRI examination.
Assessment of radiation effective dose from lung cancer screening pilot project in Institut Kanser Negara: A preliminary finding
Authors: Karim M K A , Rahim N A , Mustafa S N S , Sabarudin A , Ibahim M J
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study is to evaluate effective dose received by participants from Lung Cancer Screening program in Institut Kanser Negara (IKN), Putrajaya. This retrospective study was performed between April 2016 - December 2016 where all scanning acquisition protocols and dose information from forty (40) participants were recorded and investigated. The screening process involves two types of imaging technique, the Dual Energy Subtraction (DES) Chest Xray and Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) imaging technique. Participant’s effective dose (ED) from DES and MSCT were analysed by using PCXMC (Version 2.0, Finland) and CT-EXPO (Version 2.3, Germany) software, respectively. It was observed that the mean ( ± SD) value for DES (at 60 kV), DES (at 120 kV) and MSCT examinations were 0.006 ± 0.005 mSv, 0.018 ± 0.005 mSv and 1.558 ± 0.129 mSv, respectively. In a whole, the total cumulative ED values for participants were ranged from 1.376 mSv to 1.986 mSv. It was summarized that both optimized techniques were useful for screening needs and the ED value from this study were lower when compared to other established reference.
Direct and indirect entrance surface dose measurement in X-ray diagnostics using nanoDot OSL dosimeters
Authors: Musa Yahaya , Hashim Suhairul , Khalis Abdul Karim Muhammad
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the suitability of nanoDot optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters for entrance surface dose (ESD) measurements in common X-ray diagnostics. OSL dosimetry system supplied by Landauer Inc, (Glenwood, IL, USA) consisting of nanoDot OSL dosimeters and microStar reader were used. ESDs were measured with nanoDots placed on whole-body anthropomorphic phantom (for direct measurements) and in free air without backscatter material (for indirect measurements) in accordance with the IAEA Technical Report Series No. 457. Measurements were carried out in five X-ray projections including AP abdomen, AP chest, PA chest, AP thoracic spine and AP skull. The mean ESD for each projection was evaluated from multiple measurements with three different field sizes. Mean ESDs (direct measurements) for AP abdomen, AP chest, PA chest, AP thoracic spine and AP skull were 4.3 mGy, 0.7 mGy, 0.3 mGy, 6.8 mGy and 2.8 mGy respectively. While in the case of indirect measurements, the corresponding mean ESD values were 4.8 mGy, 0.7 mGy, 0.2 mGy, 7.2 mGy and 3.7 mGy respectively. The results were found to be within IAEA and European Commission (EC) diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) range. The percentage difference of the ESDs measured by direct and indirect methods in all projections were between 0 to 40%. It was affirmed that nanoDot OSL dosimeter is a good candidate for ESD measurement in common radiographic examinations, while taking into account the effect of energy dependence.
Development of light scattering methods for urinary stones diagnosis
Authors: Warty Y , Fitri L A , Haryanto F , Herman
Published: June 2019

The Kidney stones in the urinary tract area formed due to many factors. Most medical cases, this disease was diagnosed after the order of millimeters or centimeters. The purpose of this study was to characterize standard polystyrene solutions with light scattering techniques as a calibration tool that will be used to characterize urine crystals. The first stage begins with a literature review and optical settings. The second stage, the arrangement, and components of the tool were validated by measuring the aperture width based on the experiment and measuring the most appropriate cuvette to be used in the sample. The third stage, polystyrene was dissolved with 10 ml of tetrahydrofuran and measured by variations in molecular weight and concentration of polystyrene. The molecular weight of polystyrene was 4000, 90000, 200000, 400000 and 900000 grams/mol. The results showed the width of the gap according to the experiment was 0.05 mm. The cuvette which has a diffraction width value similar to the measurement without cuvette (Blank) measured from the central beam axis to dark 1 was a cuvette diameter of 27 mm. The results of the polystyrene solution showed a diffraction width change in the polystyrene solution for each molecular weight and concentration change. The higher the molecular weight and concentration, the smaller the diffraction width.
Clustering technique to determinate signal-to-noise ratio of Rhizophora spp. binderless and araldite resin particleboard as phantom material on computed tomography images
Authors: Marashdeh M W , Abubaker A , Suwais K M , Alshipli M , Oglat A A , Tajuddin A A
Published: June 2019

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is an important measure of the quality of computed tomography (CT) images. In this study, a new clustering method is proposed to calculate the SNR ratio of CT image. Multi- Objective Simulated Annealing clustering is used for the comparison based on segmentation parameters such as SNR ratio. Two samples are used in this study as phantom materials, namely,Rhizophora Spp.binderless and araldite resin particleboard, with dimension of 20 cm x 20 cm. For each scanned datum, ImageJ software is utilised as the combination method to analyse CT images. Results shows that the automatic clustering algorithm improves the SNR results of the sample images. In addition, the SNR value of images using MOSA clustering is higher than that of normal CT images.
Intra-vendor clinical SPECT/CT system activity validation of 99mTc in phantom studies
Authors: Yousef M , Mansor S
Published: June 2019

This study was to establish various conversion factors and its impact on the quantitative accuracy of an absolute activity in phantom between 2 variant clinical SPECT/CT system from the same vendors in different centre. Multiple series of uniform phantom scans were performed with 370 MBq filled activity in the uniform phantom using different isotropic voxel sizes (64 × 64 × 64, 128 × 128 × 128, and 256 × 256 × 256). For activity validation purpose, single anthropomorphic phantom scan with different activities ratios for different organs (0:0:1:10, lung: spine: background: liver), matrix sizes and iterations were performed. Various conversion factor (in cps/Bq or Bq/cps) estimated from various matrix sizes (CF64, CF128, and CF256) were applied to generate the activity concentration of distribution in SPECT/CT images. The measured activities for background and liver were then compared to an absolute activity distribution and reported as a percentage difference, while for lung and spine region were reported as activity relative errors percentage. The identical methods were replicated in the other system and the differences between the system were evaluated. Both systems produced an identical trend of CF curves over the different iterations number and voxel sizes. Both systems were capable to estimate the activity distribution within 10% and 15% of error for the liver and background respectively using 256 × 256 × 256 voxel sizes. Furthermore, the relative error percentage was within 10 to 15% of error. Different variant of SPECT/CT system from the same vendor could be able to estimate an accurate activity distribution in phantom according to an identical procedure of CF establishment.
Channelized Hotelling observer assessing microcalcification detectability on 2D mammography: a first application to study the impact of tube voltage
Authors: Wigati K T , Vancoillie L , Salomon E , Zhang G , Cockmartin L , Marshall N , Bosmans H , Soejoko D S , Bliznakova K , Petrov D
Published: June 2019

This work was aimed to assess the detectability of microcalcifications as a function of tube voltage in 2D mammography using an in-house developed Channelized Hotelling Observer (CHO). The images of a 3D structured phantom, containing acrylic beads of different diameters in water and inserted signals (microcalcifications, spiculated and non-spiculated mass models) were assessed. Images had been acquired on a Siemens Mammomat Inspiration system at 5 different tube voltage levels (28-32 kVp) under AEC setting. The detectability of microcalcifications was analyzed in terms of percentage correctly detected signals (PC) as well as diameter threshold (dtr), using the CHO and human observers. Two Laguerre-Gauss and 8 Gabor channels were included in the two-layers CHO. The model and human observer results were retrieved from a 4-alternative forced choice (4-AFC) study. At 28 kVp and 32 kVp, the diameter thresholds dtr of microcalcifications together with their 95% confidence intervals (CI95) were 0.114 [0.110-0.118] mm and 0.119 [0.116-0.122] mm for the CHO, and 0.110 [0.093-0.127] mm and 0.123 [0.111-0.134] mm for the human observers. The Pearson correlation (r) between the PC values of model and human observer was more than 0.934. The in-house developed CHO and the human observer scores correlated very well for the application on 2D digital mammography acquired with different tube voltages. The overlapping range of CI95 of the dtr for the tested kVp shows that the tube voltage setting does not significantly affect the detectability of microcalcifications neither by the CHO nor by the human observers.
Determination of conversion factors of SPECT hot images respect to hot objects in bone medium: preliminary study using in house phantom
Authors: Hastari P T , Nurlely  , Soejoko D S
Published: June 2019

The purpose was to determine conversion factors (CF) of SPECT hot images respect to the original size of hot objects in the bone medium. In house phantom has been made in the form of a cubical acrylic (37cm x 15cm x 15cm) provided with cylindrical channel filled with bovine bone powder with the diameter (1.5; 3.5; 5.4; 7.4 cm). As hot objects, a mixture of bone powder and 99mTc source with various activity and diameter were embedded in filled bone channels. Image acquisitions were carried using Intevo Symbia E Siemens SPECT/CT and LEHR collimator, with surface collimator distance 9.6 cm. There were 6 different in activities and diameter of hot objects in each channel. Conversion factor (CF) was defined as the ratio between FWHM of hot object image profile and the original hot object size. CF value for each diameter channel was varied with the activity and size of the object diameter. The source activities used were 0.1-0.2 mCi and the observed object diameters were 7-12 mm. For hot object size less than resolution stated in SPECT specifications (4 mm), CF values were in the range 1.7-3.4 for 1.5 cm and 3.5 cm channel diameter. For hot objects diameter, 7.5-12 mm, CF value was mostly independent of channel diameters, with the value of (1.1 ± 0.2). This preliminary study informs that CF values of SPECT hot images independent with the size of the host bone medium. Whereas for object diameter ≤ 7.5 mm very relatively higher and influenced by the size of the host bone medium.