bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TESS Science and Follow-Up in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Burt J.
Published: August 2019

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is an MIT-led NASA mission that will spend two years searching for transiting exoplanets via an all-sky survey that starts in the Southern Hemisphere. Launched in 2018 April, TESS is expected to discover thousands of Earth- to Neptune-sized planets, and over ten thousand giant planets, around the closest, brightest, stars. These planets will become our best targets for learning more about planet formation and evolution, planet composition, and atmospheric make-up. More detailed information about TESS, and instructions on how to access and work with the data once they are available, was given in Workshop 3, Getting ready for TESS, held earlier during the Symposium (p. 224).
Symposium 339: Summary
Authors: Breedt E.
Published: August 2019

Time-domain astronomy is a key theme on research roadmaps worldwide, as was amply demonstrated by the energy which the participants (coming from 33 different countries) brought to this Symposium, as they shared their experience and expertise through various time-domain projects and discussed the challenges and strategies for the road ahead. This short summary is simply a personal view of the many key topics that were discussed.
Towards Science with LSST: Data Products and Communications
Authors: Graham M. L.
Published: August 2019

The main purpose for holding a Workshop about the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) was to move all participants further towards answering the question, “How will I do my science with LSST data?” Presentations included (i) the planned pipelines and products of the data management team, and (ii) the existing channels for communication within the science community and between the community and the LSST Data Management team. In between the formal presentations, small groups discussed matters such as how to select the data products or communications resources that were best suited to individual science goals. The latter discussions were designed both to facilitate engagement with the material and to foster collaboration. Participants should thus have become better equipped to continue on their respective individual paths towards science with LSST.
Supernovæ
Authors: Stritzinger M. , Moriya T. J.
Published: August 2019

This Workshop covered a cornucopia of topics that were featured in short formal presentations, followed by a round-table discussion. G. Hosseinzadeh and H. Kuncarayakti presented the results of their recent researches into interacting supernovæ. They included both the intriguing Type Ibn supernova subclass, and SN 2017dio, which appears to be the first Type Ic supernova to be seen to exhibit signatures of hydrogen-rich circumstellar interaction at all phases. M. Sullivan provided a summary relating to the future of transient science in the era of Big Data, and participants discussed strategies to determine which targets and fields should be selected for spectroscopic follow-up. The Workshop concluded with a rather heated discussion regarding the need for the IAU Supernovæ Working Group to consider modifying the current criterion for a confirmed supernova in order for it to receive an official IAU designation.
New Instrumentation for Transient Follow-Up
Authors: Thöne C. C. , de Ugarte Postigo A. , Mahabal A. , Kann D. A.
Published: August 2019

Wide-angle surveys at different wavelengths are already providing triggers for very different kinds of transients. The most interesting science is produced when new sources are followed-up and characterised by using the right instrumentation, telescopes and observing strategies. In the coming years, with new large-scale surveys such as ZTF and LSST, the amount of triggers is expected to scale up massively. Furthermore, new observational windows, such as gravitational waves or neutrinos, are now opening and adding complexity to the picture. The instrumentation and strategies that we have been using over recent years may just not be appropriate for those new situations. In this Workshop we discussed the present and projected future of transient discovery, the instrumentation that will be needed for the follow-up of those targets, and the observing strategies, data analysis and community efforts that will be required to tackle the challenges that lie ahead of us.
Nuclear Transients
Authors: Mattila S. , Graham M. J. , Kankare E. , Kool E. , Moriya T. , Perez-Torres M. , Wyrzykowski Ł.
Published: August 2019

Workshop 11 covered the substantial recent progress in studies of supernovæ (SNe), tidal disruption events (TDEs), and other types of luminous transients occurring within the nuclear regions of galaxies. In the past, such transients have largely been missed owing to the substantial extinction of those regions, and to the problems of contrast against the bright (and often complex) nuclear background – or mistaken for normal active galactic nucleus (AGN) variability.
Searching for Pulsating Stars Using Clustering Algorithms
Authors: Kgoadi R. , Whittingham I. , Engelbrecht C.
Published: August 2019

Clustering algorithms constitute a multi-disciplinary analytical tool commonly used to summarise large data sets. Astronomical classifications are based on similarity, where celestial objects are assigned to a specific class according to specific physical features. The aim of this project is to obtain relevant information from high-dimensional data (at least three input variables in a data-frame) derived from stellar light-curves using a number of clustering algorithms such as K-means and Expectation Maximisation. In addition to identifying the best performing algorithm, we also identify a subset of features that best define stellar groups. Three methodologies are applied to a sample of Kepler time series in the temperature range 6500–19,000 K. In that spectral range, at least four classes of variable stars are expected to be found: δ Scuti, γ Doradus, Slowly Pulsating B (SPB), and (the still equivocal) Maia stars.
Meteor Sky in Time-Domain Astronomy
Authors: Kolomiyets S. V.
Published: August 2019

Multi-wave astronomy provides a means for researchers to see and ‘hear’ the sky. But that is only part of their perception of the cosmos. The hot handshake of the Universe in the form of a meteor substance burning in the Earth’s atmosphere, sometimes with the precipitation of meteorites threatening the environment, occurs every second. A major present challenge for meteor research is organizing observations and processing existing and new data in order to obtain information in the time domain of meteor astronomy for solving special problems. This poster discusses the concept of the meteor sky, and some approaches for constructing models of it. The database of meteors of Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics was used.
The X-Ray Spectrum of the X-Ray Binary 4U 1728-34, observed with Suzaku
Authors: Lei Y. , Zhang H. , Yuan H. , Zhang Y.
Published: August 2019

This poster reported our spectroscopy of the neutron-star X-ray binary 4U 1728-34, observed with Suzaku in 2010 October. It is classified as an atoll source. Its continuous X-ray spectrum can be fitted by a combination of a multicolour accretion-disk model for the soft energy, plus a power-law model for the hard energy. A broad emission line at 6–7 keV can be fitted well using a simple Gaussian component with an equivalent width of ∼322 eV. However, for this object the presence of that feature is disputed, even though our results from Suzaku do suggest the presence of a broad Fe emission line that is consistent with results from XMM-Newton. Nevertheless, the parameters of the line (the line centroid and the equivalent width) are a little different, but that could be due to a difference in modelling the continuum.
Evaluating the Fraction of Obscured Supernovæ in Luminous Infrared Galaxies with Adaptive Optics Surveys
Authors: Reynolds T. , Mattila S. , Kool E. , Kankare E. , Ryder S. , Pérez-Torres M. A.
Published: August 2019

Despite the expectation of a high supernova rate in luminous infra-red galaxies (LIRGs), a deficit has been discovered in optical surveys that is due to high levels of extinction by dust and to issues of contrast against the bright nuclear background. Searching in the near infra-red enables observations to penetrate that dust, while using adaptive-optics achieves the resolution required to observe supernovæ close to the nuclei of those galaxies. Over the last decade multiple observing programmes using the best AO instrumentation mounted on large telscopes have accumulated a dataset of many LIRGs, and met with much greater success in discovering nuclear supernovæ. However, a significant proportion is still being missed. By using techniques to evaluate our detection efficiency in these data, and simulations of the supernovæ occuring in the galaxies, we can evaluate the nature of these transients.
Stellar Parameterisation using KPCA and SVM
Authors: Yuan H. , Zhang Y. , Lei Y. , Dong Y. , Bai Z. , Li G. , Zhang W. , Zhang H. , Zhao Y.
Published: August 2019

With so many spectroscopic surveys, both past and upcoming, such as SDSS and LAMOST, the number of accessible stellar spectra is continuously increasing. There is therefore a great need for automated procedures that will derive estimates of stellar parameters. Working with spectra from SDSS and LAMOST, we put forward a hybrid approach of Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to determine the stellar atmospheric parameters effective temperature, surface gravity and metallicity. For stars with both APOGEE and LAMOST spectra, we adopt the LAMOST spectra and APOGEE parameters, and then use KPCA to reduce dimensionality and SVM to measure parameters. Our method provides reliable and precise results; for example, the standard deviation of effective temperature, surface gravity and metallicity for the test sample come to approximately 47–75 K, 0.11–0.15 dex and 0.06–0.075 dex, respectively. The impact of the signal:noise ratio of the observations upon the accuracy of the results is also investigated.
Δa Photometric Survey of the Small Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Zejda M. , Paunzen E. , Mikulášek Z.
Published: August 2019

The narrow-band Δa photometric system measures the flux depression at λ5200 Å by comparing the flux at the band centre to adjacent regions. It has been shown that virtually all peculiar stars with magnetic fields (mCPs) have significant positive Δa values (of up to +100 mmag), whereas Be/Ae/B[e] and metal weak stars (including lambda Bootis types) exhibit significant negative values of Δa. By using this photometric system we are therefore able to detect chemically peculiar (CP), emission types and metal-weak stars in an efficient way. The poster presented the first results of our survey of the Small Magellanic Cloud. In the selected field we found only 0.5 % of bona fide CP stars against 15 % in our Galaxy.
The Consistency Effects of the Clean Metaphor of Moral Concept and Dirty Metaphor of Immoral Concept
Authors: Ding Fengqin , Tian Xueyang , Wang Ximei , Liu Zhao
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Morality is clean, while immorality is dirty, and these metaphors use concrete clean and dirty experiences to express moral and immoral concepts; specifically, they are the clean metaphor of moral concept and dirty metaphor of immoral concept. The present study used event-related potentials (ERPs) to explore the consistency effects of the clean metaphor of moral concept and dirty metaphor of immoral concept, the experiment recorded the reaction times (RTs) and ERP waves in a metaphor consistency condition and a metaphor inconsistency condition. The behavioral results showed that the RTs in the metaphor consistency condition were significantly faster than the RTs in the metaphor inconsistency condition. The ERP results showed that the P300, N400, and late negative component (LNC) amplitudes were higher in the metaphor inconsistency condition than in the metaphor consistency condition.
How the Ocean’s “Shadow Zone” Breathes
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: August 2019

A new study uses Argo floats and an ocean circulation model to track the sources supplying pulses of oxygen to the deep North Pacific.
Impact of Snow Initialization in Subseasonal‐to‐Seasonal Winter Forecasts With the Norwegian Climate Prediction Model
Authors: Li F. , Orsolini Y. J. , Keenlyside N. , Shen M.‐L. , Counillon F. , Wang Y. G.
Published: August 2019

Snow initialization has been previously investigated as a potential source of predictability at the subseasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) timescale in winter and spring, through its local radiative, thermodynamical, and hydrological feedbacks. However, previous studies were conducted with low‐top models over short periods only. Furthermore, the potential role of the land surface‐stratosphere connection upon the S2S predictability had remained unclear. To this end, we have carried out twin 30‐member ensembles of 2‐month (November and December) retrospective forecasts over the period 1985–2016, with either realistic or degraded snow initialization. A high‐top version of the Norwegian Climate Prediction Model is used, based on the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model, to insure improved coupling with the stratosphere. In a composite difference of high versus low initial Eurasian snow, the surface temperature is strongly impacted by the presence of snow, and wave activity fluxes into the stratosphere are enhanced at a 1‐month lag, leading to a weakened polar vortex. Focusing further on 7 years characterized by a strongly negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation, we find a weak snow feedback contributing to the maintenance of the negative Arctic Oscillation. By comparing the twin forecasts, we extracted the predictive skill increment due to realistic snow initialization. The prediction of snow itself is greatly improved, and there is increased skill in surface temperature over snow‐covered land in the first 10 days, and localized skill increments in the mid‐latitude transition regions on the southern flanks of the snow‐covered land areas, at lead times longer than 30 days.
Parameterizing a borosilicate waste glass degradation model
Authors: Ebert William L. , Jerden James L.
Published: August 2019

Borosilicate waste glass degradation models must quantify the effects of the solution composition on the dissolution rate. Here, we present results of modified ASTM C1285 tests conducted at 90 °C with AFCI and LRM glasses to determine whether dependencies of dissolution rates on the pH, Al, and Si concentrations must be included. Solution compositions were modified from those generated by glass dissolution alone by adding small amounts of K4SiO4 glass, Al(OH)3•2H2O, and a concentrated NaOH solution when the tests were initiated. Results show rate laws for the initial and resumption regimes must include pH dependences, but the residual rate can be modeled independent of the pH, Al, and Si concentrations. Triggering the resumption rate probably depends on the pH, Si, and Al concentrations and perhaps other aspects of the glass composition. A waste glass degradation model using is being parameterized using tests with a range of waste glass compositions to quantify these dependencies.
Soil acidification in continuously cropped tobacco alters bacterial community structure and diversity via the accumulation of phenolic acids
Authors: Bai Yuxiang , Wang Ge , Cheng Yadong , Shi Puyou , Yang Chengcui , Yang Huanwen , Xu Zhaoli
Published: August 2019

Studying the obstacles associated with continuous cropping is necessary for sustainable agricultural production. Phenolic acids play an important role in continuous cropping systems, although their mechanism of action in these systems remains unclear. Using High-performance Liquid Chromatography, we characterized the changes in phenolic acid contents in soils that had been continuously cropped with tobacco for different time periods and evaluated the interactions between soil physicochemical properties, bacterial community structure and diversity, and phenolic acids. Prolonged continuous cropping was associated with a significant increase in the content of phenolic acids and a significant decrease in soil pH and bacterial diversity. A significant negative correlation between pH and phenolic acids content was observed, suggesting that soil acidification potentially leads to the accumulation of phenolic acids. The Mantel test indicated that phenolic acids were positively associated with relative bacterial abundance (R = 0.480, P < 0.01), signifying that the accumulation of phenolic acids is a potential factor leading to changes in bacterial community structure. Continuous cropping lowered the soil pH, which stimulated phenolic acid accumulation and consequently altered the bacterial community structure and diversity, ultimately impacting tobacco plant growth.
Effect of addition of adjuvants on physical and chemical characteristics of Bt bioinsecticide mixture
Authors: Santos Cicero Antônio Mariano dos , Santos Renata Thaysa da Silva , Della’Vechia Jaqueline Franciosi , Griesang Fabiano , Polanczyk Ricardo Antônio , Ferreira Marcelo da Costa
Published: August 2019

Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) is the main bacterium used in the formulation of bioinsecticides because it produces toxins and spores that are toxic to several orders of insects. The efficacy of Bt bioinsecticide is influenced by the quality of its application. The association with other crop protection products, such as adjuvants, can affect the physical and chemical parameters of the mixture. This study evaluated the physical and chemical parameters, volume median diameter (VMD), uniformity coefficient of droplets (SPAN), percentage of volume in drift droplets (%V <100 µm), contact angle, surface tension, potential of hydrogen (pH) and electrical conductivity (E.C.) of Bt bioinsecticides in concentrated suspension (SC), and wettable powder (WP) formulations associated with adjuvants. The largest droplet diameter and smallest values of drift droplets were found in the WP formulation with lower drift potential. The addition of mineral oil and surfactant to the mixtures of bioinsecticide reduced contact angle values and surface tension of the droplets, resulting in greater spreading of droplets in leaves. The addition of lecithin and propionic-acid-based adjuvants lowered the pH in both formulations. The adjuvants used in this study affected the physical and chemical characteristics of the mixtures, improving or impairing the quality of Bt bioinsecticide applications.
Transcriptional profiling of corneal stromal cells derived from patients with keratoconus
Authors: Sharif Rabab , Khaled Mariam L. , McKay Tina B. , Liu Yutao , Karamichos Dimitrios
Published: August 2019

Keratoconus (KC) is a multi-factorial corneal ectasia with unknown etiology affecting approximately 1:2000 people worldwide. Dysregulated gene expression, using RNA-Seq technology, have been reported in KC corneal tissue. However, the differential expression of genes, in KC corneal stromal cells have been widely ignored. We utilized mRNA-Seq to analyze gene expression in primary human corneal stromal cells derived from five non-Keratoconus healthy (HCF) and four Keratoconus (HKC) donors. Selected genes were further validated using real time PCR (RT-PCR). We have identified 423 differentially expressed genes with 187 down- and 236 up-regulated in KC-affected corneal stromal cells. Gene ontology analysis using WebGestalt indicates the enrichment of genes involved in cell migration, extracellular matrix, adherens junction, and MAPK signaling. Our protein-protein interaction network analysis identified several network seeds, such as EGFR, NEDD4, SNTA1, LGALS3BP, HSPB1, SDC2, MME, and HIF1A. Our work provides an otherwise unknown information on the transcriptional changes in HKCs, and reveals critical mechanisms of the cellular compartment. It also highlights the importance of human-based in vitro studies on a disease that currently lacks strong biomarkers and animal models.
Novel computational model of gastrula morphogenesis to identify spatial discriminator genes by self-organizing map (SOM) clustering
Authors: Mori Tomoya , Takaoka Haruka , Yamane Junko , Alev Cantas , Fujibuchi Wataru
Published: August 2019

Deciphering the key mechanisms of morphogenesis during embryonic development is crucial to understanding the guiding principles of the body plan and promote applications in biomedical research fields. Although several computational tissue reconstruction methods using cellular gene expression data have been proposed, those methods are insufficient with regard to arranging cells in their correct positions in tissues or organs unless spatial information is explicitly provided. Here, we report SPRESSO, a new in silico three-dimensional (3D) tissue reconstruction method using stochastic self-organizing map (stochastic-SOM) clustering, to estimate the spatial domains of cells in tissues or organs from only their gene expression profiles. With only five gene sets defined by Gene Ontology (GO), we successfully demonstrated the reconstruction of a four-domain structure of mid-gastrula mouse embryo (E7.0) with high reproducibility (success rate = 99%). Interestingly, the five GOs contain 20 genes, most of which are related to differentiation and morphogenesis, such as activin A receptor and Wnt family member genes. Further analysis indicated that Id2 is the most influential gene contributing to the reconstruction. SPRESSO may provide novel and better insights on the mechanisms of 3D structure formation of living tissues via informative genes playing a role as spatial discriminators.
Demonstration of Container Effects on Recognition Process of Liquids Using a Ring-Resonator Measurement Method
Authors: Ozturk Turgut
Published: August 2019

Before separating or classifying hazardous/unsafe liquids, a system must be identified which can best measure certain liquids. The preferred measurement system can be useful, quick response, rapid measurement and so on. However, these features are not sufficient to classify the liquids in different containers. Especially at security points, containers of liquids carried by people may be different. Therefore, it has been investigated whether classification can be made by using the response of different containers to electromagnetic radiation. When the ring resonator measurement method is used in the 1–1.4 GHz frequency range, a successful separation process is carried out, even if the containers were made of different materials. Nevertheless, a well-known k-means algorithm has been used to analyze the measurement results of selected liquids.
Key evolutionary events in the emergence of a globally disseminated, carbapenem resistant clone in the Escherichia coli ST410 lineage
Authors: Feng Yu , Liu Lu , Lin Ji , Ma Ke , Long Haiyan , Wei Li , Xie Yi , McNally Alan , Zong Zhiyong
Published: August 2019

There is an urgent need to understand the global epidemiological landscape of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC). Here we provide combined genomic and phenotypic characterization of the emergence of a CREC clone from the ST410 lineage. We show that the clone expands with a single plasmid, within which there is frequent switching of the carbapenemase gene type between blaNDM and blaOXA-181 with no impact on plasmid stability or fitness. A search for clone-specific traits identified unique alleles of genes involved in adhesion and iron acquisition, which have been imported via recombination. These recombination-derived allelic switches had no impact on virulence in a simple infection model, but decreased efficiency in binding to abiotic surfaces and greatly enhanced fitness in iron limited conditions. Together our data show a footprint for evolution of a CREC clone, whereby recombination drives new alleles into the clone which provide a competitive advantage in colonizing mammalian hosts.
A hydroxylamine probe for profiling S-acylated fatty acids on proteins
Authors: Schulte-Zweckel Janine , Dwivedi Mridula , Brockmeyer Andreas , Janning Petra , Winter Roland , Triola Gemma
Published: August 2019

An hydroxylamine probe combined with mass spectrometry analysis enable accurate identification of fatty acids in S-acylated proteins.
Multistate hybrid time-dependent density functional theory with surface hopping accurately captures ultrafast thymine photodeactivation
Authors: Parker Shane M. , Roy Saswata , Furche Filipp
Published: August 2019

We report an efficient analytical implementation of first-order nonadiabatic derivative couplings between arbitrary Born–Oppenheimer states in the hybrid time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) framework using atom-centered basis functions.
Robust topological nodal lines in halide carbides
Authors: Pham Anh , Klose Frank , Li Sean
Published: August 2019

This study predicts the existence of a symmetry protected nodal line state in Y2C2I2 in both 2D and 3D.
A dual-emitting Tb(iii)&Yb(iii)-functionalized coordination polymer: a “turn-on” sensor forN-methylformamide in urine and a “turn-off” sensor for methylglyoxal in serum
Authors: Zheng Xubin , Fan Ruiqing , Lu Haoyang , Wang Bowen , Wu Jingkun , Wang Ping , Yang Yulin
Published: August 2019

A fluorescent probe designed and prepared through postsynthetic modification (PSM) showed high sensitivity and selectivity forN-methylformamide (NMF) in urine and methylglyoxal (MGO) in serum.
Multifaceted Sn–Sn bonding in the solid state. Synthesis and structural characterization of four new Ca–Li–Sn compounds
Authors: Ovchinnikov Alexander , Bobev Svilen
Published: August 2019

Four new ternary Ca–Li–Sn phases have been characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and ab initio calculations. The new compounds demonstrate rich diversity of Sn-based polyanionic structures with various chemical bonding patterns.
Valorization of monosaccharides towards fructopyrazines in a new sustainable and efficient eutectic medium
Authors: Filonenko Svitlana , Voelkel Antje , Antonietti Markus
Published: August 2019

A new green and efficient approach for valorization of monosaccharides into value added chemicals by forming a eutectic medium between reactants.
Role of the anatase/TiO2(B) heterointerface for ultrastable high-rate lithium and sodium energy storage performance
Authors: Liu Guilong , Wu Hong-Hui , Meng Qiangqiang , Zhang Ting , Sun Dong , Jin Xueyang , Guo Donglei , Wu Naiteng , Liu Xianming , Kim Jang-Kyo
Published: August 2019

An ‘ion reservoir’, from an internal electric field and lower Li+/Na+ adsorption energies at an anatase/TiO2(B) interface, ameliorated Li+/Na+ storage.
NMDA receptors and L-arginine/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway contribute to the antidepressant-like effect of Yueju pill in mice
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Tong , Jia Rong , Zhang Hailou , Zhang Yi , Wang Chunxiu , Dong Yuwei , Wang Jianghui , Sheng Li , Wu Haoxin , Chen Gang , Xue Wenda
Published: August 2019

The present study aims to evaluate the involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) system in antidepressant-like effects of Yueju pill (YJ), a Chinese herbal medicine. The immobility time in tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) was used to assess the antidepressant effects. Prior administration of L-arginine (750 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]), a NO synthase substrate that enhances NO signaling or sildenafil (5 mg/kg, i.p.), a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor that enhances cGMP, blunted the antidepressant-like activity of YJ (2.7 g/kg, i.g.). Co-treatment of ineffective dose of YJ (1.35 g/kg, i.g.) with one of the reagents that suppress the NO/cGMP signaling, including methylene blue (10 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of NO synthase; 7-NI (7-nitroinidazole, 30 mg/kg, i.p.), an nNOS specific inhibitor; L-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.p.), a non-specific inhibitor of NO synthase; and MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.), an NMDA receptor antagonist, reduced the immobility time in TST and FST, compared with those in vehicle or single drug treatment groups. Neither above drugs alone or co-administrated with YJ affected locomotor activity or anxiety behavior in open field test. Thus, our results suggest that the antidepressant-like action of YJ may depend on the inhibition of NMDA/NO/cGMP pathway.
CT brain image advancement for ICH diagnosis
Authors: Shaik Amir Nor Shahirah , Kang Law Zhe , Mukari Shahizon Azura , Sahathevan Ramesh , Chellappan Kalaivani
Published: August 2019

A critical step in detection of primary intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is an accurate assessment of computed tomography (CT) brain images. The correct diagnosis relies on imaging modality and quality of acquired images. The authors present an enhancement algorithm which can improve the clarity of edges on CT images. About 40 samples of CT brain images with final diagnosis of primary ICH were obtained from the UKM Medical Centre in Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine format. The images resized from 512 × 512 to 256 × 256 pixel resolution to reduce processing time. This Letter comprises of two main sections; the first is denoising using Wiener filter, non‐local means and wavelet; the second section focuses on image enhancement using a modified unsharp masking (UM) algorithm to improve the visualisation of ICH. The combined approach of Wiener filter and modified UM algorithm outperforms other combinations with average values of mean square error, peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, variance and structural similarity index of 2.89, 31.72, 0.12 and 0.98, respectively. The reliability of proposed algorithm was evaluated by three blinded assessors which achieved a median score of 65%. This approach provides reliable validation for the proposed algorithm which has potential in improving image analysis.
Multi‐polarised SAR imaging simulation of ship on heavy sea
Authors: Chen Yanxi , Guo Kunyi , Wu Biyi , Sheng Xinqing
Published: August 2019

Multi‐polarisation synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging simulation of ship under heavy sea condition is presented here. Full‐wave method is used to compute the fully polarimetric backscattered waves of the complex scene of ship and sea surface. The influence by heavy sea on SAR imaging results is investigated; furthermore, the suppression effects to sea waves by different polarisations are evaluated in detail.
Fossil group origins
Authors: Zarattini S. , Aguerri J. A. L. , Biviano A. , Girardi M. , Corsini E. M. , D’Onghia E.
Published: August 2019

Aims. We aim to study how the velocity segregation and the radial profile of the velocity dispersion depend on the prominence of the brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs).

Methods. We divided a sample of 102 clusters and groups of galaxies into four bins of magnitude gap between the two brightest cluster members. We then computed the velocity segregation in bins of absolute and relative magnitude. Moreover, for each bin of magnitude gap we computed the radial profile of the velocity dispersion.

Results. When using absolute magnitudes, the segregation in velocity is limited to the two brightest bins and no significant difference is found for different magnitude gaps. However, when we use relative magnitudes, a trend appears in the brightest bin: the larger the magnitude gap, the larger the velocity segregation. We also show that this trend is mainly due to the presence, in the brightest bin, of satellite galaxies in systems with small magnitude gaps: in fact, if we study central galaxies and satellites separately, this trend is mitigated and central galaxies are more segregated than satellites for any magnitude gap. A similar result is found in the radial velocity dispersion profiles: a trend is visible in central regions (where the BCGs dominate) but, if we analyse the profile using satellites alone, the trend disappears. In the latter case, the shape of the velocity dispersion profile in the centre of the systems with different magnitude gaps shows three types of behaviour: systems with the smallest magnitude gaps have an almost flat profile from the centre to the external regions; systems with the largest magnitude gaps show a monothonical growth from the low values of the central part to the flat ones in the external regions; and finally, systems with 1.0 <  Δm12 ≤ 1.5 show a profile that peaks in the centre and then decreases towards the external regions.

Conclusions. We suggest that two mechanisms could be responsible for the observed differences in the velocity segregation of the BCGs: an earlier formation of systems with a larger magnitude gap or a more centrally concentrated halo. However, the radial profiles of the velocity dispersion confirm that central galaxies are more relaxed, but that the satellite galaxies do not seem to be affected by the magnitude gap.
Colour-dependent accurate modelling of dynamical parallaxes and masses of visual binaries
Authors: Andrade Manuel
Published: August 2019

Context. Two fundamental characteristics of binary systems are the masses of their components and their distance to the Earth. In this way, the dynamical parallax is an accurate and very helpful tool. Nevertheless, there has been some concern with regard to the use of a unique linear mass–luminosity relation (MLR) for the entire main sequence (MS).

Aims. This article describes the accurate computation of both dynamical parallaxes and individual masses of visual binaries. The main aim is to formulate a model which would be suitable for binary systems attending to the exact locations of the components on the MS in the HR diagram.

Methods. An analytical model was developed which allows calculation of dynamical parallaxes and individual masses using a non-linear MLR valid for the entire MS. This up-to-date MLR is given by a polynomial of degree 20. In contrast to previous approaches, this model can be applied even in the case of components with unequal masses, that is, with an arbitrarily large difference of magnitudes between them. On the other hand, considering the fundamental equation of the theory that forms the basis of the model, we propose to estimate uncertainties in parallax and masses using Monte Carlo simulations.

Results. The model was validated by means of numerical tests using a synthetic sample comprising 103 systems. The results are much more accurate than those for previous models reported in the literature for deriving dynamical parallaxes and masses. Furthermore, we present dynamical parallaxes and individual masses for the 19 double-lined spectro-interferometric systems with definitive visual orbits and compare the former with the orbital parallaxes as well as with those measured by HIPPARCOS and Gaia. It is worth mentioning that the latter can only be a reliable source when the orbital motion is taken into account. Thus, at present, many Gaia DR2 parallaxes of binaries are biased.

Conclusions. Our model, composed of an exact analytical theory, along with a non-linear MLR, guarantees high accuracy even in cases where the components are of unequal mass.
Surface properties of rare-earth metals and the effects of their substitutional doping on work function of the W(110) surface
Authors: Wang Jian , He Zhijun , Nie Jin , Sun Xiaoxiao , Han Yu , Wang Meng , Jiang Junru , Liu Gaobin , Qiu Dongchao , Jiang Guoyu
Published: August 2019

The surface energy and work function of rare-earth metals (from La to Lu) are studied by the first principles calculations. The obtained values are in good agreement with available experimental data. Motivated by enhanced thermionic emission performance resulting from low work function, we substitutionally doped the rare-earth atoms on W(110) surface to improve the work function. The results show that rare-earth atoms doping can significantly reduce the work function of the W(110) surface, and Eu, Pr and Nd are the three best candidates for work function reduction.
Pancreatic sphincterotomy improves pain symptoms due to branch-duct intrapapillary mucinous neoplasia without worrisome features: a multicenter study
Authors: Gonzalez Jean-Michel , Lorenzo Diane , Ratone Jean-Philippe , Culetto Adrian , Maire Frédérique , Levy Philippe , Giovannini Marc , Barthet Marc
Published: August 2019

Introduction Branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) require follow-up to detect worrisome features (WF). Data are missing about endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (PS) for symptomatic IPMN.

Patients and methods This was a retrospective multicenter study in four expert centers. Patients treated with endoscopic PS for symptomatic (painful) BD-IPMN without WF were included. Age, sex, follow-up time, characteristics of IPMNs and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs), and indications for surgery were recorded.

Results In total, 21 patients were included (median age 68 years, range 45 – 87 years). The median number of cysts was 2 (range 1 – 10), located in the head (59 %), body/tail (17 %), or multifocal (24 %). ERCP including PS was completed in all of the cases, with biliary sphincterotomy in 33 %. Clinical efficacy after one session was 81 % (17/21). Among the failures, one had a second successful PS and three were operated. The final efficacy was 86 % (18/21). Seven patients were operated after a mean of 19 months: four for WF, three for pain. The histopathology showed four low grade dysplasia, one high grade dysplasia, and two no dysplasia. No adenocarcinoma occurred during a follow-up of 99 months (range 14 – 276 months).

Conclusions Endoscopic PS for symptomatic IPMN without WF is effective in more than 80 % of cases, without increasing the risk for adenocarcinoma.
Bedürfnisse nach Information und Unterstützung bei
Krebspatienten: ein Kohortenvergleich von Langzeitüberlebenden
fünf und zehn Jahre nach einer Krebsdiagnose
Authors: Lehmann-Laue Antje , Ernst Jochen , Mehnert Anja , Taubenheim Sabine , Lordick Florian , Götze Heide
Published: August 2019

Hintergrund Die Berücksichtigung ihrer Informations- und
Unterstützungsbedürfnisse kann langzeitüberlebenden
Krebspatienten helfen, Langzeit- und/oder Spätfolgen ihrer
Erkrankung zu bewältigen. Die Studie untersucht, wie
langzeitüberlebende Krebspatienten die im Krankheitsverlauf erhaltenen
Informationen bewerten und welche Unterstützungsbedürfnisse sie
angeben.

Methode Die Daten wurden in einer querschnittlich angelegten
krebsregisterbasierten Kohortenstudie an 1002 Patienten erhoben (Teilnehmerquote
53%, 5 Jahre nach Diagnose n=660 (65,9%), 10 Jahre nach
Diagnose n=342 (34,1%), Altersdurchschnitt 66,7 Jahre,
männlich 52,9%, Prostatakrebs 25,5%). Als
Befragungsinstrumente wurden der SCNS-SF34-G, der PHQ-9, GAD-7, das
Distress-Thermometer (DT) sowie ein Fragebogen zur Erfassung von
Komorbiditäten eingesetzt. Die Auswertung erfolgte mittels deskriptiv-
und inferenzstatistischer Verfahren.

Ergebnisse Die Informationen zu Behandlungsentscheidungen wurden als am
hilfreichsten, Informationen zur Suche nach Unterstützungsangeboten als
am wenigsten hilfreich wahrgenommen. Jeder fünfte Patient
(19,6%) äußerte den Wunsch nach weiteren Informationen.
Die Mehrzahl der Patienten (81,3%) gab mindestens ein
Unterstützungsbedürfnis an, im Mittel sind es 11
(SD=7,14) unerfüllte Unterstützungsbedürfnisse.
Am häufigsten beziehen sich diese auf Ängste vor dem
Wiederauftreten/Fortschreiten der Erkrankung, auf körperliche
Probleme sowie auf den Wunsch nach einem festen Ansprechpartner für
medizinische Fragen. Eine höhere körperliche
Komorbidität und Distress geht mit einer erhöhten
Wahrscheinlichkeit für ein Unterstützungsbedürfnis
einher (p<0,001).

Schlussfolgerungen Es sind Versorgungs- und Nachsorgemodelle
nötig, die mit einem multidisziplinären Ansatz medizinische
Aspekte und psychosoziale Bedürfnisse berücksichtigen.
Validierung der deutschsprachigen Version der Multidimensional
Offline and Online Peer Victimization Scale (MOOPV) für Jugendliche an
einer Schülerstichprobe
Authors: Haid-Stecher Nina , Exenberger Silvia , Unterrainer Christine , Bliem Harald R. , Sevecke Kathrin , Juen Barbara
Published: August 2019

Peer Viktimisierung (PV) im Jugendalter kann mit psychischen Belastungen
über die Lebensspanne hinweg einhergehen. Obwohl eine Vielzahl von
Instrumenten zur Erfassung von PV entwickelt wurden, fehlen häufig
Evidenzen für deren Einsatz. Besonders bei den Instrumenten zur
Erfassung von Cybermobbing fehlen oft psychometrische Berechnungen, wie
Faktorenanalysen zur Untersuchung der angenommenen Skalen und Angaben zu
Validität und Reliabilität. Die Multidimensional Offline and
Online Peer Victimization Scale (MOOPV) von Sumter und Kollegen stellt eine
Ausnahme dar, ist aber bisher nur auf Niederländisch verfügbar.
Dieser Fragebogen ist nicht mediumspezifisch ausgelegt, hinreichend
psychometrisch geprüft und unterschiedet zwischen verschiedenen Formen
von direkter und indirekter, online und offline PV. Ziel dieser Studie ist die
Präsentation und psychometrische Überprüfung der
deutschsprachigen Version der Multidimensional Offline and Online Peer
Victimization Scale (MOOPV). Die Faktorenstruktur, Validität und
Reliabilität wurde anhand der Daten von 777 SchülerInnen
zwischen 10 und 20 Jahren untersucht. Eine konfirmatorische Faktorenanalyse
stützte das Vier-Faktorenmodell. Die Skalen direkte offline, indirekte
offline, direkte online und indirekte online PV weisen gute interne Konsistenzen
sowie Konstruktvalidität auf. Somit ist der MOOPV für die
Erfassung von PV im Jugendalter für Forschung und Praxis geeignet.
Ist eine Hemmung der röntgenologischen Progression bei axialer Spondyloarthritis möglich?
Authors: Poddubnyy Denis , Sieper Joachim
Published: August 2019

Strukturschäden bei der axialen Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) entstehen in der Regel zunächst in den Sakroiliakalgelenken und später in der Wirbelsäule. Während die Entwicklung von Strukturschäden an den Sakroiliakalgelenken v. a für die Diagnose und Klassifizierung relevant ist (nicht-röntgenologsiche vs. röntgenologische axSpA), haben Strukturschäden an der Wirbelsäule, die v. a auf den Prozess der Knochenneubildung (Entwicklung von Syndesmophyten mit knöcherner Ankylose) zurückzuführen sind – eine klare Relevanz für die langfristige Prognose bei der Erkrankung. Strukturschäden bei der axSpA werden in der Regel auf konventionellen Röntgenaufnahmen des Achsenskeletts beurteilt und daher häufig als röntgenologische Progression bezeichnet. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die Möglichkeiten der Prävention und/oder Verzögerung der röntgenologischen Progression bei Patienten mit axSpA diskutiert.
Resolution of Brainstem Edema after Neurosurgical Occlusion of Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas of the Craniocervical Junction: Report of Three Cases and Review
Authors: Firsching Raimund , Kohl Jana , Skalej Martin , Beuing Oliver
Published: August 2019

Objective Dural arteriovenous fistulas of the craniocervical junction are rare but the most dangerous of spinal fistulas. The concurrent brainstem edema has been attributed to increased pressure within the venous outflow of the brainstem and upper cord, but the differential diagnosis of brainstem edema is demanding. This report presents the details of clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) , surgical techniques, and follow-up of these fistulas.

Methods Three cases with dural arteriovenous fistulas and edema of the brainstem and upper cord are described plus a review of the literature. Clinical presentation, radiologic findings, and a follow-up of outcomes are presented.

Results All three cases with misleading diagnoses at the time of referral experienced variable degrees of tetraparesis with brainstem edema on MRI. Congested veins on MRI raised the suspicion of a vascular origin of the edema. The diagnosis was established with highly specific angiography with microcatheters identifying a feeder from the ascending pharyngeal artery in two cases and a tentorial feeder from the carotid artery in one case. The operation included temporary clipping of the fistula and neuromonitoring. Follow-up confirmed improvement of clinical signs and resolution of the brainstem edema on MRI.

Conclusion Edema of the brainstem and cervical cord may be caused by a dural arteriovenous fistula of the craniocervical junction. Surgical occlusion may be an efficient option for the complete resolution of radiologic and clinical symptoms.
Decompression and Dynamic Transpedicular Stabilization Using Polyetheretherketone Rods and Pedicle Screws vs. Decompression Alone for Single-Level Spinal Canal Stenosis with Listhesis: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Tosic Lazar , Baschera Dominik , Oberle Joachim , Alex Alfieri
Published: August 2019

Background Spinal stenosis is frequently caused by spondylolisthesis, and surgical treatment may be indicated. However, whether decompression alone or decompression with dynamic stabilization offers better surgical outcomes remains unclear. We compared the clinical and radiologic results of patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis and grade 1 spondylolisthesis undergoing microsurgical decompression alone or decompression with transpedicular dorsal dynamic stabilization.

Methods We retrospectively analyzed 20 patients undergoing microsurgical decompression and dorsal dynamic transpedicular stabilization using polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rods in one center from 2011 to 2017. Twenty patients with the same diagnosis undergoing microsurgical decompression alone were used as controls. Reoperation of the index and neighboring segments, back/leg pain, neurologic deficits, and the use of pain medication were assessed. For stabilization patients, radiographic progression of degeneration in the neighboring segments, listhesis degree in the index segment, and implant failure were assessed.

Results All patients had good clinical outcomes at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. In stabilization patients, the visual analog scale (VAS) score for leg pain decreased from 5 points (median) to 1.6 at 3 months and 0.6 at 1 year postoperatively. In controls, the VAS score improved from 4.8 points to 1.1 at 3 months and 0.3 at 1 year postoperatively. The VAS score for back pain in stabilization patients decreased from 7.6 points (median) to 1.7 at 3 months and 0.1 at 1 year postoperatively. In controls, it decreased from 7.7 points to 1.1 at 3 months and 0.2 at 1 year postoperatively. In patients with additional dynamic stabilization, a longer hospital stay (stabilization group: 8.7 ± 4.1; control: 6.2 ± 1.6 days), longer operative time (stabilization group: 132.7 ± 41.3; control: 83.2 ± 31.7 minutes), and higher complication rates (revision surgery performed in two stabilization patients) were found.

Conclusion No indications in our study showed that additional dynamic stabilization with PEEK rods offers any advantage over decompression alone.