bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time monitored photocatalytic activity and electrochemical performance of an rGO/Pt nanocomposite synthesizedviaa green approach
Authors: Kasturi Satish , Torati Sri Ramulu , Eom Yun Ji , Ahmad Syafiq , Lee Byong-June , Yu Jong-Sung , Kim CheolGi
Published: April 2020

Herein, we have reported the real-time photodegradation of methylene blue, an organic pollutant, in the presence of sunlight at an ambient temperature using a platinum-decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO/Pt) nanocomposite.
An overview of the chemical constituents from the genus Delphinium reported in the last four decades
Authors: Yin Tianpeng , Cai Le , Ding Zhongtao
Published: April 2020

Multiple chemical constituents, mainly diterpenoid alkaloids, from Delphinium showed great research significance for their novel structures and broad bioactivities.
Effects of critical interfacial shear strength between a polymer matrix and carbon nanotubes on the interphase strength and Pukanszky's “B” interphase parameter
Authors: Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the “B” interphase parameter in the Pukanszky model and interphase strength for polymer carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites are expressed by the critical interfacial shear strength (τc) and interfacial shear strength (τ) between a polymer matrix and CNTs.
Exploring high-energy and mechanically robust anode materials based on doped graphene for lithium-ion batteries: a first-principles study
Authors: Chang Cheng , Yin Sha , Xu Jun
Published: April 2020

The adsorption of Li atoms on various types of doped graphene with substituents, including boron, nitrogen, sulfur and silicon atoms, has been theoretically investigated by first-principles calculations, based on the density functional theory.
Facile synthesis of highly tunable monodispersed calcium hydroxide composite particles by using a two-step ion exchange reaction
Authors: Yang Chih-Hui , Wang Ya-Chin , Wang Ta-Chen , Chang Yi-Ching , Lin Yun-Chul , Chen Pei-Fan , Huang Wei-Jie , Wen Hsin-Yi , Lin Yu-Mei , Kuo Wen-Shuo , Wang Yi-Ting , Huang Keng-Shiang
Published: April 2020

The synthesized Ca(OH)2 composite particles were size tunable, had a spherical shape, and were monodisperse.
Nitrileimines as an alternative to azides in base-mediated click [3 + 2] cycloaddition with methylene active nitriles
Authors: Tupychak Mykola A. , Shyyka Olga Ya. , Pokhodylo Nazariy T. , Obushak Mykola D.
Published: April 2020

Nitrileimines were implemented in practical click protocols with oxopropanenitriles for the straightforward 5-amino-1H-pyrazole synthesisvia1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.
Conversion of a microwave synthesized alkali-metal MOF to a carbonaceous anode for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Desai Aamod V. , Pimenta Vanessa , King Cara , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Morris Russell E. , Armstrong A. Robert
Published: April 2020

An alkali-metal MOF is prepared using microwave-assisted synthesis, which is converted into a carbonaceous solid at low energy costs. The MOF-derived solid functions as a promising anode for Li-ion rechargeable battery (LIB).
Molecular dynamics based descriptors for predicting supramolecular gelation
Authors: Van Lommel Ruben , Zhao Jianyu , De Borggraeve Wim M. , De Proft Frank , Alonso Mercedes
Published: April 2020

Four molecular dynamics-based descriptors were derived able to classify gelator–solvent combinations as a gel, precipitate or clear solution.
Platelet-like CuS impregnated with twin crystal structures for high performance sodium-ion storage
Authors: Yang Zuguang , Wu Zhenguo , Liu Jie , Liu Yuxia , Gao Shuyan , Wang Jiaao , Xiao Yao , Zhong Yanjun , Zhong Benhe , Guo Xiaodong
Published: April 2020

A platelet-like CuS material with twin crystals is successfully constructed. The twin crystal structure inside the material provides more channels and reaction sites for Na ions intercalation and conversion.
Unconventional capacity increase kinetics of a chemically engineered SnO2 aerogel anode for long-term stable lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Jung Sung Mi , Kim Dong Won , Jung Hyun Young
Published: April 2020

SnO2 aerogel anode delivers the highest reversible capacity of about 2031 mAh g−1 with a 200% capacity recovery and presents the superior cyclability over 10 000 cycles under high C-rates without evident capacity fading tendency.
A high responsivity and controllable recovery ultraviolet detector based on a WO3gate AlGaN/GaN heterostructure with an integrated micro-heater
Authors: Sun Jianwen , Zhang Shuo , Zhan Teng , Liu Zewen , Wang Junxi , Yi Xiaoyan , Li Jinmin , Sarro Pasqualina M. , Zhang Guoqi
Published: April 2020

A high responsivity and controllable recovery ultraviolet (UV) photodetector based on a tungsten oxide (WO3) gate AlGaN/GaN heterostructure with an integrated micro-heater is reported for the first time.
Fast one-step fabrication of a vertically-ordered mesoporous silica-nanochannel film on graphene for direct and sensitive detection of doxorubicin in human whole blood
Authors: Yan Fei , Chen Jie , Jin Qifan , Zhou Huaxu , Sailjoi Ajabkhan , Liu Jiyang , Tang Weizhong
Published: April 2020

A vertically-ordered silica-nanochannel film on graphene was prepared by a one-step electrodeposition method for antifouling detection in human whole blood.
LINC00511 exacerbated T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia via miR-195-5p/LRRK1 axis
Authors: Li Shengli , Guo Wenwen , Geng Huayun , Wang Chao , Yang Shuige , Xu Xinxin
Published: April 2020

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a malignant disease arising from the abnormal proliferation of T lymphocyte in marrow. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are one kind of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which were reported to modulate the initiation or progression of diverse cancers. However, the role of LINC00511 in T-ALL was unknown. To figure out the function and mechanism of LINC00511 in T-ALL, a series of experiments were carried out. Based on the experimental results, we discovered that LINC00511 boosted cell proliferation and invasion, but hindered cell apoptosis in T-ALL cells. Besides, based on bio-informatics tool, miR-195-5p was selected for further exploration. Then, miR-195-5p was validated to bind with LINC00511. Hereafter, LRRK1 was testified to serve as a target gene of miR-195-5p. At last, rescue assays suggested that LRRK1 overexpression restored sh-LINC00511#1-mediated effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis. All in all, LINC00511 exacerbated T-ALL progression via miR-195-5p/LRRK1 axis, implying a potential therapeutic clue for the patients with T-ALL.
Bi‐dictionary learning model for medical image reconstruction from undersampled data
Authors: Mohaoui Souad , Hakim Abdelilah , Raghay Said
Published: April 2020

In recent years, dictionary learning has shown to be an efficient tool in recovering images from their degraded, damaged or incomplete version. Especially, for medical images that contain significant details and characteristics. In this work, the authors are interested in this unsupervised learning technique for discovering and visualising the underlying structure of a medical image. Therefore, an adaptive bi‐dictionary learning model for recovering magnetic resonance (MR) image from undersampled measurements is introduced. The proposed model learns two dictionaries, one over the underlying image and the other over its sparse gradient. Hence, the algorithm minimises a linear combination of three terms corresponding to the least‐squares data fitting, dictionary learning over the pixel domain, and gradient‐based dictionary. Numerically, experimental results on several MR images demonstrate that the proposed bi‐dictionary framework can improve reconstruction accuracy over other methods.
Reweighted infrared patch image model for small target detection based on non‐convex ℒp‐norm minimisation and TV regularisation
Authors: Rawat Sur Singh , Verma Sashi Kant , Kumar Yatindra
Published: April 2020

Infrared small target detection in a complex background has always been a challenging task in an infrared detection system. The existing methods based on the infrared patch image (IPI) model have achieved a good result but are sensitive to the complex background. So, to effectively detect the small target in complex background, model based on the reweighted IPI model along with total variance (TV) is proposed in this study. In this study firstly, the problem of using nuclear norm minimisation (NNM) in the existing IPI‐based methods is discussed, and a solution is proposed by replacing the existing NNM with the ℒp‐norm minimisation of singular values in the existing IPI methods. Secondly, a TV regularisation term is added to the background patch image to suppress the noise and preserve the strong edges in the background. The proposed method is solved by the alternating direction method of the multiplier. The robustness of the proposed method is validated by experimenting with the large dataset of real infrared images as well as the synthetic images. The proposed method not only has good background suppression ability, but also enhances and detect the target well in comparisons with the other baseline methods.
Enhanced performance controller for high power wind converters connected to weak grids
Authors: Shahparasti Mahdi , Catalan Pedro , Garcia Ignacio , Ignacio Candela J. , Tarraso Andres , Luna Alvaro
Published: April 2020

This study proposes a control scheme for high power grid‐connected wind power converters, which is oriented to enhance their performance when connected to weak grids with low short circuit ratio. The proposed controller consists of an outer current reference generation loop and an inner current loop, working in stationary reference frame. In the outer loop, the current reference is calculated to comply simultaneously with the grid code requirements, the control of the DC link, and the operational safety margins of the converter during faulty conditions. On the other hand, the proposed inner current loop consists of a proportional resonant controller, a capacitor voltage feedforward and a phase shifter. Moreover, simulation results considering different weak grid conditions, as well as experimental results of a full‐scale 4 MW converter test‐bench are presented to validate the good performance of the proposed method.
Simulations of satellite tidal debris in the Milky Way halo
Authors: Mazzarini Matteo , Just Andreas , Macciò Andrea V. , Moetazedian Reza
Published: April 2020

Aims. We study the distribution of the stellar and dark matter debris of the Milky Way satellites.

Methods. For the first time we address the question of the tidal disruption of satellites in simulations by utilising simultaneously (a) a realistic set of orbits extracted from cosmological simulations; (b) a three-component host galaxy with live halo, disc, and bulge components; and (c) satellites from hydrodynamical simulations. We analyse the statistical properties of the satellite debris of all massive galaxies reaching the inner Milky Way on a timescale of 2 Gyr.

Results. Up to 80% of the dark matter is stripped from the satellites, while this happens for up to 30% of their stars. The stellar debris ends mostly in the inner Milky Way halo, whereas the dark matter debris shows a flat mass distribution over the full main halo. The dark matter debris follows a density profile with inner power law index αDM = −0.66 and outer index βDM = 2.94, while for stars α* = −0.44 and β* = 6.17. In the inner 25 kpc the distribution of the stellar debris is flatter than that of the dark matter debris, and the orientations of their short axes differ significantly. Changing the orientation of the stellar disc by 90° has a minor impact on the distribution of the satellite debris.

Conclusions. Our results indicate that dark matter is more easily stripped than stars from the Milky Way satellites. The structure of the debris is dominated by the satellite orbital properties. The radial profiles, the flattening, and the orientation of the stellar and dark matter debris are significantly different, which prevents the prediction of the dark matter distribution from the observed stellar component.
The Fornax 3D project: Non-linear colour–metallicity relation of globular clusters
Authors: Fahrion K. , Lyubenova M. , Hilker M. , van de Ven G. , Falcón-Barroso J. , Leaman R. , Martín-Navarro I. , Bittner A. , Coccato L. , Corsini E. M. , Gadotti D. A. , Iodice E. , McDermid R. M. , Pinna F. , Sarzi M. , Viaene S. , de Zeeuw P. T. , Zhu L.
Published: April 2020

Globular cluster (GC) systems of massive galaxies often show a bimodal colour distribution. This has been interpreted as a metallicity bimodality, created by a two-stage galaxy formation where the red, metal-rich GCs were formed in the parent halo and the blue metal-poor GCs were accreted. This interpretation, however, crucially depends on the assumption that GCs are exclusively old stellar systems with a linear colour–metallicity relation (CZR). The shape of the CZR and range of GC ages are currently under debate because their study requires high quality spectra to derive reliable stellar population properties. We determined metallicities with full spectral fitting from a sample of 187 GCs with a high spectral signal-to-noise ratio in 23 galaxies of the Fornax cluster that were observed as part of the Fornax 3D project. The derived CZR from this sample is non-linear and can be described by a piecewise linear function with a break point at (g−z) ∼ 1.1 mag. The less massive galaxies in our sample (M* <  1010 M⊙) appear to have slightly younger GCs, but the shape of the CZR is insensitive to the GC ages. Although the least massive galaxies lack red, metal-rich GCs, a non-linear CZR is found irrespective of the galaxy mass, even in the most massive galaxies (M* ≥ 1011 M⊙). Our CZR predicts narrow unimodal GC metallicity distributions for low mass and broad unimodal distributions for very massive galaxies, dominated by a metal-poor and metal-rich peak, respectively, and bimodal distributions for galaxies with intermediate masses (1010 ≤ M* <  1011 M⊙) as a consequence of the relative fraction of red and blue GCs. The diverse metallicity distributions challenge the simple differentiation of GC populations solely based on their colour.
Current Situation and Development of Green Building Rating System in Myanmar
Authors: Lwin May , Panuwatwanich Kriengsak
Published: April 2020

Since 2016 Myanmar has undergone political and economic reforms. A movement to develop the country with economic growth is a significant matter for the country. In Myanmar, the construction sector is a main driving force for the country’s economy in terms of investments and job opportunities of citizens. Electricity used for the construction industry leads to the insufficient energy output of the country. Moreover, waste and pollution are inevitable as a result of Myanmar’s economic growth. Green building development in Myanmar is in its initial stage but currently lacks governmental, or voluntary support to devise appropriate rules and regulations for green construction. In particular, the lack of awareness among developers, stakeholders, architects, engineers, contractors, employees and the public about green building has worsened the development progress. This paper reveals why green building development is needed in Myanmar and provides an overview of the current level of green growth in Myanmar. In addition, this paper compares widely used seven existing environmental assessment tools around the world – LEED, BREEAM, Green Mark, Green Star, Three Star – Chinese Green Building Label-3, CASBEE, and HQE as references for the development of green building rating tool with the view to identify aspects that are compatible with the local conditions of Myanmar.
Identifying Critical Success Factors through Interactive Management
Authors: Tuan Nien-Tsu
Published: April 2020

Since its inception, the Critical Success Factor (CSF) concept has been increasingly adopted by industries to achieve business goals. However, the conventional approaches used for identifying critical success factors are underpinned by the mechanism paradigm. The mechanism paradigm doesn’t take the interlaced relationships between system elements into account. Neither does it promote interaction between the relevant stakeholders. This paper proposes a systemic approach called Interactive Management (IM) to complement conventional ideas in determining the critical success factors. The Interactive Management process embraces the relevant stakeholders to collectively identify the critical success factors through four phases: generating critical success factors, clarifying the generated critical success factors, structuring a systemic digraph showing the interlaced relationships between the critical success factors, and identifying the real critical success factors in the systemic digraph. An example is provided to demonstrate how the Interactive Management methodology can be used to identify the real critical success factors.
Evaluation of an OBCE Conversion Contract in a Large-scale Oil and Gas Project
Authors: Komurlu Ruveyda , Er Akin
Published: April 2020

Billion-dollar investments are quite common in oil and gas industry and owners generally prefer engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) contracts since they would like to minimize their risks and guarantee the most consistent project cost and shortest timeline scheme. Considering the size of contracts, owners are unsurprisingly seeking an ideal tender awarding method to avoid deviation from project schedule or budget and get the maximum benefit for them. They may prefer to award the EPC contract directly (i), have a front-end engineering design (FEED) study done first and award the EPC contract afterwards (ii), or set up a convertible contract and convert it to EPC after an open book cost estimate (OBCE) process (iii). It is a question of concern which option for large-scale oil and gas projects is the most favourable. As a case study, outcomes of a project which was administrated with a conversion type of contract will be reviewed in detail, and a number of principles based on lessons learned will be listed. Thus, the authors aim to provide a verifying approach for the interpretation of EPC conversion type contract management based on analysis of the distinguishing features of large-scale oil and gas projects.
Remanufacturing of electric vehicles: Challenges in production management
Authors: Kampker Achim , Triebs Johannes , Hollah Ansgar , Unruh Andreas
Published: April 2020

Due to the conceptual degrees of freedom in their product structure, electric vehicles offer high potential for remanufacturing-oriented product design. This potential is, however, not realized yet. Remanufacturing as one fundamental element of a circular economy is characterized by specific challenges caused by uncertain information about the condition and the timing of the returning product. By means of a case study within the remanufacturing industry, the effects of uncertainties on remanufacturing operations are examined and different approaches within the field of production management to meet these specific challenges are pointed out. Based on the result of the case study a production management framework outlining fields of action to deal with remanufacturing specific uncertainties is developed. In this context, the requirements for remanufacturing of electric vehicles are derived by analyzing similarities from other industry sectors. In conclusion, a solution approach for the implementation for electric vehicles is presented for strategic, tactical and operational procurement logistics and remanufacturing operations.
Approach to increase flexibility in automobile body shops through component-integrated fixture functions
Authors: Kampker Achim , Triebs Johannes , Hansen Jan Ole
Published: April 2020

Due to shorter product life-cycles, increasing product customization and the co-existence of electric and combustion engine vehicles, variant flexibility is gaining importance in the automobile production. The automobile body shop is characterized by inflexible, rigid fixture systems dedicated to meet the geometrical requirements of specific body parts. Changes in part geometry or dimension require the development of new fixture systems, thus increasing product variety results in higher fixture costs. This paper presents an approach for a fixtureless body shop based on component-integrated fixture-functions, increasing variant flexibility and reducing fixture costs. The approach is implemented using a body part assembly of an electric vehicle.
A critical perspective on Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) applied in a Norwegian public hospital project
Authors: Kalsaas Bo Terje , Kriston Nwajei Una Obiose , Bydall Christine
Published: April 2020

Does the IPD concept deliver as required and expected, and if not, how can that be explained? This paper is a critical realist inspired methodology based on a combination of the inductive and deductive approaches used in case study research. IPD is based on relational contracting between multiple parties, in this case between the Owner, Contractor, MEP subcontractors and a group of Consulting engineers who share control of the project. At the core of the concept is shared risk and opportunities among the parties in the IPD contract. Our theoretical perspectives are based mainly on the Principal-Agent theory (PA), Transaction Cost theory (TC), and its related incentives. This paper reports on a study of the development of an existing public hospital that is constructing first a psychiatry and then a somatic building. The data collection in the paper is mainly in connection with the construction of the psychiatry building in 2018. Our findings show that IPD represents a game-changer in the behaviours and the organizing of AEC (Architect-Engineer-Construction) projects, ex-post IPD-contract. We identify examples of swapping occurring that require deep collaboration, which stems from changes in the commercial incentives. However, different individual incentives coupled with accompanying mindsets and opportunistic behaviour are still part of everyday life and are linked to people's past experiences, which can be understood as contextual conditions. In addition, the decision-making processes were not effective and characterized by revisiting previous decisions.
Can high levels of renewable energy be cost effective using battery storage? Cost of renewable energy scenarios for an isolated electric grid in Western Australia
Authors: Laslett Dean
Published: April 2020

Many simulations of very high or 100% renewable energy electricity systems rely on existing or expanded capacity of utility scale power technologies with long construction lead times, such as hydro power or pumped hydro power. However, globally, the shorter lead time and more distributed technologies of wind power, solar PV, and batteries are expanding rapidly, and costs are falling. Can a grid get to high levels of renewable energy with these technologies alone, along with energy efficiency improvements, at reasonable cost? To address this question, scenarios of partial (<100%) renewable electricity supply were simulated for the South-West Interconnected System (SWIS) in the southwest of Western Australia. The SWIS is isolated from other grids, so power balance between supply and demand must be maintained completely within the grid, and there is no significant hydropower capacity to fall back on. Even with no improvement in cost and no carbon price, the partial renewable energy scenarios were found to be less expensive than a fossil fuel “business as usual” scenario up to about 70% renewable generation. With carbon prices of $24/tonne and $70/tonne, the same scenarios were less expensive up to around 80% and 96% renewable generation respectively. Hence at current costs, using solar PV, wind, energy efficiency and battery storage technologies are cost effective up to very high levels of renewable energy, but not 100%. However the cost of these technologies are falling rapidly. A simple way to include these continuous cost improvements into the levelised cost of energy calculation was developed, and it was found that if the costs of solar, wind and battery technologies continue to improve at current global rates, then the break even level with conventional generation increases significantly, up to 99% or above with a carbon price of $70/tonne and current Australian installed capacity growth rates. Hence a battery based system operating at almost 100% renewable energy which is no more expensive than a conventional fossil system is foreseeable for the SWIS grid, and perhaps other grids as well.
Efficacy and safety of cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection of ileocecal valve polyps
Authors: Lew Daniel , Kashani Amir , Lo Simon K. , Jamil Laith H.
Published: April 2020

Background and study aims Standard endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of ileocecal valve (ICV) polyps is challenging. Cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (C-EMR) can be performed when polyps are not easily amenable to standard EMR. Current literature is limited regarding its efficacy and safety for ICV polyps. The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy and safety of C-EMR for ICV polyps.

Patients and methods A retrospective review was conducted from September 2008 to November 2018 at a tertiary care center. Patients included in the study underwent C-EMR for ICV polyps by a single gastroenterologist (LHJ). Polyps were successfully eradicated if they were removed en-bloc as confirmed by pathology, or had a negative biopsy on follow-up colonoscopy. Outcomes of the procedures were evaluated, including complete adenoma clearance and adverse events.

Results Twenty-one ICV polyps were removed with C-EMR. Median polyp size was 15 mm (range, 5–45). The rate of complete adenoma clearance was 100 %. Procedure-related complications occurred in five patients (24 %): delayed GI bleeding (4.8 %) and deep mucosal resection/visible vessel (14.3 %). Three patients had subsequent surveillance colonoscopies at 8, 56, and 67 months, respectively. The third patient was found to have a 6-mm flat polyp at the edge of the previous polypectomy site. This was treated with C-EMR and repeat colonoscopy 6 months later did not show residual.

Conclusion C-EMR is highly effective in treating ICV polyps with a low complication rate. It is our suggested method in approaching ICV polyps that are difficult to remove via standard freehand snare EMR technique.
Colonoscopy education delivered via the patient portal does not improve adherence to scheduled first-time screening colonoscopy
Authors: Keswani Rajesh N. , Gregory Dyanna L. , Wood Mariah , Dolan Nancy C. , Chmiel Ryan , Manka Michael , Cameron Kenzie A.
Published: April 2020

Background and study aims Non-adherence to scheduled colonoscopy burdens endoscopic practices and innovative approaches to improve adherence are needed. We aimed to assess the effect of an educational video emphasizing colonoscopy importance delivered through the electronic health record patient portal upon “no-show” and late cancellation rates (non-adherence) in patients scheduled for first-time screening colonoscopy.

Patients and methods We conducted a single center randomized controlled trial among patients scheduled for their first screening colonoscopy. Patients were randomized to routine care (“control”) or video education (“video”). Control patients received a portal message 14 days prior to colonoscopy date; video patients additionally received a link to the educational video.

Results In total, 830 patients (59 % female, median age 55 years) were randomized (“control”: 406; “video”: 424). Nearly all (88 %) opened the message; in the video arm, most (72 %) watched a majority of the video. Overall, 80 % attended their scheduled colonoscopy appointment (late cancel: 18 %, “no show”: 1 %) and 90 % underwent colonoscopy within 3 months of appointment. Adherence rates did not differ between video and control arms for the scheduled appointment (OR 1.2, CI 0.9–1.8) or for colonoscopy within 3 months of scheduled appointment (OR 1.3, CI 0.8–2.1). Bowel preparation quality did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion Most patients scheduled for colonoscopy will open a patient portal message and, when delivered, watch an educational video. However, delivery of an educational video two weeks prior to screening colonoscopy appointment did not improve adherence.
ESD with double clips and rubber band traction of neoplastic lesions developed in the appendiceal orifice is effective and safe
Authors: Oung Borathchakra , Rivory Jérôme , Chabrun Edouard , Legros Romain , Faller Julien , Léger-Nguyen Florence , Rostain Florian , Ber Charles-Eric , Hervieu Valérie , Saurin Jean-Christophe , Ponchon Thierry , Jacques Jérémie , Pioche Mathieu
Published: April 2020

Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of superficial colorectal lesions in close proximity to the appendiceal orifice (L-PAO) was shown to be feasible except in case of deep invasion into the appendix (type 3 of Toyonaga’s classification). This study aimed to determine the outcomes of ESD with double clip and rubber band traction (DCT-ESD) of L-PAO including a majority of type 3.

Patients and methods We reviewed retrospectively all consecutive DCT-ESD of L-PAO performed in 3 French centers. Each lesion was described according to Toyonaga’s classification and type 0 lesions were excluded. The primary outcome was en bloc and R0 resection rates for L-PAO. Morbidity and salvage surgery were recorded.

Results A total of 32 patients underwent DCT-ESD; 22 lesions (68.8 %) were type 3, including 11 with previous appendectomy (34.4 %). Median lesion size was 35 mm range (10–110 mm) and median duration of resection was 47 min range (10–230 min). We achieved 100 % of En bloc resection exclusively with DCT-ESD and 90.6 % of histological R0 resection rate. Per-procedure, 11 perforations occurred and were all immediately closed with clips. Overall, 3 patients (10.7 %) underwent surgery without stoma (2 complications related and 1 incomplete resection). No death occurred.

Conclusion ESD of lesions deeply invading appendiceal orifice is feasible with the help of a traction system. Technical success by endoscopy avoiding surgery was achieved in 90.6 % of cases.
Defining gastrointestinal transit time using video capsule endoscopy: a study of healthy subjects
Authors: O’Grady John , Murphy Clodagh L. , Barry Lillian , Shanahan Fergus , Buckley Martin
Published: April 2020

Background and study aims Determining the etiology and location of gastrointestinal motility disorders can be challenging. A range of investigations targeting specific areas of gastrointestinal transit are available, but many provide clinical data for a given gastrointestinal region alone or for non-specific whole gut transit, and are otherwise of limited use. Video capsule endoscopy allows endoscopic visualisation of the entire gastrointestinal tract, and may also provide more specific data for regional transit time abnormalities.

Patients and methods Data from video capsules ingested by 71 ambulatory healthy subjects were recorded and analyzed to determine gastric and small bowel transit times in the fasting state.

Results Median, and interquartile range (IQR), gastric transit time was 22 (10–48) minutes, and median (IQR) small bowel transit time was 198.5 (157–240.5) minutes.

Conclusion These data, for the first time to our knowledge, provide references for gastrointestinal transit times among healthy ambulatory subjects using video capsule endoscopy. This potentially strengthens clinical use of video capsule endoscopy in the investigation of patients with suspected gastrointestinal motility disorders.
The Italian Society for Digestive Endoscopy (SIED) accreditation and quality improving project based on international standards
Authors: Spinzi Giancarlo , Milano Angelo , Brosolo Piero , Da Massa Carrara Paola , Labardi Maurizio , Merighi Alberto , Riccardi Luisa , Torresan Francesco
Published: April 2020

Background and study aims Accreditation of endoscopy services, using valid quality indicators, may address failures to comply with quality standards between endoscopy services. The aim of this work was to present the Italian Society for Digestive Endoscopy (SIED) accreditation model and its effectiveness.

Methods A team of eight endoscopists identified quality indicators derived from international guidelines and assessed them in each center voluntarily requesting accreditation. During a 1-day site visit, two expert endoscopists, the representative of the independent and international administrative certification body and a professional nurse evaluated the endoscopy center, by direct observation of the endoscopy team and examination of the medical records

Results In all centers we noted shortcomings in instrument reprocessing. In 30 of 40 centers (75 %) the information in the nursing charts was incomplete. Sampling for Helicobacter pylori had not been done in 12 of 40 centers (30 %). In six of 40 centers (15 %) the adenoma detection rate for each endoscopist had not been evaluated. Post-polypectomy intervals were inappropriate in 12 of 40 centers (30 %). We noted a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between the answers to the SIED checklist of indicators submitted to the inspection team for accreditation before the site visit and the situation found for colonoscopy on site. As of June 30, 2018, 18 endoscopy centers had been accredited and 10 centers had not yet being accredited because they had not completed the measures to correct points raised at the visits.

Conclusions Numerous Italian endoscopy centers fail to meet important quality indicators. Our accreditation program can provide means for detecting these problems and correcting them by implementing SIED standards.
Mandibular Premolars with Bifurcated Canals
Authors: Garg Nisha , Sahni Garima , Chhabra Ajay , Negi Shabnam
Published: April 2020

Each tooth in the permanent dentition presents with extensive variation in the anatomy of root, along with variation in the number of canals in individual roots. The existence of accessory canals should be considered in all teeth since failure to clean and fill them can have poor impact on prognosis. Thus, it is extremely important for a clinician to keep abreast with the complete assessment of the anatomy and morphology of root canal system for a favorable treatment outcome. Mandibular premolars often present with a variation in anatomy and, thus, considered as a perplexity to the endodontist. This article reports clinical cases of bifurcated canals in mandibular first premolars.
Science by, with and for citizens: rethinking ‘citizen science’ after the 2011 Fukushima disaster
Authors: Kenens Joke , Van Oudheusden Michiel , Yoshizawa Go , Van Hoyweghen Ine
Published: April 2020

This study illustrates how citizen-driven radiation monitoring has emerged in post-Fukushima Japan, where citizens generate their own radiation data and measurement devices to provide public with actionable data about their environments. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in and around Fukushima Prefecture, it highlights the multifaceted character of these bottom-up, citizen-led efforts, contrasting these initiatives with the emergence of “citizen participatory” science policy discourses in Japan. Recognizing the contested nature of citizenship in Japan and in the nuclear arena, the article considers how terms and definitions shape the participation of citizens and other stakeholders (local communities, public authorities, regulators, and professional scientists) in science and technology in culturally and historically specific ways. It builds on these observations to open up new spaces of expertise, which engage all stakeholders through social-scientific intervention.
Effect of excitation mode on the magnetic field detection limit of magnetoelectric composite cantilevers
Authors: Krantz Matthias C. , Gerken Martina
Published: April 2020

Magnetic field excitation of strain-coupled magnetoelectric composite cantilevers in different bending modes is investigated for magnetic field sensing, yielding the sensitivity, noise, and magnetic field detection limit. An analytic theory covering the resonant magnetoelectric response and thermal vibration noise of arbitrary bending modes and the Johnson–Nyquist noise from the composite and electronics is presented, and detection limit results of thin film FeCoBSi–Si–AlN composite cantilevers are calculated for the first three bound–free and free–free bending modes over a wide range of dimensions. We use size-scaling to yield the same 1 kHz resonance frequency for all modes and dimensions, constant quality factors Qf = 1000, and thickness-independent experimental material parameters. Magnetic field detection limits in the 1 pT/Hz1/2 to 100 fT/Hz1/2 range are predicted for practical cantilever dimensions, whereby higher modes are found to yield lower detection limits at similar functional layer thicknesses but a greater cantilever size. All detection limits are found to be thermal vibration noise limited and for different modes to display the same 1/size2 scaling behavior but require different FeCoBSi–Si–AlN layer thickness ratios.
Comprehensive study on electrospray deposition in the single Taylor cone–jet mode by changing the spatial electric potential using a ring-shaped ternary electrode
Authors: Kuwahata Yuta , Takehara Hiroaki , Ichiki Takanori
Published: April 2020

In this work, the effect of changing the spatial electric potential to the spray current and the threshold voltage in the single Taylor cone–jet mode of the electrospray deposition (ESD) process has been investigated. The spatial electric potential between a nozzle electrode and a counter electrode was deformed by using an additional ring-shaped ternary electrode. The voltage ranges of the stable single Taylor cone–jet were determined from the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of the system. Depending on the changes occurring in the spatial electric potential around the nozzle electrode, a shift of the threshold voltage to form a stable single Taylor cone–jet was clearly observed. For further investigation, the spatial electric potential and electric-field lines were analyzed by numerical simulations based on the computational finite element method. The deformation of the electric-field lines between the nozzle and counter electrodes implies a lack of droplet adhesion onto the ternary ring electrode and a focus of electrospray. Finally, we demonstrated the ESD of polymer materials with an area of 371 ± 160 mm2 at a deposition rate of 314 ± 73 nm/min. The ESD technique is an important additive surface-modification method that is applicable to a variety of materials and suitable for highly viscous solutions and fragile biological samples.
Multi-modality method offers precise characterization of atherosclerosis progression
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: April 2020

By combining 4D ultrasound imaging and photoacoustic tomography, a multimodality approach demonstrates the potential to better assess atherosclerosis progression.
Protecting probiotics by microencapsulation
Authors: Kailasapathy Kaila
Published: April 2020

Probiotics are live bacteria which transit the gastrointestinal tract and in doing so benefit the health of the consumer. An approach currently receiving considerable interest is the provision of a physical barrier against adverse environmental conditions for the living probiotic cells. In the past, microorganisms were immobilised or entrapped in polymer matrices for use in bio-technological applications. The physical retention of the cells in the matrix facilitated the separation of the cells from their metabolites. As the technique of immobilisation or entrapment improved, the immobilised cell technology has evolved into encapsulation of live bacterial cells.
Smallpox
Authors: Fenner Frank
Published: April 2020

A wide range of microbial pathogens of humans, domestic animals and crop plants are available as potential agents for biological warfare or, nowadays, bioterrorism. Among those that could be used to produce disease in humans, the smallpox virus is unique in that it produces a very severe disease that is contagious, i.e. transmissible from one person to another.
Current mycotoxin issues in Australia and Southeast Asia
Authors: I Pitt J , D Hocking Ailsa
Published: April 2020

Problems associated with the potential or actual occurrence of mycotoxins in food are a significant element in food safety worldwide and our local region is no exception.
Ochratoxin A: a new challenge for Australia?s grape products industries?
Authors: Hocking Ailsa , Leong Su-lin , Pitt John
Published: April 2020

Ochratoxin A (OA) was first isolated from Aspergillus ochraceus in 1965 in a laboratory study searching for new toxic metabolites from moulds. At the time, there was no connection with any animal or human disease. OA was found as a natural contaminant of maize in 1969 in the USA and, about the same time, studies were being conducted in Scandinavia on a kidney disease in pigs which appeared to be related to mouldy feed. These studies showed that OA was the cause of the disease now known as porcine nephropathy.
Furthering education
Authors: J Power Cheryl
Published: April 2020

There are many important issues facing higher education in Australia today. I believe that the pivotal one is for the community to truly believe in the value of education. If this were a reality, then lack of funding would not be an impediment to solving the many problems we face ? problems such as the question of fee-paying students, both local and international, the use of technology, student employment, the (over) workloads of teaching staff, compulsory teacher training ? the list seems never ending.
Innovations in Education
Authors: Takayama Kathy , Byers Helen , J Uren Sandra , Strugnell Richard
Published: April 2020

Visualising the science of genomics: an international online research project; Bringing bright minds back to science; Microbiology education: problems for medical students; Gene Technology Access Centre
Could we ever know whether life on Mars represents a second genesis?
Authors: Bailey Jeremy
Published: April 2020

If we are ever successful in finding life on Mars, one of the key questions we would want to answer is whether life on Mars formed independently or shared a common origin with life on Earth. The issue arises because we know that it is possible for material to be transferred between the two planets. We know of more than 20 meteorites that originated from Mars. Indeed, it was suggested in 1996 that there was evidence for fossil life in the Martian meteorite ALH84001. While the evidence for life in ALH84001 has not been generally accepted, studies of the meteorite have shown that it travelled from Mars to Earth without its interior being heated to more than 40�C. It has also been demonstrated that bacterial spores can survive in space for more than 5 years.
Improving the chance of finding fossil microbes on Mars
Authors: Chamberlain Sarah , Bailey Jeremy
Published: April 2020

All life on Earth requires the presence of liquid water. Evidence that Mars once had liquid water for extended periods of time is growing and is keeping alive the possibility that life may once have started on Mars. We are using infrared spectroscopy of Mars to search for minerals indicative of the past presence of liquid water. If we can locate regions containing such minerals, these would be promising locations to search for fossil microbes.
Microbes, organic matter and ore deposits
Authors: P Marshall Craig , L Mackenzie Karen , Chen Junhong , Z Oehler Dorothy , A Logan Graham , R Walter Malcolm
Published: April 2020

The 1640 Ma (million years old) Here?s Your Chance (HYC) deposit at McArthur River, Northern Territory, Australia is one of the largest and least metamorphosed lead-zinc-silver deposits in the world. The mineralised interval has been divided into several orebodies and is separated by relatively barren sediment.
Vertical Transmission. July 2004
Authors: Ellis David
Published: April 2020

This will be my last vertical transmission ? the past 2 years have just flown. I have enjoyed my time as National President, especially the support and friendship that I have received from the membership. The ASM is a really good society to be part of and I would encourage fellow members to also become involved in ASM affairs at either the State or national level. There are many opportunities to be part of the ASM, whether it be helping with a conference or participating in an SIG or branch committee. I can assure you, you will find this a rewarding experience, you will meet new people, you will learn a lot and, at the same time, have some fun.
Microelectrode Ion Flux Estimation (MIFE) technique in microbiology: A cutting edge approach to study bacterial stress responses
Authors: Shabala Lana , Ross Tom , McMeekin Tom
Published: April 2020

The idea of measuring net ion fluxes at the proximity of a living organism using non-invasive microelectrodes was first proposed by Prof B Lucas at the NATO Advanced Studies Institute in Italy in 1984. This led to creation of the National Vibrating Probe Facility at Woods Hole, USA, which is widely used for electrophysiological studies in medical and animal physiology research.An alternative approach was developed by Dr Ian Newman (School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Tasmania) and resulted in the construction of the MIFER system, which is now commercially available. Since the late 1990s, MIFE has been successfully applied to the study of various aspects of membrane-transport processes in plants and protoplasts derived from the plant tissues.
Experience with Mycobacterium haemophilum in Australia, 1977-2003
Authors: Frank Haverkort C
Published: April 2020

Mycobacterium haemophilum is a fastidious microorganism that requires X-factor (haemoglobin or haemin) or ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) and only grows around 30-32�C. Since it was first described in 1978 there have been 104 isolations in Australia up to 2003 and the Australian Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory Network (AMRLN) have collected strains and associated epidemiological information. This review looks at this information and laboratory isolation media and practices used to recover M. haemophilum in Australia. Some important recommendations are made.
Chlamydial infection and disease in the koala
Authors: Timms Peter
Published: April 2020

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens able to infect and cause serious disease in humans, birds and a remarkably wide range of warm and cold-blooded animals. The family Chlamydiaciae have traditionally been defined by their unique biphasic developmental cycle, involving the interconversion between an extracellular survival form, the elementary body and an intracellular replicative form, the reticulate body. However, as with many other bacteria, molecular approaches including 16SrRNA sequence are becoming the standard of choice. As a consequence, the chlamydiae are in a taxonomic state of flux. Prior to 1999, the family Chlamydiaceae consisted of one genus, Chlamydia, and four species, Chlamydia trachomatis, C. psittaci, C. pecorum and C. pneumoniae. In 1999, Everett et al proposed a reclassification of Chlamydia into two genera (Chlamydia and Chlamydophila) and nine species (Chlamydia trachomatis, C. suis, and C. muridarum and Chlamydophila psittaci, C. pneumoniae, C. felis, C. pecorum, C. abortus, and C. caviae). While some of these species are thought to be host specific (C. suis ? pigs, C. muridarum ? mice, C. felis ? cats, C. caviae ? guinea pigs) many are known to infect and cause disease in a wide range of hosts.