bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometric Correction for the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager from a Combination of Shoreline Matching and Frequency Matching
Authors: Kim Han-Gyeol , Son Jong-Hwan , Kim Taejung
Published: October 2018

Geometric correction is fundamental in producing high quality satellite data products. However, the geometric correction for ocean color sensors, e.g., Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI), is challenging because the traditional method based on ground control points (GCPs) cannot be applied when the shoreline is absent. In this study, we develop a hybrid geometric correction method, which applies shoreline matching and frequency matching on slots with shorelines and without shorelines, respectively. Frequency matching has been proposed to estimate the relative orientation between GOCI slots without a shoreline. In this paper, we extend our earlier research for absolute orientation and geometric correction by combining frequency matching results with shoreline matching ones. The proposed method consists of four parts: Initial sensor modeling of slots without shorelines, precise sensor modeling through shoreline matching, relative orientation modeling by frequency matching, and generation of geometric correction results using a combination of the two matching procedures. Initial sensor modeling uses the sensor model equation for GOCI and metadata in order to remove geometric distortion due to the Earth’s rotation and curvature in the slots without shorelines. Precise sensor modeling is performed with shoreline matching and random sample consensus (RANSAC) in the slots with shorelines. Frequency matching computes position shifts for slots without shorelines with respect to the precisely corrected slots with shorelines. GOCI Level 1B scenes are generated by combining the results from shoreline matching and frequency matching. We analyzed the accuracy of shoreline matching alone against that of the combination of shoreline matching and frequency matching. Both methods yielded a similar accuracy of 1.2 km, which supports the idea that frequency matching can replace traditional shoreline matching for slots without visible shorelines.
New “Smart” Systems for Atmospheric Aerosol and Reactive Gas Sampling in Ambient Air
Authors: Cristofanelli Paolo , Busetto Maurizio , Ronchi Enrico , Miatto Paolo , Marinoni Angela , Calzolari Francescopiero , Bonasoni Paolo , Tagliafico Luca A.
Published: October 2018

Nowadays a recognized need for accurate observations of atmospheric aerosols (AEs) and reactive gases (RGs) exists in the framework of regional, national and global near-surface networks based on permanent or mobile measurement stations. In this context, a paramount and not-trivial issue is related to the correct execution of continuous sampling of ambient air and its subsequent distribution to measurement analyzers hosted inside the stations. Sampling artifacts must be minimized for obtaining reliable pictures of ambient air composition. To respond to this need, a suite of novel “smart” and relatively low-cost systems for the continuous sampling of ambient air was developed in the framework of the 2012–2015 I-AMICA Project. These systems were designed to execute AE and RG measurements according with WMO/GAW and ACTRIS recommendations and standard operation procedures. A particular attention was dedicated to the stabilization and control of the sampling flow rates and temperatures. The analysis of one full year of operations at the WMO/GAW regional station of Capo Granitola (GAW ID: CGR, Italy), allowed to conclude that these systems are effective in meeting the technical requirements for correct execution of AE and RG measurements.
Indoor Temperature Prediction in an IoT Scenario
Authors: Monteiro Pedro , Zanin Massimiliano , Menasalvas Ruiz Ernestina , Pimentão João , Alexandre da Costa Sousa Pedro
Published: October 2018

One of the hottest topics being researched in the field of IoT relates to making connected devices smarter, by locally computing relevant information and integrating data coming from other sensors through a local network. Such works are still in their early stages either by lack of access to data or, on the other hand, by the lack of simple test cases with a clear added value. This contribution aims at shading some light on how knowledge can be obtained, using a simple use case. It focuses on the feasibility of having a home refrigerator performing temperature forecasts, using information provided by both internal and external sensors. The problem is reviewed for both its potential applications and to compare the use of different algorithms, from simple linear correlations to ARIMA models. We analyse the precision and computational cost using real data from a refrigerator. Results indicate that small average errors, down to ≈0.09 ∘ C, can be obtained. Lastly, it is devised how can the scenario be improved, and, most importantly, how this work can be extended in the future.
Scientia Pharmaceutica, Autorenhinweise 2010
Authors:   Sci. Pharm. Editorial Office
Published: October 2018

Die Zeitschrift Scientia Pharmaceutica (www.scipharm.at) erscheint vierteljährlich jeweils am Quartalsende und ist ein Medium zur Publikation von Originalarbeiten, Kurzmitteilungen und ausgewählten Übersichtsarbeiten aus allen wissenschaftlichen Disziplinen der Pharmazie und angrenzenden Gebieten sowie der pharmazeutischen Praxis. [...]
Investigation of Hg Content by a Rapid Analytical Technique in Mediterranean Pelagic Fishes
Authors: Di Bella Giuseppa , Tardugno Roberta , Cicero Nicola
Published: October 2018

Mercury (Hg) fish and seafood contamination is a global concern and needs worldwide sea investigations in order to protect consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the Hg concentration by means of a rapid and simple analytical technique with a direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) in pelagic fish species, Tetrapturus belone (spearfish), Thunnus thynnus (tuna) and Xiphias gladius (swordfish) caught in the Mediterranean Sea. Hg contents were evaluated also in Salmo salar (salmon) as pelagic fish not belonging to the Mediterranean area. The results obtained were variable, ranging between 0.015–2.562 mg kg−1 for T. thynnus species, 0.477–3.182 mg kg−1 for X. gladius, 0.434–1.730 mg kg−1 for T. belone and 0.004–0.019 mg kg−1 for S. salar, respectively. The total Hg tolerable weekly intake (TWI) and tolerable weekly intake % (TWI%) values according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) were calculated. The results highlighted that the pelagic species caught in the Mediterranean Sea should be constantly monitored due to their high Hg contents as well as their TWI and TWI% with respect to S. salar samples.
An Analysis of the Changes in the Structure of Allotment Gardens in Poland and of the Process of Regulating Legal Status
Authors: Trembecka Anna , Kwartnik-Pruc Anita
Published: October 2018

The space occupied by allotment gardens constitutes a special element of green infrastructure and it is important for the implementation of the idea of sustainable urban development. The areas occupied for this specific purpose are decreasing throughout Europe, in those countries where allotment gardens have a long tradition and their existence is regulated by law. The aim of this research is to analyze the data on the number and area of allotment gardens, their distribution across Poland and within the exemplary city, as well as to analyze the process of regulating the legal status of the land occupied by allotment gardens. The research defined the number and area of family allotment gardens in Poland, the range of the claims against family allotment gardens and types of entities filing these claims across the country. The performed research study found that the land occupied by family allotment gardens requires protection and regulation of its legal status, which is difficult to carry out due to various entities submitting claims to these areas resulting from their attractive location in cities. The publication proposes system solutions that guarantee protection of allotment gardens, maintenance of the status quo and preservation of their current boundaries.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Economic Performance in EU Agriculture: An Empirical Study in a Non-Linear Framework
Authors: Zafeiriou Eleni , Mallidis Ioannis , Galanopoulos Konstantinos , Arabatzis Garyfallos
Published: October 2018

Numerous linkages among Agriculture and climate change have been identified and validated in global terms. In European Union, the economic performance–carbon dioxide emission relationship has become a particularly high priority issue for Common agricultural policy within the last decade, attracting scientific interest. Within this socio–economic framework, the present work studies the relationship between agricultural carbon emissions equivalents and income per capita for the agricultural sector in different EU countries with the assistance of the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) cointegration technique. Our findings validate the existence of a strong relationship between GHG emissions and agricultural income, since the cointegration among the two variables is established in all instances, while the asymmetric impact of agricultural income on carbon emissions may well provide policy makers with tools which when implemented, may well promote the increase of agricultural income along with GHG effect mitigation in a successful way.
Recent History, Types, and Future of Modern Caisson Technology: The Way to More Sustainable Practices
Authors: Cejuela Eduardo , Negro Vicente , Del Campo Jose María , Martín-Antón Mario , Esteban M. Dolores , López-Gutiérrez Jose Santos
Published: October 2018

The construction of caisson breakwaters dates from ancient times (Brindisi battle and Caesarea Maritima, Roman Empire) of yore but has evolved with regards to technology and the materials available at all times (wood, gravel, and rubble mound). The growth in draught in vessels searching for deep water depths for berthing plus environmental problems have led to the 20th century facilitating the boom in vertical types and concrete caissons built in different ways (dry and floating techniques). Furthermore, structural criteria gave way to functional, environmental, and aesthetic criteria. The search for new, more efficient forms led to the construction of increasingly more complex elements including many that still require an economically viable construction system. To where will this search for new materials and forms take us? The use of composite materials could be considered, at the moment, as too expensive, but analyzing the cost with a wider approach, as Life Cycle Assessment, shows us that caissons in composite materials are cost effective and could be a solution. Furthermore, the possibility of using recyclable composites opens up big opportunities of using these materials at affordable costs. Caissons in composites or recycled composites are then a real alternative to concrete caissons. In Spain, two examples can be observed: a berthing area in Canary Island (Puerto del Rosario, South Atlantic Ocean) and a crown wall in Cartagena using polyester fiber bars (Mediterranean Sea). European policy in matters of sustainability promotes the circular economy, which means not only consider construction of caissons in recycled composites should be considered but also the comparison of all materials and construction procedures. Lastly, the calculation of the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) should be promoted.
Travel Choice Analysis under Metro Emergency Context: Utility? Regret? Or Both?
Authors: Wang Xingchuan , Yao Enjian , Liu Shasha
Published: October 2018

With the continuous expansion of the network scale and increasing of passengers, metro emergencies such as operational equipment failure are happening more frequently. Due to the narrow space and crowds of people, metro emergencies always have more of an impact than road traffic emergencies. In order to adopt appropriate measures to ensure passenger safety and avoid risks, we need to get a better understanding of passengers’ travel choice behaviors under emergencies. Most of the existing research studies related to travel choice behaviors took the random utility maximization (RUM) principle for granted, but failed to realize the potential of different decision-making processes and changes to the decision-making environment. In this research, we aim to analyze metro passengers’ travel choice behaviors under metro network emergency contexts. Based on the data collected from a survey about travel choices under metro emergencies in the Guangzhou Metro, we compared the performances of models that follow the RUM and random regret minimization (RRM) principles, and established a hybrid RUM-RRM model as well as a nested logit model following RRM (NL-RRM) to estimate the effects of various factors on passengers’ travel choice behaviors. Comparisons illustrate that the hybrid model and NL-RRM model can improve model fit, and the combination of RUM and RRM outperforms either of them respectively.
Constructing the Embodied Carbon Flows and Emissions Landscape from the Perspective of Supply Chain
Authors: Zhao Qingjian , Wen Zuomin , Toppinen Anne
Published: October 2018

From the perspective of supply chain, benchmarking the embodied carbon flows and emissions landscape is to study the carbon footprint in supply chain production and process management. On the basis of the theory of a green supply chain, this paper conducted its research through the following steps. First, a multi-level supply chain model was proposed and established, and various sectors, production and management processes, and inputs and outputs of different resources were integrated into the supply chain network, and then divided into multiple levels. Second, a multi-level embodied carbon flow and emissions model was established through the Leontief Inverse. Third, based on the operation data of forestry-pulp and paper companies, the embodied carbon flows and emissions at all levels and sectors were estimated and analyzed. Finally, the dismantling and processing methods of complex carbon network structures were explored, the hot-spot carbon sources and paths were obtained, and the low-carbon innovation and development strategies were proposed. The research results show that: (1) Supply chain is a new idea and carrier to study the spatial and state changes of carbon, and also provides a platform for spatial landscape analysis of carbon; (2) The modeling and calculation of carbon flows and emissions offer a new solution of evaluating the environmental performance of companies with high pollution and emission such as forestry-pulp and paper companies, and provide the government effective technical support to implement environmental regulations and formulate carbon emission reduction policies.
Barking Up the Right Tree? NGOs and Corporate Power for Deforestation-Free Supply Chains
Authors: Weber Anne-Kathrin , Partzsch Lena
Published: October 2018

Supply chain sustainability has become a key issue for multinational corporations (MNCs). Hundreds of MNCs in agri-commodity sectors have recently committed to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains. In this article, we examine the power of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) participating in two initiatives that support the implementation of such commitments: the Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) and Transparency for Sustainable Economies (Trase). Drawing on document and literature research, participant observation as well as semi-structured interviews, we find that these NGOs exercise power with MNCs, in particular in terms of raising awareness and changing corporate self-perceptions. At the same time, though, there is a bias towards representing the positions and interests of materially strong actors in global supply chains. In doing so, NGOs risk reinforcing MNCs’ power over more marginalized actors. In this light, we argue that initiatives such as AFi and Trase can only be a first step towards a new economic system that respects ecological limits and delivers social justice. In order to shape transformative change, NGOs need to more actively push discussions about equitable distribution, emancipation and justice in natural resource governance.
Detection of Shiga Toxin 2 Produced by Escherichia coli in Foods Using a Novel AlphaLISA
Authors: Armstrong Cheryl M. , Ruth Leah E. , Capobianco Joseph A. , Strobaugh Terence P. , Rubio Fernando M. , Gehring Andrew G.
Published: October 2018

Amplified luminescent proximity homogenous assay-linked immunosorbent assay (AlphaLISA) is comprised of a bead-based immunoassay that is used for small molecule detection. In this study, a novel AlphaLISA was developed and optimized for the detection of Shiga-toxin 2 (Stx2). Efficacy and sensitivity trials showed the AlphaLISA could detect ≥0.5 ng/mL of purified Stx2, which was comparable to the industry-standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for Stx2 detection. In addition, evaluation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)-inoculated Romaine lettuce and ground beef samples demonstrated that both the AlphaLISA and the ELISA were able to discern uninoculated samples from 1× and 10× diluted samples containing ~10 CFU/mL of STEC enriched in modified tryptic soy broth with mitomycin C for 16 h. Overall, the increased signal-to-noise ratios indicated a more robust signal was produced by the AlphaLISA compared to the ELISA and the delineation of higher toxin concentrations without the need for sample dilution implied a greater dynamic range for the AlphaLISA. Implementation of the newly developed AlphaLISA will allow for more rapid analysis for Stx2 with less manual manipulation, thus improving assay throughput and the ability to automate sample screening while maintaining detection limits of 0.5 ng/mL.
Cosmic-Ray Extremely Distributed Observatory: Status and Perspectives
Authors: Góra Dariusz , Cheminant Kevin Almeida , Alvarez-Castillo David , Bratek Łukasz , Dhital Niraj , Duffy Alan R. , Homola Piotr , Jagoda Pawel , Jałocha Joanna , Kasztelan Marcin , Kopański Konrad , Kovacs Peter , Nazari Vahab , Niedźwiecki Michal , Ostrogórski Dominik , Smołek Karel , Stasielak Jaroslaw , Sushchov Oleksander , Woźniak Krzysztof W. , Zamora-Saa Jilberto
Published: October 2018

The Cosmic-Ray Extremely Distributed Observatory (CREDO) is a project dedicated to global studies of extremely extended cosmic-ray phenomena, the cosmic-ray ensembles (CRE), beyond the capabilities of existing detectors and observatories. Up to date, cosmic-ray research has been focused on detecting single air showers, while the search for ensembles of cosmic-rays, which may overspread a significant fraction of the Earth, is a scientific terra incognita. Instead of developing and commissioning a completely new global detector infrastructure, CREDO proposes approaching the global cosmic-ray analysis objectives with all types of available detectors, from professional to pocket size, merged into a worldwide network. With such a network it is possible to search for evidences of correlated cosmic-ray ensembles. One of the observables that can be investigated in CREDO is a number of spatially isolated events collected in a small time window which could shed light on fundamental physics issues. The CREDO mission and strategy requires active engagement of a large number of participants, also non-experts, who will contribute to the project by using common electronic devices (e.g., smartphones). In this note, the status and perspectives of the project are presented.
Monitoring and Modeling the Long-Term Rainfall-Runoff Response of the Jacob K. Javits Center Green Roof
Authors: Abualfaraj Noura , Cataldo Joseph , Elborolosy Yara , Fagan Daniel , Woerdeman Sloane , Carson Tyler , Montalto Franco A.
Published: October 2018

Drainage from the 27,316-m2 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (JJCC) green roof was investigated in the field to quantify the system’s long-term rainfall-runoff response. The JJCC hosts one of the largest extensive green roofs in the United States. Utilizing four years of rooftop monitoring data collected using a weather station, custom designed and built drainage systems, three Parshall flumes equipped with pressure transducers, and weighing lysimeters, this study quantified the 25.4-mm-deep green roof’s ability to decrease the volume and peak rate of runoff. With parameters derived from the site, the Environmental Protection Agency Stormwater Management Model (EPA-SWMM) predicted event total runoff volume and event peak runoff rates to within +10% to −20% and +25% to −15% of the observations, respectively. The analysis further indicated that approximately 55% of the cumulative precipitation that fell on the JJCC extensive green roof during the monitoring period (warm weather months, June 2014–November 2017) was captured and retained. The average percent retained on an event-basis was 77%, and average event runoff coefficient was 0.7, implying a substantial reduction in the volume and rate of runoff generated from the roof compared to the pre-green roof condition, when most, if not all, of the precipitated water would have immediately resulted in runoff. Our research suggests that, on average, 96% of rainfall events 6.35 mm or less were retained within the green roof, whereas 27% of the total event volume was retained for events greater than 12.7 mm in depth. A sensitivity analysis suggests if the substrate depth were increased, better stormwater capture performance would be achieved, but only up 127 mm, whereas increased precipitation coupled with warmer temperatures as a result of climate change could decrease the performance by up to 5%, regardless of substrate depth. An equivalency analysis suggested that even shallow green roofs can significantly reduce the required stormwater detention volume that New York City requires on new development. This particular green roof appears to be more than 18 times as cost-effective as a subsurface cistern would be for managing an equivalent volume of stormwater in Midtown Manhattan.
A Case Study of Heavy Metal Pollution in Water of Bone River by Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mine Activities in Eastern Part of Gorontalo, Indonesia
Authors: Gafur Nurfitri Abdul , Sakakibara Masayuki , Sano Sakae , Sera Koichiro
Published: October 2018

Bone River, which is located in the eastern part of Gorontalo, Indonesia, has an issue of contamination by heavy metals due to artisanal small-scale gold mine (ASGM) activities. This river is used as a source of water by inhabitants living along the river, due to the lack of another clean water supply. The purpose of this study is to investigate the concentration of As from the mining site alongside Bone River, and to reveal the As pollution source. Water and sediment samples were collected from ASGM and along Bone River to the delta. The concentrations of As, Hg, and Pb in water samples were identified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP–MS), while concentrations in sediment samples were determined by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). Results showed that the concentrations of As, Hg, and Pb in water ranged from 66 to 82,500 µg/L, 17 to 2080 µg/L, and 11 to 1670 µg/L, respectively. These levels exceeded, by 1000 to 10,000 times, the safe limits of drinking water defined by the World Health Organization, which indicated that Bone River water is not safe for drinking or cooking purposes.
Influence of scan time point and volume of intravenous contrast administration on blood-pool and liver SUVmax and SUVmean in [18F] FDG PET/CT
Authors: Braun Timm , Manava Panagiota , Ludwigs Sigrid , Lell Michael , Schoen Matthias
Published: October 2018

Aim: To investigate the influence of scan time point and volume of intravenous contrast material in 18F-FDG PET/CT on maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax/mean) in bloodpool and liver. Methods: In 120 patients scheduled for routine whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT the maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax/SUVmean) in the liver and blood pool were measured after varying scan time-point (delay 0 s-140 s post injectionem) and volume of contrast material (CM; 0 ml, 80 ml, 100 ml of 300 mg/ml of Iodine). Six groups of 20 patients were investigated: (1) without intravenous CM, (2-5) injection of 100 ml CM with a delay of 80 s (2), 100 s (3), 120 s (4), 140 s (5), and 80 ml CM and a delay of 100 s (6). SUVmax, SUVmean, maximum Hounsfield units (HUmax) and average Hounsfield units (HUav) were calculated with the use of manually drawn regions of interests (ROIs) over the aortic arch and healthy liver tissue. Results: SUVmax in bloodpool was significantly higher in group 3, 4 and 6 compared to group 1. Groups 2 and 5 also showed higher mean values of SUVmax, but the difference was not significant. SUVmean in bloodpool was also higher in groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 compared to group 1, but the differences were only statistically significant in group 3. Both SUVmax and SUVmean in healthy liver tissue did not show significant differences when compared to the non contrast-enhanced control group. Conclusion: SUVmax and to a lesser extent SUVmean measured in CM enhanced FDG PET/CT in blood pool could be significantly altered in high contrast CT examinations. This should be kept in mind in PET/CT protocols and evaluation relying on SUVmax and SUVmean, for example when used in the assessment of therapy response, especially in highly vascularized tumor lesions.
Volume/perfusion ratio from lung SPECT/CT
Authors: Knollmann Daniela , Avondo Jerome , Meyer Andreas , Schaefer Wolfgang Michael
Published: October 2018

Aim: In pulmonary emphysema lung volume reduction procedures (LVRP) can optimize respiratory pump function. Identification of the most affected lobe can be reached using relative lobar volume (relVol) from CT, but this approach disregards the corresponding lobar perfusion. The aim of the study was therefore to establish a new parameter combining relVol from CT and relative perfusion (relPerf) from perfusion SPECT as a single parameter (volume/perfusion ratio (VPR)) to optimize the identification procedure.

Methods: As a proof of principle VPR was calculated from hybrid V-/P-SPECT/CT scans from 20 patients with severe pulmonary emphysema (SPE) before LVRP. Lung V-/P-SPECT/CT (Siemens SymbiaT) was done with Technegas and 99mTc-MAA. Quantification of lobar perfusion from scintigraphy and volume from CT was performed using “HERMES Hybrid 3D – Lung Lobe Quantification”. Using normal ranges – from 12 patients with suspected pulmonary embolism and normal lung structure and perfusion – all lobes were classified as normal or abnormal to identify targets for LVRP.

Results: Normal values for VPR: right upper lobe 1.09 ± 0.10, middle lobe 1.31 ± 0.31, right lower lobe 0.87 ± 0.08; left upper lobe 1.09 ± 0.11, left lower lobe 0.87 ± 0.12. In the 20 SPE patients there were only 7 lobes with pathological values for rel- Vol, 14 lobes with pathological values for rel- Perf but 31 lobes with pathological VPR.

Conclusion: Estimation of VPR from lung SPECT/CT enables a combined view of lobar volume and perfusion with one parameter. In SPE patients VPR allows identifying possible target structures with much higher sensitivity than when using relPerf or relVol alone. The specificity and the prognostic value of this new parameter have to be tested in a clinical trial.
Impact of sialendoscopy on improving health related quality of life in patients suffering from radioiodineinduced xerostomia
Authors: Haufe Sabine , Hohenberger Ralph , Hein Matti , Kratochwil Clemens , Rathke Hendrik , Plinkert Peter , Baumann Ingo , Holland-Letz Tim , Haberkorn Uwe , Flechsig Paul , Bulut Olcay
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Xerostomia following radioiodine therapy (RIT) in patients suffering from differentiated thyroid cancer is a common side effect in 2 % to 67 % of patients treated with radioiodine (I-131). In order to evaluate the impact of sialendoscopy on health related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients suffering from therapy induced sialadenitis and xerostomia, we analyzed findings from two dedicated questionnaires (Xerostomy Questionnaire XQ and Xerostomy Inventory XI) in patients before and three months after sialendoscopy. Procedures: In total, 12 patients suffering from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (10 women and 2 men) were evaluated. All patients had experienced conservative management. Patients were offered a sialendoscopy procedure if no major contradictions were present. Patients who denied the procedure formed the control group. Pre- and (three months) postoperative HRQOL was measured with the Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) Xerostomia Questionnaire (XQ) and the Xerostomia Inventory (XI), as well as by a pre- and post-interventional salivary gland scintigram. Patients were graded according to their sialendoscopical findings. Results: Interventional group presented with significant improvements in HRQOL measurements regarding XQ and XI-scores three months postoperatively. Control group showed no significant changes in the XQ or the XI scores. Number of RIT and cumulative activity of I-131 did not correlate with higher disease grade in regards to sialendoscopical findings nor did it correlate with higher XQand XI scores. Pre- and post-interventional salivary gland scintigram stated that parotid glands are more severely damaged than submandibular glands (SMG), but no significant scintigraphically changes could be detected after sialendoscopy. Conclusion: Sialendoscopy in patients suffering from therapy induced sialadenitis and xerostomia seems to be beneficial when evaluating the impact on HRQOL. Functional parameters measured by salivary gland scintigram did not show significant changes in post-interventional scintigrams.
Prognostic Value of Pre-treatment F-18 FDG PET Metabolic Metrics in Patients with Locally Advanced Carcinoma of the Anus with and without HIV Infection
Authors: Lawal Ismaheel , Ankrah Alfred , Mokoala Kgomotso , Popoola Gbenga , Kaoma Chimbabantu , Maes Alex , Mokgoro Neo , Van de Wiele Christophe , Sathekge Mike
Published: October 2018

Aim: To investigate the prognostic value of F-18 FDG PET metabolic parameters in patients with anal carcinoma with and without human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). Methods: Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were obtained on F-18 FDG PET/CT images of treatment-naïve patients with locally advanced anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASSC). We compared patients’ characteristics and F-18 FDG PET metabolic metrics between the HIV-infected patients and the HIV-uninfected patients. We did a simple Cox regression analysis followed by a multiple Cox regression analysis to determine factors predictive of death. Results: We studied 33 patients including 21 HIV-infected individuals, mean age = 46.06 ± 12.59, female = 16, males = 17. Median CD4 count among HIV-infected patients was 400.50 cells/mm3 (IQR: 304.0 – 642.25). HIV-infected patients were younger than the HIV-uninfected patients at the time of diagnosis; 38.71 ± 7.98 vs. 58.92 ± 7.88 respectively, p < 0.001. No significant difference in the TNM stage and F-18 FDG metabolic parameters between the two groups. In a simple Cox regression analysis, MTV and TLG were significant predictors of death. Following a multiple Cox regression analysis, MTV and SUVmean were significant predictors of death. The median overall survival was 44.63 (95 % CI: 34.12 – 55.14) among HIV-infected patients versus 54.65 (95 % CI: 45.73 – 63.57) among HIV-uninfected patients, p = 0.415. Conclusion: HIV-infected patients are diagnosed with ASSC at a younger age compared with HIV-uninfected patients. F-18 FDG PET metabolic metrics especially MTV predicts overall survival in patients with ASCC. There is no difference in the overall survival of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients treated similarly for ASSC.
Identifying Associations between Somatic Mutations and Clinicopathologic Findings in Lung Cancer Pathology Reports
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Tafe Laura , Higgins John , Peterson Jason , de Abreu Francise , Deharvengt Sophie , Tsongalis Gregory , Amos Christopher , Hassanpour Saeed
Published: October 2018

Objective: We aim to build an informatics methodology capable of identifying statistically significant associations between the clinical findings of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) recorded in patient pathology reports and the various clinically actionable genetic mutations identified from next-generation sequencing (NGS) of patient tumor samples.

Methods: We built an information extraction and analysis pipeline to identify the associations between clinical findings in the pathology reports of patients and corresponding genetic mutations. Our pipeline leverages natural language processing (NLP) techniques, large biomedical terminologies, semantic similarity measures, and clustering methods to extract clinical concepts in freetext from patient pathology reports and group them as salient findings.

Results: In this study, we developed and applied our methodology to lobectomy surgical pathology reports of 142 NSCLC patients who underwent NGS testing and who had mutations in 4 oncogenes with clinical ramifications for NSCLC treatment (EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA). Our approach identified 732 distinct positive clinical concepts in these reports and highlighted multiple findings with strong associations (P-value ≤ 0.05) to mutations in specific genes. Our assessment showed that these associations are consistent with the published literature.

Conclusions: This study provides an automatic pipeline to find statistically significant associations between clinical findings in unstructured text of patient pathology reports and genetic mutations. This approach is generalizable to other types of pathology and clinical reports in various disorders and can provide the first steps toward understanding the role of genetic mutations in the development and treatment of different types of cancer.
SSDOnt: An Ontology for Representing Single-Subject Design Studies
Authors: Bermúdez Jesus , Illarramendi Arantza , Berges Idoia
Published: October 2018

Background: Single-Subject Design is used in several areas such as education and biomedicine. However, no suited formal vocabulary exists for annotating the detailed configuration and the results of this type of research studies with the appropriate granularity for looking for information about them. Therefore, the search for those study designs relies heavily on a syntactical search on the abstract, keywords or full text of the publications about the study, which entails some limitations.

Objective: To present SSDOnt, a specific purpose ontology for describing and annotating single-subject design studies, so that complex questions can be asked about them afterwards.

Methods: The ontology was developed following the NeOn methodology. Once the requirements of the ontology were defined, a formal model was described in a Description Logic and later implemented in the ontology language OWL 2 DL.

Results: We show how the ontology provides a reference model with a suitable terminology for the annotation and searching of single-subject design studies and their main components, such as the phases, the intervention types, the outcomes and the results. Some mappings with terms of related ontologies have been established. We show as proof-of-concept that classes in the ontology can be easily extended to annotate more precise information about specific interventions and outcomes such as those related to autism. Moreover, we provide examples of some types of queries that can be posed to the ontology.

Conclusions: SSDOnt has achieved the purpose of covering the descriptions of the domain of single-subject research studies.
Clinical Application of 3D-CISS MRI Sequences for Diagnosis and Surgical Planning of Spinal Arachnoid Diverticula and Adhesions in Dogs
Authors: Jovanovik Jelena , Driver Colin , Rusbridge Clare , Tauro Anna
Published: October 2018

Objective Abnormalities within the spinal arachnoid space are often treated surgically, but they can be challenging to detect with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. 3D-CISS sequences are considered superior in evaluating structures surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) due to the high signal-to-noise ratio, high contrast-to-noise ratio and intrinsic insensitivity to motion with minimal signal loss due to CSF pulsations. Our objective was to describe findings and advantages in adding 3D-CISS sequences to routine MRI in patients affected by spinal arachnoid diverticula (SAD) or arachnoid adhesions.

Material and Methods This article is a retrospective review of medical records of 19 dogs admitted at Fitzpatrick Referrals between 2013 and 2017 that were diagnosed with SAD and confirmed surgically. Inclusion criterions were the presence of clinical signs compatible with compressive myelopathy and an MRI diagnosis, which included the 3D-CISS sequence. Our database was searched for additional 19 dogs diagnosed with other spinal lesions other than SAD that had the same MR sequences. All MR images were anonymized and evaluated by two assessors.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance 3D-CISS sequence appears to improve confidence in diagnosing and surgical planning (Mann–Whitney U-test: p < 0.0005), delineating SAD from other changes associated with abnormal CSF hydrodynamics and providing more anatomical details than conventional MRI sequences. The clinical data in combination with imaging findings would limit over interpretation, when concurrent pathology within the arachnoid space is present.
Displacement of an Ununited Medial Humeral Condylar Ossification Centre in the Cat
Authors: Erles Kerstin , Maddox Thomas , Morris Andy
Published: October 2018

A 2-year-old cat was presented with the complaint of acute-onset non–weight-bearing lameness of the right forelimb. When examined, the cat was of short stature and had multiple joint and cartilaginous abnormalities suggestive of chondrodysplasia. The cause of the acute lameness was radiographically identified as a displaced osseous fragment from the medial portion of the right humeral condyle. The features of the osseous fragment were consistent with an ununited medial condylar ossification centre of the distal humerus. Furthermore, a nondisplaced ununited ossified fragment of similar appearance and size was present in the contralateral elbow. Surgical treatment by excision of the displaced fragment resulted in a preinjury level of limb function in the long-term outcome evaluation.
Blackbody Stars
Authors: Suzuki Nao , Fukugita Masataka
Published: October 2018

We report the discovery of stars that show spectra very close to blackbody radiation. We found 17 such stars out of 798,593 stars in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectroscopic data archives. We discuss the value of these stars for the calibration of photometry, regardless of the the physical nature of these stars. This gives us a chance to examine the accuracy of the zero point of SDSS photometry across various passbands: we conclude that the zero point of SDSS photometric system is internally consistent across its five passbands to the level below 0.01 mag. We may also examine the consistency of the zero points between UV photometry of Galaxy Evolution Explorer and SDSS, and IR photometry of Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer against SDSS. These stars can be used not only as photometric but also spetrophotometric standard stars. We suggest that these stars showing the featureless blackbody-like spectrum of the effective temperature of 10000 ± 1500 K are consistent with DB white dwarfs with temperatures too low to develop helium absorption features.
Exploring the Origins of Earth’s Nitrogen: Astronomical Observations of Nitrogen-bearing Organics in Protostellar Environments
Authors: Rice Thomas S. , Bergin Edwin A. , Jørgensen Jes K. , Wampfler S. F.
Published: October 2018

It is not known whether the original carriers of Earth’s nitrogen were molecular ices or refractory dust. To investigate this question, we have used data and results of Herschel observations toward two protostellar sources: the high-mass hot core of Orion KL, and the low-mass protostar IRAS 16293−2422. Toward Orion KL, our analysis of the molecular inventory of Crockett et al. indicates that HCN is the organic molecule that contains by far the most nitrogen, carrying

of nitrogen-in-organics. Following this evidence, we explore HCN toward IRAS 16293−2422, which is considered a solar analog. Toward IRAS 16293−2422, we have reduced and analyzed Herschel spectra of HCN, and fit these observations against “jump” abundance models of IRAS 16293−2422's protostellar envelope. We find an inner-envelope HCN abundance X
in = 5.9 ± 0.7 × 10−8 and an outer-envelope HCN abundance X
out = 1.3 ± 0.1 × 10−9. We also find the sublimation temperature of HCN to be T
jump = 71 ± 3 K; this measured T
jump enables us to predict an HCN binding energy E
B/k = 3840 ± 140 K. Based on a comparison of the HCN/H2O ratio in these protostars to N/H2O ratios in comets, we find that HCN (and, by extension, other organics) in these protostars is incapable of providing the total bulk N/H2O in comets. We suggest that refractory dust, not molecular ices, was the bulk provider of nitrogen to comets. However, interstellar dust is not known to have 15N enrichment, while high 15N enrichment is seen in both nitrogen-bearing ices and in cometary nitrogen. This may indicate that these 15N-enriched ices were an important contributor to the nitrogen in planetesimals and likely to the Earth.
A Deep Radio Limit for the TRAPPIST-1 System
Authors: Pineda J. Sebastian , Hallinan Gregg
Published: October 2018

The first nearby very-low-mass star–planet-host discovered, TRAPPIST-1, presents not only a unique opportunity for studying a system of multiple terrestrial planets, but a means to probe magnetospheric interactions between a star at the end of the main sequence and its close-in satellites. This encompasses both the possibility of persistent coronal solar-like activity, despite cool atmospheric temperatures, and the presence of large-scale magnetospheric currents, similar to what is seen in the Jovian system. Significantly, the current systems include a crucial role for close-in planetary satellites analogous to the role played by the Galilean satellites around Jupiter. We present the first radio observations of the seven-planet TRAPPIST-1 system using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, looking for both highly circularly polarized radio emission and/or persistent quiescent emissions. We measure a broadband upper flux density limit of <8.1 μJy across 4–8 GHz, and place these observations both in the context of expectations for stellar radio emission, and the possible electrodynamic engines driving strong radio emissions in very-low-mass stars and brown dwarfs, with implications for future radio surveys of TRAPPIST-1 like planet-hosts. We conclude that the magnetic activity of TRAPPIST-1 is predominantly coronal and does not behave like the strong radio emitters at the stellar/substellar boundary. We further discuss the potential importance of magnetic field topology and rotation rates, demonstrating that a TRAPPIST-1 like planetary system around a rapidly rotating very-low-mass star can generate emission consistent with the observed radio luminosities of very-low-mass stars and brown dwarfs.
Mode Changing and Giant Pulses in the Millisecond Pulsar PSR B1957+20
Authors: Mahajan Nikhil , van Kerkwijk Marten H. , Main Robert , Pen Ue-Li
Published: October 2018

Many radio pulsars have stable pulse profiles, but some exhibit mode changing where the profile switches between two or more quasi-stable modes of emission. So far, these effects had only been seen in relatively slow pulsars, but we show here that the pulse profile of PSR B1957+20, a millisecond pulsar, switches between two modes, with a typical time between mode changes of only 1.7 s (or ∼1000 rotations), the shortest observed to date. The two modes differ in both intensity and polarization, with relatively large differences in the interpulse and much more modest ones in the main pulse. We find that the changes in the interpulse precede those in the main pulse by ∼25 ms, placing an empirical constraint on the timescale over which mode changes occurs. We also find that the properties of the giant pulses emitted by PSR B1957+20 are correlated with the mode of the regular emission: their rate and the rotational phase at which they are emitted both depend on mode. Furthermore, the energy distribution of the giant pulses emitted near the main pulse depends on mode as well. We discuss the ramifications for our understanding of the radio emission mechanisms as well as for pulsar timing experiments.
Correspondance, 1928-1929
Authors: Jakobson Roman , Šklovskij Viktor , Tynjanov Jurij , Depretto Catherine
Published: October 2018

Les trois principaux membres de l’Opojaz ont laissé un héritage épistolaire de premier plan, à la fois source documentaire, témoignage humain et spécimen littéraire. Dans cet ensemble, une place spécifique revient à leur correspondance des années 1928-1929, qui montre l’existence d’un projet de relance de l’Opojaz auquel était associé Jakobson, fixé à Prague depuis 1920. Pour mettre en lumière cet épisode, nous avons sélectionné quatre lettres de la correspondance Šklovskij-Jakobson et deux lettres de la correspondance Šklovskij-Tynjanov, traduites en français pour la première fois. Ces textes montrent qu’il n’y avait pas de divergence de fond entre les formalistes de Russie et Jakobson à la fin des années 1920 et rétablissent la force des liens qui les unissaient.
Premières réceptions françaises du formalisme
Authors: Matonti Frédérique
Published: October 2018

Théorie de la littérature , paru en 1966, rassemble des textes pour partie inédits des formalistes russes. Cet article s’intéresse tout particulièrement au rôle de Tzvetan Todorov, son principal maître d’œuvre, ainsi qu’à la double lecture de l’ouvrage, à la fois intellectuelle et politique. L’ouvrage inscrit en effet les formalistes russes et leur histoire, d’une part, dans la généalogie de la linguistique structurale et, d’autre part, dans la dénonciation politique de la répression stalinienne des avant-gardes.
Grigorij Vinokur et la « culture de la langue »
Authors: Archaimbault Sylvie
Published: October 2018

Au début de l’année 1923, alors qu’il préside le Cercle linguistique de Moscou, Grigorij Vinokur entame l’élaboration de sa réflexion sur la « culture de la langue ». Un premier article intitulé « Kul’tura jazyka (Zadači sovremennogo jazykoznanija) » [« La culture de la langue (Les tâches de la linguistique contemporaine) »] paraît dans la revue Pečat’ i revoljucija (La presse et la révolution). Dans cet article, qui constitue la trame de son ouvrage éponyme de 1925, Vinokur s’appuie sur une lecture attentive du Cours de linguistique générale de Ferdinand de Saussure (1916) pour développer une vision de la langue comme fait social et promouvoir l’étude de la « méthode statique », autrement dit l’étude synchronique de la langue. Poussant l’analyse dans une voie techniciste en vogue pendant l’époque post-révolutionnaire, il avance l’idée que « la langue n’est pas un organisme, mais une organisation ». La langue est en outre susceptible de subir des transformations venues de l’extérieur, en l’occurrence des opérations de déconstruction et reconstruction rationnelles des différents éléments vivants qui la constituent.