bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maxillomandibular Transverse Osteodistraction: A Multidisciplinary Case Report with 30-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Turatti G. , Bruni A. , Savoini M. , Giordano M. , Gerbino G.
Published: February 2020

Aim. To describe a multidisciplinary treatment to correct a severe II class malocclusion with reduced both maxillary and mandibular transverse dimensions and dental crowding. Case Report. A 17-year-old young woman presented with an increased overjet complaining chiefly of forwardly placed upper front teeth and unpleasant smile aesthetics. The patient facially exhibited a gently convex profile, severe mentalis strain on lip closure, and dark buccal corridors. The intraoral assessment indicates Class II molar relationship bilaterally, mandibular and maxillary anterior crowding, and narrow shape of upper and lower arches. The cephalometric evaluation of the lateral radiograph of the skull evidences a skeletal Class II with a reduction of lower face height. Based upon the diagnostic records and consultation with the patient, surgically assisted expansion of both arches using bone-borne distractors, comprehensive orthodontic treatment, and combined jaw surgery was planned. Results. This approach permitted achieving most of the desired objectives in approximately 30 months. The follow-up records 30 months after treatment conclusion showed a stable occlusion. No complications were clinically and radiographically noticeable during the follow-up.
Complete Radiologic Response of Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma to Microwave Ablation Combined with Second-Line Palliative Chemotherapy
Authors: Blomstrand Hakon , Adolfsson Karin , Sandström Per , Björnsson Bergthor
Published: February 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a bleak prognosis, especially for the majority of patients diagnosed with metastatic disease. The primary option for palliative treatment is chemotherapy, and responses beyond first-line treatment are rare and typically short. Here, we report a case of a 63-year-old woman with PDAC in the head of the pancreas who was initially successfully treated by pancreaticoduodenectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine. However, disease recurrence with liver and para-aortic lymph node metastases was detected only two months after the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy. First-line palliative chemotherapy with gemcitabine-nab/paclitaxel was commenced. The results were discouraging, with disease progression (liver and lung metastases) detected at the first evaluation; the progression-free survival was just two months (64 days). Surprisingly, the response to second-line palliative chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil-oxaliplatin was excellent; in combination with the ablation of a liver metastasis, this treatment regimen resulted in a complete radiological response and an 11-month treatment-free interval with a sustained good performance status.
Automatic Continuous CRT Optimization to Improve Hemodynamic Response: An Italian Single-Center Experience
Authors: Covino Gregorio , Volpicelli Mario , Capogrosso Paolo
Published: February 2020

Background. Optimization of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) settings after implant can improve response to therapy. In this Italian single-center experience, we investigated the rate of hemodynamic and clinical response in heart failure patients treated with continuously and automatically optimized CRT. Methods. Patients were selected from June 2015 to April 2017 according to the most recent CRT guidelines; all were in sinus rhythm at implant and received a CRT-defibrillator system equipped with SonR, which automatically optimizes AV and VV delays every week. SonR was activated just after implant and remained active during follow-up. The rate of hemodynamic response (R-HR) was defined as ΔLVEF>5%, super-response (R-HSR) as ΔLVEF>15%, and clinical response as a negative transition of NYHA class≥−1 at 6 months follow-up vs. baseline (preimplant). Results. Mean follow-up for the 31 patients (aged 69.9±9.4 years; 61% male; NYHA class II/III 19%/81%; ischemic etiology 65%) was 6±0.7 months. At baseline, LVEF was 29.1%±4.7% and QRS duration 146±13 ms. LBBB morphology was observed in 65%. At 6 months, R-HR was 74% (23/31), R-HSR 32% (10/31), and clinical response rate 77% (24/31). Hemodynamically, patients with ischemic etiology benefited more than those without ischemic etiology, both in terms of response (80% versus 64%) and super-response (35% versus 27%). Conclusions. Continuous automatic weekly optimization of CRT over 6 months consistently improved R-HR, R-HSR, and clinical response in NYHA class II/III heart failure patients versus baseline. Patients with ischemic etiology in particular may benefit hemodynamically from this type of CRT optimization.
Experimental Study on Fire Behaviour in Room following the Disposition of Openings
Authors: Meskéoulé Vondou Fidel , Ngayihi Abbe Claude Valery , Tégawendé Zaida Justin , Onguene Mvogo Philippe , Mouangue Ruben
Published: February 2020

Many experiments have been done by authors to study the influence of the natural ventilation through openings on fire behaviour in compartments. It has been revealed that fire will be influenced by the size of existing openings which can be an open window, an open door, or both of them. Concerning the last case, the literature does not give any information about the impact of the arrangement of these openings on the behaviour of fire. The present paper aims then to carry out a comparative study of the disposition of the window compared to the door, on the behaviour of fire in a compartment. To achieve that objective, fire experiments were conducted in a reduced scale room of ​​dimensions 1.20 m × 1.20 m × 1.02 m, which can be modulated into two configurations. The first one named “PFC configuration” is the case where the open door and the open window are in nonopposite walls. The second one named “PFO configuration” is the case where these both openings are in opposite walls. After having performed several fire tests in both configurations using the same amount of diesel fuel as fire source, results revealed that the fuel burns faster in the PFC configuration compared to that in the PFO configuration. This is due to a global mass loss rate of 2.93 × 10−4kg.s−1 against 2.62 × 10−4kg.s−1, respectively. Beyond a difference of 20°C observed on the maximal temperature of burned gases located at ceiling, results also revealed the production of ghosting flames in the PFO configuration.
Fusarium concolor X4 Pretreatment Suppresses Light‐Induced Yellowing of High‐Yield Pulp
Authors: Zhang Daolei , Li Xuezhi , Zhao Jian
Published: February 2020

High‐yield pulps (HYPs), such as CTMP (chemi‐thermo‐mechanical pulp), are attractive due to their low cost and high wood utilization. However, their drawback of rapid brightness reversion (yellowing) limits wide use of the HYPs. In this study, a fungus, Fusarium concolor X4, was applied to treat poplar CTMP for exploring the effects of biotreatment on brightness and light‐induced yellowing of the pulp. The results indicated that the biotreatment with Fusarium concolor X4 could improve the brightness of poplar CTMP and inhibit light‐induced yellowing of the pulp. The yellowing inhibition mechanism was explored by the analysis of enzyme production regularity during biotreatment, changes in chemical components, and the UV‐Vis absorption spectra and FTIR‐ATR spectra of pulps before and after biotreatment.
Transverse Momentum and Pseudorapidity Dependence of Particle Production in Xe–Xe Collision at sNN=5.44 TeV
Authors: Guo Zhang-Li , Li Bao-Chun , Dong Hong-Wei
Published: February 2020

Through the collision-system configuration, the Tsallis statistics is combined with a multisource thermal model. The improved model is used to investigate the transverse momentum and pseudorapidity of particles produced in Xe–Xe collisions at sNN=5.44 TeV. We discuss detailedly the thermodynamic properties, which are taken from the transverse momentum pT distributions of π, K, and p for different centralities. The pseudorapidity η spectra of charged particles for different centralities are described consistently in the model. And, the model result can estimate intuitively the longitudinal configuration of the collision system.
Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Impact the Prognosis in Endometrial Cancer Survivors? A Systematic Review
Authors: Di Donato Violante , Palaia Innocenza , D'Aniello Debora , Musacchio Lucia , Santangelo Giusi , Di mauro Federica , Di Pinto Anna , Musella Angela , Fischetti Margherita , Tomao Federica , Perniola Giorgia , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi
Published: February 2020

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the prognosis in endometrial cancer (EC) survivors. Methods: The research was conducted using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, ClinicalTrial.gov, and Cochrane Library. We performed a review of studies published from January 1986 to January 2019. We selected studies that included EC patients submitted to surgery with curative intent and postoperative use of HRT. Result: Seven of 1,332 abstracts considered were eligible: 4 retrospective series, 1 prospective study, 1 randomized controlled trial, and 1 population study. Globally in the observed studies there was not a significant increase in the recurrence rate, measured by the relative risk, in the EC survivors using HRT compared with the controls in tumour stages I and II. The bias was that HRT was prescribed only to low-risk patients, who were young and had a low stage of disease. Conclusion: This systematic review shows that HRT use had no negative effect on prognosis in EC survivors in tumour stages I and II.
Institutional Adoption and Apprenticeship of Fusion Targeted Prostate Biopsy: Does Experience Affect the Cancer Detection Rate?
Authors: Berg Sebastian , Hanske Julian , von Landenberg Nicolas , Noldus Joachim , Brock Marko
Published: February 2020

Introduction: There are limited data on the learning curve of magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound (MRI/TRUS)-fusion targeted prostate biopsies (tBx). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate between an experienced urologist and novice resident performing tBx. Methods: A total of 183 patients underwent tBx from 2012 to 2016 for a total of 518 tBx cores. Biopsies in this study were performed by an experienced urologist (investigator A) or a novice resident (investigator B). The outcome was the detection of PCa on tBx. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, we estimated odds ratios for the detection of PCa. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance patients’ baseline characteristics and compare detection rates of PCa. Before performance of tBx, all patients underwent MRI. Results: On multivariable logistic regression analysis, investigator experience was associated with a higher odds of detection of PCa (OR = 1.003; 95% confidence interval 1.002–1.006, p = 0.037). After IPTW adjustment, there was no significant difference between the detection rate of investigator A (23%) and investigator B (32%; p = 0.457). Conclusions: Data revealed a positive association between investigator experience and the odds of PCa detection, although there was no difference in the detection rates of the investigators.
T
2
-Weighted Contrast for NMR Characterization of Human Atherosclerosis
Authors: Toussaint Jean-Francois , Southern James F. , Fuster Valentin , Kantor Howard L.
Published: February 2020

We sought to determine whether 'H NMR images without chemical-shift selection can adequately characterize the components of human atheromatous arteries. NMR, as a nondestructive, biochemical imaging tool, has the potential to identify lipids in atherosclerotic plaques but has not yet produced detailed images of atheroma components. Using 'H NMR spectroscopy at 9.4 T, we examined microdissected components of diseased and normal arteries to determine water relaxation constants (Tl and T2) as well as the relative content of mobile lipid. Relaxation times were also measured at 1.5 and 4.7 T. Sections of arteries with atherosclerotic lesions of graded severity were imaged at 1.5 and 9.4 T. The contrastto- noise ratio (CNR) was used to assess lesion conspicuity. In the atheromatous core, the water NMR signal predominates over that of lipid (lipid-to-water ratio, 0.11). At 9.4 T, T2 is 20.2 ms for the atheromatous core, 30.1 ms for the collagenous cap, and 29.5 ms for normal media. This results in a high CNR on T2-weighted (T2w) images for atheromatous core compared with the collagenous cap and normal media. A similar contrast was measured at lower field strength. Calcifications do not generate appreciable signal due to their low water content but can be detected on Tl-weighted (Tlw) images. The water T2 contrast allows discrimination of the atheromatous lipid core from collagenous regions. The combination of Tlw and T2w sequences permits in vitro identification of the atheromatous core, collagenous cap, calcifications, media, adventitia, and perivascular fat. The discrimination of collagen fibers that overlie lipid deposits permits study of plaque protection and stability at all field strengths and may provide the basis for in vivo microscopy of human atherosclerosis.

(Arterioscler Thromb Vase Biol.
1995;15:1533-1542.)
Cross-Modal Correspondence Between Speech Sound and Visual Shape Influencing Perceptual Representation of Shape: the Role of Articulation and Pitch
Authors: Kwak Yuna , Nam Hosung , Kim Hyun-Woong , Kim Chai-Youn
Published: February 2020

Cross-modal correspondence is the tendency to systematically map stimulus features across sensory modalities. The current study explored cross-modal correspondence between speech sound and shape (Experiment 1), and whether such association can influence shape representation (Experiment 2). For the purpose of closely examining the role of the two factors — articulation and pitch — combined in speech acoustics, we generated two sets of 25 vowel stimuli — pitch-varying and pitch-constant sets. Both sets were generated by manipulating articulation — frontness and height of the tongue body’s positions — but differed in terms of whether pitch varied among the sounds within the same set. In Experiment 1, participants made a forced choice between a round and a spiky shape to indicate the shape better associated with each sound. Results showed that shape choice was modulated according to both articulation and pitch, and we therefore concluded that both factors play significant roles in sound–shape correspondence. In Experiment 2, participants reported their subjective experience of shape accompanied by vowel sounds by adjusting an ambiguous shape in the response display. We found that sound–shape correspondence exerts an effect on shape representation by modulating audiovisual interaction, but only in the case of pitch-varying sounds. Therefore, pitch information within vowel acoustics plays the leading role in sound–shape correspondence influencing shape representation. Taken together, our results suggest the importance of teasing apart the roles of articulation and pitch for understanding sound–shape correspondence.
Critical Shifts in Cerebral White Matter Lipid Profiles After Ischemic–Reperfusion Brain Injury in Fetal Sheep as Demonstrated by the Positive Ion Mode MALDI-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: de la Monte Suzanne M. , Gallucci Gina M. , Lin Amy , Tong Ming , Chen Xiaodi , Stonestreet Barbara S.
Published: February 2020

Ischemic–reperfusion (I/R) injury to cerebral white matter during the perinatal period leads to long-term cognitive and motor disabilities in children. Immature white matter oligodendrocytes are especially vulnerable to metabolic insults such as those caused by hypoxic, ischemic, and reperfusion injury. Consequences include an impaired capacity of oligodendrocytes to generate and maintain mature lipid-rich myelin needed for efficient neuronal conductivity. Further research is needed to increase an understanding of the early, possibly reversible myelin-associated pathologies that accompany I/R white matter injury. This experiment characterized I/R time-dependent alterations in cerebral white matter lipid profiles in an established fetal sheep model. Fetal sheep (127 days gestation) were subjected to 30 min of bilateral carotid artery occlusion followed by 4 h ( n = 5), 24 h ( n = 7), 48 h ( n = 3), or 72 h ( n = 5) of reperfusion, or sham treatment ( n = 5). Supraventricular cerebral white matter lipids were analyzed using the positive ionization mode matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Striking I/R-associated shifts in phospholipid (PL) and sphingolipid expression with a prominent upregulation of cardiolipin, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol monomannoside, sphingomyelin, sulfatide, and ambiguous or unidentified lipids were observed to occur mainly at I/R-48 and normalized or suppressed responses at I/R-72. In fetal sheep, cerebral I/R caused major shifts in white matter myelin lipid composition favoring the upregulated expression of diverse PLs and sphingolipids which are needed to support neuronal membrane, synaptic, metabolic, and cell signaling functions.
Stockholm preterm interaction-based intervention (SPIBI) - study protocol for an RCT of a 12-month parallel-group post-discharge program for extremely preterm infants and their parents
Authors: Baraldi Erika , Allodi Mara Westling , Löwing Kristina , Smedler Ann-Charlotte , Westrup Björn , Ådén Ulrika
Published: February 2020

Background

Improved neonatal care has resulted in increased survival rates among infants born after only 22 gestational weeks, but extremely preterm children still have an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delays, learning disabilities and reduced cognitive capacity, particularly executive function deficits. Parent-child interaction and parental mental health are associated with infant development, regardless of preterm birth. There is a need for further early interventions directed towards extremely preterm (EPT) children as well as their parents. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Stockholm Preterm Interaction-Based Intervention (SPIBI), the arrangements of the SPIBI trial and the chosen outcome measurements.

Methods

The SPIBI is a randomized clinical trial that includes EPT infants and their parents upon discharge from four neonatal units in Stockholm, Sweden. Inclusion criteria are EPT infants soon to be discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with parents speaking Swedish or English. Both groups receive three initial visits at the neonatal unit before discharge during the recruitment process, with a strengths-based and development-supportive approach. The intervention group receives ten home visits and two telephone calls during the first year from a trained interventionist from a multi-professional team. The SPIBI intervention is a strengths-based early intervention programme focusing on parental sensitivity to infant cues, enhancing positive parent-child interaction, improving self-regulating skills and supporting the infant’s next small developmental step through a scaffolding process and parent-infant co-regulation. The control group receives standard follow-up and care plus extended assessment. The outcomes of interest are parent-child interaction, child development, parental mental health and preschool teacher evaluation of child participation, with assessments at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months corrected age (CA). The primary outcome is emotional availability at 12 months CA.

Discussion

If the SPIBI shows positive results, it could be considered for clinical implementation for child-support, ethical and health-economic purposes. Regardless of the outcome, the trial will provide valuable information about extremely preterm children and their parents during infancy and toddlerhood after regional hospital care in Sweden.

Trial registration

The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov in October 2018 (NCT03714633).
Fighting healthcare rocketing costs with value-based medicine: the case of stroke management
Authors: Esposti Federico , Banfi Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

Value-Based Medicine (VBM) is imposing itself as 'a new paradigm in healthcare management and medical practice.

In this perspective paper, we discuss the role of VBM in dealing with the large productivity issue of the healthcare industry and examine some of the worldwide industrial and technological trends linked with VBM introduction. To clarify the points, we discuss examples of VBM management of stroke patients.

In our conclusions, we support the idea of VBM as a strategic aid to manage rising costs in healthcare, and we explore the idea that VBM, by establishing value-generating networks among different healthcare stakeholders, can serve as the long sought-after redistributive mechanism that compensate patients for the industrial exploitation of their personal medical records.
Correction to: Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor in non-small cell lung cancer cells: the effect of combining RNA interference with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or cetuximab
Authors: Chen Gang , Kronenberger Peter , Teugels Erik , Umelo Ijeoma Adaku , De Grève Jacques
Published: February 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported that there was an error in Figure 9, which contained a misplaced picture. The authors confirm that all of the published results and conclusions of the paper remain unchanged, as well as the figure legends. The authors apologize for any confusion caused. The corrected Figure 9 is shown as follows:
Correction to: Circular RNA circFGFR1 promotes progression and anti-PD-1 resistance by sponging miR-381-3p in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Peng-Fei , Pei Xu , Li Ke-Sang , Jin Li-Na , Wang Fei , Wu Jing , Zhang Xue-Mei
Published: February 2020

After the publication of this work [1], an error was found in Fig. 1b. As described in the Results section that circ0084003 has 13 exons, it should be formed by 5–17 (13exons) exons, authors have described “formed by 5-19 exons”. The authors extend their apology for the mistake caused by their action. With that mistake, the correct version of Fig. 1b is provided below.
A positive feedback loop between EZH2 and NOX4 regulates nucleus pulposus cell senescence in age-related intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Libangxi , Yang Minghui , Li Bin , Yi Jiarong , Ai Xuezheng , Zhang Yang , Huang Bo , Li Changqing , Feng Chencheng , Zhou Yue
Published: February 2020

Background

The senescence of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD). NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4)-associated oxidative stress has been shown to induce premature NP cell senescence. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a crucial gene regulating cell senescence. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of EZH2 in NOX4-induced NP cell senescence and a feedback loop between EZH2 and NOX4.

Results

The down-regulation of EZH2 and the up-regulation of NOX4 and p16 were observed in the degenerative discs of aging rats. EZH2 regulated NP cell senescence via the H3K27me3-p16 pathway. Also, EZH2 regulated the expression of NOX4 in NP cells through the histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) in the promoter of NOX4 gene. Furthermore, NOX4 down-regulated EZH2 expression in NP cells via the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions

A positive feedback loop between EZH2 and NOX4 is involved in regulating NP cell senescence, which provides a novel insight into the mechanism of IDD and a potential therapeutic target for IDD.
Self-reported campus alcohol policy and college alcohol consumption: a multilevel analysis of 4592 Korean students from 82 colleges
Authors: Oh Sarah Soyeon , Ju Yeong Jun , Jang Sung-in , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: February 2020

Background

Campus alcohol policy has been associated with student alcohol consumption in numerous studies. However, more information is required to assess the extent to which school policy affects student drinking behavior; especially when both individual-level sociodemographic characteristics of students and area-level characteristics of college campuses are controlled for. Thus, this paper explores the association between campus alcohol policy and student alcohol consumption among a nationally representative sample of college students in South Korea, while controlling for both individual and area-level characteristics.

Methods

We surveyed and analyzed the data of 4592 students from 82 colleges. Multilevel (hierarchical) linear modeling was used to identify the association between campus alcohol policy and alcohol consumption levels, measured via the AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test – Consumption). Controlled individual-level characteristics included sex, year level, major, GPA (grade point average), pocket money, smoking status, stress level, depressive thoughts, suicidal thoughts, and number of clubs/organizations. Controlled area-level characteristics included college type, number of students, number of faculty members, number of workers/administrators, and region.

Results

Compared to students unaware of their school’s campus alcohol policy, students who self-reported that their campuses allow drinking in outdoor spaces (β = 0.755 p = 0.010) or in all areas (β = 0.820, p = 0.044) had higher AUDIT-C scores. Students attending schools with a large number of students, males, freshmen, students with low GPA, students with high amounts of pocket money, and smokers also had higher alcohol consumption scores relative to their peers. Alcohol education experience in the form of lectures, mail, and/or campaigns were not associated with student alcohol consumption levels.

Conclusion

Our results suggest an association between self-reported campus alcohol policy and student alcohol consumption. College educators and administrators must be aware that relative to students unaware of their school’s campus alcohol policy, students at colleges that allow drinking in outdoor spaces or all areas consume higher amounts of alcohol than their peers; even when area-level factors are controlled for.

Trial registration

Yonsei IRB (IRB number: Y-2017-0084). https://irb.yonsei.ac.kr Date of registration: 01/2017. Date of enrolment of first participant to trial: 03/01/2017. Y-2017-0084.
Co-production of biodiesel and bioethanol using psychrophilic microalga Chlamydomonas sp. KNM0029C isolated from Arctic sea ice
Authors: Kim Eun Jae , Kim Sanghee , Choi Han-Gu , Han Se Jong
Published: February 2020

Background

Biofuels, generated using microalgae as sustainable energy, have received a lot of attention. Microalgae can be cultivated at low cost with CO2 and solar energy without competition from edible crops. Psychrophilic microalgae can be a suitable feedstock to produce biofuels without the environmental constraints of low temperatures, because they can grow below 10 °C. However, there is a lack of efficient strategies using psychrophilic microalgae to produce biodiesel and bioethanol. Therefore, the current study aimed to optimize the production of biodiesel and bioethanol from Arctic Chlamydomonas sp. KNM0029C at low temperatures.

Results

After incubation in a 20-L photobioreactor, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) was extracted using modified FAME extraction methods, producing a maximum yield of 0.16-g FAME/g KNM0029C. Residual biomass was pretreated for bioethanol production, and the yields from different methods were compared. The highest bioethanol yield (0.22-g/g residual biomass) was obtained by pretreatment with enzyme (amyloglucosidase) after sonication. Approximately 300-mg biofuel was obtained, including 156-mg FAME biodiesel and 144-mg bioethanol per g dried cells, representing the highest recorded yield from psychrophilic microalgae.

Conclusions

This is the first to attempt at utilizing biomass from psychrophilic Arctic microalga Chlamydomonas sp. KNM0029C for the co-production of bioethanol and biodiesel, and it yielded the highest values among reported studies using psychrophilic organisms. These results can be used as a source for the efficient biofuel production using polar microalgae.
Waveform embedding: Automatic horizon picking with unsupervised deep learning
Authors: Shi Yunzhi , Wu Xinming , Fomel Sergey
Published: February 2020

Picking horizons from seismic images is a fundamental step that could critically impact seismic interpretation quality. We have developed an unsupervised approach, waveform embedding, based on a deep convolutional autoencoder network to learn to transform seismic waveform samples to a latent space in which any waveform can be represented as an embedded vector. The regularizing mechanism of the autoencoder ensures that similar waveform patterns are mapped to embedded vectors with a shorter distance in the latent space. Within a search region, we transform all of the waveform samples to the latent space and compute their corresponding distance to the embedded vector of a control point that is set to the target horizon. We then convert the distance to a horizon probability map that highlights where the horizon is likely to be located. This method can guide horizon picking across lateral discontinuities such as faults, and it is insensitive to noise and lateral distortions. In addition, our unsupervised learning algorithm requires no training labels. We apply our horizon-picking method to multiple 2D/3D examples and obtain results more accurate than the baseline method.
Aby Warburg and Cinema, Revisited
Authors: Schwartz Peter J.
Published: February 2020

The final, unfinished project of the Hamburg art historian and Kulturwissenschaftler Aby M. Warburg (1866–1929)—the so-called Mnemosyne image atlas (Bilderatlas)—has recently drawn increased attention not only from scholars but also from artists and museum curators. Within this reception, the idea has gained currency that Warburg’s strategy of image arrangement in the Mnemosyne atlas bears a significant relationship to the techniques and aesthetics of cinema. Yet little evidence exists that Warburg ever paid much attention to cinema’s formal or technical means of expression, or much enjoyed going to the movies. How, then, has it become a critical commonplace that Warburg’s late methods of ordering images resemble, especially, Soviet methods of film montage? The first two parts of this article show how such comparisons may be inaccurate or misleading. The third part argues that Warburg’s conception of the Mnemosyne atlas and of the related late Bilderreihen (image series) was conditioned more by a historical understanding of print media than by any relationship to cinema.
Developing HTML-based courses concerning training in Atomic and Nuclear Physics applied in modern Medical Technology
Authors: Spyropoulos B.
Published: February 2020

HTML-based Educational Means have been developed, in the field of Physics applied in Medicine. The first section consists of educational needs deriving out of the material conditions, and the most common implementations of medical equipment used for in vivo Diagnostic and Treatment Procedures. The second section concerns educational needs which stem out of the theoretical and practical aspects of the in vitro Analytical and Measurement Methods. The courseware allows for distance education and by way of editing tools, self-evaluation tests, and active links, can be adapted to the individual needs of the user, facilitating the understanding of the scientific subject- matter under consideration.
Intermediate-Energy Fragmentation of Heavy-Element Beams: A Novel Approach Towards the Nuclear Drip-Lines
Authors: Souliotis G. A.
Published: February 2020

The fragmentation of heavy beams at intermediate energy and the opportunities offered by this in the exploration of heavy nuclei near the drip lines will be discussed. First, a study of 1 9 7Au projectile fragmentation at 30 MeV/nucleon will be presented in which an appreciable number of new p-rich nuclei were observed. Perspectives of proton radioactivity studies using the fragmentation approach will be discussed. Second, a study of the fission of 2 3 8U projectiles at 20 MeV/nucleon will be presented, where a number of new neutron rich nuclei were identified. Production rates of extremely η-rich nuclides from a typical projectile-fragmentation facility are given. A large number of nuclei along the astrophysical r-process path can be investigated and approach of the neutron dripline in the region Z=45-50 may be possible. The ability to produce and study these either p-rich or η-rich nuclei at intermediate (and possibly lower) energy facilities may open a variety of possibilities for experimental studies of exotic heavy nuclei.
An analytical formula for proton momentum distribution in nuclei with A>4
Authors: Anagnostatos G. S. , Antonov A. N. , Giapitzakis J. , Ginis P. , Massen S. E. , Gaidarov M. K.
Published: February 2020

A successful analytical formula for the proton momentum distribution in all nuclei with A>4 accounting for nucleon-nucleon correlation effects, is presented. In this formula the Isomorphic Shell Model wave functions are employed, which are readily available for all nuclei all the way up to 2 0 8Pb. However, other wave functions (e.g., shell model or Hartree-Fock) could be used with almost equivalent results. Available experimental data for 4He, 1 2C and 5 6Fe and predictions of other theories, e.g., for 4 0Ca, are used for comparison of the predictions of the present formula. A reservation is kept concerning the validity of this formula for the momentum distribution of exotic nuclei.
One-body density matrix and momentum distribution in s-p and s-d shell nuclei
Authors: Moustakidis Ch. C. , Massen S. E.
Published: February 2020

Analytical expressions of the one- and two- body terms in the cluster expansion of the one-body density matrix and momentum distribution of the s-p and s-d shell nuclei with Ν — Ζ are derived. They depend on the harmonic oscillator parameter b and the parameter β which originates from the Jastrow correlation function. These parameters have been determined .by least squares fit to the experimental charge form factors. The inclusion of short-range correlations increases the high momentum component of the momentum distribution, 7i(k) for all nuclei we have considered while there is an A dependence of ra(k) both at small values of k and the high momentum component. The A dependence of the high momentum com- . ponent of n(k) becomes quite small when the nuclei 24Mg, 28Si and 32S are treated as ld-2s shell nuclei having the occupation probability of the 2s-state as an extra free parameter in the fit to the form factors
Spallation Neutron Production in the Dubna Transmutation Assembly
Authors: Zamani M. , Fragopoulou M. , Manolopoulou M. , Stoulos S. , Debeauvais M. , Brandt R. , Westmeier W. , Krivopustov M. , Sosnin A.
Published: February 2020

A large lead target with a U blanket was irradiated by 1.5 GeV protons at the Dubna Nuclotron accelerator. Spatial distributions of neutron fluxes were determined by Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors in the new experimental transmutation assembly. Slow and fast neutron components were studied inside sections of the setup and on the U blanket surface. Neutron distributions after Cd and polyethylene shielding were also investigated. The results show that the new arrangement is efficient mainly to transmutation experiments by fission and (η,χη) reactions as well as by (η,γ) reactions.
A systematic study of proton capture reactions in the Se-Sn region relevant to p-process nucleosynthesis
Authors: Harissopulos S. , Demetriou P. , Galanopoulos S. , Kriembardis G. , Kokkoris M. , Tsagari P. , Skreti E. , Zarkadas Ch. , Karydas A. G. , Hammer J. W. , Kunz R. , Fey M. , Dewald Α. , Zel Κ. Ο. , Von Brentano P. , Julin R. , Goriely S.
Published: February 2020

The synthesis of the so-called ρ nuclei, i.e. a certain class of proton rich nuclei that are heavier than iron, requires a special mechanism known as ρ process. This process consists of various nucleosynthetic scenaria. In some of them proton and alpha-capture reactions are strongly involved, p-process nucleosynthesis is assumed to occur in the Oxygen/Neon rich layers of type II supernovae during their explosion, ρ nuclei are typically 10-100 times less abundant than the corresponding more neutron-rich isotopes. The prediction of their abundances is one of the major puzzles of all models of p-process nucleosynthesis. Until now all these models are capable of reproducing these abundances within a factor of 3. However, they all fail in the case of the light ρ nuclei with A<100. The observed discrepancies could be attributed to uncertainties in the pure "astrophysical" part of the p-process modelling. However, they could also be the result of uncertainties in the nuclear physics data entering the corresponding abundance calculations. In order to perform these calculations the cross sections of typically 10000 nuclear reactions of an extended reaction network involving almost 1000 nuclei from A=12 to 210 are used as input data. Such a huge amount of experimental cross section data are not available. Hence, all extended network calculations rely almost completely on cross sections predicted by the Hauser-Feshbach (HF) theory. It is therefore of paramount importance, on top of any astrophysical model improvements, to test also the reliability of the HF calculations, i.e. to investigate the uncertainties associated with the evaluation of the nuclear properties, like nuclear level densities and nucleon-nucleus potentials, entering the calculations. Until now, this check has been hindered significantly by the fact that in the Se-Sn region there has been scarce experimental information on cross sections at astrophysically relevant energies. In the present work, a systematic investigation of (p,7) cross sections of nuclei from Se to Sb is presented for the first time. The in-beam cross section measurements reported were carried out at energies relevant to p-process nucleosynthesis, i.e. from 1.4 to 5 MeV. The experiments were performed by using either an array of 4 HPGe detectors of 100% relative efficiency shielded with BGO crustals for Compton suppression, or a 4π Nal summing detector. The resulting cross sections, astrophysical S-factors and reaction rates of more than 10 nuclear reactions are compared with the predictions of various statistical model calculations.
Potential of Antiprotons for Imaging and Radiotherapy
Authors: Giokaris N. , Kalogeropoulos Th.
Published: February 2020

The potential of antiprotons for nuclear imaging, chemical element identification and radiotherapy is examined. A comprehensive R&D program for the characterization of these techniques is outlined.
Isospin Effects on Subthreshold Particle Production
Authors: Gaitanos T. , Ferini G. , Colonna M. , Di Toro M. , Wolter H. H.
Published: February 2020

The production/absorption rate of particles in compressed and heated asymmetric matter is studied using a Relativistic Mean Field (RMF) transport model with an isospin dependent collision term. We show that the K+/K° ratio reflects the isospin effects on the production rates just because of the large sensitivity around the threshold. The results are very promising with respect to the possibility of a direct link between particle production data in exotic Heavy Ion Collisions (HIC) and the isospin dependent part of the Equation of State (EoS) at high baryon densities.
An X-Ray Fluorescence and Principal Component Analysis study of pottery from Orraon
Authors: Papachristodoulou C. , Oikonomou A. , Ioannides K. , Gravani K.
Published: February 2020

Radioisotope-induced X-ray fluorescence XRF was used to determine the composition of 64 pottery sherds recovered from the settlement of ancient Orraon, northwestern Greece. The XRF data were submitted to Principal components analysis PCA and distinct sample clusters were identified, originating from differences in major and trace elements concentrations. The statistical classification, combined with archaeological criteria, allows conclusions related to the raw materials and paste recipes used in pottery manufacturing. Distinction between local production and imported pottery may also be inferred.
A MATLAB code for recognition and counting of track images
Authors: Patiris D. L. , Blekas K. , Ioannides K. G.
Published: February 2020

A computer program named TRIAC written in MATLAB has been developed for track recognition and track parameters measurements from images of Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors CR39. The program using image analysis tools counts the number of tracks and classifies the tracks according to their radii. Comparison of manual scanning counts with those output by the automatic system are presented for detectors exposed to a radon rich environment. The system was also tested to differentiate tracks recorded by alpha particles of different energies
Cross Section Measurements on Isotopes of Ge and Hf Using the Activation Technique
Authors: Galanopoulos S. , Serris M. , Perdikakis G. , Kokkoris M. , Papadopoulos C. T. , Vlastou R. , Lagoyannis A. , Spyrou A. , Kalyva Y. , Harissopulos S. , Zarkadas Ch. , Kossionides S.
Published: February 2020

Cross section measurements of neutron induced reactions on isotopes of Ge and Hf have been determined at energies 8.8, 9.6, 10.6, 11.1, 11.4 MeV using the activation technique. Neutrons produced by the 2H(d,n)3He reaction were used to irradiate pellets of natural Ge and Hf02- The neutron flux at the target position was determined using the 27Al(n,a)24Na, 93Nb(n,2n)92mNb and 197Au(n,2n)196Au reference reactions. HPGe detectors of relative efficiency εΓ=80% and 55% were used to determine the decay of the produced unstable nuclei. The cross section values were compared with those taken from the literature.
Λ-particle energies from the (π+.Κ+) associated production reaction on nuclei and the state dependence of the Λ-nucleus potential
Authors: Lalazissis G. A.
Published: February 2020

A Λ-nucleus potential of the symmetrized Woods-Saxon type is mainly used and the Λ-particle energies deduced from the (π+ ,K+) associated production reaction on nuclei are analysed by a least squares fitting. Although a firm quantitative conclusion about the state dependence of the Λ-nucleus potential cannot be drawn on the basis of the existing data from the (π+,.Κ'+) process, it appears that this dependence is quite weak, as it should be also expected on the basis of other studies. The present analysis indicates that the depth of the symmetrized Woods-Saxon Λ-nucleus potential in the lp-state is somehow smaller than the depth in the ls-state, while the range of the potential is slightly longer.
High spin structure of 155Dy
Authors: Papadopoulos C. T. , Vlastou R. , Serris M. , Kalfas C. A. , Fotiades N. , Harissopulos S. , Kosslonides S. , Rilley M. A. , Simpson J. , Paul E. S. , Sharpey-Schafer J. F.
Published: February 2020

High spin states in 155Dy have been studied by γ-γ coincidence measurements via the 124Sn(36S, 5n)155Dy reaction at a beam energy of 155 MeV. Eight rotational bands have been populated and observed up to high spin (I<91/2).The band features have been analysed within the framework of the cranked shell model. The Ì13/2 neutron alignments and the h11/2 proton alignments are discussed. B(M1)/B(E2) ratios have also been extracted for the strongly coupled bands to deduce further information on the detailed structure of these bands. For the highest states (above spin 30) of the negative parity bands an irregularity in y-ray energies appears which is discussed in terms of band termination.
The IASA Racetrack Microtron Facility
Authors: Karabarbounis A. , Avramopoulos H. , Economou D. , Filippa A. V. , Filippas T. A. , Gazis E. N. , Hizanidis K. , Maroulis D. , Papadakis N. , Papanicolas C. N. , Rahmani H. , Stiliaris E. , Trikalinos C. , Uzunöglou N. , Vodinas N.
Published: February 2020

The Institute of Accelerating Systems and Applications (IASA) is pursuing research and facilitates postgraduate studies in traditional and cross-disciplinary areas where accelerators play an important role. The first major facility of IASA, now under construction, is a 246 MeV two-stage CW Cascade microtron. The planned experimental programs and facilities include nuclear and particle physics, nuclear medicine, archeometry and material science.
Optics for the IASA cw RTM
Authors: Sparveris N. , Filippas A. V. , Herminghaus H. , Hizanidis K. , Karabarbounis A. , Papadakis N. , Papanicolas C. N. , Stiliaris E. , Vodinas N.
Published: February 2020

A Continuous Wave Cascade Racetrack Microtron (RTM) is being built at the Institute of Accelerating Systems and Applications (IASA). Making optimal use of the available equipment (obtained from NIST and the University of Illinois), a two-stage ν = 1 Cascade scheme with optics similar to those of the Mainz RTM was adopted. The IASA CW RTM will provide a variable output energy from 6.5 to 246 MeV, with current intensity exceeding ΙΟΟμΑ The LANL side-coupled linear accelerator structure operates at the RF frequency of 2380 MHz. The new design provides excellent emittance characteristics. Details of the optics design and results of the 100 keV beam Line of the Athens CW Cascade RTM are presented.
Decay of 160Er* in 16O + 144Nd and 64Ni + 96Zr Fusion Reactions
Authors: Nicolis N. G. , Barreto J. L. , Sarantites D. G. , Charity R. J. , Sobotka L. G. , Stracener D. W. , Hensley D. C. , Beene J. R. , Baktash C. , Halbert M. L. , Thoennessen M.
Published: February 2020

The population of evaporation residue entry states in the decay of the compound nucleus 160Er*(54 MeV) is investigated in a cross-bombardment employing the reactions 160 + 144Nd and 64Ni + 96Zr. Evaporation residue cross sections and entry state 7-ray fold distributions of the dominant exit channels were obtained for each reaction, using a 4π 7-ray detection system. An entrance-channel dependence of the 7-ray fold distributions of the xn products is observed. This effect is described successfully by the statistical model making use of compound nucleus angular momentum distributions obtained with a fusion model that provides a good description of the bombarding energy dependence of fusion data for both reactions. In accordance with recent findings on the decay of 164Yb*, it is suggested that the observed differences in the population of the dominant exit channels originate from the primary spin distributions rather than a possible dependence of the compound nucleus decay on the formation mode.
The Energy Amplifier, an "Ecological" Reactor
Authors: Eleftheriadis Christos A.
Published: February 2020

The main ideas for the Energy Amplifier (EA) are presented, as they have been developed at CERN [1]. The discussion concerns with the safety and environmental features of this new kind of reactor which are far more better than the ones of the conventional reactors. A comparison is also given with fusion reactors and other non-nuclear methods for energy production, such as coal burning.
Line of approximate SU(3) symmetry inside the symmetry triangle of the Interacting Boson Model
Authors: Bonatsos D. , Karampagia S. , Casten R. F.
Published: February 2020

The U(5), SU(3), and O(6) symmetries of the Interacting Boson Model (IBM) have been traditionally placed at the vertices of the symmetry triangle, while an O(5) symmetry is known to hold along the U(5)–O(6) side of the triangle. We construct [1] for the first time a symmetry line in the interior of the triangle, along which the SU(3) symmetry is preserved. This is achieved by using the contraction of the SU(3) algebra to the algebra of the rigid rotator in the large boson number limit of the IBM. The line extends from the SU(3) vertex to near the critical line of the first order shape/phase transition separating the spherical and prolate deformed phases. It lies within the Alhassid–Whelan arc of regularity, the unique valley of regularity connecting the SU(3) and U(5) vertices amidst chaotic regions, thus providing an explanation for its existence.