bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of knowledge management systems on innovation
Authors: Elmorshidy Ahmed
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine and validate the effect of knowledge management systems (KMS) on innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 392 employees working in private and public organizations in the state of Kuwait were collected and used to test the proposed research model and hypotheses through structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study finds that system quality, information quality and service quality of KMS have a positive effect on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of the system, and in turn, they have a positive effect on actual use of KMS which leads to net benefit represented in an increased innovation for employees who use the KMS. Employees (users of the system) indicated that the use of the system helped them to improve their work, come up with new ways to conduct work, discover new solutions to solve problems, accomplish more complex tasks in less time and communicate in a better way with other employees.

Practical implications

The findings of this study analyzed the elements of KMS that influence innovation in public and private organizations at the individual level. This should be helpful for the designers of KMS to focus on those success factor elements when building KMS, which should make it easy for individuals to acquire knowledge, use it, share it and thus become more innovative and successful in the work they do and the decisions they make. The study also shows a positive relationship between usefulness, ease of use and attitude toward using KMS. Developers of KMS should also take these guidelines in consideration when designing a responsive KMS.

Originality/value

Both knowledge and innovation are considered as crucial sources for sustaining the competitive advantage for organizations. However, despite this, knowledge management (KM) and innovation have established themselves as separate fields and distinct areas of research. However, although KM has a strong relationship with innovation, it is unclear if the research literature in these two fields converge. There is a lack of research studies that deal with interrelation of KM and innovation in organizations. This study is among the first to attempt to fill this gap by empirically investigating the effect of KMS on innovation in both private and public organizations in the state of Kuwait.
Lower birthweight and left‐/mixed‐handedness are associated with intensified age‐related sex steroid decline in men. Findings from the Men's Health 40+ Study
Authors: Hoppler S. , Walther A. , La Marca‐Ghaemmaghami P. , Ehlert U.
Published: July 2018

In males, age‐related decline in free testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by 2–3% per year has been reported. Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) seem to decrease as well, but to a lesser extent. Lower sex steroid levels in men have been related to physical and mental symptoms. Low birthweight and left‐/mixed‐handedness (L/MH) are indicators of an adverse fetal environment during pregnancy, and both have been linked to morbidity in later life. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between lower birthweight as well as L/MH and age‐related sex steroid decline. In a cross‐sectional study design, saliva samples were collected under standardized conditions from healthy men for subsequent steroid hormone analysis using standard luminescence immunoassays. T (M = 67.57 pg/mL), DHEA (M = 247.91 pg/mL), E2 (M = 1.29 pg/mL), and P (M = 28.20 pg/mL) have been quantified leading to a final sample of 256 men providing complete data on sex hormones (MAge=57.8; SDAge = 10.8). Information on participants’ birthweight was obtained from birth reports (N = 134), and participants were asked about their handedness (right‐handed, left‐handed, mixed‐handed) (N = 256). Multivariate‐adjusted linear regression models relating each sex hormone individually and the principal component of declining steroid hormones (DSH)—an integrated hormonal parameter—with handedness and birthweight did not identify significant associations except for handedness and E2. Moderation analysis using robust regression accounting for bias due to influential data points detected a significant association between age and DSH for handedness (β = −0.0314, p = 0.040) but only a trend for birthweight (β = 0.0309, p = 0.073). For lower birthweight, a trend toward intensified age‐related sex steroid decline in men was observed, while for L/MH, a significant association with intensified age‐related sex steroid decline was identified. These results indicate that L/MH and potentially also lower birthweight might be considered as early risk factors for endocrine health in later life.
Extent of intraluminal exfoliated malignant cells during surgery for colon cancer: Differences in cell abundance ratio between laparoscopic and open surgery
Authors: Kobayashi Shinichiro , Inoue Yusuke , Fujita Fumihiko , Ito Shinichiro , Yamaguchi Izumi , Nakayama Masahiko , Kanetaka Kengo , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Eguchi Susumu
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Laparoscopic colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for patients with colon cancer. However, there are often concerns about the presence of intraluminal exfoliated malignant cells in the intracorporeal anastomosis. This study investigated the relationship between colon cancer surgery and the incidence of intraluminal exfoliated malignant cells and several factors.

Methods

Eighty‐nine consecutive patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open colectomy were prospectively studied in our department between 2007 and 2011. Before anastomosis, the proximal and distal lumens were irrigated with normal saline and subjected to cytological examination.

Results

In 27 patients (30.3%), exfoliated cancer cells were detected. On the distal side, the frequency of positive cytology findings of exfoliated malignant cells was significantly lower in the laparoscopic colectomy group than in the open colectomy group (P = 0.01). In the laparoscopic colectomy group, there were no cases of positive cytology findings for exfoliated malignant cells more than 100 mm from the primary tumor. The incidence of positive cytology more than 100 mm from the primary tumor was significantly lower than the incidence of positive cytology less than 100 mm from the primary tumor (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Exfoliated malignant cells were detected at anastomosis sites in patients with colon cancer. On the distal side, laparoscopic colectomy may prevent the development of exfoliated malignant cells.
Cross‐group friendships and psychological well‐being: A dual pathway through social integration and empowerment
Authors: Bagci Sabahat C. , Turnuklu Abbas , Bekmezci Eyup
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the associations between cross‐group friendships and psychological well‐being among a sample of physically disabled adults. A total of 269 disabled people (Mage = 39.13, SD = 13.80; 114 females, 152 males, 3 unknown) completed questionnaires including the quality of their friendships with non‐disabled people, perceived majority group's attitudes towards the minority group, collective self‐esteem, collective action tendencies, own outgroup attitudes, and psychological well‐being. Findings demonstrated that disabled people's cross‐group friendships were directly and indirectly associated with higher levels of psychological well‐being via two routes: one by promoting perceived majority attitudes which consequently led to more positive own outgroup attitudes (well‐being through social integration hypothesis) and the other by leading to higher levels of collective self‐esteem which enhanced collective action tendencies (well‐being through empowerment hypothesis). Findings offer important insights into the study of cross‐group friendships in relation to the psychological well‐being of stigmatized minority group members.
The promise of reward crowdfunding
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Urtiaga María , Sáez‐Lacave María‐Isabel
Published: July 2018

Research Question/Issue

We study reward crowdfunding (RC), the most innovative segment of the crowdfunding market, where, instead of a debt or equity contract, fund providers are promised some good or service in the future in exchange for their contribution to the funding of the investment project under a contract that does not penalize the creator's failure to deliver. The existing economic and legal literature is puzzled by the platform's use of this seemingly inefficient contract where a standard pre‐sale contract would appear to work better.

Research Findings/Insights

Counterintuitively, we prove that the no‐penalty contract is the optimal contract between creators of unknown talent and early adopters of their products when creators can benefit from being discovered as talented and from the goodwill generated by delivering on their promise to early adopters.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our analysis contributes to understanding RC by showing that the no‐penalty RC contract, far from being an inefficiency, is a contractual innovation specifically designed for talent discovery. We also contribute to the literature on relationship contracts, showing that even in a one‐shot game, it is possible to sustain a contract in the desire to build a reputation that will be useful in a future contract with a third party.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our analysis has important policy implications on how backers should be protected. Standard measures of consumer or investor protection may be counterproductive.
Groundwater Quality and Hydraulic Fracturing: Current Understanding and Science Needs
Authors: Soeder Daniel J.
Published: July 2018

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a process used for the stimulation and production of ultra‐low permeability shale gas and tight oil resources. Fracking poses two main risks to groundwater quality: (1) stray gas migration and (2) potential contamination from chemical and fluid spills. Risk assessment is complicated by the lack of predrilling baseline measurements, limited access to well sites and industry data, the constant introduction of new chemical additives to frack fluids, and difficulties comparing data sets obtained by different sampling and analytical methods. Specific recommendations to reduce uncertainties and meet science needs for better assessment of groundwater risks include improving data‐sharing among researchers, adopting standardized methodologies, collecting predrilling baseline data, installing dedicated monitoring wells, developing shale‐specific environmental indicators, and providing greater access to field sites, samples, and industry data to the research community.
Pressure slip casting of coarse‐grained alumina‐carbon materials
Authors: Moritz Kirsten , Gerlach Nora , Hubálková Jana , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: July 2018

This study presents investigations on the application of pressure slip casting to produce shaped coarse‐grained alumina‐carbon refractories. Slurries containing alumina particle size fractions ≤3 mm, a modified coal‐tar pitch, graphite, and carbon black were prepared and examined by rheological measurements and pressure filtration tests on a laboratory scale. A suitable combination of organic additives was chosen. The graphite content was found to have a significant effect on the flow behavior and the apparent porosity of the samples produced from the slurries. Scale‐up experiments were performed in a modified commercial pressure casting machine. It was possible to cast dimensionally stable samples with a size of approximately 220 mm × 220 mm × 40 mm. As shown by means of computed tomography, a homogeneous distribution of the coarse grains over the whole sample was achieved. Quenching tests demonstrated the thermal shock resistance of the carbon‐bonded alumina material obtained after the pyrolysis of the modified coal‐tar pitch.
High‐Q and temperature‐stable microwave dielectrics in layer cofired Zn1.01Nb2O6/TiO2/Zn1.01Nb2O6 ceramic architectures
Authors: Zhang Jie , Luo Yu , Yue Zhenxing , Li Longtu
Published: July 2018

A multilayer cofired architecture was proposed and demonstrated to achieve high‐Q and temperature‐stable microwave dielectrics in a derived system, Zn1.01Nb2O6‐TiO2. This approach could effectively allow the chemical reactions between Zn1.01Nb2O6 and TiO2 occur at a rather narrow area (~12 μm), the interfaces of heterogeneous layers, where the diffusion of Zn, Nb, and Ti could be observed. Such interfaces could act as the in situ “glues” to connect each layer well. The effects of stacking scheme and TiO2 content on the microwave dielectric properties of layered architectures were investigated systematically. The resonant frequency, Q‐factor, and electric field distribution were reported using the eigenmode solver of high‐frequency structure simulator. Among the available layer architectures, the optimized microwave dielectric characteristic was observed in Zn1.01Nb2O6/TiO2/Zn1.01Nb2O6 stacked with 0.058 mol TiO2 (~1.84 vol%). The τf can be effectively tuned to approximately +0.53 ppm/°C, and importantly, a high Q × f value ~99 500 GHz together with εr ~26.8 was achieved. This design could be beneficial for opening up new ways to develop high‐performance microwave dielectrics based on current material systems and therefore to meet with the high requirements for 5G wireless communication components and multilayer packing technology.
Textured dense zinc oxide layers for active noise canceling windows
Authors: Lüchtenborg Jörg , Kober Delf , Weber Alfred P. , Melcher Jörg , Günster Jens
Published: July 2018

Dense ZnO films with a strong c‐axis texture have been deposited on transparent conductive oxide glass, glass, and Si wafers, respectively, with a two‐step pressureless wet chemical method using zinc acetate dihydrate as Zn‐precursor. The crystallographic structure of the films has been studied with XRD and scanning electron microscopy. Optical measurements reveal a high transparency of the ZnO films with a thickness of up to 10 μm. This new cost‐effective route for ZnO film deposition does not require expensive sophisticated equipment and is easily upscaled.
Editorial: Sweet nothings – the value of negative findings for scientific progress
Authors: Oldehinkel A.J. (Tineke)
Published: July 2018

It is well‐known that selective outcome reporting and publication distort the information that is made publicly available, and so undermine the reliability of what we consider evidence‐based knowledge. Perhaps less known is that the risk of bias extends beyond the process of reporting and publishing results. Two further sources of bias are spin and selective citing. Spin relates to selective interpretation, meant to transform a basically negative conclusion into a more positively toned one; citation bias is the phenomenon that positive findings tend to be cited more than negative ones. The effects of these sources of imbalance accumulate, and the consequences can be huge. This issue of JCPP contains several articles with wholly or partly negative findings, which hopefully will be cited frequently. Publications regarding negative findings comprise an underrepresented and often undervalued minority, and therefore deserve all the support they can get.
A Danish population‐based cohort study of desmopressin use in adults with nocturia or nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Juul Kristian Vinter , Schrøder Marie Krarup , Mahler Birgitte , Rittig Søren , Nørgaard Jens Peter
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study investigated how desmopressin is prescribed to adults in Denmark.

Methods

All adult users of desmopressin over an 8‐year period were identified from the Danish National Prescription Registry. Adult patients with nocturia or nocturnal enuresis (NE) were identified by indication codes for “frequent nocturnal voiding” or “involuntary nocturnal voiding”, respectively. Patient demographics, desmopressin formulation and dose, and concomitant medication were investigated.

Results

In all, 13 871 adults with nocturia and 2872 adults with chronic (i.e. >10 prescriptions) NE were given 102 547 and 43 712 desmopressin prescriptions, respectively. Across the entire patient cohort, 57% were women and mean patient age was 62 years. Over 40% of prescriptions were to elderly patients (≥65 years), and desmopressin use for adult enuresis increased with age. Orally disintegrating tablets were the most frequently used formulation (57%–65% of prescriptions), and a greater proportion of women than men used low‐dose desmopressin (60 μg). Concomitant use of painkillers (opioids: 18%–26.7% of prescriptions; non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs: 14.2%–16.4% of prescriptions) and antidepressants (14.4%–18.1% of prescriptions) was common in both conditions, and 5.4%–9.2% of concomitant prescriptions were for overactive bladder medications.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into desmopressin use among Danish adults. Nearly half the prescriptions were to patients aged ≥65 years, despite historical manufacturer recommendations that desmopressin be restricted to patients <65 years of age. NE is considered a childhood condition, but desmopressin use for adult NE increased with age. A greater proportion of desmopressin prescriptions to women than men were for the lowest dose, consistent with greater sensitivity to desmopressin in women.
Cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities in patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia compared to a psychiatric control cohort
Authors: Vogelgsang Jonathan , Wolff‐Menzler Claus , Kis Bernhard , Abdel‐Hamid Mona , Wiltfang Jens , Hessmann Philipp
Published: July 2018

Background

Multimorbidity in dementia is associated with an increased risk of complications and a higher need for care. Having knowledge of cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities is crucial when making decisions about diagnostic procedures and therapies. We compared the prevalence of comorbidities in hospitalized patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia, and psychiatric diseases other than dementia. Additionally, we compared clinically relevant health‐care indicators (length of hospital stay, rate of re‐hospitalization) between these groups.

Methods

We used information from a database of treatment‐relevant indicators from psychiatric and psychosomatic hospitals throughout Germany. This database contains routinely recorded data collected from 85 German hospitals from 2011 to 2015. In total, 14 411 AD cases, 7156 vascular dementia cases, and 34 534 cases involving non‐demented psychiatric patients (used as controls) were included. To analyze comorbidities and health‐care indicators, χ2 tests and t‐tests were used.

Results

Diabetes mellitus, lipoprotein disorders, coronary artery diseases, cardiac arrhythmia and insufficiency, and atherosclerosis were significantly more prevalent in patients with vascular dementia than in those with AD and psychiatric controls. Hypertension and coronary artery diseases were less frequently associated with AD than with non‐demented psychiatric controls (P < 0.001). Additionally, dementia patients with cardiovascular or metabolic diseases exhibited longer hospital stays (+ 1.4 days, P < 0.001) and were more often re‐hospitalized within 3 weeks (P < 0.001) and 1 year (P < 0.001) compared to dementia patients without these comorbidities.

Conclusions

Awareness of somatic comorbidities in patients with dementia is crucial to avoid complications during inpatient treatment. The occurrence of comorbid disorders was associated with longer and more frequent hospital stays, which potentially lead to higher health‐care costs. Further studies should evaluate the causative association between somatic comorbidities and inpatient costs in dementia patients.
The Investigation of the Creative Thinking Tendency of Prospective Mathematics Teachers in Terms of Different Variables
Authors: Cenberci Selin
Published: July 2018

New ideas and inventions are needed in the globalizing world in order that societies can be survived. To achieve this, there is a need for teachers and prospective mathematics teachers who will guide these students, who have creative ideas, make new inventions and generate new ideas in the educational environment where individuals are educated. Creative thinking skills should be used at the highest level in order to achieve a more permanent learning and ensure interdisciplinary transition. Creativity is defined as sensitivity emerging against problems. For this reason, importance of the noteworthy that opportunities should be given prospective mathematics teachers to develop creative thinking skills and have more time for designing creative products. Although each individual has creative thinking skills, it is very important to determine how using tendency of creative thinking skills and factors that will activate this tendency do change in accordance with different variables. So it was aimed to determine the level of creative thinking tendencies of prospective mathematics teachers and examine this level in terms of different variables. Marmara Creative Thinking Tendency Scale were applied to prospective mathematics teachers. According to the results obtained, it was declared that the creative thinking tendencies of the prospective mathematics teachers were in the group consisting of the "good" range in the total score section.
The HASTE Protocol: a standardised CT Coronary Angiography service operated from a District General Hospital
Authors: Parsons Iain Thomas , Bannister Clare , Badelek John , Ingram Mark , Wood Emma , Horton Alex , Hickman Michael , Leatham Edward
Published: July 2018

Introduction

CT coronary angiography (CTCA) has excellent sensitivity but lacks specificity when compared with invasive coronary angiography (ICA) particularly in patients with a high coronary calcium burden. CTCA has been shown in large trials to decrease the requirement for diagnostic ICA and provide diagnostic clarity. We describe the methodology used to provide a standardised CTCA service established in a District General Hospital, which may assist other hospitals aiming to develop a cardiac CT service.

Methods

Scan request forms, authorisation and patient instruction were recorded. Patient preparation prior to CTCA as well as exclusion and inclusion criteria were documented. Scans were interpreted using a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach in order to organise follow-up, medication and further investigation.

Results

Over 6 months, 157 consecutive scans were performed. CTCA was completed in 88% (n=138/157) and considered of diagnostic quality in 82% (n=129/157). The median radiation dose was 3.42 mSv. Overall, 64% of patients had evidence of coronary calcium. Following MDT review, 72% (n=113/157) of patients were discharged without requiring invasive angiography. 15% (n=24/157) of patients went on to have invasive angiography showing non-obstructive disease and 13% (20/157) of patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (11%) or bypass surgery (1%).

Discussion

Appropriate referrals, patient preparation and scan quality remain significant factors in running a CTCA service. Despite this, the vast majority of patients can be discharged on the basis of the CTCA alone. An MDT approach is key to the delivery of a cardiac CT service.
Does a mandatory non-medical switch from originator to biosimilar infliximab lead to increased use of outpatient healthcare resources? A register-based study in patients with inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Glintborg Bente , Sørensen Jan , Hetland Merete Lund
Published: July 2018

Objectives

National Danish guidelines in May 2015 dictated a mandatory switch from originator infliximab (INX) to biosimilar CT-P13 in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease. We investigated if this non-medical switch changed use of outpatient hospital resources.

Methods

Observational cohort study. Switchers were identified in DANBIO. Rheumatic outpatient contacts, visits and services were identified in the National Patient Registry. The 6-month rate for (1) number of visits (or services) and (2) days with ≥1 visit (or service) were compared before/after switching (paired t-tests). Visits per week per patient before/after the switch date were analysed with graphical interrupted time-series analysis.

Results

In 769 switchers (372 males, median age 54 years (IQR 44–66)), 1484 outpatient contacts, 6718 visits and 9243 days with services (693 on switch date) were identified. Mean visit rate was 3.89 before and 3.95 after switch (p=0.35). Total number of services was 19 752 (2019 on switch date). Mean rates before/after switch for 16 service categories were small and differences close to zero. Visits per week per patient appeared similar before/after switch with peaks every ≈8 weeks (standard INX infusion interval).

Conclusion

Changes were marginal with no clinically relevant increase in use of outpatient health care resources 6 months after compared with 6 months before mandatory switch from originator to biosimilar infliximab.
Switching to a fibre-rich and low-fat diet increases colonic folate contents among African Americans
Authors: Chan Yen-Ming , Aufreiter Susanne , O’Keefe Stephen J. , O’Connor Deborah L.
Published: July 2018

How dietary patterns impact colonic bacterial biosynthesis of vitamins and utilization by humans is poorly understood. Our aim was to investigate whether a reciprocal dietary switch between rural South Africans (traditionally high fibre, low fat) and African Americans (Western diet of low fibre, high fat) affects colonic folate synthesis. Colonic evacuants were obtained from 20 rural South Africans and 20 African Americans consuming their usual diets at baseline. For 2 weeks thereafter, rural South Africans were provided with a Western diet (protein, 27%; fat, 52%; carbohydrate, 20%; and fibre, 8 g/day) and African Americans were provided with a high fibre, low-fat diet (protein, 16%; fat, 17%; carbohydrate, 63%; and fibre, 43 g/day). Colonic evacuants were again collected. No difference between groups at baseline in the folate content of 3-h evacuants was observed. The high-fibre, low-fat diet consumed by African Americans during the intervention produced a 41% increase in mean total folate content compared with baseline values (p = 0.0037). No change was observed in rural South Africans consuming a Western diet. Mean total folate content of colonic evacuants was higher among African Americans at the end of the dietary switch (3107 ± 1811 μg) compared with rural South Africans (2157 ± 1956 μg) (p = 0.0409). In conclusion, consistent with animal studies, switching from a Western diet to one higher in fibre and lower in fat can be expected to result in greater colonic folate content. Future research should confirm that these observations are not transitory and understand the contribution of transit-time to the findings.
Bonding state energy of metal nanoparticle dimer and its dependence on nanosphere size and interparticle separation
Authors: Stephanie Margareta Vania , Iskandar Alexander A. , Tjia May-On
Published: July 2018

A study is conducted regarding the effects of particle size [Formula: see text] and interparticle separation [Formula: see text] on the electromagnetic (plasmon) coupling in a dimer of two identical metal nanospheres. The dimer states are modeled as the hybridized bonding and antibonding states of two isolated plasmon states, with the associated energies given in terms of the isolated plasmon energy ([Formula: see text], the coupling energy ([Formula: see text] and the overlap integral ([Formula: see text] of the constituent plasmonic fields. The resonance absorption energies of the isolated plasmon and the dimer in certain dielectric medium are calculated according to the Mie theory for incident light of parallel polarization along the dimer axis. The results are fitted with the bonding state energies of both Au and Ag nanosphere dimers for [Formula: see text] ranging within 10–20[Formula: see text]nm and x varied within [Formula: see text]–200[Formula: see text]nm in compliance with the restricted consideration of dipole absorption spectra. The excellent fits of the bonding state energies [Formula: see text] for the ranges of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] variations are consistently achieved with [Formula: see text] around 0.99 by a single function of the form [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] vary with the nanosphere materials and the surrounding media considered. This result suggests the possible relation of the best fitted functional form [Formula: see text] with the underlying physical mechanism.
Feature Selection Based on Evolution Strategy for Character Recognition
Authors: Benchaou Soukaina , Nasri M'Barek , Melhaoui Ouafae El
Published: July 2018

Handwriting, printed character recognition is an interesting area in image processing and pattern recognition. It consists of a number of phases which are preprocessing, feature extraction and classification. The phase of feature extraction is carried out by different techniques; zoning, profile projection, and ameliored Freeman. The high number of features vector can increase the error rate and the training time. So, to solve this problem, we present in this paper a new method of selecting attributes based on the evolution strategy in order to reduce the feature vector dimension and to improve the recognition rate. The proposed model has been applied to recognize numerals and it obtained a better results and showed more robustness than without the selection system.
Embolic aspects of black hole entropy
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Nikolaos
Published: July 2018

We attempt to provide a mesoscopic treatment of the origin of black hole entropy in [Formula: see text]-dimensional spacetimes. We treat the case of horizons having space-like sections [Formula: see text] which are topological spheres, following Hawking’s and the Topological Censorship theorems. We use the injectivity radius of the induced metric on [Formula: see text] to encode the linear dimensions of the elementary cells giving rise to such entropy. We use the topological entropy of [Formula: see text] as the fundamental quantity expressing the complexity of [Formula: see text] on which its entropy depends. We point out the significance, in this context, of the Berger and Croke isoembolic inequalities.
The ISOLPHARM project: A New ISOL production method of high specific activity beta-emitting radionuclides as radiopharmaceutical precursors
Authors: Andrighetto A. , Borgna F. , Ballan M. , Corradetti S. , Vettorato E. , Monetti A. , Rossignoli M. , Manzolaro M. , Scarpa D. , Prete G. , Realdon N.
Published: July 2018

The ISOLPHARM project explores the feasibility of exploiting an innovative technology to produce extremely high specific activity beta-emitting radionuclides as radiopharmaceutical precursors. This technique is expected to produce radiopharmaceuticals that are virtually mainly impossible to obtain in standard production facilities, at lower cost and with less environmental impact than traditional techniques. The groundbreaking ISOLPHARM method investigated in this project has been granted an international patent (INFN). As a component of the SPES (Selective Production of Exotic Species) project at the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare–Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (INFN–LNL), a new facility will produce radioactive ion beams of neutron-rich nuclei with high purity and a mass range of 80–160 amu. The radioactive isotopes will result from nuclear reactions induced by accelerating 40 MeV protons in a cyclotron to collide on a target of UC[Formula: see text]. The uranium in the target material will be [Formula: see text]U, yielding radioactive isotopes that belong to elements with an atomic number between 28 and 57. Isotope separation on line (ISOL) is adopted in the ISOLPHARM project to obtain pure isobaric beams for radiopharmaceutical applications, with no isotopic contaminations in the beam or subsequent trapping substrate. Isobaric contaminations may potentially affect radiochemical and radionuclide purity, but proper methods to separate chemically different elements can be developed.
Recent developments in high-resolution-gamma-ray cargo-inspection technology
Authors: Taylor David , Orphan Victor , Ackermann Eric , Barnes Rhett , Shyffer Ryan , Mansfield George , Winso James , Christian James , Shirwadkar Urmila , Bennett Paul , Tower Joshua , Shah Kanai , Padilla Eduardo
Published: July 2018

Under US Department of Homeland Security sponsorship, Spectral Labs Incorporated has developed a prototype high-resolution retrofit for an existing mobile VACIS, named the High-Resolution Imaging System (HiRIS). The legacy 256 NaI detectors in the VACIS detector column were replaced with 576 CsI detectors, more than doubling the pixel count. Using SiPMs to replace conventional PMTs allowed the packing of more detectors in the same VACIS detector enclosure. Legacy analog signal-processing electronics were replaced with advanced digital signal-processing electronics. Replacing gross counting in the legacy system with multichannel analysis of the counts from each detector will allow better control of detector crosstalk. The HiRIS detector modules were installed on a VACIS truck refurbished to as-new condition. Initial testing of the HiRIS prototype demonstrates enhanced spatial resolution by a factor of two as compared to the legacy system, without any degradation in throughput capability (20 containers per hour).
Characterization and Monte Carlo simulations for a CLYC detector
Authors: Borella Alessandro , Boogers Eric , Rossa Riccardo , Schillebeeckx Peter
Published: July 2018

The CLYC (Cs[Formula: see text]LiYCl[Formula: see text]:Ce) detector is a scintillator detector sensitive to both neutron and gamma radiation and capable of separating the two types of radiation by pulse-shape discrimination. This feature is interesting as pertains to the development of non-destructive assays for the safeguard of nuclear material, nuclear security, and fast-neutron personal dosimetry. A [Formula: see text] CLYC detector highly enriched with [Formula: see text]Li was purchased and tested with analog and digital electronics. In this work, we report on the characterization of the detector in terms of linearity, energy resolution, and full-energy efficiency for gamma rays. This characterization was achieved by measurements with calibrated gamma-ray point-sources with an analog measuring chain, in a well-defined, reproducible geometry. The experimental data were also used to validate a model of the detection system that was developed with the Monte Carlo code MCNP-CP. This work is part of a collaborative agreement between SCK•CEN and JRC-Geel.
A new inner tracker based on GEM detectors for the BES III experiment
Authors: Marcello S. , Alexeev M. , Amoroso A. , Baldini Ferroli R. , Bertani M. , Bettoni D. , Bianchi F. , Calcaterra A. , Canale N. , Capodiferro M. , Carassiti V. , Cerioni S. , Chai JY. , Chiozzi S. , Cibinetto G. , Cossio F. , Cotta Ramusino A. , Da Rocha Rolo M. , De Mori F. , Destefanis M. , Dong J. , Evangelisti F. , Farinelli R. , Fava L. , Felici G. , Fioravanti E. , Garzia I. , Gatta M. , Greco M. , Lavezzi L. , Leng CY. , Li H. , Maggiora M. , Malaguti R. , Melchiorri M. , Mezzadri G. , Mignone M. , Morello G. , Pacetti S. , Patteri P. , Pellegrino J. , Pelosi A. , Rivetti A. , Savrié M. , Scodeggio M. , Soldani E. , Sosio S. , Spataro S. , Tskhadadze E. , Verma S. , Wheadon R. , Yan L.
Published: July 2018

A new inner tracker based on a cylindrical gas electron-multiplier detector is under development to replace the current inner drift chamber of the BES III spectrometer. The BES III experiment is carried out at the BEPC II e[Formula: see text]e[Formula: see text] collider in Beijing at center-of-mass energies in the tau-charm region with a design luminosity of 1.0 [Formula: see text] 10[Formula: see text] cm[Formula: see text]s[Formula: see text]. The new inner tracker consists of three cylindrical layers of triple GEM surrounding the interaction point, covering 93% of solid angle. To fulfill physics requirements, a spatial resolution of 130 μm must be achieved. Both planar and cylindrical prototypes have been built and tested. A custom ASIC using UMC 110-nm technology has been designed to provide charge and time measurements—the first prototype is in testing. Notable and innovative aspects of the new inner tracker and the performance of the detector prototypes and readout ASIC are reported here.
Position sensitive twin ionization chamber for nuclear fission investigations
Authors: Zeynalov Shakir , Sedyshev Pavel , Sidorova Olga , Shvetsov Valery , Svetov Leonid
Published: July 2018

In this article, we report the recent achievements in the design of a back-to-back twin ionization chamber (TIC) for fission fragment (FF) mass, kinetic energy, and orientation. Correlated FF kinetic energies, their masses, and the angle of the fission axes in 3D Cartesian coordinates can be determined from analysis of the heights and shapes of the pulses induced by the FFs on the anodes of the TIC. These anodes were designed to consist of isolated [Formula: see text]-shaped strips connected to nodes of a chain filter made of serially-connected two-port networks. The double charge division method was implemented by digitizing four waveforms at the endpoints of the chain filters. It was shown that the fission fragments emission point on the target plane may be determined using the measured data. A position-sensitive neutron-induced fission detector for neutron imaging applications with both thermal and low energy neutrons was found as another possible implementation of the designed TIC. Preliminary measurements with thermal neutron-induced fission were done with RC chain filters and the results are reported here.
Fingerprinting commercial nuclear reactor forensics using the ORIGEN-S simulation code
Authors: Usman Iyabo , Vermillion David , Hall Howard , Skutnik Steve
Published: July 2018

The ability to determine the origin of a specific spent-fuel sample from a commercial nuclear reactor was studied using the Origen-S simulation code by calculating the plutonium and uranium isotopic concentration data for a range of nuclear power reactors. This range of reactors is based on a typical Westinghouse PWR fuel assembly with a fuel type of W17 X 17, having individual operating histories. Isotopic ratios of plutonium in nuclear reactors during the fuel-cycle period provide information on how the plutonium grows into the fuel as a function of burnup, as well as its attractiveness to proliferators. Using the results from the calculation of uranium and plutonium isotopic ratios, the origin of each spent-fuel assembly for a particular reactor can be predicted and documented for a future nuclear forensics reference database.
3D modelling of the ancient underground quarries of the famous Parian marble in the Aegean Sea, Greece and assessment of their stability using LiDAR scanning
Authors: Marinos Vassilis , Vazaios Ioannis , Papathanassiou George , Kaklis Triantafyllos , Goula Efi
Published: July 2018

Laser scanning has proven useful in the stability assessment of underground openings. High accuracy points are used to generate 3D surface models to evaluate their stability by assessing rockmass structural features. A series of scans obtained from underground ancient quarries in Paros Island were processed. The structural analysis of the openings was complemented by field observations and measurements, serving as input parameters for numerical software used to evaluate the potential failure mechanisms and overall stability. Blocks with a higher risk of detaching are encountered mostly at tunnel portals where support is required to secure unstable blocks to preserve this geotope.
Mechanisms and Pathways of Small-Phytoplankton Export from the Surface Ocean
Authors: Richardson Tammi L.
Published: July 2018

Carbon fixation by phytoplankton near the surface and the sinking of this particulate material to deeper waters are key components of the biological carbon pump. The efficiency of the biological pump is influenced by the size and taxonomic composition of the phytoplankton community. Large, heavily ballasted taxa such as diatoms sink quickly and thus efficiently remove fixed carbon from the upper ocean. Smaller, nonballasted species such as picoplanktonic cyanobacteria are usually thought to contribute little to export production. Research in the past decade, however, has shed new light on the potential importance of small phytoplankton to carbon export, especially in oligotrophic oceans, where small cells dominate primary productivity. Here, I examine the mechanisms and pathways through which small-phytoplankton carbon is exported from the surface ocean and the role of small phytoplankton in food webs of a variety of ocean ecosystems.
A novel and fully automatic spike-sorting implementation with variable number of features
Authors: Chaure Fernando J. , Rey Hernan G. , Quian Quiroga Rodrigo
Published: July 2018

The most widely used spike-sorting algorithms are semiautomatic in practice, requiring manual tuning of the automatic solution to achieve good performance. In this work, we propose a new fully automatic spike-sorting algorithm that can capture multiple clusters of different sizes and densities. In addition, we introduce an improved feature selection method, by using a variable number of wavelet coefficients, based on the degree of non-Gaussianity of their distributions. We evaluated the performance of the proposed algorithm with real and simulated data. With real data from single-channel recordings, in ~95% of the cases the new algorithm replicated, in an unsupervised way, the solutions obtained by expert sorters, who manually optimized the solution of a previous semiautomatic algorithm. This was done while maintaining a low number of false positives. With simulated data from single-channel and tetrode recordings, the new algorithm was able to correctly detect many more neurons compared with previous implementations and also compared with recently introduced algorithms, while significantly reducing the number of false positives. In addition, the proposed algorithm showed good performance when tested with real tetrode recordings.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We propose a new fully automatic spike-sorting algorithm, including several steps that allow the selection of multiple clusters of different sizes and densities. Moreover, it defines the dimensionality of the feature space in an unsupervised way. We evaluated the performance of the algorithm with real and simulated data, from both single-channel and tetrode recordings. The proposed algorithm was able to outperform manual sorting from experts and other recent unsupervised algorithms.
Automated in vivo patch-clamp evaluation of extracellular multielectrode array spike recording capability
Authors: Allen Brian D. , Moore-Kochlacs Caroline , Bernstein Jacob G. , Kinney Justin P. , Scholvin Jorg , Seoane Luís F. , Chronopoulos Chris , Lamantia Charlie , Kodandaramaiah Suhasa B. , Tegmark Max , Boyden Edward S.
Published: July 2018

Much innovation is currently aimed at improving the number, density, and geometry of electrodes on extracellular multielectrode arrays for in vivo recording of neural activity in the mammalian brain. To choose a multielectrode array configuration for a given neuroscience purpose, or to reveal design principles of future multielectrode arrays, it would be useful to have a systematic way of evaluating the spike recording capability of such arrays. We describe an automated system that performs robotic patch-clamp recording of a neuron being simultaneously recorded via an extracellular multielectrode array. By recording a patch-clamp data set from a neuron while acquiring extracellular recordings from the same neuron, we can evaluate how well the extracellular multielectrode array captures the spiking information from that neuron. To demonstrate the utility of our system, we show that it can provide data from the mammalian cortex to evaluate how the spike sorting performance of a close-packed extracellular multielectrode array is affected by bursting, which alters the shape and amplitude of spikes in a train. We also introduce an algorithmic framework to help evaluate how the number of electrodes in a multielectrode array affects spike sorting, examining how adding more electrodes yields data that can be spike sorted more easily. Our automated methodology may thus help with the evaluation of new electrode designs and configurations, providing empirical guidance on the kinds of electrodes that will be optimal for different brain regions, cell types, and species, for improving the accuracy of spike sorting.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present an automated strategy for evaluating the spike recording performance of an extracellular multielectrode array, by enabling simultaneous recording of a neuron with both such an array and with patch clamp. We use our robot and accompanying algorithms to evaluate the performance of multielectrode arrays on supporting spike sorting.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of Anion Exchanger Based on Green Modified Bottle Gourd Shell
Authors: Marković-Nikolić Dragana Z. , Bojić Aleksandar Lj. , Savić Saša R. , Petrović Sanja M. , Cvetković Dragan J. , Cakić Milorad D. , Nikolić Goran S.
Published: July 2018

The structural performance and biosorption behavior of a new cationic biosorbent (CALV) prepared from bottle gourd (Lagenaria vulgaris) shell (LVS) as a potentially valuable agrowaste have been established. The biosorbent with anion exchangeable function was synthesized from a modified lignocellulosic biomass (MLV) by a quaternary ammonium agent, N-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium chloride. Preparation of the appropriate MLV precursor was firstly carried out by the process of alkaline pretreatment of LVS biomass using a green carbonate solution. In this way, partial delignification, removal of extractive substances, and increased porosity of the cellulose-enriched MLV biomass, as well as the activation of available cellulosic microfibrils to alkaline-cellulose have been achieved. The optimization of synthesis conditions was carried out by direct estimation of the CALV biosorption efficiency to phosphate (using ICP-OES) and nitrate (using UV-VIS) from the aqueous solutions. The structural changes of MLV precursors during green modification and the success of synthesis and biosorbent performances before and after the removal of anions from contaminated solutions have been registered and clarified by physicochemical methods, which include elemental analysis, chemical constitution, morphological characterization, and FTIR spectroscopy. In accordance with the FTIR spectroscopic analysis and isotherm studies, a structural model of the CALV biosorbent and its ion exchange mechanism are proposed.
Magnetosomes Extracted from Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense as Theranostic Agents in an Experimental Model of Glioblastoma
Authors: Mannucci Silvia , Tambalo Stefano , Conti Giamaica , Ghin Leonardo , Milanese Alessio , Carboncino Anna , Nicolato Elena , Marinozzi Maria Rosaria , Benati Donatella , Bassi Roberto , Marzola Pasquina , Sbarbati Andrea
Published: July 2018

Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) with chemically synthesized nanoparticles is currently used in clinical trials as it destroys tumor cells with an extremely localized deposition of thermal energy. In this paper, we investigated an MFH protocol based on magnetic nanoparticles naturally produced by magnetotactic bacteria: magnetosomes. The efficacy of such protocol is tested in a xenograft model of glioblastoma. Mice receive a single intratumoral injection of magnetosomes, and they are exposed three times in a week to an alternating magnetic field with concurrent temperature measurements. MRI is used to visualize the nanoparticles and to monitor tumor size before and after the treatment. Statistically significant inhibition of the tumor growth is detected in subjects exposed to the alternating magnetic field compared to control groups. Moreover, thanks to magnetosomes high transversal relaxivity, their effective delivery to the tumor tissue is monitored by MRI. It is apparent that the efficacy of this protocol is limited by inhomogeneous delivery of magnetosomes to tumor tissue. These results suggest that naturally synthesized magnetosomes could be effectively considered as theranostic agent candidates for hyperthermia based on iron oxide nanoparticles.