bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underwater terrain matching navigation based on Gaussian process regression with a multi-beam Bathymetric sonar
Authors: Peng Dongdong , Gao Jiaqi , Zhou Tian
Published: November 2019

Terrain matching navigation estimates the position of underwater vehicle by matching measured terrain against a prior map, which is attractive to fix the drift inherent to inertial navigation system. With a multi-beam bathymetric sonar, a local terrain is usually reconstructed by deterministic interpolation methods to match the prior map, such as linear and spline interpolation methods. However, these deterministic method change the statistical properties of the terrain, which reduce the positioning accuracy. To improve the positioning accuracy, a probabilistic interpolation method based on Gaussian process regression is proposed to reconstruct the terrain in this paper. Different from the deterministic interpolation, Gaussian process regression can not only maintain the statistical properties as far as possible but also give the uncertainty of a interpolated depth. The uncertainty can then be fused into the measurement error in the maximum likelihood estimation method to improve the positioning accuracy. Simulation experiments in a real underwater map demonstrate that the proposed method is feasible and more accurate than the traditional deterministic interpolation for underwater terrain matching navigation.
Exploring the Experience of Exercise in Older Adults With Chronic Back Pain
Authors: Hay Melissa E. , Connelly Denise M.
Published: November 2019

Physical inactivity and chronic back pain are prevalent among older adults; however, there are individuals who persist in exercising despite daily pain. This research explored the meaning of exercise in the lives of older adults with chronic back pain. Hermeneutic phenomenology, valuing everyday experiences and highlighting meaning, was employed. Individual in-depth interviews with 10 adults aged 65 years and older gathered rich descriptions of their experiences. Data collection and analyses were iterative processes. The experience of exercise was inextricably connected with older adults’ chronic back pain. The essence of embodied relief from pain offered by exercise was considered through themes reflecting the restoration of existential coherence—enjoying exercise experiences, social engagement, gratitude, learned latitudes, maintaining mobility, and aging. Understanding that older adults can live in their bodies pain-free for some time with regular physical activity may endorse adherence to exercise participation for maintained or improved well-being.
Novel Reassortant Avian Influenza A(H3N8) Virus Isolated from a Wild Bird in Jiangxi, China
Authors: Li Ruiyun , Zhang Tao , Xu Jian , Chang Jianyu , Xu Bing
Published: November 2019

Here, we report the detection of a reassortant avian influenza A(H3N8) virus isolated from a wild bird in Poyang Lake, Jiangxi, China, in 2014. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that this virus is most likely derived from the Eurasian-origin H3Ny and HxN8 viruses and two strains endemic to China, namely, H5N1 and H5N6.
Complete Genome Sequences of Seven EA Cluster Microbacteriophages, Bustleton, MillyPhilly, Riyhil, Phriends, Pherbot, PrincePhergus, and TinSulphur
Authors: Nguyen Quach Anh M. , Varghese Amy E. , Siddiq Kumal , Pappano Isabella G. , Thaha Almas , Marcelis Tracy A. , Feruku Bora , Vindyala Akhil , Mohamed Riyaz , Johnson Kailee A. , Hakim Sayema , Sekar Shivashree , Vinnakota Pavithra , Borsha Nowrin H. , McKenzie Ryneisha , Ailani Sanya S. , Patel Shruti , Beggarly Vincent A. ,   Drexel University SEA-PHAGES annotators 2019, McDonald Matthew T. , Dalia Ritu R. , Khakhina Svetlana , Gurney Susan M. R.
Published: November 2019

Seven EA cluster microbacteriophages were isolated from soil collected around Philadelphia, PA, using the bacterial host
Microbacterium foliorum
. All of these phages have a highly conserved genome with regions of diversity localized to the 3′ end. In phage Phriends (EA1 cluster), this region contains an orpham gene with no known function.
Complete Genome Sequence of a New
Bacteroidaceae
Bacterium Isolated from Anaerobic Biomass Digestion
Authors: Hahnke Sarah , Abendroth Christian , Pascual Javier , Langer Thomas , Codoñer Francisco M. , Ramm Patrice , Klocke Michael , Luschnig Olaf , Porcar Manuel
Published: November 2019

Here, we present the genome sequence and annotation of HV4-6-C5C, a bacterial strain isolated from a mesophilic two-stage laboratory-scale leach bed biogas reactor system. Strain HV4-6-C5C may represent a new genus of the family
Bacteroidaceae
and may have a key role in acidogenesis and acetogenesis steps during anaerobic biomass digestion.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two
Listeria
Phages of the Genus
Pecentumvirus
Authors: Peters Tracey L. , Hudson Lauren K. , Song Yaxiong , Denes Thomas G.
Published: November 2019

Bacteriophages isolated from environmental sources can be used as a biocontrol against the foodborne pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
. Here, we present the complete genomes of LP-039 and LP-066, two
Pecentumvirus
bacteriophages that infect
L. monocytogenes
. The genome sizes of LP-039 and LP-066 are 136.2 kb and 139.0 kb, respectively.
Cohort profile: Aichi regional sub-cohort of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS-A)
Authors: Ebara Takeshi , Yamada Yasuyuki , Shoji Naoto , Ito Yuki , Nakagawa Atsuko , Miyachi Taishi , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Omori Toyonori , Suzuki Sadao , Kojima Masayo , Ueyama Jun , Tomizawa Motohiro , Kato Sayaka , Oguri Tomoko , Matsuki Taro , Sato Hirotaka , Oya Naoko , Sugiura-Ogasawara Mayumi , Saitoh Shinji , Kamijima Michihiro
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Effects of fetal, perinatal and childhood environment on the health of children at birth and during later life have become a topic of concern. The Aichi regional sub-cohort of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS-A) is an ongoing birth cohort of pregnant women and their children which has been used to provide unique data, as adjunct studies of JECS, on multifaceted potential factors affecting children’s health.

Participants

The JECS-A is part of the JECS which follows a total of 100 000 pairs of children and their mothers (fathers’ participation is optional) across 15 regions in Japan. In JECS-A, of the 8134 pregnant women living in Ichinomiya City and Nagoya City, Japan, a total of 5721 pregnant women and their 5554 children were included. Sociodemographic and psychological data as well as biological specimens were collected from the pregnant women and their spouses (if available) in the cohort during their pregnancy. Information on children included in the JECS-A was collected from their mothers and includes demographic, behavioural, childcare, psychological and psychiatric data. Urine extracted from disposable diapers and anthropometric data were also obtained from the children.

Findings to date

A similar distribution trend for age at delivery was confirmed between the pregnant women enrolled in the JECS-A and the national statistics of the relevant areas. However, differences in education level and household income were observed. A total of 5502 children remained in the cohort at 18 months after delivery. Compared with the national statistics, the basic demographics of the children in the cohort represented the population in the study areas.

Future plans

The enrolled children in the JECS-A will be followed until the age of 13 years. The studies that come from JECS-A will complement JECS and bring novel results with a high level of generalisability.
Development and validation of a postoperative delirium prediction model for patients admitted to an intensive care unit in China: a prospective study
Authors: Xing Huanmin , Zhou Wendie , Fan Yuying , Wen Taoxue , Wang Xiaohui , Chang Guangming
Published: November 2019

Objectives

We aimed to develop and validate a postoperative delirium (POD) prediction model for patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

A prospective study was conducted.

Setting

The study was conducted in the surgical, cardiovascular surgical and trauma surgical ICUs of an affiliated hospital of a medical university in Heilongjiang Province, China.

Participants

This study included 400 patients (≥18 years old) admitted to the ICU after surgery.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was POD assessment during ICU stay.

Results

The model was developed using 300 consecutive ICU patients and was validated using 100 patients from the same ICUs. The model was based on five risk factors: Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and morbidity; acid–base disturbance and history of coma, diabetes or hypertension. The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.852 (95% CI 0.802 to 0.902), Youden index of 0.5789, sensitivity of 70.73% and specificity of 87.16%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit was 5.203 (p=0.736). At a cutoff value of 24.5%, the sensitivity and specificity were 71% and 69%, respectively.

Conclusions

The model, which used readily available data, exhibited high predictive value regarding risk of ICU-POD at admission. Use of this model may facilitate better implementation of preventive treatments and nursing measures.
Effect of high-dose vitamin D3 on 28-day mortality in adult critically ill patients with severe vitamin D deficiency: a study protocol of a multicentre, placebo-controlled double-blind phase III RCT (the VITDALIZE study)
Authors: Amrein Karin , Parekh Dhruv , Westphal Sabine , Preiser Jean-Charles , Berghold Andrea , Riedl Regina , Eller Philipp , Schellongowski Peter , Thickett David , Meybohm Patrick
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Observational studies have demonstrated an association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Cohort studies and pilot trials have suggested promising beneficial effects of vitamin D replacement in the critical ill, at least in patients with severe vitamin D deficiency. As vitamin D is a simple, low-cost and safe intervention, it has potential to improve survival in critically ill patients.

Methods and analysis

In this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre, international trial, 2400 adult patients with severe vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D≤12 ng/mL) will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio by www.randomizer.at to receive a loading dose of 540 000 IU cholecalciferol within 72 hours after intensive care unit (ICU) admission, followed by 4000 IU daily for 90 days or placebo. Hypercalcaemia may occur as a side effect, but is monitored by regular checks of the calcium level. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality at 28 days after randomisation. Secondary outcomes are: ICU, hospital, 90-day and 1-year mortality; hospital and ICU length of stay, change in organ dysfunction on day 5 as measured by Sequential Organ Function Assessment (SOFA) score, number of organ failures; hospital and ICU readmission until day 90; discharge destination, self-reported infections requiring antibiotics until day 90 and health-related quality of life. Recruitment status is ongoing.

Ethics and dissemination

National ethical approval was obtained by the Ethics Committee of the University of Graz for Austria, Erasme University Brussels (Belgium) and University Hospital Frankfurt (Germany), and will further be gained according to individual national processes. On completion, results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The study findings will be presented at national and international meetings with abstracts online.

Trial registration

NCT03188796, EudraCT-No: 2016-002460-13.
Epidemiology of placenta previa accreta: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jauniaux Eric , Grønbeck Lene , Bunce Catey , Langhoff-Roos Jens , Collins Sally L
Published: November 2019

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and incidence of placenta previa complicated by placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and to examine the different criteria being used for the diagnosis.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov and MEDLINE were searched between August 1982 and September 2018.

Eligibility criteria

Studies reporting on placenta previa complicated by PAS diagnosed in a defined obstetric population.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers performed the data extraction using a predefined protocol and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies, with difference agreed by consensus. The primary outcomes were overall prevalence of placenta previa, incidence of PAS according to the type of placenta previa and the reported clinical outcomes, including the number of peripartum hysterectomies and direct maternal mortality. The secondary outcomes included the criteria used for the prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of placenta previa and the criteria used to diagnose and grade PAS at birth.

Results

A total of 258 articles were reviewed and 13 retrospective and 7 prospective studies were included in the analysis, which reported on 587 women with placenta previa and PAS. The meta-analysis indicated a significant (p<0.001) heterogeneity between study estimates for the prevalence of placenta previa, the prevalence of placenta previa with PAS and the incidence of PAS in the placenta previa cohort. The median prevalence of placenta previa was 0.56% (IQR 0.39–1.24) whereas the median prevalence of placenta previa with PAS was 0.07% (IQR 0.05–0.16). The incidence of PAS in women with a placenta previa was 11.10% (IQR 7.65–17.35).

Conclusions

The high heterogeneity in qualitative and diagnostic data between studies emphasises the need to implement standardised protocols for the diagnoses of both placenta previa and PAS, including the type of placenta previa and grade of villous invasiveness.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017068589
Feasibility trial of a digital self-management intervention ‘My Breathing Matters’ to improve asthma-related quality of life for UK primary care patients with asthma
Authors: Ainsworth Ben , Greenwell Kate , Stuart Beth , Raftery James , Mair Frances , Bruton Anne , Yardley Lucy , Thomas Mike
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and acceptability of an asthma self-management digital intervention to improve asthma-specific quality of life in comparison with usual care.

Design and setting

A two-arm feasibility RCT conducted across seven general practices in Wessex, UK.

Participants

Primary care patients with asthma aged 18 years and over, with impaired asthma-specific quality of life and access to the internet.

Interventions

‘My Breathing Matters’ (MBM) is a digital asthma self-management intervention designed using theory, evidence and person-based approaches to provide tailored support for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of asthma symptoms.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was the feasibility of the trial design, including recruitment, adherence and retention at follow-up (3 and 12 months). Secondary outcomes were the feasibility and effect sizes of specific trial measures including asthma-specific quality of life and asthma control.

Results

Primary outcomes: 88 patients were recruited (target 80). At 3-month follow-up, two patients withdrew and six did not complete outcome measures. At 12 months, two withdrew and four did not complete outcome measures. 36/44 patients in the intervention group engaged with MBM (median of 4 logins, range 0–25, IQR 8). Consistent trends were observed to improvements in asthma-related patient-reported outcome measures.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a definitive RCT that is required to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a digital asthma self-management intervention.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN15698435.
Using frailty and quality of life measures in clinical care of the elderly in Canada to predict death, nursing home transfer and hospitalisation - the frailty and ageing cohort study
Authors: Rosenberg Ted , Montgomery Patrick , Hay Vikki , Lattimer Rory
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess the value of using frailty measures in primary care for predicting death, nursing home transfer (NHT) and hospital admission.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting and participants

All 380 people, mean age 88.4, living in the community and receiving home-based primary geriatric care from one practice in Victoria, Canada.

Interventions/measurements

A 60 min baseline assessment which included: Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), EuroQol EQ-5D-5L (EQ-5D), EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) and Gait Speed (Gaitspeed).

Outcomes

Death, NHT and hospital admission.

Results

During 18 months of follow-up, there were 39 (10.3%) deaths, 48 (12.6%) NHTs and 93 (24.5%) individuals admitted to hospital. All three outcomes were predicted by: CFS Level 6+7/4+5 (HR death 5.92, 95% CI 3.12 to 11.22, NHT 6.00, 95% CI 3.37 to 10.66 and hospital admission 2.92, 95% CI 1.93 to 4.40); EQ-5D Quintile 1/Quintile 5 (death 6.26, 95% CI 2.11 to 18.62; NHT 3.18, 95% CI 1.29 to 7.82 and hospital admission 2.94, 95% CI 1.47 to 5.87); EQ-VAS Q1/Q5 (death 7.0, 95% CI 2.34 to 20.93; NHT 3.38, 95% CI 1.22 to 9.35 and hospital admission 6.69, 95% CI 3.20 to 13.99) and Gaitspeed (death 5.87, 95% CI 1.78 to 19.34; NHT 8.51, 95% CI 3.18 to 22.79 and hospital admission 11.05, 95% CI 5.45 to 22.40). Medical diagnoses, multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy were weaker predictors of these outcomes. Cox regression analyses showed CFS (adjusted HR 2.88, 95% CI 1.23 to 6.68), EQ-VAS (0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.98), estimated glomerular filtration rate (0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.00) and haemoglobin (0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99) were independently associated with death. Gaitspeed (0.13, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.57), Geriatric Depression Scale (1.39, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.82) and dementia diagnosis (4.61, 95% CI 1.86 to 11.44) were associated with NHT. Only CFS (1.75, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.51) and EQ-VAS (0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99) were associated with hospital admission. No other diagnoses, polypharmacy nor multiple comorbidities predicted these outcomes.

Conclusions

For elderly people, standardised simple measures of frailty and health status were stronger predictors of death, NHT and hospital admission than medical diagnoses. Consideration should be given to adding these measures into usual medical care for this age group.
Vitamin C therapy for patients with sepsis or septic shock: a protocol for a systematic review and a network meta-analysis
Authors: Fujii Tomoko , Belletti Alessandro , Carr Anitra , Furukawa Toshi A , Luethi Nora , Putzu Alessandro , Sartini Chiara , Salanti Georgia , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Udy Andrew A , Young Paul J , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Vasoplegia is common and associated with a poor prognosis in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Vitamin C therapy in combination with vitamin B1 and glucocorticoid, as well as monotherapy in various doses, has been investigated as a treatment for the vasoplegic state in sepsis, through targeting the inflammatory cascade. However, the combination effect and the relative contribution of each drug have not been well evaluated. Furthermore, the best combination between the three agents is currently unknown. We are planning a systematic review (SR) with network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the different treatments and identify the combination with the most favourable effect on survival.

Methods and analysis

We will include all randomised controlled trials comparing any intervention using intravenous vitamin C, vitamin B1 and/or glucocorticoid with another or with placebo in the treatment of sepsis. We are interested in comparing the following active interventions. Very high-dose vitamin C (≥12 g/day), high-dose vitamin C (≥6 g/day), vitamin C (<6 g/day); low-dose glucocorticoid (<400 mg/day of hydrocortisone (or equivalent)), vitamin B1 and combinations of the drugs above. The primary outcome will be all-cause mortality at the longest follow-up within 1 year but 90 days or longer postrandomisation. All relevant studies will be sought through database searches and trial registries. All reference selection and data extraction will be conducted by two independent reviewers. We will conduct a random-effects NMA to synthesise all evidence for each outcome and obtain a comprehensive ranking of all treatments. We will use the surface under the cumulative ranking curve and the mean ranks to rank the various interventions. To differentiate between the effect of combination therapies and the effect of a component, we will employ a component NMA.

Ethics and dissemination

This SR does not require ethical approval. We will publish findings from this systematic review in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and present these at scientific conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018103860.
Real-world effects of late window neurothrombectomy: procedure rates increase without night-time bias
Authors: Williams Michelle Marie , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele , Hirsch Joshua A , Kittel Carol , Spiotta Alejandro , De Leacy Reade , Mocco J , Albuquerque Felipe C , Ducruet Andrew F , Goyal Nitin , Arthur Adam S , Kan Peter , Mokin Maxim , Dumont Travis M , Reeves Alan , Wolfe Stacey Q , Fargen Kyle
Published: November 2019

Introduction

With the expansion of the interventional time window for stroke from emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO), the rate of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is expected to rise, potentially causing higher burnout rates and requiring hospitals to develop strategies for adequate coverage of these procedures.

Methods

Neurointerventional physicians at 10 participating stroke centers prospectively recorded time requirements for all MT consultations over 30 consecutive 24-hour call periods, including both false positive consultations and MT procedures, during mid to late 2018. Consult start time, procedure start and end time, and data regarding commute to the hospital and delay in scheduled procedures were collected and compared with those from an identical prospective study performed in 2017.

Results

Data were collected from a total of 300 days of call. A total of 166 procedures were performed (mean 0.55 per day), an increase from 0.32 per day in 2017. Overall mean MT direct time burden during each 24-hour call was 124 min (compared with 85 min in 2017). The percentage of consultations for thrombectomy varied based on time of day, with 87% of consults between the hours of midnight and 04:00 proceeding to thrombectomy compared with 37% between the hours of 16:00 and 20:00.

Conclusions

MT procedural volumes have increased from one every 5 days in 2016 to one every 2 days in 2018. The highest percentage of consults leading to thrombectomy occur in the early morning hours after midnight. Compared with similar data from 2016 and 2017, call demands continue to escalate, representing a significant demand on neurointerventional teams.
Utilization of microsatellite markers in genotyping of Saudi Arabian camels for productivity and conservation
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed Hossam , Farah Mohammad Abul , Rady Ahmed , Alanazi Khalid Mashai , Mohammed Osama , Amor Nabil , Alshaikh Mohammed , Aljumaah Riyadh , Salah Mahmoud , Saleh Amgad
Published: November 2019

Camels are considered as integral and notable components of the heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Genetic variabilities within and among four camel populations in Saudi Arabia were evaluated using 21 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci of 122 unrelated individuals, including three indigenous breeds [Humur (HA), Zurg (ZR), Shuguh (SG)] and one exotic breed [Sudanese (SN)]. Nineteen SSR markers generated multilocus fingerprints with a total of 225 alleles, a range of 4–23 alleles per locus, and an average of 9, 7, 7, and 6 alleles per locus in HA, ZR, SG, and SN populations, respectively. The mean multilocus FSTvalue (0.034 ± 0.005) showed non-significant population differentiation. Mean observed heterozygosity values were 0.908 for HA, 0.860 for ZR, 0.919 for SG, and 0.887 for SN, which were higher than the expected heterozygosity. An excess of heterozygotes was observed, suggesting the presence of overdominant selection or the occurrence of outbreeding. Pairwise genetic distances indicated that the three indigenous camel breeds were genetically close to each other and genetically distant to the SN population. This genetic variability assessment by microsatellite analysis is important and useful for the conservation of local camel genetic resources as well as the future development of breeding programs.
Strategic timing and rate of phosphorus fertilization improves phosphorus-use efficiency in two contrasting cultivars of subirrigated greenhouse-grown chrysanthemum
Authors: Shelp Barry J. , Sutton William J. , Flaherty Edward J.
Published: November 2019

Greenhouse floriculture operations pose significant environmental risk due to extensive inputs of fertilizer, especially nitrogen and phosphorus (P). Recent evidence shows that the use efficiency for nitrogen or sulphur is markedly improved in subirrigated potted chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) by supplying a moderate level of the nutrient during vegetative growth, and removing the entire nutrient suite at the onset of reproductive growth, without adverse effects on plant quality. Here, two split-plot experiments were conducted with subirrigated, potted, disbudded chrysanthemums grown in a peat:perlite mixture under greenhouse conditions (high- or low-ambient light) with inorganic orthophosphate (Pi) treatment (2.6 mmol L−1 Pi supplied during the vegetative and reproductive stages, and 2.6, 1.95, or 1.3 mmol L−1 Pi supplied during the vegetative stage only) as the main plot and cultivar (‘Olympia’ and ‘Covington’) as the subplot. Market quality plants with sufficient tissue P were produced even when Pi delivery was reduced by approximately 75% over the crop cycle, compared with industry standards. The primary mechanism for sustaining plant growth with decreasing Pi delivery was improved acquisition or uptake efficiency, although some changes in internal P-utilization efficiency were evident, including the remobilization of both organic P and Pi during inflorescence development. Differences in biomass yields, tissue P concentrations, content-based P-use efficiency (PUEC = mg shoot dry mass/mg shoot P content) with constant Pi acquisition, and uptake- versus remobilization-based P supply for inflorescence growth established that ‘Olympia’ has a greater P-utilization efficiency than ‘Covington’. This modified subirrigation practice could contribute significantly to low-input production of floricultural crops.
Measurement of the 13C(n,$\gamma$) thermal cross section via neutron irradiation and AMS
Authors: Wright T. , Bennett S. , Heinitz S. , Köster U. , Mills R. , Soldner T. , Steier P. , Wallner A. , Wieninger T.
Published: November 2019

Ampoules of amorphous 99.5% enriched 13C were irradiated at the PF1b neutron beam line at the high-flux ILL research reactor in order to produce 14C atoms. The precise ratio of 14C/13C was subsequently measured at the VERA Accelerator Mass Spectrometer, allowing the 13C(n,$ \gamma$γ)14C thermal cross section to be accurately determined. This is the first measurement of this cross section at sub-eV energies via this technique and the result of $ 1.52 \pm 0.07$1.52±0.07 mb for the thermal cross section is in good agreement with other recent measurements which were performed via Prompt Gamma-ray Activation Analysis.
Polarization and relaxation effects induced by two-scale homogenization
Authors: Jiang Jiann-Sheng , Tsai Cheng-Che
Published: November 2019

Motivated by the two-scale convergence method introduced by G. Nguetseng and G. Allaire, we study the polarization and relaxation effects induced by two-scale homogenization. By virtue of Boltzmann–Poisson system, we characterize the microscopic properties of electrons in dielectric materials. The homogenized equations are obtained which describe the mean behaviors. By the homogenized equation, we get the polarization and relaxation effects which lead to the modified Gauss law; moreover, the dielectric function and the conductivity are also obtained.
Unified description of multiplicity distributions and Bose–Einstein correlations at the LHC based on the three-negative binomial distribution
Authors: Biyajima Minoru , Mizoguchi Takuya
Published: November 2019

Using the Monte Carlo data at 7 TeV collected by the ATLAS collaboration (PYTHIA 6), we examine the necessity of applying the three-negative binomial distribution (T-NBD). By making use of the T-NBD formulation, we analyze the multiplicity distribution (MD) and the Bose–Einstein correlation (BEC) at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). In the T-NBD framework, the BEC is expressed by two degrees of coherence [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and two kinds of exchange functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] that act over interaction ranges [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Using the calculated [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] based on the T-NBD, along with free [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we analyze the BEC data at 0.9 and 7 TeV. The estimated parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are almost coincident and seem to be consistent with [Formula: see text] collisions. We also present an enlarged Koba–Nielsen–Olesen (KNO) scaling function based on the T-NBD, and apply it to KNO scaling at LHC energies. The enlarged scaling function describes the observed violation of the KNO scaling.
Phase assemblage and properties of a nonoxide composite fabricated by a two-step gas-pressure sintering
Authors: Yin Li , Wang Yuxin , Jiang Songtao , He Zhen , Huang Saifang
Published: November 2019

In this work, a composite composed of [Formula: see text]-Sialon (Z[Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text]4) and ZrN has been fabricated by a two-step gas-pressure sintering method, and the effects of ZrN content and applied pressure on the phase behavior, densification and mechanical properties have been investigated. The phase behaviors were mainly dependent on the ZrN content and the applied pressure. The composites composed of [Formula: see text]-Sialon (Z[Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text]4), ZrN, 15R-Sialon (0.4 MPa) and 12H-Sialon (0.7 MPa) as major phases, with different intermediate phases depending on the ZrN content. It is revealed that with the two-step sintering technique, a higher applied gas pressure has a positive effect on mass loss, and significantly improved the mechanical properties. The addition of ZrN particles greatly helped the densification behavior, reduced the mass loss, and increased fracture toughness of the composites, but decreased hardness due to formation of intermediate phases and grain coarsening. The addition of ZrN increased the fracture toughness due to the toughening mechanisms of crack branching, crack deflection and crack bridging.
Generation of intense spectral continuum and isolated attosecond pulse by selecting single harmonic emission peak
Authors: Feng Liqiang , Li Yi
Published: November 2019

Generally, due to the interference of different harmonic emission peaks (HEPs), the intensity of high-order harmonic spectrum cannot keep enhancing as the pulse intensity increases. Thus, in this paper, a potential method to obtain an intense spectral continuum and isolated attosecond pulse (IAP) by selecting single HEP has been theoretically investigated. First, we choose the harmonic cutoff and the harmonic intensity from the optimal single-color laser intensity as the referenced values. Next, by properly choosing a lower-intensity negative chirped pulse, we see that the harmonic cutoff from this field is similar as that from the referenced field. Moreover, the spectral continuum is contributed by single HEP. However, the intensity of the spectral continuum from the negative chirped pulse is lower than that from the referenced field. As the pulse duration of the chirped pulse increases, the similar harmonic cutoff can also be found by using a much lower-intensity negative chirped pulse. However, the intensity of the spectral continuum is decreased compared with that from the shorter chirped pulse duration. Further, with the introduction of an IR or UV controlling pulse, the intensity of the spectral continuum can be enhanced up to the referenced value. Moreover, the longer the pulse duration of the controlling pulse is used, the lower the controlling pulse intensity is needed. Also, due to the UV resonance ionization, much lower UV intensity is needed to enhance the harmonic yield compared with that for adding IR controlling pulse case. All in all, the total laser intensity of the combined field (the fundamental pulse + the controlling pulse) is lower than that of the referenced field. Most importantly, the signal of the spectral continuum is only coming from single HEP, which can support the generations of intense IAPs with the durations of 30 as.
Vehicle Vision Robust Detection and Recognition Method
Authors: Lin Yueh-lung , Wen Conghua
Published: November 2019

With the rapid growth of the global economy, the global car ownership is also increasing year by year, which has caused a series of problems, the most prominent of which is traffic congestion and traffic accidents. In order to solve the traffic problem, all countries are actively studying the intelligent transportation system, and one of the important research contents of the intelligent transportation system is vehicle detection. Vehicle detection based on vision is to capture vehicle images in the driving environment through a camera, and then use computer vision recognition technology for vehicle detection and recognition. Although computer vision recognition technology has made great progress, how to improve the detection accuracy of the image to be detected is still an important content of visual recognition technology research. Intelligent vehicle visual robust detection and identification of methods of research to reduce the growing incidence of traffic accidents, improve the existing road traffic safety and transportation efficiency, alleviate the degree of driver fatigue problem are of great significance. This paper considers the intelligent vehicle environmental awareness of the key technology to the goal of robust detection and recognition based on machine vision problems for further research. The particle filter is used to extract the local energy of the image to realize the fast segmentation of the region of interest (ROI). In order to further verify the ROI, a measure learning method based on multi-core embedding is proposed, and the semantic classification of ROI is realized by integrating the color, shape and geometric features of ROI. Experimental results show that the algorithm can effectively eliminate false sexy ROI interest, and the algorithm is robust to complex background, illumination changes, perspective changes and other conditions.
INFLUENCE OF PROCESS PARAMETERS ON OPTICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ITO THIN FILM
Authors: MOSHABAKI AREZOO , KADIVAR ERFAN , FIROOZIFAR ALIREZA
Published: November 2019

Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films have been deposited on glass substrate by DC magnetron sputtering in the presence and absence of oxygen gas flux. Subsequently, some of the samples have been annealed in vacuum or air oven at [Formula: see text]C for 20[Formula: see text]min. The optical, surface morphology and electrical characteristics have been examined by spectrophotometry, atomic force microscope, field emission scanning electron microscopy, four-point probe and Hall effect measurements as a function of argon gas flux, film thickness, deposition rate and substrate temperature. Experimental results indicate that the surface roughness increases by decreasing the argon gas flow rate and deposition rate. The result revealed that the lowest surface roughness of 1.07[Formula: see text]nm is achieved at zero oxygen gas flux, argon gas flow 20[Formula: see text]sccm and deposition rate [Formula: see text] Å/s. We have found that the maximum value of merit figure is related to the argon gas flow rate 30[Formula: see text]sccm. In order to obtain a very smooth surface, finally, the ITO thin films have been processed with alumina polishing solution by ultrasonic method. Our experimental results indicate that surface roughness decreases and merit figure increases after polishing process.
COMPARISON OF PERFORMANCES OF ORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS USING SubPc AS CENTRAL AMBIPOLAR LAYER IN TERNARY STRUCTURES AND AS ELECTRON ACCEPTOR IN BINARY STRUCTURES
Authors: SIAD M. B. , EL JOUAD Z. , KHELIL A. , KRARROUBI A. MOHAMMED , MORSLI S. , NECULQUEO G. , ADDOU M. , BERNÈDE J. C. , CATTIN L.
Published: November 2019

We compare the performances of organic photovoltaic cells (OPVCs) based on binary and ternary planar heterojunctions. The organic active layers are pentathiophene (5T), subphthalocyanine (SubPc) and fullerene (C60). SubPc being an ambipolar material we used it either as electron acceptor in binary OPVCs or as central layer in ternary cells in order to increase the efficiency of OPVCs using 5T as electron donor. So, the different OPVC configurations were 5T/C60, 5T/SubPc and 5T/SubPc/C60. The effect of the different organic layer thicknesses on the device performances was studied. In order to understand the behavior of the different OPVC configurations, we proceeded with a morphological study. The influence of the high roughness of the 5T layer on the OPVCs performances is discussed. The best OPVCs performances are obtained with the binary structure 5T/SubPc. Its maximum efficiency corresponds to an increase of 50% compared to the OPVC based on the couple 5T/C60. External Quantum Efficiency measurements show that both layers participate to the current generation. The efficiency increase is mainly due to the increase of the open circuit voltage ([Formula: see text]). In the case of ternary OPVCs, [Formula: see text] is limited by the band structure of 5T and C60, moreover, the efficiency is also limited by the poor charge collection efficiency of the ternary structure and the series resistance of the three stacked organic layers.
TRIBOLOGICAL STUDY ON SLURRY ABRASIVE WEAR BEHAVIOR OF NONWOVEN VISCOSE FABRIC COMPOSITES WITH DOE APPROACH
Authors: PATNAIK PRABINA KUMAR , SWAIN PRIYADARSHI TAPAS RANJAN , PUROHIT ABHILASH , BISWAS SANDHYARANI
Published: November 2019

Nowadays, the demand for needle-punched nonwoven fabrics has been increasing, especially in the areas of high-performance composites as reinforcement due to their potential of imparting high [Formula: see text]-directional strength, easy resin absorption, light weight, and low cost. In this study, needle-punched nonwoven viscose fabric-reinforced epoxy composites are prepared by varying the area density of fabric mat (100[Formula: see text]gsm, 200[Formula: see text]gsm, 300[Formula: see text]gsm, and 400[Formula: see text]gsm) at constant fabric loading of 30[Formula: see text]wt.%. The effects of area density on mechanical and slurry abrasion behavior of composites are studied under controlled laboratory conditions. It is observed that the mechanical properties and abrasive wear resistance under steady-state condition has been improved with the increase in area density of fabric mat. Furthermore, experimental design through Taguchi’s L[Formula: see text] orthogonal array is applied to find out the optimal parametric combination for minimum wear rate. It is also observed through the analysis that silica sand size and sliding velocity are the most influential factors for wear rate.
Blockade of endogenous angiotensin II type I receptor agonistic autoantibody activity improves mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and hypertension in a rat model of preeclampsia
Authors: Vaka Venkata Ramana , Cunningham Mark W. , Deer Evangeline , Franks Michael , Ibrahim Tarek , Amaral Lorena M. , Usry Nathan , Cornelius Denise C. , Dechend Ralf , Wallukat Gerd , LaMarca Babbette D.
Published: November 2019

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by new-onset hypertension that usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy and is associated with oxidative stress and angiotensin II type 1 receptor agonistic autoantibodies (AT1-AAs). Inhibition of the AT1-AAs in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat, a model of PE, attenuates hypertension and many other characteristics of PE. We have previously shown that mitochondrial oxidative stress (mtROS) is a newly described PE characteristic exhibited by the RUPP rat that contributes to hypertension. However, the factors that cause mtROS in PE or RUPP are unknown. Thus, the objective of the current study is to use pharmacologic inhibition of AT1-AAs to examine their role in mtROS in the RUPP rat model of PE. AT1-AA inhibition in RUPP rats was achieved by administration of an epitope-binding peptide (′n7AAc′). Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following two groups: RUPP and RUPP + AT1-AA inhibition (RUPP + ′n7AAc′). On day 14 of gestation (GD), RUPP surgery was performed; ′n7AAc′ peptide (2 µg/μL) was administered by miniosmotic pumps in a subset of RUPP rats; and on GD19, sera, placentas, and kidneys were collected. mitochondrial respiration and mtROS were measured in isolated mitochondria using the Oxygraph 2K and fluorescent microplate reader, respectively. Placental and renal mitochondrial respiration and mtROS were improved in RUPP + ′n7AAc′ rats compared with RUPP controls. Moreover, endothelial cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) treated with RUPP + ′n7AAc′ sera exhibited less mtROS compared with those treated with RUPP sera. Overall, our findings suggest that AT1-AA signaling is one stimulus of mtROS during PE.
Role of the occipito-temporal theta rhythm in hand visual identification
Authors: Moreau Quentin , Parrotta Eleonora , Era Vanessa , Martelli Maria Luisa , Candidi Matteo
Published: November 2019

Neuroimaging and EEG studies have shown that passive observation of the full body and of specific body parts is associated with 1) activity of an occipito-temporal region named the extrastriate body area (EBA), 2) amplitude modulations of a specific posterior event-related potential (ERP) component (N1/N190), and 3) a theta-band (4–7 Hz) synchronization recorded from occipito-temporal electrodes compatible with the location of EBA. To characterize the functional role of the occipito-temporal theta-band increase during the processing of body-part stimuli, we recorded EEG from healthy participants while they were engaged in an identification task (match-to-sample) of images of hands and nonbody control images (leaves). In addition to confirming that occipito-temporal electrodes show a larger N1 for hand images compared with control stimuli, cluster-based analysis revealed an occipito-temporal cluster showing an increased theta power when hands are presented (compared with leaves) and show that this theta increase is higher for identified hands compared with nonidentified ones while not being significantly different between not identified nonhand stimuli. Finally, single trial multivariate pattern analysis revealed that time-frequency modulation in the theta band is a better marker for classifying the identification of hand images than the ERP modulation. The present results support the notion that theta activity over the occipito-temporal cortex is an informative marker of hand visual processing and may reflect the activity of a network coding for stimulus identity.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hands provide crucial information regarding the identity of others, which is a key information for social processes. We recorded EEG activity of healthy participants during the visual identification of hand images. The combination of univariate and multivariate pattern analysis in time- and time-frequency domain highlights the functional role of theta (4–7 Hz) activity over visual areas during hand identification and emphasizes the robustness of this neuromarker in occipito-temporal visual processing dynamics.
Conditioning by subthreshold synaptic input changes the intrinsic firing pattern of CA3 hippocampal neurons
Authors: Soldado-Magraner Saray , Brandalise Federico , Honnuraiah Suraj , Pfeiffer Michael , Moulinier Marie , Gerber Urs , Douglas Rodney
Published: November 2019

Unlike synaptic strength, intrinsic excitability is assumed to be a stable property of neurons. For example, learning of somatic conductances is generally not incorporated into computational models, and the discharge pattern of neurons in response to test stimuli is frequently used as a basis for phenotypic classification. However, it is increasingly evident that signal processing properties of neurons are more generally plastic on the timescale of minutes. Here we demonstrate that the intrinsic firing patterns of CA3 neurons of the rat hippocampus in vitro undergo rapid long-term plasticity in response to a few minutes of only subthreshold synaptic conditioning. This plasticity on the spike timing could also be induced by intrasomatic injection of subthreshold depolarizing pulses and was blocked by kinase inhibitors, indicating that discharge dynamics are modulated locally. Cluster analysis of firing patterns before and after conditioning revealed systematic transitions toward adapting and intrinsic burst behaviors, irrespective of the patterns initially exhibited by the cells. We used a conductance-based model to decide appropriate pharmacological blockade and found that the observed transitions are likely due to recruitment of low-voltage calcium and Kv7 potassium conductances. We conclude that CA3 neurons adapt their conductance profile to the subthreshold activity of their input, so that their intrinsic firing pattern is not a static signature, but rather a reflection of their history of subthreshold activity. In this way, recurrent output from CA3 neurons may collectively shape the temporal dynamics of their embedding circuits.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although firing patterns are widely conserved across the animal phyla, it is still a mystery why nerve cells present such diversity of discharge dynamics upon somatic step currents. Adding a new timing dimension to the intrinsic plasticity literature, here we show that CA3 neurons rapidly adapt through the space of known firing patterns in response to the subthreshold signals that they receive from their embedding circuit, potentially adjusting their network processing to the temporal statistics of their circuit.