bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary quantitative feasibility analysis of proposed Thorium-based nuclear reactor
Authors: Muhamad Pauzi Anas , Abdul Wahid Azril Wasim , Md Saad Juniza 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
In the beginning of the 21st century, several research institutions and also private companies had proposed various design of thorium-based nuclear reactor, ranging from solid fuel to molten fuel, fast and thermal neutron spectrum and also various path of waste management. This paper studies 10 of the proposed reactor designs by 10 different organizations, three key aspects analysed quantitatively namely price per kilowatt, safety features and spent fuel managements. Corresponding factors contributing to the key aspects mentioned above were gathered, weighted based on evidence available and analysed using decision matrix. Based on the information collected, preliminary ranking were constructed based on trends between various factors.
Identifying the possible source regions of elevated concentrations of Xenon-133 detected at the Takasaki Radionuclide Monitoring Station (JPX38) on 2 October 2017: Malaysian CTBT National Data Centre (MY-NDC) findings
Authors: Rashid F I A , Zolkaffly M Z 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA couple of elevated concentrations of noble gas Xenon-133 were detected at the Takasaki Radionuclide Monitoring Station (JPX38) on 2 October 2017. Xenon-133 is among four relevant radioxenon isotopes that are used for monitoring and verification of nuclear explosions including Xenon-13, Xenon-133m and Xenon-131m. These radioxenon gases could be emitted either from nuclear explosion or civil nuclear facilities including medical isotopes production facilities, nuclear power reactors and nuclear research reactors. This paper presents the Malaysian CTBT National Data Centre (MY-NDC) findings in identifying the possible source regions for elevated concentrations of Xenon-133 detected at JPX38 on 2 October 2017. The findings will be useful in understanding the possible source of release for such Xenon-133 detection, whether coming from a late release of the 3 September 2017 North Korea nuclear test site or from civil nuclear facilities.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): seismic monitoring
Authors: Zolkaffly M Z , Rashid F I A 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is briefly characterized as a global arms control and disarmament initiative, which complements the goal of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The verification regime of the CTBT is designed to monitor countries’ compliance with the CTBT by detecting any nuclear explosion conducted on Earth - underground, underwater or in the atmosphere. This paper briefly goes through the International Monitoring System (IMS) of CTBT’s verification regime that uses four different technologies - seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide - to monitor the planet for nuclear explosions. It pays particular attention to the seismology monitoring techniques of CTBT IMS, including the practical steps in discriminating underground explosions and earthquakes using data mainly from the IMS seismic network. It also highlights the seismic analyses performed by the Malaysian CTBT National Data Centre (MY-NDC) that in principle, applies the practical steps of CTBT nuclear explosion seismology monitoring. In summary underground explosions produced seismic waves with unique characteristics which allowed the discrimination between explosions and earthquakes.
Biochar-coated aluminium electrodes for Cr, Mn and Fe removal in electrochemical treatment for polluted river water remediation
Authors: Mohd Yussuf Nabiha , Embong Zaidi , Mohd Masirin Mohd Idrus , Zainorabidin Adnan , Ahmad Tajudin SaifulAzhar , Mohamed Sunar Norshuhaila , Ahmad Salawati , Maxwell Omeje , Emmanuel Joel 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Biochar (a by-product of biomass pyrolysis) is developed as a renewable, low-cost, and promising carbon-based electrode for electrochemical remediation of Cr, Mn and Fe in polluted river water. The biochar - electrode were prepared with two types of tailored sieved size medium (2.0 mm) and fine (150 µm). The effect of the different sieved size on the electrochemical reactor was set at 60V of voltage supply, 6 cm inter-electrode distance within 105 minutes electrolysis operational time. The results indicated that the highest removal efficiency for Cr was achieved at 95% after 105 minutes followed by Mn at 99.9% in 65 minutes and Fe at 92.76% in 105 minutes. Interestingly, the electrode with larger sieved size showed the highest removal efficiency for all three elements. These results emphasize the importance of tailoring the porous structure of the biochar electrode material as a function of the specific size of adsorbate ions to improve the electrochemical water treatment performance for polluted river water.
A study on detection water leakage of underground metal and PVC pipes using ground penetrating radar
Authors: Amran T S T , Amin M S M , Ahmad M R , Sani S , Masenwat N A , Bundak C E A , Singoi C J 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a high resolution electromagnetic techniques that is designed primarily to investigate the shallow subsurface of the earth, building material, roads and bridges. GPR was also able to detect water leaks in the underground distribution system. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the validity and effectives of GPR technology in detecting water leakage using two different types of pipes which are metal and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. Experiment was conducted using GPR 800 MHz antenna using 4 inch pipe with diameter of hole is ¼ inch to stimulate the leakage. GPR identify leaks in buried water pipes either by detecting underground voids created by the leaking water as it erodes the material around the pipe or by detecting anomalous change in the properties of the materials around pipes due to the water saturation.
Monte Carlo simulation for designing collimator of neutron diffractometer facility in Malaysia
Authors: Ashraff Rosdi Muhammad Aliff , Goh Pei Sean , Shalbi Safwan , Idris Faridah , Jamro Rafhayudi , Isa Norriza Mohd 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Neutron diffraction (ND) is an application of non-destructive test which involves the process of interference between neutron and atoms within materials. This technique has drawn many attentions especially in industrial, metallurgical and nuclear sectors. Neutron diffractometer system (NDS) is a system which includes all the instrumentation to perform ND technique. One of the most important instruments in NDS set-up is neutron collimator which is used to reduce the size and steer the direction of the beam. Generally, neutron collimator used in NDS is based on step convergent collimator type. Currently, the NDS facility is planned to be built at one of the radial beam port of TRIGA MARK II PUSPATI research reactor (RTP) in Malaysia. The aim of this research is to characterize the materials suitable for neutron collimator and to obtain the ideal geometry for neutron collimator design. In order to achieve these aims, several neutron collimators with different geometries have been designed using Monte Carlo Simulation Codes MCNPX. The results are then compared to obtain the best design with high thermal neutron flux and low gamma contamination at the object plane. This research may be useful in the selection of neutron collimator design for NDS facility at TRIGA research reactor.
Angle resolve x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of La2O3thin film of mixed carbon-glass and carbon-silicon substrate for micro-flexographic printing process
Authors: Hassan S. , Yusof M.S. , Embong Z. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAdhesive property could be described as an interchangeably with some ink and substrate which was applied to one surface of two separate items that bonded together. Lanthanum oxide (La2O3) had been used as a rare earth metal candidate as printing ink. This metal deposit was printed on carbon-silicon substrate and carbon-glass substrate using Magnetron Sputtering technique. The choose of Lanthanum Oxide as a target is due to its wide application in producing micro-electronic devices such as thin film battery, electronic circuit and printed circuit board. The La2O3was deposited on the surface of carbon-silicon and carbon-glass substrate were then analyzed using Angle Resolve X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ARXPS). The position for each synthetic component in the narrow scan of Lanthanum (La) 3d and O 1s were referred to the electron binding energy (eV). This research was focused on the narrow scan regions which were O 1s and La 3d. Further discussion of the spectrum evaluation was discussed in detail. Here, it was proposed that from the adhesive and surface chemical properties of La was suitable as an alternative medium for micro-flexographic printing technique in printing multiple fine solid lines image at micro to nano scale feature. Micro-flexographic printing was developed in patterning technique from micron to nano scale range to be used for graphic, electronic and bio-medical device on variable substrates. Hence, this paper will describe the capability of this particular metal as rare earth metal in a practice of micro-flexographic printing process.
Measurement of mass attenuation coefficients of the fabricated Rhizophora spp. particleboards at high energy photons by using Compton scattering method
Authors: Mohd Yusof M F , Abd Hamid P N K , Mohd Isa N , Abd Kadir A B , Salleh H 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The mass attenuation coefficients of the fabricated Rhizophora spp. particleboards were measured by using the Compton scattering technique and Ludlum configurations. The mass attenuation coefficents of the particleboards were measured at scattered gamma energies of 137Cs between 337.72 and 564.09 keV and compared to the its theoretical values and the values of water by using XCOM calculation. The results showed that the measured mass attenuation coefficients of the fabricated Rhizophora spp. particleboards were in good agreement to its theoretical values and water (XCOM) within 3.8 and 5.9% discrepancies. The results showed the near attenuation properties of the fabricated Rhizophora spp. particleboards to water at scattered gamma energies and the suitability of the Ludlum configuration for the measurement of mass attenuation coefficients of materials.
Using informatics and mobile health to improve medication safety monitoring in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Taber David J , Pilch Nicole A , McGillicuddy John W , Mardis Caitlin , Treiber Frank , Fleming James N 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Purpose
The development, testing, and preliminary validation of a technology-enabled, pharmacist-led intervention aimed at improving medication safety and outcomes in kidney transplant recipients are described.

Summary
Medication safety issues, encompassing medication errors (MEs), medication nonadherence, and adverse drug events (ADEs), are a predominant cause of poor outcomes after kidney transplantation. However, a limited number of clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of technology in improving medication safety and outcomes in transplant recipients have been conducted. Through an iterative, evidence-based approach, a technology-enabled intervention aimed at improving posttransplant medication safety outcomes was developed, tested, and preliminarily validated. Early acceptability and feasibility results from a prospective, randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of this system are reported here. Of the 120 patients enrolled into the trial at the time of writing, 60 were randomly assigned to receive the intervention. At a mean ± S.D. follow-up of 5.8 ± 4.0 months, there were 2 patient dropouts in the intervention group, resulting in a retention rate of 98%, which was higher than the expected 90% retention rate.

Conclusion
The development and deployment of a comprehensive medication safety monitoring dashboard for kidney transplant recipients is feasible and acceptable to patients in the current healthcare environment. An ongoing randomized controlled clinical trial is assessing whether such a system reduces MEs and ADRs, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Association of luteal cell degeneration and progesterone deficiency with lysosomal storage disorder mucolipidosis type IV in Mcoln1−/− mouse model†
Authors: Wang Zidao , El Zowalaty Ahmed E , Li Yuehuan , Andersen Christian L , Ye Xiaoqin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTransient receptor potential cation channel, mucolipin subfamily, member 1 (TRPML1) (MCOLN1/Mcoln1) is a lysosomal counter ion channel. Mutations in MCOLN1 cause mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV), a progressive and severe lysosomal storage disorder with a slow onset. Mcoln1−/− mice recapitulate typical MLIV phenotypes but roles of TRPML1 in female reproduction are unknown. Despite normal mating activities, Mcoln1−/− female mice had reduced fertility at 2 months old and quickly became infertile at 5 months old. Progesterone deficiency was detected on 4.5 days post coitum/gestation day 4.5 (D4.5). Immunohistochemistry revealed TRPML1 expression in luteal cells of wild type corpus luteum (CL). Corpus luteum formation was not impaired in 5–6 months old Mcoln1−/− females indicated by comparable CL numbers in control and Mcoln1−/− ovaries on both D1.5 and D4.5. In the 5–6 months old Mcoln1−/− ovaries, histology revealed less defined corpus luteal cord formation, extensive luteal cell vacuolization and degeneration; immunofluorescence revealed disorganized staining of collagen IV, a basal lamina marker for endothelial cells; Nile Red staining detected lipid droplet accumulation, a typical phenotype of MLIV; immunofluorescence of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60, a mitochondrial marker) and in situ hybridization of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR, for the rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis) showed reduced expression of HSP60 and StAR, indicating impaired mitochondrial functions. Luteal cell degeneration and impaired mitochondrial functions can both contribute to progesterone deficiency in the Mcoln1−/− mice. This study demonstrates a novel function of TRPML1 in maintaining CL luteal cell integrity and function.
Endometrial luminal epithelial cells sense embryo elongation in the roe deer independent of interferon-tau†
Authors: van der Weijden Vera A , Puntar Brina , Rudolf Vegas Alba , Milojevic Vladimir , Schanzenbach Corina I , Kowalewski Mariusz P , Drews Barbara , Ulbrich Susanne E 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Numerous intrauterine changes take place across species during embryo development. Following fertilization in July/August, the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) embryo undergoes diapause until embryonic elongation in December/January. Embryonic elongation prior to implantation is a common feature among ungulates. Unlike many other ruminants, the roe deer embryo does not secrete interferon-tau (IFNτ). This provides the unique opportunity to unravel IFNτ-independent signaling pathways associated with maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP). This study aimed at identifying the cell-type–specific endometrial gene expression changes associated with the MRP at the time of embryo elongation that are independent of IFNτ in roe deer. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of genes known to be involved in embryo–maternal communication in cattle, pig, sheep, and mice was analyzed in laser capture microdissected (LMD) endometrial luminal, glandular epithelial, as well as stromal cells. The mRNA transcript abundances of the estrogen (ESR1), progesterone receptor (PGR), and IFNτ-stimulated genes were lower in the luminal epithelium in the presence of an elongated embryo compared to diapause. Retinol Binding Protein-4 (RBP4), a key factor involved in placentation, was more abundant in the luminal epithelium in the presence of an elongated embryo. The progesterone receptor localization was visualized by immunohistochemistry, showing an absence in the luminal epithelium and an overall lower abundance with time and thus prolonged progesterone exposure. Our data show a developmental stage-specific mRNA expression pattern in the luminal epithelium, indicating that these cells sense the presence of an elongated embryo in an IFNτ-independent manner.
Plazomicin: A New Aminoglycoside
Authors: Saravolatz Louis D , Stein Gary E 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Plazomicin (ACHN-490) is a novel parenteral aminoglycoside developed to target multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. It has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of complicated urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis caused by susceptible organisms. When compared with meropenem, plazomicin was not inferior. The adverse-event profile for plazomicin was comparable to meropenem except for an increased additional rise in serum creatinine in the plazomicin arm compared with the meropenem arm. This review focuses on the mode of action, antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical indications, and safety profile of this drug. Considerations for formulary addition and its place in therapy are also discussed.
Traumatic aorto-pulmonary artery fistula: a case report
Authors: Meel Ruchika , Govindasamy Thumone , Gonçalves Ricardo 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Aorta-pulmonary (A-P) artery fistula following a stab wound to the chest with superimposed infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare, often unrecognized presentation. Herein, we report a case of A-P fistula due to stab chest assessed by two- and three-dimensional (3D) imaging.

Case summary
A 30-year-old man presented with a history of being stabbed in the chest with a screwdriver. The chest wall laceration was sutured, an intercostal drain inserted for a haemopneumothorax, and he was subsequently discharged. He presented 3 weeks later with exertional dyspnoea, fever, rigours, and loss of weight. On examination, he had a wide pulse pressure and a harsh continuous murmur in the 2nd left intercostal space associated with a palpable thrill. Blood tests revealed raised infective markers and anaemia. All blood cultures were sterile. On echocardiography, the aortic and pulmonary valve was severely damaged, with suspicion of superimposed vegetations secondary to IE. There was severe aortic and pulmonary valve regurgitation. A fistulous connection was noted between the aorta and main pulmonary artery, just below the commissure adjoining the right and left coronary sinus of the aortic valve. On 3D imaging, the defect was quantified. The patient was subsequently referred for aortic and pulmonary valve replacement and closure of the A-P fistula. The presence of multiple vegetations was confirmed intraoperatively. He also received a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics.

Discussion
We have described a rare case of an A-P fistula due to a stab wound to the chest complicated by IE. In a patient with stab wound to the chest, a high index of suspicion of cardiac involvement must be maintained, and a careful search for intracardiac shunts must be made on echocardiography, prior to discharge. Furthermore, in addition to two-dimensional imaging, 3D imaging proved useful in providing a comprehensive assessment of the morphology of the lesion prior to surgery.
Evolutionary Dynamics of Sex Chromosomes of Paleognathous Birds
Authors: Xu Luohao , Wa Sin Simon Yung , Grayson Phil , Edwards Scott V , Sackton Timothy B 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Standard models of sex chromosome evolution propose that recombination suppression leads to the degeneration of the heterogametic chromosome, as is seen for the Y chromosome in mammals and the W chromosome in most birds. Unlike other birds, paleognaths (ratites and tinamous) possess large nondegenerate regions on their sex chromosomes (PARs or pseudoautosomal regions). It remains unclear why these large PARs are retained over >100 Myr, and how this retention impacts the evolution of sex chromosomes within this system. To address this puzzle, we analyzed Z chromosome evolution and gene expression across 12 paleognaths, several of whose genomes have recently been sequenced. We confirm at the genomic level that most paleognaths retain large PARs. As in other birds, we find that all paleognaths have incomplete dosage compensation on the regions of the Z chromosome homologous to degenerated portions of the W (differentiated regions), but we find no evidence for enrichments of male-biased genes in PARs. We find limited evidence for increased evolutionary rates (faster-Z) either across the chromosome or in differentiated regions for most paleognaths with large PARs, but do recover signals of faster-Z evolution in tinamou species with mostly degenerated W chromosomes, similar to the pattern seen in neognaths. Unexpectedly, in some species, PAR-linked genes evolve faster on average than genes on autosomes, suggested by diverse genomic features to be due to reduced efficacy of selection in paleognath PARs. Our analysis shows that paleognath Z chromosomes are atypical at the genomic level, but the evolutionary forces maintaining largely homomorphic sex chromosomes in these species remain elusive.
Geography Shapes the Population Genomics of Salmonella enterica Dublin
Authors: Fenske Gavin J , Thachil Anil , McDonough Patrick L , Glaser Amy , Scaria Joy 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSalmonella enterica serotype Dublin (S. Dublin) is a bovine-adapted serotype that can cause serious systemic infections in humans. Despite the increasing prevalence of human infections and the negative impact on agricultural processes, little is known about the population structure of the serotype. To this end, we compiled a manually curated data set comprising of 880 S. Dublin genomes. Core genome phylogeny and ancestral state reconstruction revealed that region-specific clades dominate the global population structure of S. Dublin. Strains of S. Dublin in the UK are genomically distinct from US, Brazilian, and African strains. The geographical partitioning impacts the composition of the core genome as well as the ancillary genome. Antibiotic resistance genes are almost exclusively found in US genomes and are mediated by an IncA/C2 plasmid. Phage content and the S. Dublin virulence plasmid were strongly conserved in the serotype. Comparison of S. Dublin to a closely related serotype, S. enterica serotype Enteritidis, revealed that S. Dublin contains 82 serotype specific genes that are not found in S. Enteritidis. Said genes encode metabolic functions involved in the uptake and catabolism of carbohydrates and virulence genes associated with type VI secretion systems and fimbria assembly respectively.