bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Position Sense Deficits at the Lower Limbs in Early Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical and Neural Correlates
Authors: Iandolo Riccardo , Bommarito Giulia , Falcitano Laura , Schiavi Simona , Piaggio Niccolò , Mancardi Giovanni Luigi , Casadio Maura , Inglese Matilde
Published: February 2020

Background/Objective. Position sense, defined as the ability to identify joint and limb position in space, is crucial for balance and gait but has received limited attention in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated lower limb position sense deficits, their neural correlates, and their effects on standing balance in patients with early MS. Methods. A total of 24 patients with early relapsing-remitting MS and 24 healthy controls performed ipsilateral and contralateral matching tasks with the right foot during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Corpus callosum (CC) integrity was estimated with diffusion tensor imaging. Patients also underwent an assessment of balance during quiet standing. We investigated differences between the 2 groups and the relations among proprioceptive errors, balance performance, and functional/structural correlates. Results. During the contralateral matching task, patients demonstrated a higher matching error than controls, which correlated with the microstructural damage of the CC and with balance ability. In contrast, during the ipsilateral task, the 2 groups showed a similar matching performance, but patients displayed a functional reorganization involving the parietal areas. Neural activity in the frontoparietal regions correlated with the performance during both proprioceptive matching tasks and quiet standing. Conclusion. Patients with early MS had subtle, clinically undetectable, position sense deficits at the lower limbs that, nevertheless, affected standing balance. Functional changes allowed correct proprioception processing during the ipsilateral matching task but not during the more demanding bilateral task, possibly because of damage to the CC. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying disability in MS and could influence the design of neurorehabilitation protocols.
Dose optimization of brodalumab in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: A case report
Authors: Yeung Jensen , Ladda Matthew , Piguet Vincent
Published: February 2020

Brodalumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin-17 receptor, is a new treatment option for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis with a unique mechanism of action. The current recommended dosing regimen is a 210-mg subcutaneous injection at weeks 0, 1, and 2, and every 2 weeks thereafter. We present a case of a patient with recalcitrant moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who required a higher maintenance dose frequency of 210 mg of brodalumab subcutaneously every week to achieve disease clearance. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient receiving a maintenance dose of 210 mg of brodalumab weekly. In patients with refractory plaque psoriasis only partially responsive to the recommended maintenance dose, an increase in frequency to every week may be worth consideration. Further research is required to elucidate the effectiveness and long-term safety of this regimen.
Missing outcome data management in acute stroke trials testing iv thrombolytics. Is there risk of bias?
Authors: Fernandez-Ferro Jose , Schwamm Lee H , Descalzo Miguel A , MacIsaac Rachael , Lyden Patrick D , Lees Kennedy R
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Missing outcome data may undermine interpretation of randomised clinical trials by weakening power and limiting apparent effect size. We assessed bias and inefficiency of two imputation methods commonly used in stroke trials evaluating the efficacy of iv thrombolysis.

Patients and methods

We searched the virtual international stroke trials archive (VISTA)-acute for ischaemic stroke patients with 90-day modified Rankin scale as an outcome, and known thrombolysis status. We excluded any with missing 30-day modified Rankin scale. We planned two analyses; first, we calculated odds ratios for outcome in thrombolysed versus not thrombolysed from imputed-only data, (a) among patients with missing modified Rankin scale 90 and (b) among matched patients with intact data (using propensity score methods and relevant covariates). Imputation approaches were last observation carried forward (LOCF) or multiple imputation. Outcome comparisons used dichotomisation and shift analysis. Thereafter, we calculated whole-population odds ratios using LOCF and multiple imputation (also through dichotomisation and shift analysis); first with the original 1.5% missing outcome data, and then artificially increasing the burden (5%; 10%; 20%; 30%).

Results

We considered 9657 patients from eight of the studies included in VISTA, 3034 (31%) thrombolysed. Missing data replacement by LOCF with analysis by dichotomisation gave the highest estimate of thrombolysis influence. Imputing while increasing the burden of missing data progressively raised the odds ratios estimates, though thresholds for overestimation were 10% for LOCF; 20% for multiple imputation. Discussion: Replacing missing outcome data tended to overestimate differences of thrombolysed versus non-thrombolysed patients, but had minimal impact below a 10% burden of missing data. Conclusion: In the specific context of acute stroke trials testing iv thrombolytics, replacing missing data by carrying forward the last observation tended to overestimate treatment odds ratios more than multiple imputation.
Reduced protein diet with near ideal amino acid profile improves energy efficiency and mitigate heat production associated with lactation in sows
Authors: Zhang Sai , Johnson Jay S. , Qiao Mu , Trottier Nathalie L.
Published: February 2020

Background

The study objective was to test the hypothesis that 1) lowering dietary crude protein (CP) increases dietary energetic efficiency and reduces metabolic heat associated with lactation, and 2) excessive dietary leucine (Leu) supplementation in a low CP diet decreases dietary energetic efficiency and increases metabolic heat associated with lactation.

Methods

Fifty-four lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 3 isocaloric diets (10.80 MJ/kg net energy): 1) control (CON; 18.75% CP), 2) reduced CP with a near ideal or optimal AA profile (OPT; 13.75% CP) and 3) diet OPT with excessive Leu (OPTLEU; 14.25% CP). Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on day 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on day 1, 4, 8, 14, 18, and 21 of lactation. Energy balance was measured on sows during early (day 4 to 8) and peak (day 14 to18) lactation, and milk was sampled on day 8 and 18.

Results

Over 21-day lactation, sows fed OPT lost body weight and body lipid (P < 0.05). In peak lactation, sows fed OPT had higher milk energy output (P < 0.05) than CON. Sows fed OPTLEU tended (P = 0.07) to have less milk energy output than OPT and did not differ from CON. Maternal energy retention was lower (P < 0.05) in OPT and OPTLEU compared to CON sows, and did not differ between OPTLEU and OPT sows. Sows fed OPT had higher (P < 0.05) apparent energy efficiency for milk production compared to CON. Heat production associated with lactation was lower (P < 0.05) or tended to be lower (P = 0.082), respectively, in OPT and OPTLEU compared to CON sows.

Conclusion

The OPT diet, in peak lactation, improved dietary energy utilization for lactation due to less urinary energy and metabolic heat loss, and triggered dietary energy deposition into milk at the expense of maternal lipid mobilization. Leucine supplementation above requirement may reduce dietary energy utilization for lactation by decreasing the energy partitioning towards milk, partially explaining the effectiveness of OPT diet over CON diets.
Loiasis in sub-Saharan migrants living in Spain with emphasis of cases from Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Puente Sabino , Ramírez-Olivencia German , Lago Mar , Subirats Mercedes , Bru Francisco , Pérez-Blazquez Eugenio , Arsuaga Marta , de Guevara Concepción Ladron , de la Calle-Prieto Fernando , Vicente Belén , Alonso-Sardón Montserrat , Belhassen-Garcia Moncef , Muro Antonio
Published: February 2020

Background

Loiasis is an uncommon and poorly understood parasitic disease outside endemic areas of Africa. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and biological patterns and treatment of imported loiasis by sub-Saharan migrants diagnosed in Madrid, Spain.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted with sub-Saharan immigrants seen at the Tropical Medicine Unit of the Carlos III Hospital in Madrid, Spain, a reference center, over 19 years. Categorical variables were expressed as frequency counts and percentages. Continuous variables were expressed as the mean and standard deviation (SD) or median and interquartile range (IQR: Q3–Q1). Chi-square tests were used to assess the association between categorical variables. The measured outcomes were expressed as the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidential interval. Continuous variables were compared by Student’s t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Binary logistic regression models were used. P <  0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference.

Results

One hundred thirty-one migrants from tropical and subtropical areas with loiasis were identified. Forty-nine patients were male (37.4%). The migrants’ mean age (±SD) was 42.3 ± 17.3 years, and 124 (94.7%) were from Equatorial Guinea. The median time (IQR) between arrival in Spain and the first consultation was 2 (1–7) months. One hundred fifteen migrants had eosinophilia, and one hundred thirteen had hyper-IgE syndrome. Fifty-seven patients had pruritus (43.5%), and thirty patients had Calabar swelling (22.9%). Seventy-three patients had coinfections with other filarial nematodes (54.2%), and 58 migrants had only Loa loa infections (45.8%). One hundred two patients (77.9%) were treated; 45.1% (46/102) patients were treated with one drug, and 54.9% (56/102) patients were treated with combined therapy. Adverse reactions were described in 14 (10.7%) migrants.

Conclusions

Our patients presented early clinical manifestations and few atypical features. Thus, physicians should systematically consider loiasis in migrants with a typical presentation. However, considering that 72.5% of the patients had only positive microfilaremia without any symptoms, we suggest searching for microfilaremia in every migrant from endemic countries for loiasis presenting with eosinophilia.
The Effects of Increased Midsole Bending Stiffness of Sport Shoes on Muscle-Tendon Unit Shortening and Shortening Velocity: a Randomised Crossover Trial in Recreational Male Runners
Authors: Cigoja Sasa , Asmussen Michael J. , Firminger Colin R. , Fletcher Jared R. , Edwards W. Brent , Nigg Benno M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Individual compliances of the foot-shoe interface have been suggested to store and release elastic strain energy via ligamentous and tendinous structures or by increased midsole bending stiffness (MBS), compression stiffness, and resilience of running shoes. It is unknown, however, how these compliances interact with each other when the MBS of a running shoe is increased. The purpose of this study was to investigate how structures of the foot-shoe interface are influenced during running by changes to the MBS of sport shoes.

Methods

A randomised crossover trial was performed, where 13 male, recreational runners ran on an instrumented treadmill at 3.5 m·s−1while motion capture was used to estimate foot arch, plantar muscle-tendon unit (pMTU), and shank muscle-tendon unit (sMTU) behaviour in two conditions: (1) control shoe and (2) the same shoe with carbon fibre plates inserted to increase the MBS.

Results

Running in a shoe with increased MBS resulted in less deformation of the arch (mean ± SD; stiff, 7.26 ± 1.78°; control, 8.84 ± 2.87°;p ≤ 0.05), reduced pMTU shortening (stiff, 4.39 ± 1.59 mm; control, 6.46 ± 1.42 mm;p ≤ 0.01), and lower shortening velocities of the pMTU (stiff, − 0.21 ± 0.03 m·s−1; control, − 0.30 ± 0.05 m·s−1;p ≤ 0.01) and sMTU (stiff, − 0.35 ± 0.08 m·s−1; control, − 0.45 ± 0.11 m·s−1;p ≤ 0.001) compared to a control condition. The positive and net work performed at the arch and pMTU, and the net work at the sMTU were significantly lower in the stiff compared to the control condition.

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed that if a compliance of the foot-shoe interface is altered during running (e.g. by increasing the MBS of a shoe), the mechanics of other structures change as well. This could potentially affect long-distance running performance.
Customized registry tool for tracking adherence to clinical guidelines for head and neck cancers: protocol for a pilot study
Authors: Hickey Matthew D. , Lisker Sarah , Brodie Shauna , Vittinghoff Eric , Russell Marika D. , Sarkar Urmimala
Published: February 2020

Background

Despite recommendations for monitoring patients with chronic and high-risk conditions, gaps still remain. These gaps are exacerbated in outpatient care, where patients and clinicians face challenges related to care coordination, multiple electronic health records, and extensive follow-up. In addition, low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations that are disproportionately cared for in safety net settings are particularly at risk to lapses in monitoring.

Methods

We aim to implement and evaluate a health information technology platform developed using systems engineering methodologies. The implementation is situated in a clinic that monitors patients with head and neck cancer within a large, urban, publicly funded hospital. Our study will evaluate the time it takes for patients to progress through key treatment milestones prior to and after implementation of the tool. We will use models controlling for secular trend to estimate the effect of the tool on improving timely and successful completion of guideline-based care processes.

Discussion

This protocol details the evaluation of the effectiveness of a human-centered health information technology intervention on improving timely delivery of care for high-risk populations. Other settings, including those that face challenges related to limited resources to devote to safety programs and fragmented health information technology, may benefit from this approach.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03546322. “Customized Registry Tool for Tracking Adherence to Clinical Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers.” Registered 1 June 2018.
The alarming outbreaks of dengue in Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Niran , Subedi Dinesh
Published: February 2020

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection. Since the first reported incidence in 2004, several sporadic outbreaks of dengue have been recorded from both tropical and subtropical regions of Nepal, including the capital city Kathmandu. However, in the last 5 years, the incidence of dengue cases has risen alarmingly. The largest-ever outbreak was reported in 2019, which killed six people. The global warming, unplanned urbanization, increased transportation, and lack of efficient mosquito control are presumably associated with the spread of dengue and its vector to the plane and hilly regions of this country. With the ongoing Nepalese government campaign “Visit Nepal Year 2020” to attract two million tourists in mind, effective dengue control measures must be implemented to control potential future outbreaks.
Pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms: a clinicopathological study of 11 cases and detailed review of literature
Authors: Din Nasir Ud , Zubair Maha , Abdul-Ghafar Jamshid , Ahmad Zubair
Published: February 2020

Background

Mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) of pancreas are relatively rare, occur almost exclusively in middle-aged females, and are overwhelmingly located in the body and tail of the pancreas, histologically show an ovarian type stroma. MCNs are premalignant, low aggressive tumors. Here we describe the clinicopathologic and radiologic features and follow up of cases diagnosed in our practice.We also present a detailed review of recent literature.

Materials and methods

Based on strict criteria, 11 cases diagnosed between 2002 and 2016 were included in the study.

Results

All cases were reviewed histologically. Mean and median age was 46.7 and 46 years respectively. All patients were females and 9 out of 11 cases were located in the body and/or tail of the pancreas. Mean tumor size was 8 cm. Grossly, cysts were uni or multilocular and ranged from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Microscopically, all cases showed characteristic tall columnar, mucin producing epithelium and ovarian type stroma. Atypia was mild in 8 cases and severe in 3 cases. The latter 3 cases were classified as non-invasive MCNs with high grade dysplasia (2 cases) and MCN with an associated invasive carcinoma (1 case). On immunohistochemistry, all cases showed epithelial positivity for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and stromal positivity for vimentin and smooth muscle actin. Follow up was available in 7 cases. All patients were alive and well with no recurrence.

Conclusions

Our cases show features similar to those described in other published studies although cases in our series tended to be larger in number. Since these tumors are relatively rare, premalignant and have strict diagnostic criteria, they must always be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic mucinous cystic lesions. Larger studies incorporating greater number of patients and more detailed follow up will help in increasing our understanding of MCNs.
A simple approach to nonstationary source waveform estimation in seismic records
Authors: Wang Yichuan , Morozov Igor B.
Published: February 2020

A simple and practical method for source-waveform estimation from reflection seismic records is implemented by iterative identification of locally strongest reflections. Instead of conventional hypotheses about statistical properties of the whole records, the method is based on a general observation that stronger reflection peaks occur relatively sparsely and that smaller peaks adjacent to them are mutually incoherent. Tests with real well logs suggest that the subsurface often possesses such sparseness. Based on this property, the source waveform is obtained from seismic records by optimizing a combination of its practically important properties, such as the main-lobe width, side-lobe amplitudes, and phase character. Similarly, other types of optimization criteria can be used. The approach is stable with respect to noise and parameter variations and allows estimating the source waveforms without well-log control. By including inverse [Formula: see text]-filtering, time-variant amplitude scaling, and/or band-pass filtering, the approach allows correcting for reflection amplitude variations, nonstationarity due to seismic attenuation and dispersion, and also for coherent noise consisting in possible amplitude variations and phase shifts of the low- or high-frequency components of the records. By using the estimated source waveform, time-dependent waveforms and nonstationary wavelet matrices can be predicted at any reflection time. The method is illustrated by synthetic examples of logs with von Kármán distributions of velocity fluctuations and real well logs from an oil reservoir. In the synthetics, the spectral character and shape of the main lobe of the source waveform are reproduced well in all cases, and the phase character of the source is partly recovered when the subsurface reflectivity is dominated by reflections that are relatively sparse and strong compared to the adjacent reflectivity. In cases in which the phase of the source signal is unknown, the obtained waveforms are characterized by simple shapes with low-amplitude side lobes. Such waveforms are suitable for many applications from well ties and numerical modeling to deconvolution and [Formula: see text]-compensation.
The Poetic Power of Theory
Authors: Kluge Alexander
Published: February 2020

The roots of theory lie in the spirit of resistance and “essential powers” that Karl Marx and Immanuel Kant ascribed to human beings. The poetic power of social life seeks and finds counter-algorithmic expression through narrative capacities of differentiation, and the poetic power of theory operates as a political alliance out of which emancipation of any kind becomes subjectively possible, without being subjectively controlled. What twenty-first-century forms of theoretical practice, sensory intelligence, and storytelling allow for the courage of cognition in a world dominated by Silicon Valley? If one dissolves the word power into the labor contained in it, petrified concepts are secretly changed, and heterogeneous “second-order” experience is made.
Tubulin-binding cofactor E-like (TBCEL), the protein product of the mulet gene, is required in the germline for the regulation of inter-flagellar microtubule dynamics during spermatid individualization
Authors: Fabrizio J. J. , Rollins J. , Bazinet C. W. , Wegener S. , Koziy I. , Daniel R. , Lombardo V. , Pryce D. , Bharrat K. , Innabi E. , Villanobos M. , Mendoza G. , Ferrara E. , Rodway S. , Vicioso M. , Siracusa V. , Dailey E. , Pronovost J. , Innabi S. , Patel V. , DeSouza N. , Quaranto D. , Niknejad A.
Published: February 2020

Individual sperm cells are resolved from a syncytium during late step of spermiogenesis known as individualization, which is accomplished by an Individualization Complex (IC) composed of 64 investment cones. mulet encodes Tubulin-binding cofactor E-like (TBCEL), suggesting a role for microtubule dynamics in individualization. Indeed, a population of ∼100 cytoplasmic microtubules fails to disappear in mulet mutant testes during spermatogenesis. This persistence, detected using epi-fluorescence and electron microscopy, suggests that removal of these microtubules by TBCEL is a prerequisite for individualization. Immunofluorescence reveals TBCEL expression in elongated spermatid cysts. In addition, testes from mulet mutant males were rescued to wild-type using tubulin-Gal4 to drive TBCEL expression, indicating that the mutant phenotype is caused by the lack of TBCEL. Finally, RNAi driven by bam-GAL4 successfully phenocopied mulet, confirming that mulet is required in the germline for individualization. We propose a model in which the cytoplasmic microtubules serve as alternate tracks for investment cones in mulet mutant testes.
Velocity Loss as a Critical Variable Determining the Adaptations to Strength Training
Authors: PAREJA-BLANCO FERNANDO , ALCAZAR JULIAN , SÁNCHEZ-VALDEPEÑAS JUAN , CORNEJO-DAZA PEDRO J. , PIQUERAS-SANCHIZ FRANCISCO , MORA-VELA RAÚL , SÁNCHEZ-MORENO MIGUEL , BACHERO-MENA BEATRIZ , ORTEGA-BECERRA MANUEL , ALEGRE LUIS M.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the effects of four resistance training (RT) programs with different velocity loss (VL) thresholds: 0% (VL0), 10% (VL10), 20% (VL20), and 40% (VL40) on sprint and jump performance, muscle strength, neuromuscular, muscle hypertrophy, and architectural adaptations.

Methods

Sixty-four young resistance-trained men were randomly assigned into four groups (VL0, VL10, VL20, and VL40) that differed in the VL allowed in each set. Subjects followed an RT program for 8 wk (two sessions per week) using the full-squat (SQ) exercise, with similar relative intensity (70%–85% 1-repetition maximum), number of sets (3), and interset recovery period (4 min). Before and after the RT program, the following tests were performed: 1) muscle hypertrophy and architecture of the vastus lateralis (VLA), 2) tensiomyography, 3) 20-m running sprint, 4) vertical jump, 5) maximal voluntary isometric contraction in SQ, 6) progressive loading test in SQ, and 7) fatigue test.

Results

No between-group differences existed for RT-induced gains in sprint, jump, and strength performance despite the differences in the total volume performed by each group. VL20 and VL40 showed significant increases (P < 0.001) in muscle hypertrophy (group–time interaction, P = 0.06). However, only VL40 exhibited a significant slowing (P < 0.001) of the delay time in the VLA muscle (group–time interaction, P = 0.05). Moreover, VL40 showed a significant decrease in the early rate of force development (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Higher VL thresholds (i.e., VL20 and VL40) maximized hypertrophic adaptations, although an excessive VL during the set (i.e., VL40) may also induce negative neuromuscular adaptations. Therefore, moderate VL thresholds should be chosen to maximize strength adaptations and to prevent negative neuromuscular adaptations.
Simulations and Comparisons of Channeling Spectra in the p+28Si System in the Backscattering Geometry
Authors: Kokkoris M. , Aslanoglou X. A. , Karydas A. , Kossionides E. , Paradellis Th. , Souliotis G. , Vlastou R.
Published: February 2020

A new method has recently been proposed for the simulation and analysis of channeling spectra in the backscattering geometry [1], based on reaction cross sections and the assumption that beam particles escape from the aligned direction at an exponential rate. The success of the method in the system p+28Si cut along the <100> plane [2] led to the investigation of more complicated crystal structures and beam-target combinations, namely a+MgO and a+A^Oa, which revealed the prospects as well as the limitations of the method [3]. In the present work channeling spectra of protons in a 28Si crystal cut along the <111> plane, in the energy region Ep = 1.7-2.4 MeV are studied and analyzed. The measured backscattering spectra are reproduced by computer simulations and an attempt is made to describe the differences between the <100> and the <111> axis in the silicon crystal and their subsequent effect on the stopping power of channeled protons. The results are compared with those of methods reported in the past at different energy regions of the incoming protons [4,5].
Evaluation of external doses from exposure to gamma sources in the soil using the MCNP code
Authors: Trabidou G. , Stamatelatos I. E. , Kritidis P. , Florou H.
Published: February 2020

Monte Carlo Neutron, Photon transport code (MCNP) was utilized to calculate the external dose from exposure to gamma emitting radionuclides on the ground. The results of the simulation were compared with the experimental data and the results of calculations performed using other analytical methods of estimating external doses from the ground and was found to be in a very good agreement.
Microscopie Calculations of Nuclear Level Densities and Astrophysical Applications
Authors: Demetriou P. , Goriely S.
Published: February 2020

A new level density formula based on a microscopic calculation of the thermodynamic quantities using the deformed Hartree-Fock-BCS method is proposed. In the microscopic approach shell, pairing and deformation effects on the thermodynamic quantities are treated consistently. The final level density formula is shown to be in close agreement with experimental neutron resonance spacings and low energy states. The impact of the newly-determined level densities on nuclear reaction cross sections and rates of relevance in astrophysics applications is presented.
A survey of 222Rn concentrations in dwellings of the town of Metsovo in North-western Greece
Authors: Ioannides K. G. , Stamoulis K. C. , Papachristodoulou C. A.
Published: February 2020

A radon survey has been carried out of indoor radon concentrations in dwellings ocated in the town of Metsovo, in north-western Greece. To measure indoor radon ioncentrations, CR-39 detectors were installed in randomly selected houses and were exposed :or about 3 months, during summer and winter. Also gamma spectroscopy measurements of he soil's radium content were performed. The indoor radon concentration levels varied from [7.6 to 750.4 Bq m-3, while the radium concentration of soil varied from 4.9 to 97.1 Bq m"3. Seasonal variation of the radon levels and the influence of house features and sou are liscussed.
Neutron separation energies from nuclear mass systematics using neural networks
Authors: Athanassopoulos S. , Mavrommatis E. , Gernoth K. A. , Clark J. W.
Published: February 2020

Statistical modeling of data sets by neural-network techniques is offered as an alternative to traditional semi-empirical approaches to global modeling of nuclear properties. There is need for such systematics driven by fundamental investigations of nuclear structure far from stability, conducted at heavy-ion and radioactive-ion beam facilities. There is also great current interest from the perspective of astrophysics and of nuclear technology. In this work we evaluate the one and two neutron separation energies based on global models for the masses of nuclides developed with the use of neural networks[l] and compare them with the experimental ones as given by Audi at Atomic Mass Data Center web site [2], Our work on masses is a continuation of the work reported in ref. [3]. We have used enriched data sets together with a novel training algorithm and various coding schemes to achieve high performance both in learning and prediction. Our performance is comparable to the best of other evaluations of separation energies based on global models for the masses of nuclides (like those of Möller et al. [4] and Pearson et al. [5] that are rooted in conventional Hamiltonian theory), whereas the number of parameters is larger. Neural network modeling, as well as other statistical strategies based on new algorithms for artificial intelligence, may prove to be a useful asset in the further exploration of nuclear phenomena far from stability.
Neutron excess dependence of fusion barrier parameters
Authors: Nicolis N. G.
Published: February 2020

The neutron excess dependence of heavy ion fusion barrier parameters is investigated, guided by predictions of different heavy ion potentials. We develop parametrizations for the fusion barrier height and radius which explicitly involve the entrance channel mass asymmetry and neutron excess of the projectile and target. The developed expressions reproduce theoretical barrier parameters within 0.2%, which represents a big improvement over previous parametrizations. Furthermore, they provide a means to assess the importance of the neutron excess degree of freedom implied by each potential. Application of these expressions to systematics of experimental barrier parameters will be discussed.
Μελέτη Διακριτικής Ικανότητας γ-κάμερας SPECT
Authors: Σπανουδάκη Β. , Γιόκαρης Ν. , Λούντος Γ. , Παπανικόλας Κ. Ν. , Στυλιάρης Ε.
Published: February 2020

No abstract (available).
A simplified response function formalism for medium-heavy Λ hypernuclei
Authors: Petridou Theodora
Published: February 2020

There is a variety of spectra for Λ hypernuclei (from light to heavy) which contain many peaks ranging from the deepest orbits to the surface ones. An approach is presented for the calculation of the bound state specrum of Λ hypernuclei, where the cross section is expressed through the response function. This was achieved in the framework of the Green function method with a square well optical potential using the plane waves. An analytic treatment was made for the prominent peaks with the contribution of only the valence neutron-hole series and a Gaussian folding was obtained for the rest spectrum. The method was applied mainly to the (π+,Κ+) medium to heavy Λ hypernuclei and also to the (Ä"~in-flight, π~) Λ hypernuclear spectra (with respect to their differences). The results are satisfactory compared to the experimental values. The main advantage of the proposed model is its simplicity. Possible extensions and improvements of this method are also suggested.
Copper and sulphur depth profile in patina layers using NRA and RBS
Authors: Kalliabakos G. , Kossionides S. , Misailides P. , Papadopoulos C. T. , Vlastou R.
Published: February 2020

A combination of nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) were utilized in order to obtain information on the depth distribution of sulphur and copper in artificially produced and natural patina layers. The copper profiling was performed by using the reaction 63Cu(p,p'y)6 3Cu and detecting the 1327 keV γ-ray deexciting the third excited state to the ground state of 6 3Cu produced. For the determination of sulfur the 2230 keV γ-ray was used, deexciting the first excited state to the ground state of 32S formed through the reaction 3 2S(p,p'y)3 2S, which exhibits three sharp resonances at projectile energies 3.094, 3.195 and 3.379 MeV. The relevant cross-sections were measured in the energy range between 3.0 and 3.7 MeV in steps of 20 keV at 125° to the incident proton beam direction. Supporting information on the depth distribution of oxygen and the other elements of the patina samples was obtained by p-RBS (Ep = 1.5 MeV; θ = 160°).
Covariant density functional theory for rare isotopes
Authors: Ring P.
Published: February 2020

Modern methods for the description of the nuclear many-body system use the concepts of density functional theory (DFT) and of effective field theory (EFT). The covariant version of this theory is based on a density functional which takes into account Lorentz symmetry in a self-consistent way. Pairing correlations play an important role in all open-shell configurations. They are included in relativistic Hartree Bogoliubov (RHB) theory by an effective residual interaction of finite range. With a minimal number of phenomenological parameters this theory allows a very successful phenomenological description of ground state properties of nuclei all over the periodic table. Recently this method has also been extended for the investigations of excited states, such as collective vibrations and rotations.
Proton capture reactions on 116Sn and 118Sn relevant to the p process
Authors: Spyrou A. , Lagoyannis A. , Zarkadas Ch. , Perdikakis G. , Galanopoulos S. , Demetriou P. , Harissopulos S. , Fey M. , Kunz R. , Hammer J. W. , Becker Η. W. , Rolfs C.
Published: February 2020

The proton capture reaction cross sections on 116Sn and 118Sn have been determined at astrophysically relevant energies by means of activation, 7-ray angular distribution and angle-integrated 7-flux measurements. The results of the present work together with those obtained in previous measurements are compared to the predictions of the Hauser-Feshbach theory.
Phase Space Analysis of Relaxation Dynamics of Isoscalar Giant Monopole Resonances
Authors: Papachristou P. K. , Mavrommatis E. , Constantoudis V. , Diakonos F. Κ. , Wambach J.
Published: February 2020

A classical model based on the independent particle approach to the nuclear dynamics is used to study the influence of the phase space structures on the onebody dissipation of isoscalar Giant Monopole Resonances. The model consists of a harmonic oscillator describing the collective excitation coupled with a nonlinear (Woods-Saxon) oscillator representing the motion of each nucléon. We are particulary interested in the dependence of relaxation on the energy of the system. We have found that in a rather broad region of parameter space, contrary to the common expectation, both Lyapunov exponent and relaxation time increase as a function of the total energy. We examine the conditions required for this effect to occur and demonstrate the key role of the dispersion relation of the nonlinear oscillator.
Quantum algebraic symmetries in nuclear physics
Authors: Bonatsos D. , Dascaloyannis C.
Published: February 2020

The pairing correlations in a single-j nuclear shell are considered. It is proven that a simple boson mapping in terms of q-defonned bosons exists, which reproduces correctly both the commutation relations and the energy up to first order corrections, the parameter q being connected to the size of the shell. An exact solution in terms of a generalized deformed oscillator is also found
Enviromental Radioactivity measurements in Northwerstern Greece
Authors: Assimakopoulos P. A.
Published: February 2020

No abstract (available).
A Study of Cover Materials Which Influence Rn222 Exhalation Indoors
Authors: Raptis C. , Savidou A. , Kritidis P.
Published: February 2020

The wall covers can decrease or increase the radon exhalation; this depends on whether the material acts mostly as a sealer against radon exhalation or as a source of radon. This work is a study of different kind of wall covers which influence radon exhalation from surfaces of building materials. The experimental data are in good agreement with the evaluations according to the theory of radon diffusion through porous materials.
Application of Nuclear Techniques to the Investigation of the Oxidation Behavior of Ion-Implanted Steels
Authors: Noli F. , Misaelides P.
Published: February 2020

The oxidation behavior of ion-implanted steel samples in air, using Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA) and Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) techniques. Austenitic stainless steel AISI 321 (Fe/Crl8/Ni8/Mn2/Ti) samples implanted with magnesium-, aluminum- and zirconium-ions (implantation energy 40 keV, dose: 1-1017 to 2-1017 ions/cm2) were oxidized in air in the temperature region 450-650 °C for several periods of time. The above implants were selected on the basis of the affinity to oxygen, as well as their ability to form protective oxides as MgO, AI2O3, Zr02 in order to improve the oxidation resistance of steel. The determination of the oxygen concentration and depth-profiles was performed by means of the 160(d, p)170 nuclear reaction. Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy was applied to investigate the near-surface layers and to determine the depth profiles of the implanted ions. The determination of the aluminum concentration and the depth distribution of the Al-ions was performed using the resonance at 992 keV of the 27Al(p, 7)28Si nuclear reaction whereas the concentration and the depth distribution of the Mg-ions by the means of the 24Mg(o;, p)27Al reaction. The excitation function of the 24Mg(a:, p)27Al nuclear reaction was studied in the energy region 4600-5000 keV and absolute cross section data allowing the determination of the Mg-profile were determined for this purpose.
Sensitivity and Resolution Study of a Small-Field γ-Camera System on a Tomographic Level
Authors: Rapsomanikis A.-N. , Zioga M. , Mikeli M. , Thanassas D. , Stiliaris E.
Published: February 2020

The sensitivity and the spatial resolution of a small-field γ-Camera system based on a Position Sensitive Photomultiplier Tube (PSPMT) on a tomographic level are examined in this study. A cylindrical Gel-Phantom (d = 40 mm, h = 50 mm) with cylindro-conoidal tubes and capillaries (from 64 to 640 mm3 in volume) containing water solution of 99mTc is used as a test phantom in the present work. A total of 24 projections covering the full angle region (0°-360°) are obtained with the γ-Camera system under examination. The planar information is further analyzed to reconstruct the tomographic images taking into account all off-line corrections needed to remove barreloid deformations appearing at the edges of the Field-of- View. The reconstruction procedure is performed with iterative algorithms and for comparison reasons two different techniques (MLEM and accelerated ART) are used. The variety of the 99mTc-volumes in the phantom with the given specific radioactivity and the phantom axial asymmetry, due to the diÆerent radial distances of the tubes in the gel environment, allow a realistic characterization of the system’s performance on a tomographic level. Obtained experimental results for the system sensitivity and spatial resolution are presented and discussed in this work.
Large Sample Neutron Activation Analysis: Developments and Perspectives
Authors: Vasilopoulou T. , Tzika F. , Stamatelatos I. E.
Published: February 2020

Most of the available analytical techniques do not comply with the need for direct trace element analysis of samples of mass exceeding the order of grams. Instead sub-sampling methods are used to obtain representative sampling of the studied material. Large Sample Neutron Activation Analysis (LSNAA) is a powerful technique, which can fulfill this need in a non-destructive way, free of sample size restrictions due to the high penetrating properties of neutrons and gamma rays in matter. However, corrections are required in order to obtain quantitative analysis results. Due to its distinct advantage to allow for the analysis of whole objects, LSNAA has found successful applications in diverse fields of science and technology. In the present study, the LSNAA method and applications representative of the capabilities of the technique are presented. Moreover, recent developments and future perspectives of the technique are discussed.
Experimental study of the 197Au(n,2n) reaction cross section
Authors: Tsinganis A. , Kokkoris M. , Lagoyannis A. , Mara E. , Papadopoulos C. T. , Vlastou R.
Published: February 2020

In the present work, the 197Au(n,2n) reaction cross section is experimentally determined relative to the 27Al(n,α)24Na reaction at incident neutron energies of 9.0 to 10.5 MeV by means of the activation technique. The quasi-monoenergetic fast neutron beam was produced via the 2H(d,n)3He reaction at the 5.5 MV Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator at the NCSR “Demokritos” and was studied to determine the contribution of background “parasitic” neutrons using the multiple foil activation technique and the SULSA unfolding code. The cross sections for the population of the second isomeric state (12−) of 196Au and the sum of the ground (2−) and first isomeric state (5−) population cross sections were independently determined. Auxiliary Monte Carlo simulations were performed with the MCNP code.
Underground Low Flux Neutron Background Measurements in LSM Using a Large Volume (1m3) Spherical Proportional Counter
Authors: Savvidis I.
Published: February 2020

A large volume (1m3) spherical proportional counter has been developed at CEA/Saclay, for low flux neutron measurements. The high voltage is applied to a small sphere 15mm in diameter, located in the center of the counter and the wall of the counter is grounded. Neutrons can be measured successfully, with high sensitivity, using 3He gas in the detector. The proton and tritium energy deposition in the drift gaseous volume, from the reaction 3He(n,p)3H, can provide the neutron spectra from thermal neutrons up to several MeV.The detector has been installed in the underground laboratory in Modane (LSM) to measure the neutron background. The sphere has been has been filled with gas mixture of Ar + 2% CH4 +3gr He-3, at 275 mbar. The thermal neutron peak is well separated from the cosmic ray and gamma background, permitting of neutron flux calculation. Other potential applications requiring large volume of about 10 m in radius are described in detail in reference
Influenza Altmetric Attention Score and its association with the influenza season in USA
Authors: AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Al Oweidat Khaled , Al-Essa Mohammad , Ashouri Khaled , El Khatib Osama , Al-Rawashdeh Athar , Yaseen Abeer , Toumar Ahmad , Alrwashdeh Anas
Published: February 2020

Background: Altmetrics measure the impact of journal articles by tracking social media, Wikipedia, public policy documents, blogs, and mainstream news activity, after which an overall Altmetric attention score (AAS) is calculated for every journal article. In this study, we aim to assess the AAS for influenza related articles and its relation to the influenza season in USA.

Methods: This study used the openly available Altmetric data from Altmetric.com. First, we retrieved all influenza-related articles using an advanced PubMed search query, then we inputted the resulted query into Altmetric explorer. We then calculated the average AAS for each month during the years 2012-2018.

Results: A total of 24,964 PubMed documents were extracted, among them, 12,395 documents had at least one attention. We found a significant difference in mean AAS between February and each of January and March (p< 0.001, mean difference of 117.4 and 460.7, respectively). We found a significant difference between June and each of May and July (p< 0.001, mean difference of 1221.4 and 162.7, respectively). We also found a significant difference between October and each of September and November (p< 0.001, mean difference of 88.8 and 154.8, respectively).

Conclusion: We observed a seasonal trend in the attention toward influenza-related research, with three annual peaks that correlated with the beginning, peak, and end of influenza seasons in USA, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.
ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ НЕДВИЖИМОСТЬЮ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЦИФРОВОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ
Authors: Makarova Ekaterina Evgenievna
Published: February 2020

В статье исследуется процесс становления информационной системы в современной отечественной экономике, влияние цифровизации на сферу недвижимости и внедрение в неё новых инструментов и механизмов. Также проведён анализ, выявлены основные проблемы и пути их решения, связанные с этой деятельностью.Цель работы. Определение проблем в условиях влияния цифровизации на сферу недвижимости при повышении эффективности управления.Метод или методология проведения работы: в статье использовались аналитический и статистический методы анализа.Результаты: сформулированы основные проблемы управления недвижимостью в условиях цифровизации.Область применения результатов: полученные результаты целесообразно применять экономическими субъектами, осуществляющими управление недвижимостью в условиях цифровой экономики.
Measuring and assessing the effects of collaborative innovation in crime prevention
Authors: Torfing Jacob , Krogh Andreas Hagedorn , Ejrnæs Anders
Published: February 2020

This study reports the findings from an interactive research project in which academics and practitioners worked closely together in designing a new, criteria-based assessment tool that enables local municipalities to measure the degree of collaboration, innovation and crime-preventive effect in publicly financed projects intended to keep at-risk youth out of criminal activities. The assessment tool also offers a much-needed opportunity for researchers to study the extent to which cross-boundary collaboration may spur the development of innovative solutions, which in turn may help to prevent youth crime. The key empirical finding is that collaboration has a strong association with public innovation, which in turn has a strong association with the ability of local projects to help prevent crime. The result makes an important contribution to the expanding field of public innovation research in which quantitative studies that combine process evaluation and impact studies are extremely rare.
Von Willebrand and Factor VIII Portosystemic Circulation Gradient in Cirrhosis: Implications for Portal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Praktiknjo Michael , Trebicka Jonel , Carnevale Roberto , Pastori Daniele , Queck Alexander , Ettorre Evaristo , Violi Francesco
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVES:

Portal vein thrombosis seems to be dependent on local hypercoagulation and venous stasis; data regarding endothelial damage are lacking.

METHODS:

von Willebrad factor, a marker of endothelial damage/perturbation, factor VIII, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were studied in the portal and systemic circulation of 20 cirrhotic patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic procedure.

RESULTS:

von Willebrad factor, factor VIII, and LPS were higher in the portal compared with systemic circulation, with a significant correlation between LPS and the other 2 variables.

DISCUSSION:

Endothelial damage and hypercoagulation coexist in the portal tree of patients with cirrhosis, and both could contribute to portal vein thrombosis. LPS may be a potential trigger of endothelial damage.